JP2007312974A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine suitable for displaying a high-quality presentation image while synchronizing with the game state. <P>SOLUTION: A main control device executes a lottery for determining whether a bonus state should be generated or not with the entrance into a start winning hole as the initiator, varies symbols in a prescribed variation pattern, and generates the bonus state after stopping symbols as a jackpot symbol combination when it determines that the bonus state should be generated. A symbol control device displays a variation pattern during a basic variation period and a ready-to-win variation period, and displays a development presentation image consisting of a still image based on image data in a CGROM during a development presentation period. At the same time, the symbol control device reads moving image composing data on a super ready-to-win presentation moving image from the CGROM into a RAM, develops the read data, and displays the super ready-to-win presentation moving image based on the data, etc. developed in the RAM during the super ready-to-win variation period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays symbols variably on a symbol display device and causes a special prize state after the symbols are stopped in a predetermined manner, and in particular, displays a high-quality effect image in synchronization with the gaming state. This invention relates to a gaming machine suitable for the above.

  As a conventional pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening, a symbol display device starts to display a variation of the symbol, and a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not to cause a special prize state (bonus) If it is determined that the special prize state is to be generated in the jackpot lottery, the symbols are stopped in a specific combination after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the special prize state is generated after the symbols are stopped. When the special prize state occurs, the opening / closing of the grand prize opening is controlled with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls are paid out for each prize winning to the big prize opening. As a design variation effect, there is also a pachinko machine that displays a moving image of a character or the like while changing the design in any of a plurality of variation patterns.

Conventionally, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known as a pachinko machine that displays a moving image of a character or the like and produces an effect.
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a character display operation is configured by a set of divided display operations divided into a plurality, and a divided display operation corresponding to a display process value is selected and displayed from among the plurality of divided display operations. When the process value is updated, the divided display operation corresponding to the new updated value is selected and sequentially displayed.
JP 2000-24215 A

In pachinko machines, various ideas have been devised in order to improve game playability. Among them, the design variation effect is one of the most exciting effects of the game, so it has been attempted to display a high quality performance image pursuing reality by displaying a 3D moving image.
However, when an effect image with a large processing load such as a 3D moving image is used, it takes time to read the image data of the effect image. On pachinko machines, it is necessary to produce an effect in synchronization with the gaming state, so there is a point in time when the production should start according to the progress of the game, and if the loading of image data has not been completed by the start of the production Don't be. Therefore, image data having a large data capacity that cannot be read by the start of production cannot be used, and there is a certain limit to improving game playability.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the divided display operation corresponding to the display process value is selected and displayed from among the plurality of divided display operations, the divided display to be displayed next is performed between the switching of the divided display operations. The reading of motion image data must be completed. Therefore, as described above, there is a certain limit to improving game playability.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and a gaming machine suitable for displaying a high-quality effect image while synchronizing with the gaming state. It is intended to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a special prize state is to be triggered by a winning at a start winning opening, and a symbol display means. A game machine that includes a symbol variation means for variably displaying symbols, and that causes the special prize state to be generated after the symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner when the lottery means determines to cause the special prize state to occur. First effect image data for configuring the first effect image, second effect image data for configuring the second effect image, and a low-load effect image having a processing load smaller than that of the second effect image are configured. The effect image data storage means for storing the low-load effect image data for the first and the effect image data storage means of the effect image data storage means during the first segment variation period among the segment variation periods into which the symbol variation period is divided into a plurality of periods. 1 First effect image display means for displaying the first effect image on the symbol display means on the basis of the output image data, and a second segment variation that is a period subsequent to the first segment variation period among the segment variation periods. During the period, the low load effect image display means for displaying the low load effect image on the symbol display means based on the low load effect image data of the effect image data storage means, and during the second category variation period, A second effect image data reading means for reading the second effect image data from the effect image data storage means, and a third segment variation period that is a period following the second segment variation period among the segment variation periods; Second effect image display means for displaying the second effect image on the symbol display means based on the second effect image data read by the second effect image data reading means.

In such a configuration, when there is a winning at the start winning opening, a lottery means whether or not to cause a special prize state is performed by the lottery means, and the symbol changing means by the symbol display means. Is displayed fluctuating. If it is determined that the special prize state is to be generated as a result of the lottery, the symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner, and then the special prize state is generated.
During the change of the design, first, the first effect image display means displays the first effect image based on the first effect image data in the effect image data storage means during the first segment change period.

  Next, the low-load effect image display means displays the low-load effect image based on the low-load effect image data in the effect image data storage means during the second segment variation period. In parallel with this, the second effect image data reading means reads the second effect image data from the effect image data storage means during the second segment variation period. Since the low-load effect image has a processing load smaller than that of the second effect image, a part of the processing capability can be assigned to the reading of the second effect image data during the second segment variation period. Therefore, these can be performed in parallel.

Then, the second effect image display means displays the second effect image based on the read second effect image data during the third segment variation period.
Here, the second segment variation period is a period subsequent to the first segment variation period, and refers to a period immediately after or after the first segment variation period. The same applies to the relationship between the third segment variation period and the second segment variation period.

The start winning opening refers to a hole or gate provided on the game board surface for winning or passing a game ball, for example, a winning opening or an operating gate. Accordingly, winning includes not only winning but also passing.
The special prize state is an advantageous state in which a predetermined game value can be given to the player, and includes, for example, an opening operation of a special prize opening.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to claim 2 according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second effect image data reading means is configured to store the second effect image data during the first segment variation period. A part is read, and the remainder of the second effect image data is read during the second segment variation period.
If it is such a structure, a part of 2nd effect image data will be read by the 2nd effect image data reading means in the 1st division | segmentation fluctuation period. Then, the remainder of the second effect image data is read during the second segment variation period.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine according to claim 3 according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a power supply from a power source for driving the gaming machine. Regardless of the storage means capable of storing data, the return information necessary for returning the gaming state is stored in the storage means, and when the power is turned on, the gaming state is restored to the state before power-off based on the return information of the storage means. When the power-off recovery means to be restored and when the power-on state is determined based on the return information of the storage means to be in the state of the symbol change before the power-off, regardless of the classification fluctuation period before the power-off And a power-off / return notification image display means for displaying a power-off / recovery notification image having a processing load smaller than that of the second effect image on the symbol display means.

With such a configuration, the return information is stored in the storage means by the power-off recovery means. When the power is turned on, the gaming state is restored to the state before the power is turned off based on the return information in the storage means.
In addition, when it is determined at the time of power-on that the state before power-off is based on the return information of the storage means, the power-off / recovery notification image display means determines the state before the power-off regardless of the category change period. A power-off recovery notification image with a smaller processing load than the second effect image is displayed. For example, even if the power interruption occurs during the third segment variation period, the second effect image is not displayed and the power interruption return notification image is displayed.
Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to claim 4 according to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to claim 3, the power-off recovery notification image is an image showing an aspect of the stop symbol.
If it is such a structure, the power-off reset notification image display means will display the power-off reset notification image which shows the mode of a stop symbol.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine according to claim 5 according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main control unit that controls the gaming state and the variation display of the symbol are controlled. A symbol control unit, and the main control unit includes the lottery unit, the symbol variation unit, and a control command transmission unit that transmits a control command indicating the variation pattern of the symbol to the symbol control unit, The design control unit includes the effect image data storage means, the first effect image display means, the low-load effect image display means, the second effect image data reading means, the second effect image display means, Control command receiving means for receiving the control command, and the first effect image display means starts operation at a timing when the control command is received by the control command receiving means.

With such a configuration, when there is a winning at the start winning opening, in the main control unit, with this as a trigger, a lottery to determine whether or not to cause a special prize state is performed, and by the symbol changing means, The symbols are variably displayed by the symbol display means. Further, a control command indicating a symbol variation pattern is transmitted to the symbol control unit by the control command transmitting means.
In the symbol control unit, when the control command is received by the control command receiving means, the operation of the first effect image display means is started at the reception timing. Thereafter, low-load effect image display means, second effect image data reading means, and second effect image display means are executed.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to claim 6 according to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the low-load effect image is a still image, and the second effect image is It is an effect image including a moving image in which a 3D polygon image is constructed and operated in real time by calculation.
With such a configuration, a still image is displayed by the low-load effect image display means, and a second effect image including a 3D moving image is displayed by the second effect image display means.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, during the second segment variation period preceding the period of the effect by the second effect image, in parallel with the effect by the low-load effect image. Since the second effect image data is read, the second effect image can be displayed without deviation from the game progress timing even if the second effect image data has a relatively large data capacity. Therefore, as compared with the prior art, an effect that a high-quality effect image can be displayed in synchronization with the gaming state can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention, since the second effect image data is read in parallel not only during the second segment variation period but also during the first segment variation period, Even if data having a larger data capacity is used as the second effect image data, the second effect image can be displayed without deviating from the progress timing of the game. Therefore, it is possible to display an effect image with higher quality while synchronizing with the gaming state.

Furthermore, according to the gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, when the power is not turned off, the second effect image with a large processing load is displayed. Regardless, since the power-off recovery notification image having a smaller processing load than the second effect image is displayed, it is possible to display a high-quality effect image and to quickly recover from the power-off. can get.
Furthermore, according to the gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present invention, even if the power interruption occurs during the fluctuation of the symbol, the stop symbol form as a result of the fluctuation is displayed. The effect that the previous fluctuation result can be immediately grasped and the game can be smoothly restored is obtained.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 thru | or 19 is a figure which shows embodiment of the game machine based on this invention.
In the present embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine in which a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 104, as shown in FIG.
First, the configuration of the game board surface 102 in the pachinko machine will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a front portion of a game board surface 102 in a pachinko machine, particularly a portion necessary for explanation.
In FIG. 1, an effect symbol display device 104 is provided at approximately the center of the game board surface 102 to display the effect symbols in three regions while independently varying the effect symbols. The effect symbol display device 104 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by rotation of a motor, and the like. An effect design made up of symbols and the like is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 104 is a variable display device capable of displaying an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image, and various effect symbols can be displayed on the effect symbol display device 104.

A special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116 is provided above the effect symbol display device 104. The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116 holds the information of each game ball won in the start winning slot 111 or the ordinary electric accessory 112 during the change of the special symbol or the like for each game ball in the RAM of the main controller. Lights in conjunction with storing in the area, and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be continuously changed.
Above the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116, a winning prize opening 121 is provided for allowing a game ball to be always awarded.

A left shoulder winning port 122 and a right shoulder winning port 123 are provided on the left and right sides of the effect symbol display device 104 so that game balls can always be won, respectively, and the game balls are below the winning ports 122 and 123, respectively. Left sleeve winning opening 124 and right sleeve winning opening 125 are provided.
Below the effect symbol display device 104 is provided a start winning opening 111 that allows a game ball to be always won. When the game ball wins, the start winning port 111 detects the winning of the game ball based on a detection signal of a start winning port switch 131 (not shown) inside the pachinko machine, and the effect symbol display device 104 and the special symbol display device 106 change. Give an opportunity to start displaying. The variation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is stopped after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a lottery result notification and effect are performed.

  On the right side of the start winning opening 111, a special symbol display device 106 is provided that displays the special symbols in two regions while independently varying them. The special symbol display device 106 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, and the like, and variably displays a special symbol composed of a plurality of numbers, symbols, and the like. In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 106 is a two-digit 7-segment LED. Here, a gaming state in which the stop symbols of the special symbol display device 106 are generated in a specific combination is referred to as a “special prize state” (big hit or small hit), and the “special prize” means that a lot of gaming states are given to the player. The point which transfers to the advantageous state which gives predetermined | prescribed game value, such as paying out a prize ball. Further, the special symbol corresponds to the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 104.

On the right side of the special symbol display device 106, there is provided a gaming state display device 109 for notifying the state of the pachinko machine such as during big hit or small hit (during special prize state) or during symbol variation time shortening control (so-called short time). Yes. The gaming state display device 109 is a display device made up of LEDs, for example, and notifies the gaming state by lighting or flashing.
A normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117 is provided below the start winning opening 111. The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117 stores the information of each game ball that has passed through the operation gates 113 and 114 during the variation of the normal symbol in a holding area for each game ball in the RAM of the main controller. It lights in conjunction and notifies the number of times that the normal symbol can be changed continuously.

Below the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117, a normal symbol display device 108 is provided for displaying the normal symbol consisting of a one-digit number from “0” to “9” while varying it. The normal symbol display device 108 is, for example, a 7 segment LED.
Actuating gates 113 and 114 are provided on both the left and right sides of the normal symbol display device 108 so that the game ball can always pass therethrough. When the game ball passes, the operation gates 113 and 114 detect the passage of the game ball by the detection signal of the internal operation gate switch, and give an opportunity to start the variable display of the normal symbol display device 108.

  Below the normal symbol display device 108, when the symbols displayed in the three areas of the production symbol display device 104 become a big hit symbol under normal conditions, the game is opened in a predetermined pattern. A grand prize opening 115 is provided to allow a ball to be awarded. When the special symbol display device 106 has a specific combination of stop symbols (that is, when it becomes a special prize), the special prize opening 115 is opened / closed on the entire surface of the special prize opening 115 in the subsequent special prize state. The member performs opening and closing operations. During the occurrence of the special prize state, the opening / closing member opens almost horizontally and accepts a large number of game balls. When a game ball wins, the big prize opening 115 counts the number of game balls won by a detection signal of a big prize opening switch 132 (not shown) inside the pachinko machine, and pays out the prize ball when winning. The opening of the special winning opening 115 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, ten predetermined winning prize winning numbers, for example) are won. One opening of the big prize opening 115 is called a round. The round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues until the maximum round.

Each of the left and right sides of the grand prize winning hole 115 is provided with a left falling prize winning hole 126 and a right falling prize winning hole 127 that allow a game ball to be always awarded. When the number displayed on the normal symbol display device 108 is in a specific state in a state, a normal electric accessory 112 is provided that allows the game ball to be opened in a predetermined pattern. When the game ball wins, the ordinary electric accessory 112 detects the game ball winning by the detection signal of the winning port switch inside the pachinko machine, and gives an opportunity to start the variable display of the special symbol display device 106.
An out port 110 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the above winning ports or the like is provided below the ordinary electric accessory 112 and below the game board surface 102.

  Hereinafter, a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery becomes a specified value after the end of the jackpot is referred to as a `` low probability state '', and a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is higher than the low probability state after the jackpot ends is `` It is called “probability fluctuation state”. In addition, the function of shortening the variation time of the special symbol and the production symbol, and the probability that the lottery of the normal symbol that is drawn as the operation gates 113 and 114 pass are higher than the normal lottery probability (for example, 10 times higher). ) And the game state in which two functions (hereinafter referred to as “short-time function”) of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 112 in comparison with the normal opening time (which increases the opening time) are activated. A game state in which the time-shortening function is not activated is called a “time-short operation state”.

Next, the configuration of the game control device 200 in the pachinko machine will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game control device 200.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 200 is mainly composed of a main control device 210 (main control unit), an effect control device 150 (effect control unit), and a symbol control device 152 (effect design display control unit). Consists of two control units. In order to prevent fraud, etc., each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board and can be directly or indirectly connected to transmit data to each other or in one direction.

The main controller 210 transmits a control command and controls the entire game in accordance with a random number generated internally based on detection of a game ball by winning at the start winning opening 111, and also displays a special symbol display device 106. Control directly.
The effect control device 150 transmits a control command (third control command) for controlling the symbol control device 152 in accordance with a control command (first control command) transmitted from the main control device 210.
The symbol control device 152 controls the effect symbol display device 104 in accordance with a control command (third control command) transmitted from the effect control device 150.
The main controller 210 includes a CPU 220, a ROM 230, a RAM 240, an input port 250 and an output port 255.

  The output port 255 includes a special symbol display output port for outputting to the special symbol display device 106, a normal symbol display output port for outputting to the normal symbol display device 108, and a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116. Special symbol operation memory indicator light port for performing output, normal symbol operation memory indicator light port for performing output to the normal symbol operation memory indicator light 117, and command output for the effect control device performing output to the effect control device 150 A prize ball payout that outputs to a prize ball payout control device 156 that performs payout control of a prize ball to a prize ball payout device and a port (sends a first control command such as a symbol designation command or a variation pattern command). A command output port, a large winning opening solenoid output port for outputting to the large winning opening solenoid 158 that opens and closes the large winning opening 115, and the game state display device 109. A gaming state display output port for output, consisting of the external information output ports 256 Metropolitan for outputting to an external hall computer. The design designation command (first control command) is a control command for designating a combination of stop symbols of the production design, and the variation pattern command (first control command) is displayed on the production design display device 104. This is a control command for designating the mode of screen change such as reach, off, special prize, etc. and the production time.

Although not shown, the external information output port 256 includes at least a first signal generation unit that is a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit that is a second signal generation unit.
The first signal generator generates a signal that is output during the state so that a state such as the jackpot information signal can be identified. The output time varies depending on the state and the like. When the jackpot (probability variation jackpot) that causes the probability variation state to occur without notifying that the probability variation state occurs is determined, the first signal generation unit can identify the jackpot that can be identified as the probability variation jackpot Since no signal is output (a jackpot signal output prohibition setting), the probability variation state can be set to the non-notification state. Specifically, control is performed (notification prohibition means) so that a jackpot signal indicating that the jackpot is being output is output, but a probability changing signal indicating that the probability change occurring after the jackpot ends is not output. .

For example, the second signal generation unit detects a change in a state such as a symbol determination number information signal and generates a signal. Further, since the output time informs the detection, it is output for a preset period (specifically, for every 248 [ms] every detection, and at the same interval so that the output signals do not continue. Output).
The main controller 210 receives detection signals from the start winning port switch 131, the big winning port switch 132, and other various winning port switches 133 via the input port 250 and processes them.

  The main controller 210 is connected to the special symbol display device 106, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116, the normal symbol display device 108, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117, the big prize opening solenoid 158, and the external information output via the output port 255. And the game state display device 109 are controlled. Here, “control” means, for example, that the main control device 210 sends a control signal related to display driving directly from the output port 255 to the special symbol display device 106 (static output or dynamic output). This is a process of changing a special symbol, and includes, for example, direct transmission of a signal (command) from the CPU 220 without judgment by another CPU, or control without time delay (time lag) due to interruption or the like.

The main control device 210 transmits an effect control command (a first control command such as a symbol designation command or a variation pattern command) to the effect control device 150 to control the effect control device 150 by command transmission.
The ROM 230 stores a program for controlling the pachinko machine executed by the main controller 210. The ROM 230 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the pachinko machine including a symbol designation command for controlling the effect control device 150 and a variation pattern command.

The RAM 240 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control device 210, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to games, and a holding memory for storing information on each holding ball. .
In the RAM 240, the control command scheduled to be output is stored in a predetermined area. When the power is turned off, the contents of the RAM 240 are restored to the state before the power is turned off, and the control command scheduled to be output from the RAM 240 is output. The game state is restored to the state before the power was turned off.

  The main controller 210 is connected to a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power. When the power supply circuit 212 detects that the voltage of the power supply line supplied to the entire main controller 210 (that is, each IC or the like provided in the main controller 210) is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value, A power-off detection signal indicating that the power has been cut off is output to the CPU 220. When power-off is detected, the power supply line supplied to the entire main controller 210 is switched to a power supply line (power supply line connected to the backup power supply) directly connected to the CPU 220 when the power supply is cut off (restore information storage means) . A capacitor provided in the power supply circuit 212 may be used as the backup power supply.

Thereby, since power is supplied to the RAM 240 from the power supply line directly connected to the CPU 220, information can be held. In place of the RAM 240 and the backup power supply, a rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as a flash ROM can be used.
The power supply circuit 212 is for supplying a power supply voltage to the main control device 210, the effect control device 150, the symbol control device 152, and the like. The power supply circuit 212 includes a power switch (non-power switch) for driving the power supply circuit 212. The RAM clear switch (not shown) for clearing the RAM data of the main controller 210, that is, initializing the RAM 240, is connected. In addition, when connected to the main control device 210, the production control device 150, the symbol control device 152, etc., and the power switch is turned on, a predetermined power supply voltage is supplied to each device, indicating the operation state of the RAM clear switch. A RAM clear signal is transmitted from the power supply circuit 212 to the main controller 210.

  When the power of the pachinko machine is turned off, that is, when the power switch is turned off, the power supply voltage for the RAM 240 is supplied from the power supply circuit 212 to the main controller 210 in order to retain the data stored in the RAM 240. Is supplied. The power supply circuit 212 includes a power supply unit that supplies power supply voltage to the main control device 210, the effect control device 150, the symbol control device 152, and the like. A backup power supply unit for supplying power supply voltage is provided. That is, in the normal time, the effect control device 150 and the symbol control device 152 that are supplied with the power supply voltage do not have a backup power supply, so when the power is turned off, the supply of the power supply voltage is switched to the RAM 240 of the main control device 210. Power supply voltage supply is stopped. For this reason, stored calculation results and read information are lost.

  When the RAM clear switch is turned on when the power is turned on, the operation signal is transmitted from the power circuit 212 to the main controller 210, detected by the CPU 220, and the data stored in the RAM 240 is cleared and initialized. However, the RAM data can be cleared only when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on and the pachinko machine is operating normally, for example, the player operates the launch handle. When a game is being played, the operation of the RAM clear switch is not accepted.

The effect control device 150 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, and an output port, like the main control device 210. A control command (first control command such as a symbol designating command) transmitted from the main control device 210 is received, a liquid crystal display control command (third control command) is generated according to the control command, and the symbol control device 152 Send to.
The effect control device 150 further includes a sequencer 160 that has at least two channels and outputs a synthesized sound of each channel from the speaker 155, an audio control unit 162 that performs audio control for outputting audio from the speaker 155 by the sequencer 160, A lamp control unit 164 that performs lamp control to turn on the lamp 153. The voice control unit 162 and the lamp control unit 164 are controlled by command communication using internal commands in the effect control device 150. However, it can also be realized by direct control regardless of command communication.

In this way, the effect control device 150 is useful for reducing the processing load of the main control device 210 by specially performing control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, and sound effect generation.
The symbol control device 152 receives the liquid crystal display control command (third control command) transmitted from the effect control device 150, and fluctuates / stops the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 104 according to the liquid crystal display control command, or It has a function of receiving a notice designation command selected and transmitted by the effect control device 150 and displaying the notice.

Next, the mode of the stop symbol of the special symbol and the effect symbol will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an aspect of a special symbol stop symbol.
In the pachinko machine, as shown in FIG. 3, the types of jackpots or jackpots are “short-time jackpot”, “probable one big jackpot (first probability fluctuation state)”, “probability two big jackpots (second probability fluctuation state) ) ”,“ Probability 3 big hits (third probability fluctuation state) ”and“ Small wins ”are defined. Each type is identified by hit type numbers “0” to “4”.

  When the time and bonus is hit, the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to stop the time symbol, and the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol with the time symbol. For example, in the effect symbol display device 104, the time-short symbol is a combination of even numbers such as “222”, “444”, and “666”. Further, the maximum number of times the big winning opening 115 is opened at the time of the big hit, that is, the maximum number of continuations of the round is fifteen times.

  When the probable variation 1 big hit is reached, the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to stop the probable variation 1 symbol, and the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol with the probable variation 1 symbol. For example, in the effect symbol display device 104, the probability variation 1 symbol is a combination of odd numbers such as “111”, “333”, and “555”. Further, the maximum number of continuations of the round is 15 times, and it is notified that the probability variation state is reached at the time of jackpot, and the control is performed so that the short-time operation state is established after the jackpot and the probability state becomes the probability variation state.

  When the probable variation 2 big hit is reached, the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to stop the probable variation 1 symbol, and the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol with the probable variation 2 symbol. Further, the maximum number of continuations of the round is two times, and it is controlled not to notify that the probability variation state is in the case of jackpot, but to be in the short-time operation state after the jackpot and to be in the probability variation state.

  When the probability variation 3 big hit, the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to stop the probability variation 1 symbol and the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol with the probability variation 3 symbol. In addition, when the maximum number of continuations of the round is 2, the probability variation state is not notified at the time of the big hit, and the short-time non-actuated state at the time of the big hit (at the time when the symbol fluctuation pattern for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is started) Is controlled in such a way that the short-time non-actuated state and the probability state become the probability fluctuation state after the jackpot, and when the jackpot is in the short-time operating state at the time of the big hit (when the symbol variation pattern for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is started) Then, after the big hit, control is performed so that the short-time operation state is continued (short-time continuous control) and the probability state becomes a probability fluctuation state.

  Probability 2 jackpots and Probability 3 jackpots are similar to other jackpot closing times between rounds, but the round period (opening time) is shorter than the regular jackpot. Since the maximum number of continuations of the game is only two, the player can be given a surprise as if the player suddenly shifted to the probability variation state without making a big hit. In addition, it is easy for game shops to make a balance between the probability of winning and operation. In addition, the opening time of the winning prize opening 115 is about several ms, which is extremely shorter than the time-saving hit and the probability variation 1 hit.

  When the small hit is reached, the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to stop the small hit symbol and the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol at the small hit symbol. The probabilistic 3 symbol and the small winning symbol are composed of a combination of one or a plurality of specific symbols in the effect symbol display device 104, and cannot be distinguished from each other. Further, the maximum number of continuations of the round is one, and control is performed so that the operation / non-operation of the short-time function and the probability state do not change after the small hit. In addition, by making the opening time and the number of times of the winning prize opening 115 in the probability variation 2 big hit, probability variation 3 big winning and small winning the same, and also controlling the production to the same content, it is difficult to distinguish the big winning and the small winning It is also possible to create new game effects.

Next, the structure and content of the control command output from main controller 210 to effect controller 150 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the control command.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control command is an identifier for identifying the classification of the control command, a mode (MODE) that is 1-byte digital data, and 1 byte indicating the content (function) of the control command to be executed. It consists of an event (EVENT) which is long digital data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the input / output timing of the control command.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main controller 210 outputs mode (MODE) data triggered by the first rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself when the command changes, and then the strobe signal (DUSTB). Event (EVENT) data is output in response to the second rising edge. Correspondingly, in the effect control device 150, the CPU generates an interrupt according to the input of the strobe signal (DUSTB), and the control command is stored in the RAM of the effect control device 150 by the interrupt process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the control command output from the main control device 210 to the effect control device 150.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control command includes a symbol designating command for designating any one of an off-stage design symbol, a short time symbol, a probability variation 1 symbol, a probability variation 2 symbol, a probability variation 3 symbol, and a small hit symbol. The symbol designation command is output at the start of special symbol variation. Then, as a result of determination based on a random number used in the jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as a hit-decision random number) for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot, in the case of a loss, designation of a loss effect design is determined, and in the case of a jackpot, Any one of time-short symbol designation, probability variation 1 symbol designation, probability variation 2 symbol designation, and probability variation 3 symbol designation is determined.

  The control command further includes a variation pattern command for designating one of n (n = 1 to 104) types of variation patterns. The variation pattern corresponds to the gaming state. For example, the variation pattern 5 corresponds to a gaming state that is lost after displaying the normal reach. When such a gaming state is determined by the main controller 210, a variation pattern command for designating the variation pattern 5 is Is output. The variation pattern command is output when the variation of the special symbol is started together with the symbol designation command.

The control command further includes a symbol stop command for designating the stop of the effect symbol. The symbol stop command is output when the effect symbol is stopped.
The control command further includes a power-off / return designation command for designating power-off / reset, a model designation command for designating a model identification code, and a game state designation command for designating a gaming state at the time of power-off. And a special symbol operation memory designation command for designating the number of reserved memories. Note that the machine type identification code is required when there are multiple pachinko machines that differ only in game specifications (hit probability, number of winning balls, etc.) in a pachinko machine that performs the same presentation, and there is only one type of game specification. In this case, the model identification code can be deleted.
6 is also transmitted to the symbol control device 152 via the effect control device 150.

Next, the data structure of the ROM 230 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the variation pattern determination table 440.
As shown in FIG. 7, the ROM 230 stores a variation pattern determination table 440 used to determine a variation pattern.
The variation pattern determination table 440 is provided corresponding to each of the big hit, the small hit, and the deviation. For the variation pattern determination table 440 corresponding to the big hit and the small win, the current gaming state (short-time operating state or short-time non-operating state), the big hit or the small hit type, the number of winning game balls (the number of reserved game balls) A plurality of "0" to "3" and a random number used for reach lottery (hereinafter referred to as reach determination random number) are provided. A plurality of variation pattern determination tables 440 corresponding to the loss are provided corresponding to the current gaming state, the number of winning game balls and the reach determination random number.

  For example, 211 records are registered in the variation pattern determination table 440. Each record includes a field for registering a variation pattern number indicating a variation pattern. A random number that can take any value in the numerical value range of “0” to “210” (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern determination random number) is acquired, and the variation pattern number is read from the record of the rank of the acquired random value and read. The variation pattern specified by the variation pattern number is determined. For example, when the random value is “30”, the fluctuation pattern number is acquired from the 30th record. In the example of FIG. 7, since “18” is read from the variation pattern determination table 440, the variation pattern 18 is determined.

Next, game control processing executed by the main controller 210 will be described.
The CPU 220 is composed of a microprocessing unit or the like, operates based on a game control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [ms]), and is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 230. Is started, and the game control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed.

First, the game control process will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the game control process.
When the game control process is executed by the CPU 220, the process first proceeds to step S100 as shown in FIG.
In step S100, an initialization process of the CPU 220 is executed, the process proceeds to step S102, and an interrupt permission instruction for executing the interrupt process of FIG. Accordingly, the interrupt process of FIG. 9 is executed in parallel with the game control process at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 [ms]).

Next, the process proceeds to step S104, and a random number update process for updating production control random numbers (eg, reach determination random number, variation pattern determination random number, random number for determining the type of symbol to be displayed, notice effect random number) related to the production. And the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S106, it is determined whether or not the interrupt process of FIG. 9 has been executed a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) since the game control process was executed, and when it is determined that the interrupt process has been executed a predetermined number of times (Yes ) Shifts to step S108, executes jackpot determination processing for determining a jackpot determination and determining a symbol variation pattern, and shifts to step S110.

The process proceeds to step S110, and an electric accessory control process for opening the special winning opening 115 in a predetermined pattern is executed, and the process proceeds to step S112 to control the prize ball payout control device 156 to perform a payout operation. A prize-ball payout management process for storing the command in a predetermined area of the RAM 240 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S114.
In step S114, an external information output process for outputting an external information signal related to game control to the hall computer via the external information output port 256 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, a gaming machine inspection signal output process for outputting a gaming machine inspection signal necessary for the inspection of the pachinko machine is executed. In step S116, a gaming machine inspection signal is output, but when installed in a gaming store, the pachinko machine does not include a control unit that receives the gaming machine inspection signal. This is because it is a signal required at the time of inspection in an inspection organization. In some cases, the process of step S116 can be omitted.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S118, and a port output process for outputting the control command stored in the RAM 240 to the effect control device 150 via the effect control device command output port is executed. First, a strobe signal is output to the effect control device 150, and a control command including a mode and an event is output. As a result, a control command (first control command) is output to the effect control device 150. Further, the control information from the main control device 210 is also output as it is to the special symbol display device 106, the special prize opening solenoid 158, the game state display device 109, and the like.

Next, the process proceeds to step S120, where it is determined whether or not a power-off detection signal is input from the power supply circuit 212. When it is determined that the power-off detection signal is input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S122.
In step S122, return information necessary for restoring the contents of the RAM 240 is generated, the generated return information is stored in the RAM 240, and backup processing for switching the CPU 220 to the power saving mode is executed. The backup process includes a process for setting a backup flag and a process for performing a checksum.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S120 that the power-off detection signal is not input (No), and in step S106, it is determined that the interrupt process has not been executed a predetermined number of times after the game control process has been executed (No). In any case, the process proceeds to step S104.

Next, interrupt processing will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the interrupt process.
When the interrupt process is executed by the CPU 220, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the process proceeds to step S150.
In step S150, a random number update process for updating a random number for controlling a ball that is directly related to the determination of the ball or the like (for example, a hit determination random number, a big hit type determination random number, or a stop symbol determination random number) is executed. Further, the effect control random number updated in step S104 is also updated.
Next, the process proceeds to step S152, where a winning switch input process for inputting a detection signal from the start winning opening switch 131 and checking a winning is executed, and a series of processes are terminated and the original process is restored.

Next, the random number update process in step S150 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the random number update process.
When the random number update process is executed in the CPU 220, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the process proceeds to step S172.
In step S172, the winning determination random number is updated, and the process proceeds to step S174, where it is determined whether the winning determination random number has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 398), and it is determined that the predetermined upper limit value has been reached. If yes (Yes), the process proceeds to step S176, the initial value update random number for the hit determination random number for updating the initial value of the hit determination random number is set as the hit determination random number, the series of processing is terminated, and the original Return to processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S174 that the winning random number does not reach the predetermined upper limit value (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
Thus, since the initial value changes every time the winning random number makes a round, the winning random number cannot be easily predicted.
Although illustration is omitted, the process of updating the jackpot type determination random number, the stop symbol determination random number and other random numbers for controlling the play is similarly performed in this random number update process.

Next, the CPU initialization process in step S100 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the CPU initialization process.
When the CPU initialization process is executed in step S100, the process proceeds to step S200 as shown in FIG.
In step S200, the CPU 220 is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S202 to determine whether or not the RAM clear switch is on. When it is determined that the RAM clear switch is not on (No), the process proceeds to step S204. .

  In step S204, it is determined whether or not the return information in the RAM 240 is valid. If it is determined that the return information is valid (Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. Whether or not the return information is valid is determined by determining the state of the backup flag set by the CPU 220 when the power-off is detected, that is, whether or not the backup flag is set, and the backup flag is set. When it is determined, it is determined that the return information is valid.

In step S206, it is determined whether or not the checksum of the return information is normal. When it is determined that the checksum of the return information is normal (Yes), the process proceeds to step S208. The checksum is determined by determining the checksum set by the CPU 220 when power-off is detected, and determining that the checksum is correct.
In step S208, the contents of the RAM 240 are returned to the state before the power is turned off based on the return information. The return process includes a process of eliminating the mismatch when a mismatched state occurs between the gaming state at the time of power-off and the gaming state at the time of power-off recovery. For example, if a clogged error is detected when the power is turned off, but the error is resolved at the time of recovery, an inconsistency that causes the error to remain detected occurs based on the recovery information. It is processing to do.

Next, the process proceeds to step S210, and an initial control command (hereinafter referred to as a power supply command) that is transmitted at the time of power-off is composed of a power-off / return designation command, a model designation command, a gaming state designation command, a symbol designation command, and a special symbol operation memory designation command. The initial control command at the time of disconnection recovery is output to the effect control device 150, and a series of processing is terminated to return to the original processing.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S206 that the checksum of the return information is not normal (No), the process proceeds to step S212, the contents of the RAM 240 are initialized, the process proceeds to step S214, and is transmitted when the power is turned on. An initial control command (hereinafter referred to as an initial control command when the power is turned on) is output to the effect control device 150, and a series of processes is terminated to return to the original process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the return information is not valid (No) and if it is determined in step S202 that the RAM clear switch is on (Yes), the process proceeds to step S212.

Next, the winning switch input process in step S152 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a winning switch input process.
When the winning switch input process is executed in step S152, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the process proceeds to step S300.
In step S300, an input port reading process for reading the detection signal from the start winning port switch 131 from a predetermined port of the input port 250 corresponding to the start winning port switch 131 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S302, and the process proceeds to step S300. Based on the processing result, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the start winning a prize opening switch 131. When it is determined that the detection signal is input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, it is determined whether or not the number of winning game balls to the start winning opening 111 is “4” or more. If it is determined that the number of winning game balls is less than “4” (No), step S306 is performed. Then, “1” is added to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S308.
In step S308, the winning random number, the big hit type determining random number, and the stop symbol determining random number are acquired from the corresponding random number counter, and the process proceeds to step S310, and the acquired random number values are stored in the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls. Each is stored in the area, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored. In step S310, for example, when the number of winning game balls is “1”, each acquired random number value is stored in the first area of the RAM 240 for storing random number values. Similarly, when the number of winning game balls is “2”, each acquired random number value is stored in the second area for storing random number values.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S304 that the number of winning game balls is “4” or more (Yes) and when it is determined in step S302 that a detection signal is not input from the start winning port switch 131 (No) Also, the series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

Next, the jackpot determination process in step S108 will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the determination process of the normal symbol display apparatus 108. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination process.
The jackpot determination process sets a single jackpot value in a predetermined numerical range (for example, “0” to “398”) in order to cause a special prize state with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/399), and starts a winning prize. A process for obtaining a winning random number from a random number counter at a winning timing when a game ball wins in the mouth 111 and causing a special prize state when the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value, and is executed in step S108. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the process proceeds to step S400.

In step S400, it is determined whether or not the effect symbol is changing in the effect symbol display device 104. When it is determined that the effect symbol is not changing (No), the process proceeds to step S402, where the number of winning game balls is “ It is determined whether or not it is “1” or more, and when it is determined that the number of winning game balls is “1” or more (Yes), the process proceeds to step S406.
In step S406, a winning random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S408 to determine whether or not the read random number value matches the jackpot value. When it is determined that it has been made (Yes), the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, a jackpot type determination process for determining a jackpot type is executed. In the jackpot type determination process, a jackpot type determination table in which a plurality of hit type numbers are registered is set, the jackpot type determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, and the order of the read random number values The jackpot type is determined by reading the hit type number from the hit type determination table. As a result, a distinction is made between the time and bonus jackpot, the probability variation 1 jackpot, the probability variation 2 jackpot and the probability variation 3 jackpot.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S412, and a hit stop symbol determination process for determining a combination of a special symbol and an effect symbol to be stopped at the time of big hit or small hit is executed. In the hit stop symbol determination process, for example, a stop symbol determination table in which a plurality of stop symbol numbers indicating combinations of stop symbols of effect symbols are registered is set in the ROM 230 for each hit type number, and determined in steps S410 and S428. Alternatively, the stop symbol determination table corresponding to the set hit type number is read. Then, the stop symbol determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, the stop symbol number of the order of the read random number is read from the stop symbol determination table, and the symbol designation command is based on the read stop symbol number (First control command) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240. Thereby, in the port output process of step S118, the symbol designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 150 via the output port 255.

  The combination of the stop symbols of the special symbol is determined by the same process as that for the production symbol based on a special symbol determination table in which a plurality of numerical values on the left side of the specific symbol and a numerical value on the right side of the special symbol are associated with each other. However, the special symbol is determined prior to the determination of the effect symbol. That is, after determining the special symbol, the effect symbol is determined corresponding to this. Therefore, the combination of stop symbols is determined based on the same stop symbol determination random number value. For special symbols, command information for designating a combination of stop symbols of special symbols is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240. Thereby, in the port output process of step S118, the command information is directly transmitted to the special symbol display device 106 via the output port 255.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S414, and a hit hour variation pattern determination process for determining a variation pattern of the effect symbol to be displayed in a variable manner at the time of big hit or small hit is executed. In the hit variation pattern determination process, the reach determination random number is acquired from the random number counter, and corresponds to the current game state, the hit type number determined or set in steps S410 and S428, the number of winning game balls, and the acquired reach determination random number The variation pattern determination table 440 to be read is read out. Then, the variation pattern determination random number is acquired from the random number counter, the variation pattern number of the order of the acquired random number value is read from the variation pattern determination table 440, and the variation pattern command corresponding to the read variation pattern number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240. To do. Thereby, in the port output process of step S118, the variation pattern command (first control command) is transmitted to the effect control device 150 via the output port 255.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S416, and in the case of a big win or a small win, the number of times and the opening time of the big winning opening 115 are set. Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, when the win type number is “0” or “1”, the maximum round continuation number is set to the number of opening times, and the opening time of the grand prize opening 115 is set to about 30 seconds. Set. When the win type numbers are “2” to “4”, the maximum round continuation count is set to the number of open times, and the open time of the special winning opening 115 is set to about 0.5 seconds. In addition, regardless of the big hit, the small hit, and the loss, the variation time of the production symbol is set. The variation time of the effect symbol is determined based on the variation pattern number determined in steps S414 and S426.

Next, the process proceeds to step S418, and a symbol variation start process is executed to store a control command for starting the variation of the effect symbol in the predetermined area of the RAM 240 in the effect symbol display device 104, and the process proceeds to step S420 to receive a prize. “1” is subtracted from the number of game balls, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S408 that the read random number value does not match the jackpot value (No), the process proceeds to step S422, and the random value read in step S406 matches the preset jackpot value. If it is determined whether or not they match (No), the process proceeds to step S424. In steps S408 and S422, the big hit and the small win are determined with one random number. For example, when the value of the winning random number is “7”, it is determined as a big hit, and when it is “11”, it is determined as a small hit. As a result, the data capacity can be reduced and the random number update process can be simplified as compared with the case where separate random numbers are provided.

  In step S424, a stoppage symbol determination process is executed to determine a combination of effect symbols to be stopped at the time of disconnection. The loss stop symbol determination process is configured in the same manner as in step S412. By this determination, it is not a command for designating only a result indicating that the winning lottery result is out of place, rather than designating a specific combination of outlier production symbols displayed on the production symbol display device 104. An effect symbol designation command is output to the symbol control device 152 via the effect control device 150. When the offending effect design designation command is input, the symbol control device 152 determines a combination of effect symbols to be out of play, and displays the contents on the effect symbol display device 104.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S426, and a variation pattern determination process at the time of losing is performed to determine a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed at the time of the detachment. The deviation variation pattern determination process is configured in the same manner as in step S414. However, the variation pattern determination table 440 reads the one corresponding to the current game state, the number of winning game balls and the reach determination random number.
When the process of step S426 ends, the process proceeds to step S416.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S422 that the read random number value matches the small hit value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S428, and the hit type number is set to “4” indicating the small hit value. The process proceeds to step S412. That is, at the time of determining the small hit, the hit type number “4”, which is a fixed value set in advance, is set without reading the big hit type determining random number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the number of winning game balls is “0” (No), and in step S400, when it is determined that the effect symbol is changing in the effect symbol display device 104 (Yes). In either case, the process proceeds to step S430.
In step S430, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change of the effect symbol. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S432 and a symbol stop command is issued. A symbol stop process stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240 is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S430 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the change in the effect design (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.

Next, the configuration of the symbol control device 152 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the symbol control device 152.
As shown in FIG. 14, the symbol control device 152 includes a CPU 300, a CGROM 302, a RAM 304, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 306, a VRAM 308, and I / Fs 310 and 312. CPU 300, CGROM 302, RAM 304, VDP 306, and I / F 310 are connected to each other via a bus 314 so as to be able to exchange data, and to the I / F 310, an effect control device 150 is connected. The VDP 306 is connected to the effect symbol display device 104 via the I / F 312.

Next, the data structure of the CGROM 302 will be described.
The period (variation time) during which the effect symbol is displayed in one variation pattern is divided into four categories: a basic variation period, a reach variation period, an extended production period, and a super reach variation period. The basic variation period is a period in which the initial variation display of the effect design is started with the winning at the start winning opening 111, and is basically set for all variation patterns. The reach variation period is a period in which the effect symbols are displayed together with the reach effect following the basic change period when the selected variation pattern is accompanied by a reach effect. The development effect period is a period during which a development effect that develops into a super reach is performed following the reach change period when the change pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect, and is a fixed time (for example, 5 [s]). Is set to In addition, as specific production contents in the development production period, for example, a blackout production for informing that the entire screen is once blacked and switched, or a whiteout production for informing that the entire screen is once whitened and switched. It is used as a screen change. The super reach variation period is a period in which the effect symbols are displayed together with the super reach effect following the development effect period when the selected change pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect. Super reach is a reach that has a higher probability of being a big hit than a normal reach, and is a change pattern that sets a change time longer than a normal reach and performs a complex presentation. .

  In the CGROM 302, for each of the basic variation period, the reach variation period, and the super reach variation period, variation pattern data for configuring a variation operation of the effect symbol in the variation period, and a reach effect moving image that is a 3D moving image for performing the reach effect. Moving image composition data for constructing an image, image data of a development effect image that is a still image for performing an expansion effect, and a moving image for configuring a super reach effect moving image that is a 3D moving image for performing a super reach effect Image configuration data, a moving image control program, and image data of a change end effect image that is a demo image displayed at the end of change of the effect symbol are stored. Here, the 3D moving image is a moving image that is configured and operated in real time by a 3D polygon image.

When displaying the development effect image or the change end effect image, the CPU 300 reads the image data from the CGROM 302 and writes the read image data to the VRAM 306 via the VDP 306. Further, when displaying the reach effect moving image or the super reach effect moving image, the moving image configuration data and the moving image control program are read from the CGROM 302 to the RAM 304 and expanded. Then, a polygon image is generated based on the data developed in the RAM 304, and the image data of the generated polygon image is written into the VRAM 306 via the VDP 306. While the 3D moving images 1 and 2 are being displayed, generation of a polygon image and writing to the VRAM 306 are repeated.
The VDP 306 displays an image on the effect symbol display device 104 by outputting an image signal to the effect symbol display device 104 based on the image data stored in the VRAM 308.

Next, processing executed by the symbol control device 152 will be described.
The CPU 300 executes, in parallel (multitask), the symbol control device power-off recovery processing, variation-related data reading processing, and symbol variation display processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. In other words, an operation system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) is installed in the symbol control device 152, and the OS employs a preemptive multitask method in which all execution authority of the CPU 300 is managed and processing is switched. The OS refers to the hardware timer, and grants the execution authority of the CPU 300 to the program having the execution waiting instruction (here, the moving image control program, the moving image configuration data reading process and the effect image display process) for a short time. It is what.

First, the symbol controller power-off recovery process will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the symbol controller power-off recovery process.
When the CPU 300 executes the symbol controller power-off recovery process, as shown in FIG. 15, first, the process proceeds to step S500.
In step S500, it is determined whether or not an initial control command at the time of power-off recovery has been received. If it is determined that an initial control command at the time of power-off recovery has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502 and received. Based on the initial control command, the power-off recovery process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S504.

In step S504, on the effect symbol display device 104, based on the symbol designation command of the received initial control command, a power-off recovery notification image, which is a still image indicating a combination of stop symbols for the effect symbol that is changing when the power is turned off, is displayed. Then, the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S500 that the initial control command at the time of power-off recovery is not received (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.

Next, the fluctuation related data reading process will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the fluctuation related data reading process.
The fluctuation related data reading process is a process of reading the fluctuation pattern data, the moving picture configuration data, and the moving picture control program in parallel with the image control process of FIG. 17. First, the process proceeds to step S600.
In step S600, it is determined whether a variation pattern command has been received. If it is determined that a variation pattern command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, a first data reading process for reading variation pattern data, moving image configuration data, and a moving image control program is executed. In the first data reading process, the variation pattern data of the basic variation period and the reach variation period, the moving image configuration data of the reach effect moving image, and the moving image control program are read from the CGROM 302 into the RAM 304 and expanded. If the reach variation period has not ended when the reading is completed, a part of the variation pattern data of the super reach variation period and a part of the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image are further read from the CGROM 302. Read into the RAM 304 and expand. The first data reading process is set to be completed within the basic fluctuation period for the part for reading the fluctuation pattern data of the basic fluctuation period, and within the basic fluctuation period and the reach fluctuation period for the other parts, If the time remaining after the completion of the reading process is a predetermined time, a remaining time additional reading process for performing an additional reading process is set.

When the process of step S602 ends, the series of processes ends and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S600 that the variation pattern command is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S604, where it is determined whether it is the start timing of the development effect, and it is the start timing of the development effect. When it determines (Yes), it transfers to step S606. The start timing is determined by managing the passage of the fluctuation time based on the fluctuation time information instructed by the fluctuation pattern command transmitted from the main controller 210. That is, the start timing of the basic variation, reach production, development production, and super reach production varies depending on each variation pattern. When the variation pattern designated by the main control device 210 is specified by the symbol control device 152, the symbol control is performed. In the device 152, the time of the entire variation time is specified, and it is possible to determine at which timing each production (basic variation, reach production, development production, super reach production) starts within the fluctuation time. Each production is started when the production start time is reached. In the case of an effect for displaying a moving image, the moving image control program is started in parallel with other processing. Therefore, by determining the end timing of the moving image control program, The end can be determined, and it is also possible to determine that it is the next production start timing. The same applies to steps S708, S714, and S718.

In step S606, a second data reading process for reading the variation pattern data and the moving image configuration data is executed. In the second data reading process, the remaining portion of the variation pattern data in the super reach variation period and the remaining portion of the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image are read from the CGROM 302 into the RAM 304 and expanded. The second data reading process is set to be completed within the development effect period.
When the process of step S606 is completed, the series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that it is not the start timing of the development effect (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.

Next, the symbol variation display process will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation display process.
The symbol variation display process is a process of displaying the variation pattern of the effect symbol in parallel with the variation-related data reading process of FIG. 16, and when executed in the CPU 300, first, as shown in FIG. Transition.
In step S700, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command has been received. When it is determined that a variation pattern command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S702.

In step S702, the variation pattern of the basic variation period is displayed on the effect symbol display device 104 based on the data developed in the RAM 304 in the first data reading process in step S602.
Next, the process proceeds to step S704, where it is determined whether or not the effect symbol is changing in the effect symbol display device 104. When it is determined that the effect symbol is changing (Yes), the process proceeds to step S706. .

  In step S706, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern has a reach effect based on the received variation pattern command. If it is determined that the variation pattern has a reach effect (Yes), step S708 is performed. If it is determined whether it is the start timing of the reach effect, and if it is determined that it is the start timing of the reach effect (Yes), the process proceeds to step S710.

In step S710, the variation pattern of the reach variation period and the reach effect moving image are displayed on the effect symbol display device 104 based on the data developed in the RAM 304 in the first data reading process in step S602.
Next, the process proceeds to step S712, where it is determined whether or not the variation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect based on the received variation pattern command, and when it is determined that the variation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect. (Yes) proceeds to step S714, where it is determined whether it is the start timing of the development effect, and when it is determined that it is the start timing of the development effect (Yes), the process proceeds to step S716.

In step S716, the image data of the development effect image is read from the CGROM 302, and the development effect image is displayed on the effect symbol display device 104 based on the read image data.
Next, the process proceeds to step S718, where it is determined whether it is the start timing of the super reach effect, and when it is determined that it is the start time of the super reach effect (Yes), the process proceeds to step S720.

In step S720, based on the data developed in the RAM 304 in the first data reading process in step S602 and the second data reading process in step S606, the change pattern of the super reach change period and the super reach effect moving image are displayed in the effect symbol display. Display on the device 104.
Next, the process proceeds to step S722, where it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command has been received. When it is determined that a symbol stop command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S724.

In step S724, the image data of the change end effect image is read from the CGROM 302, the change end effect image is displayed on the effect symbol display device 104 based on the read image data, the series of processes is ended, and the original process is restored. .
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S722 that the symbol stop command is not received (No) and in step S704, when it is determined that the effect symbol is not changing (No), the series of processing is terminated and the original Return to processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S718 that it is not the start timing of the super reach effect (No), and when it is determined in step S712 that the variation pattern is not accompanied by the super reach effect (No), the process proceeds to step S722. Transition.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S714 that it is not the start timing of the development effect (No), the process proceeds to step S718.

On the other hand, if it is determined at step S708 that it is not the start timing of the reach effect (No) and if it is determined at step S706 that the variation pattern is not accompanied by the reach effect (No), the process proceeds to step S712. .
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S700 that the variation pattern command is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S704.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine, the main control device 210 executes a game control process and enters a game-ready state. A player can play a game by loading the rented game ball into a pachinko machine and operating the launch handle to launch the game ball onto the game board surface 102.
In a game-ready state, when a game ball launched on the game board surface 102 wins the start winning opening 111, a detection signal is output by the starting winning opening switch 131. In main controller 210, when a detection signal is input from start winning port switch 131, a winning random number is acquired at almost the same timing. At this time, if it is determined that the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.

  When the jackpot is reached, through steps S410 to S414, a jackpot type, a combination of special symbols and effect symbols, and a variation pattern at the jackpot are determined. Then, the effect symbols are variably displayed in a predetermined variation pattern, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the determined combination is stopped. After the production symbol is stopped, any one of a time bonus, a probability variation 1 big hit, a probability variation 2 big hit, and a probability variation 3 big hit occurs.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired random number value does not match the jackpot value but matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.
When a small hit is made, a combination of a special symbol and a stop symbol of the effect symbol and a variation pattern at the time of the small hit are determined through steps S428, S412, and S414. Then, the effect symbols are variably displayed in a predetermined variation pattern, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the determined combination is stopped. After the production symbol stops, a small hit occurs.
During the big hit or the small hit, the big winning opening 115 is controlled to be opened with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and when a game ball wins the big winning opening 115, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out per winning.

Next, the operation for changing the effect design will be described in detail.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the changing operation when the changing pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect.
In the main control device 210, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 111, a variation pattern command is transmitted through step S414 or step S426. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the symbol control device 152 via the effect control device 150.

  When the symbol control device 152 receives the variation pattern command, it passes through step S602, and as shown by the dotted line A in FIG. 18, variation pattern data of the basic variation period and reach variation period, and moving image composition data of the reach effect moving image. The moving image control program is read from the CGROM 302 into the RAM 304 and expanded. Subsequently, a part of the variation pattern data in the super reach variation period and a part of the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image are read from the CGROM 302 to the RAM 304 and developed. In parallel with this reading, the variation pattern of the basic variation period is displayed based on the data developed in the RAM 304 through step S702. Next, when the variation pattern is accompanied by a reach effect, the reach effect is performed following the basic variation. In the reach effect, the change pattern of the reach change period and the reach effect moving image are displayed based on the data developed in the RAM 304 through step S710.

  Next, when the variation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect, an extension effect is performed following the reach effect. In the development effect, after step S606, as shown by the dotted line B in FIG. 18, the remaining part of the fluctuation pattern data in the super reach fluctuation period and the remaining part of the moving image composition data of the super reach effect moving image are read from the CGROM 302 into the RAM 304. Expanded. In parallel with this reading, the developed effect image is displayed based on the image data of the CGROM 302 through step S716. Since the development effect image has a processing load smaller than that of the 3D moving image, during the development effect period, a part of the processing capability can be assigned to reading / development of moving image configuration data and the like. Therefore, these can be performed in parallel.

Next, when the variation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect, the super reach effect is performed following the development effect. In the super reach effect, the change pattern of the super reach change period and the super reach effect moving image are displayed based on the data developed in the RAM 304 as shown by the dotted line C in FIG. 18 after step S720.
In main control device 210, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change of the effect symbols, a symbol stop command is transmitted through step S432. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the symbol control device 152 via the effect control device 150.

In the symbol control device 152, when the symbol stop command is received, the variation end effect image is displayed based on the image data of the CGROM 302 through step S724.
In the case where the variation pattern is not accompanied by a super reach effect but accompanied by a reach effect, the basic variation and reach effect are performed in the same manner as described above. In addition, when the variation pattern is a variation pattern notifying the detachment without the reach effect, the basic variation is performed as described above.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for comparing the difference in operation between the prior art and the present invention.
In the conventional gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 19, when the fluctuation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect, the basic change, the reach, and the display process related to the basic change, the reach effect, the development effect, and the super reach effect are performed. Data reading processing related to production, development production and super reach production was performed. Since this is a background process while performing a superficial process, the display portion is affected as the processing load increases.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the data reading process is divided into a plurality of parts (in this embodiment, two), and the display process is performed using a still image for the development effect and the background process. By performing the second data reading process, it is possible to disperse the processing load and display an effect image with a large processing load such as a 3D moving image.

Next, the operation after power-off is described.
When returning from a power interruption while the production symbol is changing, the contents of the RAM 240 are restored to the state before the power interruption based on the restoration information of the RAM 240 through steps S208 and S210, and the initial control command at the time of the power interruption recovery is Sent.
When the symbol control device 152 receives the initial control command, it goes through steps S502 and S504, and a power-off recovery process is executed based on the received initial control command. A power-off recovery notification image that is a still image is displayed. The subsequent operation is the same as in FIG.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, the symbol control device 152 displays the variation pattern during the basic variation period and the reach variation period, and develops a still image based on the image data of the CGROM 302 during the development effect period. In addition to displaying the effect image, in parallel with this, the moving image configuration data and moving image control program of the super reach effect moving image are read from the CGROM 302 into the RAM 304 and expanded, and expanded in the RAM 304 during the super reach variation period. A super reach production moving image is displayed based on the data and the like.

  As a result, during the development effect period preceding the super reach variation period, the moving image composition data is read in parallel with the effect by the still image, so that the moving image composition data has a relatively large data capacity. Even if it is used, the super reach effect moving image can be displayed without deviating from the progress timing of the game. Therefore, it is possible to display a high-quality effect image while synchronizing with the gaming state as compared with the conventional case.

Further, unlike a movie-type moving image in which a plurality of still images are continuously reproduced, a 3D polygon image can determine the operation content in real time. Therefore, it is possible to configure the operation content to be optimal according to the current gaming state, so that the gaming property can be improved. For example, the operation content can be changed as needed according to the change (increase) in the number of reserved memories.
Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol control device 152 reads part of the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image during the basic change period and the reach change period, and during the development effect period, the super reach effect The remainder of the moving image configuration data of the moving image is read.

  As a result, the moving image composition data is read in parallel not only during the development effect period but also during the basic variation period and the reach variation period. However, the second effect image can be displayed without deviating from the progress timing of the game. Therefore, it is possible to display a higher quality effect image while synchronizing with the gaming state.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the state before power-off is changing at power-on, regardless of the fluctuation period before power-off, the stop symbol is changed for the effect design changing at power-off. A power-off recovery notification image, which is a still image indicating the combination of, is displayed.
As a result, a super reach effect moving image with a large processing load is displayed at the time of non-power-off, while a processing load is smaller than that of the super reach effect moving image at the time of power-off recovery regardless of the fluctuation period before the power-off. Since the power-off recovery notification image is displayed, it is possible to display a high-quality effect image and to quickly recover from the power-off. In addition, even if the power is cut off during the change of the production symbol, the stop symbol which is the fluctuation result is displayed. Therefore, when the power is turned off, the fluctuation result before turning off the power can be immediately grasped, and the game can be restored smoothly. Can be done.

  In the above embodiment, the effect symbol display device 104 corresponds to the symbol display means according to claim 1 or 3, the main control device 210 corresponds to the main control unit according to claim 5, and the RAM 240 and the backup power source are The step S100 corresponds to the power-off recovery unit according to the third aspect. Steps S406 and S408 correspond to the lottery means according to claim 1 or 5, step S418 corresponds to the symbol variation means according to claim 1 or 5, and steps S414 and S426 correspond to claim 5. Corresponding to the control command transmission means, the symbol control device 152 corresponds to the symbol control unit described in claim 5.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, CGROM302 respond | corresponds to the production image data storage means of Claim 1 or 5, Step S504 respond | corresponds to the power-off reset notification image display means of Claim 3, and step S602, S606 corresponds to the second effect image data reading means described in claim 1, 2 or 5. Further, step S700 corresponds to the control command receiving means according to claim 5, steps S702 and S710 correspond to the first effect image display means according to claim 1 or 5, and step S716 corresponds to claim 1 or 5 corresponds to the low-load effect image display means described in step 5, and step S720 corresponds to the second effect image display means described in claim 1 or 5.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, a fluctuation pattern command respond | corresponds to the control command of Claim 5, a still image respond | corresponds to the low load effect image of Claim 1 or 6, and a super reach effect dynamic image is Corresponding to the second effect image described in claim 1, 3 or 6, the moving image construction data corresponds to the second effect image data described in claim 1 or 2.
In the above embodiment, the reach effect moving image and the super reach effect moving image are configured to be displayed as moving images that are configured and operated in real time by 3D polygon images. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a plurality of still images may be displayed as a movie moving image that continuously reproduces and other types of moving images.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the relationship between the reach effect and the super reach effect was not particularly described, but the super reach is determined according to the reading results of the change pattern data of the reach change period and the moving image configuration data of the reach effect moving image. It can also be configured to select an effect. For example, when the reading time of the variation pattern data of the reach variation period and the moving image configuration data of the reach effect moving image is less than a predetermined time, the super reach effect using the super reach effect moving image with a large processing load is selected, When the reading time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, a super reach effect using a super reach effect moving image with a small processing load is selected.

In the above-described embodiment, the development effect period is set to a certain time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the development effect period can be configured to end at the timing when the second data reading process in step S606 is completed.
In the above embodiment, in step S602 and S606, the variation pattern data of the reach variation period and the super reach variation period, and the moving image configuration data of the reach effect moving image and the super reach effect moving image are read. However, when it is determined that the variation pattern is not accompanied by the reach effect based on the variation pattern command, that is, when the variation pattern is a mere deviation variation pattern, the variation pattern data of the reach variation period and the super reach variation period, and the reach effect animation It is also possible to perform the first reading stop process so as not to read the moving image configuration data of the image and the super reach effect moving image. Furthermore, when it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is not accompanied by a super reach production based on the fluctuation pattern command, that is, when the fluctuation pattern is accompanied by only a normal reach production, the fluctuation pattern data and the super reach production during the super reach fluctuation period. The second reading stop process may be executed so as not to read the moving image configuration data of the moving image.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the basic variation period and the reach variation period are configured to read a part of the variation pattern data of the super reach variation period and a part of the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and during the development effect period, all of the variation pattern data in the super reach variation period and all the moving image configuration data of the super reach effect moving image can be read.

Further, in the above embodiment, the adjustment of the processing amount for the fluctuation related data reading process has not been particularly described. However, the fluctuation data-specific reading process allocation adjustment for adjusting the processing amount of the CPU 300 allocated to the fluctuation related data reading process. It can also be configured with means.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the production | presentation control apparatus 150 and the symbol control apparatus 152 were mounted in a separate board | substrate, not only this but the presentation control apparatus 150 and the symbol control apparatus 152 were comprised integrally, and the same board | substrate Can also be implemented.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the game control program stored in advance in the ROM 230 is executed in the execution of the game control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 13 has been described. Instead, the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program showing these procedures into the RAM 240 and executed. The same applies to the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that is a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other gaming machines such as an amusement game machine and the like without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is also applicable to.

It is the figure which showed typically the front part of the game board surface 102 in a pachinko machine, especially the part required for description. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game control device 200. FIG. It is a figure which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a control command. It is a timing chart which shows the input / output timing of a control command. It is a diagram showing the contents of a control command output from the main control device 210 to the effect control device 150. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the fluctuation pattern determination table 440. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number update process. It is a flowchart which shows CPU initialization processing. It is a flowchart which shows a winning switch input process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a symbol control device 152. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol control apparatus power-off recovery process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation related data reading process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol fluctuation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation operation | movement in case a fluctuation pattern is a thing with a super reach production. It is a figure which contrasts the difference in operation | movement of the past and this invention.

Explanation of symbols

104 effect symbol display device 106 special symbol display device 108 normal symbol display device 109 gaming state display device 112 normal electric accessory 113, 114 actuating gate 111 start winning port 115 large winning port 131 start winning port switch 150 effect control device 152 symbol control Device 153 Lamp 155 Speaker 200 Game control device 210 Main control device 212 Power supply circuit 220, 300 CPU
230 ROM
240, 304 RAM
250 Input port 255 Output port 302 CGROM
306 VDP
308 VRAM
440 Variation pattern determination table

Claims (6)

A lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a special prize state is to be generated in response to a winning at a start winning opening, and a symbol changing means for variably displaying a symbol by a symbol display means, wherein the lottery means generates the special prize state. When it is determined that the game machine is a game machine that causes the special prize state to occur after stopping the symbol in a predetermined manner,
To constitute first effect image data for constituting the first effect image, second effect image data for constituting the second effect image, and a low-load effect image having a processing load smaller than that of the second effect image. Effect image data storage means for storing the low-load effect image data of
The first effect image is displayed on the first effect image based on the first effect image data in the effect image data storage means during the first change period of each of the change periods divided into a plurality of periods for performing the symbol change. First effect image display means for displaying on;
During the second segment variation period that is a period subsequent to the first segment variation period among the segment variation periods, the low-load effect image is displayed based on the low-load effect image data in the effect image data storage unit. Low load effect image display means for displaying on the display means;
Second effect image data reading means for reading the second effect image data from the effect image data storage means during the second segment variation period;
The second effect based on the second effect image data read by the second effect image data reading means during the third effect change period, which is a period subsequent to the second effect change period among the change effect periods. A game machine comprising: second effect image display means for displaying an image on the symbol display means. In claim 1,
The second effect image data reading means reads a part of the second effect image data during the first segment variation period, and reads the remainder of the second effect image data during the second segment variation period. A gaming machine characterized by that. In any one of Claim 1 and 2,
Furthermore, storage means capable of storing data regardless of the presence or absence of power supply from a power source for driving the gaming machine,
Return information necessary for return of the gaming state is stored in the storage means, and when turning on the power, the power-off recovery means for returning the gaming state to the state before the power-off based on the return information of the storage means;
When it is determined at the time of power-on that the state before the power-off is based on the return information of the storage means, the symbol variation is before the second effect image, regardless of the segment variation period before the power-off. A gaming machine comprising: a power-off / return notification image display means for displaying a power-off / return notification image with a low processing load on the symbol display means. In claim 3,
The gaming machine, wherein the power-off recovery notification image is an image showing an aspect of the stop symbol. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
A main control unit that controls the gaming state, and a symbol control unit that controls the variation display of the symbol,
The main control unit includes the lottery unit, the symbol variation unit, and a control command transmission unit that transmits a control command indicating the variation pattern of the symbol to the symbol control unit,
The symbol control unit includes the effect image data storage means, the first effect image display means, the low-load effect image display means, the second effect image data reading means, and the second effect image display means. A control command receiving means for receiving the control command,
The gaming machine characterized in that the first effect image display means starts an operation at a timing when the control command is received by the control command receiving means. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The low-load effect image is a still image,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second effect image is an effect image including a moving image in which a 3D polygon image is constructed and operated in real time by calculation.

Images