JP2009028159A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of correcting deviation occurring between image presentation and other presentation even when image display is delayed. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes an image expansion control means for controlling image expansion processing and an image display device for displaying an image expanded by the image expansion control means. The expansion control means determines the delay of the image expansion processing to control the image expansion processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine, a pachinko machine, and the like.

In recent game tables, game tables that effectively inform game information using an image display device and other effect devices (sound effects, light effects, etc.) and enhance the interest of the game have become mainstream (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-198320 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, an image may not be displayed within the time intended by the producer due to a load of image data transfer or an image drawing load. As a result, there is a problem in that the timing of the effect produced by the effect light and the sound effect created in accordance with the image display is shifted, and the player feels uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and is a game machine capable of correcting a shift generated between an image effect and another effect even when image display is delayed. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention provides a game machine comprising: an image development control unit that controls image development processing; and an image display device that displays an image developed by the image development control unit. The game machine is characterized in that a delay in the expansion process is determined and the image expansion process is controlled.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to control the image development process in consideration of the delay of the image development process even when the image display is delayed due to the transfer load of the image data or the image drawing load. Therefore, it is possible to correct the deviation generated between the image effect and the other effects, and the player does not feel discomfort during the performance.

  Further, the image development control means judges the degree of delay of the image development processing and controls the image development processing to perform correction when the delay is large, and correct when the delay is small. The image development processing can be performed according to the size of the delay, the occurrence frequency of the delay, the influence of the delay, etc.

  If the image development control means determines that there has been a delay in the image development processing when the image development processing has not been completed by a predetermined processing period, the image development processing is completed by a predetermined processing time. Whether or not there is a delay can be determined depending on whether or not it is being performed, and the determination of whether or not there is a delay can be simplified.

  The image development control unit further includes a signal output unit that outputs a signal at a predetermined timing, and the image development control unit finishes the image development process when the signal output from the signal output unit is output a predetermined reference number of times. If it is determined that there has been a delay in the image development process, the presence or absence of the delay can be determined by whether or not the image development process has ended when a predetermined signal is output a predetermined reference number of times, Judgment of the presence or absence of delay can be simplified.

  In addition, when the image development control unit changes the image to be developed based on the output of the signal output by the signal output unit a predetermined reference number or more when the image development processing is completed, the image development control unit In addition to easy determination, it is possible to reliably correct the delay.

  Further, the image development control means can determine a delay in the image development process and perform image correction processing so that the degree of the delay is reduced, so that more appropriate correction can be performed according to the degree of the delay. In addition, even if there is a significant delay, correction can be made little by little without the player being aware.

  Further, the image development control means judges the delay of the image development process, omits a part of the image that is planned to be developed, and performs the image development process, so that the deviation produced between the image effect and the other effects is eliminated. It becomes possible to correct.

  Further, the image development control means judges the delay of the image development process, and if the image development process is performed earlier than the change timing until the change of the image to be developed, the image development control means Therefore, it is possible to reduce the discomfort given to the player compared to the case where a part of the image is omitted.

  Further, the image development control means determines a delay in the image development processing, and determines whether to omit a part of the image to be developed or to change the image to be developed earlier than the change timing so far. If the selection is made based on the selection condition, it is possible to select an appropriate correction method according to the situation, and it is possible to more appropriately correct the deviation generated between the image effect and another effect.

  The image recording apparatus further includes a delay recording unit that records a degree of delay of the image development process, and the image development control unit determines whether the image development process is delayed based on the recording of the delay recording unit. It is possible to more accurately correct the deviation generated between the two.

  Moreover, if it further includes an effect device control means for performing control related to an effect device including at least a light emitter effect device, a sound effect device, and an image display device, the image effect and the effect using light and sound are generated. It is possible to correct the deviation.

  The gaming table according to the present invention is provided corresponding to each of the reels, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, rotation instruction means for instructing rotation of the reels, and the reels. Stop instruction means for individually stopping rotation, lottery processing means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a predetermined combination is won by lottery, and stop of rotation of the reel based on a lottery result of the lottery processing means Reel stop control means for performing stop control, and a predetermined symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the preset effective line of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery processing means, and the reel at the time of stop on the symbol display window It is suitable for a slot machine further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the displayed symbol combination is a symbol combination determined in advance corresponding to the internal winning combination.

  In addition, the gaming table according to the present invention includes a launching device that launches a ball into a predetermined gaming area, a winning opening configured to be able to enter a ball launched from the launching device, and the winning entrance It is suitable for a pachinko machine further comprising a detecting means for detecting a sphere and a payout means for paying out the sphere when the detecting means detects the sphere.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, even when the image display is delayed, it is possible to correct the deviation generated between the image effect and another effect.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine (game table) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100. FIG.

  The slot machine 100 includes a substantially box-shaped main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front opening of the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 of the slot machine 100, three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface for a predetermined number of frames are stored. It is configured to be able to rotate inside. In the first embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular frame material. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. In the first embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Further, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating each symbol displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back surface of each reel 110 to 112. In addition, it is desirable that this backlight is shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be irradiated evenly.

  Further, in the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. A light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between them. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line 114.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. An effective winning line is determined in advance by the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 100. Of the five winning lines 114, for example, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. When three medals are inserted and three medals are inserted, the five added with the right-down winning line and the upper-right winning line become effective as the winning line. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is not required) when a replay game that is one of the winning games in the previous game is won. It is a lamp to inform. The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus such as BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus)) is won internally in the internal lottery. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies that a medal can be inserted. The payout number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The game number display 126 is an indicator for displaying an error display when a medal is inserted, the number of games during the big bonus game (in the BB game), the number of winnings of a predetermined winning combination, and the like. The stored number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the first embodiment, every time the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, a maximum of three are inserted one by one, and when the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, three are inserted. The medal slot 134 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the medal insertion button 130 or 131, or the actual medal can be inserted through the medal insertion slot 134. The payment button 132 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them to the medal tray 156 from the medal payout opening 155. The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for performing a game start operation. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated as a trigger, and the game is started. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are buttons for performing a stop operation on the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112. When any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is operated, any one of the corresponding reels 110 to 112 is stopped.

  The door key 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout exit 155 is a payout exit for paying out medals. The medal tray 156 is a container for collecting medals paid out from the medal payout opening 155. The medal tray 156 employs a tray that can emit light in the first embodiment, and may be hereinafter referred to as a tray lamp.

  The upper lamp 150, the side lamp 151, the center lamp 152, the waist lamp 153, the lower lamp 154, and the saucer lamp 156 are decorative lamps for exciting the game. The effect device 157 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a door (shutter) 163 that can be freely opened and closed attached to the front surface. The effect device 157 displays various information such as a small role notification. The sound hole 160 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. On the title panel 162, a pattern for decorating the slot machine 100 is drawn.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game, a sub control unit 400 that controls various devices in accordance with commands transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a sub control. An effect control unit 500 that controls various devices in accordance with a command transmitted from the unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 300 includes a CPU 310 that is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire main control unit 300, a data bus and an address bus for the CPU 310 to transmit and receive signals to and from each IC and each circuit, It has the structure described below.

  The clock correction circuit 314 is a circuit that divides the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and supplies it to the CPU 310. For example, when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 311 is 12 MHz, the divided clock is 6 MHz. The CPU 310 operates by receiving the clock divided by the clock circuit 314 as a system clock.

  The CPU 310 is connected to a timer circuit 315 for setting a monitoring cycle for constantly monitoring the states of sensors and switches, which will be described later, and a transmission cycle of motor drive pulses, via a bus. When the power is turned on, the CPU 310 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 312 to the timer circuit 315 via the data bus.

  The timer circuit 315 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 310 at each interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 310 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the system clock of the CPU 310 is set to 6 MHz, the frequency division value of the timer circuit 315 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 312 is set to 44, the reference time for this interrupt is 256 × 44 ÷ 6 MHz = 1. 877 ms.

  In addition, the CPU 310 has a control program data for controlling each IC, a lottery data used for internal winning lottery, a ROM 312 for storing reel stop positions, and a RAM 313 for storing temporary data. Is connected. Other storage means may be used for these ROM 312 and RAM 313, and this point is the same in each control unit described later.

  The CPU 310 is connected to an input interface 360 for receiving an external signal. The CPU 310 receives a medal acceptance sensor 320, a start lever sensor 321, a stop button sensor 322, and the like via the input interface 360 every interruption time. The states of the medal insertion button sensor 323, the settlement switch 324, and the medal payout sensor 326 are detected, and each sensor is monitored.

  Two medal acceptance sensors 320 are installed in the passage inside the medal insertion slot 134 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. The start lever sensor 321 is installed on the start lever 135 and detects a start operation by the player. The stop button sensor 322 is installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detects the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The medal insertion button sensor 323 is installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and detects an insertion operation when a medal electronically stored in the RAM 313 is inserted as a game medal. For example, when the medal insertion sensor 323 corresponding to the medal insertion button 130 is at a high level, the CPU 310 electronically inserts one stored medal and the medal insertion sensor 323 corresponding to the medal insertion button 131 is at a high level. If the medal insertion sensor 323 corresponding to the medal insertion button 132 becomes high level, three stored medals are electronically inserted. When the medal insertion button 132 is pressed, two are inserted when the number of stored medals is two, and one is inserted when the number is one. The settlement switch 324 is a sensor for detecting the operation of the settlement button 132. The medal payout sensor 326 is a sensor for detecting a payout medal.

  The CPU 310 further has an input interface 361 and output interfaces 370 and 371 connected to an address bus via an address decoding circuit 350. The CPU 310 exchanges signals with external devices via these interfaces.

  An index sensor 325 is connected to the input interface 361. Specifically, the index sensor 325 is installed at a predetermined position on the mounting base of each of the reels 110 to 112, and becomes high level each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel passes through the index sensor 325. When detecting this signal, the CPU 310 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The output interface 370 is configured to drive a reel motor driving unit 330 for driving a reel and a motor of a hopper (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket from a medal payout outlet 142, not shown). Hopper motor drive unit 331, a game lamp 340 (specifically, a winning line display lamp 120, a game start lamp 121, a re-game lamp 122, a reel panel lamp 123, a game medal insertable lamp 124, etc.) and 7 segments A display 341 (a stored number display 125, a display 126, a payout number display 127, etc.) is connected.

  A random number generation circuit 317 is connected to the CPU 310 via a data bus. The random number generation circuit 317 is an increment counter capable of incrementing a value within a certain range based on a clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and the crystal oscillator 316 and outputting the count value to the CPU 310, which will be described later. Used for various lottery processes, including internal lottery for winning positions.

  Further, an output interface 371 for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 400 is connected to the data bus of the CPU 310.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control unit 400 is a CPU 410 that is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire sub-control unit 400 based on a control command or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and the CPU 410 transmits and receives signals to and from each IC and each circuit. The data bus and the address bus are provided, and the configuration described below is provided.

  The clock correction circuit 414 is a circuit that corrects the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 411 and supplies the corrected clock to the CPU 410 as a system clock.

  Further, a timer circuit 415 is connected to the CPU 410 via a bus. The CPU 410 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 412 to the timer circuit 415 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The timer circuit 415 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 410 at each interrupt time. The CPU 410 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  In addition, the CPU 410 temporarily stores a ROM 412 in which commands and data for controlling the entire sub-control unit 400, backlight lighting patterns and data for controlling various displays, and the like are stored. The RAM 413 is connected via each bus.

  The CPU 410 is connected to an input / output interface 460 for transmitting and receiving external signals. The input / output interface 460 includes a backlight 420 for illuminating the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 from the back, a front surface. A door sensor 421 for detecting opening / closing of the door 102 and a reset switch 422 for clearing data in the RAM 413 are connected.

  An input interface 461 for receiving a control command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the CPU 410 via a data bus, and the CPU 410 excites the entire game based on the command received via the input interface 461. Performing production processing and the like.

  A sound source IC 480 is connected to the data bus and address bus of the CPU 410. The sound source IC 480 controls sound according to a command from the CPU 410. The sound source IC 480 is connected to a ROM 481 that stores sound data. The sound source IC 480 amplifies the sound data acquired from the ROM 481 by the amplifier 482 and outputs the sound data from the speaker 483.

  The CPU 410 is connected to an address decoding circuit 450 for selecting an external IC, similar to the main control unit 300, and the input interface for receiving a command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the address decoding circuit 450. 461, an output interface 470, which will be described later, a clock IC 422, and an output interface 472 for outputting a signal to the 7-segment display 440 are connected.

  The CPU 410 can acquire the current time when the clock IC 422 is connected. The 7-segment display 440 is provided inside the slot machine 100, and for example, a store clerk or the like can check predetermined information set in the sub-control unit 400.

  Further, a demultiplexer 419 is connected to the output interface 470. The demultiplexer 419 distributes the signal transmitted from the output interface 470 to each display unit and the like. That is, the demultiplexer 419 generates an effect lamp 430 (upper lamp, side lamp 144, center lamp, waist lamp, lower lamp, reel panel lamp 123, title panel lamp, saucer lamp, payout opening according to the data received from the CPU 410. Control strobe etc.) The title panel lamp is a lamp that illuminates the title panel 162, and the payout exit strobe is a strobe type lamp installed inside the medal payout exit 142.

  Further, the CPU 410 performs signal transmission to the effect control unit 500 via the demultiplexer 419. Conversely, CPU 410 receives a signal from presentation control unit 500 via an input interface (not shown). That is, the CPU 410 transmits information to the effect control unit 500 via the demultiplexer 419 and the input interface.

<Production control unit>
Next, the effect control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The effect control unit 500 includes a CPU 510 which is an arithmetic processing unit, a data bus and an address bus for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each IC and each circuit, and has a configuration described below.

  The CPU 510 operates by receiving the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 511 as a system clock. The CPU 510 receives a signal (control command) from the Sub CPU 410 of the sub-control unit 400 via the data bus, and controls the effect control unit 500 as a whole.

  In addition, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, and a VDP (video display processor) 600 are connected to the CPU 510 via a bus. The ROM 512 stores control program data and effect data for controlling the effect control unit 500 as a whole. The RAM 513 includes a work area for programs processed by the CPU 510. A crystal oscillator 511 is connected to the VDP 600, and further, a CG-ROM 515 and a VRAM 516 are connected via a bus. Although details will be described later, the VDP 600 reads image data stored in the ROM 512 or CG-ROM 515 based on a signal from the CPU 510, generates an image signal using the work area of the VRAM 516, and the liquid crystal display device 700. Display an image on the display screen. Note that a luminance adjustment signal is input to the liquid crystal display device 700 so that the CPU 510 can adjust the luminance of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 700.

  In addition, a motor (left door) 522 is connected to the CPU 510 via an address decoder 540, a data latch 520, and a motor driver (left door) 521, and an address decoder 540, a data latch 530, and a motor driver (right driver) A motor (right door) 532 is connected via a door 531. The motor (left door) 522 is a motor for moving the left door 163 (see FIG. 1) in the horizontal direction. The motor (right door) 532 moves the right door 163 (see FIG. 1) in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, a pulse motor is applied to each motor. The motor driver (left door) 521 is an IC that drives the motor (left door) 522 based on a signal from the CPU 510, and the motor driver 531 is based on a signal from the CPU 510. IC for driving 532.

  Further, four shutter sensors 550 to 553 (left door 1, left door 2, right door 1, right door 2) are connected to CPU 510. The shutter sensor (left door 1) and the shutter sensor (left door 2) are sensors for detecting the open / closed state of the left door 163. The shutter sensor (right door 1) and the shutter sensor (right door 2) are This is a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the right door 163.

<VDP>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display control board constituting the effect control unit 500, and shows the detailed internal configuration of the VDP 600. The VDP 600 includes a CPU I / F 602, a CG bus I / F 604, and an attribute register 606 for temporarily storing instructions received via the CPU I / F 602. The CPU I / F 602 is an I / F for transmitting / receiving data to / from the CPU 510, ROM 512, and RAM 513 connected to the bus B2, and the CG bus I / F 604 is connected to the CG-ROM 515 connected to the bus B3. It is I / F for transmitting / receiving.

  The CPU I / F 602, the CG bus I / F 604, and the attribute register 606 are connected to the drawing control unit 608 via the bus B4. The drawing control unit 608 reads character image data and character image palette data from the CG-ROM 515 according to the instruction stored in the attribute register 606, generates a predetermined image, and then generates the generated image via the VRAM I / F 614. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the VRAM 516. The data transfer control unit 610 controls transfer of image data between the attribute register 606 and the VRAM 516. The display control unit 612 receives the image generated by the drawing control unit 608 and transmits it to the DAC 616 and outputs a synchronization signal for causing the liquid crystal display (LCD) 700 to sample the image signal from the DAC 616 at a predetermined timing. To do. The DAC 616 converts the image data, which is a digital signal input from the display control unit 612, into analog R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals and outputs them to the liquid crystal display device 700.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on each reel 110 to 112 by a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, “REG symbol” is assigned to the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, “star symbol” is assigned to the number 1 frame on the middle reel 111, and “Bell symbol” is assigned to the number 1 frame on the right reel 112. Are arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The slot machine 100 employs a winning combination described below for each gaming state. It should be noted that the types of winning combinations in each gaming state are not limited to the winning combinations shown in this embodiment, and it goes without saying that they can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a pattern for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) can be replayed without inserting a new medal. The symbols that can be distinguished from the winning combination may be referred to as “acting combination”, but the “winning combination” in this example includes the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay that are the operating combination. It is. Furthermore, the “winning” according to the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating role not accompanied by a medal payout is displayed on an activated winning line, for example, a big bonus, a regular bonus, Includes winnings for replays.

<Normal game>
FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations in normal games, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals to be paid out (payout), and symbol lottery data (when three medals are inserted).

  The lottery value indicates the size of a range in which each winning combination is won out of a predetermined random number range (0 to 65535 in the first embodiment). The winning probability of each winning combination is a value obtained by dividing each lottery value by the size of the predetermined random number range. The random number value is divided in advance into several numerical ranges, and each winning combination or lose is associated with each numerical range. In addition, the symbol lottery data exists from setting 1 to setting 6 (FIG. 7 shows only symbol lottery data in setting 1), and a clerk of the game shop can arbitrarily select and set any of them. it can.

  There are big bonuses (BB), regular bonuses (RB), replays (replay), and small roles (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “7-7-7” in this embodiment.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “REG-REG-REG” in this embodiment.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) that allows a game to be played without winning a medal in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” in this embodiment.

  The “small role (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3)” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In this embodiment, the small role 1 is “Bell-Replay-Bell”, The small role 2 is “Bell-Bell-Replay”, and the small role 3 is “Any-Any-Cherry”. The corresponding payout number is as shown in the figure. In the case of “Any-Any-Cherry”, the design of the right reel 112 may be “Cherry”, and the design of the left reel 110 and the middle reel 111 may be any design.

<BB general game>
The winning combination of the BB general game in this embodiment includes a shift regular bonus (SRB) and a small combination (small combination 1, small combination 2, small combination 3).

  The “shift regular bonus (SRB)” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a shift regular bonus game (SRB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. In the case of the present embodiment, the corresponding winning symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay”.

  The “small role (small role 1, small role 2, small role 3)” is the same as a normal game. As for the small combination, the medal payout number and the lottery value may be different from those of the normal game.

<RB (SRB) game>
FIG. 8B shows the types of winning combinations in the RB (SRB) game, the corresponding winning symbol combinations, the number of medals paid out (payout), and symbol lottery data (when one medal is inserted). It is.

  The only winning combination in the RB (SRB) game is “small role 1”. In the present embodiment, when a small combination 1 is won, a predetermined number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. The corresponding winning symbol combination is “bell-replay-bell” in this embodiment.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, and an RB (SRB) game.

  A plurality of types of BB games can be considered. In this embodiment, it is possible to win an SRB during the BB game, and the SRB game is started when winning. In the present embodiment, the BB game ends when a predetermined number of medals is acquired (for example, when the number of medals acquired by winning a prize reaches 465). In addition, other conditions may be added as end conditions for the BB game. For example, when the SRB game is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, when the SRB game is ended three times), the BB game is ended. May be. In this case, when the SRB game ends, the game returns to the BB general game, or the BB game ends (when the SRB is won at the 30th time of the BB general game and the SRB is started).

  There are a plurality of types of RB (SRB) games, but in this embodiment, a predetermined number of times (12 times in the present example) are played, or a small number 1 has a predetermined number of times (this number) In the embodiment, the game has an end condition that one of the conditions of winning 8 times is satisfied.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300.

  Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the Main CPU 310 of the main control unit 300, and the Main CPU 310 repeatedly executes the main control unit main process of FIG.

  When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, first, various initialization processes are executed. Thereafter, in step S101 of the main control unit main process, a process related to medal insertion is performed. Here, whether or not a medal has been inserted is checked, and the number lamp 129 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals. In step S101, processing related to a game start operation is performed. Here, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined.

  In step S102, a valid winning line is determined, and in step S103, a random number generated by the random number generator 317 is acquired.

  In step S104, an internal lottery of a winning combination is performed using the random number acquired in step S103 and the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 312. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned on internally.

  In step S105, one reel stop control table is selected by referring to the reel stop position data selection table based on the internal lottery result in step S104.

  In step S106, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started, and in step S107, operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 is accepted.

  In step S108, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop buttons 137 to 139 received in step S107 is stopped. At this time, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped based on the reel stop control table selected in step S105.

  In step S109, the winning determination of the symbols stopped when the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed is performed. Here, it is determined that the winning combination is won when a winning symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won is displayed (displayed) on the activated winning line. For example, if “replay-replay-replay” is arranged on the activated pay line, it is determined that the replay is won.

  In step S110, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if a winning combination with a payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  In step S111, game state update processing is performed. In this game state update process, control for changing the game state is performed. For example, in the case of a BB prize or an SRB prize, preparation is made so that a BB game or an SRB game can be started from the next time. Prepare to start normal games from

  Thus, one game is completed, and thereafter, the game proceeds by repeating the main control unit main process.

<Sub-control unit interrupt processing>
Next, interrupt processing of the sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of interrupt processing of the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not a control command is received from the main control unit 300. If any control command is received, the process proceeds to step S202. If no control command is received, the process ends. In step S202, the control command received from the main control unit 300 is stored in the control command storage area of the RAM 413, and the process ends.

<Sub control section main processing>
Next, the main process of the sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S <b> 301, it is determined whether or not a control command from the main control unit 300 is stored in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 413, that is, whether or not a control command has been received from the main control unit 300. If any control command has been received, the process proceeds to step S302. If no control command has been received, the process ends.

  In step S302, the control command received from the main control unit 300 is analyzed, and in step S303, effect processing (details will be described later) is performed.

  The SubCPU 410 of the sub-control unit 400 repeatedly executes the above processing unless it detects a power failure or the like.

<Direction processing>
Next, the effect process (step S303) in the sub-control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect process.

  In step S401, an effect selection process is performed. In this effect selection process, a specific effect is selected from a plurality of types of effects based on the gaming state and the like.

  In step S402, it is determined whether or not a lamp lighting effect is to be executed. If the lamp lighting effect is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S403, and if the lamp lighting effect is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S403, a lamp effect process is performed. In the lamp effect process, the lighting control of the effect lamp 430 described above is performed.

  In step S404, it is determined whether or not the sound effect is to be executed. If the sound effect is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S405. If the sound effect is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S405, a sound effect process is performed. In this sound effect process, the sound output from the speaker 483 is controlled using the above-described sound source IC 480.

  In step S406, it is determined whether or not an image display effect is to be executed. If the image display effect is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S407. If the image display effect is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, an image display control command is transmitted to the effect control unit 500.

<Production control unit main processing>
Next, the main process of the effect control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect control part main process.

  In step S501, swap processing (details will be described later) is performed.

  In step S502, it is determined whether or not the swap has been executed. If the swap has been executed, the process proceeds to step S503. If the swap has not been executed, the process returns to step S501.

  In step S503, command setting processing (details will be described later) is performed.

  In step S504, VDP control processing (details will be described later) is performed.

  The CPU 510 of the effect control unit 500 repeatedly executes the above processing unless a power-off is detected.

<Command interrupt processing>
Next, command interruption processing of the effect control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of command interrupt processing.

  When the effect control unit 500 detects a change in the strobe signal input from the sub-control unit 400, the effect control unit 500 performs this command interruption process. First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not an image display control command has been received from the sub-control unit 400. If an image display control command has been received, the process proceeds to step S602, and no image display command has been received. Then, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S602, the received image display command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 513.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not another control command has been received. If another control command (for example, a movable command command for instructing opening / closing of the shutter 163) is received, the process proceeds to step S604 and received. The control command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 513, and if the control command has not been received, the process ends.

<Display end interrupt processing>
Next, the display end interruption process of the effect control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the display end interrupt process.

  The CPU 510 of the effect control unit 500 executes a display end interrupt process triggered by the input of an image display end interrupt signal (V blank signal) that is periodically output when the image drawn by the VDP 600 on the VRAM 516 has been displayed on the LCD 700. To do. In step S701, a display end flag is set, and in step S702, a display end counter is added.

<Swap processing>
Next, the swap process (step S501) in the effect control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the swap process.

  In step S801, the display end flag is cleared.

  In step S802, it is determined whether or not the display end flag is set (whether or not display end interrupt processing has been executed again after clearing the display flag in step S801), and the display end flag is set. If YES in step S803, the flow advances to step S803. If the display end flag is not set, the process waits for the display end flag to be set in step S802.

  In step S803, it is determined whether or not the display end counter is n (n is an integer of 2 or more). If the display end counter is n or more, the process proceeds to step S804. If not, the process is performed. finish.

  In step S804, the frame buffer display area (display area in FIG. 18B) is swapped to the drawing area, and in step S805, the frame buffer drawing area (drawing area in FIG. 18B) is swapped to the display area. Switch between display area and drawing area.

  In step S806, n is subtracted from the value of the display end counter.

  In step S807, the addition result of the current delay counter and the display end counter is stored in the delay counter.

  In step S808, the display end counter is cleared and the process ends.

<Command setting process>
Next, the command process (step S503) in the effect control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of command setting processing.

  In step S901, command determination processing is performed. In this command determination process, the command stored in the command storage area of the RAM 513 in the command interrupt process described above is acquired and the command is analyzed.

  In step S902, it is determined whether there is an image display control command. If there is an image display control command, the process proceeds to step S903, and if there is no image display control command, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S903, an effect (scene) to be displayed on the LCD 700 is set based on a scene display counter described later.

  In step S904, it is determined whether or not there is another control command. If there is another control command, the process proceeds to step S905 to perform other processing, and if not, the processing ends.

<VDP control processing>
Next, the VDP control process (step S504) in the effect control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of VDP control processing.

  In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the delay counter is 2n-1 (n is an integer of 2 or more). If the delay counter is 2n-1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1002, and the delay counter is less than 2n-1. In the case, the process proceeds to step S1005. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the delay counter is 2n-1 or more. When the delay counter is 2n-1 or more, it is always delayed by one frame when the next swap is completed. Because.

  In step S1002, it is determined whether or not delay correction is to be performed. If delay correction is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S1003. If delay correction is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S1005. Whether or not to perform delay correction is determined by, for example, storing delay correction information regarding whether or not to perform delay correction in advance in association with each scene, and in this step S1002, delay correction information corresponding to the scene. This can be determined based on whether or not delay correction information is set.

  In step S1003, 1 is added to the scene display counter, and in step S1004, n is subtracted from the delay counter.

  In step S1005, scene display counter determination is performed.

  In step S1006, it is determined whether or not an image transfer instruction is to be executed. If the image transfer instruction is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S1007. If the image transfer instruction is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S1009.

  In step S1007, an image transfer command is transmitted to the attribute register 606 in order to transfer image data from the CG-ROM 515 to the VRAM 516.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal has been received. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S1009. If a transfer end interrupt signal has not been received, a transfer end interrupt signal is displayed. Wait for reception.

  In step S1009, an image drawing command is transmitted to the attribute register 606 in order to issue an image drawing instruction to be described later.

  In step S1010, it is determined whether an image display end interrupt signal (V blank signal) that is periodically output when the image drawn by the VDP 600 on the VRAM 516 has been displayed on the LCD 700 is received, and an image display end interrupt signal is received. If the image display end interrupt signal is not received, the process proceeds to step S1011. If the image display end interrupt signal is not received, the process waits to receive the image display end interrupt signal.

  In step S1011, 1 is added to the scene display counter, and the process ends.

  Next, the effect image display processing by the CPU 510 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The figure shows a flowchart showing the flow of the effect image display process executed by CPU 510 and the information transmitted and received between CPU 510 and VDP 600 in accordance with the effect image display process.

  In step S1101, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 510 sets the transfer source address of the CG-ROM 515, the transfer destination address of the VRAM 516, etc. in the attribute register 606 of the VDP 600, and then sets a command for instructing the start of image data transfer from the CG-ROM 515 to the VRAM 516. To do. The VDP 600 transfers the image data from the CG-ROM 515 to the VRAM 516 based on the command set in the attribute register 606, and then outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 510.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 600. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S1103. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input.

  In step S1103, an image drawing instruction (attribute instruction) is performed. In this image drawing instruction, the CPU 510 forms information on the image data constituting the display image (for example, for example, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 516 based on the character image data transferred to the VRAM 516 in step 1101). Instruct the VDP 600 of the coordinate axes, image size, storage destination address, etc. of the VRAM 516. The VDP 600 performs various settings based on the command stored in the attribute register 606, and then outputs an image drawing end interrupt signal to the CPU 510.

  In step S1104, it is determined whether an image drawing end interrupt signal is input from VDP 600. If an image drawing end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S1105. Wait for the input signal to be input.

  In step S1105, it is determined whether an image display end interrupt signal from VDP 600 has been input (whether image display has ended). If an image display end interrupt signal has been input, control proceeds to step S1106. If not, wait for an image display end interrupt signal to be input.

  In step S1106, it is determined whether or not the display end counter is greater than or equal to n. If the display end counter is greater than or equal to n, the process ends. If the display end counter is less than n, the process returns to step S1105. Wait for the image display end interrupt signal to be input.

<Various data>
Next, various data used in the effect image display process will be described.

  FIG. 17A shows an example of data stored in the ROM 512 of the effect control unit 500. FIG. The ROM 512 of the effect control unit 500 is provided with a program area for storing a control program executed by the CPU 510 and a scene information storage area for storing scene information used for an image display effect. In the program area, a control program executed by the CPU 510 is stored in advance. In the scene information storage area, one or a plurality of scene information composed of one or a plurality of frame information is stored in advance. Each frame information stores an image drawing order, enlargement / reduction ratio, palette number, coordinates, delay correction information, and the like. Whether the delay correction (details will be described later) is performed in the delay correction information. Information on whether or not to draw the next frame when delay correction is performed or information for selecting whether or not to draw the next frame is included.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the RAM 513 of the effect control unit 500. The RAM 513 of the effect control unit 500 has a delay counter storage area that temporarily stores the value of the delay counter, a display end counter storage area that temporarily stores the value of the display end counter, and the scene described above. A scene display counter storage area for temporarily storing the value of the display counter and other storage areas are provided.

  FIG. 18A shows an example of data stored in the attribute register 606 of the VDP 600. FIG. The attribute register (attribute RAM) 606 of the VDP 600 is provided with an attribute information storage area for temporarily storing attribute information and other storage areas. In the attribute information storage area, attribute information (command) received from the effect control unit 500 is stored, and the VDP 600 generates and transfers image data according to the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage area.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of data stored in the VRAM 516. The VRAM 516 is provided with a drawing area (area A in FIG. 5), a display area (area B in FIG. 5), and other storage areas. In the drawing area and the display area, data of an image to be displayed on the LCD 700 is stored, but only the image stored in the display area is output to the LCD 700 by exchanging (swapping) the drawing area and the display area. . The other storage areas store a color palette storage area for storing image color information, information on frequently used image data, and the like.

  FIG. 6C shows an example of data stored in the CG-ROM 515. The CG-ROM 515 is provided with a character image palette data storage area for storing character image palette data that is color information of the character image, and a character image data storage area for storing character image data that is image information of the character. ing. In the character image palette data storage area, the color information of the character image used for the production is stored in advance. In this embodiment, the character image palette data for 16 colors and the character image palette for 64 colors corresponding to the character. Data and character image palette data for 128 colors can be set. In the character image data storage area, image data of a character image used for production is stored in advance.

<Image display effects, sound effects, lamp effects>
Next, the sound effect and lamp effect executed by the sub-control unit 400 and the image display effect executed by the effect control unit 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the execution timing of the image display effect, the sound effect, and the lamp effect, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the effect.

  When the sub control unit 400 receives a control command for instructing execution of an effect from the main control unit 300, the sub control unit 400 executes the effect process of step S <b> 303. When the lamp effect corresponding to the effect selected in step S401 of the effect process is executed, the lamp effect process (step S403) is executed, and the sound effect corresponding to the effect selected in step S401 of the effect process is executed. If so, a sound effect process (step S405 above) is executed. Also, when executing an image display effect corresponding to the effect selected in step S401 of the effect process, an image display control command is transmitted to the effect control unit 500 to instruct execution of image display (step S407 above). ).

  For example, considering the case where an effect (scene A) as shown in FIG. 20 is executed, this effect (scene A) has a plurality of types with different processing times (image display effect time, sound effect time, lamp effect time). The frame A to the frame P are configured, and the image display effect, the sound effect, and the lamp effect of each frame are simultaneously executed in parallel according to the order shown in FIG. More specifically, when the sub-control unit 400 receives a control command for instructing execution of the scene A from the main control unit 300, the sub-control unit 400 executes the effect process in step S303. Then, a lamp effect corresponding to the frame A of the scene A is executed in the lamp effect process, and a sound effect corresponding to the frame A of the scene A is executed in the sound effect process. Further, at substantially the same timing, an image display control command is transmitted to the effect control unit 500 to execute an image display effect corresponding to the frame A of the scene A. Next, the sub-control unit 400 performs the sound effect and the lamp effect corresponding to the frame B when the processing time of the frame A of the scene A elapses, and displays the image corresponding to the frame B at substantially the same timing. The production control unit 500 executes the production. Thereafter, similarly, the sub-control unit 400 performs the sound effect and the lamp effect corresponding to the frame C to the frame P every time the processing time of the frame C to the frame P elapses, and at substantially the same timing, The effect control unit 500 is caused to execute an image display effect corresponding to P. By such control, the lamp effect, the sound effect, and the image display effect corresponding to each frame start at approximately the same timing and end at approximately the same timing unless a delay occurs in each effect.

<Delay correction>
Next, the delay correction performed by the effect control unit 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure schematically shows the flow of delay correction.

  When the effect control unit 500 receives an image display control command from the sub-control unit 400, the effect control unit 500 starts an image display effect in step S903 of the command setting process. In addition, after the start of the image display effect, the effect control unit 500 adds a display end counter in step S702 of the display end interrupt process to count the number of display end interrupts.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the display end counter in step S803 of the swap process, and when the value becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (n or larger in this embodiment), the display on the VRAM 516 is displayed. Preparation for outputting the image m + 1 to the LCD 700 by swapping the drawing area storing the image data of the image m + 1 to be displayed next to the current image m (m is a positive integer). And the delay counter is updated.

  Further, the effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the delay counter in step S1001 of the VDP control process, and if this value is less than a predetermined value (2n-1 in this embodiment), the image display effect is delayed. If not, the image data of the image m + 2 is transferred and stored in the drawing area of the VRAM 516 in steps S1005 to S1010 of the VDP control process, and the image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is output to the LCD 700. Display image m + 1. On the other hand, when the delay counter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (when there is a delay in the image display effect), 1 is added to the scene display counter in step S1003 of the VDP control process (the image data is set to 1). In step S1005 to S1010, the image data of the image m + 3 is transferred and stored in the drawing area of the VRAM 516, and the image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is output to the LCD 700. To display the image m + 1.

  For example, in the case where the image display effect of the scene A is executed, the effect control unit 500 receives an image display control command instructing execution of the image display effect of the scene A from the sub-control unit 400. In step S903 of the command setting process, the image display of the frame A is started and the image display effect of the scene A is started (in this example, the image data of the frame A is displayed in the display area of the VRAM 516 and the frame B is displayed in the drawing area. Image data is already stored). In addition, after the start of the image display effect, the effect control unit 500 adds a display end counter in step S702 of the display end interrupt process to count the number of display end interrupts.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the display end counter in step S803 of the swap process, and if the value exceeds a predetermined value (2 in this example), the display area of the VRAM 516 The drawing area is swapped, the drawing area storing the image data of the image frame B to be displayed next to the frame A is switched to the display area, and preparation for outputting the frame B to the LCD 700 is made and the delay counter is updated. . In addition, the effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the delay counter in step S1001 of the VDP control process, and when this value is less than a predetermined value (2 in this example) (when there is no delay in the image display effect) ), In step S1005 to S1010 of the VDP control process, the image data of the frame C is transferred and stored in the drawing area of the VRAM 516 (and the frame C is set), and the image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is stored. Output to the LCD 700 to display the frame B.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 swaps the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516 when the value of the display end counter becomes 2 or more, and the image data of the image frame C to be displayed next to the frame B is stored. The drawing area is switched to the display area to prepare for outputting the frame C to the LCD 700 and to update the delay counter. At this time, since the value of the display end counter is 3, the delay counter is updated to 1, but the delay counter is not 2 or more (no delay in the image display effect), so the drawing area of the VRAM 516 The image data of the frame D is transferred and stored (the frame D is set), and the image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is output to the LCD 700 to display the frame C.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 swaps the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516 when the value of the display end counter becomes 2 or more, and the image data of the image frame D to be displayed next to the frame C is stored. The drawing area is switched to the display area, preparation for outputting the frame D to the LCD 700 is made, and the delay counter is updated. At this time, since the value of the delay counter remains 1 and the delay counter is not 2 or more (no delay in the image display effect), the image data of frame E is transferred to the drawing area of the VRAM 516 and stored. At the same time (with frame E set), the image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is output to the LCD 700 to display the frame D.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 swaps the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516 when the value of the display end counter becomes 2 or more, and the image data of the image frame E to be displayed next to the frame D is stored. The drawing area is switched to the display area, and preparation for outputting the frame E to the LCD 700 is made and the delay counter is updated. At this time, since the value of the display end counter is 3, the delay counter is updated to 2, and it is determined that the delay counter is 2 or more (the image display effect is delayed). Then, after adding 1 to the scene display counter in step S1003 of the VDP control process (after performing the process for skipping frame F), the image data of frame G is transferred to the drawing area of the VRAM 516 in steps S1005 to S1010. The image data stored in the display area of the VRAM 516 is output to the LCD 700 to display the frame E.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 swaps the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516 when the value of the display end counter becomes 2 or more, and the image data of the image frame G to be displayed next to the frame E is stored. The drawing area is switched to the display area to prepare for outputting the frame G to the LCD 700 and to update the delay counter. At this time, since the delay counter is not 2 or more (no delay occurs in the image display effect), the next image data of the frame G is transferred and stored in the drawing area of the VRAM 516, and also in the display area of the VRAM 516. The stored image data is output to the LCD 700 to display the frame G.

  As described above, the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes an image development control unit that controls image development processing, and an image display device that displays an image developed by the image development control unit (in this example, The image development control means determines the delay of the image development process and controls the image development process. The game machine includes the LCD 700). The “image development process” according to the present invention mainly includes the image transfer process from the CGROM to the VRAM, the drawing process (image development) to the drawing area of the VRAM, and the first image storage area (this book) in this embodiment. In the embodiment, the image temporarily stored in the image display area of the VRAM) and the image temporarily stored in the second image storage area (image drawing area of the VRAM in this embodiment) are switched to either one of the images. Corresponds to image switching means (swap process, image change) or the like.

  According to the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment, even when image display is delayed due to image data transfer load or image drawing load, image development processing is controlled in consideration of delay in image development processing. Therefore, it is possible to correct the deviation generated between the image effect and the other effects, and there is little possibility that the player will feel uncomfortable during the performance. This is particularly effective in an environment where variations occur in the time of image development processing, such as wireless image development processing.

  Further, the image development control means judges the degree of delay of the image development processing (in this embodiment, the judgment using the delay counter is applicable), and controls the image development processing, and if the delay is large, Image correction processing can be performed according to the size of the delay, the frequency of occurrence of the delay, the influence of the delay, and the like, such as performing correction and not performing correction when the delay is small.

  Further, the image development control means is used when the image development process has not been completed by a predetermined processing period (in this embodiment, when the image development process has not been completed before the display end interrupt is generated twice). If it is determined that there has been a delay in the image development process, the presence or absence of the delay can be determined based on whether or not the image development process has been completed by a predetermined processing time, and the determination of the presence or absence of the delay can be simplified. it can.

  The image output control unit further includes a signal output unit that outputs a signal at a predetermined timing (VDP 600 that outputs an image display end interrupt signal in the present embodiment). If it is determined that there has been a delay in the image development process when the image development process is not completed when the number of times (in this embodiment, twice) is output, the image is output when the predetermined signal is output a predetermined reference number of times. Whether or not there is a delay can be determined based on whether or not the expansion process has been completed, and the determination of whether or not there is a delay can be simplified.

  The image development control means outputs a signal output by the signal output means (image display end signal (V blank signal)) at a predetermined reference number (three times in this embodiment) when the image development processing is completed. If the image to be developed is changed based on this, the delay can be easily determined and the delay can be reliably corrected.

  Further, the image development control means can determine a delay in the image development process and perform image correction processing so that the degree of the delay is reduced, so that more appropriate correction can be performed according to the degree of the delay. In addition, even if there is a significant delay, correction can be made little by little without the player being aware.

  Further, the image expansion control means determines the delay of the image expansion process, omits a part of the image to be expanded (in this embodiment, skips one frame), and performs the image expansion process. It is possible to correct a deviation that occurs between the effect and another effect. In particular, if a part of the image is omitted in a fast-moving scene or the like, the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  In addition, a delay recording unit (in this embodiment, a delay counter) for recording the degree of delay of the image development processing is further provided, and the image development control means stores the data in the delay recording unit (in this embodiment, stored in the delay counter). If the delay of the image development process is determined based on (numerical value), it is possible to more accurately correct the deviation generated between the image effect and the other effects.

  In addition, a rendering device control means (this embodiment) that performs control related to a rendering device including at least a light emitter rendering device (decorative lamp in the present embodiment), a sound rendering device (speaker in the present embodiment), and an image display device. In this case, if the image processing is further provided, it is possible to correct a deviation generated between the image effect and the effect using light or sound.

  Next, a slot machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure same as the slot machine which concerns on the said Example 1, and only a different part is demonstrated hereafter.

<Swap processing>
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow of swap processing in the slot machine according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG.

  In step S1101, the display end flag is cleared.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether the display end flag is set. If the display end flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1103. If the display end flag is not set, the display ends in step S1102. Wait for the flag to be set.

  In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the display end counter is greater than or equal to n (n is an integer of 2 or more). If the display end counter is greater than or equal to n, the process proceeds to step S1104; finish.

  In step S1104, the frame buffer display area is swapped to the drawing area. In step S1105, the frame buffer drawing area is swapped to the display area, and the display area and the drawing area are switched.

  In step S1106, n is subtracted from the display end counter to end the process.

<Delay correction>
Next, delay correction according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure schematically shows the flow of delay correction.

  The effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the display end counter in step S1103 of the swap process, and when the value becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (n or larger in this embodiment), the display area and the drawing of the VRAM 516 are drawn. The area is swapped, the drawing area storing the image data of the image m + 1 to be displayed next to the current image m (m is a positive integer) is switched to the display area, and preparation for outputting the image m + 1 to the LCD 700 is performed. Subtract n from the display end counter. Then, when the subtraction result of the display end counter is 0 (when there is no delay in the image display effect), the swap process is repeated. On the other hand, when the subtraction result of the display end counter is a value other than 0 (when there is a delay in the image display effect), the display end counter becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S1103 of the swap process. The display area of the VRAM 516 and the drawing area are swapped without waiting, and the drawing area storing the image data of the image m + 1 to be displayed next to the current image m is switched to the display area, and preparation for outputting the image m + 1 to the LCD 700 is performed. I do.

  For example, considering the case where the image display effect of scene A described above is executed, the value of the display end counter is monitored in step S1103 of the swap process, and the value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (2 in this embodiment). In such a case, the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516 are swapped, the drawing area storing the image data of the frame B to be displayed next to the frame A is switched to the display area, and the preparation for outputting the frame B to the LCD 700 is performed. And subtract 2 from the display end counter. At this time, since the subtraction result of the display end counter becomes 0, it is determined that there is no delay in the image display effect, and the swap process is continued.

  Next, the effect control unit 500 swaps the display area and the drawing area of the VRAM 516, switches the drawing area storing the image data of the frame C to be displayed next to the frame B to the display area, and puts the frame C on the LCD 700. While preparing to output, 2 is subtracted from the display end counter. At this time, since the subtraction result of the display end counter is 1 (= 3-2), it is determined that there is a delay in the image display effect. In this example, the subsequent frames D and E are displayed in a state where the image display effect is delayed by a half frame, but when the first display end interruption occurs after the display of the frame F (the frame F is displayed for a half frame). After), if the display end interrupt counter is for one time from the previous swap processing to the determination of the next display end counter, the display area of the VRAM 516 is not waited until the display end counter becomes 2 or more. The drawing area is swapped, the drawing area storing the image data of the frame G to be displayed next to the frame F is switched to the display area, and preparation for outputting the frame G to the LCD 700 is performed.

  As described above, the image development control means determines the delay of the image development process, and if the image development process is performed earlier than the change timing until the change of the image to be developed, It is possible to correct the deviation that occurs between the performances, and it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the player as compared with the case where a part of the image is omitted.

  Next, a slot machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure same as the slot machine which concerns on the said Example 1, and only a different part is demonstrated hereafter.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the flow of swap processing in the slot machine according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. Steps S1201 to S1203 are the same as steps S801 to S803, and steps S1207 to S1211 are the same as steps S804 to S808. Therefore, only other steps S1204 to S1206 will be described. .

<Swap processing>
In step S1204, it is determined whether or not the value obtained by adding the delay counter to the display end counter is equal to or greater than n (n is a positive integer). If it is less, the process is terminated.

  In step S1205, it is determined whether or not delay correction is to be performed. If delay correction is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S1206. If delay correction is not to be performed, the process ends. Whether or not to perform delay correction, for example, delay correction information on whether or not to perform delay correction is stored in advance in association with each scene, and in this step S1205, delay correction information corresponding to the scene is stored. This can be determined based on whether or not delay correction information is set.

  In step S1206, a delay counter- (n-display end counter) is calculated and stored in the delay counter.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control unit 500 monitors the value of the display end counter in step S1203 of the swap process, and when the value becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (n or larger in the present embodiment), the VRAM 516. The display area and the drawing area are swapped, the drawing area storing the image data of the image m + 1 to be displayed next to the current image m (m is a positive integer) is switched to the display area, and the image m + 1 is output to the LCD 700. And the delay counter is updated. In addition, when the value obtained by adding the delay counter to the display end counter is n or more (a delay occurs in the image display effect), and when the delay correction is performed, the swap process is performed to obtain the image m + 1. The drawing area in which the image data of the image m + 2 to be displayed next is stored is switched to the display area to prepare for outputting the image m + 2 to the LCD 700, and the delay counter is updated.

  As described above, the image development control unit according to the third embodiment determines the delay of the image development process and omits a part of the image to be developed or changes the image to be developed until then. Since it is selected based on a predetermined selection condition (for example, delay correction information stored in association with a scene) whether to advance the change timing or not, an appropriate correction method can be selected according to the situation, It is possible to more appropriately correct the deviation that has occurred between and other effects.

  The “image” according to the present invention is not limited to a two-dimensional image, and may be a three-dimensional image.

  Further, the present invention is provided corresponding to each reel, a plurality of reels 110 to 112 with a plurality of types of symbols, a rotation instruction means (start lever 135) for instructing the rotation of the reel, Stop instruction means (stop buttons 137 to 139) for individually stopping the rotation of the reels, and reel stop control means (reel stop control) for performing stop control related to the stop of reel rotation based on the lottery result of the lottery processing means. A lottery processing means (winning prize internal lottery) for determining whether or not the internal winning of the predetermined combination is determined by lottery, and predetermined on a preset active line of the reels 110 to 112 based on the lottery result of the lottery processing means The symbol combination is displayed in a stopped state, and the symbol combination displayed on the reel at the time of stop on the symbol display window is a symbol combination determined in advance corresponding to the winning combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball). It can also be applied to pachinko gaming machines that use) as a game medium.

  Here, as a pachinko to which the present invention is applied, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a launching device 802 that launches a ball into a predetermined game area 801 and a ball launched from the launching device 802 can enter. A configured winning opening 803, a detecting means (not shown) for detecting a ball that has entered the winning opening 803, a payout means (not shown) for paying out a ball when the detecting means detects a ball, A variable display device 804 that variably displays a symbol (identification information) is provided, and when the game ball enters the winning opening 803 and wins, the variable display device changes the symbol and then stops and displays the game state. An example is a pachinko that announces the transition.

  In such a pachinko, when a game ball enters the winning opening 803, a lottery is performed, and it is determined whether or not the lottery result is a win. Then, when the jackpot is won in this lottery, the variable display device 804 displays a combination (a jackpot symbol; for example, 777) based on a specific symbol and shifts to a jackpot state. In the big hit state, the big winning opening 805 is kept open for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, for example, so that the game ball is easy to enter and a state advantageous to the player is realized. . In addition, if the combination of a specific symbol (hit jackpot symbol) is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with probability fluctuation, the probability of the next jackpot will be higher, and a more advantageous state for the player will be realized .

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine or pachinko machine having the configuration shown in FIG. 26 (a). For example, as shown in FIG. A home game machine or arcade mainly equipped with a control unit that mainly controls the progress of the game and an effect device that is communicably connected to the control unit and controls the production of the game, such as image display processing and movable object control processing. The present invention can also be applied to an amusement machine represented by a game machine or the like (for example, a fighting game machine or a shooting game machine).

  Note that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  The present invention can be applied to game machines represented by slot machines and pachinko machines.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit in the slot machine. FIG. FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a sub control unit in the slot machine. 4 is a circuit block diagram of an effect control unit in the slot machine. FIG. It is a block diagram of the display control board which comprises the same production control part, and is the figure which showed the internal structure of VDP in detail. It is the figure which expand | deployed and showed the symbol arrangement | sequence given to each reel in the slot machine. It is the figure which showed the kind of winning combination of the slot machine, symbol combination and operation / payout. (A) In the case of a normal game, (b) In the case of an RB (SRB) game, the type of winning combination, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination, the number of medals paid out, and the internal winning probability is there. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the main control unit of the slot machine. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the sub control part interruption process of the slot machine. (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the sub-control unit main process of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production process of the slot machine. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production control part main process of the slot machine. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production control part interruption process of the slot machine. (C) is a flowchart showing a flow of display end interrupt processing of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the swap process of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the command setting process of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the VDP control process of the slot machine. It is the figure which shows the flow which shows the flow of the effect image display process which CPU510 performs, and the information transmitted / received between CPU510 and VDP with an effect image display process. (A) It is the figure which showed an example of the data memorize | stored in ROM of an effect control part. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the data memorize | stored in RAM of an effect control part. (A) It is the figure which showed an example of the data memorize | stored in the attribute register of VDP. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the data memorize | stored in VRAM. (C) It is the figure which showed an example of the data memorize | stored in CG-ROM. It is the figure which showed an example of the execution timing of an image display effect, a sound effect, and a lamp effect. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the production. It is the figure which showed the flow of delay correction typically. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of swap processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the flow of the delay correction | amendment of the slot machine. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of swap processing in the slot machine according to the third embodiment. It is a simplified front view of a pachinko. (A) It is the figure which showed the structural example of the control part of a game machine. (B) It is the figure which showed the structural example of the control part of a game device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Slot machine 110-112 Reel 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 300 Main control part 400 Sub control part 500 Production control part 510 CPU
512 ROM
515 CG-ROM
516 VRAM
600 VDP
606 Attribute register 700 Liquid crystal display (LCD)

Claims (19)

Image development control means for controlling image development processing;
In a game stand provided with an image display device that displays an image developed by the image development control means,
The image development control means includes
Determining the delay of the image development processing, and controlling the image development processing,
Amusement stand. The image development control means includes
Determining the degree of delay of the image development processing, and controlling the image development processing,
The game table according to claim 1. The image development control means includes
Determining that there is a delay in the image development process when the image development process is not completed by a predetermined processing period;
The game table according to claim 1 or 2. It further comprises signal output means for outputting a signal at a predetermined timing,
The image development control means includes
When the signal output means outputs a predetermined reference number of times and determines that the image expansion processing has been delayed when the image expansion processing is not completed,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The image development control means includes
When the image development process is finished, the image to be developed is changed based on the output of the signal output by the signal output means a predetermined reference number or more,
The game table according to claim 4. The signal is an image display end signal output when the display of the image is ended,
The game table according to claim 4 or 5. The image development control means includes
Determining the delay of the image development process, and controlling the image development process so that the degree of the delay is reduced,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The image development control means includes
Determining the delay of the image development process, omitting a part of the image to be developed, and performing the image development process,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The image development control means includes
Determining the delay of the image development process, and performing the image development process earlier than the change timing until the change of the image to be developed,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The image development control means includes
Based on a predetermined selection condition, it is determined whether to delay a part of the image to be developed or whether to change the image to be developed earlier than the change timing up to that time. It is characterized by
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A delay recording unit for recording the degree of delay of the image development processing;
The image development control means includes
Determining the delay of the image development processing based on the recording of the delay recording unit,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 10. It further comprises an effect device control means for performing control related to an effect device including at least a light emitter effect device, a sound effect device, and the image display device,
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Image storage means having at least a first image storage area and a second image storage area for temporarily storing the image;
The image development control means includes
Image switching means for switching between the image temporarily stored in the first image storage area and the image temporarily stored in the second image storage area and displaying either one of the images on the image display device; It is characterized by
The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Image development control means for controlling image development processing;
In a game stand provided with an image display device that displays an image developed by the image development control means,
Effect device control means for performing control related to an effect device including at least a light emitter effect device, a sound effect device, and the image display device;
Signal output means for outputting a signal at a predetermined timing, and
The image development control means includes
When the image output processing is not completed when the signal output from the signal output means is output a predetermined reference number of times, it is considered that there is a delay in the image expansion processing, and a part of the image to be developed is omitted. Image development processing is performed,
Amusement stand. A delay recording unit for recording the degree of delay of the image development processing;
The image development control means includes
If there is a delay in the image development process, the degree of delay is recorded in the delay recording unit, and the image development process is performed by omitting a part of the image to be developed based on the recording in the delay recording unit. It is characterized by
The game table according to claim 14. Image development control means for controlling image development processing;
In a game stand provided with an image display device that displays an image developed by the image development control means,
It further comprises signal output means for outputting a signal at a predetermined timing,
The image development control means includes
When the development of the image to be developed is completed before the signal output means outputs the signal a predetermined reference number of times, the signal output means waits for the signal output means to output the signal a predetermined reference number of times, Change the image to be expanded,
If the development of the image to be developed is not completed before the signal output means outputs the signal a predetermined reference number of times, the signal output means does not wait for the signal output unit to output the signal a predetermined reference number of times. The image to be expanded is changed.
Amusement stand. Further comprising signal counting means for counting the number of signals output by the signal output means,
The image development control means includes
When the image to be developed is changed, the predetermined reference number is subtracted from a value counted by the signal counting means,
The game table according to claim 16. Multiple reels with multiple types of designs,
Rotation instruction means for instructing rotation of the reel;
Stop instruction means provided corresponding to each of the reels for individually stopping rotation of the reels;
Lottery processing means for determining whether or not the internal winning of the predetermined role is determined by lottery;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control for stopping the rotation of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery processing means;
Based on the lottery result of the lottery processing means, a predetermined symbol combination is stopped and displayed on a preset active line of the reel, and the symbol combination displayed on the reel at the time of stopping on the symbol display window is an internal winning combination. And a determination means for determining whether or not the symbol combination is predetermined in correspondence with
The game table according to claim 1. A launcher that launches a ball into a predetermined game area;
A prize opening configured to enter a ball launched from the launching device;
Detecting means for detecting a ball that has entered the winning opening;
A payout means for paying out a sphere when the detection means detects a sphere, further comprising:
The game table according to claim 1.

Images