JP2007000288A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing an effective performance which attracts a player while suppressing the increase of control burdens and a storage capacity as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: The image of a special pattern is generated by arranging sprite images. Then, the composite image of the special pattern is generated by performing such combining processing that, as the blend rate of a front surface side special pattern image displayed in advance is lowered with the lapse of time and it becomes hard to see, the blend rate of a rear surface side special pattern image displayed next increases with the lapse of time, its magnification rate becomes high proportionally to the blend rate and thereby it becomes gradually clear. Also, a background image is generated by repeatedly performing arranging processing using moving image data constituted so as to be continuous moving images when a frame F1 is displayed after displaying the frame F1 to a frame F10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, an arcade game device, a home game device, and the like, and in particular, an identification that includes a display device that displays an image and represents a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of an identification information image derived and displayed after variably displaying an information image on the display device becomes a predetermined specific display result.

  Identification information that represents a plurality of types of identification information, each of which includes a display device that displays an image, such as a pachinko gaming machine, is generally known as a gaming machine of this type. It is advantageous for the player when the display result of the identification information image derived and displayed after the image is variably displayed on the display device becomes a predetermined specific display result (for example, a set of three such as “777”). There are some which control to a specific game state (big hit game state).

  In such a gaming machine, as an effect performed in the symbol display portion of the variable display device, the symbol display portion and the symbol image displayed on the symbol display portion are divided into two, and the divided symbol display is performed. There has been a technique (for example, Patent Document 1) in which a graphic image divided in each part is changed and updated independently. Such effects are obtained by reading the corresponding image data from the character ROM based on the two independent variable display control data, and a part of the upper image of the read two image data becomes transparent. Thus, the image data subjected to the mask processing and the image data of the lower image are synthesized and displayed in a variable manner.

  Further, as an effect performed during the specific game state, there is one that repeatedly displays a moving image for a short time on an image display device (for example, Patent Document 2).

Further, there is an apparatus that repeatedly displays a short time moving image generated using an image showing a three-dimensional shape (hereinafter also referred to as a “three-dimensional object” or “3D object”) (for example, Patent Document 3). there were.
JP 2002-136698 A JP 09-38289 A JP 2000-140421 A

  However, the conventional gaming machine as described above has the following problems. In what is disclosed in Patent Document 1, since an image of two symbols is suddenly synthesized and displayed and suddenly changed, it is possible to gradually raise the player's expectation effectively by gradually advancing the effect. I couldn't improve the interest of the players.

  Moreover, in what was disclosed by patent document 2, after displaying the last frame of the moving image used as the object of repeated display, when the first frame is displayed, it is not a continuous moving image, so that the appearance is uncomfortable.

  Furthermore, in the one disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to perform various processes for generating an image for each of a plurality of frames constituting a moving image, and there is a disadvantage that the control burden of image processing increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an effective presentation that attracts a player while suppressing an increase in control burden and storage capacity as much as possible. It is.

Means for solving the problems and specific examples thereof

(1) A display device (variable display device 4) that displays an image, and displays the identification information image (special symbol image) that represents a plurality of types of identification information (special symbols of 0 to 9) that can be distinguished from each other. A specific gaming state (big hit) that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the identification information image that is derived and displayed after being variably displayed on the device is a predetermined specific display result (a set of three, a big hit combination) A gaming machine (Pachinko gaming machine 1) to be controlled
Image data storage means (video ROM 137) for storing image data as a basis of image display data used when displaying an image on the display device;
Image display data storage means (VRAM 138) for storing image display data to be displayed on the display device;
Control data storage means (control ROM 134) for storing control data for controlling an image displayed on the display device;
Based on the control data stored in the control data storage means, the image data stored in the image data storage means is read out, and the read image data is developed in the image display data storage means to the display device. Display control means for generating image display data for displaying the image and displaying the image on the display device based on the generated image display data (display control board 12, CPU 133, VDP 136, LCD drive circuit 139, drawing Instruction processing), and
The image data storage means, as the image data,
Sprite image data (sprite images S101 to S103, sprite images S201 to S203) of the sprite image representing the identification information;
A moving image composed of a plurality of frame images is displayed from the first frame image (frame F1) to the last frame image (frame F10), and then displayed when the first frame image is displayed. In addition to the identification information, effect moving image data (moving image M301, moving image M401, moving image M501, moving image for normal use, etc.) of the effect moving image used for the game is stored,
The display control means includes
The identification information image is generated by arranging sprite image display data generated by reading the sprite image data from the image data storage means and expanding the read sprite image data in the image display data storage means. Identification information image generating means (steps S502 to S510, steps S5 and S6 performed by reading the display control data K or L in step S501);
The variable display order when the generated identification information image is variably displayed on the display device is determined in advance. The variable display order is the first identification information image (front side special symbol image) and the first identification information image. Composite identification information image generating means for generating a composite identification information image (composite image) obtained by combining the rear identification information image (rear surface side special symbol image) to be displayed after (display control data for generating a composite image in step S501) , Steps S502 to S510, S12 to S14, etc.)
Arranging frame image display data generated by reading the effect moving image data from the image data storage means and developing the plurality of frame images in the image display data storage means from the read effect moving image data And an effect moving image generating means for generating the effect moving image (steps S502 to S510 performed by reading the display control data P in step S501),
The effect moving image generating means sequentially arranges the plurality of frame image display data developed from the effect moving image data read from the image data storage means from the first frame image display data to the last frame image display data. Including frame effect moving image arrangement means (steps S502 to S510, FIG. 15E) for performing processing,
The frame effect moving image arranging means repeatedly performs the effect moving image arranging process (step S510, repeatedly executed by the CPU 133 every predetermined period),
The control data storage means
As the control data used when the combined identification information image generating unit combines the preceding identification information image and the subsequent identification information image, the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the Blend ratio data (for example, the C table is used for the front side special symbol image and the D table is used for the rear side special symbol image) for specifying the blend rate of the rear identification information image by gradually increasing according to the elapsed time;
Magnification rate data (F table storing data proportional to the data in the D table) for gradually increasing the size of the post-identification information image in proportion to the blend rate of the post-identification information image. ,
The composite identification information image generation unit sequentially combines the pre-identification information image and the post-identification information image based on the blend rate data and the enlargement rate data stored in the control data storage unit. (S22).

  According to such a configuration, the identification information image can be generated by arranging the sprite image data by the identification information image generation means. In the composite identification information image, the blending rate of the previously displayed identification information image becomes smaller and less visible as time elapses, whereas the subsequent identification information image displayed next has its blending rate. Since the enlargement ratio increases with time and the enlargement ratio increases in proportion to the blend ratio, it is generated by performing composition processing that becomes gradually clearer, and the generated composite image is displayed. It is displayed on the display device by the control means. For this reason, the earlier identification information image that disappears becomes an image that retains an afterimage as time passes, and the subsequent identification information image becomes a composite image that becomes gradually clearer, so that a sense of depth can be expressed and visually novel Variable display can be performed.

  Further, the effect moving image can be generated using moving image data configured to be a continuous moving image when the first frame image is displayed after the first frame image is displayed. . As a result, it is possible to express a motion that does not cause a sense of incongruity with a small amount of data.

(2) The control data storage means
As the control data used when the combined identification information image generating unit combines the previous identification information image and the subsequent identification information image, the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time, and the Reverse blend ratio data (using the D table for the front side special symbol image and the C table for the rear side special symbol image) for specifying the blend rate of the rear identification information image by gradually lowering according to the elapsed time,
Inverse enlargement ratio data (E table storing data proportional to the data in the C table) for gradually reducing the size of the rear identification information image in proportion to the blend ratio of the rear identification information image is stored. And
The composite identification information image generation unit sequentially combines the front identification information image and the post-identification information image based on the reverse blend rate data and the reverse enlargement rate data stored in the control data storage unit. A synthesis process is performed (S23).

  According to such a configuration, the enlargement rate of the post-identification information image becomes smaller with the passage of time and the blend rate becomes smaller. The information image is subjected to a composition process in which the blend ratio increases with time, and becomes clearer. A composition identification information image is generated by the composition identification information image generation means for each time period, and the generated composition image is subjected to display control. It is displayed on the display device by means. For this reason, the after-disappearing identification information image becomes an image in which an afterimage is left over time, and the prior identification information image becomes a composite image that becomes gradually clearer, so that a sense of depth can be expressed and visually novel. Variable display can be performed.

  (3) The composite identification information image generation unit is configured to perform the synthesis process based on the blend rate data and the enlargement rate data stored in the control data storage unit, and the reverse blend rate stored in the control data storage unit. The composition processing based on the data and the reverse enlargement ratio data is sequentially repeated (the cycle of T0 → T100 → T200 → T0 in FIG. 25 is repeated in S12. FIGS. 26 and 27 are repeated).

  According to such a configuration, the composite identification information image has a blend ratio of the previous identification information image that becomes smaller and less visible as time elapses, whereas the subsequent identification information image that is displayed next has an enlargement ratio. As the time increases, the blend ratio becomes larger and gradually becomes clearer. After that, since the enlargement rate of the identification information image after being clearly displayed becomes smaller with the passage of time and the blend rate becomes smaller, it becomes hard to see, whereas it becomes hard to see A swinging cycle is repeated in which the blend rate of the previously identified identification information image increases as time elapses and becomes clearer. Thereby, the production effect with respect to a player can be improved.

(4) The control data storage means is proportional to the blend rate of the destination identification information image as control data used when the synthesis identification information image generation means synthesizes the destination identification information image and the rear identification information image. And gradually increasing the size of the destination identification information image (the E table storing data proportional to the data in the C table, the data proportional to the data in the D table) Store B table and F table)
The composite identification information image generation means is configured to generate the first identification information image and the second identification information based on the blend ratio data, the enlargement ratio data, and the first identification information enlargement ratio data stored in the control data storage means. A combining process for sequentially combining the images is performed (see FIG. 28).

  According to such a configuration, the enlargement rate of the destination identification information image increases or decreases in proportion to the blend rate of the destination identification information image according to the elapsed time. It is possible to generate a composite identification information image that disappears so as to leave an afterimage, and that the next identification information image that becomes next clear becomes gradually clear as time passes. Thereby, it becomes possible to express a feeling of depth, and it is possible to improve the production effect for the player with the variable display that can visually display a novel variable display.

(5) a variable winning ball device (special variable winning ball device 7) that changes between a first state (open) advantageous to the player and a second state (closed) disadvantageous to the player;
Variable winning ball apparatus control means (game control) for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus repeatedly (repeated 16 times) in the first state and the second state on condition that the specific gaming state is controlled. A microcomputer 100),
The frame effect moving image arrangement means repeatedly performs the effect moving image arrangement process when the variable winning ball apparatus control means controls the variable winning ball apparatus to the first state (step S510, release). The CPU 133 repeatedly executes the variable winning ball apparatus control unit with the first variable winning ball apparatus after the start command is received until a command indicating that the release is completed is received at predetermined intervals. When controlling from the state to the second state, the effect moving image arrangement process is terminated (step S510, the display of the background image is terminated when a command indicating that the opening has been completed is received).

  According to such a configuration, when the variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to the first state advantageous to the player, the effect moving image arrangement process is repeatedly executed, so that the variable winning can be achieved without increasing the image data. The quality of the image displayed when the ball device is controlled to the first state can be improved.

  (6) The frame effect moving image arrangement means is in a state not controlled by the specific gaming state, and the display control means derives and displays the display result of the identification information image, and the next variation of the identification information image. When display is not performed and a predetermined period elapses, the effect moving image arrangement process is repeated (step S510, the CPU 133 at predetermined intervals from the reception of the demonstration command to the reception of the change start command). When the next variation display is performed, the effect moving image arrangement process is terminated (step S510, the display of the background image is terminated when the variation start command is received).

  According to such a configuration, even when the specific gaming state is not controlled and the variation display of the identification information image is not performed, the effect moving image arrangement process is repeatedly executed. Without being increased, it is possible to improve the quality of an image displayed when the specific gaming state is not controlled and the identification information image is not varied.

  (7) The effect moving image generating means reads out the effect moving image data (moving image for normal use) from the image data storage means when the identification information image is displayed in a variably displayed or derived manner on the display device. By arranging the frame image display data generated by expanding the plurality of frame images in the image display data storage means from the read effect moving image data, a background image having a display priority lower than that of the identification information image (Background image) is generated (steps S502 to S510 performed by reading the display control data P in step S501).

  According to such a configuration, the background image can be generated by arranging the frame image display data by the effect moving image generating means when the identification information image is variably displayed or derived on the display device. Thereby, the control burden for generating a background image with movement can be reduced. Further, the quality of the background image can be improved without increasing the image data.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variation display device 4 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area.

  The variable display device 4 uses, for example, an active matrix LCD using TFT (Thin Film Transistor), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), EL (Electro Luminescence), or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). Configured. In a variable display game (special game) in which a game ball wins the normal variable winning ball device 6, the variable display device 4 is composed of numbers, characters, patterns, etc., each of which can be identified. An image of a special symbol that functions as an identification information image representing the type of identification information is displayed in a variable display manner in a plurality of display areas.

  In the special symbol game performed by the variable display device 4, after a specific time has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variable display, the special symbol variable display result in each display area is derived and displayed in a predetermined order, and the fixed symbol ( Stop display (final stop symbol). Then, a game value (for example, a big hit, a probability change, a time reduction control, a loss) according to the combination of the fixed symbols is given to the player. For example, when the combination of fixed symbols (stop symbol form) is a predetermined specific display result (for example, a combination of three symbols in the same symbol, a combination of jackpot symbols), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a specific gaming state ( Big hit game state). In this big hit game state, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened and opened for a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. While playing, the game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 is received and then closed. The opening cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times).

  In this embodiment, three display areas of left, middle, and right are provided as display areas in the variable display device 4, and 10 types of display symbols “0” to “9” are special symbols in each display area. (Refer to FIG. 6). For example, in the left, middle, and right display areas, when a special symbol starts to change during a special symbol game, an update display or scroll display is performed from the smallest number indicated by the symbol to the larger one. When the symbol “9” is displayed, the special symbol “0” is displayed next.

  In the special symbol game by the variable display device 4, after the special symbol variation display is started, when the same special symbol is derived and displayed as a display result in each of the left, middle and right display areas, that is, the same symbol The pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a jackpot gaming state when three special symbols become a combination of jackpot symbols. Here, in this embodiment, the special symbols “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” indicating odd numbers are assumed to be probable big hit symbols, and the left, middle as the variable display results in the special figure game. When the same probability variation jackpot symbols are all derived and displayed in each display area on the right, the probability variation jackpot as a predetermined special display result is obtained. When the probability variation big hit is reached, after the big hit gaming state based on the probability variation big hit, the probability variation control (probability variation control) is performed as an example of the special gaming state. In the high probability state in which the probability variation control is performed, the probability that the variation display result in the special figure game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is improved as compared with the normal gaming state.

  Further, in this embodiment, special symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” indicating even numbers are set as normal big hit symbols, and the left, middle, When the same normal jackpot symbols are all derived and displayed in each display area on the right, they are usually jackpots. When the normal big hit is made, the probability variation control is not performed after the big hit gaming state is ended, so the probability that the variation display result in the special game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is not improved.

  In this embodiment, when the fluctuation display result in the special figure game is a probable big hit, after the big hit gaming state based on the probable big hit is finished, the probabilistic control is continued until the next big hit becomes the normal big hit. It is assumed that the high probability state to be performed is obtained. In the special figure game executed in the high probability state, the high probability state is once ended when it is a big hit, and when the big hit is a probable big hit, it is controlled again to the high probability state after the big hit gaming state is ended. It may be a thing.

  In the variable display device 4 in this embodiment, in addition to the special symbol, a hold number display for notifying the hold number of the special figure hold memory 121 described later, and a predetermined still image and moving image as a background image are displayed. Is possible. Hereinafter, still images and moving images are also simply referred to as images.

  Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is arranged. A special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 is disposed below the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. The special variable winning ball device 7 performs the opening operation of the opening / closing plate provided on the front face when the special game is played based on the winning timing to the ordinary variable winning ball device 6 as a result of the special game. Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 11 and the display control board 12. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with a main board 11 and a display control board 12 as shown in FIG. The main board 11 and the display control board 12 are arranged at appropriate positions on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the two boards are connected by signal lines. Various control boards such as a power supply board, a sound control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, and an information terminal board are also arranged on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is also connected to wiring from each winning opening switch 70 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning prize ball device 6, the special variable winning ball device 7, and other winning holes.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is a function for generating random numbers used in a special game, a function for inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, a display control board 12, a voice control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, etc. A function for outputting / transmitting control commands to / from the sub-side control board is provided.

  The main board 11 sends a display control command to the display control board 12 and controls its display. As this display control command, for example, a change start command, a special symbol designation command, a display confirmation command, a demo start command, an opening start command, and the like are prepared in advance.

  The variation start command is a command for instructing to start the variation display of the special symbol in the variation display device 4, and the display control board 12 corresponds to the variation start command, and the total variation time of the special symbol, A determination result of whether or not the variable display result is a big hit, a determination result of whether or not to reach, and the like are specified. The special symbol designation command is a command for designating a special symbol such as a fixed symbol which is stopped and displayed during execution of the special symbol game in each of the left, middle and right display areas provided in the variable display device 4. is there. The display confirmation command is a command for instructing to end the special symbol variation display.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100 and a switch circuit 107. The game control microcomputer 100 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is controlled according to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 used as a work memory, and the program. CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, random number circuit 104, and I / O (Input / Output) port 105 are included. The switch circuit 107 takes in the detection signal from each winning opening switch 70 and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 100.

  The random number circuit 104 counts various random numbers to control the progress of the game under the control of the CPU 103. As a specific example, the random number circuit 104 is a numerical data used as a big hit determination random number, a probability variation determination random number, a reach determination random number, a fixed symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, or the like according to the setting and control of the CPU 103. Is controlled to be countable. The jackpot determination random number is a determination random number used to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot to place the pachinko gaming machine 1 into the jackpot gaming state. The probability variation determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not to establish a high probability state that improves the probability of a big hit. The fixed symbol determining random number is a display random number used for determining a fixed symbol of a special symbol in the special symbol game. The random number for determining the variation pattern is a random number for display used for determining the variation pattern in the variation display of the special symbol.

  The reach determination random number is a display random number used to determine whether or not to change the variation display mode of the special symbol to the reach display mode when the variation display result in the special figure game is not used. Here, the reach display mode is a display mode in which a variable display is performed for a symbol that has not yet been derived and displayed (referred to as a reach variation symbol) when the symbol that has been derived and displayed constitutes a part of the jackpot symbol. Or, it is a display mode in which all or some of the symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol.

  Specifically, an effective line that becomes a big hit is determined in a plurality of predetermined display areas by stopping predetermined symbols, and predetermined symbols are displayed in some display areas on the effective lines. A display mode in which variable display is performed in the display area on the active line that has not been stopped when is stopped (for example, the left, right, and right display areas of the left, middle, and right display areas are jackpots) The display area that is part of the symbol (for example, “7”) is stopped and displayed, and the display area in which the variable display is still being performed (see FIG. 4), or the display area on the active line A display mode in which all or some of the symbols are displayed in a synchronized manner while constituting all or a portion of the jackpot symbol (for example, in which state the variation display is performed in all of the left, middle and right display areas) Even if is displayed Symbol is in display mode change display is carried out in a manner that) aligned.

  The ROM 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the game control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the ROM 101 includes a game control program 111, a jackpot determination table 112 for determining whether or not the variation display result of the special figure game by the variation display device 4 is a big hit, and a special figure game. A reach determination table 113 for determining whether or not the change display is a reach change display in the reach display mode, a change pattern determination table 114 for determining a change pattern of the special figure game, and the like.

  The variation pattern determination table 114 stores information for specifying a plurality of variation patterns of special symbols in the special figure game. In the fluctuation pattern registered in the fluctuation pattern determination table 114, for example, the left, middle and right special symbols ("7" in FIG. 1) displayed on the fluctuation display device 4 shown in FIG. Basic patterns such as a fluctuation pattern for deriving the final symbol without performing a reach effect, and a reach variation pattern for deriving the final symbol (win or miss) by performing a normal reach effect (for example, the left symbol and the right symbol are the same) 4, a reach variation pattern for performing a characteristic reach effect and deriving a final symbol as illustrated in FIG. 4 is included.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern in the special figure game. In the variation pattern of FIG. 4, after the left, right, and middle symbols start to vary, the left symbol stops first, then the right symbol stops, and the left symbol and right symbol are aligned (in the diagram, cat When the reach state is established (with the special symbol “7” accompanied by the character), the characters that make up the right and left symbols perform various movements, and a decisive display of the big hit or loss is achieved. is there. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the “cat” composing the jackpot symbol moves its head or changes its facial expression. If it is a big hit, it is confirmed with that symbol, and if it is off, it is changed to another symbol and confirmed. To do. In addition to various examples, various variation patterns are prepared to enhance interest. The character described above refers to an image representing a person, an animal, or an object displayed on the variation display device 4.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of each special symbol (character). As shown in FIG. 5, the special symbol image includes a first portion (a portion represented by a stripe for convenience) on the character included in the special symbol, a character portion excluding the first portion, and a symbol. It is comprised from the 2nd site | part (parts other than the part represented with the stripe) containing the numerical site | part which shows a number. The image of the first part is composed of a sprite image or a moving image of the character. The image of the second part is composed of a character and a numerical sprite image or a moving image. The special symbol image in the present embodiment is generated and displayed by synthesizing the first part image and the second part image. The special symbol image is displayed as a series of movements of the character. A method for generating and displaying these images will be described later.

  As a special symbol accompanied by a character, for example, one as shown in FIG. 6 is prepared. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a special symbol. Also for the special symbol shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the image of the first part is composed of a sprite image or a moving image of the character. The image of the second part is configured by combining a sprite image or moving image of a character and a numerical sprite image. Each special symbol image is generated and displayed by synthesizing the first part image and the second part image. The special symbol image is displayed as a series of movements of the character.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the RAM 102 on the main board 11 shown in FIG. 2 includes a special figure holding memory 121, a special figure processing selection flag 122, a probability change flag 123, a time reduction flag 124, a jackpot flag 125, a special figure change time. The timer 126 and the like are stored.

  The special figure holding memory 121 executes a conventional special figure game, although an execution condition (variation execution condition) that is a condition for a game ball to win the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and execute a special figure game is established. This is a memory for storing special information game hold information in which a start condition (variation start condition) for actually starting a change is not satisfied due to reasons such as being in the middle.

  Specifically, the special figure holding memory 121 includes first to fourth four entries, and stores information on the special figure game in the holding state. In each of the first to fourth entries, random values extracted by winning are stored in the order in which the variation execution conditions by winning to the ordinary variable winning ball device 6 are established.

  When the special game is finished once, the variation start condition is established for the hold information newly registered in the first entry, and the hold information registered in the second to fourth entries is advanced by one entry. Further, when a game ball newly wins the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6, a random number value based on the winning is registered in the highest empty entry.

  The special figure process selection flag 122 is a flag indicating which process should be selected / executed in a special symbol process (a process for controlling a special figure game) which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The probability variation flag 123 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the probability variation state (probability variation state). The probability variation state is a state in which the probability of a big hit in the special game is set higher than the normal gaming state.

  The time reduction flag 124 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the time reduction state. The short time state is a state in which the variation time of the special symbol in the special game is set shorter than the normal game state. The probability variation state and the short time state are gaming states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state.

  The big hit flag 125 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit state, that is, the specific gaming state. The specific game state is set when a special symbol combination determined in the special symbol game becomes a predetermined jackpot symbol combination. In the specific gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. Receiving a game ball falling on the surface. In the specific gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is closed on condition that the received game ball passes through a specific area (not shown) provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 (V winning). Thereafter, the opening cycle as a cycle for opening again can be repeated up to 16 times.

  The special figure fluctuation time timer 126 is a counter for counting an elapsed time since the special figure game (fluctuation of special symbols on the fluctuation display device) is started.

  The display control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 performs display control in the special game independently from the main board 11 in accordance with a computer program. Based on the display control command transmitted from the main board 11, the variable display device 4 display is controlled.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the display control board 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the display control board 12 includes an oscillation circuit 131, a reset circuit 132, a display control CPU 133, a control ROM 134, a RAM 135, and a video display processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP: Video Display Processor) 136. A video ROM 137, a VRAM (Video Ram) 138, and an LCD drive circuit 139.

  The oscillation circuit 131 outputs a reference clock signal to the CPU 133 and the VDP 136, and the reset circuit 132 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 133 and the VDP 136. When the CPU 133 receives a display control command from the main board 11, the CPU 133 reads control data for performing display control from the control ROM 134 while using the RAM 135 as a work area. For example, the CPU 133 reads display control data corresponding to the variation pattern instructed by the display control command when performing the variation display of the special symbol. Based on the read display control data, the CPU 133 displays an image to be displayed (expanded) (sprite number in the case of a sprite image; moving image number and frame number in the case of a moving image), an expanded layer, position, size, and transparency (image). A drawing command including attributes that are various setting parameters specifying the drawing order, the type of effect to be applied (enlargement / reduction ratio, rotation angle, palette number), and the like are sent to the VDP 136.

  The control ROM 134 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs and control data used by the CPU 133. Specifically, the control ROM 134 stores a control program for the CPU 133 to execute the drawing instruction process described with reference to FIG. 21 and the changing drawing command generation process described with reference to FIGS. . Further, the control ROM 134 displays display control data described with reference to FIG. 15 and composite information data described with reference to FIG. 25, which are used when the CPU 133 executes the drawing instruction process and the changing drawing command generation process. Storing.

  The VDP 136 creates an attribute table used when generating an image based on the drawing command sent from the CPU 133. The VDP 136 has a display device control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image, and has a function of performing processing such as deformation (enlargement / reduction, trimming) and composition of various images in accordance with attribute table data. Further, the VDP 136 has a function of expanding the compressed moving image data.

  The VRAM 138 is a frame buffer memory for expanding image data when the VDP 136 generates an image. The VDP 136 creates an attribute table based on the drawing command transmitted from the CPU 133, reads out necessary image data from the video ROM 137, and uses the frame buffer in the VRAM 138 as a drawing area to play the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Image data for display corresponding to is generated, and the image data is temporarily stored in a frame buffer in the VRAM 138.

  The RAM 135 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 133. The video ROM 137 stores image data of various images used for displaying on the variable display device 4. The image data is data for displaying various images made up of, for example, a person, an animal, a character (number), a figure or a symbol. Note that the various images may be sprites that are flat images or 3D objects. The data of the 3D object includes a plurality of coordinate data in the virtual three-dimensional space. For example, when the 3D object has a pyramid shape having five vertices, the data of the 3D object is coordinate data of the five vertices. As moving pictures, for example, MPEG1 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 1) used for video CD (Video Compact Disk), DVD (Digital Video Disc), MPEG2 (Moving Picture) used for digital broadcasting, etc. Experts Group phase 2), MPEG4 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 4), which is used in some digital home appliances, and H.B. H.264, other encoding methods using the principle of inter-frame compression, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression of each frame image, JPEG (Motion-JPEG), encoding using other principles of intra-frame compression It may be compressed by any one of the conversion methods. Further, it may be a moving image composed of a plurality of uncompressed frame images.

  Image data for displaying various images described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 on the variable display device 4 is stored in the video ROM 137. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the video ROM 137. As shown in FIG. 9, the first sprite storage unit 201, the second sprite storage unit 202, the first moving image storage unit 203, the second moving image storage unit 204, and the first provided in the video ROM 137. 3 moving image storage units 205.

  The first sprite storage unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 9 stores a sprite image arranged in the first part of the image of each character that configures each special symbol illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, three sprite images for the first part are prepared for each special symbol, and common indexes S101 to S103 are assigned to the sprite images of a plurality of special symbols.

  Taking the special symbol “7” as an example, the first sprite storage unit 201 includes three sprite images S101 to S103 for the first part (head) of a cat that is a character associated with the special symbol 7. Store image data. Each sprite image is specified by a special symbol type and a sprite image index.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data stored in the first sprite storage unit 201 and the second sprite storage unit 202. For example, the sprite image S102 stored in the first sprite storage unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 10A is specified by “sprite image S102 of special symbol 7”. The specific address of each sprite image is obtained from the data of the conversion table by applying a special symbol number and the index of the sprite image to a conversion table (not shown), for example.

  The second sprite storage unit 202 shown in FIG. 9 stores a sprite image arranged at the second portion of the image of each character constituting each special symbol shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, three sprite images for the second part are prepared for each special symbol, and common indexes S201 to S203 are assigned to the sprite images of a plurality of special symbols.

  Taking the special symbol “7” as an example, the second sprite storage unit 202 includes three sprites for the second part (body, limbs, symbol number, etc.) of the cat that is a character associated with the special symbol 7. Image data of images S201 to S203 is stored. Each sprite image is specified by a special symbol type and a sprite image index. For example, the sprite image S201 stored in the second sprite storage unit 202 shown in FIG. 10B is specified by “sprite image S201 of special symbol 7”. The specific address of each sprite image is obtained from the data of the conversion table by applying a special symbol number and the index of the sprite image to a conversion table (not shown), for example.

  Next, the moving image stored in the first moving image storage unit 203 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The first moving image storage unit 203 illustrated in FIG. 9 stores a moving image arranged in the first part of the image of each character that configures each special symbol illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, three moving images for the first part are prepared for each special symbol, and common indexes M101 to M103 are assigned to moving images having a plurality of special symbols. Three moving images are appropriately selected and used. For example, three moving images M101 to M103 are selected based on the type of variation pattern determined by the game control microcomputer 100, and are arranged in the first part of the special symbol image.

  Arbitrary images in each moving image are specified by a special symbol type, a moving image index, and a frame number (frame number) in the moving image. For example, the third frame image of the moving image M101 of the first part shown in FIG. 11 is specified by “a frame F3 of the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7”. The physical address or the like of each moving image is obtained by applying a special symbol number and a moving image index to a conversion table (not shown), for example.

  Here, an example of a moving image stored in the first moving image storage unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7 among the moving images stored in the first moving image storage unit 203. The moving picture M101 of the special symbol 7 is composed of a plurality of images corresponding to the frame numbers F1 to F10.

  As the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7, images corresponding to the frame numbers are displayed on the variable display device 4 in the order of the frame numbers F1, F2, F3,. The moving picture M101 of the special symbol 7 is displayed from the image corresponding to the first frame number to the image corresponding to the last frame number, and then the first frame number of the moving picture M101 of the special symbol 7 after the image corresponding to the last frame number. When an image corresponding to is displayed, a continuous moving image is formed. That is, the image corresponding to the last frame number of the moving image M101 with the special symbol 7 and the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image M101 with the special symbol 7 are images having similar connections. As shown in FIG. 11, the image of F1 corresponding to the first frame number and the image of F10 corresponding to the last frame number are images having similar connections. The moving images stored in the first moving image storage unit 203 in the present embodiment are the images corresponding to the first frame number and the image corresponding to the last frame number, as shown in the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7 respectively. Are images with similar connections.

  The moving image M101 of the special symbol 7 is displayed from the image corresponding to the first frame number to the image corresponding to the last frame number, and then the sprite image shown in FIG. 10A after the image corresponding to the last frame number. It is configured to be a continuous image when the image of S101 is displayed. That is, the image corresponding to the final frame number of the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7 and the image of the sprite image S101 are images having similar connections. Furthermore, the image corresponding to the top frame number of the moving image M101 of the special symbol 7 is configured to be an image continuous with the image of the sprite image S103 shown in FIG. That is, the image of the sprite image S103 and the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image M101 with the special symbol 7 are images having similar connections. Thus, the image corresponding to the final frame number of the moving image stored in the first moving image storage unit 203 in the present embodiment, and the image of the sprite image S101 stored in the first sprite storage unit 201 Are images with similar connections. The image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image stored in the first moving image storage unit 203 and the image of the sprite image S103 stored in the first sprite storage unit 201 have a similar connection. It is an image.

  Next, the moving image stored in the second moving image storage unit 204 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The second moving image storage unit 204 illustrated in FIG. 9 stores a moving image arranged in the second part of the image of each character that configures each special symbol illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, three moving images for the second part are prepared for each special symbol, and common indexes M201 to M203 are assigned to the moving images of the plurality of special symbols. Three moving images are appropriately selected and used. For example, three moving images M201 to M203 are selected based on the type of variation pattern determined by the game control microcomputer 100, and are arranged in the first part of the special symbol image.

  Arbitrary images in each moving image are specified by a special symbol type, a moving image index, and a frame number (frame number) in the moving image. For example, the third frame image of the moving image M201 of the second part shown in FIG. 12 is specified by “frame F3 of the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7”. The physical address or the like of each moving image is acquired from the data of the conversion table by, for example, applying a special symbol number and a moving image index to a conversion table (not shown).

  Here, an example of a moving image stored in the second moving image storage unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 among the moving images stored in the second moving image storage unit 204. The moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 is composed of a plurality of images corresponding to the frame numbers F1 to F10.

  For the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7, images corresponding to the frame numbers are displayed on the variable display device 4 in the order of the frame numbers F1, F2, F3,. The moving picture M201 of the special symbol 7 is displayed from the image corresponding to the first frame number to the image corresponding to the last frame number, and then the first frame number of the moving picture M201 of the special symbol 7 after the image corresponding to the last frame number. When an image corresponding to is displayed, a continuous moving image is formed. That is, the image corresponding to the last frame number of the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 and the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 are images having similar connections. As shown in FIG. 12, the image of F1 corresponding to the first frame number and the image of F10 corresponding to the last frame number are images having similar connections. The moving images stored in the second moving image storage unit 204 in the present embodiment are respectively an image corresponding to the first frame number and an image corresponding to the last frame number, as shown in the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7. Are images with similar connections.

  The moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 is displayed from the image corresponding to the first frame number to the image corresponding to the final frame number, and then the sprite image shown in FIG. 10B after the image corresponding to the final frame number. It is configured to be a continuous image when the image of S201 is displayed. That is, the image corresponding to the final frame number of the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 and the image of the sprite image S201 are images having similar connections. Furthermore, the image corresponding to the top frame number of the moving image M201 of the special symbol 7 is configured to be an image continuous with the image of the sprite image S203 illustrated in FIG. That is, the image of the sprite image S203 and the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image M201 with the special symbol 7 are images having similar connections. As described above, the image corresponding to the final frame number of the moving image stored in the second moving image storage unit 204 in the present embodiment, the image of the sprite image S201 stored in the second sprite storage unit 202, and Are images with similar connections. Further, the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image stored in the second moving image storage unit 204 and the image of the sprite image S203 stored in the second sprite storage unit 202 have a similar connection. It is an image.

  Next, the moving image stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The third moving image storage unit 205 shown in FIG. 9 displays a moving image to be displayed as a background image on the variable display device 4 while the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened (opened) during the big hit gaming state. A moving image (not shown) that is displayed as a background image on the variable display device 4 when the variable display device 4 displays a variable image or a special symbol image on the variable display device 4 or when the image is displayed in a stopped state (normal time). The reach state is occurring and the reach effect is being performed. During the reach effect (during the reach effect), a moving image to be displayed as a background image on the variable display device 4, during the demonstration indicating that the customer is waiting (during the demonstration, during the demonstration) ) Is stored as a background image on the variable display device 4. The background image in the present embodiment refers to a moving image stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 for opening, for normal use, for reach production, and for demonstration. The background image is an image that is different from the image of the special symbol and has priority information that will be described later set so as to be displayed on the back side of the special symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of moving images stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 are prepared for opening, for normal use, for reach production, for demonstration, etc. An index is assigned to the video. The moving image is appropriately selected and used according to the gaming state. An arbitrary image in each moving image is specified by a gaming state, a moving image index, and a frame number (frame number) in the moving image.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of opening-time moving images stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 are prepared, and indexes M301, M302,. A plurality of moving images are appropriately selected and used as background images displayed on the back side of the special symbol.

  In addition, a plurality of moving images for reach production stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 are prepared, and indexes M401, M402,. The plurality of moving images are appropriately selected according to the variation pattern of the special symbol and used as a background image displayed on the back side of the special symbol.

  Furthermore, an index M501 is allocated to a demonstration (demo) movie stored in the third movie storage unit 205. The animation for demonstration is used as a background image.

  Note that the moving image for normal time is stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 as the moving image selected when the variable display is performed and the moving image selected when the stop display is performed. ing. These moving images are selected according to whether they are in variable display or stopped display, and are used as a background image displayed on the back side of the special symbol.

  In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the third moving image storage unit 205 stores moving images for an opening time, a normal time, a reach effect, and a demonstration, but the present invention is not limited to this. 3 stores a common video for opening, normal, reaching, and demonstration in the video storage unit 205, and opening the common video for opening, normal, reaching, and It may be used as a background image for demonstration purposes.

  An arbitrary image in each moving image stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 is specified by an index and a frame number (frame number) in the moving image. For example, the third frame image of the opening-time moving image M301 shown in FIG. 13 is specified by “frame F3 of the opening-time moving image M301”. The physical address or the like of each moving image is acquired from the data of the conversion table by applying it to a conversion table (not shown).

  Here, an example of a moving image stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a release-time moving image M301 among the moving images stored in the third moving image storage unit 205. The moving image M301 for opening is composed of a plurality of images corresponding to the frame numbers F1 to F10.

  As the moving image M301 for opening, images corresponding to the frame numbers are displayed on the variable display device 4 in the order of the frame numbers F1, F2, F3,. The opening moving image M301 is displayed from the image corresponding to the first frame number to the image corresponding to the last frame number, and then the first frame number of the moving image M301 for opening is displayed next to the image corresponding to the last frame number. When an image corresponding to is displayed, a continuous moving image is formed. That is, the image corresponding to the last frame number of the moving image M301 for opening and the image corresponding to the first frame number of the moving image M301 for opening are images having similar connections. As shown in FIG. 13, the image of F1 corresponding to the first frame number and the image of F10 corresponding to the last frame number are images having similar connections. The moving images stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 in the present embodiment are respectively an image corresponding to the first frame number and an image corresponding to the last frame number, as shown in the moving image M301 for opening. Are images with similar connections.

  The format of the moving image data stored in the first to third moving image storage units described above is arbitrary. In this embodiment, an example of a data configuration is shown in FIG. 14 assuming that a notice encoding format such as the MPEG2 format is adopted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of moving image data. As shown in the figure, the MPEG-2 video stream is composed of a sequence, a GOP, a picture, a slice, and a macro block in a hierarchical manner for each layer of the block. A sequence means an encoded signal of an entire video program. A sequence begins with a sequence header and ends with a sequence end. The sequence header includes information indicating the size of the image, the number of frames to be encoded per second, the communication speed, and the like. The sequence is composed of one or more “GOP”. A GOP (Group of Picture) is composed of “GOP header” and “picture” (one or more), and the GOP header includes time stamp information for enabling time adjustment with audio or the like at the time of image restoration. It is.

  A picture corresponds to each of the screens that make up a moving image signal, and is an intra-frame encoded I picture that is a key frame that can be decoded independently. It consists of either a P picture, which is a forward prediction frame for decoding an image with compensated prediction, or a B picture, which is a bidirectional prediction frame that performs bidirectional motion compensation using both past and future frames. . Each picture is composed of “picture header” and “slice” (one or more). The picture header includes information for identifying I, P, and B pictures, information for specifying the display order of each picture, and the like. The slice is composed of “slice information” and “macroblock” (one or more), and the slice information includes coding information used in the slice, for example, information indicating quantization characteristics. The macro block is composed of “macro block information” and “block” (one or more), and is composed of four Y signals and one block each of Cr and Cb. The macro block information includes information for performing coding control in units of macro blocks. The block is composed of DTC coefficient data of any one of Y signal, Cr signal, and Cb signal. Note that the video itself may be a live-action video or a CG (computer graphic) video.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the VDP 136 creates an attribute table based on a drawing command transmitted from the CPU 133, reads out necessary image data from the video ROM 137, and uses a frame buffer in the VRAM 138 as a drawing area to use a pachinko machine. It has been described that display image data corresponding to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is generated and the image data is temporarily stored in a frame buffer in the VRAM 138.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, a procedure in which the VDP 136 develops image data in the VRAM 138 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for developing image data generated by the VDP 136 in the VRAM 138.

  First, the image data stored in the video ROM 137 is divided into 16 × 16 dot image data corresponding to the character codes 0000H to 0255H (H represents a hexadecimal number). For example, the image data of the sprite images S101 to S103 and S201 to S203 described with reference to FIG. 9 are stored separately as image data of 16 × 16 dots.

  Each 16 × 16 dot image data is arranged and combined in a designated area of the VRAM 138 to create image data, which is colored using the palette table 173 and then used as an actual display image 172. It is displayed on the variable display device 4.

  Each time the display screen of the variable display device 4 is switched, a drawing command created by the CPU 133 is transmitted to the VDP 136. Then, the VDP 136 creates the attribute table 174 based on the drawing command. Data stored in the attribute table 174 includes the display position of the image displayed on the variable display device 4, color information, priority on the display screen, enlargement ratio, translucent mixing ratio, and character code. On the display screen of the variable display device 4, there are cases in which a plurality of types of images are displayed partially or entirely superimposed, and the overlapping is performed on the VRAM 138. Which image is to be displayed preferentially during the superposition is determined by the priority order information. The priority order information of the background image in this embodiment is set lower than the priority order information of the special symbol image so that the special symbol image will be higher when displayed with being superimposed on the special symbol image. ing. The translucent mixing ratio is a numerical value of 1 to 0 and represents opacity. If the translucent mixing ratio is low, the image is displayed lightly. When mixing the overlapping parts, a semi-transparent mixing ratio is used, and as the image data when superimposing with the semi-transparent mixing ratio, colors based on color information are mixed. The enlargement ratio is the enlargement ratio of the shape size of the image data and is a numerical value of 1 to 0.

  For example, the image data described in the attribute table corresponding to another image that has the same position information as the address 0 of the attribute table 174 corresponding to a certain image and is superimposed on the image is temporarily stored in the address 255 of the attribute table 174. It is assumed that the image data is described in the above (excluding position information). In this case, since the priority order of the address 0 is higher than the priority order of the address 255 and the translucent mixing ratio of the address 0 is 1, which indicates opaqueness, the image data of the address 0 is adopted.

  The palette table 173 stores color data divided into 16 types of 0 to 15 and further stores 16 types of color data of 0 to 15 in the form of a two-dimensional table in one group (one palette). It is remembered. Which group of palettes 0 to 15 is selected and designated is determined by the color information in the attribute table 174. The character code (type information) is an identification number for designating which image data among a plurality of types of image data (16 × 16 dot data) stored in the video ROM 137 is selected. It is.

  The position information is coordinate data for determining at which position on the display screen the selected image data is displayed. Specifically, the display coordinates for expanding the image data on the VRAM 138 are designated. It is data to do. In FIG. 8, the upper left of the VRAM 138 is the origin of the coordinates (0, 0).

  Which group color is used for the image data developed on the VRAM 138 is selected and specified by the color information in the attribute table 174. The image data developed in the VRAM 138 is output to be displayed on the variable display device 4, and the output image data is subjected to a coloring process in accordance with the color data of the group palette selected and designated by the color information described above. The image data after the coloring process is displayed on the variable display device 4 by the LCD driving circuit 139.

  As described above, the video ROM 137 stores a plurality of types of image data of one unit in which pixel data is arranged in a matrix of 0 to 15 × 0 to 15. A character code is assigned to each 16 × 16 dot data, and the character code is designated and selected by the type information (character code) of the attribute table 174.

  Each dot of 16 × 16 dots corresponds to one pixel (one pixel), and 4-bit information of 0 to 15 can be stored for each dot. The 4-bit data of 0 to 15 is used to select and specify each color data of 0 to 15 stored in the selected palette (group). As a result, in the present embodiment, color data is designated for each pixel (one pixel), and the designated color data is displayed on the variable display device 4. That is, the minimum unit for color designation is one pixel (one pixel).

  In the above configuration, the VDP 136 creates the attribute table 174 based on the drawing command sent from the CPU 133, the character code of the image data (16 × 16 dot data) corresponding to “●”, the sprite image Specify the display position. Display control is performed using the attribute data stored in the specified character code. Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, image data (16 × 16 dot data) corresponding to character code 0001H corresponding to “●” is read from video ROM 137 and the data is developed on VRAM 138. At the time of expansion, the upper left corner portion of the sprite image is positioned at the coordinates (30, 200) on the VRAM 138 using the coordinate data of the position information (30, 200) stored at the address 0 of the attribute table 174. Are mapped as follows. Since this sprite image is set with high priority data, this sprite image is displayed with priority even if it is overlapped with other sprite images.

  Next, since the color information stored in the address 0 of the attribute table 174 is “palette 15”, the coloring process is performed using the data stored in the palette 15 of the palette table 173. Specifically, when the data of the palette 15 is used for the 16 × 16 dot data area developed on the VRAM 138 and the 4-bit data constituting each pixel of 16 × 16 dots is “2”, for example. , R, G, B data “2”, that is, the third data from the left, R (red) is 10, G (green) is 10, and B (blue) is 10 data. Pixel) is colored and displayed as an actual display image 172. When the dot data in the 16 × 16 dot data developed in the VRAM 138 is “14”, “14” in the palette 15, that is, the second data counted from the right, R is 10, G is 9, and B The pixel (pixel) is colored by the data of 0.

  With the above processing, the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 138 is displayed by the VDP 136 at a predetermined timing (for example, 30 images per second on the variable display device 4 in accordance with the drawing command). At a time of 1/30 second). The LCD drive circuit 139 converts the image data input from the VDP 136 into a video signal composed of a color signal and a synchronization signal, and outputs the video signal to the variable display device 4.

  When the display control board 12 receives a change start command including information specifying the final stop pattern and the selected change pattern from the main board 11 according to the above configuration, the display control board 12 changes the special design according to the specified change pattern. The change display is stopped at the designated final stop symbol, and the final stop symbol is determined. The main board 11 and the display control board 12 function as variation control means.

  Next, display control data stored in the control ROM 134 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control data used when generating a special symbol image and a background image stored in the control ROM 134. The display control data K, L, M, and N shown in FIGS. 15A to 15D generate images of special symbols in each of the left, middle, and right display areas that are controlled in the special game. Contains information used occasionally. The display control data P shown in FIG. 15 (e) includes information used when generating a background image.

  The display control data K shown in FIG. 15A is display control data used when generating a special symbol during variable display. The sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is arranged at the position of the second part, thereby generating a special symbol during variable display. The special symbol during the variable display is generated by the CPU 133 repeatedly performing the control based on the display control data K.

  The display control data L shown in FIG. 15B is display control data used when generating a special symbol while the display is stopped but the variable display is performed in another display area. At timing T1, the sprite image S101 of the first part is placed at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is placed at the position of the second part. Subsequently, at timing T2, the sprite image S102 is placed at the position of the first part, the sprite image S202 is placed at the position of the second part, and at timing T3, the sprite image S103 is placed at the position of the first part. And the sprite image S203 is arranged at the position of the second part. As a result, a special symbol is generated while the display is stopped but the variable display is performed in another display area. The special symbol from the stop to the end of the variable display is generated by the CPU 133 repeatedly performing the control based on the display control data L. As a result, after the timing T3, the timing is returned to the timing T1. The control ROM 134 arranges the sprite image S101 of the first part at the position of the first part at the timing T1 as the display control data, and arranges the sprite image S102 at the position of the first part at the timing T2. At timing T3, display control data may be stored in which the sprite image S103 is arranged at the position of the first part and the sprite image S201 is always arranged at the position of the second part. Further, the control ROM 134 arranges the sprite image S201 of the second part at the position of the second part at the timing T1 as the display control data, and arranges the sprite image S202 at the position of the second part at the timing T2. At timing T3, the sprite image S203 may be arranged at the position of the second part, and display control data for always arranging the sprite image S101 at the position of the first part may be stored.

  The display control data M shown in FIG. 15C is display control data used when generating a special symbol that has already stopped when the reach display mode is entered during variable display. Display control data M arranges a frame image of one moving image selected based on the type of variation pattern used for variation display among the three moving images M101 to M103 in the first part, and generates a special symbol. . Here, a case where the moving image data M101 is selected from the three moving images M101 to M103 will be described. At timing T1, the first frame (frame) image M101-F1 of the moving image data M101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is placed at the position of the second part. And at the timing T2, the image M101-F2 of the second frame (frame) of the moving image data M101 is arranged at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is set at the position of the second part. At timing T10, the image M101-F10 of the tenth frame (frame) of the moving image data M101 is arranged at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is set to the second part. Place at the position. As a result, a special symbol that is already stopped when the reach display mode is entered during the variable display is generated. The special symbol from the reach display mode to the end of the variable display is generated by the CPU 133 repeatedly performing the control based on the display control data M. Thereby, after the timing T10, the timing is returned to the timing T1.

  The display control data N shown in FIG. 15D is display control data used when generating a special symbol that has already stopped when the reach display mode is entered during the variable display. Display control data N arranges a frame image of one moving image selected based on the type of variation pattern used for variation display among the three moving images M201 to M203 in the second part, and generates a special symbol. . Here, a case where the moving image data M201 is selected from the three moving images M201 to M203 will be described. From timing T1 to T10, the sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part, and images M201-F1 to M201 of the first to tenth frames (frames) of the moving image data M201 of the second part. -F10 is sequentially arranged at the position of the second part. As a result, a special symbol that is already stopped when the reach display mode is entered during the variable display is generated. A special symbol from the reach display mode to the end of the variable display is generated by the CPU 133 repeatedly performing control based on the display control data N. Thereby, after the timing T10, the timing is returned to the timing T1. Whether the control based on the display control data M or the control based on the display control data N is performed is appropriately selected according to the variation pattern.

  The display control data shown in FIG. 15 (e) is the moving image data for the opening time, the normal time, the reach production time, or the demonstration time stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 described in FIG. And display control data used to cause the VDP 136 to generate a background image. Here, the display control data P for displaying the background image using the opening-time moving image 301 data stored in the third moving image storage unit 205 will be described. In order to display a background image for opening, images M301-F1 to M301-F10 of the first to tenth frames (frames) of moving image data for opening M301 are sequentially arranged in the background from timing T1 to T10. As a result, a background image for opening is generated. The background image during opening, normal use, reach production, or demonstration is generated by the CPU 133 repeatedly performing control based on the corresponding display control data. Thereby, for example, after the timing T10, the timing is returned to the timing T1.

  Among the display control data K, L, M, N, and P described above, switching from control based on any display control data to control based on other display control data is performed by the CPU 133 operating according to each display control data. It is made by the continuous display means constituted.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. First, an outline of the flow of games in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described.

  By operating a handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched into the game area. When the game control microcomputer 100 on the main board 11 detects from the output of the switch circuit 107 that the game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6, the random number circuit 104 generates a random value and the obtained random number The numerical value is stored as the hold information at the head of the empty entry in the special figure hold memory 121 shown in FIG.

  The game control microcomputer 100 reads the hold information stored in the first entry of the special figure hold memory 121 and executes the special figure game corresponding to the read hold information. That is, it is determined from the random value set in the first entry of the special figure holding memory 121 whether to win or not. Further, the combination of the special symbol display results (final stop symbols) is determined depending on whether the winning is a big hit or not.

  The game control microcomputer 100 selects a change pattern according to the situation from a plurality of change patterns by using the change pattern determination table 114, and acquires the control code. The game control microcomputer 100 transmits to the display control board 12 a change start command for instructing a control code for starting a special game, a final stop symbol, and a change pattern. The game control microcomputer 100 measures the elapsed time after the change start command is transmitted, and transmits a display confirmation command when the total change time has elapsed.

  The display control board 12 reads display control data in accordance with the change start command supplied from the game control microcomputer 100, reads out image data in accordance with the display control data, and displays it on the change display device 4. The display result is derived by controlling the variation (variable) display of the special symbol.

  When receiving the display confirmation command from the game control microcomputer 100, the display control board 12 determines the final symbol. If the final stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols, the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be in a jackpot state (specific game state), and the special variable winning ball device 7 will open until the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball device 7 wins for a certain time or a certain number of game balls. Then, opening and closing is repeated for a predetermined cycle under the condition of V winning. On the other hand, if the final stop symbol is an off symbol, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is not opened.

  In this way, the player plays the special game and causes the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 to win the gaming ball, thereby obtaining the prize ball to be paid out. Hereinafter, the processing of the special game executed by the game control microcomputer 100 will be described.

  The game control microcomputer 100 starts the special symbol process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 by, for example, timer interruption every 2 milliseconds. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing centering on the control of the special game by the game control microcomputer 100.

  The game control microcomputer 100 first detects whether or not a game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6 by checking the output of the winning ball detector (step S111). When the game ball has won (Step S111; Yes), the winning process is executed (Step S112). When the game ball has not won (Step S111; No), the winning process (Step S112) is skipped.

  The winning process in step S112 is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining details of the winning process. As shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the number of holds in the special figure holding memory 121 is equal to or more than the upper limit of 4 (step S201). If the number of holds is 4 or more, the start of the special figure game by this winning is invalid and nothing is done. On the other hand, if the number of holds is less than the upper limit of 4, the random number circuit 104 is activated. A random value is extracted (step S202). Next, the extracted random number value is set at the head of the empty entry in the special figure reservation memory 121 (step S203).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 100 selects one of the eight processes of steps S100 to S107 shown in FIG. 16 based on the value of the special figure process selection flag 122.

  The special symbol normal process of step S100 is a process executed when the special symbol process selection flag 122 is the initial value “0”. The special symbol normal process in step S100 is shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining details of the special symbol normal process. As shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the hold information is stored in the special figure hold memory 121 (step S121). When stored, the random number value stored in the first entry is read (step S122), the hold information of the second to fourth entries is shifted up by one entry (step S123), and the special figure process selection flag The value of 122 is updated to “1” (step S124), and the special symbol normal process ends.

  On the other hand, when the hold information is not stored in the special figure holding memory 121, the game is not in the big hit gaming state, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the last special figure game in the variable display device 4 ended. That is, it is determined whether or not it is a demonstration start timing (step S125). If it is the demo start timing, a process of transmitting a demo start command to the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 is performed (step S126), and the special symbol normal process is terminated. As a result, the CPU 133 creates a drawing command for sequentially arranging the frame images of the first frame to the last frame of the demo moving image M501 data according to the display control data P described with reference to FIG. . Then, based on the drawing command, the VDP 136 sequentially arranges the frame images of the demo-time moving image M501 data described in FIG. 9 from the first frame, which is the first frame, in the background, and displays the background image on the variable display device 4. Perform processing. Note that the CPU 133 ends the display of the background image when receiving a change start command described later. On the other hand, when it is not the demonstration start timing, the special symbol normal process is terminated.

  The special symbol stop symbol setting process of step S101 is executed when the value of the special symbol process selection flag 122 is “1”, and is a process for predetermining the display result of the special symbol game. In this process, the main board 11 determines (predetermines) the display result using the random number value held in the first entry of the special figure reservation memory 121. Specifically, it is shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining details of the special symbol stop symbol setting process. As shown in FIG. 19, the jackpot determination table 112 is selected according to the gaming state at that time (probability change state specified by the time change flag 123, time reduction flag 124, time reduction state, etc.) (step S301), and in step S100 The random number value read from the first entry in the special figure holding memory 121 is applied to the selected lottery table, and it is determined in advance (before the special figure game is started) whether or not it is a big hit (step S302).

  In the case of a big hit (step S303; Yes), the random number circuit 104 is activated to extract a random number value, and the display result of the big hit (final stop symbol combination) is determined (step S304). On the other hand, in the case of detachment (step S303; No), the display result of each symbol is determined by extracting a random number value for each symbol (step S305). Thereafter, the value of the special figure process selection flag is updated to “2” (step S306).

  The variation pattern setting process of step S102 is a process executed when the special figure process selection flag 122 is “2”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 determines a variation pattern to be used when a special figure game is performed by using the variation pattern determination table 114.

  This variation pattern setting process is shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the variation pattern setting process. As shown in FIG. 20, in the game control microcomputer 100, whether or not the probability change flag 123 or the time-short flag 124 is set, that is, the time-short control process for shortening the variation time in the special-purpose game is shorter than normal is enabled. It is determined whether or not it is set (step S401). When the probability variation flag 123 or the time reduction flag 124 is on (step S401; Yes), a variation pattern for time reduction is selected, for example, by generating a random number (step S402).

  On the other hand, when both the probability variation flag 123 and the time reduction flag 124 are in the off state (step S401; No), from among the normal variation patterns that can derive the final stop symbol set in step S101. One is selected, for example, by generating a random number (step S403).

  Subsequently, a count value corresponding to the total variation time assigned to the selected variation pattern is set in the special figure variation time timer 126 (step S404).

  Subsequently, a variation start command for designating a control code for designating the start of the special figure game, the final stop symbol, and the variation pattern is transmitted to the display control board 12 (step S405). As a result, the CPU 133 follows the display control data P described with reference to FIG. 15E, and the first to last frames of the moving image selected when the variable display is performed among the normal moving images. Create a drawing command to place images sequentially on the background. Then, based on the drawing command, the VDP 136 sequentially arranges the moving images selected when the variable display is performed from the first frame, which is the first frame, on the background, and displays the background image on the variable display device 4. . Subsequently, the value of the special figure process selection flag is updated to “3” (step S406).

  When the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 receives a display control command (for example, a change start command, a demo start command, an opening start command, etc.), the CPU 133 specifies display control data from information included in the display control command. A drawing instruction process for instructing drawing of an image is performed in accordance with a time schedule defined by the display control data. As for the drawing of the special symbol image, the drawing instruction process is performed for each display area.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the drawing instruction process. This drawing instruction process is repeatedly executed by the CPU 133 at predetermined intervals. The CPU 133 of the display control board 12 responds to a display control command (for example, a change start command, a demo start command, an opening start command, etc.), and displays the corresponding one of the display control data stored in the control ROM 134. Read (step S501).

  For example, when a variation start command is received as a display control command, the CPU 133 reads display control data corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the variation start command from the control ROM 134 in response to the variation start command. Further, the CPU 133 stops displaying the display control data K shown in FIG. 15A when generating a special symbol image and the special symbol is variably displayed, but in other display areas. 15B, the display control data L shown in FIG. 15B is the same as the display control data M shown in FIG. 15C or the display control data M shown in FIG. The indicated display control data N is read out. Further, the CPU 133 reads the display control data when generating background images for opening, normal, reach production, and demonstration. For example, the CPU 133 reads the display control data P and the like shown in FIG. 15E when generating a background image for opening.

  Then, based on the display control data, the CPU 133 displays an image to be displayed (expanded) at that time (sprite number in the case of a sprite image; moving image number and frame number in the case of a moving image), a developed layer, a position, a size, A drawing command including attributes that are various setting parameters specifying transparency (setting value for making the image semi-transparent), drawing order, effect type to be applied (enlargement / reduction ratio, rotation angle, palette number), etc. is generated (step) S502). Subsequently, the CPU 133 transmits the generated drawing command to the VDP 136 (step S503).

  The VDP 136 reads an image (material) from the video ROM 137 in accordance with the attribute table created based on the instructed drawing command, performs decompression processing in the case of a moving image, and expands and synthesizes in accordance with the instruction (step S510).

  On the other hand, the VDP 136 reads image data (for example, RGB luminance data) on the VRAM 138 at a predetermined periodic timing and supplies the read image data to the LCD drive circuit 139. The LCD drive circuit 139 generates a control signal such as an LCD drive signal in accordance with the supplied image data, and supplies the control signal to the variable display device 4 to display a special symbol or background on the screen of the variable display device 4. .

  By repeating such an operation, for example, after the special figure game is started, images as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are generated, and the state of the game by the pachinko gaming machine 1 (the state of the special figure game, etc.) ) Is displayed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, images of the left symbol until the variable display starts and stops, the left symbol until the reach state is established, and the left symbol after the reach state is established (the same applies to the right symbol). Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a special symbol composite display process executed by the display control board 12 based on a certain variation pattern among a plurality of types of variation patterns, a character created thereby, and a change thereof. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 22, images of the first part and the second part of the special symbol “7 (cat)” from the start to the stop of the variable display are illustrated in FIG. The sprite image S101 and the sprite image S201 are synthesized and displayed according to the display control data K (see FIGS. 4A and 22A). Until the variable display is started and stopped, the CPU 133 repeatedly performs control for combining and displaying the image according to the display control data K.

  In addition, the images of the first part and the second part of the special symbol “7 (cat)” until the reach state is established are first sprite images according to the display control data L illustrated in FIG. S101 and the sprite image S201 are combined and displayed. After the sprite image S102 and the sprite image S202 are combined and displayed, the sprite image S103 and the sprite image S203 are combined and displayed. Until the reach state is established, the CPU 133 repeatedly performs control to synthesize and display an image according to the display control data L (see FIGS. 4B to 4D and FIGS. 22B to 22D). ).

  Furthermore, the images of the first part and the second part of the special symbol “7 (cat)” after the reach state is established are first converted into moving image data in accordance with the display control data M illustrated in FIG. The first frame (frame) image M101-F1 of M101 and the sprite image S201 are combined and displayed, and the second frame (frame) image M101-F2 of the moving image data M101 and the sprite image S201 are combined and displayed. After that, the third frame (frame) image M101-F3 of the moving image data M101 and the sprite image S201 are combined and displayed. . . The tenth frame (frame) image M101-F10 of the moving image data M101 and the sprite image S201 are combined and displayed (see FIGS. 4 (e) to (h) and FIGS. 22 (e) to (n)). . After the reach state is established, the CPU 133 repeatedly performs control to synthesize and display an image according to the display control data M. The above-mentioned continuous display means switches from the control based on the display control data K to the control based on the display control data L when the special symbol is stopped, and the control based on the display control data L when the reach state occurs. Switch to M based control.

  FIG. 23 shows a special symbol composite display process executed by the display control board 12 based on a variation pattern different from the variation pattern described in FIG. 4 and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating and its change. The special symbol image shown in FIG. 23 is the same as the contents described in FIG. 22 until the reach state is established, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

  The images of the first part and the second part of the special symbol “7 (cat)” after the reach state is established are, according to the display control data N illustrated in FIG. The first frame (frame) image M201-F1 of the moving image data M201 is combined and displayed, and the sprite image S101 and the second frame (frame) image M201-F2 of the moving image data M201 are combined and displayed. Thereafter, the sprite image S101 and the image M201-F3 of the third frame (frame) of the moving image data M201 are combined and displayed. . . The sprite image S101 and the image M201-F10 of the tenth frame (frame) of the moving image data M201 are combined and displayed (see FIGS. 23 (e) to (n)). After the reach state is established, the CPU 133 repeatedly performs control to synthesize and display an image according to the display control data M.

  While the display control board 12 is performing the variation display process using the sprite image and the moving image, the game control microcomputer 100 repeatedly executes the special symbol variation process in step S103 of FIG. This process is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag is “3”. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining details of the special symbol variation process. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the count value of the special figure fluctuation time timer 126 (step S601). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the special figure variation time timer 126 is 0, that is, whether or not the special symbol has been varied for the set variation time (step S602).

  When it is determined that the special figure variation time timer 126 = 0 (step S602; Yes), it is the timing when one special figure game is finished, and the game control microcomputer 100 sets the special figure processing selection flag to “ 4 "(step S603).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S602 that the special figure variation time timer 126 is not 0 (step S602; No), the current interruption process is terminated.

  The special symbol stop setting process of step S104 in FIG. 16 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process selection flag 122 is “4”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a display confirmation command to the display control board 12. Further, in synchronization with the end of the special figure game, the end of the special figure game is notified to each unit that needs to operate. Further, the game control microcomputer 100 sets the big hit flag 125 when the final stop symbol corresponds to a win, updates the special figure processing selection flag to “5”, and corresponds to a loss, The special figure process selection flag is updated to “0”.

  When the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 receives the display confirmation command sent in the special symbol stop setting process in step S104, the CPU 133 executes the special symbol confirmation display. In addition, when the result of the special figure game corresponds to a loss, by receiving a display confirmation command, the CPU 133 displays a stop display of the normal-time moving image according to the display control data P described with reference to FIG. A drawing command for sequentially arranging the frame images of the first frame to the last frame of the moving image selected when the above is performed on the background is created. Then, based on the drawing command, the VDP 136 sequentially arranges the moving images selected when the stop display is performed from the first frame, which is the first frame, and displays the background image on the variable display device 4. .

  The process for pre-opening the special winning opening in step S105 in FIG. 16 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “5”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 performs a process for performing an effect before opening the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, for example, a process such as an interval effect before the first opening or between the opening processes. . When it is time to release the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the value of the special figure process selection flag is updated to “6”. In the present embodiment, when the value of the special figure process selection flag is updated to “6”, a process of transmitting an opening start command to the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 is performed. Thereby, the CPU 133 creates a drawing command according to the display control data P described with reference to FIG. Then, based on the drawing command, the VDP 136 sequentially arranges the frame images of the opening-time moving image data described in FIG. 9 from the first frame, which is the first frame, in the background, and displays the background image on the variable display device 4. To do.

  The special winning opening opening process in step S106 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “6”. In the large winning opening opening process in step S106, a game ball winning process to the opened special variable winning ball apparatus 7 and an opening time measuring process are performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the opening time has reached a predetermined time, or whether or not the number of winning balls has reached a predetermined number. When the opening time has not reached the predetermined time and the number of winning balls has not reached the predetermined number, the large winning opening opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number, the repetitive control of the moving image for opening is ended. Then, a process for determining whether or not a condition for ending the big hit state is established is performed. For example, it is determined whether or not the number of times of opening of the special variable winning ball device 7 counted in one big hit has reached 16, and if not, the special variable winning ball device 7 is further closed once. After the completion, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed to the specific area (whether or not there is a V prize). In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the number of times the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 has been released has reached 16 times, or the number of times of opening has not yet reached 16, the passing of the game ball to a specific area is not possible. When it is determined that there is no such condition, it is determined that the condition for ending the big hit state is satisfied. When the condition for ending the big hit state is satisfied, the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “7”, and when the condition for ending the big hit state is not satisfied, the special figure process selection flag 122 is set to “7”. 5 ”, and the process for opening the special winning opening is completed. Processing to transmit an opening start command to the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 is performed. When the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “5”, a command indicating that the release has been completed is transmitted to the CPU 133. Thereby, the CPU 133 ends the display of the background image based on the display control data P.

  The jackpot end process of step S107 in FIG. 16 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “7”, and the game control microcomputer 100 performs a process of ending the jackpot state, The value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is set to “0”.

  As described above, according to the display control data described in FIGS. 15A to 15D, the sprite image or the moving image read from the video ROM 137 described in FIG. 9 is arranged in the first part and the second part, The example which produces | generates the image of a special symbol and displays it on the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 4 was demonstrated. Next, using FIG. 25 to FIG. 31, the blended image and the enlargement rate of the generated special symbol image are further changed over time, and the composite image synthesized with the image of another special symbol is variably displayed. An example displayed on the device 4 will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining synthesis information data for specifying blend rate data and enlargement rate data used to generate a synthesized image. The composite information data is stored as display control data for generating a composite image in the control ROM 134 described above.

  FIG. 25A is a diagram for explaining the synthesis information data. According to the elapsed time T0 to T100, the composite information data in the present embodiment includes a front-side special symbol image (hereinafter also referred to as a front-side special symbol image) and a rear-side special symbol image (hereinafter referred to as a rear-side side). It is composed of A to F tables that store enlargement ratios (reduction ratios) 1 to 0 and blend ratios 1 to 0, which are used when combining a special symbol image. The combinations of these A to F tables constitute first to fifth blend rate data, first to fifth enlargement rate data, and front side identification information enlargement rate data, which will be described later.

  The A table is a table in which the enlargement ratio remains 1 and does not change over time. The B table is a table that stores the enlargement ratio so that the image is gradually enlarged as time elapses from time T0 to time T100. The E table is a table that stores the enlargement ratio so that the image is gradually reduced as time elapses from time T0 to time T100. The F table is the same as the B table, and is a table that stores an enlargement ratio so that an image is gradually enlarged as time passes.

  The C table is a table that stores the blend ratio so that the image gradually becomes unclear as time elapses from time T0 to time T100. The D table is a table in which the blend ratio is stored so that the image gradually becomes clear as time elapses from time T0 to time T100.

  The data of the enlargement ratio B table and the F table are proportional to the data of the blend ratio D table, and the data of the enlargement ratio E table is proportional to the data of the blend ratio C table. The blend table C table is data that gradually decreases with the passage of time, whereas the data of the D table is data that gradually increases with the passage of time. The data of the B table and the F table of the enlargement ratio are also data that gradually increases with time, whereas the data of the E table is data that gradually decreases with time.

  Here, the blend ratio represents a composite ratio of the special symbol image displayed on the front side and the special symbol image displayed on the rear side, and the blend ratio and the rear surface with respect to the special symbol image displayed on the front side. The sum of the special symbol image displayed on the side and the blend ratio is set to 1. This blend ratio corresponds to an α value representing the opacity in α synthesis described later. The clarity of the image of the special design (for example, the color tone indicating the strength of the color and the tone of the shade) varies depending on the blend rate. When the blend rate is high, the special symbol image is displayed in an easy-to-see manner. On the other hand, when the blend rate is low, the special symbol image is displayed with difficulty. When combining the image of the special symbol on the front side and the image of the special symbol on the rear side, the blend rate is used as the translucent mixing ratio of the image of each special symbol, and each blend is performed with the priority order ignored. Make the image tone multiplied by the rate.

  The first blend rate data of the present embodiment is based on the elapsed time of the blend rate of the front side special symbol image and the rear side special symbol image when the front side special symbol image and the rear side special symbol image are synthesized. The blending rate of the front special symbol image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the blending rate of the rear special symbol image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time. . Accordingly, the first blend rate data includes, for example, a C table that is blend rate data when used for the front side special symbol image, and a D table that is blend rate data when used for the rear side special symbol image. Corresponds. The first enlargement ratio data is an enlargement ratio that gradually enlarges the image in accordance with the elapsed time in proportion to the blend ratio (D table) of the rear side special symbol image, and is used for the rear side special symbol image. In this case, the B table and the F table, which are enlargement ratio data, correspond to these.

  Based on the first blend rate data and the first enlargement rate data, the front side special symbol image in which the blend rate of the front side special symbol image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the rear side special symbol according to the elapsed time. The process of sequentially synthesizing the rear-side special symbol image that has been gradually enlarged and gradually increased the blend ratio of the rear-side special symbol image is referred to as a first α synthesis process.

  The second blend rate data is to specify the blend rate of the front side special symbol image gradually according to the elapsed time and gradually decrease the blend rate of the rear side special symbol image according to the elapsed time. . Accordingly, the second blend rate data includes, for example, a D table that is blend rate data when used for the front side special symbol image, and a C table that is blend rate data when used for the rear side special symbol image. Corresponds. Also, since the second enlargement ratio data is an enlargement ratio that gradually reduces the image according to the elapsed time in proportion to the blend ratio (C table) of the rear special symbol image, it is used for the rear special symbol image. This corresponds to the E table which is the enlargement ratio data.

  Based on the second blend ratio data and the second enlargement ratio data, the front side special symbol image obtained by gradually increasing the blend ratio of the front side special symbol image according to the elapsed time, and the rear side special symbol according to the elapsed time. The process of sequentially synthesizing the rear side special symbol image in which the image is gradually reduced and the blend ratio of the rear side special symbol image is gradually lowered is referred to as a second α synthesis process.

  The third blend rate data is data limited to a predetermined specific time range among the first blend rate data. Accordingly, the third blend rate data includes, for example, a C table that is blend rate data that gradually decreases when used for the front side special symbol image within an elapsed time from T20 to T80 as a specific time range, This corresponds to the D table, which is blend rate data that is gradually increased when used for the rear side special symbol image. The third magnification data is data limited to a specific time range among the first magnification data. Thereby, the third enlargement ratio data is, for example, gradually enlarged in proportion to the blend ratio (D table) of the rear-side special symbol image within the elapsed time from T20 to T80 as a specific time range. The B table and the F table, which are enlargement ratio data when used for the side special symbol image, correspond.

  Within the elapsed time from T20 to T80 in FIG. 25 as a specific time range, the blend rate of the front side special symbol image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time based on the third blend rate data and the third enlargement rate data. A process of sequentially combining the lowered front special symbol image and the rear special symbol image that gradually enlarges the rear special symbol image and gradually increases the blend ratio of the rear special symbol image according to the elapsed time. Is called the third α synthesis process.

  The fourth blend rate data is data limited to a specific time range in the second blend rate data. Accordingly, the fourth blend rate data includes, for example, a D table that is gradually increased blend rate data when used for the front side special symbol image within an elapsed time from T20 to T80 as a specific time range, This corresponds to the C table, which is blend rate data that gradually decreases when used for the rear side special symbol image. The fourth magnification data is data limited to a specific time range among the second magnification data. Thereby, in the fourth enlargement ratio data, for example, within the elapsed time from T20 to T80 as a specific time range, the image is gradually reduced in proportion to the blend ratio (C table) of the rear side special symbol image. The E table corresponding to the enlargement ratio data when used for the rear side special symbol image is equivalent.

  Within the elapsed time from T20 to T80 in FIG. 25 as a specific time range, the blend rate of the front side special symbol image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time based on the fourth blend rate data and the fourth enlargement rate data. A process of sequentially combining the raised front special symbol image and the rear special symbol image that gradually reduces the rear special symbol image and gradually lowers the blend ratio of the rear special symbol image according to the elapsed time. Is referred to as a fourth α synthesis process.

  The fifth blend rate data is data that continues from the third blend rate data or the fourth blend rate data, and specifies the blend rate of the rear side special symbol image and the front side special symbol image. Accordingly, the fifth blend rate data corresponds to the C table and the D table, which are blend rate data when used within the time from the time T81, T181 (T19) to the time T100, T200 (T0), respectively. Further, when the image of the special symbol on the front side or the rear side in the direction opposite to the direction in which the blend rate has increased or decreased has been determined as the final stop symbol, the time T80, T180 (T20 ) To C0 and D table, which are blend rate data when used in the time from T0 to T100, respectively.

  The fifth enlargement ratio data is data that continues from the third enlargement ratio data or the fourth enlargement ratio data, and designates the enlargement ratio of the rear side special symbol image. Thus, the fifth enlargement ratio data includes B table, E table, and F table, which are enlargement ratio data when used within the time from T81, T181 (T19) to T100, T200 (T0), respectively. Equivalent to. If it is determined that the special symbol on the front side or the rear side in the direction of travel opposite to the direction in which the enlargement rate has increased or decreased has been determined to be the final stop symbol, the time T80, T180 (T20 ) To B0, E table, and F table, which are enlargement ratio data when used within the time from T0 to T100, respectively, correspond to the fifth enlargement ratio data.

  When the final stop symbol is specified as the rear special symbol image, the blend rate of the front special symbol image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time based on the fifth blend rate data and the fifth enlargement factor data. A process of sequentially combining the lowered front special symbol image and the rear special symbol image that gradually enlarges the rear special symbol image and gradually increases the blend ratio of the rear special symbol image according to the elapsed time. Is called the fifth α synthesis process.

  Further, when the final stop symbol is specified to be the front special symbol image, the blend ratio of the front special symbol image is set according to the elapsed time based on the fifth blend rate data and the fifth enlargement factor data. The front-side special symbol image that has been gradually raised and the rear-side special symbol image that has been gradually reduced in proportion to the elapsed time and the blend rate of the rear-side special symbol image has been gradually reduced This process is called the sixth α synthesis process.

  The front side identification information enlargement rate data is data that specifies the enlargement rate of the front side special symbol image according to the elapsed time when combining the front side special symbol image and the rear side special symbol image. This is an enlargement ratio that gradually changes in proportion to the blend ratio of the special symbol image. Thus, the front side identification information enlargement rate data includes B table and E table when the enlargement rate data changes in proportion to the blend rate of the front side special symbol image when used for the front side special symbol image. , F table.

  Next, using FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the front side special symbol image and the rear side special symbol image in accordance with the blend rate data and the magnification rate data specified using the synthesis information data. explain. 26-28, the symbol 1 shows the symbol displayed previously in the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 4, ie, the special symbol displayed on the front side. The symbol 2 shows a symbol displayed after the symbol 1 in the variable display device 4, that is, a special symbol displayed on the rear side. The synthesized image 69 indicates an image obtained by synthesizing the image of symbol 1 and the image of symbol 2 by α synthesis described later. The symbol 1, the symbol 2, and the composite image 69 are images corresponding to the timings of T20, T40, T60, and T80 indicating the elapsed time.

  FIG. 26 shows the front side according to the blend rate data and the enlargement rate data specified by looking up the A table and the C table for the front side special symbol image and the B table and the D table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the special symbol image and the back side special symbol image.

  In FIG. 26, the image “6” as the symbol 1 becomes thinner as time passes, and the image “7” as the symbol 2 becomes larger as time passes, and the image gradually becomes darker.

  FIG. 27 shows the front side according to the blend ratio data and the enlargement ratio data specified by looking up the A table and D table for the front side special symbol image and the C table and E table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the special symbol image and the back side special symbol image.

  FIG. 27 is a reverse of the time course of FIG. 26. The image “6” as the pattern 1 gradually becomes darker with time, while the picture “7” as the pattern 2 becomes the image with time. As the image gets smaller, the image becomes thinner. That is, FIG. 26 shows a state in which the symbol as identification information is gradually switching from “6” to “7”, and FIG. 27 shows a state in which “7” is gradually switching to “6”. ing.

  FIG. 28 shows the front side according to the blend ratio data and the enlargement ratio data specified by looking up the C table and the E table for the front side special symbol image and the D table and the F table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the special symbol image and the back side special symbol image.

  FIG. 28 is different from FIG. 26 in that the image 1 of “6” as the symbol 1 gradually becomes thinner and the size of the image becomes smaller as time elapses. That is, in FIG. 26, the image enlargement ratio remains 1 but does not change, but in FIG. 28, the image enlargement ratio decreases from 1 to 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2 over time. It represents a number of examples. FIG. 28 is generated using the enlargement rate E table of FIG. 25 as the front side identification information enlargement rate data and the C table as the blend rate of the front side identification information in the first α synthesis process or the third α synthesis process. The front side special symbol image is illustrated as being combined with the rear side special symbol image generated using the enlargement factor F table and the blend factor D table.

Here, α synthesis will be described. The α synthesis is to combine the image B of the special symbol displayed later on the variable display device 4 with the image A of the special symbol displayed earlier on the variable display device 4.
Color data of image A × (1.0−α) + Color data of image B × α ··· “Equation 1”
Is to be synthesized. Here, α represents the blend ratio (opacity) of the image B. The example in which the color data is composed of data of 0 to 15 for each of R, G, and B in the palette table 173 in FIG. 8 has been described. However, when describing the color data in the following description of the α composition, the data that was “0-15” in the palette table 173 of FIG. (Rgb: 0.0 to 1.0, 0.0 to 1.0, 0.0 to 1.0).

For example, when the color of the image A is yellow, the color data of the image A is (rgb: 1.0, 1.0, 0.0), and when the color of the image B is blue with a sky blue color, The color data of the image B is (rgb: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0), and when the blend ratio (opacity) of the image B is 0.5, α is 0.5. Substituting the value into “Equation 1” and calculating,
rgb (1.0, 1.0, 0.0) × (1.0−0.5) + rgb (0.0, 0.5, 1.0) × 0.5
= Rgb (0.5, 0.5, 0.0) + rgb (0.0, 0.25, 0.5)
= Rgb (0.5, 0.75, 0.5)
Translucent (blend rate α = 0.5) image A (yellow (rgb: 1.0, 1.0, 0.0)) and translucent (blend rate α = 0.5) image B (sky blue) And a blue color (rgb: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0)) expressed in an overlapping manner (yellowish translucent sky blue (rgb: 0.5, 0.75, 0.5)) Become.

  In FIG. 26, as for the enlargement ratio at the elapsed time T20, “6” as the symbol 1 has a size of 1, and “7” as the symbol 2 has a size of 0.2. Further, the blend ratio (α value) at the elapsed time T20 is 0.8 for the symbol “6” and 0.2 for the symbol “7” of 0.2.

  For example, symbol 6 “6” is green (rgb: 0.0, 1.0, 0.0) and symbol 2 is red (rgb: 1.0, 0.0, 0.0). As shown in FIG. 26, the combined image is an image in which an image “6” having an enlargement ratio of 1 and an image “7” having an enlargement ratio of 0.2 are overlapped. The overlapped portion was expressed by overlapping the green “6” portion where the blend rate fell to 0.8 and the red “7” portion where the blend rate (opacity) dropped to 0.2. , Displayed in a slightly yellowish green (rgb: 0.2, 0.8, 0.0). The non-overlapping portions of the identification information image of “6” which is symbol 1 and “7” which is symbol 2 are green (rgb: 0.0, 0.8, 0.0) where the blend rate has dropped to 0.8, respectively. ) “6” portion and a red (rgb: 0.2, 0.0, 0.0) “7” portion in which the blend ratio (opacity) falls to 0.2 is displayed. That is, “6” that is symbol 1 is green with the blend rate falling to 0.8, and “7” that is symbol 2 is light red with a blend rate of 0.2. As described above, the blend ratio indicates an opacity α value in α synthesis of a special symbol image. In the present embodiment, portions other than “6” and “7” in symbol 1 and symbol 2 are transparent, but a background color specified separately may be displayed in the transparent portion where there is nothing. In the present embodiment, each of the R, G, and B signals is expressed by 256 levels of voltage (8 bits).

  The CPU 133 reads the combined information data to be used from the control ROM 134 for the symbols 1 and 2 to be combined. Next, the CPU 133 generates a drawing command for specifying at least the size and the blending rate according to the elapsed time of each symbol from the specified enlargement rate based on the combined information data for the symbols 1 and 2 that have been read. Generate and send to VDP 136. The VDP 136 generates a composite image 69 for each elapsed time (composite display time T0 to T100) by α composition in the work area of the VRAM 138 according to the attribute table created based on the drawing command. In this way, the composite image 69 corresponding to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is generated. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the VRAM 138 and transmitted to the LCD drive circuit 139 for display on the variable display device 4 at every predetermined timing. Details of this will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the above description, as described with reference to FIG. 25 (a), the control ROM 134 stores the combination information data for specifying the blend ratio and the enlargement ratio when combining two special symbol images. The example in which the CPU 133 reads the blend rate and the enlargement rate according to the passage of time has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 133 may calculate the blend ratio and the enlargement ratio from the elapsed time (composite display time) TN (N is a natural number from 0 to 200). For example, the blend ratio and the enlargement ratio specified from the B table, the D table, and the F table are values obtained by substituting the value of N of the elapsed time TN into “0.01N”. Further, the blend ratio and the enlargement ratio specified from the C table and the E table are values obtained by substituting the value of N of the elapsed time TN into “1-0.01N”. FIG. 25B shows a calculation formula as a reference.

  The data stored in the control ROM 134 described with reference to FIG. 25 is not limited to specific numerical data corresponding to the times T0 to T100 of each table illustrated in FIG. It is a concept that includes the case of a calculation formula exemplified as a reference. In this way, the storage capacity used can be reduced by storing the calculation formula instead of storing the specific numerical data. Also, each of the first to fifth blend rate data, the first to fifth enlargement rate data, and the front side identification information enlargement rate data may have its own table, and the data is stored as a common table as in the present embodiment. You may change the loading order.

  21 is a process executed in the drawing instruction process shown in FIG. 21, and a changing drawing command generating process for generating a drawing command used to generate a special symbol image to be displayed on the changing display device 4 will be described. To do.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the changing drawing command generation process. This process is executed when generating a drawing command for each of the left, middle and right symbols during the variable display in the drawing instruction process described above with reference to FIG.

  The CPU 133 is a process of generating a drawing command for the middle symbol, and starts a synthetic image effect in which the synthesized image is displayed on the variation display device 4 as the middle symbol based on the variation pattern included in the variation start command from the main board 11. It is determined whether or not it is during the synthesis period from the time of being performed to the final stop symbol stop display (step S1). When it is determined that the drawing command is not generated for the middle symbol or is not in the composition period, the CPU 133 is a processing for generating the drawing command for the left and right symbols, and whether or not the reach timing to reach the reach display mode has elapsed. Is determined (step S2). The reach timing is specified from the variation pattern included in the variation start command from the main board 11. When it is determined that the reach timing has elapsed, control based on the display control data M or the display control data N is performed from the control ROM 134. As described above, whether the control based on the display control data M or the control based on the display control data N is performed is appropriately selected according to the variation pattern.

  When the control based on the display control data M is performed, the images M101-F1 of the first to tenth frames (frames) of the moving image data M101 of the first part from timing T1 to T10 (see FIG. 15C). -M101-F10 is sequentially arranged at the position of the first part, and a drawing command including an attribute for arranging the sprite image S201 of the second part at the position of the second part is generated, and the drawing command is generated while changing The process ends (step S3). Thereby, from timing T1 to T10, the images M101-F1 to M101-F10 of the first to tenth frames (frames) of the moving image data M101 of the first part are sequentially arranged at the position of the first part, and the second Using the special symbol image generated by placing the sprite image S201 of the part at the position of the second part, the special symbol image from the reach display mode to the end of the variable display is displayed. be able to.

  When the control based on the display control data N is performed, the sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part from the timing T1 to T10 (see FIG. 15D), and the second part Drawing command including an attribute for sequentially arranging the images M201-F1 to M201-F10 of the first to tenth frames (frames) of the moving image data M201 at the position of the second part is generated The process ends (step S3). As a result, from timing T1 to T10, the sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part, and the first to tenth frame (frame) image M201- of the moving image data M201 of the second part. Using the special symbol image generated by sequentially arranging F1 to M201-F10 at the position of the second part, the special symbol image from the reach display mode to the end of the variable display is displayed. be able to.

  When it is determined in step S2 that the reach timing has not elapsed, in the process of generating a drawing command for the left symbol based on the variation pattern included in the variation start command from the main board 11, the left symbol is associated with the right symbol. In the process of generating the drawing command, it is determined whether or not the stop timing for stopping the right symbol has elapsed (step S4). The stop timing is specified from the variation pattern included in the variation start command from the main board 11.

  When it is determined that the stop timing has elapsed, control based on the display control data L read from the control ROM 134 is performed, and the first portion of the sprite image S101 is displayed at timing T1 (see FIG. 15B). The sprite image S201 of the second part is placed at the position of the second part, the sprite image S102 is placed at the position of the first part at the timing T2, and the sprite image S201 is placed at the position of the second part. The drawing command including the attribute for arranging the sprite image S103 at the position of the first part and the sprite image S201 at the position of the second part is generated at the timing T3. Then, the in-fluctuation drawing command generation process is terminated (step S5). Accordingly, the sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part at the timing T1, and the sprite image S201 of the second part is arranged at the position of the second part. At the timing T2, the sprite image S101 is arranged. The image S102 is arranged at the position of the first part, the sprite image S202 is arranged at the position of the second part, the sprite image S103 is arranged at the position of the first part, and the sprite image S203 is arranged at the position of the first part. By using the special symbol image generated by arranging at the position of the two parts, it is possible to display the special symbol image while it is stopped but the variable display is being performed in another display area.

  When it is determined in step S4 that the stop timing has not elapsed, control based on the display control data K read from the control ROM 134 is performed, and the sprite image S101 of the first part is placed at the position of the first part. Then, a drawing command including an attribute for arranging the sprite image S201 of the second part at the position of the second part is generated, and the drawing command generating process during change is finished (step S6). Thereby, the sprite image S101 of the first part is arranged at the position of the first part, and the image of the special symbol generated by arranging the sprite image S201 of the second part at the position of the second part. It can be used to display variation.

  When it is determined in step S1 that the drawing command is generated for the middle symbol and it is determined that it is during the synthesis period, it is determined whether or not the time T shown in the time column of the synthesis information data in FIG. Step S7). The time T is an elapsed time that has been measured since the composite image effect was started. The time T is counted from T0 to T200 by the CPU 133 as described later. In FIG. 25, enlargement ratio data and blend ratio data are stored corresponding to each of T0 to T100, and the corresponding enlargement ratio data and blend ratio data can be specified according to the value of T. The enlargement ratio data and blend ratio data corresponding to T101 to T200 are stored corresponding to T obtained by subtracting 100 from T (T-100) as will be described later with reference to FIG. Rate data and blend rate data are used. That is, at T101, the enlargement rate data and blend rate data of T1 are used. At T102, enlargement rate data and blend rate data at T2 are used. Similarly, at T200, the enlargement rate data and blend rate data of T100 are used.

  When it is determined that the time T is 201 or more, “0” is set to the time T (step S8). When it is determined that the time T is not 201 or more, or when “0” is set to the time T, it is determined whether or not it is during the initial synthesis period (step S9).

  The initial composition period is a period from the start of the composite image effect to the start of the turnover composition. Tori composition means to synthesize an image of a special symbol in order to produce an effect that makes a big hit. When a period longer than T100 is set as the initial synthesis period, the first repeat control process for turning back T0 to T100 in the reverse direction is performed. The first repetition control process is to sequentially and repeatedly execute the first α synthesis process and the second α synthesis process. That is, the front-side special symbol image in which the blend ratio of the front-side special symbol image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the rear-side special symbol image is gradually enlarged according to the elapsed time, and the rear-side special symbol is gradually increased. A first α composition process for sequentially combining the rear-side special symbol image with the image blend ratio increased, the front-side special symbol image with the front-side special symbol image gradually increasing according to the elapsed time, and the elapsed time In response to this, the rear side special symbol image is gradually reduced, and the second α synthesis process for sequentially synthesizing the rear side special symbol image with the blend ratio of the rear side special symbol image being gradually reduced is repeated alternately. is there.

  Also, as an exception, the final stop symbol (the state of T0 or T100 in FIG. 25) may be used as it is without performing the display effect of the turnover synthesis (repetition of T20 to T80 in FIG. 25) described later. In this case, everything is the initial synthesis period until the final stop symbol is reached. When the final synthesis instruction is received during the initial synthesis effect display and the final stop symbol is reached, the time when the instruction is received is the final synthesis start point described later, and the initial synthesis period is until the final synthesis start.

  When it is determined that it is not during the initial synthesis period, it is determined whether it is during the turnover synthesis period (step S10). The turn synthesis period is a period from the start of turn synthesis to the start of final synthesis. If it is determined that it is during the turnover period, it is determined whether the time T is within the turnable time, that is, within T20 to T81 of FIG. 25 (step S11). When T is 101 or more, it is determined by subtracting 100 from T.

  When it is determined that it is during the initial synthesis period, or when it is determined that it is not during the turnable time, the process proceeds to a subroutine for initial synthesis processing (step S12). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that it is not in the turnable time, even if a turnover instruction is received, if the time T at that time is outside the turnable time, until the turnable time is reached. It means to continue the initial synthesis.

  If it is determined that it is during the turnable time, the process proceeds to a turnover synthesis subroutine (step S13). If it is determined in S10 that the turnover period is not in progress, the process proceeds to a final synthesis process subroutine (step S14). . The final synthesis period is a period from the final synthesis start to the final stop symbol stop display. After any of the initial synthesis process, the turnover synthesis process, and the final synthesis process, 1 is added to the time T, and the changing drawing command generation process ends. This in-fluctuation drawing command generation process is repeated every predetermined period. For this reason, the time T increases by one for every predetermined period. When the composite period of the composite image effect ends, the time T of the composite information data is reset and returns to T0. The initial synthesis period, the turnover synthesis period, and the final synthesis period are determined in advance by a designated variation pattern.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program of initial synthesis processing, turnover synthesis processing, and final synthesis processing. FIG. 30A is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program of the initial synthesis process. First, it is determined whether or not the time T is in the range of 0 to 100 (step S21). If it is determined that the time T is within the range of 0 to 100, the process proceeds to a subroutine for rear side increased display composition processing (step S22). When it is determined that the time T is not within the range of 0 to 100, the process proceeds to the front side increased display composition processing subroutine (step S23). Thereafter, the initial synthesis process is terminated.

  The rear side increased display composition processing (first, third, and fifth α composition processing) is that the image on the front side gradually becomes thin and unclear as time elapses, and the image on the rear surface side becomes gradually darker and clearer This is a process for creating a composite image 69 that becomes a correct image. Also, the front side increased display composition processing (second, fourth, and sixth α composition processing) is that the image on the front side gradually becomes darker and clearer as time passes, and the image on the rear side becomes gradually thinner. This is processing for creating a composite image 69 that becomes an unclear image. Details thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 (d) and 31 (e).

  FIG. 30B is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program for the turnover synthesis process. First, it is determined whether or not the time T is 181 (step S25). If it is determined that the time T is 181, “20” is set in T (step S 26), and the process proceeds to step S 29.

  When it is determined that the time T is not 181, it is determined whether or not the time T is 81 (step S <b> 27). When it is determined that the time T is 81, “120” is set in T (step S28), and the process proceeds to step S29. When it is determined that the time T is not 81, the process proceeds to step S29.

  In S29, it is determined whether or not the time T is in the range of 20-80. When it is determined that the time T is within the range of 20 to 80, the process proceeds to a subroutine for the rear side increased display composition process (step S30). On the other hand, when it is determined that the time T is not within the range of 20 to 80, the process proceeds to the front side increased display composition processing subroutine (step S31). Thereafter, the turning synthesis process is terminated.

  In this turning synthesis subroutine, when T181 is reached in step S25, T is 20 by the process of step S26, and when T81 is reached in step S27, T is 120 by the process of step S28. In FIG. 25 (a), between T20 and T80 is described as the specified data for turning the image effect, in the turnover synthesis process, the blend ratio data and the enlargement ratio data between T20 and T80 are used. The combined image cycle for combining the symbol image and the rear side special symbol image is repeated. This performs the second repetition control process. The second repetition control process is to sequentially and repeatedly execute the third α synthesis process and the fourth α synthesis process within a predetermined time.

  That is, the front-side special symbol image in which the blend ratio of the front-side special symbol image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the rear-side special symbol image is gradually enlarged according to the elapsed time, and the rear-side special symbol is gradually increased. A 3α synthesis process for sequentially combining the rear side special symbol image with the image blend ratio increased, the front side special symbol image with the front side special symbol image gradually increased according to the elapsed time, and the progress The rear side special symbol image is gradually reduced according to the time, and the 4α synthesis process for sequentially synthesizing the rear side special symbol image with the blend ratio of the rear side special symbol image gradually lowered is repeatedly performed. Is.

  FIG. 30C is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program for final synthesis processing. First, it is determined whether or not the final stop symbol is a rear side special symbol image (step S35). If it is determined that the final stop symbol is the rear side special symbol image, the process proceeds to a subroutine for rear side increased display synthesis processing (step S36). On the other hand, when it is determined that the final stop symbol is not the rear side special symbol image, the process proceeds to the front side increased display composition processing subroutine (step S37). Thereafter, the final synthesis process is terminated.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program of the rear side increased display synthesis process and the front side increased display synthesis process. FIG. 31D is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program of the rear side increased display combining process (first, third, and fifth α combining processes). First, the C table is specified to specify the blend rate for the front side special symbol image, and the D table is specified to specify the blend rate for the rear side special symbol image (step S41). The E table is looked up to specify the enlargement ratio for the front special symbol image, and the F table is looked up to specify the enlargement ratio for the rear special symbol image (step S42).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the time T is 100 or less (step S43). When it is determined that the time T is 100 or less, the blend rate and enlargement rate data corresponding to the time T is read from each table that is being looked up (step S44). When it is determined that the time T is not less than 100, the blend rate and enlargement rate data corresponding to the time “T-100” are read out from the respective look-up tables (step S47). Then, a drawing command including an attribute for a composite image obtained by subjecting the front-side special symbol image and the rear-side special symbol image to α synthesis processing at the blend rate and the enlargement factor read out in either step S44 or S47 is generated (step). S48). Thereafter, the rear side increased display combining process is terminated.

  FIG. 31E is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine program of the front side increased display combining process (second, fourth, and sixth α combining processes). First, the D table is looked up for specifying the blend rate for the front side special symbol image, and the C table is looked up for specifying the blend rate for the rear side special symbol image (step S51). The F table is looked up to specify the enlargement ratio for the front side special symbol image, and the E table is looked up to specify the enlargement ratio for the rear side special symbol image (step S52).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the time T is 100 or less (step S53). When it is determined that the time T is 100 or less, the blend rate and enlargement rate data corresponding to the time T is read from each table that is being looked up (step S54). When it is determined that the time T is not less than 100, the blend rate and enlargement rate data corresponding to the time “T-100” are read from the respective look-up tables (step S57). Then, a drawing command including an attribute for a composite image obtained by subjecting the front-side special symbol image and the rear-side special symbol image to α synthesis processing at the blend rate and the enlargement rate read out in either step S54 or S57 is generated (step). S58). Thereafter, the front side increased display composition process is terminated.

  In the above description, in S42 of FIG. 31 (d) and S52 of FIG. 31 (e), the E table that is reduced with the passage of time and the F table that is enlarged with the passage of time are used as the enlargement ratio used for the front side special symbol image. The example shown in FIG. 28 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the A table that does not change even when time passes as the enlargement ratio used for the front side special symbol image may be used instead of the E table and the F table described above. . As a result, the example shown in FIG. 26 is obtained. In this case, the enlargement ratio used for the front side special symbol image is always 1 regardless of the time T.

  Further, the above-described turnover period may be configured to end at an intermediate timing (for example, T50 or T151) of T0 to T100 or T101 to T200. As a result, the transition is made from the turn synthesis process to the final synthesis process, and between the drawing command generation by reading the data in step S44 or step S54 and the drawing command generation by reading the data in step S47 or step 57. Even when switching, since the blend rate and enlargement rate data read before and after the switching are approximated, it is possible to provide an effect of smoothly shifting to the final stop symbol.

  FIG. 32 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the variation pattern used in the special figure game. As described above, the variation pattern is selected by the game control microcomputer 100 in the variation pattern setting process of FIG. Then, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a change start command for designating the selected change pattern to the CPU 133 of the display control board 12. The CPU 133 reads display control data (see FIGS. 15, 25, and 29 to 30) at a timing specified from the received variation start command, and transmits a drawing command for generating an image to the VDP 136. The image generated by the VDP 136 is displayed on the variable display device 4.

  FIG. 32A is a timing chart for explaining a variation pattern A that does not become a reach display mode, that is, shifts without reaching reach. FIG. 32B is a timing chart for explaining a variation pattern B in which reach is established. FIG. 32C is a timing chart for explaining a variation pattern C in which a composite image effect is performed after reach is established. In each of FIGS. 32A to 32C, time is elapsed on the horizontal axis, and an image of each symbol is generated in the order of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol from the top in correspondence with the time. The type of display control data used for this purpose is shown. K, L, M, and N in the figure indicate the display control data K, L, M, and N described in FIG. B in the figure indicates display control data for performing the composite image effect described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 29 to 30.

  First, the case where the variation pattern A is selected will be described with reference to FIG. After the special symbol variation starts, the variation display is performed by scrolling the image generated based on the display control data K from the top to the bottom in any of the left, middle and right display areas.

  Then, the left symbol stops in the left display area, and then the right symbol stops in the right display area. In this case, since the middle symbol is still variably displayed in the middle display area, the left symbol and the right symbol are displayed in a stopped manner by displaying an image generated based on the display control data L. As a result, by switching and displaying the plurality of sprite images described with reference to FIG. 10, it is possible to display the character moving.

  Thereafter, when the variation time timer reaches 0, the middle symbol stops in the middle display area. In this case, the middle symbol is stopped by displaying an image generated based on the display control data K. It should be noted that the left symbol and the right symbol are also switched to the image generated based on the display control data K in accordance with the timing at which the middle symbol stops. Thereby, the display of the movement of the character in the left symbol and the right symbol is finished, and the display is fixed.

  Next, a case where the variation pattern B is selected will be described with reference to FIG. After the special symbol variation starts, the variation display is performed by scrolling the image generated based on the display control data K from the top to the bottom in any of the left, middle and right display areas.

  Then, the left symbol stops in the left display area. In this case, since the right symbol is still variably displayed in the right display area, the left symbol is displayed in a stopped manner by displaying an image generated based on the display control data L.

  Next, the right symbol stops in the right display area. In this case, the left symbol and the right symbol are the same symbol and reach display mode is reached, and reach is established. Therefore, the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped by displaying an image generated based on the display control data M. Display is performed. Accordingly, the moving image described in FIG. 11 is arranged in the first part, and the image generated by arranging the sprite image described in FIG. 10B in the second part is displayed. Can be displayed.

  Thereafter, when the variation time timer reaches 0, the middle symbol stops in the middle display area. In this case, the middle symbol is stopped by displaying an image generated based on the display control data K. It should be noted that the left symbol and the right symbol are also switched to the image generated based on the display control data K in accordance with the timing at which the middle symbol stops. Thereby, the display of the movement of the character in the left symbol and the right symbol is finished, and the display is fixed.

  Next, a case where the variation pattern C is selected will be described with reference to FIG. After the special symbol variation starts, the variation display is performed by scrolling the image generated based on the display control data K from the top to the bottom in any of the left, middle and right display areas.

  Then, the left symbol stops in the left display area. In this case, since the right symbol is still variably displayed in the right display area, the left symbol is displayed in a stopped manner by displaying an image generated based on the display control data L.

  Next, the right symbol stops in the right display area. In this case, the left symbol and the right symbol are the same symbol and reach display mode is reached, and reach is established. Therefore, the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped by displaying an image generated based on the display control data M. Display is performed. Accordingly, the sprite image described in FIG. 10A is arranged in the first part, and the image generated by arranging the moving image described in FIG. 12 in the second part is displayed. Can be displayed.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the reach is established, the medium symbol image is displayed by switching to the composite image generated based on the display control data B for performing the composite image effect described above. That is, the middle symbol image is displayed by switching to the synthesized image generated by performing the initial synthesis process, the turnover synthesis process, and the final synthesis process described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the variation patterns A to C have been described as examples of the variation pattern used in the special game, but the variation pattern is not limited to this. Any variation pattern in the present embodiment can be used as long as it is switched to an image generated based on the display control data described in FIGS. 15, 25, and 29 to 30 in a predetermined order and timing. It may be anything.

Next, main effects obtained by the embodiment described above will be described.
(1-1) As described above, the special symbol image is composed of the first and second parts (see FIG. 5), and is generated by arranging two sprite images (FIG. 15). (A), (b), see steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 29). The special symbol image is generated by arranging the frame image of the moving image in the first part and the sprite image in the second part (see FIG. 15C and step S3 in FIG. 29). ). This reduces the control burden for generating a moving special symbol image as compared with the case of generating a moving special symbol image by switching the sprite image arranged in the first part. Can do. In addition, the amount of image data can be reduced without having to store many sprite images in order to express the movement of the first part constituting the special symbol image. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 22, the moving image data can be used only for the first part with movement, and the sprite image data can be used for the second part without movement, so that the image data can be generated. The amount of data can be further reduced.

  (1-2) As described above, the image of the first part constituting the special symbol image is displayed from the frame F1 to the frame F10 and then becomes a continuous moving image when the frame F1 is displayed. The moving image data (see FIG. 11) configured as shown in FIG. 11 is used to repeat the placement process (see step S3 in FIG. 29). As a result, it is possible to express a motion that does not cause a sense of incongruity with a small amount of data.

  (1-3) As described above, the composite image has a rear surface that is displayed next while the blend rate of the front-side special symbol image that has been displayed earlier becomes smaller and less visible as time elapses. The side special symbol image is generated by performing a composition process that gradually becomes clear because the blend rate increases with time and the enlargement rate increases in proportion to the blend rate. (See FIG. 26 and FIG. 31 (d)). For this reason, the front-side special symbol image that disappears becomes an image that leaves an afterimage with the passage of time, and the rear-side special symbol image becomes a composite image that becomes gradually clearer, making it possible to express a sense of depth and visually It is possible to display a novel change display. Also, since the rear-side special symbol image also changes the enlargement ratio, the front-side special symbol image gradually disappears and the rear-side special image gradually appears as compared with the case where only the blend rate is changed. Such an effect can be provided to the player more effectively, and the interest can be further improved.

  (2) As described above, the composite image becomes difficult to see because the enlargement ratio of the rear-side special symbol image decreases with time and the blend ratio decreases. On the other hand, the front-side special symbol image is generated by performing a synthesizing process in which the blend ratio increases with time and becomes clearer (see FIGS. 27 and 31 (e)). For this reason, the rear-side special symbol image that disappears becomes an image that leaves an afterimage with the passage of time, and the front-side special symbol image becomes a composite image that becomes gradually clearer. It is possible to display a novel change display. Also, since the rear-side special symbol image also changes the enlargement ratio, the rear-side special symbol image gradually disappears and the front-side special image gradually appears as compared with the case where only the blend rate is changed. Such an effect can be provided to the player more effectively, and the interest can be further improved.

  (3) As described above, a plurality of sprite images to be arranged in the first and second parts are stored (see FIG. 10), and the special symbol image is a combination of the first and first sprite images stored therein. It is generated by sequentially arranging in two parts (see step S5 of FIG. 15B and FIG. 29). Thereby, it is not necessary to store a lot of moving image data in order to express the movement in the image of the special symbol, and the data amount of the image data can be reduced.

  (4) As described above, the sprite image and the moving image stored in the video ROM 137 are, for example, the sprite image S101 in FIG. 10A and the frame image of the frame F10 in FIG. The sprite image S103 and the frame image F1 in FIG. 11 are images having similar connections. As described above, since the display state of the image before and after the switching between the sprite image and the frame image and the switching between the frame image and the sprite image is connected, the switching between the moving image and the sprite image is smoothly performed. This can reduce the sense of discomfort given to the player.

  (5) As described above, the moving image M301, the moving image M401, the moving image M501, the normal moving image, etc. stored in the image ROM 137 are continuously displayed when the frame F1 is displayed after the frames F1 to F10 are displayed. The moving image data (see FIG. 13) configured to be the moving image is generated by repeatedly performing the arrangement process (see FIG. 21). As a result, it is possible to express a motion that does not cause a sense of incongruity with a small amount of data.

  (6) As described above, since any one of the moving image M301, the moving image M302, and the like is repeatedly displayed when the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened, the special variable winning ball device 7 is not increased without increasing the image data. The quality of the image displayed when is open can be improved.

  (7) As described above, the moving image M501 is repeatedly displayed even during the demonstration in which the special game state is not controlled and the image of the special symbol is not changed. The quality of the image displayed during the demo can be improved without causing it to occur.

  (8) As described above, the frame image of the moving image having the priority information lower than the priority order of the special symbol image is arranged as the background image when the special symbol change display or stop display is performed. Can be generated. Thereby, the control burden for generating a background image with movement can be reduced. Further, the quality of the background image can be improved without increasing the image data.

  (9) As described above, when the reach is established, the frame image of the moving image is arranged in the first part from the variable display by the special symbol image generated by arranging the two sprite images. Since the sprite image can be switched to the variable display based on the image of the special symbol generated by placing the sprite image in the second part (see steps S3 and S5 in FIG. 29), the player can be changed according to the progress of the variable display. Can be improved in stages.

  (10) As described above, the blended rate of the front side special symbol image becomes smaller and less visible as time passes, whereas the rear side special symbol image to be displayed next has its enlargement rate. As the time increases, the blend ratio becomes larger and gradually becomes clearer. After that, the enlargement rate of the rear-side special symbol image that has been clearly displayed decreases with the passage of time and the blend rate decreases, so it becomes difficult to see. The swinging cycle in which the blend ratio of the front side special symbol image that has become difficult becomes larger with time and becomes gradually clear is repeated (the cycle of T0 → T100 → T200 → T0 in FIG. 25 is repeated by S12). 26 and FIG. 27 are repeated). Thereby, the production effect with respect to a player can be improved.

  In the embodiment described above, when the image of one special symbol becomes difficult to see between two special symbols in the context due to S12, the image of the other special symbol becomes gradually clearer. An example in which the cycle of recurring is repeated has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cycle may be repeated between three or more consecutive special symbols. Here, for example, a case will be described in which the cycle is repeated between three special symbols “6” to “8”. First, if the image of the special symbol “6” is set as the front side special symbol image and the image of the special symbol “7” is set as the rear side special symbol image, the image of the special symbol “6” is seen with time. As it becomes difficult, the image of the special symbol “7” becomes gradually clearer. Then, when the image of the special symbol “6” disappears, the image of the special symbol “8” is set as the front side special symbol image, the image of the special symbol “7” becomes difficult to see, and the image of the special symbol “8” is displayed. It becomes gradually clearer. Next, when the image of the special symbol “7” disappears, the image of the special symbol “7” becomes gradually clear again, and conversely, the image of the special symbol “8” becomes difficult to see. When the image of the special symbol “8” disappears, the image of the special symbol “6” is set as the front-side special symbol image, and the image of the special symbol “7” becomes difficult to see, and before the special symbol “7”. The displayed image of the special symbol “6” becomes gradually clearer. Thereafter, the same swinging cycle is repeated between special symbols “6” to “8”. Thereby, the production effect for the player can be further improved.

  (11) As described above, since the enlargement ratio of the front side special symbol image increases or decreases in proportion to the blend ratio of the front side special symbol image according to the elapsed time, the composite image has the front side when disappearing. The special symbol image disappears so as to leave an afterimage with the passage of time, and the front side special symbol image when it becomes clear next is generated so as to become gradually clear with the passage of time (see FIG. 28). Thereby, it becomes possible to express a feeling of depth, and it is possible to improve the production effect for the player with the variable display that can visually display a novel variable display. Also, since the front side special symbol image also changes the enlargement ratio, the rear side special symbol image gradually disappears and the front side special image gradually appears compared to the case where only the blend rate is changed. And, on the contrary, the effect that the special image on the front side gradually disappears and the special image on the rear side gradually appears can be provided to the player more effectively, and the entertainment can be further improved. it can.

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

  (1) The example in which the image of the first part and the image of the second part in the above-described embodiment are generated from a sprite image or a moving image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image of the second part may be generated only from the sprite image.

  Also, the first part is the first part on the character included in the special symbol (the part represented by a stripe for convenience, see FIG. 5), and the second part is the character other than the first part. It demonstrated as a part containing the site | part of the number which shows a site | part and a design number. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire part of the character may be the first part, and the numerical part indicating the symbol number may be the second part. In this case, the image of the first part may be generated from a sprite image or a moving image, and the image of the second part may be generated only from the sprite image.

  (2) The image of the special symbol in the above-described embodiment has been described with respect to the example composed of the first part and the second part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the special symbol image is not only composed of the first part and the second part, but also composed of the first to third parts or the first to fourth parts. For example, the image may be composed of three or more parts, and an image corresponding to each part may be arranged at a display position of the corresponding part, and one special symbol image may be generated by a set of three or more images. . Conversely, the image of the special symbol is not limited to one configured by dividing the image into the first part and the second part. For example, the multiple types of special symbols may include special symbols that generate an image of one special symbol with one image. An image of one special symbol is generated from one image, for example, an image of one special symbol is formed from one image in which the sprite image S101 and the sprite image S201 shown in FIG. It means to generate.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the special symbol image during the variable display is generated based on the display control data K has been described. Further, among the special symbol images when the variable display is stopped, the special symbol images when the special symbol variable display is still being performed in the other display areas are generated based on the display control data L. An example in which the special symbol image when reach is established is generated based on the display control data M or N has been described. Further, the example in which the special symbol image that is still displayed in a variable manner when the reach is established is generated based on the display control data B when a predetermined time elapses after the reach is established. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and among the special symbol images when the variable display is stopped, the special symbol images when the special symbol variable display is still being performed in other display areas are displayed as display control data. An image of a special symbol that is generated based on K and the reach is established may be generated based on the display control data L. Also, when a predetermined time elapses after the reach is established and the so-called super reach is developed, a special symbol image that is already stopped is generated based on the display control data M or N, and the super reach is established. Alternatively, an image of a special symbol that is still displayed in a variable manner may be generated based on the display control data B. In this way, the display control data used for generating the special symbol may be switched to other display control data at any timing.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a single sprite image is displayed on the second part when a moving image is drawn on the first part has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of sprite images may be sequentially switched to the second part and displayed. For example, in FIG. 15C, the image of the second part synthesized with the moving picture M101 of the first part is only the sprite image S201, but the sprite images are S201, S202, S203, S201,. . . In this way, the images may be sequentially switched and synthesized. Conversely, an example in which a single sprite image is displayed on the first part when a moving image is drawn on the second part has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of sprite images are sequentially displayed on the first part. You may make it switch and display on these parts. For example, in FIG. 15D, the image of the first part synthesized with the moving picture M201 of the second part is only the sprite image S101, but the sprite images are S101, S102, S103, S101,. . . In this way, the images may be sequentially switched and synthesized.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 133 processes the display control data and transmits the drawing command to the VDP 136. For example, the VDP 136 stores the above-described display control data in the internal ROM or the like, and the CPU 133 Only specifies the display content, and reads the corresponding display control data from the internal ROM according to the specified display content, and the VDP 136 executes the processing in step S510 in FIG. 21 and the processing described in FIGS. You may make it do. Further, the VDP 136 may determine the timing of switching images (from a sprite image to a moving image and from a moving image to a sprite image), and the switching process may be performed.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a background image is generated by drawing a moving image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the background image may be generated by switching between the moving image and the sprite image and drawing the same as in the case of the special symbol image.

  (7) The numerical values shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the above-described example, the upper limit value of the number of reservations in the special figure reservation memory 121 is set to 4, but the upper limit value of the number of reservations is arbitrary. In addition, the order of stopping the changing symbols in the special game is arbitrary. In addition, the method for establishing the execution condition of the special figure game is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, passing of a game ball at a specific gate or winning a game ball at a specific non-variable type winning opening may be used as the execution condition of the special game.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described using a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine. Other game machines, such as a game machine, a portable game machine, and a game by a personal computer, may be used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 33, in a slot machine 1000 including a display device 1001 for displaying an image and a display device 1002 for displaying other effects, an image generated by the above-described processing on any display device. You may make it perform control which displays. In the slot machine 1000, for example, pressing of the start lever is a start condition for displaying the variation of the identification information.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, the number of sprite images specified from the image data stored in the video ROM 137 described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 and the number of moving image frames are arbitrary.

  (10) Further, the above-described embodiment can be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the slot machine. The program and data for realizing the above-described embodiment are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but a storage device that the computer device or the like has in advance. You may take the form that is distributed by pre-installing. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the above-described embodiment are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. You may take a form.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded 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. Further, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  (11) The display control board 12 that performs display control in the above-described embodiment includes the oscillation circuit 131, the reset circuit 132, the CPU 133 for display control, the control ROM 134, the RAM 135, the VDP 136, the video ROM 137, Although a configuration including the VRAM 138 and the LCD drive circuit 139 has been illustrated, the physical configuration thereof is arbitrary.

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

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

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the image of the special symbol composed of the first part and the second part is generated has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a gaming machine provided with a decorative design display device that displays a decorative design for production, an image of a decorative design made up of a first part and a second part is generated. You may do. The decorative symbol displayed in a variable manner on the decorative symbol display device is a decorative symbol that is variably displayed in a predetermined relationship with the special symbol variable display in order to enhance the decorative effect of the special symbol variable display in the variable display device 4. A design with a meaning. The predetermined relationship includes, for example, a relationship in which the decorative symbol variation display is started when the special symbol variation display is started, or the special symbol variation display is ended and the display result is displayed. This includes a relationship in which the variable display is terminated and the display result is displayed. When the display result of the variable display device 4 is a jackpot combination, control is performed so that the display result of the decorative symbol display in the decorative symbol display device is also a predetermined jackpot combination (for example, a set of three) that generates a big hit. Then, control is performed so that the consistency of both display results is maintained.

  (15) The display control unit displays the identification information image generated by the first identification information image generation unit when the variation start condition of the identification information is satisfied (when a variation start command is received). When the first condition is satisfied (when reach display mode is reached, when reach occurs), the second identification is replaced with the identification information image generated by the first identification information image generating means. The identification information image generated by the information image generation means is displayed on the display device (see FIGS. 32B and 32C).

  According to such a configuration, when the first condition is satisfied, there is a motion generated from the frame image display data and the sprite image data from the variation display by the identification information image generated from the two sprite image data. Since the display can be switched to the variable display by the identification information image, the player's interest can be improved step by step according to the progress of the variable display.

(16) A plurality of types of sprite image data used for representing the movement of the image of the second part are stored as the second sprite image data in the image data storage means (see FIG. 10).
The second identification information image generating means generates the identification information image by sequentially arranging the plurality of sprite image display data as the second sprite image display data at the display position of the second part (see FIG. 23).

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to store a large amount of moving image data in order to express the movement in the identification information image, and the data amount of the image data can be reduced.

  (17) The composite identification information image generation means is configured to perform the composition processing based on the blend ratio data and the enlargement ratio data stored in the control data storage means, and the reverse blend ratio stored in the control data storage means. The composition processing based on the data and the reverse enlargement ratio data is sequentially repeated (the cycle of T0 → T100 → T200 → T0 in FIG. 25 is repeated in S12. FIGS. 26 and 27 are repeated).

  According to such a configuration, the composite identification information image has a blend ratio of the previous identification information image that becomes smaller and less visible as time elapses, whereas the subsequent identification information image that is displayed next has an enlargement ratio. As the time increases, the blend ratio becomes larger and gradually becomes clearer. After that, since the enlargement rate of the identification information image after being clearly displayed becomes smaller with the passage of time and the blend rate becomes smaller, it becomes hard to see, whereas it becomes hard to see A swinging cycle is repeated in which the blend rate of the previously identified identification information image increases as time elapses and becomes clearer. Thereby, the production effect with respect to a player can be improved.

(18) The control data storage means is proportional to the blend ratio of the destination identification information image as control data used when the synthesis identification information image generation means synthesizes the destination identification information image and the rear identification information image. And gradually increasing the size of the destination identification information image (the E table storing data proportional to the data in the C table, the data proportional to the data in the D table) Store B table and F table)
The composite identification information image generation means is configured to generate the first identification information image and the second identification information based on the blend ratio data, the enlargement ratio data, and the first identification information enlargement ratio data stored in the control data storage means. A combining process for sequentially combining the images is performed (see FIG. 28).

  According to such a configuration, the enlargement rate of the destination identification information image increases or decreases in proportion to the blend rate of the destination identification information image according to the elapsed time. It is possible to generate a composite identification information image that disappears so as to leave an afterimage, and that the next identification information image that becomes next clear becomes gradually clear as time passes. Thereby, it becomes possible to express a feeling of depth, and it is possible to improve the production effect for the player with the variable display that can visually display a novel variable display.

(19) Final stop identification information determining means (S304, S305) for determining final stop identification information to be derived and displayed as a display result of the identification information image on the display device;
Stop identification information specifying means (S35) for specifying whether the final stop identification information image of the final stop identification information determined by the final stop identification information determining means is the rear identification information image or the previous identification information image And comprising
The control data storage means includes data (for example, blend rate C table of FIG. 25, data of T20 to T80 of D table, S25 to S29 of the first blend rate data within a predetermined specific time range). And the blend rate of the preceding identification information image is gradually lowered in accordance with the elapsed time within the specific time range, and the blend rate of the post-identification information image is set to the elapsed time within the specific time range. 3rd blend rate data (for example, the data of the blend rate C table of T20 to T80 is used for the first identification information image and the data of the blend rate D table of T20 to T80 is used as the rear identification information image. S25 to S30, S41 to S44, S48),
Of the first enlargement rate data, the data is limited to the specific time range, and the specific time range is proportional to the blend rate of the post-identification information image specified by the third blend rate data. The third enlargement factor data (for example, the data of the enlargement factor F table of T20 to T80, which is proportional to the data of the blend factor D table of T20 to T80 used for the rear identification information image) S25 to S30, S41 to S44, S48),
Of the second blend rate data, the data is limited to the specific time range, and gradually increases the blend rate of the destination identification information image according to the elapsed time within the specific time range, Fourth blend rate data (for example, data in the blend rate D table of T20 to T80 is used as the first identification information image) in which the blend rate of the rear identification information image is gradually lowered and specified in accordance with the elapsed time within the specific time range. And the data of the blend rate C table of T20 to T80 is used for the rear identification information image (S25 to S31, S51 to S58),
Of the second enlargement ratio data, the data is limited to the specific time range, and the specific time range is proportional to the blend ratio of the post-identification information image specified by the fourth blend ratio data. 4th enlargement factor data (for example, data of the enlargement factor E table of T20 to T80, which is proportional to the data of the blend rate C table of T20 to T80 used for the rear identification information image) S25 to S31, S51 to S58),
Fifth blend rate data (for example, T0 to T19, T81) that specifies the blend rate of the rear identification information image and the previous identification information image, which is data subsequent to the third blend rate data or the fourth blend rate data. ~ Blend ratio C table of T100, data of D table, S35 to S37),
Fifth enlargement ratio data (for example, enlargement ratio F of T0 to T19, T81 to T100), which is data subsequent to the third enlargement ratio data or the fourth enlargement ratio data, and specifies the enlargement ratio of the post-identification information image. Table, data such as E table, S35 to S37),
The composite identification information image generating means
Based on the third blend rate data and the third enlargement rate data, the destination identification information image in which the blend rate of the destination identification information image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the time according to the elapsed time The third identification processing (for example, blend rate C table of T20 to T80) that sequentially synthesizes the rear identification information image with the rear identification information image that is gradually enlarged and the blending rate of the rear identification information image is gradually increased. The data is used for the previous identification information image, the data of the blend rate D table of T20 to T80 and the data of the enlargement rate F table are used for the rear identification information image (see S25 to S30, S41 to S44, S48, see FIG. 26),
Based on the fourth blend rate data and the fourth enlargement rate data, the destination identification information image obtained by gradually increasing the blend rate of the destination identification information image according to the elapsed time, and the time according to the elapsed time The fourth identification processing (for example, blend rate D table of T20 to T80) that sequentially reduces the rear identification information image and sequentially combines the subsequent identification information image after gradually lowering the blend rate of the rear identification information image. The data is used for the previous identification information image, the data of the blend rate C table of T20 to T80 and the data of the enlargement rate E table are used for the rear identification information image (see S25 to S31, S51 to S58, see FIG. 27),
The display control means sequentially repeats the third α synthesis process and the fourth α synthesis process by the synthesized image generation means within a predetermined time (S10, S11, S13). The control process (the cycles of T20 → T80 and T120 (T80) → T180 (T20) in FIG. 7 are repeated by S13, S25 to S31. FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are repeated).
The composite image generation means further includes: after the second repetition control process is completed,
When the final stop identification information specified by the stop identification information specifying means is specified as the post-identification information image, the fifth blend rate data stored in the control data storage means, and the fifth Based on the enlargement rate data, and gradually increasing the previous identification information image in accordance with the elapsed time, the previous identification information image in which the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually lowered, and in accordance with the elapsed time, A fifth α synthesis process for sequentially synthesizing the post-identification information image after gradually increasing the blend ratio of the post-identification information image is performed (S14, S35, S36, S41 to S48),
When the final stop identification information specified by the stop identification information specifying means is specified as the destination identification information image, the fifth blend rate data stored in the control data storage means, and the fifth Based on the enlargement ratio data, the prior identification information image that gradually increases the blend ratio of the previous identification information image according to the elapsed time, and the subsequent identification information image is gradually reduced according to the elapsed time, A sixth α synthesizing process for sequentially synthesizing the post-identification information image with the post-identification information image after gradually lowering the blending ratio of the post-identification information image is performed (S14, S35, S37, S51 to S58).

  According to such a configuration, the composite identification information image for each elapse of time is gradually subjected to the third α synthesis process for a predetermined specific time so as to leave an afterimage from the previous identification information image to the subsequent identification information image as time elapses. Oscillation cycle in which the clarity is switched slowly, and then the 4α synthesis process is performed for a specific time, and then the clarity is gradually switched from the identification information image that is now clearly displayed to the first identification information image. The second repeat control process for repeating is performed for a predetermined time. Thereafter, from the composite image at the end of the second repetition control process, the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, the rear identification information image is gradually enlarged, and the rear identification information image is gradually expanded. The fifth alpha synthesis process for increasing the blending rate is performed to gradually increase the blending rate of the previous identification information image according to the elapsed time, gradually reducing the rear identification information image, and gradually Whether the first identification information image is obtained by performing the sixth α synthesis process for reducing the blend ratio of the information image is clearly displayed as the final stop identification information determined by the final stop identification information determination means. For this reason, it becomes an image that leaves an afterimage, and the disappearing image and the next image gradually become clearer instead of the disappearing image, so that a sense of depth can be expressed, and visually innovative image fluctuation display Can be repeated, and the identification information image determined over time can be derived and displayed, and the effect of the player can be improved.

  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 in the present embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating an example of the circuit structure in a main board | substrate and a display control board. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the microcomputer for game control. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluctuation pattern in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows the structure of each special symbol (character). It is a figure which shows the example of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure which expand | deploys the image data produced | generated by VDP to VRAM. It is a figure which shows the structural example of video ROM. It is a figure which shows the example of the image data memorize | stored in a 1st sprite memory | storage part and a 2nd sprite memory | storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating the moving image M of a special design among the moving images memorize | stored in the 1st moving image memory | storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating the moving image M of a special design among the moving images memorize | stored in the 2nd moving image memory | storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating the moving image M for opening | releases among the moving images memorize | stored in the 3rd moving image memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of moving image data. It is a figure which shows the example of the display control data used when producing | generating the image and background image of the special symbol stored in control ROM. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process example centering on the control of the special figure game by the microcomputer for game control. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of a winning process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a drawing instruction | indication process. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthetic | combination display process of the special symbol which a display control board performs, the character produced by it, and its change. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthetic | combination display process of the special symbol which a display control board performs, the character produced by it, and its change. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of a special symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthetic | combination information data for specifying the blend rate data and enlarging rate data used in order to produce | generate a synthesized image. The front side special symbol image and the table A for the front side special symbol image, and the B table and the D table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively, according to the blend rate data and enlargement factor data specified by looking up, It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the back side special symbol image. The front side special symbol image and the table D for the front side special symbol image, and the C table and the E table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively, according to the blend rate data and enlargement factor data specified by looking up, It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the back side special symbol image. According to the blend ratio data and magnification data specified by looking up the C table and the E table for the front side special symbol image and the D table and the F table for the rear side special symbol image, respectively, It is a figure for demonstrating the synthesized image which synthesize | combined the back side special symbol image. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the drawing command generation process during a fluctuation | variation. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the subroutine program of an initial composition process, a turn composition process, and a final composition process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a subroutine of a back side increase display composition process and a front side increase display composition process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of the fluctuation pattern used for a special figure game. It is a front view of a slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Pachinko machine, 2 game board, 3 gaming machine frame, 4 variable display device, 6 ordinary variable winning ball device, 7 special variable winning ball device, 8L, 8R speaker, 9 lamp.

Claims (7)

A display device for displaying an image, and a display result of an identification information image derived and displayed after variably displaying identification information images representing a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified on the display device is specified in advance A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result is obtained,
Image data storage means for storing image data serving as a basis of image display data used when displaying an image on the display device;
Image display data storage means for storing image display data to be displayed on the display device;
Control data storage means for storing control data for controlling an image displayed on the display device;
Based on the control data stored in the control data storage means, the image data stored in the image data storage means is read out, and the read image data is developed in the image display data storage means to the display device. Display control means for generating image display data for displaying the image and displaying the image on the display device based on the generated image display data;
The image data storage means, as the image data,
Sprite image data of a sprite image representing the identification information;
Used for games other than the identification information configured to display a continuous moving image when the first frame image is displayed after displaying the first frame image to the last frame image of the moving image composed of a plurality of frame images. The effect moving image data of the effect moving image is stored,
The display control means includes
The identification information image is generated by arranging sprite image display data generated by reading the sprite image data from the image data storage means and expanding the read sprite image data in the image display data storage means. Identification information image generating means for
The variable display order when the generated identification information image is variably displayed on the display device is predetermined, and the post-identification information is displayed after the previous identification information image and the previous identification information image. A combined identification information image generating means for generating a combined identification information image obtained by combining the images;
Arranging frame image display data generated by reading the effect moving image data from the image data storage means and developing the plurality of frame images in the image display data storage means from the read effect moving image data And an effect moving image generating means for generating the effect moving image,
The effect moving image generating means sequentially arranges the plurality of frame image display data developed from the effect moving image data read from the image data storage means from the first frame image display data to the last frame image display data. Including a frame effect moving image arrangement means for performing processing,
The frame effect moving image arranging means repeatedly performs the effect moving image arranging process,
The control data storage means
As the control data used when the combined identification information image generating unit combines the preceding identification information image and the subsequent identification information image, the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually lowered according to the elapsed time, and the Blend rate data that specifies the blend rate of the post-identification information image gradually increasing according to the elapsed time,
Storing enlargement rate data for gradually increasing the size of the post-identification information image in proportion to the blend rate of the post-identification information image;
The composite identification information image generation unit sequentially combines the pre-identification information image and the post-identification information image based on the blend rate data and the enlargement rate data stored in the control data storage unit. A gaming machine characterized by performing The control data storage means
As the control data used when the combined identification information image generating unit combines the previous identification information image and the subsequent identification information image, the blend rate of the previous identification information image is gradually increased according to the elapsed time, and the Reverse blend rate data that specifies the blend rate of the post-identification information image gradually lowering according to the elapsed time,
Storing the reverse enlargement rate data for gradually reducing the size of the post-identification information image in proportion to the blending rate of the post-identification information image;
The composite identification information image generation unit sequentially combines the front identification information image and the post-identification information image based on the reverse blend rate data and the reverse enlargement rate data stored in the control data storage unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein synthesis processing is performed.   The composite identification information image generation means includes the combination processing based on the blend ratio data and the enlargement ratio data stored in the control data storage means, the reverse blend ratio data stored in the control data storage means, and the The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the composition processing based on the reverse enlargement ratio data is sequentially repeated. The control data storage means gradually increases in proportion to the blend ratio of the front identification information image as control data used when the composite identification information image generation means combines the front identification information image and the rear identification information image. Pre-identification information expansion rate data for enlarging the size of the pre-identification information image,
The composite identification information image generation means is configured to generate the first identification information image and the second identification information based on the blend ratio data, the enlargement ratio data, and the first identification information enlargement ratio data stored in the control data storage means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a composition process for sequentially compositing images is performed. A variable winning ball apparatus that changes between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state disadvantageous to the player;
Further comprising variable winning ball apparatus control means for repeatedly controlling the variable winning ball apparatus in the first state and the second state on condition that the specific gaming state is controlled;
The frame effect moving image arrangement means repeats the effect moving image arrangement process when the variable winning ball apparatus control means controls the variable winning ball apparatus to the first state, and the variable winning ball arrangement means 5. The effect moving image arrangement process is ended when the apparatus control means controls the variable winning ball apparatus from the first state to the second state. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.   The frame effect moving image arrangement means is in a state not controlled to the specific gaming state, and after the display result of the identification information image is derived and displayed by the display control means, the next variation display of the identification information image is performed. 2. The effect moving image arrangement process is repeated when a predetermined period elapses, and the effect moving image arrangement process is terminated when the next variable display is performed. A gaming machine according to claim 5.   The effect moving image generating means reads the effect moving image data from the image data storage means when the identification information image is displayed in a variable manner or derived on the display device, and the plurality of effect moving image data are read from the read effect moving image data. A background image having a display priority lower than that of the identification information image is generated by arranging frame image display data generated by expanding a frame image in the image display data storage unit. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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