JP2008206681A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the amusement of the play while reducing the processing loads in the variable display of identification information. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine executes such separation presentation that a display image displaying a character constituting a composite image with stopped/displayed ornament symbols pops up and separates from a display image displaying a number to affect the ornament symbols. Image data indicating display images C2, C3 and C7 displaying characters and display images N2, N3, N7 and N8 displaying numbers are read from a fixed address area 156A and moving image data for moving a display image displaying a character are read from a moving image data area 142B of an image data memory, so that data for displaying an image composed of these image data are created. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, and more specifically, based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition is satisfied, a plurality of types that can be distinguished from each other. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes variable display means for variably displaying identification information, and that makes a specific gaming state advantageous to the player after the display result of the identification information becomes a predetermined specific display result.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, fluctuations are caused by updating or scrolling display of predetermined identification information (also referred to as a display pattern) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). There are a number of games in which a game display is enhanced by a so-called variable display game in which variable display is enabled and whether or not a predetermined game value is given based on the display result.

  Some variable display games are played by using the above display device as an image display device. In such a variable display game, a variable display start condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passing through the start winning opening is detected in a pachinko machine, or the previous variable display game is completed, or When the start pattern is changed based on the start lever being operated, etc., and when the change of the display pattern is completely stopped, the stop symbol (determined symbol) is in the specific display mode The game state is controlled to be advantageous to the player.

Some of these gaming machines perform an effect in which a character jumps out of a display symbol during execution of a variable display game (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-334271 (paragraphs 0174, 0195, 0196, FIG. 36A, etc.)

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, display data for one frame is created even for image data that is frequently used, such as image data indicating identification information that is a display symbol to be displayed on an image display device in a variable display game. In order to do this, for example, a process of reading each time from a storage device such as CGROM is required. For this reason, the processing burden on the effect display increases, and when the creation of display data does not end within a predetermined period, there is a possibility that the display may be lost.

  This invention is made in view of the said actual condition, and it aims at providing the game machine which can improve the interest of a game, reducing the processing burden in the variable display of identification information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application has a variable display execution condition (for example, a game ball wins a start winning opening provided in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 or a slot Variable display after the bet number is set in the machine 500 and the operation of the start lever 505 becomes effective due to the replay player winning such as replay in the previous game) The start lever 505A is operated by the start lever switch 505A when the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state by the special symbol display device 4 is completed or the game can be executed in the slot machine 500. A variable table of multiple types of identification information (for example, decorative symbols) that can be identified based on the fact that A specific game that is advantageous to the player after the display result of the identification information becomes a predetermined specific display result (for example, a definite decorative pattern of jackpot combination). A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) in a state (for example, a big hit gaming state), wherein the plurality of types of identification information includes a first display image (for example, images of characters C1 to C8) and a second display. For display control for controlling the display operation of the variable display means, including composite identification information (for example, decorative symbols by composite images A1 to A8) formed by combining images (for example, images of numbers N1 to N8). Image data for storing a plurality of types of image data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images including a CPU (for example, the CPU 131) and the effect image representing the identification information. Display data is created based on the memory means (for example, the image data memory 142), the control command from the display control CPU, and the image data read from the image data storage means, and then based on the display data. And an image processor (for example, VDP 141) that displays the effect image on the variable display means, and the display control CPU identifies the first display image forming the composite identification information displayed on the variable display means. The effect display control means (for example, the CPU 131 executes the control of the super A-01 to A-04 in step S321 by executing the control of the effect display so that the variable display of the identification information is changed to a predetermined display mode by acting on the information. By performing the effect control command process in step S347 after determining any of the effect control patterns, step S347 is performed. By performing the processes of T11 to ST20, the processes of steps ST31 to ST38, etc., effects as shown in FIGS. 60 (A) to (E), FIGS. 63 (A) and 63 (B), FIG. 64, and FIG. The image processor includes a temporary storage unit (for example, a temporary storage memory 156) capable of temporarily storing image data read from the image data storage unit, and the temporary storage unit Display data creation means (for example, the drawing circuit 155) for creating display data based on the image data temporarily stored in the display data, and display data storage for temporarily storing the display data created by the display data creation means Means (for example, the frame buffer memory 157) and the variable display means based on the display data temporarily stored in the display data storage means. Display data processing means (for example, a display circuit 158) for displaying effect images including identification information, and transfer control means for controlling transfer of image data read from the image data storage means to the temporary storage means ( For example, a transfer control circuit 152), and the display control CPU corresponds to the start of the display control CPU, and the first of the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means. Start-up data transfer command means for commanding transfer of image data indicating a display image and image data indicating the second display image to the temporary storage means (for example, the CPU 131 executes step S53 in FIG. 54A). The portion for executing the pre-transfer command process with reference to the pre-transfer setting table 220 as shown in FIG. Effect image update command means (for example, the part where the CPU 131 executes the sprite image update command processing in step S407) that notifies the image processor of the writing position in the data storage means and commands the update of the effect image; The transfer control means, in response to a command from the start-up data transfer command means, image data indicating the first display image among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means and the second Image data indicating a display image is read from the image data storage means and transferred to the temporary storage means (for example, the transfer control circuit 152 responds to the advance transfer instruction processing in step S53 by the CPU 131). Image data as shown in FIG. 54 (B) is obtained by executing the pre-transfer process in step S605. And the display data creation means generates display data based on the instruction from the effect image update instruction means and the image data stored in the temporary storage means. The rendering display control means creates image data for operating the first display image (for example, a portion where the drawing circuit 155 executes the fixed address designation drawing process in step S703 or the automatic transfer drawing process in step S705). And control of the effect display based on display data created by combining the second display image transferred to the temporary storage means by the startup data transfer means (For example, the CPU 131 or the VDP 141 creates a composite image as shown in FIG. 61 in step ST15. Etc.). The action that the first display image forming the composite identification information gives to the identification information is, for example, that the display image showing the character pushes down, receives, hits, or kicks the display image showing the decorative design. The display image showing the decorative design is affected, and the affected decorative design changes again, or the affected decorative design is changed to a different decorative design and displayed. Anything that causes a predetermined change may be used. The temporary storage means only needs to have a faster reading speed of stored data than the image data storage means.

  3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the image data for operating the first display image is moving image data obtained by compressing predetermined image data (for example, moving image data MBA-01- having a format shown in FIG. 26). , MBA-02-02, ..., MBA-03-01, ..., MBB-01, ...), and the image data storage means stores moving image data storage means for storing the moving image data (For example, moving image data area 142B) and sprite image data storage means (for example, sprite image data area 142A) for storing sprite image data different from the moving image data, and the display control CPU The data bus width when the image processor reads the moving image data from the moving image data storage means is the first bus width (for example, First bus width setting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 131 transmits a moving image display initial setting command to the VDP 141 in the processes of steps ST14 and ST33), and the image processor sets the sprite image. Second bus width setting means (for example, the CPU 131 performs initial display setting processing in step S54) for setting the data bus width when reading sprite image data from the data storage means to the second bus width (for example, 64-bit width). A portion for transmitting an image display initial setting command to the VDP 141, a portion for transmitting a moving image display end setting command to the VDP 141 in the processes of steps ST20 and ST38, and the like.

  4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display control CPU displays the first display image among a plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage unit when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied. Transfer condition establishment command means for instructing transfer of image data indicating the second display image and image data indicating the second display image to the temporary storage means (for example, the CPU 131 executes pre-transfer command processing in steps S304 and S374) And the transfer control means indicates the first display image among a plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means in response to a command from the command means when the transfer condition is established. The image data and the image data indicating the second display image are read from the image data storage means and transferred to the temporary storage means. Means (for example, depending on pre-transfer instruction process in step S304, S374 by CPU 131, the portion including the transfer control circuit 152 performs a pre-transfer process in the step S605) comprising a.

  5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the display control CPU specifies identification information specifying means (for example, a left symbol arrangement setting table 240L, a middle symbol arrangement setting table 240C, a right symbol) for specifying identification information to be displayed on the variable display means. Symbol arrangement setting table 240R, image designation buffer 172, etc.) and display position designation means for designating the display position of identification information designated by the identification information designation means (for example, scroll display control table 250, display position buffer 171, etc.) ) And display identification information specifying means for specifying identification information to be displayed before and after the variable display direction in the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means (for example, steps SC14 to SC16 are performed as processing of steps S421 to S423 by the CPU 131). Etc.), and the table The data creating means displays the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means at the display position specified by the display position specifying means, and the identification information specified by the display identification information specifying means is displayed as the identification information. Display data to be displayed before and after the identification information specified by the specifying means is created and temporarily stored in the display data storage means (for example, step SC13 as a process of step S426 by the CPU 131). In response to the execution of SC17, the drawing circuit 155 executes the fixed address designation drawing process in step S703, so that the virtual space images VA0, VA1, VA48 shown in FIGS. , Virtual space images VA49, VA95, and VA96 shown in FIGS. The display data processing means includes the variable display means from the display data created by the variable display data creation means, and the like. The display data corresponding to the display range is extracted and supplied to the variable display means, so that the variable display data processing means for performing variable display of the identification information (for example, the drawing circuit 155 is shown in FIGS. C) and the display data clipped by the display frame WL, which is the drawing area shown in FIGS. 58A to 58C, are written in the frame buffer memory 157, and then the display circuit 158 displays the display stored in the frame buffer memory 157. For example, a portion for outputting the scanning signal generated by reading out the data to the image display device 5).

  6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the image processor sets a storage area in the temporary storage means to a plurality of areas including a predetermined storage area in response to activation of the display control CPU. It includes setting means (for example, a part where the transfer control circuit 152 executes the storage area setting process of step S603 in accordance with the process of step S133 by the CPU 131), and the transfer control means is notified from the effect image update command means. When the read position of the image data is included in the image data storage means, the normal data transfer means for reading the image data from the read position in the image data storage means and transferring it to the predetermined storage area in the temporary storage means (For example, a portion where the transfer control circuit 152 executes the automatic transfer control processing in step S607). The command by the start-up data transfer command means (for example, the advance transfer command) is the image data indicating the first display image and the image indicating the second display image after setting the storage area by the storage area setting means. Data is transferred to an area other than the predetermined storage area in the temporary storage means, and the startup data transfer means is responsive to a command from the startup data transfer command means in response to the first display. The image data indicating the image and the image data indicating the second display image are transferred to a storage area other than the predetermined storage area in the temporary storage means (for example, the CPU 131 follows the storage area setting command process in step S52). A portion where the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in step S605 in response to the execution of the pre-transfer command process in S53 The display data creating means reads the image data from the predetermined storage area after the image data is transferred to the predetermined storage area by the normal time data transfer means, and is notified from the effect image update command means. First data writing processing means (for example, a portion where the drawing circuit 155 executes the automatic transfer drawing processing in step S705) to be written and stored at a writing position in the display data storage means, and the effect image update command means When the reading position of the image data notified from the temporary storage means is included in the temporary storage means, the image data is read from the reading position in the temporary storage means and the display data storage means notified from the effect image update command means Second data writing processing means for writing and storing in the writing position (for example, the drawing circuit 155 performs step S7). 03, etc. for executing a fixed address designation drawing process). In addition, the display image used as identification information, the display image of the character appearing in the advance effect display with the low reliability of the effect or the reach effect display with the low reliability of the effect, is the image data notified from the effect image update command means. The reading position may be included in the temporary storage means. On the other hand, the display image of the character appearing in the notice effect display having a high degree of reliability of the effect or the reach effect display having a high degree of reliability of the image data is stored in the image data read position of the image data notified from the effect image update command means. It may be included in the means. Or, regardless of the reliability of the production and the reliability of the reach, the display image of the character that appears in the notice production display or the reach production display has the image data read out position of the image data notified from the production image update command means. May be included.

  7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the display control CPU has a determination table set so that the probability of the specific display result is different according to the execution timing of the action effect display by the effect display control means. The effect timing determining means for determining which one of a plurality of types of effect display is executed as the effect display (for example, the CPU 131 refers to the super A effect determination table 260 in the process of step S321, A portion determined as one of the effect control pattern of -01 and the effect control pattern of Super A-02).

  8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the display control CPU is set such that the probability of the specific display result varies depending on the number of effect images that act on the identification information in the effect display. Using the table, the number-of-effects determining means (for example, the CPU 131 refers to the super A effect determination table 260 in the process of step S321, and determines which of the plurality of types of effect displays is to be executed as the effect display). For example, a portion determined to be one of the effect control pattern of Super A-01 and the effect control pattern of Super A-04).

  9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the display control CPU is set such that the probability of the specific display result varies depending on a type of effect image that acts on the identification information in the effect display. Using the table, the effect type determining means for determining which of the plurality of types of effect display to be executed as the effect display (for example, the CPU 131 refers to the super A effect determination table 260 in the process of step S321, For example, a portion determined as one of the super A-01 production control pattern and the super A-03 production control pattern).

  The present invention has the following effects.

According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, the effect display control means performs the variable display of the identification information by the first display image forming the composite identification information acting on the identification information displayed on the variable display means. The control of effect display is performed so as to be the display mode. By performing such an effect display, it is possible to give a surprise to the variable display of the identification information in a predetermined display mode, and to improve the interest of the game.
Further, among the plural types of image data, the image data indicating the first display image and the image data indicating the second display image are temporarily stored by the start-time data transfer unit according to a command from the start-time data transfer command unit. Transfer to the means and store. The display data creation means creates display data based on the command from the effect image update command means and the image data stored in the temporary storage means. Thereby, for the image data indicating the first display image and the second display image, the data already stored in the temporary storage means can be easily reused by designating the reading position in the temporary storage means, Since it is not necessary to read from the image data storage means every time, the control burden in the variable display of the identification information can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2, the data bus width for reading moving image data from the moving image data storage means is set to the first bus width, while the sprite image data is read from the sprite image data storage means. The second bus width is set to a second bus width different from the first bus width.
As a result, the bus width can be changed according to the capacity and processing load corresponding to the type of image data, and the image data can be processed with an optimum configuration and processing speed.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, the transfer means when the transfer condition is established is stored in the image data storage means in response to a command from the transfer condition establishment command means based on the establishment of the predetermined transfer condition. The image data indicating the first display image and the image data indicating the second display image are read from the plurality of types of image data and transferred to the temporary storage unit.
As a result, for image data indicating the first display image and the second display image, even if an error due to noise or the like occurs in the storage content of the temporary storage means, the storage content can be automatically restored.

In the gaming machine according to claim 4, the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means is displayed at the display position specified by the display position specifying means, and the identification information specified by the display identification information specifying means is identified. After the display data to be displayed before and after the identification information designated by the information designating means is created by the variable display data creating means, the display data corresponding to the display range in the variable display means is variable display data processing means. The identification information is variably displayed by extracting the information and supplying it to the variable display means.
As a result, the data capacity required for variable display can be reduced and the control burden for performing variable display can be reduced as compared with the case of creating display data in which all identification information is connected.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, when the read position of the image data notified from the effect image update command means is included in the image data storage means, the normal time data transfer means is the read position in the image data storage means. After the image data is read out and transferred to a predetermined storage area in the temporary storage means, the first data writing processing means reads the image data from the predetermined storage area and writes it to the writing position in the display data storage means. Remember. On the other hand, when the read position of the image data notified from the effect image update command means is included in the temporary storage means, the second data writing processing means reads the image data from the read position in the temporary storage means. The data is written and stored in the writing position in the display data storage means.
Thus, for image data transferred to a predetermined storage area in the temporary storage means, if the reading position in the image data storage means and the writing position in the display data storage means are designated, the storage position in the temporary storage means It can be used to create display data without specifying the address, address management becomes easy, and the burden of program design can be reduced. Further, by designating the temporary storage means as the reading position of the image data, the data already stored in the temporary storage means can be easily reused, and it is not necessary to read out from the image data storage means every time. The control burden for processing data can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the determination table set so that any one of the plurality of types of effect display as the action effect display has a different probability of being a specific display result according to the execution timing of the action effect display. Is determined.
Thereby, the expectation with respect to becoming a specific display result according to the execution timing of action effect display can be heightened, and the interest of a game can be improved.

In the gaming machine according to claim 7, there is a probability that any one of the plurality of types of effect display that is the action effect display has a specific display result according to the number of effect images that act on the identification information in the action effect display. It is determined using a determination table set differently.
Thereby, the expectation with respect to becoming a specific display result according to the number of the effect images which apply an action to the identification information in the action effect display can be enhanced, and the interest of the game can be improved.

In the gaming machine according to claim 8, there is a probability that any one of the plurality of types of effect display that is the action effect display has a specific display result according to the type of effect image that acts on the identification information in the action effect display. It is determined using a determination table set differently.
Thereby, the expectation with respect to becoming a specific display result according to the kind of effect image which acts on identification information by action effect display can be heightened, and the interest of a game can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A special symbol display device 4 for variably displaying (variably displaying) a plurality of types of special symbols each identifiable is provided at a predetermined position in the game area. The installation position of the special symbol display device 4 is not limited to a predetermined position in the game area, and may be a predetermined position outside the game area.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, at the center position of the game area, for example, a plurality of types of decorative symbols (also referred to as “effects symbols”) that can be identified by different types from the special symbols are variably displayed. There is also provided an image display device 5 that is used for performing a rendering operation by displaying a plurality of types of images, such as displaying various types of rendering images different from decorative designs. Below the image display device 5, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6 that forms a start winning opening is disposed. Below the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6, a special variable winning ball apparatus 7 that forms a large winning opening and an ordinary symbol display apparatus 20 are provided.

  The special symbol display device 4 includes, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs. The special symbol display device 4 variably displays, for example, a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating “00” to “99”, symbols indicating “−−”, and the like in a special symbol game as a variable display game. . For example, after the execution condition for variably displaying the special symbol is established by winning the game ball in the starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6, for example, the previous special drawing game is ended. And the start condition for variably displaying the special symbol, such as the fact that the big hit gaming state has ended, is started. In this embodiment, as an example, the special symbol display device 4 includes “left” and “right” special symbol variable display units, and in each special symbol variable display unit, numerical values indicating “0” to “9” A special symbol composed of a symbol indicating “−” or the like is variably displayed. A plurality of types of special symbols that are variably displayed in each special symbol variable display section are assigned symbol numbers corresponding thereto. For example, symbol numbers “0” to “9” are assigned to numerical values indicating “0” to “9”, and symbol numbers “10” are assigned to symbols indicating “−”. Has been.

  The image display device 5 is composed of an LCD or the like, for example, and may be any device that performs screen display by a dot matrix method using a large number of pixels (pixels). On the display screen of the image display device 5, for example, a display area divided into three parts “left”, “middle”, and “right” corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4. As the variable display portions DL, DC, and DR, a plurality of types of decorative patterns that can be identified are variably displayed. This variable display of decorative symbols is also included in the variable display game performed based on the start condition being satisfied.

  As an example, when variable display of a special symbol on the special symbol display device 4 is started, decoration is performed on the variable display portions DL, DC, DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the image display device 5. When the variable display of symbols (for example, switching display or scroll display) is started, and then the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the “left” in the image display device 5 is displayed. In the variable display portions “”, “middle”, and “right”, the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result of the decorative graphic is stopped (displayed). In addition, each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions can be moved within the display area of the image display device 5 so that the decorative symbols can be displayed in a reduced or enlarged manner. Also good.

  In each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR in the image display device 5, an effect image composed of combinations of numbers and characters can be displayed as a plurality of types of decorative patterns in a variable manner. Is done. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the numbers “1” to “8” and the peripheral parts (frame parts) of the display images N1 to N8 as various figures are arranged. The composite images A1 to A8 composed of the display images C1 to C8 indicating the characters are displayed as decorative symbols corresponding to the symbol numbers “1” to “8”, and each of “left”, “middle”, and “right” is variable. Variable display can be performed on the display portions DL, DC, and DR. In this embodiment, when the decorative symbols are changed, the composite images A1 to A8 indicating the decorative symbols corresponding to the symbol numbers “1” to “8” are displayed on the variable display portion DL “left”. The scroll display is performed from the largest to the smallest, and the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR perform the scroll display from the smallest symbol number to the largest symbol. In the “left” variable display portion DL, after the composite image A1 indicating the decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol number “1” is displayed, the composite image A8 indicating the decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol number “8” is displayed. As a result, a continuous variation display of the decorative design is performed. In the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the composite image A8 corresponding to the symbol number “1” is displayed after the composite image A8 indicating the symbol corresponding to the symbol number “8” is displayed. By displaying the image A1, the decorative pattern is continuously changed and displayed.

  Further, the image display device 5 has a special symbol start memory display area for displaying the number of reserved memories (the number of special figure reserved memories) as the number of effective winning balls won in the start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6. It may be provided. In the special symbol start memory display area, a winning display is performed in response to an effective start winning when the special figure reservation storage number is less than a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). As a specific example, when 1 is added to the special figure reservation storage number, one of the display parts that are normally blue or non-displayed (for example, the left or lower end of the display part that is blue or non-displayed) Is changed to red display or visible display. On the other hand, when the special figure hold storage number is subtracted by 1, one of the display parts displayed in red or visible (for example, the right end or upper end of the display part displayed in red or visible display). Return the display area to blue or non-display. Alternatively, in the special symbol start storage display area, a number indicating the special figure reserved memory number may be displayed so that the player or the like can recognize the special figure reserved memory number. You may make it provide the indicator (special symbol start memory display) which displays the number of special symbol reservation memory together with the special symbol start memory display area or instead of the special symbol start memory display area.

  The normal symbol display device 20 is configured to include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and the execution condition is that a game ball that has passed through a passing gate 41 provided in the gaming area is detected by the gate switch 21 (FIG. 3). In the normal game, the lighting, blinking, coloring, etc. are controlled.

  The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is an electric tulip-type accessory (ordinary normal) having a pair of movable wing pieces that are controlled by a solenoid 81 (FIG. 3) between a vertical (normally open) position and a tilt (enlarged open) position. It has an electric accessory) and forms a start winning opening. The game ball that has entered the starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is detected by the starting opening switch 22 (FIG. 3), and based on the detection, a special symbol and a decorative symbol are displayed in a variable manner. The execution condition (start condition) is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the start port switch 22, a predetermined number (for example, four) of prize balls are paid out.

  The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes an opening / closing plate that opens and closes a large winning opening serving as a winning area by a solenoid 82 (FIG. 3). When a game ball enters the big prize opening opened by the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball device 7, a predetermined number is determined based on the detection of the gaming ball by the count switch 23 (FIG. 3). A prize ball of (for example, “15”) is paid out.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill with a built-in lamp, an out port, and the like. Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. A decorative LED may be provided around each structure (for example, the normal variable winning ball device 6, the special variable winning ball device 7, etc.) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 that is operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball is provided at a lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3.

  In the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device 20, when the normal symbol variable display is started and then displayed in a predetermined hit pattern, the display result is “win” (normal hit), and the normal variable winning ball device The movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting 6 is controlled to the tilting position (enlargement opening control), and is controlled to the vertical position (normal opening control) when a predetermined time elapses.

  In the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, after the special symbol variable display is started, when the predetermined time elapses, the fixed special symbol that is the variable symbol variable display result is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, the “big hit” is displayed as a specific display result, and if a special symbol other than the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”. When the variable display result in the special figure game is “big hit”, it is controlled to the big hit gaming state as the specific gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment, as a specific example, a special symbol indicating “33” or “77” is a big hit symbol and a special symbol indicating “-” is a lost symbol.

  When the confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 is the jackpot symbol “33” or “77”, as the variable display result of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5, for example, “left”, “middle” ”And“ Right ”variable display units stop and display the fixed decorative symbols constituting a predetermined jackpot combination. For example, if the same decorative pattern is stopped and displayed on the active line set in advance in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display parts, Good. As an example, the effective lines are the horizontal direction consisting of only the upper stage, only the middle stage, and only the lower stage in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display areas, ”In the diagonal direction consisting of the middle stage in the variable display section and the lower stage in the“ right ”variable display section, or the middle stage and“ right ”in the lower stage in the“ left ”variable display section and the“ middle ”variable display section. What is necessary is just to be predetermined in the diagonal direction etc. which consist of the upper stage in a display part. Such a big-decision combination definite decorative symbol is included in the specific display result corresponding to being controlled to the big hit gaming state.

  In the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the jackpot symbol "33" or "77" is stopped and displayed, or the final symbol combination symbol of the jackpot combination is stopped and displayed as a variable display result of the ornament symbol in the image display device 5. In the big hit gaming state controlled correspondingly, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. Thus, the first state that is advantageous to the player is obtained by opening the special winning opening. In this way, the open / close plate with the grand prize opening in the open state receives a game ball falling on the surface of the game board 2 and then closes the grand prize opening, so that the second state is disadvantageous for the player. To do. Thus, one round is completed by setting the grand prize winning opening to the first state and then the second state to the closed state. In this embodiment, the big win symbol “33” or “77” is stopped and displayed in the special game, and the definite decorative symbol of the big hit combination is stopped and displayed as a variable display result of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5. In particular, in the big hit gaming state as the corresponding specific gaming state, the round as the opening / closing cycle of the big winning opening can be repeated until a predetermined number of times (for example, “15”) is reached.

  Note that the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 has the large winning opening closed during normal times, for example, before the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on and before being controlled to the big hit gaming state. A game ball that has entered one area (V prize area; special area) of the game balls led to the back of the game board 2 after winning the big prize opening that has been opened in the big hit game state is a predetermined V prize switch. The game ball detected by the count switch 23 after entering the other area and entering the other area may be detected by the count switch 23 as it is. In this case, a solenoid for switching the route in the special winning opening may be provided on the back of the game board 2. Then, in each round other than the final round in the big hit gaming state, it may be set as a condition for transitioning to the next round that the game ball is detected by the V winning switch. Alternatively, it may be possible to always shift to the next round in each round other than the final round in the big hit gaming state without providing the V winning area.

  The jackpot symbols “33” and “77” that are stopped and displayed in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 include the normal jackpot symbol “33” and the probability variation jackpot symbol “77”. Among the decorative symbols with symbol numbers “1” to “8” that are variably displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions in the image display device 5, the symbol number is an odd number “ The decorative patterns of “1”, “3”, “5”, and “7” are used as the probability variation symbols for probability variation big hits, and the ornaments of “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” whose symbol numbers are even numbers. The symbol is usually a normal symbol for big hits.

  For example, when the confirmed special symbol is a probable big hit symbol “77” in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the variable display result of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5 is “left”, “middle”, On the effective line set in each “right” variable display section, the same probability variation symbol is a fixed decorative symbol of probability variation jackpot combination in which the same probability variation symbols are stopped and displayed. Thus, when the probability variation jackpot symbol “77” is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special figure game, the probability variation jackpot included in the predetermined special display result among the specific display results is obtained. When the confirmed special symbol is normally a big hit symbol “33” in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the variable display result of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 is “left”, “middle”, On the effective line set in each of the “right” variable display portions, the same normal symbol is a fixed decorative symbol of a normal jackpot combination that is stopped and displayed together. Thus, when the normal big hit symbol “33” is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special figure game, the special big hit that is not included in the special display result among the specific display results. As described above, when the special symbol variable display result in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 is “big hit”, the special display result is “probable big hit”, and other than the special display result. The case where it becomes “ordinary big hit” as a specific display result is included.

  When the variable display result is “probable big hit”, after the big hit gaming state corresponding to the variable display result is completed, probability variation control (probability changing control) is continuously performed as one of the special gaming states. The probable gaming state (high probability gaming state) is shifted to. In this probability-changing gaming state, the display result in the special display game and the variable display of decorative symbols becomes “big hit”, and the probability of being further controlled to the big hit gaming state is improved to be higher than in the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state other than a special gaming state such as a big hit gaming state or a probability variation gaming state, and the probability that the variable display result of a special symbol or a decorative symbol will be a big hit is a pachinko gaming machine 1 It is controlled in the same manner as the initial setting state (for example, a state in which a predetermined return process is not executed after power-on as in the case where a system reset is performed). Further, in the probability variation gaming state, the variable display time, which is the time from when the special symbol variable display is started in the special game, until the confirmed special symbol as a display result is stopped and displayed is shorter than in the normal gaming state. The time reduction control (time reduction control) controlled as described above is also performed. In this embodiment, regardless of the number of executions of the special game, the probability variation gaming state continues until the variable display result is a big hit. On the other hand, after entering the probability variation gaming state, when one of the conditions is satisfied, that is, a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) a special game is executed and the variable display result is a big hit In addition, the probability variation gaming state may be terminated. In addition, even before the special figure game is executed a predetermined number of times in the probability variation game state or before the variable display result is a big hit, the probability variation game state ends at a predetermined rate when the special figure game is started. There may be.

  When the variable display result is “ordinary big hit”, after the big hit gaming state corresponding to the variable display result is finished, control is performed so that the normal gaming state is entered instead of the probability variable gaming state. In addition, after the big hit gaming state based on the fact that the variable display result is “ordinary big hit”, as one of the special gaming states, it is assumed to shift to a time shortening state in which the time reduction control is continuously performed. Also good. Probability control is not performed in the time reduction state, and the probability that the display result is “big hit” in each special display game or variable display of decorative symbols is controlled to be the same as in the normal game state. For example, after the time reduction state is reached, when any of the conditions is executed, a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) a special game is executed and the variable display result is a big hit, the time is What is necessary is just to complete | finish a shortened state and to transfer to a normal game state.

  Various control boards such as a main board 11 and an effect control board 12 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a signal relay board 14 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board may be arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs lighting / extinguishing control of each segment and each dot constituting the special symbol display device 4 to control variable display of the special symbols by the special symbol display device 4, or the normal symbol display device 20 A function for controlling the variable display of a predetermined display symbol is also provided, such as controlling the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display device 20 by performing on / off / coloring control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 101 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 102 that outputs a drive signal for each of the solenoids 81 and 82 according to the command is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, wiring for receiving detection signals from the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. Note that the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, and the count switch 23 may have any configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. In addition, the main board 11 is provided with wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 to the solenoid 81 and opening / closing control of the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. A wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing the operation to the solenoid 82 is connected. Further, the main board 11 is connected to a wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control of the special symbol display device 4 and the normal symbol display device 20.

  A control signal output from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the signal relay board 14. The main board 11 is provided with a main board side connector corresponding to, for example, the signal relay board 14, and an output buffer circuit is connected between the main board side connector and the game control microcomputer 100. The output buffer circuit can pass the signal only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 14 and prevents the signal from being input from the signal relay board 14 to the main board 11. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 or the signal relay board 14 side to the main board 11 side.

  For example, the signal relay board 14 may be provided with a transmission direction regulating circuit for each wiring for transmitting a control signal output from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Each transmission direction regulating circuit includes a diode having an anode connected to the main board connector corresponding to the main board 11 and a cathode connected to the presentation control board connector corresponding to the presentation control board 12, and one end connected to the cathode of the diode. And a resistor having the other end connected to the ground (GND). With this configuration, each transmission direction regulating circuit can prevent the signal input from the effect control board 12 to the signal relay board 14 and allow the signal to pass only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. . Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 side to the main board 11 side. In this embodiment, a transmission direction regulating circuit is provided for each wiring for transmitting a control signal in the signal relay board 14, and an output buffer is provided between the game control microcomputer 100 and the main board side connector on the main board 11. By providing the circuit, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input to the main board 11 from the outside.

  The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 14 is an effect control command transmitted as an electric signal, for example. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used to control sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9 And a lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the decoration LED and the like. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command used in this embodiment. The effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit of the EXT data is “0”. Note that the command form shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and other command forms may be used. In this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one or a plurality of three or more.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the command 80XXH is a variable display start command that is transmitted when the special symbol display device 4 starts variable display of the special symbol as the special symbol game. XXH indicates that it is an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is arbitrarily set according to the command content by the effect control command. In the variable display start command, different EXT data is set according to the variable display pattern of the special symbol or the decorative symbol, the type of the variable display result (whether it is a loss, a normal big hit, or a probable big hit). The MODE data of the variable display start command is any one of “80H”, “81H”, and “82H” according to the variable display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol determined based on the number of special figure reservations. May be set. For example, when the special figure pending storage number is “0” or “1”, the MODE data “80H” is set to transmit the command 80XXH of the variable display pattern # 1. On the other hand, when the special figure holding storage number is “2”, the command 81XXH of the variable display pattern # 2 is transmitted by setting the MODE data “81H”. When the special figure hold storage number is “3” or “4”, by setting the MODE data “82H”, the command 82XXH of the variable display pattern # 3 is transmitted. In the variable display start command, different EXT data is set according to the variable display pattern, and the display result notification command different from the variable display start command is used to determine whether the variable display result is lost or the normal big hit. You may make it notify the kind of variable display result, such as becoming.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of normal losing patterns are prepared as variable display patterns for deriving and displaying a definitive decorative symbol of a losing combination without the decorative symbol variable display mode becoming reach. Also, a plurality of reach patterns are prepared as variable display patterns for deriving and displaying a definite decorative combination of a big hit combination or a lost combination after setting the variable display mode of the decorative design as reach.

  Here, the reach means that a decorative display (referred to as a reach variation pattern) that has not yet been derived and displayed when the decorative pattern derived and displayed on the image display device 5 forms a part of the jackpot combination is a variable display. It is a display mode that is being performed, or a display mode in which all or some of the decorative symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, the variable display on the active line that has not been stopped and displayed when the symbols constituting the predetermined jackpot combination are stopped and displayed on some of the variable display portions on the predetermined active line. Display mode (for example, “left”, “right” of the “left”, “middle”, “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR provided in the display area) In the state where the variable display portions DL and DR are partly displayed as part of the big hit symbol (for example, the decorative symbol with the symbol number “7”) is stopped and displayed, the “medium” variable display portion DC is still displayed in a variable manner. Display pattern), or all or part of the variable display portions DL, DC, and DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, the decorative symbol constitutes all or part of the jackpot symbol However, this is a display mode in which variable display is performed synchronously. In addition, during the reach, an unusual effect may be performed with a lamp or sound. This production is called reach production. When reaching, the image display device 5 displays a display image (for example, an image imitating a person or the like) in an effect display different from the decorative design, changes the display mode of the background image, The change display mode may be changed. This change in the display mode of the display image and the background image and the variation pattern of the decorative pattern is called reach effect display. Some reach is set so that when it appears, a big hit is more likely to occur than normal reach (normal reach). Such special (specific) reach is called super reach.

  In addition, in this embodiment, separately from the reach production, before the variable display mode of the decorative pattern becomes reach, the display images C1 to C8 indicating the characters in the composite images A1 to A8 that become the decorative pattern are displayed. There is a case in which an effect display such as a reach is performed by the corresponding effect image acting on a decorative pattern displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. Such effect display is called action effect display. As an example, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed without reaching the “left” and “right” variable display portions DL and DR in the image display device 5, while the decorative symbols are displayed on the “middle” variable display portion DC. Is changed, the effect image corresponding to the portion of the display image C1 to C8 indicating the character in any one of the composite images A1 to A8 that are the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. Then, it jumps out from the composite images A1 to A8 and separates from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the numbers, and acts again on the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR (change again). After that, the decorative display is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR, and the effect display that reaches is performed.

  An effect in which the parts of the display images C1 to C8 indicating the characters are separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the corresponding numbers and act on the decorative design is referred to as separation effects. In this embodiment, the other parts of the display images C1 to C8 showing the characters separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 showing the numbers are different from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 showing the separated numbers. It is assumed that a separation effect for reaching is performed by acting on any of the composite images A1 to A8 serving as symbols. In this separation effect, the effect display in which the effect image corresponding to the parts of the display images C1 to C8 indicating the separated characters acts on the decorative design may be performed by reproduction display of a moving image, or display of a sprite image However, in the following, a case in which the display is performed by reproducing and displaying a moving image will be described as an example.

  A command 9F00H shown in FIG. 4 is a demonstration display command for displaying a demonstration image (demonstration display) by displaying a predetermined image on the image display device 5. The command A000H is a jackpot start command (“fanfare command” indicating that the jackpot gaming state is started in response to the fact that the type of variable display result in the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a jackpot such as a normal jackpot or a probability variable jackpot. "). In the big hit start command, for example, different EXT data is set corresponding to the special figure pre-determined result of whether the type of variable display result in the special symbol or the decorative symbol is set to the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit. May be. For example, the EXT data may be set to “00H” when the special figure predetermined result is a normal big hit, while the EXT data may be set to “01H” when the special figure predetermined result is a probable big hit. . The command A1XXH is a jackpot round number notification command indicating the number of rounds started in the jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot round number notification command, for example, different EXT data is set corresponding to the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game state. Command B000H is a jackpot end command indicating that the jackpot gaming state is ended.

  The command D0XXH shown in FIG. 4 is an effective winning ball that is won in the starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6 in order to perform a winning display in a special symbol start memory display area provided in the image display device 5 or the like. This is a pending memory count notification command for notifying the number of special figure pending memories. In the pending storage count notification command, different EXT data is set corresponding to the special figure pending storage count. For example, when the special figure hold memory number is “0”, the EXT data is set to “00H”, and when the special figure hold memory number is “1”, the EXT data is set to “01H”. EXT data is set to “02H” when “2” is “2”, EXT data is set to “03H” when the special figure hold memory number is “3”, and the special figure hold memory number is “4”. In some cases, the EXT data may be set to “04H”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11. A game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that performs a control operation according to a program, and a ROM (Read that stores a game control program, fixed data, and the like. Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 that provides a work area for the CPU 111, a random number circuit 114 that updates numerical data indicating random values independently of the CPU 111, and an input / output port 115. Configured. In the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 111 executes a program read from the ROM 112 and uses the RAM 113 as a work area, thereby executing a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The random number circuit 114 is a circuit that generates all or part of various random numbers used on the main board 11 side. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating random values used on the main board 11 side. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result, a random value MR2 for determining a variable display pattern, and a random value MR3 for reaching determination are used on the main substrate 11 side. The numerical data indicating these random numbers is controlled so as to be countable. In order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers other than these may be used on the main board 11 side. Numerical data indicating all or part of these random number values MR1 to MR3 may be counted by the random number circuit 114. Further, the numerical data indicating a part of the random number values MR1 to MR3 may be counted by updating by software using the random counter different from the random number circuit 114 by the CPU 111.

  The random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is used to determine whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game state or the small hit game state based on the variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game. This is a random value, for example, a value in the range of “1” to “65536”. In other words, the random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result indicates that the special symbol variable display result in the special figure game and the decorative symbol variable display result performed in the image display device 5 corresponding to the special figure game are the big hits. It is used to determine whether or not the game will be lost, or to determine whether or not it will be a normal big hit or a probable big hit in the case of a big hit.

  The random value MR2 for determining the variable display pattern is a random number value for display used to determine the variable display pattern of the special symbol or the decorative symbol as one of a plurality of types prepared in advance. For example, “1” A value in the range of “150” is taken. The reach determination random value MR3 is a random value used to determine whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is to be reached when the variable display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is lost. For example, a value in the range of “1” to “239” is taken.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 112 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 5 stores table data constituting various tables used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 112 stores table data constituting a plurality of determination tables and determination tables prepared for the CPU 111 to make various determinations and determinations. The ROM 112 also stores table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 111 to transmit control commands to other control boards and the like via the input / output port 115. The determination table includes a jackpot determination table that is referred to for determining whether the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a big hit or a loss, or the variable symbol display mode of the decorative symbol when reaching a loss. A reach determination table to be referred to for determining whether or not to perform is included. The determination table includes a variable display pattern determination table that is referred to for determining variable display patterns for special symbols and decorative symbols.

  The variable display pattern determination table stored in the ROM 112, for example, associates each variable display pattern with a random value MR2 for determining a variable display pattern, and thereby displays the variable display pattern based on the random value MR2 for determining the variable display pattern. What is necessary is just to be comprised from the setting data (data for determination) etc. which enable selection. The data indicating each variable display pattern in the variable display pattern determination table is, for example, in the variable display pattern determination table or in a variable display pattern setting table different from the variable display pattern determination table. The variable display time is associated with data indicating the variable display time, which is the time from the start of variable display to the derivation and display of the fixed special symbol and the fixed decorative symbol.

  As a specific example of the variable display pattern determination table, in this embodiment, the big hit pattern determination table 200A shown in FIG. 7A, the reach loss pattern determination table 200B shown in FIG. 7B, and FIG. Table data constituting the normal loss pattern determination table 200C shown in FIG.

  The jackpot pattern determination table 200A shown in FIG. 7A includes a plurality of jackpot pattern determination tables 200A based on the random display value MR2 for variable display pattern determination when it is determined that the variable display result of a special symbol or a decorative symbol is a jackpot. It is configured to be able to select and determine one of the reach patterns as various types of jackpot patterns. The reach loss pattern determination table 200B shown in FIG. 7B is used to determine that the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is to be reached when it is determined that the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is lost. Correspondingly, it is configured to be able to select and determine one of a plurality of types of reach pattern as a reach loss pattern based on the random display pattern random number MR2. The normal losing pattern determination table 200C shown in FIG. 7C determines that the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is not reached when it is determined that the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is lost. Corresponding to the above, based on the random value MR2 for determining the variable display pattern, one of a plurality of types of normal loss patterns can be selected and determined. In this embodiment, variable display patterns of normal A and normal B are prepared as a plurality of types of variable display patterns serving as normal loss patterns. Further, as a plurality of types of variable display patterns serving as reach patterns, normal, super A, super B, super C, and super D variable display patterns are prepared.

  In this embodiment, when the variable display pattern of Super A is selected and determined using the big hit pattern determination table 200A or the reach lose pattern determination table 200B, it is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 during the variable display of decorative symbols. For example, the display images N1 to N8 in which the parts of the display images C1 to C8 indicating the characters in any one of the composite images A1 to A8 that are the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL indicate the corresponding numbers. A separation effect is performed in which a reach is performed by acting on the decorative symbols that are separated from the above-mentioned region and stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR.

  Here, when the big hit pattern determination table 200A shown in FIG. 7A is compared with the reach loss pattern determination table 200B shown in FIG. 7B, the variable display pattern determination disturbance for each reach pattern (reach type) is compared. The assignment of the numerical value MR2 is different. That is, the ratio of the type of reach selected differs depending on whether the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is lost or a big hit. As a result, the possibility that the variable display result will be a big hit differs depending on the type of reach that appears during variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols. Thus, the possibility (probability) that the display result determined for each type of reach will be a big hit is also referred to as a reach big hit reliability or simply a reach reliability.

  FIG. 8 (A) shows a case in which it is determined that the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative design is to be lost for each of the normal and super A to super D reach patterns, and the variable display result is a big hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the selection probability at the time of the big hit when the determination to this effect was made. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the reach reliability. Note that the reliability of reach shown in FIG. 8B is that when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state, the big hit probability is 1/300, and the reach appearance rate at the time of losing is 1/10. Was calculated as Here, the reliability of reach corresponding to each variable display pattern is ((selection probability of the variable display pattern at the time of big hit) × (probability of big hit)) / ((selection probability of the variable display pattern at the time of loss) × (Loss probability) × (reach appearance rate) + (selection probability of the variable display pattern at the time of big hit) × (big hit probability)). Note that (loss probability) = 1− (big hit probability). As shown in FIG. 8B, the reach reliability of each reach pattern used in this embodiment is different from each other.

  In the RAM 113 provided in the gaming control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 5, as an area for holding various data used for controlling the gaming state and the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, as shown in FIG. A data holding area 210 is provided. The game control data holding area 210 shown in FIG. 9 includes a special figure storage unit 161, a game control flag setting unit 162, a game control timer setting unit 163, a game control counter setting unit 164, and a game control buffer setting unit. 165.

  The special figure storage unit 161 executes the variable display of the special symbol game on the special symbol display device 4 and the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 when the game ball wins the start winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball device 6. However, the holding information regarding the special figure game in which the start condition for starting the variable display is not established due to the fact that the previous special figure game or the like is being executed is stored. For example, the special figure holding storage unit 161 associates with the holding numbers in the order of winning to the start winning opening, and determines the special figure display result extracted from the random number circuit 114 or the like by the CPU 111 based on the establishment of the execution condition by the winning. Numerical data indicating the random number value MR1, numerical data indicating the random value MR2 for determining the variable display pattern, numerical data indicating the random value MR3 for reach determination, and the like are reserved data, and the number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4)) until it is reached.

  The game control flag setting unit 162 is provided with a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control flag setting unit 162 stores data indicating the value of the flag and data indicating the on state or the off state for each of the plurality of types of flags. In this embodiment, the game control flag setting unit 162 is provided with, for example, a special symbol process flag, a big hit flag, a probability variation flag, a probability variation confirmation flag, a demonstration display flag, and the like.

  The special symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected / executed in the special symbol process (step S15 in FIG. 27, FIG. 28) executed in order to control the progress of the special symbol game on the special symbol display device 4. Instruct. The big hit flag is set to the on state in response to the determination that the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a big hit such as a normal big hit or a probable big hit. On the other hand, in response to the end of the special game based on the decision to win, the jackpot flag is cleared and the game is turned off.

  The probability variation flag is set to an on state in response to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being controlled to the probability variation gaming state, while the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is “normal jackpot” or “probability variation”. In response to a big hit such as “big hit”, it is cleared and turned off. The probability variation confirmation flag is set to an on state when it is determined that the variable display result in the special symbol game is to be a promising big hit when the special symbol display device 4 starts the special symbol game. On the other hand, when the big hit gaming state ends, the probability variation flag is cleared and turned off in response to the probability variation flag being set to the on state. The demonstration display flag is set to an on state in response to transmission of a demonstration display command from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. On the other hand, the demo display flag is cleared and turned off in response to the end of the special figure game or the big hit gaming state when the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or decoration symbol is lost. It becomes a state.

  The game control timer setting unit 163 is provided with a special symbol process timer, for example. The special symbol process timer mainly includes a time for controlling the progress of the special symbol game such as a special symbol variable display time which is the execution time of the special symbol game, and a time for controlling the progress of the big hit gaming state. This is for measuring on the substrate 11 side. For example, the special symbol process timer stores the timer value data corresponding to the time measured to control the progress of the special symbol game or the big hit gaming state as a special symbol process timer value, and periodically counts down. Used as a counter. In this case, when the special symbol display device 4 starts the special symbol game, the special symbol process timer is set with a timer initial value determined according to the variable display pattern, and the special variable winning ball in the big hit gaming state. When the special winning opening formed by the device 7 is opened, a timer initial value corresponding to the longest duration of one round (for example, 29 seconds) is set.

  The game control counter setting unit 164 is provided with, for example, a special figure holding memory number counter and a probability variation number counter. The special figure holding memory number counter counts the special figure holding memory number which is the number of holding data in the special figure holding memory unit 161 based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning port formed by the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6. belongs to. For example, the special figure reserved memory number counter stores count value data corresponding to the special figure reserved memory number as a special figure reserved memory number count value, and is updated in accordance with the increase or decrease of the special figure reserved memory number (for example, 1 addition) Alternatively, 1 is subtracted). The probability variation counter is for counting the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the probability variation gaming state in which probability variation control is performed. In the probability variation counter, the upper limit of the special figure game that can be executed in the probability variation gaming state in advance when the jackpot gaming state based on the fact that the variable display result of the special symbol or decoration symbol has become the probability variation jackpot ends. Data indicating the number of times (for example, “100”) is set as the initial count value. Then, when a special game in which the variable display result is lost in the probability variation gaming state is executed, the count value in the probability variation counter is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted).

  The game control buffer setting unit 165 is provided with, for example, a main checksum buffer, a display result determination buffer, and a pattern data buffer. The main checksum buffer is for storing a checksum calculated using stored data in a specific area of the RAM 113 when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. The display result determination buffer stores the data indicating the special figure display result determination random number MR1 read from the special figure storage unit 161 corresponding to the special figure game for which the start condition is satisfied, for display result determination. Store as buffer value. The pattern data buffer stores, as a pattern data buffer value, data set as EXT data in a variable display start command indicating a variable display pattern of special symbols and decorative symbols.

  An input / output port 115 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes an input port for taking in various signals transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100, and various signals to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100. And an output port for transmitting.

  The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 3 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives a control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 14, and receives the image display device 5. In addition, various circuits for controlling electric parts for production such as the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 has predetermined electrical components for effects such as display operation in the image display device 5, sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and lamp lighting operation and extinguishing operation in the game effect lamp 9. It has a function of determining the control content for executing the rendering operation. The effect control board 12 is connected to wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5 and wiring for transmitting a driving signal to the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control board 12 includes an effect control microcomputer 120, a display control unit 121, a sound control unit 122, and a lamp control unit 123.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 120 and the display control unit 121 mounted on the effect control board 12. The effect control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 10 is configured using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a random number circuit 134, and an input / output port 135.

  In the effect control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 executes a program read from the ROM 132, thereby executing a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electrical component. At this time, the CPU 131 reads fixed data from the ROM 132, the CPU 131 writes various data to the RAM 133 and temporarily stores the data, and the CPU 131 stores the various data temporarily stored in the RAM 133. The CPU 131 receives the input of various signals from the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120 via the input / output port 135, and the CPU 131 operates the effect control microcomputer 120 via the input / output port 135. A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside is also performed.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 131 outputs and transmits a display control command serving as a display control command (electric signal) from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. In addition, the CPU 131 outputs audio data from the input / output port 135 to the sound control unit 122 for transmission. Further, the CPU 131 outputs lamp data from the input / output port 135 to the lamp control unit 123 for transmission. The CPU 131 outputs motor drive control data from the input / output port 135 to the motor drive circuit 124 for transmission.

  In the ROM 132 included in the effect control microcomputer 120, as data for determining the control operation by the CPU 131, for example, a plurality of types of decorative symbol determination tables, advance transfer setting tables, effect control pattern tables, symbol arrangement setting tables, scrolls, etc. Table data constituting a display control table, an effect determination table, and the like are stored. The decorative symbol determination table is a table used to determine a fixed decorative symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result of decorative symbols in the image display device 5.

  The advance transfer setting table stored in the ROM 132 is, for example, an image among image data indicating various display images such as composite images A1 to A8 serving as decorative designs and effect images displayed on the image display device 5 as reach effect display. Prior to the display image being displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, the image data indicating the display image set so that the display frequency on the display device 5 is higher than the required display image is displayed in advance. It is a table used to instruct transfer from the image data memory 142 of the display control unit 121 to the temporary storage memory 156 in the VDP 141. Here, the display image is an image of a predetermined part (entire or part of the screen) that can be displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, and the image data is predetermined on the screen of the image display device 5. Data prepared for displaying an image of a part (entire or part of the screen).

  As an example of the advance transfer setting table, in this embodiment, a advance transfer setting table 220 as shown in FIG. 11 is prepared. The advance transfer setting table 220 shown in FIG. 11 includes 3N + 1 (N is an arbitrary natural number) table data. The table data read from the advance transfer setting table 220 is determined by the advance transfer count value which is the value of the advance transfer counter provided in the effect control counter setting unit of the RAM 133, for example. In the advance transfer setting table 220, as table data for specifying image data to be transferred from the image data memory 142 to the temporary storage memory 156 in advance, the number of processes, read addresses # 1 to #N, write address # 1 to #N, transfer data amounts # 1 to #N, and the like are stored.

  As an example of the effect control pattern table stored in the ROM 132, in this embodiment, an effect control pattern table 230 as shown in FIG. The effect control pattern table 240 stores a plurality of types of effect control patterns that can be selected according to variable display patterns of special symbols and decorative symbols. FIG. 12B shows normal production control patterns such as normal A-01, normal A-02,..., Normal B-01, normal B-02,. A configuration example of normal production control patterns such as -02,... 12C shows a super A effect control pattern such as Super A-01 to Super A-04 shown in FIG. 12A, a super B effect control pattern such as Super B-01, Super B-02,. A configuration example of a super C effect control pattern such as -01, super C-02,... And a super D effect control pattern such as super D-01, super D-02,.

  The effect control patterns shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C include data indicating an effect control process timer initial value, and pattern data constituting a sprite image display control pattern, a sound control pattern, and a lamp control pattern. In addition, the effect control pattern shown in FIG. 12C includes pattern data constituting a moving image display control pattern. The effect control process timer initial value is a timer initial value set in, for example, an effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit of the RAM 133 in response to the start of the effect operation corresponding to each effect control pattern.

  The sprite image display control pattern is a control pattern of an operation for displaying a sprite image as a display image indicated by the sprite image data on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, as shown in FIG. It includes control data such as image display timer determination values TA-01, TA-02,... And sprite image display control data DA-01, DA-02,. When the effect control process timer value, which is the value of the effect control process timer, matches any of the sprite image display timer determination values TA-01, TA-02,..., The sprite image associated with the timer determination value. Any one of the display control data DA-01, DA-02,... Is read and, for example, various control information indicated by the read control data such as transmitting a display control command to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 is displayed. Processing and setting are performed.

  The sound control pattern is a control pattern for outputting the production sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the sound control timer determination values TB-01, TB-02,. It includes control data such as voice control data DB-01, DB-02,. When the production control process timer value matches any of the sound control timer determination values TB-01, TB-02,..., The sound control data DB-01, DB-02, Are read out, and various processes and settings indicated in the read control data, such as transmitting audio data to the sound control unit 122, are performed.

  The lamp control pattern is a control pattern for turning on, turning off, blinking, etc. the game effect lamp 9, and as shown in FIG. 13C, for example, lamp control timer determination values TC-01, TC-02,. , Lamp control data DC-01, DC-02,... When the production control process timer value matches any of the lamp control timer determination values TC-01, TC-02,..., The lamp control data DC-01, DC-02, Are read out, and various processes and settings indicated in the read control data, such as transmitting lamp data to the lamp control unit 123, are performed.

  The moving image display control pattern is a control pattern for reproducing and displaying a moving image generated using moving image data on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, as shown in FIG. .., And moving image display control data DD-01, DD-02,... When the effect control process timer value matches any one of the moving image display timer determination values TD-01, TD-02,..., The moving image display control data DD-01, DD associated with the timer determination value. Any one of −02,... Is read, and various processes and settings indicated in the read control data are performed, for example, a display control command is transmitted to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121.

  As an example of the symbol arrangement setting table stored in the ROM 132, in this embodiment, the left symbol arrangement setting table 240L shown in FIG. 14A, the middle symbol arrangement setting table 240C shown in FIG. A right symbol arrangement setting table 240R shown in C) is prepared.

  Each of the symbol arrangement setting tables 240L, 240C, and 240R shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C includes eight table data corresponding to the decorative symbols having the symbol numbers “1” to “8”. Each table data is a composite image A1 corresponding to a reference symbol when displaying a decorative symbol on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR in the image display device 5. -A8 can be specified. For example, in each table data, the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting the composite images A1 to A8 and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers are fixed in the temporary storage memory 156 of the VDP 141. When stored in the address area 156A (FIG. 19), the “index number” in the index table 300 (FIG. 20) provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A, or the storage address in the fixed address area 156A, etc. What is necessary is just to be able to specify the read position of the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting the composite images A1 to A8 and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers. The table data read from each symbol arrangement setting table 240L, 240C, 240R is determined by the image designation buffer value that is the value of the image designation buffer 172 (FIG. 18) provided in the effect control buffer setting section of the RAM 133. The left symbol arrangement setting table 240L shown in FIG. 14A is configured such that table data for specifying the combined images A8, A7,..., A1 is sequentially read as the image designation buffer value increases. . As a result, when the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL, it is possible to perform scroll display from the symbol having the largest symbol number to the symbol having the smallest symbol number. In the middle symbol arrangement setting table 240C shown in FIG. 14B and the right symbol arrangement setting table 240R shown in FIG. 14C, the composite images A1, A2,..., A8 are specified as the image designation buffer value increases. The table data is sequentially read out. As a result, when the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, it is possible to perform scroll display from the smallest symbol number to the largest symbol number.

  As an example of the scroll display control table stored in the ROM 132, in this embodiment, a scroll display control table 250 shown in FIG. 15 is prepared. The scroll display control table 250 shown in FIG. 15 is used as a reference when displaying decorative symbols on the variable display portions DL, DC, and DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the image display device 5. Are composed of 96 pieces of table data indicating the position (Y coordinate) at which the upper end is to be arranged. Here, on the screen of the image display device 5, in order to determine the display position of the image, for example, two-dimensional coordinates (0X, 0Y) to (287X, consisting of X coordinates and Y coordinates from upper left to lower right). 191Y). That is, the display area of the image display device 5 has a size of “288X” in the horizontal direction and a size of “192Y” in the vertical direction. Also, it is assumed that each of the composite images A1 to A8 serving as decorative designs has a size of “96X” in the horizontal direction and a size of “96Y” in the vertical direction. The CPU 131 determines the table data read from the scroll display control table 250 based on the display position buffer value which is the value of the display position buffer 171 (FIG. 18) provided in the effect control buffer setting unit of the RAM 133, and the read table. The display position of the decorative design is specified from the Y coordinate indicated in the data.

  The effect determination table stored in the ROM 132 is selected from among a plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 230 corresponding to the variable display pattern indicated by the variable display start command transmitted from the main board 11. It is a table used in order to determine the production | presentation control pattern which shows the aspect of production | presentation operation | movement in the variable display of a decoration symbol. In this embodiment, for example, the random number circuit 134 or the like generates numerical data indicating the random number SR1 for determining the effect control pattern that takes a value in the range of “1” to “150” as shown in FIG. Is done. The numerical data indicating the random value SR1 may be counted by the CPU 131 using a random counter different from the random number circuit 134 and updated by software. The ROM 132 stores, as an example of the effect determination table, table data constituting a super A effect determination table 260 as shown in FIG. 16B, and the variable display pattern indicated by the variable display start command. In the case of the super A variable display pattern, by referring to the super A effect determination table 260 based on the numerical data indicating the random value SR1 for determining the effect control pattern, the super A-01 to the super A-04, etc. Any one of the super A effect control patterns can be determined as an effect control pattern indicating an aspect of the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative symbols.

  In this embodiment, the setting in any one of the super A effect control patterns such as super A-01 to super A-04, which is determined when the variable display pattern indicated by the variable display start command is the super A variable display pattern. Based on the above, a separation effect is performed in which the parts of the display images C1 to C8 showing the character are separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 showing the corresponding numbers and act on the decorative symbols.

  The super A effect determination table 260 shown in FIG. 16B differs between each of the super A effect control patterns and the random value SR1 for determining the effect control pattern depending on whether it is a lost time or a big hit time. It is configured by setting data (decision data) that makes it possible to determine the effect control pattern based on the random number SR1 for determining the effect control pattern by associating them so as to be assigned. The possibility that the variable display result will be a big hit due to the assignment of the random value SR1 to each of the super A effect control patterns in the super A effect determination table 260 differs depending on the mode of the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative symbols. It becomes. In this way, the possibility (probability) that the display result determined for each aspect of the effect operation is a big hit is also referred to as the big hit reliability of the effect or simply the reliability of the effect.

  FIG. 17A shows a special symbol or a special symbol for each Super A effect control pattern of Super A-01 to Super A-04 when the variable display pattern indicated by the variable display start command is a Super A variable display pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the selection probability (decision probability) at the time of the loss when the variable display result of the decorative design is lost, and the big hit when the variable display result is a big hit. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing the reliability of effects corresponding to each of the super A effect control patterns. The reliability of the effect shown in FIG. 17B was calculated assuming that the reach reliability in the variable display pattern of Super A was about 5/7. Here, the reliability of the production corresponding to each Super A production control pattern is ((selection probability of the Super A production control pattern at the time of big hit) × (reach reliability in the variable display pattern of Super A)) / ( (Selection probability of the Super A effect control pattern at the time of losing) × (Possibility of loss in the Super A variable display pattern) + (Selection probability of the Super A effect control pattern at the time of big hit) × (Variable display pattern of Super A ) Reach reliability)). Note that (possibility of loss in the super A variable display pattern) = 1− (reach reliability in the super A variable display pattern). As shown in FIG. 17B, the reliability of effects corresponding to each Super A effect control pattern used in this embodiment is different from each other.

  In this embodiment, the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-01 is about 5/31, and the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-02 is about 15/23. Yes, the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-03 is about 5/6, and the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-04 is about 20/21. That is, the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-02 to Super A-04 is set to be higher than the reliability of the production corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-01. ing.

  The RAM 133 provided in the effect control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 10 is provided with an area for holding various data used for controlling the effect operation. For example, the RAM 133 may have an area for holding various data as an effect control flag setting unit, an effect control timer setting unit, an effect control counter setting unit, an effect control buffer setting unit, and the like.

  The effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 sets a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the effect operation state such as the display state of the image display device 5, the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11, and the like. To store data. The effect control timer setting unit of the RAM 133 stores data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for effect control such as display control on the image display device 5, for example. The effect control counter setting unit of the RAM 133 stores data indicating a plurality of types of count values used for effect control such as display control on the image display device 5, for example. The circuit used for flag setting and counter / timer may be constituted by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 133.

  In addition, the effect control buffer setting unit of the RAM 133 temporarily stores various data used for effect control such as data included in the effect control command received by the effect control board 12 and data generated in the process of the CPU 131. A plurality of types of buffers that can be stored automatically. As an example of the effect control buffer setting unit, in this embodiment, a storage area serving as an effect control buffer setting unit 170 as shown in FIG. The effect control buffer setting unit 170 shown in FIG. 18 includes a display position buffer 171 and an image designation buffer 172. In addition to the display position buffer 171 and the image designation buffer 172, the effect control buffer setting unit 170 includes various buffers such as a reception command buffer, a variable display start buffer, a round number buffer, and a stop symbol buffer. May be.

  The display position buffer 171 specifies a display position of a reference symbol when displaying a decorative symbol on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR in the image display device 5. In order to enable this, a left symbol display position buffer 171L, a middle symbol display position buffer 171C, and a right symbol display position buffer 171R are provided. The left symbol display position buffer 171L specifies the position (Y coordinate) at which the upper end of the reference symbol is to be placed when displaying the decorative symbol on the “left” variable display portion DL at the image display position 5. The buffer value associated with the table data read from the scroll display control table 250 is stored. The middle symbol display position buffer 171C is for specifying the position (Y coordinate) where the upper end of the reference symbol is to be placed when displaying the decorative symbol on the “middle” variable display unit DC in the image display device 5. The buffer value associated with the table data read from the scroll display control table 250 is stored. The right symbol display position buffer 171R specifies a position (Y coordinate) at which the upper end of the reference symbol is to be placed when displaying the decorative symbol on the “right” variable display unit DR in the image display device 5. The buffer value associated with the table data read from the scroll display control table 250 is stored.

  The image designation buffer 172 makes it possible to specify a reference symbol when displaying a decorative symbol on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR in the image display device 5. For this purpose, a left symbol image designation buffer 172L, a middle symbol image designation buffer 172C, and a right symbol image designation buffer 172R are provided. The left symbol image designating buffer 172L reads table data from the left symbol array setting table 240L in order to specify a symbol serving as a reference when displaying a decorative symbol on the “left” variable display portion DL in the image display device 5. The buffer value associated with is stored. The middle symbol image designation buffer 172C reads table data from the middle symbol array setting table 240C in order to specify a symbol serving as a reference when displaying a decorative symbol on the “middle” variable display unit DC in the image display device 5. The buffer value associated with is stored. The right symbol image designation buffer 172R reads table data from the right symbol array setting table 240R in order to specify a symbol serving as a reference when displaying a decorative symbol on the “right” variable display section DR in the image display device 5. The buffer value associated with is stored.

  The random number circuit 134 included in the effect control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 10 generates all or part of various random numbers used on the effect control board 12 side, such as a random value SR1 for determining the effect control pattern. Numerical data indicating each random number value generated by the random number circuit 134 may be counted so that it can be updated by hardware. The effect control microcomputer 120 has an input / output port 135 for inputting various signals transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 and for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120. Output port. For example, from the output port of the input / output port 135, a display control command transmitted to the display control unit 121, audio data transmitted to the sound control unit 122, lamp data transmitted to the lamp control unit 123, etc. Is output. An event interrupt signal from the VDP 141 is input to the input port of the input / output port 135.

  The display control unit 121 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 141 and an image data memory 142. The VDP 141 has an image data processing function such as a high-speed drawing function and a moving image decoding function for displaying various images on the screen of the image display device 5, for example, and follows a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. An image processor that executes image data processing. The image data memory 142 is configured using a non-volatile recording medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, and stores various image data indicating a display image on the image display device 5. For example, the image data stored in the image data memory 142 includes a plurality of types of image data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the VDP 141 includes a host interface 151, a transfer control circuit 152, an image data memory interface 153, a moving image decoder 154, a drawing circuit 155, a temporary storage memory 156, and a frame buffer memory 157. And a display circuit 158.

  The host interface 151 includes an address input terminal and a data input / output terminal for exchanging various data with the production control microcomputer 120. The transfer control circuit 152 is between the VDP 141 and an external circuit, such as an operation of transferring the image data read from the image data memory 142 to the temporary storage memory 156 based on a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. Control the data transfer operation. For example, the transfer control circuit 152 may include a DMA device for performing data transfer from the image data memory 142 to the temporary storage memory 156 using DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer.

  The image data memory interface 153 includes an address bus connection terminal, a data bus connection terminal, a chip selection signal output terminal, and the like for reading image data stored in the image data memory 142. The moving image decoder 154 reads out the moving image data stored in the image data memory 142 in a state where the data is compressed by, for example, motion compensation predictive coding, and executes predetermined decompression processing. Perform decoding. Here, the moving image decoder 154 can decode the moving image data frame by frame in response to the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120.

  The drawing circuit 155 executes a drawing process in which display data is generated in order to display an image on the image display device 5 based on the image data stored in the temporary storage memory 156. For example, the drawing circuit 155 writes the image data read from the read address of the temporary storage memory 156 to the write address of the frame buffer memory 157 and stores it in response to the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. Thus, display data for displaying various images at predetermined coordinates on the screen of the image display device 5 is created. As an example, the drawing circuit 155 has a drawing coordinate system serving as a virtual drawing space in which images are virtually arranged. Then, clipping is performed in a drawing area determined in the virtual drawing space, image display data in the drawing area is created, and stored in the frame buffer memory 157.

  The temporary storage memory 156 is configured using, for example, a VRAM (Video RAM) or the like, and temporarily stores the image data read from the image data memory 142. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an address map in the temporary storage memory 156. As shown in FIG. 19, the temporary storage memory 156 can be provided with a fixed address area 156A and a variable address area 156B.

  The fixed address area 156A is stored in the advance transfer setting table 220 as image data indicating a display image set to have a high display frequency among a plurality of types of display images displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. This is an area for temporarily storing registered image data. For example, the image data indicating the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative patterns are used for performing variable display on the screen of the image display device 5 at least once in a period in which variable display is executed each time. . On the other hand, the image data indicating the effect image used in the reach effect display is a predetermined variable display based on the determination that the variable display mode of the decorative symbols is reached at the start of the variable display. Only when the pattern is determined, it is used to display the effect image on the screen of the image display device 5 within a predetermined period during the variable display of the decorative design corresponding to the variable display pattern. That is, the display image forming the decorative design is set so that the display frequency on the image display device 5 is higher than the display image for performing the reach effect display. Further, for example, among display images for performing reach effect display, a display image for performing reach effect display with low reliability of effect is a display image for performing reach effect display with higher reliability of effect. As compared with the above, the display frequency in the image display device 5 is set to be higher.

  The variable address area 156B is not registered in the advance transfer setting table 220 as image data indicating a display image that is displayed less frequently in the image display device 5 than the display image in which the image data is stored in the fixed address area 156A. This is an area for temporarily storing image data. The variable address area 156B can temporarily store various data that is not stored in the fixed address area 156A, such as moving image data decoded by the moving image decoder 154, for example. The start address STADD and the end address ENADD of the variable address area 156B are notified to the VDP 141 by a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120 and set.

  The frame buffer memory 157 provided in the VDP 141 shown in FIG. 10 is configured using, for example, a separate VRAM that is physically separated from the temporary storage memory 156, and displays an image created by drawing processing by the drawing circuit 155 or the like. Data for development is stored. Note that the temporary storage memory 156 and the frame buffer memory 157 are not limited to physically separated ones. For example, one VRAM logically (functionally) separated according to a predetermined address setting, etc. May be used. The display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer memory 157 may be pixel data (raster data) created by the drawing circuit 155 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. For example, display data for displaying various images on the screen of the image display device 5 is written and stored in the frame buffer memory 157 by the drawing circuit 155. The display data stored in the frame buffer memory 157 is read by the display circuit 158.

  The display circuit 158 reads display data from the frame buffer memory 157, generates gradation data of each pixel constituting the display screen of the image display device 5, and generates a scanning signal based on a predetermined clock signal. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the image display device 5 by outputting it to the image display device 5 or the like. The display circuit 158 may have a scaler circuit that converts the number of pixels of display data read from the frame buffer memory 157 and generates gradation data of each pixel constituting the display screen of the image display device 5. Good. Display data read from the frame buffer memory 157 is input to the scaler circuit, and pixel data of the pixel data is enlarged or reduced at a predetermined magnification in one or both of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Convert numbers. For example, the scaler circuit only needs to be able to convert the number of pixels of the pixel data by using bilinear filtering that obtains the pixel value after enlargement from the four pixel values before enlargement by linear interpolation. The scale factor for scaling up or down in the vertical and horizontal directions in the scaler circuit may be set individually by, for example, a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120.

  In the VDP 141, as a table for managing the image data read from the image data memory 142 and temporarily stored in the fixed address area 156A or the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156, for example, as shown in FIG. An index table 300 as shown is provided. The index table 300 shown in FIG. 20 includes table data in which data indicating “start address”, “horizontal size”, “reading completion flag”, and the like is associated with data indicating “index number”, for example. . Here, “start address” indicates the head address of the image data in the temporary storage memory 156. The “horizontal size” indicates the size of the display image indicated by the image data in the horizontal direction. The “reading completion flag” indicates “ON” when the transfer of the image data read from the image data memory 142 to the temporary storage memory 156 is completed, and when the transfer is not completed or is read from the variable address area 156B. When the writing to the frame buffer memory 157 is completed, “off” is indicated. The stored contents in the index table 300 provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A are updated according to the display control command sent from the production control microcomputer 120, while corresponding to the variable address area 156B. The stored contents in the provided index table 300 only need to be automatically updated on the VDP 141 side, regardless of the display control command sent from the effect control microcomputer 120.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of a plurality of types of display control commands that the CPU 131 transmits from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 in the effect control microcomputer 120. As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, storage area setting command, image display initial setting command, advance transfer command, automatic transfer command, fixed address designation transfer command, moving image display initial setting command, moving image display start setting Display control commands such as a command, a moving image decoding command, a moving image display end setting command, and the like are transmitted from the production control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141. These display control commands are composed of data indicating the classification of commands and data indicating the types of commands, as with the effect control commands transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. But you can. Alternatively, control data corresponding to each display control command may be written by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 into various registers provided in the VDP 141 via the input / output port 135. For example, an address bus and a data bus having a predetermined bus width are connected between the input / output port 135 of the effect control microcomputer 120 and the host interface 151 of the VDP 141. Addresses are assigned to various registers included in the VDP 141, and the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 designates and accesses the registers of the VDP 141 by an address signal output from the input / output port 135 to the address bus. If you can.

  The storage area setting command indicates setting of a storage area in the temporary storage memory 156. For example, the storage area setting command includes data for notifying the VDP 141 of the start address STADD of the variable address area 156B, the final address ENADD of the variable address area 156B, and the like.

  The image display initial setting command indicates an initial setting for displaying various images on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the image display initial setting command sets the bus width of the data bus connected between the VDP 141 and the image data memory 142 to 64 bits predetermined as the first bus width corresponding to the display of the sprite image. Contains data that indicates what to do. In addition, the image display initial setting command indicates that a chip to be read out of the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 (FIG. 22) included in the image data memory 142 is a memory chip 142-1 or 142-2 for a sprite image. Therefore, data indicating that the chip select setting is CS # 0 is included.

  The pre-transfer command is for image data indicating a display image set so that the display frequency in the image display device 5 is higher than the required display image among the image data stored in the image data memory 142. This indicates that the data is transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 and stored in advance. For example, the advance transfer instruction includes data for notifying the VDP 141 of the read position of the image data in the image data memory 142, the image size after being expanded and stored in the fixed address area 156A, and the like. Here, the reading position of the image data in the image data memory 142 may be a reading address in the image data memory 142 or specific information (for example, the image data is attached to the display image indicated by the image data to be read). It may be specified using arbitrary information such as a character number assigned to the character image shown. Further, the advance transfer instruction may include data for updating the stored contents of the index table 300 provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A.

  The automatic transfer command is based on the automatic transfer setting in the VDP 141 for image data stored in the image data memory 142 that has not been transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 in advance. The image data is written in the frame buffer memory 157 to indicate that the display image indicated by the image data is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the automatic transfer command sends the image data read position in the image data memory 142, the image data write position in the frame buffer memory 157, the data amount of the image data read and transferred from the image data memory 142, etc. to the VDP 141. Contains data for notification. Here, the writing position of the image data in the frame buffer memory 157 may be a one-dimensional writing address in the frame buffer memory 157. For example, the arrangement of display images on the screen of the image display device 5 (for example, display) It may be specified using arbitrary information such as a two-dimensional address corresponding to the upper left display coordinates in the image.

  The fixed address designation transfer command causes the image data transferred in advance from the image data memory 142 to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 to be written in the frame buffer memory 157, and the display image indicated by the image data is displayed as an image. It can be displayed on the screen of the display device 5. For example, the fixed address designation transfer command indicates the image data read position in the fixed address area 156A, the image data write position in the frame buffer memory 157, the data amount of image data read and transferred from the fixed address area 156A, and the like. Data for notifying the VDP 141 is included. Here, the reading position of the image data in the fixed address area 156A is read from the fixed address area 156A such as an “index number” in the index table 300 provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A or a storage address of the table data. Any device that can specify the read address of the image data may be used.

  The moving image display initial setting command indicates an initial setting for displaying a moving image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, in the moving image display initial setting command, the bus width of the data bus connected between the VDP 141 and the image data memory 142 is set to 32 bits predetermined as a second bus width corresponding to moving image display. It contains data indicating that it is set. In addition, the moving image display initial setting command is to set a chip to be read out of the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 (FIG. 22) included in the image data memory 142 as a moving image memory chip 142-3. In addition, data indicating that the chip select setting is CS # 1 is included.

  The moving image display start setting command indicates a setting for starting reproduction display of a moving image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, in the moving image display start setting command, data indicating the setting of the index table 300 corresponding to a moving image, such as an index number assigned to the moving image in the index table 300 or an image size (horizontal size or the like). include. The moving image display start setting command includes data for notifying the VDP 141 of the moving image data reading position in the image data memory 142, the moving image data writing position in the temporary storage memory 156, and the like.

  The moving image decoding command indicates that moving image data for one frame is decoded by the moving image decoder 154. For example, the moving image decoding command includes data indicating identification information of a moving image to be decoded, such as an index number assigned to the moving image in the index table 300. In addition, the moving image decoding command includes data for instructing execution of decoding.

  The moving image display end setting command indicates a setting for ending reproduction display of a moving image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, in the moving image display end setting command, the bus width of the data bus connected between the VDP 141 and the image data memory 142 is set to 64 bits that are predetermined as the first bus width corresponding to the display of the sprite image. Data indicating that it is set to be included. In addition, the moving image display end setting command indicates that a chip to be read out of the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 (FIG. 22) included in the image data memory 142 is a memory chip 142-1, 142 for sprite images. -2 includes data indicating that the chip select setting is CS # 0.

  The image data memory 142 included in the display control unit 121 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a plurality of (three in the example illustrated in FIG. 22) memory chips 142-1 to 142-3, for example, as illustrated in FIG. . In the example illustrated in FIG. 22, sprite image data used for displaying a sprite image is stored in the memory chip 142-1 and the memory chip 142-2. The sprite image data stored in the memory chip 142-1 and the memory chip 142-2 is read in units of 64 bits that are predetermined as the first bus width. Data stored in the memory chip 142-1 and the memory chip 142-2 can be read when the chip select signal CS # 0 output from the VDP 141 is on. The chip select signal CS # 0 is turned on in response to, for example, setting the chip select to CS # 0 by a display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141. When the chip select signal CS # 0 is in the on state, a data signal corresponding to the read data from the memory chip 142-1 is transmitted to the image data memory interface 153 via the data buses # 0 to # 31. Data signals corresponding to the read data from the memory chip 142-2 are transmitted to the image data memory interface 153 via the data buses # 32 to # 63.

  In the memory chip 142-3 shown in FIG. 22, moving image data used for reproducing and displaying a moving image is stored. The moving image data stored in the memory chip 142-3 is read in units of 32 bits predetermined as the second bus width. Data stored in the memory chip 142-3 can be read when the chip select signal CS # 1 output from the VDP 141 is in an on state. The chip select signal CS # 1 is turned on in response to, for example, setting the chip select to CS # 1 by a display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141. When the chip select signal CS # 1 is in the on state, a data signal corresponding to the read data from the memory chip 142-3 is transmitted to the image data memory interface 153 via the data buses # 0 to # 31. . At this time, the data buses # 32 to # 63 are not used.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an address map in the image data memory 142. As shown in FIG. 23, the image data memory 142 is provided with a sprite image data area 142A and a moving image data area 142B.

  The sprite image data area 142A stores sprite image data used for displaying a sprite image (still image) on the screen of the image display device 5. In this embodiment, an area from the address SPSTA to the address SPEND in the image data memory 142 is set in the sprite image data area 142A, and memory chips 142-1 and 142-2 for the sprite image shown in FIG. 22 are assigned. Yes. For example, in the sprite image data area 142A, addresses are given in units of 64 bits, and upper 32 bits of data are stored in the memory chip 142-1, while lower 32 bits of data are stored in the memory chip 142-2. Remembered. In the sprite image data area 142A, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, sprite image data indicating character display images C1 to C8 is displayed as sprite image data used to display the combined images A1 to A8 as decorative patterns. In addition, sprite image data indicating number display images N1 to N8 is stored.

  The moving image data area 142B stores moving image data used to reproduce and display a moving image on the screen of the image display device 5. In this embodiment, the area from the address MBSTA to the address MBEND in the image data memory 142 is set in the moving image data area 142B, and the moving image memory chip 142-3 shown in FIG. 22 is allocated. For example, in the moving image data area 142B, an address is given in units of 32 bits, and all data is stored in the memory chip 142-3. In the moving image data area 142B, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, an effect image corresponding to a part of the display image C1 to C8 indicating a character in any one of the composite images A1 to A8 that become a decorative pattern in the separation effect is synthesized. Super A effect control such as Super A-01 to Super A-04 as image data to be separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 showing the numbers popping out from the images A1 to A8 and acting on the decorative design Video data MBA-01-02, MBA-01-04,..., MBA-02-02, MBA-02-04,..., MBA-03-01, MBA- prepared in advance corresponding to each pattern 03-03,..., MBB-01, MBB-02,.

  The format of the moving image data stored in the moving image data area 142B is arbitrary, and it may be composed of predetermined image data compressed by performing intra-frame coding or inter-frame coding. For example, a predictive encoding format such as an MPEG-2 format having a data configuration as shown in FIG. 26 may be adopted as the moving image data format. In the MPEG-2 video stream shown in FIG. 26, a sequence, a GOP, a picture, a slice, and a macroblock are hierarchically configured for each layer of the block. A sequence means an encoded signal of an entire video program. A sequence begins with a sequence header and ends with a sequence end. The sequence header includes information representing the image size, the number of frames to be encoded per second, the communication speed, and the like. The sequence is composed of one or more “GOP”. A GOP (Group Of Picture) is composed of “GOP header” and “picture” (one or more), and the GOP header includes time stamp information for enabling time adjustment with audio or the like at the time of image restoration. It is.

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

  The sound control unit 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 3 generates an audio signal by performing digital / analog conversion on the audio data received from the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, and the speakers 8L and 8R. Is a circuit that outputs sound by supplying to The lamp control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 generates, for example, a lamp drive signal corresponding to the lamp data received from the effect control microcomputer 120, and the game effect lamp 9, various decorative lamps, LEDs, etc. It is a circuit which performs lighting / light extinction switching by supplying to an electrical decoration member. The sound control unit 122 and the lamp control unit 123 may be circuits installed outside the effect control board 12.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 111 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 111 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt prohibition. In this initial setting, for example, it is determined whether or not a clear switch mounted on a power supply board or the like has been pressed, and if pressed, the RAM 113 is cleared and an initial value is set in a predetermined work area. Initial setting processing such as enabling is executed. On the other hand, when the clear switch is not pressed, the main board is displayed when the result of calculating the chuck sum matches the content of the checksum buffer based on the storage contents in the backup area of the RAM 113. The recovery process for returning the internal state of 11 to the state before the power cut occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed. In the initial setting, the sprite image data read from the image data memory 142 of the display control unit 121 on the side of the effect control board 12 is transferred to the fixed address area 156A in the temporary storage memory 156 of the VDP 141 and stored. Alternatively, a predetermined delay process may be executed to wait. This delay processing may be executed before the CPU 111 performs CTC (counter / timer circuit) register setting in order to periodically execute timer interrupt processing. As a result, it is possible to prevent a special symbol or a decorative symbol from being started to be displayed in a state in which image data transfer is incomplete, and to perform an appropriate decorative symbol variable display on the screen of the image display device 5. Can do.

  In the game control main process, the register setting of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 111 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 111 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting process and the recovery process are completed, an interrupt is permitted and then a loop process is started. When the CPU 111 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 111 executes a game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 27 is started, the CPU 111 first executes a predetermined switch process, thereby changing the state of the detection signal input from each switch 21 to 23 through the switch circuit 101. Determination is made (step S11). Subsequently, by executing predetermined error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output (steps). S13).

  Following the information output process, a main random number value update process for updating a part of the random number values MR1 to MR3 used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S14). Thereafter, the CPU 111 executes special symbol process processing (step S15). In the special symbol process, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the display operation control or special in the special symbol display device 4 is performed. Various processes are selected and executed in order to set the special winning opening / closing operation in the variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure.

  Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S16). The CPU 111 executes normal symbol process processing to control display operations (for example, lighting and extinguishing of LEDs) in the normal symbol display device 20, and to perform variable display of normal symbols (for example, lighting and blinking) and the like. Setting of tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is enabled. After executing the normal symbol process, the CPU 111 transmits a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 by executing a command control process (step S17).

  In the command control process executed in step S17, for example, whether the CPU 111 is setting data for reading the stored data at the address specified by the transmission command pointer provided in the RAM 113 and transmitting an effective production control command. By determining whether or not there is a transmission command, the presence or absence of a transmission command is determined. As an example, if the read data is data corresponding to null data “00H” or a predetermined end code, it is determined that the data is not setting data for transmitting a valid effect control command. On the other hand, for example, when the first bit (bit 7) of the read data is “1”, if the data can be set as MODE data in the effect control command, an effective effect control command is transmitted. It is determined that the setting data is for this purpose. When it is determined that there is no transmission command in this way, the command control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when there is a transmission command, the stored data at the address specified by the transmission command pointer is read, thereby reading the setting data stored in the specified command table. Then, in order to transmit the read setting data as MODE data of the effect control command, an output port (for effect control command) for transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 12 among the output ports included in the input / output port 115. Output port). Subsequently, the data indicating the on state is set in the output port for transmitting the effect control INT signal to the effect control board 12 among the output ports included in the input / output port 115, for example. Start output. Then, after waiting for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 microsecond), the output of the effect control INT signal is stopped, and waiting for a predetermined time (for example, about 2.5 microsecond).

  Thereafter, the value of the transmission command pointer is incremented by 1 and updated, and the stored data at the address designated by the updated transmission command pointer is read, thereby reading the next setting data stored in the designated command table. At this time, extension data stored in various buffers provided in the game control buffer setting unit 165 may be referred to based on the read setting data. When referring to the extended data, the extended data is read as EXT data in the effect control command from a predetermined buffer or the like provided in the game control buffer setting unit 165. When the extended data is not referred to, the setting data read from the command table is set as EXT data in the effect control command. The EXT data of the effect control command acquired in this way is set in the output port for the effect control command included in the input / output port 115. Thereafter, in the same manner as when MODE data is transmitted, an effect control INT signal is output until a predetermined time elapses, and then processing for stopping the output is executed. Then, after the value of the transmission command pointer is incremented by 1 and updated, the command control process is terminated. After executing the command control process in this way, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S15 shown in FIG. 27 as the special symbol process. When the special symbol process shown in FIG. 28 is started, the CPU 111 first checks, for example, whether or not the detection signal from the start port switch 22 has been turned on, thereby starting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. It is determined whether or not a game ball has won a winning opening (step S101). When the game ball wins the start winning opening and the detection signal from the start opening switch 22 is turned on (step S101; Yes), the start winning process is executed (step S102). After the start winning process is executed, for example, the head address of the reserved memory number notification command table corresponding to the special figure reserved memory number counter value which is the value of the special figure reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 164 is displayed. Then, by setting it to a transmission command pointer provided in the RAM 113 as a work area, etc., a setting for transmitting the pending storage number notification command to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S103). When the setting in step S103 is performed, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. 27 is executed after the special symbol process process is completed, so that the main board 11 performs the effect control board 12. A pending storage number notification command is transmitted. When the detection signal from the start port switch 22 is in the OFF state in step S101 (step S101; No), the processes in steps S102 and S103 are skipped.

  In the start winning process executed in step S102, first, the special figure holding storage number which is the number of numerical data indicating the random number MR1 for special figure display result determination stored in the special figure holding storage unit 161 is It is determined whether or not a predetermined upper limit value (eg, “4”) is reached. At this time, if the special figure holding storage number is an upper limit value, the start detection by the current winning is invalidated and the start winning process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the special figure hold storage number is less than the upper limit value, numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for special figure display result determination is extracted. As an example, the CPU 111 sets the output control signal transmitted to the random number circuit 114 to the on state, and then reads the random value output signal transmitted from the random number circuit 114 to read from the random value register included in the random number circuit 114. The obtained numerical data may be acquired as the random value MR1. As another example, when the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 is updated by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 114, the numerical data indicating the stored value in the random counter is acquired as the random value MR1. Good. In this way, after reading the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR1 is set at the head of the empty entry in the special figure holding storage unit 161. At this time, for example, by adding 1 to the special figure reservation storage number count value, the special figure reservation storage number in the special figure reservation storage unit 161 is added and updated. After the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 is set in the empty entry of the special figure storage unit 161, the numerical data indicating the random display pattern determining random value MR2 and the numerical data indicating the reach determination random number MR3 are also used. Similarly, it is acquired and set in the special figure holding storage unit 161.

  After executing the process of step S103 or after determining that the detection signal from the start port switch 22 is in the OFF state in step S101, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 Accordingly, the CPU 111 selects and executes each process of steps S110 to S117 shown in FIG.

  The special symbol normal process of step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In this special symbol normal processing, whether or not to start the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 based on the numerical data indicating the random number MR1 for determining the special symbol display result stored in the special symbol storage unit 161. The process etc. which judge are included. The variable display pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “1”. This variable display pattern setting process includes a process for determining a variable display pattern for special symbols and decorative patterns, a process for determining a variable display time corresponding to the variable display pattern, and the like.

  The special symbol variable display process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. In the special symbol variable display process, the control for changing the special symbol by performing the lighting / extinguishing control of each segment constituting the special symbol display device 4 is performed. In the special symbol variable display process, the remaining time of variable display in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 is determined by a special symbol process timer value which is a value of a special symbol process timer provided in the game control timer setting unit 163. It includes a process of measuring, a process of stopping and displaying the confirmed special symbol in response to the passage of the variable display time in the special figure game. The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. This special symbol stop process includes a process for performing a setting for transmitting a jackpot start command in response to the end of the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4.

  The pre-opening process for the special winning opening in step S114 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “4”. This pre-opening process for the big winning opening is a process for setting an opening time for making the big winning opening open when the special winning ball forming device 7 formed by the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened as a round in the big hit gaming state. Or a process of waiting until a predetermined waiting time elapses before the special winning opening is opened, and a drive signal for making the special winning opening open after the waiting time elapses. The process for making it supply with respect to 82 is included. The special winning opening opening process in step S115 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “5”. This process during opening of the big prize opening is a process of measuring the remaining time for which the big prize opening is opened every round executed in the big hit gaming state by updating a special symbol process timer value, etc. In order to change the mouth from the open state to the closed state, a process for stopping the supply of the drive signal from the solenoid circuit 102 to the solenoid 82 is included.

  The special winning opening opening post-processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “6”. This process after opening the big prize opening is a process for determining whether or not the number of rounds executed by setting the big prize opening to the open state has reached a predetermined maximum number of opening times (for example, “15”), It includes a process for setting to send a big hit end command when the maximum value is reached. The jackpot end process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “7”. In the jackpot ending process, a waiting time corresponding to a period in which a rendering operation for notifying the termination of the jackpot gaming state is performed by the electrical components for rendering such as the image display device 5, the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp 9 elapses. And a process for performing various settings corresponding to the end of the big hit gaming state.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol normal process executed in step S110 of FIG. In the special symbol normal process shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 111 first reads the special figure reserved memory number count value held in the game control counter setting unit 164 and the special figure reserved memory number is “0”. Whether or not (step 201).

  If the number of special figure hold storage is other than “0” in step S201 (step S201; No), each random number MR1 stored in correspondence with the hold number “1” from the special figure storage unit 161 is stored. Data indicating MR3 is read (step S202). The data read at this time may be set in a display result determination buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 165, for example. At this time, the special figure reserved memory number is updated by subtracting 1 from the special figure reserved memory number count value, for example (step S203). Further, in the process of step S203, each random number value MR1 to MR3 stored in the entry lower than the hold number “1” (for example, the entry corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) in the special figure hold storage unit 161 is displayed. Is shifted up by one entry.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S203, for example, it is determined whether or not the data indicating the random number MR1 read from the display result determination buffer matches the predetermined jackpot determination value data, thereby variably displaying special symbols and decorative symbols. It is determined whether or not the result is “big hit” (step S204). Here, the jackpot determination value data indicates a value in a predetermined range of the random value MR1 corresponding to, for example, whether the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a normal gaming state or a probability variation gaming state. Any data can be used. Whether the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal game state or the probability change game state may be indicated by a probability change flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 or the like. As an example, when the probability variation flag is OFF, the value in the range of “2000” to “2208” of the random value MR1 corresponds to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being the normal gaming state, It only has to match the big hit judgment value data. On the other hand, when the probability change flag is ON, the value in the range of “2000” to “4089” of the random value MR1 corresponds to the big hit corresponding to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being the probability changing gaming state. It only needs to match the judgment value data. In this case, in the probability variation gaming state, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 read from the display result determination buffer matches the jackpot determination value data with a probability 10 times higher than that in the normal gaming state. Note that the jackpot determination value data may be determined by table data of a jackpot determination table stored in advance in the ROM 112.

  If the random value MR1 matches the big hit determination value data in step S204 (step S204; Yes), the big hit flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 is set to the on state (step S205). Subsequently, for example, by determining whether or not the data indicating the random value MR1 read from the display result determination buffer matches the predetermined probability variation determination value data, the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is displayed as “big hit”. It is determined whether or not “probability big hit” is selected (step S206). Here, the probability variation determination value data may be data indicating a value in a predetermined range of the random value MR1. As an example, when the probability variation flag is off, the value in the range of “2000” to “2104” in the random number value MR1 only needs to match the probability variation determination value data. On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is on, the value in the range of “2000” to “3040” in the random value MR1 only needs to match the probability variation determination value data. The probability variation determination value data may be determined by table data of a probability variation determination table stored in advance in the ROM 112. Further, in the process of step S206, numerical data indicating a random value different from the random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the numerical data matches the probability variation determination value data. Further, it may be determined whether or not the variable display result is “probability big hit”.

  If the random value MR1 matches the probability variation determination value data in step S206 (step S206; Yes), the probability variation confirmation flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 is set to the on state (step S207). Then, the special symbol indicating “77”, which is a probable big hit symbol, is determined as a confirmed special symbol that is a variable display result of the special symbol in the current special symbol game (step S208). On the other hand, when the random value MR1 does not match the probability variation determination value data in step S206 (step S206; No), the special symbol indicating “33”, which is the normal jackpot symbol, is determined as the confirmed special symbol. (Step S209). If the random value MR1 does not match the big hit determination value data in step S204 (step S204; No), a special symbol indicating “-” that is a lost symbol is determined as a confirmed special symbol (step S210). After executing any of the processes of steps S208 to S210, after updating the value of the special symbol process flag to “1” which is a value corresponding to the variable display pattern setting process (step S211), the special symbol normal process is performed. finish.

  If the special figure holding storage number is “0” in step S201 (step S201; No), it is determined whether or not the demonstration display flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162 is on (step S201). S212). At this time, if the demo display flag is on (step S212; Yes), the special symbol normal process is terminated.

  If the demonstration display flag is OFF in step S212 (step S212; No), the demonstration display command is produced by setting the start address of the demonstration display command table to the transmission command pointer provided in the RAM 113, for example. Settings for transmission to the control board 12 are performed (step S213). When the setting in step S213 is performed, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. 27 is executed after the special symbol process process is completed, so that the main board 11 performs the effect control board 12. A demo display command will be sent. After executing the process of step S213, the demo display flag is set to the on state (step S214), and then the special symbol normal process is terminated.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display pattern setting process executed in step S111 of FIG. In the variable display pattern setting process shown in FIG. 30, the CPU 111 first determines whether or not the big hit flag is on (step S221). At this time, if the big hit flag is on (step S221; Yes), the big hit pattern determination table 200A shown in FIG. 7A is set as a table for determining the variable display pattern (step S222). As an example, the CPU 111 sets the top address of the table data constituting the jackpot pattern determination table 200A stored in the ROM 112 in a predetermined table pointer provided in the RAM 113 in the process of step S222. In the process of step S222, depending on whether or not the probability change confirmation flag is on, that is, whether or not the variable display result is “probability big hit”, the variable display pattern determination disorder for each variable display pattern is determined. You may make it set the pattern determination table in which allocation of numerical value MR2 differs.

  When the big hit flag is OFF in step S221 (step S221; No), the numerical data indicating the reach determination random number value MR3 is acquired by reading from the display result determination buffer, for example (step S223). Subsequently, by determining whether or not the random number MR3 acquired in step S223 matches predetermined reach determination value data, it is determined whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is to be reached (step S224). Here, the reach determination value data may be determined by table data constituting a reach determination table stored in advance in the ROM 112 or the like. As a specific example, a value in the range of “210” to “239” of the random value MR3 matches the reach determination value data.

  When the random value MR3 matches the reach determination value data in step S224 (step S224; Yes), the reach loss pattern determination table 200B shown in FIG. 7B is set as a table for determining the variable display pattern. (Step S225). As an example, the CPU 111 sets the head address of the table data constituting the reach / losing pattern determination table 200B stored in the ROM 112 to the table pointer in the process of step S225.

  When the random value MR3 does not match the reach determination value data in step S224 (step S224; No), the normal loss pattern determination table 200C shown in FIG. 7C is used as a table for determining the variable display pattern. Setting is made (step S226). As an example, the CPU 111 sets the head address of the table data constituting the normal loss pattern determination table 200C stored in the ROM 112 to the table pointer in the process of step S226.

  After executing any of the processes of steps S222, S225, and S226, the numerical data indicating the random display pattern determining random value MR2 is acquired by, for example, reading from the display result determination buffer (step S227). Then, based on the random number value MR2 acquired in step S227, the random number value MR2 is handled by referring to any of the pattern determination tables 200A to 200C set in any of the processes of steps S222, S225, and S226. A variable display pattern is determined (step S228).

  When the variable display pattern is determined in step S228, the variable display time corresponding to the variable display pattern or the like is determined (step S229). At this time, the variable display time may be determined not only in accordance with the variable display pattern but also in accordance with, for example, the special figure reserved memory number specified by reading the special figure reserved memory number count value. In the process of step S229, a timer initial value corresponding to the determined variable display time may be set in a special symbol process timer provided in the game control timer setting unit 163. Then, for example, by setting the EXT data in the variable display start command indicating the variable display pattern determined in step S228 and the type of the variable display result in the pattern data buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 165, etc. Settings are made to transmit a variable display start command that can identify the determined variable display pattern (step S230). Alternatively, in the process of step S230, the variable display start prepared in the ROM 112 or the like corresponding to the type of the variable display result, the variable display pattern determined in step S228, and the variable display time determined in step S229. Setting for transmitting the variable display start command may be performed by setting the head address of the table data constituting the command table to the transmission command pointer. When the setting in step S230 is performed, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. 27 is executed after the special symbol process process is finished, so that the main board 11 can change the effect control board 12. A display start command is sent.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S230, for example, by setting the head address of the reserved memory number notification command table corresponding to the special figure reserved memory number count value to the transmission command pointer, the reserved memory number notification command is sent to the effect control board 12. On the other hand, the setting for transmission is performed (step S231). When the setting in step S231 is performed, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. 27 is executed after the special symbol process process is completed, so that the main board 11 can change the effect control board 12. A display start command is sent. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “2” which is a value corresponding to the special symbol variable display process (step S232), and the variable display pattern setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol stop process executed in step S113 of FIG. In the special symbol stop process shown in FIG. 31, the CPU 111 first determines whether or not the big hit flag is on (step S241). At this time, if the big hit flag is on (step S241; Yes), the big hit start time effect waiting time is set (step S242). As an example, in the process of step S242, the CPU 111 sets a timer initial value, which is predetermined in correspondence with the big hit start production waiting time, in the special symbol process timer.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S242, setting for transmitting a big hit start command is performed (step S243). For example, in the process of step S243, the CPU 111 sets the start address of the table data constituting the jackpot start command table stored in the ROM 112 in the transmission command pointer. When the setting in step S243 is performed, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. A start command is sent.

  After executing the process of step S243, the big hit flag is cleared and turned off (step S244). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is on (step S245). If the probability variation flag is on (step S245; Yes), the probability variation flag is cleared and turned off (step S246). The probability variation counter provided in the control counter setting unit 164 is cleared and its value is initialized to “0” (step S247). If the probability variation flag is OFF in step S245 (step S245; No), the processes in steps S246 and S247 are skipped. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S248), and then the special symbol stop process is terminated.

  When the big hit flag is off in step S241 (step S241; No), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is on (step S249), and when it is on (step S249; Yes), The probability variation count value which is the value of the probability variation counter is decremented by 1 and updated (step S250). Then, it is determined whether or not the updated probability count value after the update is “0” (step S251). At this time, if the probability variation count value is “0” (step S251; Yes), the probability variation flag is cleared and turned off (step S252), so that the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed from the probability variation gaming state. Control to normal gaming state.

  If the probability variation flag is off in step S249 (step S249; No), if the probability variation count value is not “0” in step S251 (step S251; No), or the processing in step S252 is executed. After that, the demo display flag is cleared and turned off (step S253). Subsequently, after the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “0” (step S254), the special symbol stop process is terminated.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the big hit end process executed in step S117 of FIG. In the jackpot end process shown in FIG. 32, the CPU 111 first determines whether or not the big hit end presentation waiting time has elapsed (step S261). Note that the effect time at the end of the big hit is, for example, in the special symbol process timer corresponding to the setting for transmitting the big hit end command in the post-hit opening process of step S116 shown in FIG. Any setting is possible as long as a predetermined timer initial value is set. In this case, in the process of step S261, the special symbol process timer value, which is the value of the special symbol process timer, is updated, for example, by subtracting 1 or the like, and it is determined whether or not the updated value is “0”. Thus, it may be determined whether or not the waiting time at the end of jackpot has elapsed. And if the big hit end production waiting time has not passed (step S261; No), the big hit end processing is ended as it is.

  When the big hit end time waiting time has elapsed in step S261 (step S261; Yes), it is determined whether or not the probability variation confirmation flag is on (step S262). At this time, if the probability change confirmation flag is on (step S262; Yes), the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the probability change game state by setting the probability change flag to the on state (step S263). Subsequently, the probability variation confirmation flag is cleared and turned off (step S264), and a predetermined count initial value (eg, “100”) is set in the probability variation counter (step S265). If the probability variation confirmation flag is off in step S262 (step S262; No), or after executing the process of step S265, the demo display flag is cleared and turned off (step S266), and the special symbol process is performed. After updating the value of the flag to “0” (step S267), the big hit ending process is ended.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the supply of the power supply voltage is received, the effect control microcomputer 120 is activated, and the CPU 131 executes an effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 33 is started, the CPU 131 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S51), and is mounted on the effect control board 12 by clearing the RAM 133 and setting various initial values. The register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) (not shown) is performed. Subsequently, the CPU 131 issues a command for setting the storage area in the temporary storage memory 156 provided in the VDP 141 provided in the display control unit 121 to the fixed address area 156A and the variable address area 156B as shown in FIG. A storage area setting command process is executed (step S52).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage area setting command process executed in step S52 of FIG. In this storage area setting command processing, the CPU 131 reads out the STADD setting data and the ENADD setting data from the ROM 132 as data for setting a storage area to be the variable address area 156B as shown in FIG. Steps S131 and S132). Then, a storage area setting command is created based on the setting data read in steps S131 and S132, and transmitted to the VDP 141 (step S133).

  After executing the storage area setting command processing as described above, an effect image whose display frequency on the image display device 5 is higher than that of other effect images is stored in the storage area serving as the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. A pre-transfer command process is performed to give a command for transferring and temporarily storing the image data shown (step S53 in FIG. 33).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-transfer command process executed in step S53 of FIG. In this advance transfer command process, the CPU 131 first sets the advance transfer setting table 220 as shown in FIG. 11 (step S141). For example, the CPU 131 sets the head address of the table data constituting the advance transfer setting table 220 stored in the ROM 132 to the advance transfer pointer provided in the RAM 133 as a work area. Subsequently, the CPU 131 clears the advance transfer counter provided in the effect control counter setting unit of the RAM 133 and initializes the value to “0” (step S142). Then, the number of processes is set by reading the table data of the advance transfer setting table 220 corresponding to the advance transfer count value that is the value of the advance transfer counter being “0” (step S143).

  Thereafter, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value, for example, by adding 1 (step S144). Then, by reading the table data of the advance transfer setting table 220 corresponding to the advance transfer count value updated in step S144, the read address corresponding to the image data read position in the image data memory 142 is specified (step S145). . Further, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value, for example, by adding 1 (step S146), and reads the table data of the advance transfer setting table 220 corresponding to the updated count value, thereby temporarily storing the memory 156. The write address corresponding to the write position for temporarily storing the image data is specified in the storage area to be the fixed address area 156A (step S147). Further, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value, for example, by adding 1 (step S148), and reads the table data of the advance transfer setting table 220 corresponding to the updated count value, thereby reducing the transfer data amount. Specify (step S149). Based on the read address, write address, and transfer data amount thus specified, the CPU 131 creates a pre-transfer command and transmits it to the VDP 141 (step S150). At this time, the number of processes is updated, for example, by subtracting 1 (step S151).

  Following the process of step S151, it is determined whether or not the updated number of processes has reached a predetermined end determination value (eg, “0”) (step S152). At this time, if the number of processes does not reach the end determination value (step S152; No), the process returns to step S144. On the other hand, if the number of processes reaches the end determination value (step S152; Yes), the advance transfer counter is cleared, the value is initialized to “0” (step S153), and the advance transfer command process is performed. finish.

  As described above, after executing the pre-transfer command process in step S53 of FIG. 33, the initial setting of the display on the screen of the image display device 5 in response to the power supply in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being turned on. An initial display setting process for performing is performed (step S54). For example, in the initial display setting process in step S54, buffer initial values are stored in the display position buffer 171 and the image designation buffer 172 provided in the effect control buffer setting unit 170 of the RAM 133 based on the initial display setting data read from the ROM 132 by the CPU 131. Set. Thereby, in response to the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 being turned on, the display is first performed on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR in the image display device 5. The type of decorative design, the display position of the decorative design in each of the variable display portions DL, DC, and DR are set. In the initial display setting process, the CPU 131 creates an image display initial setting command and transmits it to the VDP 141 from the input / output port 135. Thus, the bus width of the data bus when reading image data from the image data memory 142 to the VDP 141 is set to 64 bits predetermined as the first bus width, and the chip select setting is set to CS # 0. Among the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 included in the image data memory 142, the sprite image data is set to be read from the memory chips 142-1 and 142-2 for the sprite image.

  After executing the initial display setting process in step S54, the timer interrupt flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is monitored to determine whether or not the flag is turned on (step S55). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. If the timer interrupt flag is off in step S55 (step S55; No), loop processing is executed until a timer interrupt occurs.

  In addition, in the effect control microcomputer 120, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interruption is generated when, for example, the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal occurs, the CPU 131 automatically sets the interrupt prohibition, but when using a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt prohibition state, the interrupt prohibition instruction ( It is desirable to issue a DI command. The CPU 131 executes a predetermined command reception interrupt process, for example, in response to an interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, a predetermined input for receiving a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 14 among the input ports included in the input / output port 135 provided in the production control microcomputer 120. A control signal as an effect control command is taken from the port. The effect control command captured at this time is stored, for example, in a reception command buffer provided in the effect control buffer setting unit 170 of the RAM 133. As an example, when the presentation control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) are sequentially received and stored in the reception command buffer. Thereafter, the CPU 131 sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

  If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S55 (step S55; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S56), and the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is analyzed. A command analysis process for executing the command is executed (step S57). FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of processing contents executed in the command analysis processing in step S57 of FIG. In the command analysis process in step S57, first, the reception command buffer is checked to determine whether or not an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received. When it is determined that there is a received command, the command is read from the received command buffer. Subsequently, various processes corresponding to the read reception command are executed.

  For example, when the received command is a variable display start command (receive command; variable display start), the lower byte of the received command is stored in the variable display start buffer provided in the effect control buffer setting unit 170 of the RAM 133. Save. At this time, the variable display start flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state. If the received command is a demonstration display command, the demonstration display setting flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state. When the received command is a big hit start command, the big hit start flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state.

  When the received command is a jackpot round number notification command (receive command; jackpot round number notification), for example, by storing the lower byte of the received command in the round number buffer provided in the effect control buffer setting unit 170, etc. Save the number of rounds. At this time, the round number notified flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state. When the received command is a jackpot end command (receive command; jackpot end), the jackpot end flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state. When the received command is a pending storage count notification command (reception command; pending storage count notification), a predetermined pending storage count display setting process is executed. In this reserved memory number display setting process, for example, the special figure reserved memory number notified by the reserved memory number notification command is specified, and setting or control corresponding to the specified special figure reserved memory number is performed, whereby the image display device In the special symbol start memory display area included in 5, the number of special symbol hold memory is displayed. When the received command is another command (received command; other command), for example, the command reception flag corresponding to the effect control command received by the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is set to the on state. Corresponding processing is executed.

  As described above, after executing the command analysis process in step S57 of FIG. 33, the decorative symbol process process is executed (step S58). In this decorative symbol process, the display output of the image display device 5, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp are made according to the progress of variable display of decorative symbols performed on the display screen of the image display device 5. Settings for executing various effects are performed by the lighting operation 9. Then, by executing the effect side random number value update process (step S59), various random number values counted by the random number circuit 134 or the like on the effect control board 12 side are updated. After performing the production-side random value update process in step S59, the process returns to step S55.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the decorative symbol process executed in step S58 of FIG. In the decorative symbol process processing shown in FIG. 37, for example, the CPU 131 selects and executes the following processes in steps S170 to S175 in accordance with the value of the decorative symbol process flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133. To do.

  The variable display start command reception waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “0”. This variable display start command reception waiting process is a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a variable display start command from the main board 11 has been received. Is included. The decorative symbol variable display setting process of step S171 is executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “1”. This decoration symbol variable display setting processing corresponds to the start of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, for example, an image including variable display of ornament symbols in the image display device 5. In order to perform various effect operations such as the display operation of the effect image in the display device 5, for example, a variable display is selected from among a plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 230 shown in FIG. This includes processing for selecting a pattern or a type corresponding to the type of variable display result.

  The decorative symbol variable display processing in step S172 is executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “2”. In this processing, the CPU 131 corresponds to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit of the RAM 133 based on the setting of the already selected effect control pattern, for example, to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. Various effects control is performed during variable display of decorative symbols, such as transmitting a display control command, transmitting audio data to the sound control unit 122, and transmitting lamp data to the lamp control unit 123. Then, a predetermined timer initial value corresponding to the big hit start command reception waiting time is set in the effect control process timer based on, for example, reading an end code corresponding to the end of the variable display of the decorative design from the effect control pattern. Thereafter, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the big hit start waiting process.

  The big hit start waiting process in step S173 is executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “3”. In this process, the CPU 131 determines whether or not a jackpot start command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received. When the big hit start command is received, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “4” corresponding to the big hit effect processing based on the determination that the variable display result of the decorative symbol is a big hit. To do. On the other hand, when the effect control process timer times out without receiving the jackpot start command from the main board 11, the decorative symbol process flag is determined based on the determination that the variable symbol display result is lost. Is updated to the initial value “0”.

  The big hit effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “4”. In this process, for example, the CPU 131 controls the display operation in the image display device 5 to display an image corresponding to the jackpot gaming state, or controls the sound output operation in the speakers 8L and 8R to play the sound corresponding to the jackpot gaming state. Various effects control in the big hit gaming state is performed such that the lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9 is controlled to turn on / off / blink in accordance with the big hit gaming state. Then, in response to the fact that the round game executed in the jackpot game state has reached the end of the last round (for example, the 15th round), the jackpot end command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received, etc. The value of the process flag is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the ending effect process.

  The ending effect process of step S175 is a process executed when the value of the decorative symbol process flag is “5”. In this ending effect process, for example, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the image display device 5, sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, or the game effect lamp 9 is turned on to end the big hit gaming state. It includes processing for controlling the production operation for notification.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display start command reception waiting process executed in step S170 of FIG. In this variable display start command reception waiting process, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the variable display start flag is on (step S301). At this time, if the variable display start flag is off (step S301; No), it is determined whether the demo display setting flag is on (step S302), and if the demo display setting flag is off (step S302). No), the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  If the demo display setting flag is on in step S302 (step S302; Yes), the demo display setting flag is cleared and turned off (step S303), and the same advance as step S53 shown in FIG. A transfer command process is executed (step S304). Accordingly, in response to the setting for displaying the demonstration image on the screen of the image display device 5, the image data registered in the advance transfer setting table 220 is read from the image data memory 142 and stored in the VDP 141. A command to transfer to fixed address area 156A in temporary storage memory 156 is issued. After executing the pre-transfer command process in step S304, for example, a demonstration screen display such as sending a display control command prepared in advance to instruct the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 to display the demonstration screen. Is set so that the demonstration image can be displayed on the display screen of the image display device 5 (step S305), and the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  If the variable display start flag is ON in step S301 (step S301; Yes), for example, a display control command prepared in advance to instruct the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 to end the display of the demo screen is issued. Settings for ending the display of the demonstration screen, such as transmission, are made (step S306). Subsequently, after updating the value of the decorative symbol process flag to “1” which is a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variable display setting process (step S307), the variable display start command reception waiting process is ended.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the decorative symbol variable display setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the decorative symbol variable display setting process, the CPU 131 first determines which of the plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 230 is used for controlling the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative symbol. (Step S321). For example, the CPU 131 identifies the variable display pattern indicated by the variable display start command by reading the variable display start buffer value in the process of step S321, and creates an effect determination table corresponding to the specified variable display pattern. set. As an example, when the specified variable display pattern is a super A variable display pattern, a super A effect determination table 260 shown in FIG. 16B is set as a table for determining an effect control pattern. Subsequently, the numerical data indicating the random value SR1 for effect control pattern determination updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like is extracted, and the super A effect determination table 260 is referred to based on the extracted random value SR1, thereby super A One of the Super A effect control patterns such as Super A-01 to Super A-04 prepared corresponding to the variable display pattern is determined as an effect control pattern used for controlling the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative pattern. .

  After determining the effect control pattern in the process of step S321, a symbol (stop symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the variable display of the decorative symbol such as a confirmed decorative symbol is determined (step S322). At this time, different stop symbols may be determined according to the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol or the effect control pattern determined in the process of step S321. Here, the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol may be specified as to whether it is a normal lose, a reach lose, a normal big hit, or a probable big hit corresponding to the variable display start buffer value. For example, when the variable display result of a special symbol or a decorative symbol is a probabilistic big hit, a decision symbol for a big hit combination is determined from a plurality of types of probable big symbols. In this case, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the jackpot symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like, and refers to the probability variation jackpot symbol determination table included in the ornament symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. By doing so, among the plurality of types of probability variation symbols, it is sufficient to determine what is to be a confirmed decorative symbol. On the other hand, when the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a normal jackpot, the final decorative symbol of the jackpot combination is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. In this case, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating random numbers for determining the jackpot symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 and the like, and refers to the normal jackpot symbol determination table included in the decoration symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. By doing so, it is only necessary to determine what is to be a confirmed decorative pattern from among a plurality of types of normal symbols. In addition, when it is determined that one of the super A effect control patterns such as Super A-01 to Super A-04 is determined in the process of step S321, in order to execute the separation effect, the decorative design is separated from the confirmed decorative design. During the variable display, the “left” and “right” variable display portions DL and DR determine the decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped. The decorative design determined by the CPU 131 in advance is stored in the ROM 132 or the like so that the decorative symbol determined at this time becomes a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that are not reachable when stopped and displayed (decorative symbols constituting a normal loss combination). It may be selected from a plurality of types of decorative symbols by referring to the super A-01 effect design determination table included in the table or by executing a program prepared in advance. In the process of step S322, when a plurality of effective lines are determined in advance in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display units, the stop position of the stop symbol (for example, each variable display unit (for example, , Any one of upper, middle and lower).

  In addition, in the process of step S322, when the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is reach lose, the final decorative symbol of the reach lose combination is determined. In this case, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 and the like, and uses the left determined symbol determination table included in the decorative symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. By referring to this, the left fixed decorative symbol derived and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL in the image display device 5 is determined among the fixed decorative symbols. Also, the decorative symbol having the same symbol number as the left determined decorative symbol is determined as the right determined decorative symbol derived and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR in the image display device 5 among the determined decorative symbols. Furthermore, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like is extracted, and the medium fixed symbol determination table included in the decorative symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like is referred to. Thus, among the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol derived and displayed on the “medium” variable display unit DC in the image display device 5 is determined. In this case, for example, when the confirmed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the middle confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (For example, “1”) may be added to or subtracted from the symbol number of the medium-decorated decorative symbol so that the finalized decorative symbol does not become a jackpot combination but a reach-losing combination.

  Further, in the process of step S322, when the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is normal losing, a fixed decorative symbol of the normal losing combination is determined. In this case, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 and the like, and uses the left determined symbol determination table included in the decorative symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. The left fixed decorative design is determined by referring to it. In addition, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like is extracted, and the medium fixed symbol determination table included in the decorative symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like is referred to. To determine the medium finalized decorative symbol. Further, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like is extracted, and the right determined symbol determining table included in the decorative symbol determining table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like is referred to. To determine the right determined decorative design. At this time, when the confirmed decorative symbol becomes a big hit combination or reach lose combination, for example, when the symbol number of the right confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (for example, By adding or subtracting “1”) to / from the symbol number of the right determined decorative symbol, the determined decorative symbol may be a normal lost combination instead of a big hit combination or reach lost combination.

  After the stop symbol is determined in step S322, the stop symbol is saved by storing data indicating the determined stop symbol in the stop symbol buffer provided in the effect control buffer setting unit 170 (step S322). S323). Subsequently, for example, the effect control process timer initial value is read from the head address of the effect control pattern determined in the process of step S321 and set in the effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit of the RAM 133. Then, the timer initial value is set (step S324). Then, for example, by transmitting a display control command corresponding to the sprite image display control data included in the sprite image display control pattern of the effect control pattern from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121, etc. 5 is set to start variable display of decorative symbols in step 5 (step S325). Thereafter, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variable display process (step S326), and then the decorative symbol variable display setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the decorative symbol variable display process executed in step S172 of FIG. In the decorative symbol variable display process, the CPU 131 first updates the effect control process timer value, for example, by subtracting 1 (step S341). At this time, it is determined whether or not it matches any timer determination value by comparing the updated effect control process timer value with various timer determination values indicated by the effect control pattern (step S342). ). If it does not match any of the timer determination values (step S342; No), the decorative symbol variable display in-process is terminated.

  If the timer determination value is matched in step S342 (step S342; Yes), various control data (sprite image display control data, sound control data, lamp) stored in the effect control pattern in association with the timer determination value. Any one of control data, moving image display control data, and end code) is read (step S343). Here, when the plurality of timer determination values indicated in the effect control pattern in the process of step S342 match the effect control process timer value, the plurality of stored timer determination values are associated with each other and stored. What is necessary is just to read control data by the process of step S343. Then, it is determined whether or not the control data read in step S343 is an end code (step S344). At this time, if the end code is determined (step S344; Yes), the big hit start command reception waiting time is set, for example, by setting a predetermined timer initial value in the effect control process timer (step S345). ). Then, after the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the big hit start waiting process (step S346), the decorative symbol variable display in-process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S344 that the code is not an end code (step S344; No), an effect control command process for performing commands and settings corresponding to the control data read in step S343 is executed. (Step S347), the decorative symbol variable display processing is terminated.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control command process executed in step S347 of FIG. In this effect control command process, the CPU 131 first selects the type of control data read out in the process of step S343 shown in FIG. (Step S401). Then, it is determined whether or not the type of control data specified in the process of step S401 is voice control data (step S402).

  When it is determined in step S402 that the data is voice control data (step S402; Yes), the voice data created according to the read voice control data is transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the sound control unit 122 ( Step S403). If it is determined in step S402 that the data is not voice control data (step S402; No), after executing the process in step S403, the type of control data specified in the process in step S401 is lamp control data. Is determined (step S404).

  If it is determined in step S404 that the data is lamp control data (step S404; Yes), the lamp data created according to the read lamp control data is transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the lamp control unit 123 ( Step S405). When it is determined in step S404 that it is not lamp control data (step S404; No), after executing the process of step S405, the type of control data specified in the process of step S401 is the sprite image display control data. It is determined whether or not (step S406).

  If it is determined in step S406 that it is sprite image display control data (step S406; Yes), a sprite image update command process for performing commands and setting related to the display of the sprite image generated using the sprite image data. Is executed (step S407). If it is determined in step S406 that the control data is not sprite image display control data (step S406; No), or after executing the sprite image update command processing in step S407, the control data specified in step S401 is updated. It is determined whether the type is moving image display control data (step S408).

  If it is determined in step S408 that it is moving image display control data (step S408; Yes), a moving image display command for performing a command or setting related to reproduction display of a moving image generated using the moving image data. After executing the process (step S409), the effect control command process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the data is not moving image display control data (step S408; No), the effect control command processing is terminated without executing the moving image display command processing in step S409. To do.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sprite image update command process executed in step S407 of FIG. In this sprite image update command processing, the CPU 131 first becomes a target for updating the display from, for example, sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern of the effect control pattern corresponding to the effect control process timer value. An image part is specified (step S421). Subsequently, it is determined whether the reading position of the image data corresponding to the image part specified in the process of step S421 is the fixed address area 156A provided in the temporary storage memory 156 of the VDP 141 or the image data memory 142. This is performed (step S422). That is, it is determined whether or not the image part specified in step S421 is an image indicated by the image data transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. For example, in the process of step 422, it may be determined whether or not the pre-transfer setting table 220 includes table data indicating the sprite image data of the image specified in the process of step S421. Alternatively, in the process of step S422, the sprite image data of the image specified in the process of step S421 is fixed with reference to the index table 300 that manages the image data temporarily stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. It may be determined whether or not it is temporarily stored in the address area 156A.

  If it is determined in step S422 that the reading position of the image data is the fixed address area 156A (step S422; Yes), for example, the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, or as shown in FIG. Images in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 based on the buffer values in the image designation buffer 172 and the table data read from the symbol arrangement setting tables 240L, 240C, and 240R shown in FIGS. A data read address is specified (step S423). As an example, in the process of step S421, the character portion constituting the reference symbol when displaying the decorative symbol on the “left” variable display part DL in the image display device 5 is the image portion to be updated. If specified, in the process of step S423, image data indicating the display image of the character designated by the table data read from the left symbol arrangement setting table 240L corresponding to the buffer value of the left symbol image designation buffer 172L. The storage address may be specified as the read address of the image data in the fixed address area 156A.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S423, the sprite image display control data, the buffer value in the display position buffer 171 shown in FIG. 18, the table data read from the scroll display control table 250 shown in FIG. The writing address of the image data in the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to the display position (display coordinates) is specified (step S424). As an example, in the process of step S421, the character portion constituting the reference symbol when displaying the decorative symbol on the “left” variable display part DL in the image display device 5 is the image portion to be updated. If specified, in the process of step S424, scrolling is performed in accordance with the predetermined X coordinate “0X” corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL and the buffer value of the left symbol display position buffer 171L. Corresponding to the Y coordinate (any one of “48Y” to “143Y”) indicated in the table data read from the display control table 250, the writing address of the image data is specified.

  After the process of step S424 is executed, the transfer data amount of the image data indicating the sprite image to be updated is specified (step S425). Then, based on the read address, the write address, and the transfer data amount specified in steps S423 to S425, a fixed address designation transfer command is created and transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. (Step S426).

  If it is determined in step S422 that the read position of the image data is not the fixed address area 156A (step S422; No), for example, from the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, the image data memory The read address of the image data in the sprite image data area 142A of 142 is specified (step S427). Further, for example, the write address of the image data in the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to the display position (display coordinates) of the sprite image is specified from the sprite image display control data (step S428). Furthermore, the transfer data amount of the image data indicating the sprite image to be updated is specified (step S429). Thereafter, an automatic transfer command is created based on the read address, write address, and transfer data amount specified in the processing of steps S427 to S429, and transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 (step S430).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the command for all the image parts to be updated has been completed (step S431). If the command has not been completed (step S431; No), the process returns to step S421. On the other hand, when the command is completed for all the image parts to be updated (step S431; Yes), the sprite image update command process is terminated.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the moving image display command process executed in step S409 of FIG. In this moving image display command processing, the CPU 131 first refers to the moving image display control data read from the moving image display control pattern of the effect control pattern, for example, corresponding to the effect control process timer value, for example. It is determined whether or not to start playback and display of moving images on the screen 5 (step S441). At this time, if it is determined to start reproduction display of the moving image (step S441; Yes), for example, a moving image display initial setting command created according to the moving image display control data is output from the input / output port 135 to the display control unit 121. Are transmitted to the VDP 141 (step S442). As a result, the bus width of the data bus connected between the VDP 141 and the image data memory 142 is set to 32 bits predetermined as the second bus width corresponding to the playback and display of moving images. In addition, by setting the chip select in the image data memory interface 153 to CS # 1, the moving image memory chip 142-3 is set as a read target chip. Subsequently, for example, a moving image display start setting command created in the moving image display control data is transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 (step S443). As a result, moving image data that is read from the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142 and used for reproducing and displaying the moving image is specified, and the moving image data is set as a management target by the index table 300.

  If it is determined in step S441 that it is not the start of moving image reproduction display (step S441; No), after executing the processing in step S443, for example, referring to the moving image display control data or the display control unit It is determined whether or not it is the decoding timing of the moving image data by determining whether or not the event interrupt signal transmitted from the VDP 141 of 121 is turned on (step S444). At this time, when it is determined that it is the decoding timing of the moving image data (step S444; Yes), for example, a moving image decoding command according to the moving image display control data is created and the display control is performed from the input / output port 135. The data is transmitted to the VDP 141 of the unit 121 (step S445).

  When it is determined in step S444 that it is not the decoding timing of the moving image data (step S444; No), after executing the processing of step S445, the image display is performed by referring to the moving image display control data, for example. It is determined whether or not to end the reproduction display of the moving image on the screen of the device 5 (step S446). At this time, when it is determined that the playback and display of the moving image is to be ended (step S446; Yes), for example, a moving image display end setting command created according to the moving image display control data is output from the input / output port 135 to the display control unit 121. Are transmitted to the VDP 141 (step S447). As a result, the bus width of the data bus connected between the VDP 141 and the image data memory 142 is set to 64 bits predetermined as the first bus width corresponding to the display of the sprite image. Also, by setting the chip select in the image data memory interface 153 to CS # 0, the sprite image memory chips 142-1 and 142-2 are set as the reading target chips. After executing the process in step S447, the moving image display command process is terminated. If it is determined in step S446 that the playback / display of the moving image has not ended (step S446; No), the moving image display command processing is ended without executing the processing in step S447.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the big hit start waiting process executed in step S173 of FIG. In the jackpot start waiting process, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the jackpot start command reception waiting time has elapsed (step S371). For example, in the process of step S371, the effect control process timer value is updated by subtracting 1 or the like, and by determining whether or not the updated value is “0”, the big hit start command reception waiting time has elapsed. What is necessary is just to determine whether it did. The timer initial value in the effect control process timer updated at this time may be set in the process of step S345 shown in FIG.

  When the big hit start command reception waiting time has not elapsed in step S371 (step S371; No), it is determined whether or not the big hit start flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is on (step S371: No). Step S372). At this time, if the jackpot start flag is off (step S372; No), it is determined that the jackpot start command has not been received yet, and the jackpot start waiting process is terminated. On the other hand, when the big hit start flag is on (step S372; Yes), after the big hit start flag is cleared and turned off (step S373), it is shown in step S53 shown in FIG. 33 or FIG. A pre-transfer command process similar to that in step S304 is executed (step S374). As a result, it is registered in the advance transfer setting table 220 in response to the fact that the decisive decorative symbol of the jackpot combination is derived and displayed as the variable symbol display result of the decorative symbol, or the effect display in the big hit gaming state is started. A command to read the image data from the image data memory 142 and transfer it to the fixed address area 156A in the temporary storage memory 156 of the VDP 141 is issued. After executing the pre-transfer command process in step S374, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the big hit effect process (step S375), and then the big hit start waiting process is ended. To do.

  When the big hit start command reception waiting time has elapsed in step S371 (step S371; Yes), the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to “0” (step S376), and the big hit start waiting process is terminated. .

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transfer control processing executed by the transfer control circuit 152 included in the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. In this transfer control process, the transfer control circuit 152 first determines whether or not there is a display control command transmitted from the presentation control microcomputer 120 and received via the host interface 151 (step S601). If there is no reception command from the production control microcomputer 120 (step S601; No), the processing of step S601 is repeatedly executed and a standby is performed.

  If there is a reception command in step S601 (step S601; Yes), it is determined whether or not the reception command is a storage area setting command (step S602). If it is a storage area setting command (step S602; Yes), a predetermined storage area setting process is executed (step S603). If it is not a storage area setting command (step S602; No), the reception command is pre-transferred. It is determined whether or not it is a command (step S604).

  If the reception command is a pre-transfer command in step S604 (step S604; Yes), a predetermined pre-transfer process is executed (step S605). On the other hand, when the reception command is not the advance transfer command (step S604; No), it is determined whether or not the reception command is an automatic transfer command (step S606). At this time, if the reception command is an automatic transfer command (step S606; Yes), a predetermined automatic transfer control process is executed (step S607). If the reception command is not an automatic transfer command in step S606 (step S606; No), or after performing any of the processing in steps S603, S605, and S607, the process returns to step S601.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage area setting process executed in step S603 of FIG. In this storage area setting process, the transfer control circuit 152 first clears the temporary storage memory 156 and initializes the stored contents (step S611). Subsequently, the head address STADD of the variable address area 156B is specified from the data included in the storage area setting command (step S612). Then, the address STADD specified at this time is set and stored in a predetermined register built in the VDP 141 (step S613). Further, the transfer control circuit 152 specifies the end address ENADD of the variable address area 156B from the data included in the storage area setting command (step S614). Then, the address ENADD specified at this time is set and stored in a predetermined register built in the VDP 141 (step S615), and the storage area setting process is terminated. Thus, by storing the start address STADD and end address ENADD of the variable address area 156B in the internal register of the VDP 141, a storage area to be the variable address area 156B is secured in the temporary storage memory 156.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the advance transfer process executed in step S605 of FIG. In this advance transfer process, the transfer control circuit 152 first specifies the read address of the image data in the image data memory 142 from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S621). Subsequently, the write address of the image data in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is specified from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S622). Further, the data amount of image data to be transferred is specified from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S623). Then, based on the read address, write address, and transfer data amount of the image data specified in the processes of steps S621 to S623, the data transfer is performed so that the image data read from the image data memory 142 is transferred to the fixed address area 156A. Start setting is performed (step S624). For example, in the process of step S624, the transfer control circuit 152 sets the read address of the image data memory 142, the write address of the temporary storage memory 156, and the amount of image data to be transferred to a predetermined DMA device. Instructs start of transfer of image data by transfer.

  Thereafter, the transfer control circuit 152 determines whether or not the transfer of the image data has been completed (step S625), and if not completed (step S625; No), the process of step S625 is repeated and waits. On the other hand, for example, if it is determined in step S625 that the transfer of the image data has been completed based on the output of a predetermined transfer completion signal from the DMA device (step S625; Yes), the index table 300 provided in the VDP 141 is stored. After registering completion of image data transfer (step S626), the pre-transfer process is terminated. In the processing of step S626, the transfer control circuit 152, for example, “start address”, “horizontal size”, etc. that can identify the image data transferred to the fixed address area 156A based on the data included in the advance transfer command, etc. Are written in the index table 300 provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A, and the corresponding “reading completion flag” is set to “on”.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic transfer control process executed in step S607 of FIG. In this automatic transfer control process, the transfer control circuit 152 first specifies the read address of the image data in the image data memory 142 from the data included in the automatic transfer command (step S631). Subsequently, the writing address of the image data in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is specified (step S632). For example, in the process of step S632, the transfer control circuit 152 refers to the index table 300, and in the variable address area 156B, the “transfer completion flag” is “on” and valid image data and the like are stored. Identify free areas other than areas. Of the vacant areas thus identified, an area for storing the image data to be transferred this time is determined, and the head address thereof is identified as the write address.

  In addition, the transfer control circuit 152 specifies the data amount of the image data to be transferred from the data included in the automatic transfer command (step S633). Then, based on the read address, the write address, and the transfer data amount of the image data specified in the processes of steps S631 to S633, the data transfer is performed so that the image data read from the image data memory 142 is transferred to the variable address area 156B. Start setting is performed (step S634). For example, in step S634, the transfer control circuit 152 sets the read address of the image data memory 142, the write address of the temporary storage memory 156, and the data amount of image data to be transferred to a predetermined DMA device. Instructs start of transfer of image data by transfer.

  Thereafter, the transfer control circuit 152 determines whether or not the transfer of the image data has been completed (step S635), and if not completed (step S635; No), the process of step S635 is repeated and waits. On the other hand, for example, if it is determined in step S635 that the transfer of the image data has been completed based on the output of a predetermined transfer completion signal from the DMA device (step S635; Yes), the index table 300 provided in the VDP 141 is included. After registering the completion of image data transfer (step S636), the automatic transfer control process is terminated. In the process of step S636, the transfer control circuit 152 specifies the table data in which the “transfer completion flag” is “off” in the index table 300 provided corresponding to the variable address area 156B, for example. The table data is updated to the one indicating “start address” and “horizontal size” that makes it possible to specify the image data transferred to the variable address area 156B, and the corresponding “transfer completion flag” is set to “on”. To do.

  When image data is transferred by this automatic transfer control processing, after the image data is transferred to the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156, for example, the index table 300 provided corresponding to the variable address area 156B. The drawing circuit 155 may be notified of information for specifying the transferred image data, such as “index number” in FIG. 1, so that the drawing circuit 155 can read the image data.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drawing process executed by the drawing circuit 155 provided in the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. In this drawing process, the drawing circuit 155 first determines whether or not there is a display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151 (step S701). If there is no reception command from the production control microcomputer 120 (step S701; No), the process of step S701 is repeatedly executed and waits.

  If there is a reception command in step S701 (step S701; Yes), it is determined whether or not the reception command is a fixed address designation transfer command (step S702). If it is a fixed address designation transfer command (step S702; Yes), a predetermined fixed address designation drawing process is executed (step S703). If it is not a fixed address designation transfer command (step S702; No), a reception command is issued. Is an automatic transfer command (step S704).

  If the reception command is an automatic transfer command in step S704 (step S704; Yes), a predetermined automatic transfer drawing process is executed (step S705). If the reception command is not an automatic transfer command in step S704 (step S704; No), or after performing any of the processing in steps S703 and S705, the process returns to step S701.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the fixed address designation drawing process executed in step S703 of FIG. In this fixed address designation drawing process, the drawing circuit 155 first specifies the read address of the image data in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 from the data included in the fixed address designation transfer command (step S711). Subsequently, the index table 300 is referred to based on the read address specified in step S711, and it is determined whether or not the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read is “ON” ( Step S712).

  When the “transfer completion flag” is “ON” in step S712 (step S712; Yes), the write address of the display data in the frame buffer memory 157 is specified from the data included in the fixed address designation transfer command. (Step S713). Thereafter, the drawing circuit 155 performs a reading operation of image data from the reading address specified in step S711 and a writing operation of display data to the writing address specified in step S713. The display data is expanded and stored in 157 (step S714). At this time, if the image data read from the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is pixel data, the image data read from the fixed address area 156A is directly written into the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. That's fine. On the other hand, when the image data read from the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is vector data such as points, lines, and polygons, pixel data is created based on the vector data read from the fixed address area 156A. The pixel data may be written into the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. If the image data read from the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is subjected to predetermined compression encoding such as discrete cosine transform (DCT) or Hadamard transform, a fixed address is used. Pixel data obtained by performing a predetermined decoding process on the image data read from the area 156A may be written in the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. Note that when the image data used to create display data is image data for 3D display or vector data such as polygons, the VDP 141 does not access the image data memory 142, and a predetermined CPU is used. (For example, the CPU 131 of the production control microcomputer 120 or the like) may access the image data memory 142 and read the image data. In this case, data obtained as a result of executing a predetermined calculation process based on the image data read by the CPU may be transferred to the VDP 141. In this case, in the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 may create display data based on the data transferred from the CPU and develop and store it in the frame buffer memory 157.

  The drawing circuit 155 may expand the display data as one-dimensional data corresponding to the address assigned in the frame buffer memory 157 when the display data is expanded and stored in the frame buffer memory 157. Alternatively, the drawing circuit 155 may be developed as two-dimensional data corresponding to the display coordinates of the image on the screen of the image display device 5. Here, if the display data is expanded as one-dimensional data corresponding to the address assigned in the frame buffer memory 157, the frame buffer memory 157 is not restricted by the horizontal size or vertical size of the image. Since display data can be written to successive addresses, the use efficiency of the frame buffer memory 157 can be improved. On the other hand, if the display data is expanded as two-dimensional data corresponding to the display coordinates of the effect image on the display screen of the image display device 5, the reading position of the display data read from the frame buffer memory 157 and the display screen are displayed. The display coordinates can be made to correspond one-to-one, and for example, the processing burden required for converting the storage address of the frame buffer memory 157 to the display coordinates of the effect image on the display screen of the image display device 5 can be reduced. . Here, whether the display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer memory 157 is one-dimensional data or two-dimensional data is determined on the screen of the image display device 5 such as a liquid crystal driver included in the display circuit 158. What is necessary is just to design suitably according to the performance of the circuit which displays an image.

  In addition, in the process of step S714, display data (write-side data) to be written to the frame buffer memory 157 and display data (stored) that are already stored in the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to each pixel. Side data) and write display data for pixels with high write-side data priority, while write display data for pixels with high memory-side data priority. It may not be possible. As a specific example, the frame buffer memory 157 is provided with an area for storing a Z value corresponding to the priority assigned to the storage side data of each pixel, in addition to the area for storing the pixel data of each pixel. ing. The image data read from the temporary storage memory 156 by the drawing circuit 155 also includes data indicating the Z value corresponding to the priority of each pixel. Then, the drawing circuit 155 determines which of the writing side data and the storage side data has the higher priority by performing a Z value comparison operation on the writing side data and the storage side data of each pixel. That's fine. For example, in image data indicating a predetermined character, the priority in each pixel is set in advance so as to be higher than image data indicating a background image. Thereby, the display data can be written into the frame buffer memory 157 so that the character image appears in front of the background image.

  After executing the process of step S714, it is determined whether or not drawing by writing display data to the frame buffer memory 157 is completed (step S715). If not completed (step S715; No), reading is performed. After updating the address and the write address (step S716), the process returns to step S714. On the other hand, when the drawing is completed in step S715 (step S715; Yes), the fixed address designation drawing process is terminated.

  If the “transfer completion flag” is “OFF” in step S712 (step S712; No), it is determined whether or not a predetermined transfer completion waiting time has elapsed (step S717). At this time, if the transfer completion waiting time has not elapsed (step S717; No), the process returns to step S712 and waits. On the other hand, when the transfer completion waiting time has elapsed in step S717 (step S717; Yes), for example, predetermined error information is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151. After notifying that an error has occurred (step S718), the fixed address designation drawing process is terminated. In the effect control microcomputer 120 that has received the error information transmitted by the drawing circuit 155 executing the process of step S718, for example, the CPU 131 sends a predetermined control command to the sound control unit 122 or the lamp control unit 123. Thus, the occurrence of an error may be notified by outputting sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, lighting or blinking a predetermined lamp or LED, or the like. At this time, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R and the occurrence of an error are notified by lighting or blinking predetermined lamps or LEDs, etc., so that the display operation in the image display device 5 is abnormal and cannot be displayed correctly. Even in this case, it is possible to appropriately notify the occurrence of an error.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic transfer drawing process executed in step S705 of FIG. In the automatic transfer drawing process, the drawing circuit 155 first specifies a read address of image data in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 based on, for example, a notification from the transfer control circuit 152 (step S731). Subsequently, the index table 300 is referred to based on the read address specified in step S731, and it is determined whether or not the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read is “ON” ( Step S732).

  When the “transfer completion flag” is “ON” in step S732 (step S732; Yes), the write address of the display data in the frame buffer memory 157 is specified from the data included in the automatic transfer command ( Step S733). Thereafter, the drawing circuit 155 performs an image data read operation from the read address specified in step S731 and an image data write operation to the write address specified in step S733 (step S734). At this time, when the image data read from the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is pixel data, the image data read from the variable address area 156B is directly written into the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. That's fine. On the other hand, when the image data read from the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is vector data such as points, lines, and polygons, pixel data is created based on the vector data read from the variable address area 156B. The pixel data may be written into the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. When the image data read from the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is subjected to predetermined compression encoding such as discrete cosine transform (DCT) or Hadamard transform, for example, a variable address Pixel data obtained by performing a predetermined decoding process on the image data read from the area 156B may be written in the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. Note that when the image data used to create display data is image data for 3D display or vector data such as polygons, the VDP 141 does not access the image data memory 142, and a predetermined CPU is used. (For example, the CPU 131 of the production control microcomputer 120 or the like) may access the image data memory 142 and read the image data. In this case, data obtained as a result of executing a predetermined calculation process based on the image data read by the CPU may be transferred to the VDP 141. In this case, in the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 may create display data based on the data transferred from the CPU and develop and store it in the frame buffer memory 157.

  The drawing circuit 155 may expand the display data as one-dimensional data corresponding to the address assigned in the frame buffer memory 157 when the display data is expanded and stored in the frame buffer memory 157. Alternatively, the drawing circuit 155 may be developed as two-dimensional data corresponding to the display coordinates of the image on the screen of the image display device 5. Here, whether the display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer memory 157 is one-dimensional data or two-dimensional data is determined on the screen of the image display device 5 such as a liquid crystal driver included in the display circuit 158. May be designed as appropriate in accordance with the performance of the circuit for displaying. In addition, in the process of step S734, display data (write side data) to be written to the frame buffer memory 157 from now on and display data (memory) already stored in the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to each pixel. Side data) and write display data for pixels with high write-side data priority, while write display data for pixels with high memory-side data priority. You don't have to.

  After executing the process of step S734, it is determined whether or not drawing by writing display data to the frame buffer memory 157 is completed (step S735). If not completed (step S735; No), reading is performed. After updating the address and the write address (step S736), the process returns to step S734. On the other hand, if the drawing is completed in step S735 (step S735; Yes), the “transfer completion flag” registered in the index table 300 in association with the image data used for drawing is cleared and set to “off”. (Step S737), the automatic transfer drawing process is terminated. When the image data temporarily stored in the variable address area 156B is reused, the automatic transfer drawing process is terminated without executing the process of step S737, thereby corresponding to the image data used for drawing. In addition, the “transfer completion flag” registered in the index table 300 may be kept “on”.

  If the “transfer completion flag” is “off” in step S732 (step S732; No), it is determined whether a predetermined transfer completion waiting time has elapsed (step S738). At this time, if the transfer completion waiting time has not elapsed (step S738; No), the process returns to step S732 and waits. On the other hand, when the transfer completion waiting time has elapsed in step S738 (step S738; Yes), for example, predetermined error information is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151. After notifying that an error has occurred (step S739), the automatic transfer drawing process is terminated. When the rendering control microcomputer 120 receives the error information transmitted by the drawing circuit 155 executing the process of step S739, the CPU 131, for example, receives the error information transmitted by the process of step S718. Notification of the occurrence of an error by sending a predetermined control command to the sound control unit 122 or the lamp control unit 123, or by turning on or blinking a predetermined lamp or LED, etc. do it.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image decoding process executed by the moving image decoder 154 included in the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. The moving picture decoder 154 starts execution of the moving picture decoding process as shown in FIG. 52 in response to receiving the moving picture decoding command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. In this moving image decoding process, the moving image decoder 154 first reads out picture data indicating a picture for one frame from moving image data used for effect display stored in the image data memory 142 (step S751). . When the moving image decoder 154 reads moving image data stored in the image data memory 142, for example, a moving image display initial setting command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 in advance is used. In response to the initial setting command for performing playback display, the transfer control circuit 152 reads the sprite image data from the image data memory 142 such that the bus width of the data bus for reading moving image data from the image data memory 142 is 32 bits wide. The bus width is set differently from when reading. Also, the picture data is read out in an order that can be reproduced according to the order arranged in the moving image data. Note that the playback order and the decoding order do not necessarily match. For example, a B picture is decoded after an I picture or a P picture arranged thereafter is decoded. In the process of step S751, the moving image decoder 154 responds to a setting command for starting reproduction display of moving images, such as a moving image display start setting command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 in advance. A read pointer value (read pointer value) for designating a read position (for example, read address) of moving image data in the image data memory 142 or a write position for writing display data after decoding in the frame buffer memory 157 (for example, The value of the write pointer (write pointer value) for designating the write address), the picture buffer position (temporarily storing the decoded image data corresponding to the individual moving images in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156) For example, the value (picture size) of the picture buffer pointer that specifies the storage address It may be performed setting the buffer pointer value).

  Note that when reading moving image data composed of image data compressed by intra-frame coding or inter-frame coding, the VDP 141 does not access the image data memory 142, but a predetermined CPU (for example, effect control) The CPU 131 of the microcomputer 120 may access the image data memory 142 to read out the moving image data. In this case, the moving image data read by the CPU may be transferred to the VDP 141 as it is. In this case, in the VDP 141, for example, the moving image decoder 154 may receive the transferred moving image data via an external interface such as the host interface 151 in the process of step S751.

  After reading out the picture data in step S751, the moving picture decoder 154 decodes the read data (step S752), and the decoded picture data is stored in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 as a picture buffer pointer value. Is temporarily stored in the picture buffer corresponding to, and then written and stored in the write address of the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to the write pointer value, thereby moving the moving image at a predetermined position in the screen of the image display device 5. Reproduction display is possible (step S753). Note that the drawing circuit 155 may execute the process of reading the picture data temporarily stored in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 and writing it into the frame buffer memory 157.

  Following the processing in step S753, the read pointer value is updated (step S754). Here, when a plurality of picture buffers provided in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 are used to reproduce and display one moving image, the picture buffer pointer value is also updated in the process of step S754. You can do it. When the decoding of picture data for one frame is completed in this way, the moving picture decoder 154 causes the host interface 151 to output an event interrupt signal to the effect control microcomputer 120 (step S755). As a result, the completion of decoding of the picture data for one frame is notified from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120. Then, for example, the timer for measuring the output period of the event interrupt signal is started, and the signal output period is ended by determining whether or not the timer value has reached a predetermined signal output period determination value. It is determined whether or not (step S756). Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the signal output period has ended by determining whether or not a response signal for receiving the event interrupt signal from the effect control microcomputer 120 has been received.

  If the signal output period does not end in step S756 (step S756; No), the process of step S756 is repeatedly executed and a standby is performed. On the other hand, when the signal output period ends (step S756; Yes), the output of the event interrupt signal is stopped (step S757), and then the moving image decoding process ends.

  Hereinafter, an example of specific control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on and the supply of power supply voltage is started from a predetermined power supply board, the effect control microcomputer 120 is activated on the effect control board 12, and the CPU 131 executes the initialization process. (Step S51 in FIG. 33), a storage area setting command process is executed (Step S52). In this storage area setting command process, in the production control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 transmits a storage area setting command from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 (step S133 in FIG. 34).

  In the VDP 141, for example, in response to receiving the storage area setting command (step S602 in FIG. 45; Yes), the transfer control circuit 152 executes a storage area setting process (step S603). In this storage area setting process, the start address STADD and end address ENADD of the variable address area 156B notified by the storage area setting command are stored in the internal register of the VDP 141 (steps S613 and S615 in FIG. 46), etc. As a plurality of storage areas in the memory 156, a fixed address area 156A and a variable address area 156B are set.

  FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the image data processing operation in the display control unit 121 mounted on the effect control board 12. In response to the activation of the production control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 of the production control microcomputer 120 executes a pre-transfer command process (step S53 in FIG. 33). In the advance transfer command process, first, the advance transfer setting table 220 is set (step S141 in FIG. 35). In the advance transfer setting table 220 set at this time, as shown in FIG. 54A, for example, as image data used for displaying the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs on the screen of the image display device 5. The image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and the image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 are read from the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142 and stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. Table data to be transferred and temporarily stored is included. Here, the write addresses of the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the respective characters and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the respective numbers are stored in a storage area where the respective image data are continuous in the fixed address area 156A. It may be set in advance so as to be stored. Alternatively, the writing address of each image data may be set in advance so that each image data is stored in a storage area discrete in fixed address area 156A. The CPU 131 creates a pre-transfer command based on the read address, write address, and transfer data amount of the image data specified by the table data read from the pre-transfer setting table 220 according to the number of processes and the pre-transfer count value. It transmits to VDP141 (steps S144-S150 of FIG. 35). As a result, among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data memory 142, for example, the image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 stored in the sprite image data area 142A and the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers are displayed. Image data such as the image data shown is higher in the display frequency of the image shown in each image data than the display frequency of the image shown in the required image data (for example, image data showing the effect image displayed as the notice effect) Is read from the image data memory 142 and transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156.

  In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in response to receiving the pre-transfer command (step S604 in FIG. 45; Yes) (step S605). In this advance transfer process, image data is read from the image data memory 142 based on the read address, write address, transfer data amount, etc. of the image data notified by the advance transfer instruction, and the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is read. (Steps S621 to S625 in FIG. 47). Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 54B, among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data memory 142, images indicating the character display images C1 to C8 stored in the sprite image data area 142A. Data and image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers are read from the image data memory 142, transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156, and temporarily stored in advance. At this time, the image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and the number display images N1 to N8 are continuous in the fixed address area 156A in accordance with the setting of the table data constituting the advance transfer setting table 220. It may be stored in a storage area, or may be stored in a storage area that is discrete in the fixed address area 156A.

  Thereafter, in response to the game ball that has been driven into the game area having won a start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6, the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 and the decorative symbols in the image display device 5 are displayed. The execution condition for executing the variable display is established. Based on the establishment of such execution conditions, for example, in the image display device 5, variable display of decorative symbols is started in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display units. At this time, in the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, the CPU 131 displays the variable display indicated by the variable display start command from among a plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 230 shown in FIG. An effect control pattern corresponding to the pattern or the like is set (step S321 in FIG. 39). Thereafter, the effect control process timer value is periodically updated (step S341 in FIG. 40), and when the control data read from the effect control pattern corresponding to the updated effect control process timer value is not the end code (step S344; No) By executing the effect control command process (step S347), commands and settings for controlling various effect operations are performed.

  For example, as a process for updating the display of the sprite image on the screen of the image display device 5 in accordance with the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern included in the effect control pattern, the CPU 131 uses FIG. In step S407, a sprite image update command process is executed. In this sprite image update command process, it is determined whether or not the reading position of the image data indicating the image part to be updated is in the fixed address area 156A (step S422 in FIG. 42).

  When the image part to be updated is any one of the composite images A1 to A8 that are decorative patterns, the image data and the display images of the numbers indicating the character display images C1 to C8 constituting the composite images A1 to A8. As shown in FIG. 54B, the image data indicated by N1 to N8 is transferred to the fixed address area 156A in advance and temporarily stored, so that the image data read position is determined to be the fixed address area 156A. Is done. When it is determined that the reading position of the image data is the fixed address area 156A (step S422 in FIG. 42; Yes), the CPU 131 determines the sprite image display control data, the buffer value in the display position buffer 171 and the image designation. Based on the buffer value in the buffer 172 and the like, the reading position of the image data in the fixed address area 156A, the writing position of the image data in the frame buffer memory 157, the data amount of the image data to be transferred, etc. are specified (steps S423 to S425). . Then, a fixed address designation transfer command is created and transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 (step S426).

  In the VDP 141, for example, in response to the reception of the fixed address designation transfer command (step S702 in FIG. 49; Yes), the drawing circuit 155 executes the fixed address designation drawing process (step S703). In this fixed address designation drawing process, when the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read from the fixed address area 156A in the index table 300 is “ON” (step S712 in FIG. 50; Yes). The image data read from the fixed address area 156A is written to the frame buffer memory 157 based on the read address, write address, transfer data amount, etc. of the image data specified from the data included in the fixed address designation transfer command. It memorize | stores (step S713-S716).

  If the CPU 131 of the production control microcomputer 120 determines that the reading position of the image data indicating the image portion to be updated is not the fixed address area 156A (step S422 in FIG. 42; No), the sprite. Based on the image display control data and the like, the image data read position in the image data memory 142, the image data write position in the frame buffer memory 157, the amount of image data to be transferred, and the like are specified (steps S427 to S429). Then, an automatic transfer command is created and transmitted from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 (step S430).

  In the VDP 141, first, the transfer control circuit 152 executes an automatic transfer control process in response to receiving the automatic transfer command (step S606 in FIG. 45; Yes) (step S607). In this automatic transfer control process, the read address of the image data in the image data memory 142 is specified from the data included in the automatic transfer command (step S631 in FIG. 48). On the other hand, the writing address of the image data in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is selected to store the image data from the empty area specified by referring to the index table 300, for example. The start address of the area is automatically specified by the transfer control circuit 152 (step S632). At this time, if there is no empty area in the variable address area 156B, the write address of the image data may be specified sequentially from the beginning of the variable address area 156B, and the image data may be overwritten. Alternatively, the use frequency of each image data stored in the variable address area 156B may be managed to overwrite the image data having the lowest use frequency. Then, based on the data amount of the image data to be transferred notified by the automatic transfer command (step S633), the image data read from the image data memory 142 is written and stored in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 (step S633). S634, S635).

  In the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 executes the automatic transfer drawing process in response to receiving the automatic transfer command (step S704 in FIG. 49; Yes) (step S705). In this automatic transfer drawing process, when the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read from the variable address area 156B in the index table 300 is “ON” (step S732 in FIG. 51; Yes). For example, the read address of the image data in the variable address area 156B notified from the transfer control circuit 152, the write address of the image data specified from the data included in the automatic transfer command, the data amount of the image data to be transferred, etc. Based on this, the image data read from the variable address area 156B is written and stored in the frame buffer memory 157 (steps S733 to S737).

  When the transfer of the image data by writing the image data read from the image data memory 142 to the fixed address area 156A or the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is completed, the transfer control circuit 152 is an index provided in the VDP 141. The table 300 is updated.

  For example, when the data transfer from the image data memory 142 to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is completed according to the advance transfer instruction (step S625 in FIG. 47; Yes), the data included in the advance transfer instruction, etc. Based on the above, data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can specify the image data transferred to the fixed address area 156A is written to the index table 300, and the corresponding “read completion flag” is set to “ON”. ”Is registered in the index table 300 (step S626).

  For example, when the data transfer from the image data memory 142 to the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 is completed in response to the automatic transfer command (step S635 in FIG. 48; Yes), the process proceeds to the variable address area 156B. Data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can identify the transferred image data is automatically set on the VDP 141 side on the index table 300 without depending on the display control command sent from the effect control microcomputer 120. And the completion of the transfer of the image data is registered in the index table 300 by setting the corresponding “reading completion flag” to “ON” (step S636).

  Based on the registered contents of the index table 300, the drawing circuit 155 determines whether or not the display data can be created by reading out the image data from the temporary storage memory 156. For example, in response to receiving the fixed address designation transfer command, the drawing circuit 155 displays the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read from the fixed address area 156A as “ON” in the index table 300. ] Is determined (step S712 in FIG. 50). At this time, if the “reading completion flag” is “ON” (step S712; Yes), based on the determination that the drawing circuit 155 can read the image data from the fixed address area 156A and create display data. Processing for creating display data is performed by writing the image data read from the fixed address area 156A into the frame buffer memory 157 and storing it (steps S713 to S716). On the other hand, if the “reading completion flag” is “off” (step S712; No), it is determined that the drawing circuit 155 cannot read the image data from the fixed address area 156A and create display data. Based on the above, it waits until the transfer completion waiting time elapses (step S717; No). During this standby, display data creation using image data read from the fixed address area 156A is not executed.

  In addition, for example, in response to receiving the automatic transfer command, the drawing circuit 155 displays a “transfer completion flag” associated with the image data to be read from the variable address area 156B as “ON” in the index table 300. Is determined (step S732 in FIG. 51). At this time, if the “reading completion flag” is “ON” (step S732; Yes), based on the determination that the drawing circuit 155 can read the image data from the variable address area 156B and create display data. Processing for creating display data is performed by writing the image data read from the variable address area 156B into the frame buffer memory 157 and storing it (steps S733 to S737). On the other hand, if the “transfer completion flag” is “off” (step S732; No), it is determined that the drawing circuit 155 cannot read the image data from the variable address area 156B and create display data. Based on the above, it waits until the transfer completion waiting time elapses (step S738; No). During this standby, display data creation using image data read from the variable address area 156B is not executed.

  14A to 14C for performing variable display of decorative symbols on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR in the image display device 5. With reference to the symbol arrangement setting tables 240L, 240C, and 240R, the scroll display control table 250 shown in FIG. 15, the buffer values in the display position buffer 171 and the image designation buffer 172 shown in FIG. The CPU 131, the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121, and the like execute various processes. FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a scroll display control process as an example of a process executed by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 to perform variable display of decorative symbols. This scroll display control process may be realized by, for example, the CPU 131 executing the process of step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or executing the sprite image update process in step S407 shown in FIG.

  In the scroll display control process shown in FIG. 55, the CPU 131 first specifies image data of an image designation buffer value that is a buffer value in the image designation buffer 172 shown in FIG. 18 (step SC11). For example, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “left” variable display portion DL, the buffer in the left symbol image designation buffer 172L shown in FIG. 18 is changed from the left symbol arrangement setting table 240L shown in FIG. The table data specified by the value is read out, and the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative patterns such as “index number” in the index table 300 are read out by the read table data. The image data to be displayed and the image data to indicate the display images N1 to N8 having the numbers are specified. Further, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “middle” variable display unit DC, the buffer in the middle symbol image designation buffer 172C shown in FIG. 18 is selected from the middle symbol arrangement setting table 240C shown in FIG. The table data specified by the value is read out, and the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting the composite images A1 to A8 and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers are read by the read table data. And specify. Further, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “right” variable display section DR, the buffer in the right symbol image designation buffer 172R shown in FIG. 18 is selected from the right symbol arrangement setting table 240R shown in FIG. The table data specified by the value is read out, and the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting the composite images A1 to A8 and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers are read by the read table data. And specify. The process of step SC11 is included in the process of specifying the image data reading position in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 by the CPU 131 in step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or step S423 shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the CPU 131 specifies the display position of the display position buffer value that is the buffer value in the display position buffer 171 shown in FIG. 18 (step SC12). For example, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “left” variable display portion DL, it is designated by the buffer value in the left symbol display position buffer 171L shown in FIG. 18 from the scroll display control table 250 shown in FIG. Table data is read, and the Y coordinate (any one of “48Y” to “143Y”) indicated in the read table data is read. Then, the display position at the upper left end of the decorative symbol is specified from the X coordinate “0X” determined in advance corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL and the read Y coordinate. Further, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “middle” variable display unit DC, table data designated by the buffer value in the middle symbol display position buffer 171C shown in FIG. Read and read the Y coordinate shown in the read table data. Then, the display position at the upper left corner of the decorative symbol is specified from the X coordinate “96X” predetermined corresponding to the “middle” variable display portion DC and the read Y coordinate. Furthermore, in order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the “right” variable display portion DR, table data designated by the buffer value in the right symbol display position buffer 171R shown in FIG. Read and read the Y coordinate shown in the read table data. Then, the display position at the upper left corner of the decorative symbol is specified from the X coordinate “192X” determined in advance corresponding to the “right” variable display portion DR and the read Y coordinate. The process of step SC12 is included in the process of specifying the image data writing position in the frame buffer memory 157 by the CPU 131 in step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or step S424 shown in FIG.

  After executing the process of step SC12, a display control command indicating the image data specified by the process of step SC11 and the display position specified by the process of step SC12 is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 ( Step SC13). The process of step SC13 is included in the process of causing the CPU 131 to transmit a fixed address transfer command from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 in step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or step S426 shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the display position buffer value is larger than “+48” (step SC14). Here, when the display position buffer value is larger than “+48”, the Y coordinate specified by the process of step SC12 is in the range of “97Y” to “143Y”, and the composite images A1 to A8 that are the decorative symbols are Since each has a size of “96Y” in the vertical direction, the lower end of the decorative pattern displayed at the Y coordinate specified in the process of step SC12 is the lower end “191Y” of the display area of the image display device 5. Therefore, no space for placing other decorative symbols is generated below the decorative symbols for which display is instructed by the display control command created in step SC13. On the other hand, on the upper side of the decorative pattern, a blank in which two other decorative patterns can be arranged is generated. On the other hand, when the display position buffer value is less than “+48”, the Y coordinate specified in the process of step SC12 falls within the range of “48Y” to “95Y”, and the display control created in the process of step SC13. Blanks for arranging other decorative symbols one by one are formed above and below the decorative symbols instructed to be displayed by the command. When the display position buffer value is “+48”, the Y coordinate specified in the process of step SC12 is “96Y”, and display is instructed by the display control command created in the process of step SC13. On the upper side of the decorative design, a space for placing another decorative design is generated.

  Therefore, the variable display unit for which the display position buffer value is determined to be larger than “+48” in step SC14 (step SC14; Yes) is arranged after the decorative design for which display is instructed in the process of step SC13. For the two decorative symbols, the corresponding image data and display position are specified (step SC15). At this time, in each of the symbol arrangement setting tables 240L, 240C, and 240R shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, a value obtained by adding 1 to the image designation buffer value (if the value after addition exceeds “+7”) Display data of the image data and the number indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are the first decorative symbols to be arranged later from the table data designated by “+0”) The image data indicating N1 to N8 can be specified. From this table data specified by the value obtained by further adding 1 and the value obtained by adding 1 (“+0” if the value after addition exceeds “+7”), the composition that becomes the second decorative symbol to be arranged later The image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters that constitute any of the images A1 to A8 and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers can be specified. In addition, by subtracting “96Y” from the Y coordinate of the display position specified in step SC12, the display position at the upper left corner of the first decorative design can be specified. By subtracting “96Y” from the Y coordinate thus subtracted, the display position at the upper left corner of the second decorative symbol can be specified. Even if the Y coordinate specified at this time is smaller than “0Y”, it may be held as it is as indicating the arrangement of the decorative symbols in the virtual drawing space.

  For the variable display unit for which it is determined in step SC14 that the display position buffer value is “+48” or less (step SC14; No), it is determined whether or not the display position buffer value is “+48”. (Step SC16). At this time, if the display position buffer value is “+48” (step SC16; Yes), the corresponding image data and display are displayed for the decorative symbol arranged one after the decorative symbol for which display is instructed in the process of step SC13. The position is specified (step SC17). At this time, it is possible to specify the image data and the display position indicating the decorative pattern to be arranged later, as in the case of specifying the image data and the display position indicating the first decorative pattern in the process of step SC15.

  If the display position buffer value is not “+48” in step SC16 (step SC16; No), the decorative symbols to be arranged one by one before and after the decorative symbol for which display is instructed in the process of step SC13 are handled. The image data to be performed and the display position are specified (step SC18). At this time, it is possible to specify the image data and the display position indicating the decorative pattern to be arranged later, as in the case of specifying the image data and the display position indicating the first decorative pattern in the process of step SC15. In contrast, in each of the symbol arrangement setting tables 240L, 240C, and 240R shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the image designation buffer value (when the value after subtraction is smaller than “+0”). Can be specified from the table data designated by “+7”), which indicates image data indicating any one of the composite images A1 to A8 to be a decorative pattern arranged in front. In addition, by adding “96Y” to the Y coordinate of the display position specified in the process of step SC12, it is possible to specify the display position at the upper left corner of the decorative symbol placed in front. Note that the processing of steps SC14 to SC18 is, for example, processing in which the CPU 131 specifies the image data reading position in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 in step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or steps S423 and S424 shown in FIG. And processing for specifying the writing position of the image data in the frame buffer memory 157.

  Thereafter, a display control command indicating the image data and the display position specified by any of the processes of steps SC15, SC17, and SC18 is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 (step SC19). The process of step SC19 is included in the process of causing the CPU 131 to transmit a fixed address transfer command from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 in, for example, step S325 shown in FIG. 39 or step S426 shown in FIG.

  Subsequent to the processing in step SC19, the display position buffer value is updated according to, for example, the scroll speed specified from the sprite image display control data (step SC20). As an example, the variable display speed of the decorative pattern is determined based on the sprite image display control data included in the sprite image display control pattern shown in FIG. For each DC and DR, one of “stop”, “low speed”, “medium speed”, and “high speed” is designated. In this case, the corresponding display position buffer value is not updated for the variable display unit designated “stop”. For example, when the variable display speed in the “left” variable display portion DL is “stop”, the buffer value in the left symbol display position buffer 171L is not updated. On the other hand, the variable display unit designated “low speed” is updated so that the corresponding display position buffer value is incremented by “+1”. For the variable display unit designated with “medium speed”, the corresponding display position buffer value is updated by adding “+5”. For the variable display unit designated “high speed”, the corresponding display position buffer value is updated to be added by “+10”.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the display position buffer value updated in the process of step SC20 is larger than “+95” (step SC21). At this time, the scroll display control process is terminated for the variable display unit whose display position buffer value is “+95” or less (step SC21; No). On the other hand, for the variable display unit whose display control buffer value is larger than “+95” (step SC21; Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “96” from the updated value in the process of step SC20 is newly set. The display position buffer value is set (step SC22). Note that the processing of steps SC20 to SC22 may be included in the processing in which the CPU 131 specifies the image data writing position in the frame buffer memory 157, for example, in step S424 shown in FIG.

  Following the processing of step SC22, it is determined whether or not the corresponding image designation buffer value is “+7” (step SC23). If it is “+7” (step SC23; Yes), “+0” is determined. Is set as a new image designation buffer value (step SC24). On the other hand, if the image designation buffer value is not “+7” (step SC23; No), the image designation buffer value is incremented by 1 and updated (step SC25). As a result, when the decorative symbol is variably displayed, the reference symbol has moved below the predetermined display range in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR. Based on the above, the decorative symbol corresponding to the next symbol number can be set as a reference symbol. Note that the processing of steps SC23 to SC25 may be included in the processing of specifying the image data reading position in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 by the CPU 131 in, for example, step S423 shown in FIG.

  For example, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 131 executes the initial display setting process in step S54 shown in FIG. 33, whereby each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display units in the image display device 5 is displayed. The type of decorative design that is first displayed on DL, DC, and DR, the display position of the decorative design on each variable display portion DL, DC, and DR are set. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 56A, in the display position buffer 171, each of the left symbol display position buffer 171L, the middle symbol display position buffer 171C, and the right symbol display position buffer 171R has a buffer initial value. As “+0”. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 56B, in the image designation buffer 172, “+7” is stored in the left symbol image designation buffer 172L, “+1” is stored in the middle symbol image designation buffer 172C, and the right symbol image designation buffer. In “172R”, “+2” is set as an initial value of each buffer.

  At this time, the CPU 131 executes the process of step SC11 shown in FIG. 55, so that, as shown in FIG. 56 (B), the reference is used when the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. When the character display image C1 and the number display image N1 constituting the composite image A1 with the symbol number “1” are specified as the symbols to be displayed, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the “middle” variable display unit DC. The character display image C2 and the number display image N2 constituting the composite image A2 having the symbol number “2” are specified as the reference symbol, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the “right” variable display section DR. At this time, the character display image C3 and the number display image N3 constituting the composite image A3 having the symbol number “3” are specified as the reference symbols. Further, by executing the process of step SC12 shown in FIG. 55, as shown in FIG. 56A, the variable display portions DL, DC, DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right” are decorated. “48Y” is specified as the Y coordinate of the display position at the upper left corner of the symbol.

  In the VDP 141, in accordance with the display control command created in the process of step SC13 based on the image data indicating the display images of the characters and numbers constituting the composite images A1, A2 and A3 thus specified and the display position, the VDP 141 draws The circuit 155 arranges the decorative pattern in the virtual drawing space. At this time, the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141 may be a fixed address designation transfer command for designating image data temporarily stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. . The drawing circuit 155 temporarily stores the image data indicating the virtual space image in which the decorative design is arranged in the virtual drawing space in the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156, thereby displaying the decorative design on the virtual reel. After pasting, the image data clipped in the drawing area may be written in the frame buffer memory 157 as display data. In the following, description will be made centering on the processing for the “left” variable display portion DL. In this case, the drawing circuit 155 first composes the character display image C1 and the number display image N1 to create a composite image A1, and the origin P1 has coordinates (0X) as shown in FIG. , 48Y). At this time, the coordinates (0X, 0Y) to the coordinates (96X, 47Y) on the upper side of the arranged composite image A1, and the coordinates (96X, 191Y) to the coordinates (0X, 144Y) on the lower side of the composite image A1. There is a space between each. In this case, since the display position buffer value is “+0” in the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 (step SC14; No, and step SC16; No), one decorative pattern before and after the composite image A1. The image data and the display position for arranging the synthesized image to be arranged are specified (step SC18), and a display control command indicating the specified image data and the display position is transmitted to the VDP 141 (step SC19). At this time, if the stored content in the index table 300 provided corresponding to the fixed address area 156A is updated according to the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120, the upper side of the composite image A1. In order to display the image data indicating the character display image C8 and the image data indicating the number display image N8 used for displaying the composite image A8 to be arranged, and the composite image A2 arranged below the composite image A1. For the image data indicating the character display image C2 and the image data indicating the number display image N2, the CPU 131 stores the storage address in the fixed address area 156A on the side of the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, in the ROM 132. For reading setting data Ri, it can be identified. Therefore, the storage address of the image data indicating the character display images C1, C2, and C8 and the image data indicating the number display images N1, N2, and N8 used to display the composite images A1, A2, and A8 is a fixed address. Even if it is discrete in the area 156A, the display control command can be transmitted to the VDP 141 by specifying the image data reading position in the fixed address area 156A on the side of the effect control microcomputer 120. Thus, the drawing circuit 155 generates a composite image A8 by combining the character display image C8 and the number display image N8, and arranges the composite image A8 above the composite image A1, while displaying the character display image. The composite image A2 is created by compositing C2 and the numbered display image N2, and the composite image A2 is arranged below the composite image A1. In the virtual space image VA0 arranged in this way, the drawing circuit 155 displays a region surrounded by a thick broken line in FIG. 57A as a drawing region corresponding to the “left” variable display unit DL. Clipped and extracted as a frame WL, and image display data as shown in FIG. 57D is written in a corresponding storage area in the frame buffer memory 157. Similarly, after generating the virtual space image VA0 for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the virtual space image VA0 is clipped in the drawing area corresponding to each variable display portion DC and DR, and the frame buffer memory In 157, the display data is written into the corresponding storage area. The display circuit 158 reads the display data written in the frame buffer memory 157 in this way, generates a scanning signal, and outputs it to the image display device 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 56C, decorative symbols are displayed on the variable display portions DL, DC, DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right”.

  Thereafter, for example, the variable display speed of the decorative design is designated as “low speed” by the sprite image display control data read out from the sprite image display control pattern by the CPU 131 in the process of step S343 shown in FIG. Then, the display position buffer value is updated by 1 (step SC20 in FIG. 55). In the case of arranging decorative designs corresponding to this update, the drawing circuit 155 first creates a composite image A1 by combining the character display image C1 and the number display image N1, and is shown in FIG. 57 (B). As described above, the origin P1 of the composite image A1 is arranged to coincide with the coordinates (0X, 49Y). The synthesized image A8 created by synthesizing the character display image C8 and the number display image N8, the character display image C2, and the number display image N2 are synthesized on the upper side and the lower side of the synthesized image A1. The composite images A2 created in the above are arranged. The virtual space image VA1 created in this way is clipped by a display frame WL that is a drawing area corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL, and image display data as shown in FIG. Write to the corresponding storage area in the buffer memory 157. Similarly, after creating the virtual space image VA1 for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the virtual space image VA1 is clipped in the drawing area corresponding to each of the variable display portions DC and DR, and is stored in the frame buffer memory 157. Display data is written into the corresponding storage area. The display circuit 158 reads the display data written in the frame buffer memory 157 in this way, generates a scanning signal, and outputs it to the image display device 5. Thereafter, according to the setting of the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, the creation of the virtual space image, the writing of display data, and the generation and output of the scanning signal are sequentially executed.

  Here, when the display position buffer value becomes “+48”, the character display image C1 and the number display image N1 are combined to create a composite image A1, for example, as shown in FIG. 57 (C). When the synthesized image A1 is arranged so that the origin P1 of the synthesized image A1 coincides with the coordinates (0X, 96Y), a blank space for arranging one decorative design is generated only on the upper side of the synthesized image A1. At this time, the CPU 131 specifies the image data indicating the display image C8 of the character constituting the composite image A8 arranged above the composite image A1 and the image data indicating the display image N8 and the display position (step in FIG. 55). SC17), a display control command for displaying the composite image A8 is created and transmitted. In response to the display control command, the drawing circuit 155 generates a composite image A8 by combining the character display image C8 and the number display image N8, and places the composite image A8 on the upper side of the composite image A1. An image VA48 is created. Then, the virtual space image VA48 is clipped by the display frame WL serving as a drawing area corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL, and display data is written to the frame buffer memory 157. In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 57 (F), display data for an image in which the composite image A1 and the composite image A8 are arranged is generated. Similarly, after creating the virtual space image VA48 for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the virtual space image VA48 is clipped in the drawing area corresponding to each variable display portion DC and DR, and the frame buffer memory 157 Display data is written into the corresponding storage area. The display circuit 158 reads the display data written in the frame buffer memory 157 in this way, generates a scanning signal, and outputs it to the image display device 5.

  When the display position buffer value becomes “+49”, the character display image C1 and the number display image N1 are combined to create a combined image A1, and for example, as shown in FIG. 58A, the combined image A1 When the synthesized image A1 is arranged so that the origin P1 of the image coincides with the coordinates (0X, 97Y), a space in which two decorative symbols can be arranged is generated above the synthesized image A1. At this time, the CPU 131 specifies image data and display positions indicating the display images of the characters and numbers constituting the composite image A8 and the composite image A7, respectively, as composite images to be two decorative symbols arranged above the composite image A1. (Step SC15 in FIG. 55), a display control command for displaying the composite images A8 and A7 is generated and transmitted. In response to these display control commands, the drawing circuit 155 combines the character display image C8 and the number display image N8 to create a composite image A8, and also displays the character display image C7 and the number display image N7. Are combined to create a composite image A7, and a virtual space image VA49 in which two composite images A8 and A7 are sequentially arranged on the upper side of the composite image A1 is generated. Then, the virtual space image VA49 is clipped by a display frame WL that is a drawing area corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL, and for example, composite images A1, A8, and A7 are sequentially arranged as shown in FIG. The image display data is written into the frame buffer memory 157. Similarly, for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, a virtual space image VA49 is created and display data is written to the frame buffer memory 157, and then a scanning signal is generated by the display circuit 158. And output to the image display device 5.

  Thereafter, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 and the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121 create a virtual space image, write display data, generate and output a scanning signal according to the setting contents of the sprite image display control data. Are executed sequentially. When the display position buffer value becomes “+95”, the composite image A1 is created by compositing the character display image C1 and the number display image N1, and as shown in FIG. When the synthesized image A1 is arranged so that the origin P1 of A1 coincides with the coordinates (0X, 143Y), a blank space on which two decorative symbols can be arranged is generated above the synthesized image A1. At this time, a composite image A8 created by combining the character display image C8 and the number display image N8, and a character display image C7 and the number as a composite image to be two decorative patterns arranged above the composite image A1. A synthesized image A7 created by synthesizing the display image N7 is identified, and a virtual space image VA95 in which the synthesized images are arranged in order is created. The virtual space image VA95 is clipped by a display frame WL that is a drawing area corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL, and an image as shown in FIG. 58 (E) is stored in the corresponding storage area in the frame buffer memory 157. The display data is written. Similarly, the virtual space image VA95 is created for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the display data is written in the frame buffer memory 157, and then the scanning signal is created by the display circuit 158. Is output to the image display device 5.

  When the CPU 131 updates the display position buffer value after performing display control corresponding to the display position buffer value being “+95” (step SC20 in FIG. 55), the display position buffer value is more than “+95”. In response to the increase (step SC21; Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “96” from the buffer value updated in the process of step SC20 is set as a new display position buffer value (step SC22), and image designation is performed. The buffer value is updated (steps SC23 to SC25). Thereby, for example, the buffer value in the left symbol image designation buffer 172L is updated to “+0”, and the symbol number is “8” as a reference symbol when the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. The character display image C8 and the number display image N8 constituting the composite image A8 are identified. At this time, if the buffer value in the left symbol display position buffer 171L is “+0”, a composite image A8 is created by combining the character display image C8 and the number display image N8, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown, the composite image A8 is arranged so that the origin P8 of the composite image A8 coincides with the coordinates (0X, 48Y), and the character display image C7 and the number display image are displayed above and below the composite image A8. A composite image A7 generated by combining N7 and a composite image A1 generated by combining the character display image C1 and the number display image N1 are arranged. The virtual space image VA96 created in this way is clipped by a display frame WL that is a drawing area corresponding to the “left” variable display portion DL, and image display data as shown in FIG. Write to the corresponding storage area in the buffer memory 157.

  In the image shown in FIG. 58 (F), a composite image A8 that is a decorative symbol of symbol number “8” is displayed at the center in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the setting of the variable display speed indicated in the sprite image display control data is “low speed”, the composite image displayed at the center in the vertical direction in the image displayed first in FIG. 57D. Until the composite image A8 is scrolled to the position of A1, 96 table data in the scroll display control table 250 are referred to. Similarly, after creating the virtual space image VA96 for the “middle” and “right” variable display portions DC and DR, the virtual space image VA96 is clipped in the drawing area corresponding to each of the variable display portions DC and DR, and is stored in the frame buffer memory 157. Display data is written into the corresponding storage area. The display circuit 158 reads the display data written in the frame buffer memory 157 in this way, generates a scanning signal, and outputs it to the image display device 5. Thereafter, according to the setting of the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, the creation of the virtual space image, the writing of display data, and the generation and output of the scanning signal are sequentially executed.

  The CPU 131 determines an addition value for updating the display position buffer value in accordance with the variable display speed of the decorative design indicated in the sprite image display control data in the process of step SC20 shown in FIG. Then, whenever the timer interrupt is generated in the production control microcomputer 120, a sprite image update command process is executed in step S407 shown in FIG. When the added value is small, the variable display speed of the decorative design is reduced. For example, in the sprite image display control pattern, the variable display speed of the decorative design is increased from “low speed” to “high speed”, variable display is performed at “high speed” until a predetermined time elapses, and then decreases to “low speed”. The sprite image display timer determination value and the sprite image display control data are set so as to be “stopped” after being set. In accordance with the setting in such a sprite image display control pattern, a scroll display that is a variable display of decorative symbols is performed.

  In this embodiment, the effect display in the separation effect is performed corresponding to the super A variable display pattern. In the effect control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 performs the process of step S321 shown in FIG. 39 in response to the variable display start command sent from the main board 11 indicating the variable display pattern of Super A. By referring to the super A effect determination table 260 shown in FIG. 16B based on the numerical data indicating the random value SR1 for determining the effect control pattern shown in FIG. One of the Super A effect control patterns such as Super A-01 to Super A-04 stored in the effect control pattern table 230 shown in FIG. 5 is determined as the effect control pattern indicating the aspect of the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative symbols. .

  FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents when display control is performed during variable display of decorative symbols including effect display in the separation effect, based on the effect control pattern of Super A-01 determined in this way. FIG. 60 shows an example of an effect image displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 in correspondence with the effect control pattern of Super A-01. 59 is based on the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, the moving image display control data read from the moving image display control pattern, or the like, for example, FIG. This may be realized by executing the sprite image update command process in step S407 and executing the moving image display command process in step S409.

  In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 59, first, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 transmits a predetermined display control command from the input / output port 135 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 121. 5, variable display of decorative symbols is started in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR (step ST11). Thereafter, in response to the elapse of a predetermined time, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL (step ST12). Subsequently, in the “right” variable display portion DR, for example, as shown in FIG. 60A, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed so that the variable symbol display mode of the decorative symbol does not reach (step ST13). Note that the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the processes of steps ST12 and ST13 can be determined by the CPU 131 executing the process of step S322 shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the CPU 131 performs setting for starting the reproduction display of the moving image based on, for example, the determination that the reproduction display of the moving image is started in the process of step S441 shown in FIG. 43 (step S441; Yes) ( Step ST14 in FIG. 59). For example, the CPU 131 transmits a moving image display initial setting command or a moving image display start setting command to the VDP 141 (steps S442 and S443 in FIG. 43), so that the VDP 141 reads stored data from the image data memory 142. The bus width is set to 32 bits defined as the second bus width, and the moving image data can be read out from the moving image memory chip 142-3 with the chip select setting as CS # 1. Make commands and settings.

  In the example shown in FIG. 60, among the composite image A8 and the composite image A8 that are the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL in FIG. The composite image A2 and the composite image A3 of the composite image A3 and the composite image A3, which are displayed on the “right” variable display unit DR and are displayed in a decorative pattern, are separated from the display image N8 showing the number. An effect display that acts on A2 is performed. At this time, in the composite image A8 in which the display image C8 showing the character pops out, the buffer value in the left symbol display position buffer 171L is “+48” and the buffer value in the left symbol image designation buffer 172L is “+0”. Is arranged so that the origin P8 coincides with the coordinates (0X, 96Y). Further, the composite image A2 that is acted on has an origin corresponding to the buffer value in the right symbol display position buffer 171R being “+48” and the buffer value in the right symbol image designating buffer 172R being “+1”. It arrange | positions so that P2 may correspond to a coordinate (192X, 96Y). In this case, the CPU 131 first executes the processing of steps S423 to S426 shown in FIG. 42 based on the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, for example, thereby fixing the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. Fixed address designation in which image data indicating each of the character display images C2, C3, C7 and the number display images N2, N3, N7 is stored in the image and used to display the composite images A2, A3, A7. A transfer command and a fixed address designation transfer command in which image data indicating the display image N8 of the number stored in the fixed address area 156A is designated are transmitted to the VDP 141. Subsequently, the CPU 131 stores, for example, in the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142 by executing the process of step S443 shown in FIG. 43 based on the moving image display control data read from the moving image display control pattern. Then, a moving image display start setting command indicating moving image data MBA-01-08 for the super A-01 character C8 separation effect is transmitted to the VDP 141.

  In the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 generates a virtual space image based on various display control commands transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 61, from fixed address area 156A, image data indicating character display images C2, C3, and C7 and image data indicating number display images N2, N3, N7, and N8, respectively. Are read from the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142, and moving image data MBA-01-08 for super A-01 character C8 separation effects is read. At this time, the image data read from the image data memory 142 may be automatically transferred to the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 by the transfer control circuit 152, for example. In this way, the image data for operating the display image C8 indicating the character separated from the display image N8 with the number “8”, or the number “8” previously transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 and temporarily stored. Is combined with the image data indicating the display image N8, etc. to generate a virtual space image indicating the combined image constituting the effect image for separation effect. At this time, the character display image C2 and the display image N2 with the number “2” are combined to create a composite image A2 having a design number “2”, and the character display image C3 and the number “3”. The display image N3 is combined to create a combined image A3 that is a decorative pattern with the symbol number “3”, and the character display image C7 and the display image N7 with the number “7” are combined to generate the symbol number “7”. What is necessary is just to produce the synthetic image A7 used as a decoration design. After clipping the virtual space image in the drawing area and writing the display data to the frame buffer memory 157, the display circuit 158 reads the display data and generates and outputs a scanning signal.

  Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 60 (B), a separation effect in which the display image C8 indicating the character is separated from the display image N8 indicating the number is started in the decorative symbol of the symbol number “8” which is a normal symbol. (Step ST15 in FIG. 59). Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 60 (C), there is an effect display that acts on other decorative symbols such that the display image C8 indicating the character pushes down the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. Done. Thereafter, for example, as shown in FIG. 60D, the decorative symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR are changed (revaried) again (step ST16 in FIG. 59).

  Thereafter, for example, as shown in FIG. 60 (E), in the “right” variable display portion DR, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed so that the variable symbol display mode of the decorative symbols is reached (step ST17 in FIG. 59). . Note that the symbol to be stopped and displayed in the process of step ST17 may be any symbol that is determined as the left determined decorative symbol by the CPU 131 executing the process of step S322 shown in FIG. Thus, after the reach effect corresponding to the effect control pattern of Super A-01 is performed (step ST18 in FIG. 59) based on the fact that the variable display mode of the decorative pattern has become reach, the “middle” variable display portion DC. The decorative design is stopped and displayed (step ST19), and the variable display of the decorative design is terminated. At this time, for example, based on the determination that the CPU 131 ends the reproduction and display of the moving image in the process of step S446 shown in FIG. 43 (step S446; Yes), the moving image display end setting command is transmitted by the process of step S447. Then, the setting for ending the reproduction display of the moving image is performed (step ST20 in FIG. 59).

  62, based on the fact that the CPU 131 has determined the effect control pattern of Super A-02 in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. 39, display control is performed during variable display of decorative symbols including effect display in the separation effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing content in a case. In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 62, in the same manner as the processes of steps ST11 and ST12 shown in FIG. 59, after starting the variable display of decorative symbols (step ST31), The decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL (step ST32).

  Subsequently, the CPU 131 performs setting for starting playback and display of a moving image in the same manner as the process of step ST14 shown in FIG. 59 (step ST33). That is, in the effect control pattern of Super A-02, before the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR, the composite image that becomes the decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. A separation effect is started in which an image showing a character pops out and separates from an image showing a number. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 63 (A), a separation effect is started in which the display image C8 indicating the character is separated from the display image N8 indicating the number in the decorative symbol of the symbol number “8” which is a normal symbol. (Step ST34 in FIG. 62). In this way, for example, before the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR, the effect control of the super A-02 in which the separation effect is started at a timing different from the effect control pattern of the super A-01. As shown in FIG. 17B, for example, the reliability of the effect by the pattern is set to be higher than the reliability of the effect by the effect control pattern of Super A-01. Here, the reliability of the effect is determined by the reach reliability by the variable display pattern of Super A and the setting of the table data in the Super A effect determination table 260 shown in FIG. In this way, the probability that the variable display result is a big hit can be varied according to the execution timing of the separation effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 63 (B), the display mode showing the character in FIG. 60 (C) is different from the effect display in which the decorative image is pushed down, and the display image C8 showing the character is “right”. The effect display which acts on the other decorative design is received, such as receiving the changing decorative design in the variable display portion DR. That is, the probability that the variable display result is a big hit can be made different according to the effect mode in the separation effect.

  Thereafter, in the “right” variable display section DR, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed so that the variable display mode of the decorative symbols is reached (step ST35 in FIG. 62). In this way, after the reach effect corresponding to the effect control pattern of Super A-02 is performed on the basis of the fact that the variable display mode of the decorative design has become reach (step ST36), the decoration is displayed on the “medium” variable display portion DC. The symbol is stopped and displayed (step ST37), and the variable display of the decorative symbol is terminated. At this time, the setting for ending the reproduction display of the moving image is also made (step ST38).

  In the effect control pattern of Super A-03, for example, similarly to the effect control pattern of Super A-01, after the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR, the separation effect is started. On the other hand, in the effect control pattern of Super A-03, in the case of the effect control pattern of Super A-01 in which the display image showing the character pops out from the composite image that becomes the decorative design that is a normal design and separates from the display image showing the number In contrast, a separation effect is performed in which a display image showing a character pops out from a composite image that becomes a decorative design, which is a probabilistic design, and is separated from a display image showing a number. In this case, the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in order to execute the separation effect is determined in the process of step S322 based on the fact that the effect control pattern of Super A-03 is determined in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. be able to.

  For example, in the process of step S322, when it is decided to stop displaying the composite image A7 that is the decorative symbol of the symbol number “7” on the “left” variable display portion DL, in the composite image A7, the composite image A7 The display image C7 showing the characters constituting the character pops out and is separated from the display image N7 showing the numbers. For example, as shown in FIG. 64, the display image C7 showing the characters is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. An effect display that acts on the decorative design is performed. In this way, for example, a decoration image that jumps out of a composite image that is a decorative design that is a probability variation design, and a display image that shows a character separated from a display image that shows a number, acts on the decoration design in the separation effect by the effect control pattern of Super A-01. For example, as shown in FIG. 17B, the effect control of the super A-01 is performed using the effect control pattern of the super A-03 in which a separation effect is performed using a different effect image than the effect image to be added. It is set to be higher than the reliability of the production by the pattern. In this way, the probability that the variable display result will be a big hit can be varied according to the type of effect image that acts on the decorative design that is stopped and displayed in the separation effect.

  In the effect control patterns of Super A-01 to Super A-03, the number of decorative designs that the display image showing the character in the separation effect jumps out of the composite image and separates from the display image showing the number is one. On the other hand, in the effect control pattern of Super A-04, a separation effect is performed in which a display image showing a character jumps out of a composite image and separates from a display image showing a number in a plurality of decorative designs such as two. . In this case, a plurality of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed to execute the separation effect are determined in the process of step S322 based on the fact that the effect control pattern of Super A-04 is determined in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. It suffices if it can be determined.

  For example, in the process of step S322, the composite image A7 that becomes the decorative symbol of symbol number “7” and the synthetic image A8 that becomes the decorative symbol of symbol number “8” are stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. Shall be determined. In this case, in the composite image A7, the display image C7 showing the character constituting the composite image A7 pops out and is separated from the display image N7 showing the number, and in the composite image A8, the display image showing the character constituting the composite image A8 C8 pops out and is separated from the display image N8 indicating the number. For example, as shown in FIG. 65, a display image C7 showing a character jumping out from the composite image A7 and a display image C8 showing a character jumping out from the composite image A8 are respectively “ An effect display that acts on the decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR is performed. In this way, for example, a display image showing a plurality of characters separated from a display image showing a number separated from a composite image that becomes a plurality of decoration designs, such as two decoration designs, and the like of Super A-01 to Super A-03 In the separation effect by the effect control pattern, the reliability of the effect by the effect control pattern of the Super A-04 in which the separation effect is performed with the number of effect images different from the number of effect images that act on the decorative drawing is, for example, FIG. As shown to B), it is set so that it may become high compared with the reliability by the effect control pattern of super A-01-super A-03. In this way, the probability that the variable display result will be a big hit can be varied according to the number of effect images that act on the decorative symbols stopped and displayed in the separation effect.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the action image display shows the character that is the first part in the composite image that is the decorative design that is stopped and displayed during the variable display of the decorative design. Separation effect is performed in which the part of the display image jumps out of the composite image and separates from the part of the display image indicating the number that becomes the second part, and by acting on the decorative pattern that is stopped and displayed, variable display of the decorative pattern The mode can be a predetermined display mode such as reach. Thereby, it can be surprising that the decorative display variable display mode becomes a display mode such as reach, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  Further, image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 used for displaying the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs are shown in FIG. 54A, for example. Based on the setting of the table data in the advance transfer setting table 220 as shown, the CPU 131 executes the advance transfer command process in step S53 shown in FIG. The data is read from the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142, transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156, and stored. For example, the drawing circuit 155 of the VDP 141 writes the display data created based on the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 and the image data stored in the fixed address area 156A to the frame buffer memory 157. . As a result, the image data indicating the display images of the characters and numbers used to display the combined images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs are designated in advance in the temporary storage memory 156 by designating the reading position in the temporary storage memory 156. The image data stored in the image data can be easily reused, and there is no need to read it from the image data memory 142 every time, so that the control burden in the variable display of decorative symbols can be reduced. Also, for image data indicating a display image of a number that is displayed separately from the character display image at the time of separation effect, by designating a reading position in the temporary storage memory 156, the temporary storage memory 156 is preliminarily stored. The stored image data can be easily reused and there is no need to read it from the image data memory 142, so that the control burden in the separation effect can be reduced. In particular, when the data reading speed from the image data memory 142 is slower than the data reading speed from the temporary storage memory 156, the processing time for performing variable display of decorative symbols is shortened to reduce the control burden. Can do.

  In the process of step S442 shown in FIG. 43, the CPU 131 transmits a moving image display initial setting command to the VDP 141, so that the data bus width when reading image data from the image data memory 142 to the VDP 141 is the second bus. The width is changed to 32 bits predetermined. Accordingly, the chip select setting is CS # 1, and the moving image data is read from the moving image memory chip 142-3 among the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 included in the image data memory 142. Is set. On the other hand, when the initial display setting process is executed in step S54 shown in FIG. 33 or when the process of step S447 shown in FIG. 43 is executed, the CPU 131 sends an image display initial setting command to the VDP 141. By transmitting the moving image display end setting command, the data bus width when reading the image data from the image data memory 142 to the VDP 141 is set to 64 bits predetermined as the first bus width. As a result, the chip select setting is CS # 0, and the sprite image data from the memory chips 142-1 and 142-2 for the sprite image among the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 included in the image data memory 142. Is set to read.

  As described above, when an image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 using the sprite image data, the bus width for reading the sprite image data from the image data memory 142 is set in advance as the first bus width. The predetermined 64 bits are used. On the other hand, when moving image data is reproduced and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 using moving image data, the bus width for reading moving image data from the image data memory 142 is set to the first bus. It is assumed that the second bus width is smaller than the width (the number of bits is small) and is predetermined 32 bits. Here, for example, when display data is created using sprite image data, the processing speed of the VDP 141 is higher than that of moving image data because, for example, decoding processing such as moving image data is unnecessary. (Display data creation speed) becomes faster. When reading out sprite image data capable of such high-speed processing from the image data memory 142, reading out image data that is relatively low-speed processing due to an increased processing load on the VDP 141, such as moving image data. Compared to the above, by enabling reading from the image data memory 142 with a wider data bus width (a larger number of bits), the processing efficiency in the VDP 141 can be improved.

  Further, by making it possible to change the bus width for reading image data, the flexibility in changing the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 can be enhanced as follows. That is, if the bus width cannot be changed, a memory chip corresponding to the bus width must be prepared. It is difficult to prepare a memory chip, and the manufacturing cost may increase excessively due to, for example, a custom-made product. On the other hand, if the bus width can be changed, a memory chip corresponding to one of the changeable bus widths may be prepared. For example, even when the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 is increased, the memory width increases. It becomes easy to prepare a memory chip corresponding to the storage capacity to be increased, and an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In this way, the bus width of the data bus connected to the image data memory 142 can be set to any one of a plurality of types of bus widths, so that it is prepared when the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 is changed. It is possible to increase the flexibility of the memory chip and suppress an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 provided in the image data memory 142 as shown in FIG. 22 have the same storage capacity (for example, 1 gigabit). In this case, when the data bus connected to the image data memory 142 is always set to the maximum bus width (for example, 64 bits), for example, the chip chip signal CS # 0 is turned on to turn on the memory chip 142-1. The image data is read from the two memory chips, such as the image data is read from the memory chip 142-2. Therefore, even when the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 is increased, for example, two memory chips having the same storage capacity as each of the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 are added in units of 2 gigabits. I have to do it. Therefore, even if the data capacity of the image data stored in the image data memory 142 slightly exceeds the storage capacity in the image data memory 142, it is necessary to add at least two memory chips. Lack of flexibility. Here, instead of the memory chips 142-1, 142-2, the data bus has the maximum bus width (for example, 64 bits), and has a storage capacity (for example, a memory chip) larger than the storage capacity of the memory chip 142-3. Even when a single memory chip having a storage capacity twice as large as that of 142-3 is used, it is necessary to add a memory chip having a large storage capacity when the data capacity of the image data is slightly exceeded. Yes, it lacks flexibility when changing storage capacity.

  On the other hand, when the bus width of the data bus connected to the image data memory 142 can be set to a bus width (for example, 32 bits) smaller than the maximum bus width, for example, the chip select signal CS # It is only necessary that the image data can be read from one memory chip such that the image data is read only from the memory chip 142-3 when 1 is turned on. Therefore, even when the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 is increased, for example, memory chips having the same storage capacity as each of the memory chips 142-1 to 142-3 can be added one by one. In this way, by allowing the bus width of the data bus connected to the image data memory 142 to be set to any one of a plurality of types of bus widths, flexibility in changing the storage capacity of the image data memory 142 Can be increased.

  In addition, if the moving image data is stored in the memory chip 142-3 having a bus width (for example, 32 bits) smaller than the maximum bus width and the moving image data is read with the smaller bus width, For example, the storage capacity can be changed more flexibly than when moving image data is stored in both the memory chips 142-1 and 142-2 and read out with the maximum bus width. Can be improved.

  In step S304 shown in FIG. 38, the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process in response to the setting for displaying the demo screen being performed in the process of step S305. Also, in step S374 shown in FIG. 44, in response to the fact that the big hit start command is sent from the main board 11 when the decorative symbol variable display is finished, the CPU 131 controls the pre-transfer command process. Execute. In this way, in response to the establishment of a predetermined transfer condition such as displaying a demonstration image on the screen of the image display device 5 or a variable display result having been a big hit, for example, FIG. Based on the setting of the table data in the advance transfer setting table 220 as shown in FIG. 4, the advance transfer command processing is executed, and the image data registered in the advance transfer setting table 220 is read from the image data memory 142 and temporarily stored in the VDP 141. A command to transfer to fixed address area 156A at 156 is issued. In the VDP 141, for example, in step S605 shown in FIG. 45, the transfer control circuit 152 executes a pre-transfer process, whereby the character display images C1 to C8 used to display the composite images A1 to A8 that become decorative symbols are displayed. And the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 with the numbers are read from the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142, transferred to the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156, and stored. As a result, noise or the like is stored in the contents stored in the temporary storage memory 156 for the image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the characters constituting the combined images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs and the image data indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers. Even if an error occurs due to the above, the stored contents can be automatically restored.

  In the process of step SC11 shown in FIG. 55, image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the character used for displaying any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs corresponding to the image designation buffer value, Image data indicating number display images N1 to N8 is specified. Further, in the process of step SC12, the display position of the decorative design is specified corresponding to the display position buffer value. The drawing circuit 155 creates a virtual space image corresponding to the display control command transmitted in the process of step SC13. Further, in the processing from step SC14 to step SC18, any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are the decorative patterns arranged before or after the decorative pattern designated by the image designation buffer value is displayed according to the display position buffer value. The image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and the image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 and the display position are specified. The drawing circuit 155 creates a virtual space image corresponding to the display control command transmitted in the process of step SC19. The virtual space image created in this way is clipped in a drawing area corresponding to the display range of the image display device 5 to extract display data, and is written in the frame buffer memory 157. Then, the display circuit 158 reads out the display data. Then, a scanning signal is generated and supplied to the image display device 5. In this way, the image of the decorative pattern designated by the image designation buffer value is displayed at the display position designated by the display position buffer value, and the decoration is also applied to the blank generated before or after the decorative design designated by the image designation buffer value. Arrange symbols for display. At this time, the drawing circuit 155 creates image data stored discretely in the fixed address area 156A by creating a virtual space image corresponding to the display control command transmitted in the processing of step SC13 or step SC19. However, it is possible to create a virtual space image by combining and connecting those image data. As described above, image data indicating the display images C1 to C8 of the character used for displaying any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are the decorative symbols arranged before or after the decorative symbol designated by the image designation buffer value. And by specifying the image data and display positions indicating the display images N1 to N8 of the numbers, the display data is created in comparison with the case of creating display data in which the combined images A1 to A8 that are all the decorative symbols are connected and arranged. The data capacity required for variable display of symbols can be reduced, and the control burden for performing variable display of decorative symbols can also be reduced.

  In response to the automatic transfer instruction transmitted in step S430 shown in FIG. 42, the transfer control circuit 152 executes automatic transfer control processing in step S607 shown in FIG. 45, and the drawing circuit 155 in step S705 shown in FIG. Executes automatic transfer drawing processing. At this time, after the transfer control circuit 152 executes the processing of steps S631 to S635 shown in FIG. 48, the image data read from the image data memory 142 is transferred to the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 and stored. The drawing circuit 155 executes the processing of steps S731 to S736 shown in FIG. 51, and writes the image data read from the variable address area 156B into the frame buffer memory 157 for storage. Thus, for the image data stored in the variable address area 156B, if the reading position in the image data memory 142 and the writing position in the frame buffer memory 157 are designated, the storage position in the variable address area 156B is not designated. However, it can be used to create display data, address management becomes easy, and the burden of program design can be reduced. Further, for the image data stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156, for example, the processing of steps S423 to S426 shown in FIG. 42 is executed to specify the read position of the fixed address area 156A. The image data stored in advance in the fixed address area 156A can be easily reused and is not required to be read from the image data memory 142 every time, so that the image data is processed. The control burden can be reduced.

  Table data setting in the jackpot pattern determination table 200A shown in FIG. 7A, table data setting in the reach lose pattern determination table 200B shown in FIG. 7B, and a super A effect shown in FIG. 16B. By setting the table data in the determination table 260, the expectation degree of effects by the super A effect control patterns such as super A-01 to super A-04 is set as shown in FIG.

  In the effect control pattern of Super A-02, the execution timing of the separation effect is set to be different from the effect control pattern of Super A-01. In this way, the determination that is set so as to vary the probability that the variable display result is a big hit depending on the execution timing of the separation effect, which one of the plurality of types of effect display is executed as the separation effect that becomes the action effect display Determined using a table. Thereby, according to the execution timing of the production | presentation display used as an effect production | presentation display, the expectation with respect to a variable display result becoming a big hit can be raised, and the interest of a game can be improved.

  In the effect control pattern of Super A-03, it acts on the decoration pattern in the separation effect by the effect control pattern of Super A-01, such as the display image showing the number and the display image showing the character separated from the decoration design which is the probability variation design. It is set so that the separation effect is performed with the effect image of a different type from the effect image to which is added. In this way, which of the plurality of types of effect display is performed as the separation effect as the action effect display, the variable display result depends on the type of effect image that acts on the decorative pattern in the separation effect as the action effect display. The decision is made using a decision table set so as to vary the probability of winning a big hit. Thereby, according to the kind of effect image which acts on a decoration pattern by the effect display used as an effect display, the expectation that a variable display result will be a big hit can be raised, and the interest of a game can be improved.

  In the effect control pattern of Super A-04, effects of Super A-01 to Super A-03 such as a display image showing a plurality of characters separated from a display image showing a number jumping out from a plurality of (for example, two) decorative symbols. In the separation effect by the pattern, it is set so that the separation effect is performed with the number of effect images different from the number of effect images that act on the decorative design. In this way, which of the plurality of types of effect display is executed as the separation effect as the action effect display, the variable display result depends on the number of effect images that act on the decorative pattern in the separation effect as the action effect display. The decision is made using a decision table set so as to vary the probability of winning a big hit. Thereby, the expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit can be enhanced according to the number of decorative symbols that act on the decorative symbols in the effect display as the effect display, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the separation effect, the portion of the display image C1 to C8 showing the character pops out from any one of the composite images A1 to A8 that are the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. In the above description, it is assumed that the effect display that acts on the decorative design is performed separately from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the numbers. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the portion of the display image C1 to C8 showing the character jumps out from any one of the composite images A1 to A8 which are decorative patterns stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. The effect display may be performed such that it is separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the numbers and acts on the decorative design. In this case, for example, in the same manner as in steps ST11 to ST14 shown in FIG. 59, after the variable display of the decorative symbols is started, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed on the “left” and “right” variable display portions DL and DR. Then, the setting for starting the reproduction display of the moving image is performed. In the separation effect, the part of the display image showing the character constituting the composite image of the decorative design stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR pops out and separates from the part of the display image showing the number. Effect display that acts on the composite image that becomes the decorative design stopped and displayed on the variable display portion DL.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 60A, when a composite image that is a decorative design is stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL and the “right” variable display portion DR, the CPU 131 first displays, for example, a sprite image display. The composite images A3, A7, A8 are stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 by executing the processing of steps S423 to S426 shown in FIG. 42 based on the sprite image display control data read from the control pattern. A fixed address designation transfer command for designating image data indicating each of the character display images C3, C7, C8 and the number display images N3, N7, N8 used for display, and the fixed address area 156A. A fixed address designation transfer command in which image data indicating the number display image N2 is designated as VDP It is transmitted to 41. Subsequently, the CPU 131 stores, for example, in the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142 by executing the process of step S443 shown in FIG. 43 based on the moving image display control data read from the moving image display control pattern. The moving image display start setting command indicating the moving image data for the character C2 separation effect is transmitted to the VDP 141.

  In the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 generates a virtual space image based on various display control commands transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. At this time, for example, image data indicating each of the character display images C3, C7, and C8 and image data indicating each of the display images N2, N3, N7, and N8 are read from the fixed address area 156A. The moving image data for character C2 separation effect is read from the moving image data area 142B of the data memory 142. In this way, the image data for operating the display image C2 indicating the character separated from the display image N2 with the number “2”, or the number “2” temporarily transferred and temporarily stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. Is combined with the image data indicating the display image N2 to generate a virtual space image indicating the combined image forming the effect image for separation effect. After clipping the virtual space image in the drawing area and writing the display data to the frame buffer memory 157, the display circuit 158 reads the display data and generates and outputs a scanning signal. In this way, the display image C2 indicating the character is separated from the display image N2 indicating the number in the decorative symbol of the symbol number “2” which is the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. Production can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, in the separation effect, the numbers of the parts of the display images C1 to C8 that show the characters separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 that jump out from any of the composite images A1 to A8 and show the numbers are separated. It demonstrated as acting on either of the synthetic | combination images A1-A8 used as another decoration pattern different from the site | part of the display images N1-N8 which show. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 66, for example, display images C1 to C1 that show characters separated from the parts of the display images N1 to N8 that jump out from any of the composite images A1 to A8 and indicate numbers. The part C8 may act on the parts of the display images N1 to N8 indicating the separated numbers.

  In the above embodiment, the display image indicating the character is displayed in the separation effect by the effect control pattern in which the execution timing of the separation effect is different from the effect control pattern of the super A-01 like the effect control pattern of the super A-02. It has been described that the effect display is different from the effect display that pushes down the symbol, and the effect display that acts on other decorative symbols such as receiving the decorative symbol in which the display image showing the character fluctuates is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the execution timing of the separation effect is the same, the effect display of the effect display in the separation effect may be different. For example, even in the effect control pattern of Super A-02, as with the effect control pattern of Super A-01, the separation effect is started after the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. To. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 67, for example, the display mode showing the character in FIG. 60C is different from the effect display in which the decorative image is pushed down, and the display image C8 showing the character is “right”. An effect display that acts on other decorative symbols, such as kicking up the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display portion DR, is performed. Thereby, even if there is no change in the execution timing of the separation effect, the probability that the variable display result is a big hit can be changed according to the effect mode in the separation effect, and the variable display result can be changed according to the effect mode in the separation effect. The expectation that it will be a big hit can be raised and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, for example, when the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed on the “left” and “right” variable display portions DL and DR, or the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed only on the “left” variable display portion DL. As described above, at least the “medium” variable display portion DC has been described as starting the separation effect during the period in which the decorative symbol is changing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR, a separation effect is started and combined. The decorative design is changed again by performing the effect display so that the part of the display image that shows the character separated from the part of the display image that jumps out of the image and shows the number of the decorative design. A mode may be a predetermined mode, or a decorative display variable display result such as a big hit may be a predetermined display result.

  As an example, in the production control pattern of Super A-01, for example, the symbol numbers “2”, “4”, “left”, “middle”, “right” on the variable display portions DL, DC, DR, respectively. The composite images A2, A4, and A8 that become the decorative pattern “8” are temporarily stopped and displayed. The decorative pattern to be stopped and displayed at this time is determined in advance as the chance item # 1, and the CPU 131 displays the decorative pattern corresponding to the fact that it is determined as the super A-01 effect control pattern in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to be able to determine by performing the process of step S322 shown to 39. Subsequently, for example, as shown in FIG. 68 (A), composite images A2, A4, which are decorative patterns stopped and displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR, In A8, the parts of the display images C2, C4, and C8 showing the characters constituting the composite images A2, A4, and A8 pop out and are separated from the display images N2, N4, and N8 indicating the numbers, and indicate the numbers after separation. The effect display that acts on the parts of the display images N2, N4, and N8 is performed. In this case, for example, the CPU 131 executes the processing of steps S427 to S430 shown in FIG. 42 based on the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, for example, in advance in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. A fixed address designation transfer command for designating image data indicating the display images N2, N4, and N8 of the numbers “2”, “4”, and “8” that are transferred to and temporarily stored is transmitted to the VDP 141. Further, the CPU 131 stores, for example, in the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142 by executing the process of step S443 shown in FIG. 43 based on the moving image display control data read from the moving image display control pattern. A moving image display start setting command indicating moving image data for chance # 1 separation effect is transmitted to the VDP 141. In the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 generates a virtual space image based on various display control commands transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. At this time, the image data indicating the display images N2, N4, and N8 of the numbers “2”, “4”, and “8” is read from the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156, and the moving image data of the image data memory 142 is read. From area 142B, the moving image data for chance # 1 separation effect is read. In this way, image data for operating the display images C2, C4, and C8 indicating the characters separated from the display images N2, N4, and N8 of the numbers “2”, “4”, and “8”, and the temporary storage memory 156 are fixed. By combining the image data indicating the display images N2, N4, and N8 of the numbers “2”, “4”, and “8” read from the address area 156A, a composite image that forms the effect image for the separation effect is combined. A virtual space image is generated.

  As another example, in the effect control pattern of Super A-02, for example, the symbol numbers “1” and “3” are displayed on the variable display portions DL, DC, and DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively. The combined images A1, A3, and A5 that become the decorative symbols “5” and “5” are temporarily stopped and displayed. Note that the decorative pattern to be stopped and displayed at this time is determined in advance as the chance item # 2, and the CPU 131 determines that the effect control pattern of Super A-02 is determined in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to be able to determine by performing the process of step S322 shown to 39. Subsequently, for example, as shown in FIG. 68 (B), composite images A1, A3, which are decorative patterns stopped and displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR, In A5, the parts of the display images C1, C3, and C5 showing the characters constituting the respective composite images A1, A3, and A5 pop out and are separated from the display images N1, N3, and N5 that show the numbers, and indicate the numbers after separation. The effect display that acts on the parts of the display images N1, N3, and N5 is performed.

  Even when the separation effects as shown in FIGS. 68 (A) and 68 (B) are performed, in the process of step S321 shown in FIG. 39, the CPU 131 performs the super A effect determination table as shown in FIG. 16 (B). Referring to 260, the production control pattern may be determined. As a result, as shown in FIG. 68 (B), when the separation effect is performed after the combination of the decorative symbols that become the chance eye # 2 is stopped and displayed, the chance eye # 1 as shown in FIG. 68 (A). The probability that the variable display result is a big hit is higher than the case where the separation effect is performed after the combination of the decorative symbols to be stopped is displayed. Thus, according to the combination of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed before the separation effect is started, the probability that the variable display result is a big hit can be varied, and the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed when the separation effect is performed. The expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit according to the combination can be enhanced and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the character arrange | positioned in the site | part of the display images N1-N8 which show the number of "1"-"8", and the peripheral part (frame part) of the display images N1-N8. In the above description, the composite images A1 to A8 including the display images C1 to C8 indicating the variable are displayed as decorative symbols corresponding to the symbol numbers “1” to “8”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a composite image synthesized so that a part of a display image showing a number and a part of a display image showing a character are provided in a predetermined image frame, The display may be variably displayed. As an example, a composite image X1 synthesized so that parts of display images K1 to K8 indicating numbers “1” to “8” and parts of display images F1 to F8 indicating characters corresponding to each symbol are provided. ˜X8 are variably displayed as decorative designs. In this case, for example, in the effect control pattern of Super A-01, by executing the same process as the process of step ST11 shown in FIG. 59, as shown in FIG. 69 (A), “left”, “middle”, The variable display of the decorative design is started in each of the “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR.

  Thereafter, by executing the same processing as the processing of step ST12 shown in FIG. 59, the decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol number “7” is displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL as shown in FIG. 69 (B). The composite image X7 is stopped and displayed. Subsequently, by executing the same process as the process of step ST13 shown in FIG. 59, the decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol number “6” is displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR as shown in FIG. The resultant composite image X6 is stopped and displayed. The combination of decorative symbols stopped and displayed at this time constitutes a combination of normal loses. At this time, the variable display mode of decorative symbols is not reach.

  At this time, for example, by performing processing similar to the processing in step ST14 shown in FIG. 59, settings for starting playback and display of moving images are performed, and further processing similar to the processing in step ST15 shown in FIG. 59 is performed. By executing, for example, as shown in FIG. 69 (D), the portion of the display image F7 indicating the character included in the image frame of the composite image X7 stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL becomes the composite image. A separation effect is started that jumps out from X7 and separates from the portion of the display image K7 indicating the number "7". Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 69 (E), the display image F7 indicating the character acts on other decorative designs such as swinging the sword held in the hand against the “right” variable display portion DR. An effect display is performed. With this effect display, the decorative symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR are updated. For example, as shown in FIG. 69 (F), the same symbol number “ The composite image X7 that is a decorative pattern corresponding to “7” is stopped and displayed, and the variable display mode of the decorative pattern becomes reach.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the transfer control circuit 152 included in the VDP 141 is connected to the bus to which the frame buffer memory 157 and the like are connected together with the bus to which the image data memory interface 153 and the like are connected. It is comprised so that. With such a connection configuration, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 reads display data stored in the frame buffer memory 157 and temporarily stores it in the temporary storage memory 156, and the display data is stored in the effect control microcomputer 120. It can be made readable. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 70, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 is connected only to the bus to which the image data memory interface 153 or the like is connected, and is not connected to the bus to which the frame buffer memory 157 or the like is connected. It may be configured as follows. In such a connection configuration, in order to read the display data stored in the frame buffer memory 157 and temporarily store it in the temporary storage memory 156, for example, the drawing circuit 155 reads out the storage data in the frame buffer memory 157 and temporarily stores it. What is necessary is just to transfer to the memory 156.

  In the embodiment described above, the moving image data read from the moving image data area 142B of the image data memory 142 is used as the image data for operating the display image in the separation effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sprite image data read from the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142 may be used as image data for operating the effect image in the separation effect. In this case, the sprite image data for operating the display images of the display images C1 to C8 indicating each character in the separation effect is stored in the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142. As an example, as shown in FIG. 60A, the composite image A8 is composed of the composite image A8 of the composite image A8 and the composite image A8, which is a decorative design stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL. The display image C8 showing the character to be popped out and separated from the display image N8 showing the number, and the composite image A2 out of the composite image A2 and the composite image A3, which is a decorative pattern stopped and displayed on the “right” variable display portion DR. It is assumed that an effect display that acts on is performed. In this example, the CPU 131 first executes, for example, the processing of steps S423 to S426 shown in FIG. 42 based on the sprite image display control data read from the sprite image display control pattern, thereby, for example, the fixed address area of the temporary storage memory 156. Fixed address to which image data indicating each of character display images C2, C3, C7 and number display images N2, N3, N7 stored in 156A and used to display composite images A2, A3, A7 is designated. A designated transfer command and a fixed address designated transfer command for designating image data indicating the display image N8 of the number stored in the fixed address area 156A are transmitted to the VDP 141. Further, the CPU 131 executes, for example, the processes of steps S427 to S430 shown in FIG. 42 based on the sprite image display control data, thereby displaying the display image C8 indicating the character stored in the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142. An automatic transfer command for specifying sprite image data for operating is transmitted to the VDP 141.

  In the VDP 141, for example, the drawing circuit 155 generates a virtual space image based on various display control commands transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. At this time, the image data indicating the character display images C2, C3, and C7 and the image data indicating the number display images N2, N3, N7, and N8 are read from the fixed address area 156A. Image data for operating the display image C8 indicating the character is read from the sprite image data area 142A of the memory 142. At this time, the image data read from the image data memory 142 may be automatically transferred to the variable address area 156B of the temporary storage memory 156 by the transfer control circuit 152, for example. Even in this case, the image data for operating the display image C8 indicating the character separated from the display image N8 of the number “8”, or the temporary storage area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 is transferred in advance and temporarily stored. It is possible to generate a virtual space image indicating a combined image constituting the effect image for separation effect by combining the image data indicating the display image N8 with the number “8”.

  In the above embodiment, in the process of step S714 shown in FIG. 50 and the process of step S734 shown in FIG. 51, the display data (write side data) to be written to the frame buffer memory 157 and the frame buffer memory 157 are already written. Is compared with the display data (memory data) stored in the memory, and the display data is written for the pixels with high write data priority while the memory data priority is written. In the above description, it is assumed that display data is not written for pixels having a high value so that, for example, a character image can appear in front of the background image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when writing display data, not only the priority comparison but also the transparency setting may be performed. For example, the sprite image display control data included in the sprite image display control pattern includes display control data indicating the variable display speed of the decorative design, and control data indicating the transparency of the decorative design that differs according to the variable display speed. Like that. For example, in a period in which the variable display speed is “high speed”, the transparency for making the decorative symbol translucent is set. In the process of step S714 shown in FIG. 50 and the process of step S734 shown in FIG. 51, the frame buffer is executed by executing, for example, an alpha blending process corresponding to the transparency set by the sprite image display control data. Between the display color in the display data (write side data) to be written in the memory 157 and the display color in the display data (storage side data) already stored in the frame buffer memory 157 corresponding to each pixel Thus, display data that has an intermediate color may be created, and the created display data may be written into the frame buffer memory 157. As a result, for example, during a period in which the variable display speed of the decorative symbol is “high speed”, it is difficult to visually recognize the decorative symbol, while visual recognition of the background image and the like is facilitated, reducing eye fatigue in the player, Further, it is possible to easily recognize the notice effect executed by the background image or the like.

  In the said embodiment, the predetermined | prescribed display aspect which appears when the part of the display image which shows a character acts on the decorative design by which the stop display was carried out was demonstrated as what is reach. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode that appears by acting on the decorative symbol may be a display mode different from the reach, such as a definite decorative symbol with a jackpot combination. As an example, after the same decorative design stops on a predetermined effective line at the “left” and “right” variable display portions DL and DR, and reaches the reach, the decoration is displayed at the “middle” variable display portion DC. Before the symbol is stopped and displayed, a separation effect is started in which an image showing a character pops out from a composite image that becomes a decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL and is separated from an image showing a number. Then, an effect display that acts on other decorative symbols is performed such that the decorative symbol fluctuating in the variable display portion DC whose display image showing the character is “medium” is received. After that, in the “middle” variable display portion DC, the decorative symbols constituting the jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed on the reach effective line. In addition, after the decorative symbols that are reach-losing combinations are stopped and displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions DL, DC, and DR, “left”, “middle”, and “right” are variable. A separation effect is started in which an image showing a character pops out from a composite image that is a decorative design stopped and displayed on one of the display units DL, DC, and DR, and is separated from an image showing a number. The variable display unit DC may display an effect that acts on the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed to change the decorative symbols constituting the jackpot combination.

  In the above-described embodiment, as image data for displaying the combined images A1 to A8 which are decorative designs, image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 are images. The description has been made assuming that the data is stored in advance in the sprite image data area 142A of the data memory 142, and each of these image data is transferred to and stored in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and has any configuration capable of temporarily storing image data for displaying the composite images A1 to A8 serving as decorative designs in the fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156. If it is. As an example, in the sprite image data area 142A of the image data memory 142, sprite image data indicating character display images C1 to C8 and sprite image data indicating number display images N1 to N8 are stored in advance. 45 shows sprite image data indicating character display images C1 to C8 and number display images N1 to N8 read from the image data memory 142 when the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in step S605 shown in FIG. The image data indicating the combined images A1 to A8 is created by combining the sprite image data with the drawing circuit 155, and the image data indicating the generated combined images A1 to A8 is stored in the fixed address area of the temporary storage memory 156. You may make it memorize | store in 156A.

  In the above embodiment, in the start winning process of step S102 shown in FIG. 28, the numerical data indicating the random display value determination random number MR2 and the numerical data indicating the random display pattern MR2 and reach determination together with the numerical data indicating the random display value MR1 for determining the special figure display result. It has been described that numerical data indicating the random number MR3 for use is also extracted and set in the special figure storage unit 161. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the start winning process, only the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result may be extracted and set in the special figure storage unit 161. . In this case, in the process of step S223 shown in FIG. 30, for example, after the CPU 111 sets the output control signal transmitted to the random number circuit 114 to the ON state, the random value output signal transmitted from the random number circuit 114 is fetched, The numerical data indicating the random value MR3 for reach determination may be acquired by extracting numerical data updated by software using a random counter different from the circuit 114. In the process of step S227 shown in FIG. 30, for example, the CPU 111 sets the output control signal transmitted to the random number circuit 114 to the ON state, and then takes in the random value output signal transmitted from the random number circuit 114, The numerical data indicating the random display pattern MR2 for variable display pattern determination may be acquired by extracting numerical data updated by software using a random counter different from 114.

  In the above embodiment, every time the display position buffer value is updated in steps SC20, SC22, etc. shown in FIG. 55, the display control command is transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141, and the composite image becomes a decorative design. It has been described that any one of A1 to A8 is arranged to create a virtual space image as shown in FIGS. 57 (A) to (C) and FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and scroll display may be performed by moving a drawing region to be clipped in the virtual space image as time passes. As an example, if a virtual space image VA0 as shown in FIG. 57A is created and then the region surrounded by the thick broken line in FIG. 57A is clipped as a display frame WL as a drawing region, FIG. Image display data as shown in (D) can be written in the frame buffer memory 157. Thereafter, the virtual space image is held as it is, and when the display frame WL is moved upward by “1Y” and clipping is performed, the display data of the image as shown in FIG. 57 (E) is stored in the frame buffer memory 157. Can write. Further, by moving the display frame WL upward and clipping, display data for variably displaying, for example, a decorative pattern scrolling downward on the “left” variable display portion DL can be created. When the display frame WL is thus moved upward and the upper end of the display frame WL coincides with the upper end of the composite image A8 as in the case of FIG. 57C, it becomes a reference by updating the image designation buffer value, for example. It is only necessary to change the design and create a virtual space image in which the changed decorative design is arranged. This eliminates the need to create a virtual space image every time, so that the control burden for variable display of decorative symbols can be reduced compared to the case where a virtual space image is created each time.

  In the above embodiment, the drawing circuit 155 has created a virtual space image in which decorative symbols are arranged, and then clipping the drawing area to write display data to the frame buffer memory 157. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image data to be written to the frame buffer memory 157 may be specified without creating a virtual space image by the drawing circuit 155. As an example, the image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and the image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 are read from the image data memory 142 and are combined into a fixed address area 156A of the temporary storage memory 156 as a decorative pattern. When the image data for displaying the images A1 to A8 is temporarily stored, the image data indicating the combined images A1 to A8 by combining the display images C1 to C8 of the respective characters and the display images N1 to N8 of the respective numbers. And each of the image data representing the composite images A1 to A8 is stored in a predetermined order in a storage area that is continuous in the fixed address area 156A, so that each composite image A1 that becomes a decorative pattern on the virtual reel is stored. Image data corresponding to the state where A8 is pasted is held. The drawing circuit 155 then sets the storage location of the image data to be clipped for writing to the frame buffer memory 157 from the image data or display location specified by the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. What is necessary is just to specify and read by the address of area 156A. Alternatively, even when image data indicating the character display images C1 to C8 and image data indicating the number display images N1 to N8 are stored in the storage areas discrete in the fixed address area 156A, for example, the effect control microcomputer 120 If the drawing circuit 155 can specify the reading position of each image data by the display control command transmitted from the image data, the image data included in the display frame serving as the drawing area is read from the fixed address area 156A, and a predetermined image is read. Write data for display in the frame buffer memory 157 without creating a virtual space image by combining the data and writing in the writing position corresponding to the position in the display frame in the frame buffer memory 157. It can be performed.

  In the embodiment described above, for example, by referring to the Super A effect determination table 260 as shown in FIG. 16B, the variable display result is a big hit according to the mode of the effect operation during the variable display of the decorative symbols. It was explained as having different possibilities. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the possibility that the variable display result will be “probable big hit” may differ depending on the mode of the rendering operation during the variable display of the decorative symbols. As an example, the super A effect determination table 260 associates each of the super A effect control patterns with the random value SR1 for determining the effect control pattern so as to be assigned differently depending on whether or not it is a probable big hit. What is necessary is just to comprise by setting data (data for determination) etc.

  In the above embodiment, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the “medium” variable display unit DC by the process of step ST19 shown in FIG. 59 or the process of step ST37 shown in FIG. 62, and then step ST20 shown in FIG. In the above-described process and the process of step ST38 shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by performing the process of step ST17 shown in FIG. 59 or the process of step ST35 shown in FIG. In response to the establishment, the playback and display of the moving image may be terminated. In this case, in order to perform playback display of the moving image in the subsequent reach effect, for example, the playback display of the moving image is started again in the same manner as the processing in step ST14 shown in FIG. 59 and the processing in step ST33 shown in FIG. It is sufficient to set for this purpose. When the reach effect ends, the playback and display of the moving image may be ended in the same manner as the process of step ST20 shown in FIG. 59 and the process of step ST38 shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the decorative symbols are scroll-displayed from the upper side to the lower side on the screen in the variable display portions DL, DC, DR of “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the image display device 5. Explained as being. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, scroll display may be performed from the lower side toward the upper side. Further, instead of the vertical direction such as the vertical direction, scroll display may be performed in the horizontal direction such as the horizontal direction (from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side). In this case, the control may be performed so that the arrangement of decorative symbols in the virtual space image created by the drawing circuit 155, the display frame to be clipped as the drawing area, and the like are set in accordance with the scroll display direction. At this time, the drawing circuit 155 displays a plurality of decorative symbols in accordance with the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 in the same manner as the processing in step SC13 and step SC19 shown in FIG. A virtual space image may be created in the left-right direction. Thereby, even if it is image data indicating a plurality of decorative symbols stored discretely in the fixed address area 156A, a virtual space image in which a plurality of decorative symbols are arranged by combining or connecting the image data is easily obtained. It is possible to reduce the control burden for performing variable display of decorative symbols. Further, the direction of the scroll display may be switched according to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like. For example, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state, the decorative symbols are scroll-displayed from the upper side to the lower side on the screen of the image display device 5, while the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed. When in the probability variation gaming state, the decorative symbols may be scroll-displayed from the left side to the right side on the screen of the image display device 5.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the gaming machine, the description has been given using the pachinko gaming machine 1 having a function of variably displaying special symbols and decorative symbols and a function of displaying various effect images. However, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be described.

  FIG. 71 is a front view of a slot machine 500 as an example of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied, and shows a layout of main members. The slot machine 500 is roughly composed of a housing whose front surface is open and a front door pivotally supported at a side end of the housing. Inside the casing of the slot machine 500, there is installed a variable display device 501 in which reels RL, RC, RR having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. An image display device 510 having a display function is provided on the front door of the slot machine 500.

  On the outer periphery of the reels RL, RC, RR, for example, “Red 7”, “White 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, “Bell”, which can be distinguished from each other Are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels RL, RC, and RR are displayed on the variable display device 501 in upper, middle, and lower three stages, respectively. Each of the reels RL, RC, RR is rotated by reel motors 651L, 651C, 651R (FIG. 72) provided in correspondence with each other, and the symbols of the reels RL, RC, RR are displayed while continuously changing. At the same time, by stopping the rotation of the reels RL, RC, RR, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed so as to be visible as display results.

  Below the image display device 510 at the front door of the slot machine 500, there is provided an operation table 520 on which various input switches and the like for the player to perform various operations are arranged. On the far side of the operation table 520, there are a medal insertion slot 502 into which medals can be inserted, a BET switch 503 for setting (BET) the number of bets for one medal, and the maximum number of bets that can be bet in one game ( In this example, a MAXBET switch 504 for setting the number of bets (three) in this example, used for setting medals and bets stored as credits (the number of medals stored as a player's own gaming value). A checkout switch 508 for paying out medals is provided. The medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 502 is detected by a predetermined insertion medal sensor.

  On the front side of the operation table 520, a start lever 505 that is operated when the game is started in the slot machine 500, stop switches 506L and 506C that are operated when the rotation of the reels RL, RC, and RR is stopped. 506R is provided. A medal payout exit 507 through which medals are paid out is provided at the bottom of the operation table 520.

  In the upper part of the image display device 510 on the front door of the slot machine 500, a game information display unit for displaying various information related to games in the slot machine 500 is provided. For example, the game information display unit displays a credit indicator that displays the number of medals stored as credits, an auxiliary display that displays the number of medals acquired in the big bonus, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and the like And a payout display for displaying the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize. Two speakers 511L and 511R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right sides of the game information display section. In addition, game effect lamps 512 are provided on the upper part of the image display device 510, and game effect lamps 513 and 514 are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 500, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 502, or credits are used to set the number of bets. To use the credit, the BET switch 503 or the MAXBET switch 504 is operated. When the number of bets is set in this way, one of a plurality of pay lines according to the number of bets becomes valid, the operation of the start lever 505 is valid, that is, the game can be executed, and the variable display The execution condition is met. Note that even when a re-gamer winning such as replay occurs in the previous game, the next game can be executed continuously, and the variable display execution condition is satisfied.

  When the start lever 505 is operated in such a state that the game can be executed, based on the fact that the operation is detected by the start lever switch 505A (FIG. 72), the variable display start condition is satisfied, Each reel RL, RC, RR rotates, and the symbols of each reel RL, RC, RR continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 506L, 506C, 506R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels RL, RC, RR is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed so as to be visible.

  Then, when the rotation of all the reels RL, RC, RR is stopped, one game is finished, and a combination of symbols called a predetermined combination on one of the activated pay lines is assigned to each reel RL, When the display results of RC and RR are stopped, a winning is generated. The types of winning combinations are roughly divided into small roles with medals, re-players that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets, and special cases that have a transition in gaming state. There is a role, and the winning combination is determined according to the gaming state. In the slot machine 500, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state is allowed based on the random number value extracted at the timing when the start lever 505 is operated. The fact that winning in this internal lottery and winning is permitted is also referred to as “internal winning”. Of the winning of each role, the winning of the small role and the replaying role is valid only in the game for which the winning is determined, but the winning of the special role has the roles allowed to be generated by the internal lottery. It is effective until. In other words, once the occurrence of a special winning combination is allowed, even if the special winning combination cannot be generated in each game, the winning is carried over to the next game.

  The gaming state in the slot machine 500 includes, for example, a regular bonus, a big bonus, and a normal gaming state. In the regular bonus game state, for example, small roles such as JAC, cherry, watermelon and bell are determined as winning combinations and are subject to lottery in the internal lottery. In the big bonus, special small roles such as cherry, watermelon and bell, and special bonuses such as regular bonus (or JACIN) are determined as winning roles in a predetermined small role game. It is a lottery target in the internal lottery. In the normal gaming state, for example, small roles such as cherry, watermelon and bell, re-playing roles such as replay, special bonuses such as big bonus and regular bonus are determined in advance as winning roles. It is a lottery target in the lottery.

  When a special role winning that becomes a big bonus occurs in the normal gaming state, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. With the big bonus, a predetermined game called a small role game can be played. The big bonus is terminated when the total number of medals awarded to the player in the big bonus is equal to or greater than a prescribed number (eg, 466). When a special role winning that becomes a regular bonus occurs in a small role game in a normal gaming state or a big bonus, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games have been consumed or when 8 games have been won (any kind of combination can be used), whichever comes first. In the regular bonus in the normal gaming state, the regular bonus may be terminated when the total number of medals given to the player exceeds a specified number. If the total number of medals given to the player during the big bonus exceeds the specified number of regular bonuses during the big bonus, the regular bonus is terminated together with the big bonus.

  In the slot machine 500, when the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state such as a regular bonus or a big bonus, the player can acquire more medals than the normal gaming state, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. It becomes a game state. Note that the special gaming state is not limited to a regular bonus or a big bonus, and it can be expected that the player will win more medals than the normal gaming state, and the gaming state may be more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. That's fine. As such a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, for example, an operation that satisfies the conditions for deriving notification target winnings that occur on condition that reel deriving conditions (for example, stop order and stop timing) are satisfied By limiting the gaming state (so-called assist time) in which the procedure is notified and the pull-in range of at least one of the reels, the symbols displayed when the stop switches 506L, 506C, 506R are operated are stopped. Challenge time (CT) that allows control to be easily controlled and allows players to derive a combination of winning symbols, and allow for specific winnings (such as replay winnings and single bonus winnings) Gaming state (so-called replay time and concentration state) that increases the probability of being played, and also a combination of these It may be any such tricks state.

  In the slot machine 500, for example, a main board 600, an effect control board 620, a reel unit 650 and the like as shown in FIG. 72 are mounted. In addition, other boards such as a power supply board and a relay board connected to the main board 600 are also mounted on the slot machine 500. The main board 600 is provided with a game control microcomputer 610. Similar to the game control microcomputer 100 in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 610 is a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And so on.

  The reel unit 650 includes reel motors 651L, 651C, 651R, a reel lamp 652, a reel sensor 653, and the like. The reel motors 651L, 651C, 651R are motors for rotating the reels RL, RC, RR. The reel lamp 652 is provided inside each reel RL, RC, RR, and irradiates a symbol that can be visually recognized by the variable display device 501 among the symbols drawn on each reel RL, RC, RR from the inside of the reel. It is a lamp to do. The reel sensor 653 is a sensor for detecting the rotation state, the number of rotations, and the like of each reel RL, RC, RR.

  On the effect control board 620, an effect control microcomputer 630, a display control unit 631, a sound control unit 632, a lamp control unit 633, and the like are mounted. The effect control microcomputer 630 is similar to the effect control microcomputer 120 in the above embodiment, a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And a reset / interrupt controller. The display control unit 631 controls the display operation in the image display device 510, and the image data in accordance with the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 630 is the same as the display control unit 121 in the above embodiment. VDP that executes the above-described processing and an image data memory that stores various image data used for displaying an image on the screen of the image display device 510.

  The VDP provided in the display control unit 631 includes a host interface, a transfer control circuit, an image data memory interface, a moving image decoder, a drawing circuit, a temporary storage memory, a frame buffer memory, a display circuit, and the like, as in the above embodiment. Is provided.

  In the effect control microcomputer 630, instructions for controlling the effect operations by the image display device 510, the speakers 511L and 511R, the game effect lamps 512 to 514, etc. according to the effect control pattern based on the effect control command received from the main board 600, Processing is executed by the CPU. In the display control unit 631, processing of image data according to a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 630 is executed by the VDP.

  On the screen of the image display device 510, for example, similarly to the image display device 5 in the above-described embodiment, “left”, “middle”, “right” variable display portions DL, DC, DR are provided. The CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as the scroll display control processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 55 in the above embodiment, so that each of the symbols corresponds to the variable display of symbols in the variable display device 501. A plurality of identifiable decorative patterns are variably displayed. Then, as the action effect display, in the composite image that is the decorative design that is stopped and displayed during the variable display of the decorative design, the part of the display image that shows the character that is the first part pops out of the composite image and the second part. Separation effect is performed to separate from the part of the display image indicating the number.

  For example, in response to stopping the rotation of the reel RL by operating the stop switch 506L and subsequently stopping the rotation of the reel RC by operating the stop switch 506C, The composite image that becomes the decorative design is stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL, and then the composite image that becomes the decorative design is stopped and displayed on the “middle” variable display portion DC. At this time, in the variable display device 501, the symbol derived and displayed by the stop of the reel RL and the symbol derived and displayed by the stop of the reel RC receive a special role winning that becomes a big bonus on any winning line. It shall constitute a possible combination. On the other hand, in the image display device 510, the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DL and the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the “middle” variable display portion DC are awarded on any winning line. It is assumed that a combination that does not occur is configured. After that, for example, the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as steps ST14 and ST15 shown in FIG. 59 in the above embodiment, and the decoration stopped and displayed on the “left” variable display portion DC. In the composite image that becomes the design, the display image that shows the characters constituting the composite image pops out and is separated from the display image that shows the number, and the composite image that becomes the decorative design that is stopped and displayed on the “medium” variable display portion DR. An effect display that acts is performed.

  In the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, for example, the drawing circuit generates a virtual space image based on various display control commands transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 630. At this time, for example, each of the composite images that are decorative patterns that are stopped and displayed without being separated by the variable display portions DL and DC of “left” and “middle” from the fixed address area in the temporary storage memory of the VDP. The image data indicating the display image of the character used for display and the image data indicating the display image of the number are read out, and the image data indicating the display image of the separated number is read out and stored in the image data memory. From the moving image data area, moving image data for operating a display image showing a separated character is read. Thus, a composite image that composes an effect image for separation effect by combining image data for operating a display image showing a character separated from a display image with a number, image data showing a display image with a separated number, and the like. A virtual space image is generated. After clipping the virtual space image in the drawing area and writing the display data to the VDP frame buffer memory included in the display control unit 631, the VDP display circuit reads the display data to generate a scanning signal, and generates an image. Output to the display device 510.

  After the separation effect is started in this way, an effect display is performed in which the display image showing the separated character acts on the decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the “middle” variable display unit DC. After that, the decorative symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the “medium” variable display portion DC are updated, for example, by changing them again, and the symbol combination becomes a combination of symbols that can generate special winnings on any winning line. As described above, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed on the “middle” variable display section. Accordingly, it is possible to give a surprise to the fact that the variable display mode of the decorative symbols becomes a predetermined display mode such as a display mode in which a winning can be generated, thereby improving the interest of the game.

  The image data indicating the display image of the character and the image data indicating the display image of the number used for displaying the composite image that is a decorative pattern that is variably displayed on the screen of the image display device 510 are, for example, the above-described implementation. Based on the setting of the table data constituting the pre-transfer setting table similar to the pre-transfer setting table 220 as shown in FIG. 54A in the form of FIG. 54, the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 is the same as that shown in FIG. By executing the same process as the pre-transfer command process in step S53 shown in FIG. 5, the sprite of the image data memory included in the display control unit 631 corresponding to the activation of the CPU in the effect control microcomputer 630 is executed. It is read from the image data area and transferred to the fixed address area of the temporary storage memory. Is has been stored. For example, the VDP drawing circuit included in the display control unit 631 generates display data created based on the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 630 and the image data stored in the fixed address area. Write to memory. As a result, the image data indicating the display image of the character and number used to display the composite image that becomes the decorative design is stored in advance in the temporary storage memory by designating the reading position in the temporary storage memory. The image data can be easily reused, and it is not necessary to read it from the image data memory every time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control burden in the variable display of decorative symbols. Also, the image data indicating the display image of the number displayed separately from the character display image at the time of separation effect is also stored in advance in the temporary storage memory by designating the reading position in the temporary storage memory. The image data can be easily reused and there is no need to read out from the image data memory, so that the control burden in the separation effect can be reduced.

  The CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as step S442 shown in FIG. 43 in the above embodiment, and transmits a moving image display initial setting command to the VDP included in the display control unit 631. The data bus width when reading the image data from the image data memory included in the display control unit 631 to the VDP is changed to 32 bits predetermined as the second bus width. Accordingly, the setting of chip select is CS # 1, and the moving image data is set to be read from the moving image memory chip among the plurality of memory chips included in the image data memory. On the other hand, the same processing as the initial display setting process of step S54 shown in FIG. 33 and the process of step S447 shown in FIG. By transmitting the initial setting command and the moving image display end setting command, the data bus width when reading the image data from the image data memory included in the display control unit 631 to the VDP is predetermined as the first bus width. Set to bit. Accordingly, the chip select setting is CS # 0, and the sprite image data is set to be read from the sprite image memory chip among the plurality of memory chips included in the image data memory. As described above, when the sprite image data is read from the image data memory, the display control unit can be read with a wider data bus width (a larger number of bits) than when moving image data is read. The processing efficiency of the VDP provided in the 631 can be improved, and the flexibility of the memory chip to be prepared when changing the storage capacity of the image data memory can be increased, thereby suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost. In addition, the use efficiency of the image data memory can be improved.

  The CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as step S304 shown in FIG. 38 in the above embodiment, and the setting for displaying the demonstration image on the screen of the image display device 510 is performed. Correspondingly, advance transfer command processing is executed. Further, the CPU of the production control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as that in step S374 shown in FIG. 44 in the above embodiment, and based on the occurrence of a winning that becomes a special role when the decorative symbol variable display ends. Pre-transfer command processing is executed in response to the gaming state shifting to a big bonus. In this way, in response to the establishment of a predetermined transfer condition such as displaying a demonstration image on the screen of the image display device 510 or having won a special role as a big bonus, a prior transfer command Processing is executed, and a command is issued to read the image data registered in the advance transfer setting table from the image data memory of the display control unit 631 and transfer it to the fixed address area in the temporary storage memory of the VDP. In VDP, for example, the transfer control circuit executes a process similar to the pre-transfer process in step S605 shown in FIG. 45 in the above embodiment, thereby displaying a character used to display a composite image as a decorative pattern. Image data indicating an image and image data indicating a display image of a number are read from the sprite image data area of the image data memory, transferred to the fixed address area of the temporary storage memory, and stored. As a result, when errors such as noise occur in the storage contents of the temporary storage memory for the image data indicating the display image of the character used to display the composite image used as the decorative pattern or the image data indicating the display image of the number However, the stored contents can be restored automatically.

  The CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes a process similar to that in step SC11 shown in FIG. 55 in the above-described embodiment, thereby corresponding to the image designation buffer value and any one of the composite images serving as the decorative symbols. Image data indicating a display image of a character used for display and image data indicating a display image of a number are specified. In addition, by executing the same process as step SC12 shown in FIG. 55 in the above embodiment, the display position of the decorative symbol is specified corresponding to the display position buffer value. The VDP drawing circuit provided in the display control unit 631 creates a virtual space image corresponding to the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 630 by the same processing as step SC13 shown in FIG. 55 in the above embodiment. . Further, the same processing as in steps SC14 to SC18 shown in FIG. 55 in the above embodiment is executed, and the decorative design arranged before or after the decorative design designated by the image designation buffer value according to the display position buffer value The image data indicating the display image of the character used to display any one of the synthesized images, the image data indicating the display image of the number, and the display position are specified. The drawing circuit creates a virtual space image corresponding to the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 630 by the same processing as step SC19 shown in FIG. 55 in the above embodiment. The virtual space image created in this manner is clipped in a drawing area corresponding to the display range of the image display device 510 to extract display data and written to the frame buffer memory, and then the display circuit reads and scans the display data. A signal is generated and supplied to the image display device 510. In this way, the image of the decorative pattern designated by the image designation buffer value is displayed at the display position designated by the display position buffer value, and the decoration is also applied to the blank generated before or after the decorative design designated by the image designation buffer value. Arrange symbols for display. As described above, the image data indicating the display image of the character and the display image of the number used to display any one of the composite images to be used as the decorative symbols arranged before or after the decorative symbol designated by the image designation buffer value are displayed. By specifying the image data to be displayed and the display position, it is possible to reduce the data capacity required for variable display of decorative symbols compared to the case of creating display data in which synthetic images that are all decorative symbols are connected and arranged. It is possible to reduce the control burden for variable display of decorative symbols.

  The VDP transfer control circuit provided in the display control unit 631 in response to an automatic transfer command transmitted by the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executing the same process as step S430 shown in FIG. 42 in the above embodiment. Performs the same process as the automatic transfer control process in step S607 shown in FIG. 45 in the above embodiment, and the VDP drawing circuit provided in the display control unit 631 is the same as the step S705 shown in FIG. 49 in the above embodiment. Execute the automatic transfer drawing process in. At this time, the transfer control circuit executes the same processing as steps S631 to S635 shown in FIG. 48 in the above embodiment, and the image data read from the image data memory included in the display control unit 631 is stored in the temporary storage memory of the VDP. After being transferred and stored in the variable address area, the drawing circuit executes the same processing as steps S731 to S736 shown in FIG. 51 in the above embodiment, and the image data read from the variable address area is stored in the frame buffer memory. Write and store. Thus, for the image data stored in the variable address area, if the reading position in the image data memory and the writing position in the frame buffer memory are specified, the display data can be displayed without specifying the storage position in the variable address area. It can be used for data creation, address management becomes easy, and the burden of program design can be reduced. For image data stored in the fixed address area in the temporary storage memory, for example, the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the same processing as steps S423 to S426 shown in FIG. By creating and transmitting a fixed addressing transfer that specifies the reading position of the fixed address area, image data stored in advance in the fixed address area can be easily reused and read from the image data memory every time. Since it becomes unnecessary, the control burden for processing the image data can be reduced.

  In addition, as long as the gaming machine of the present invention has an image display device in a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, for example, a general electric machine or a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a Pachi-Con It does not matter. In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of a winning ball, but encloses a game ball and gives a score in response to detection of the winning ball It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a slot machine that can play a game using medals and credits, for example, a slot machine that plays a game using pachinko balls, The present invention can also be applied to a complete credit type slot machine that can be played using the game, an image type slot machine in which a variable display device is displayed as an image, and the like.

  The present invention can also be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the slot machine 500. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthesized image used as the decoration symbol variably displayed by the image display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the random number value counted by the side of a main board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a pattern determination table. It is a figure which illustrates the selection probability of reach pattern, and the reliability of reach. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the data holding area for game control. It is a block diagram which shows the structural examples, such as a production control microcomputer and a display control part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a prior transfer setting table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect control pattern table and various effect control patterns. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the various control patterns contained in an effect control pattern. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a symbol arrangement | sequence setting table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a scroll display control table. It is a figure which shows the random value for effect control pattern determination, and the structural example of a super A effect determination table. It is a figure which illustrates the selection probability of an effect control pattern, and the reliability of an effect. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect control buffer setting part. It is a figure which shows an example of the address map in a temporary memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an index table. It is a figure which shows an example of the display control command transmitted to VDP from the microcomputer for effect control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an image data memory. It is a figure which shows an example of the address map in an image data memory. It is a figure which illustrates the image data memorize | stored in a sprite image data area. It is a figure which illustrates the image data memorize | stored in a moving image data area. It is a figure which shows the example of a format of moving image data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory area setting command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prior transfer command process. It is a figure which illustrates the processing content performed by command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a decoration symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a decoration design variable display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during decorative design variable display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control command processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a sprite image update command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a moving image display command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a transfer control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a storage area setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a pre-transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an automatic transfer control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fixed address designation drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an automatic transfer drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a moving image decoding process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the image data processing operation | movement in a display control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting of a prior transfer setting table and a fixed address area. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a scroll display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example which arrange | positions the image of a decorative design on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of variable display operation | movement of a decoration design. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of variable display operation | movement of a decoration design. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing content in the case of performing the display control corresponding to the production control pattern of super A-01. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of control operation for performing a separation effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing content in the case of performing the display control corresponding to the production control pattern of Super A-02. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the production image displayed on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the connection of the transfer control circuit in a modification, etc. It is a front view of the slot machine to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4 ... Special symbol display device 5 ... Image display device 6 ... Normal variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 14 ... Signal relay board 20 ... Normal symbol display device 21 ... Gate switch 22 ... Start-up switch 23 ... Count switch 41 ... Pass gate 81, 82 ... Solenoid 100 ... Microcomputer 101 for game control ... Switch circuit 102 ... Solenoid circuits 111, 131 ... CPU
112, 132 ... ROM
113, 133 ... RAM
114, 134 ... random number circuits 115, 135 ... input / output port 120 ... production control microcomputer 121 ... display control unit 122 ... sound control unit 123 ... lamp control unit 141 ... VDP
142 ... image data memory 151 ... host interface 152 ... transfer control circuit 153 ... image data memory interface 154 ... moving picture decoder 155 ... drawing circuit 156 ... temporary storage memory 157 ... frame buffer memory 158 ... display circuit

Claims (8)

Based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition is satisfied, variable display means is provided for variably displaying each of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified. A gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player after a predetermined specific display result is obtained,
The plurality of types of identification information includes combined identification information formed by combining the first display image and the second display image,
A display control CPU for controlling the display operation of the variable display means;
Image data storage means for storing a plurality of types of image data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images including the effect image representing the identification information;
An image that causes the variable display means to display an effect image based on display data after creating display data based on a control command from the display control CPU and image data read from the image data storage means. With a processor,
The display control CPU operates such that the first display image forming the combined identification information acts on the identification information displayed on the variable display means, thereby making the variable display of the identification information a predetermined display mode. Including an effect display control means for controlling the effect display;
The image processor is
Temporary storage means capable of temporarily storing image data read from the image data storage means;
Display data creation means for creating display data based on the image data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means;
Display data storage means for temporarily storing display data created by the display data creation means;
Display data processing means for displaying an effect image including the identification information on the variable display means based on the display data temporarily stored in the display data storage means;
Transfer control means for controlling transfer of the image data read from the image data storage means to the temporary storage means,
The display control CPU is:
Corresponding to the activation of the display control CPU, image data indicating the first display image and image data indicating the second display image among a plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means. , A start-up data transfer command means for commanding transfer to the temporary storage means,
Effect image update command means for notifying the image processor of the read position of the image data and the write position in the display data storage means and instructing the update of the effect image;
The transfer control means, in response to a command from the start-up data transfer command means, image data indicating the first display image among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means and the second Image data indicating a display image, including start-up data transfer means for reading from the image data storage means and transferring to the temporary storage means;
The display data creation means creates display data based on the command by the effect image update command means and the image data stored in the temporary storage means,
The effect display control means combines image data for operating the first display image and image data indicating the second display image transferred to the temporary storage means by the startup data transfer means. Based on the display data created by the control of the effect display,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The image data for operating the first display image is composed of moving image data obtained by compressing predetermined image data,
The image data storage means includes
Moving image data storage means for storing the moving image data;
Sprite image data storage means for storing sprite image data different from the moving image data,
The display control CPU is:
First bus width setting means for setting a data bus width when the image processor reads moving image data from the moving image data storage means to a first bus width;
Second bus width setting means for setting a data bus width when the image processor reads sprite image data from the sprite image data storage means to a second bus width;
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The display control CPU displays image data indicating the first display image and the second display image among a plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage unit when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied. Including a transfer condition establishment command means for instructing to transfer the image data shown to the temporary storage means,
The transfer control means, in response to a command from the transfer condition establishment command means, image data indicating the first display image among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means and the second Including transfer means when a transfer condition is established for reading out image data indicating a display image from the image data storage means and transferring the read image data to the temporary storage means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The display control CPU is:
Identification information designating means for designating identification information to be displayed on the variable display means;
Display position specifying means for specifying the display position of the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means;
Display identification information specifying means for specifying identification information to be displayed before and after the variable display direction in the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means,
The display data creating means displays the identification information specified by the identification information specifying means at the display position specified by the display position specifying means, and the identification information specified by the display identification information specifying means Including variable display data creation means for creating display data for display before and after the identification information designated by the identification information designation means, and temporarily storing the display data in the display data storage means,
The display data processing means extracts display data corresponding to the display range in the variable display means from the display data created by the variable display data creation means, and supplies the display data to the variable display means , Including variable display data processing means for performing variable display of the identification information,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The image processor includes storage area setting means for setting a storage area in the temporary storage means to a plurality of areas including a predetermined storage area in response to activation of the display control CPU,
The transfer control means reads the image data from the read position in the image data storage means and stores the image data when the read position of the image data notified from the effect image update command means is included in the image data storage means. Normal time data transfer means for transferring to the predetermined storage area in the means,
The command by the start-up data transfer command means is such that after the storage area is set by the storage area setting means, the image data indicating the first display image and the image data indicating the second display image are stored in the temporary storage means. Indicating transfer to an area other than the predetermined storage area in
In response to a command from the startup data transfer command unit, the startup data transfer unit is configured to store the image data indicating the first display image and the image data indicating the second display image in the temporary storage unit. Transfer to a storage area other than the specified storage area,
The display data creation means includes:
After the image data is transferred to the predetermined storage area by the normal data transfer means, the image data is read from the predetermined storage area and notified from the effect image update command means in the display data storage means. First data writing processing means for writing and storing in the loading position;
When the read position of the image data notified from the effect image update command means is included in the temporary storage means, the image data is read from the read position in the temporary storage means and notified from the effect image update command means. Second data writing processing means for writing and storing at a writing position in the display data storage means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The display control CPU uses a determination table set so that the probability of the specific display result varies depending on the execution timing of the action effect display by the effect display control means, and a plurality of types of action effect displays. Including production timing determination means for deciding which of the production displays to execute,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The display control CPU uses the determination table that is set so that the probability of the specific display result varies depending on the number of effect images that apply an action to the identification information in the effect display. Including production number determination means for deciding which one of multiple types of production display to execute,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The display control CPU uses the determination table set so that the probability of the specific display result varies depending on the type of effect image that acts on the identification information in the action effect display, and uses the determination table as the action effect display. Including an effect type determining means for determining which one of a plurality of types of effect display is to be executed;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:

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