JP2009090008A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which has a wide variety of game effects by movable items such as a shutter and the like and improves a visual effect with images. <P>SOLUTION: A display screen 71 of a liquid crystal display can be closed and opened by moving left and right shutters 81 and 82 in the front side of the screen. A display control CPU detects the positions of the shutters 81 and 82 for displaying images and displays images in their maximum size when the shutters 81 and 82 are at their fully open positions. If the shutters 81 and 82 move from those positions and cover the display screen 71 partially, the position (x) of the image is controlled with the positions of the shutters 81 and 82 and the width (w) is reduced. In addition, when the image is reduced vertically, the height (h) is reduced with the reduction ratio of the width (w) and the position (y) of the image is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with an image display for displaying an image on a production, for example, and in particular, a game capable of producing an effect of shielding a display screen by moving a movable body on the front side of the display screen. Related to the machine.

  As a prior art (1) related to this type of gaming machine, a gaming machine including a shielding member that shields a part of a display area of an image display is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this prior art (1), by moving the shielding member in accordance with the movement of the image displayed on the image display device, an effect as if the shielding member and the movement of the image are linked is executed. can do.

  Also, as a prior art (2) in which a movable body is arranged on the front side of the display screen, a gaming machine having a mechanism for moving a lens (Frennel lens) arranged on the front side of the liquid crystal panel back and forth is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). According to this prior art (2), since the distance from the liquid crystal panel becomes relatively variable by moving the lens back and forth, the image visually recognized by the player through the lens can be enlarged or reduced. For this reason, when it is desired to emphasize a necessary image (for example, a production pattern), the lens can be moved forward from the liquid crystal panel, and the image can be clearly displayed by enlarging the image within the frame.

Further, as a prior art (3) related to the enlarged display of an image, a gaming machine having a function of forming a window in an image display area and changing the display magnification of an object in accordance with the display magnification of the window is also known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3). According to the prior art (3), when the size of the window is increased, a drawing object (for example, a reel as an effect image) is enlarged and displayed in association with the window. It is thought that it can attract a player's attention.
JP-A-2005-540 (pages 13-14, FIG. 7) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-73627 (page 8-9, FIG. 40) JP 2007-140817 A (pages 20-22, FIG. 7)

  However, since the above prior art (1) is based on the premise that the movable body (shielding member) is moved according to the display content of the image, the shielding member can only be moved in a pattern prepared in advance. That is, for example, if 10 images are prepared in advance, there are only 10 ways of movement of the shielding member in accordance with it, and it is possible to widen the production by giving the shielding member more various movements. Technically impossible.

  On the other hand, in the sense that the movable body (lens) is operated with respect to the display screen to give the image an apparent change, the enlargement / reduction display in the above prior art (2) seems to be effective for the time being. However, even if the image is enlarged through the lens, it is only a zoomed-in portion of the image within the same frame, and the visual effect of enlarging the entire area where the image is displayed cannot be obtained. In addition, since part of the image (peripheral part) protrudes outside the frame due to enlargement (zoom-up) (see FIG. 40B of Patent Document 2), in this case, part of the image until the enlargement is restored This causes a problem that the image cannot be seen at all.

  Next, the technique of simply enlarging the display area of the image can be realized to some extent by the enlarged display of the window as described in the prior art (3). However, because the window is just the position of the “child screen” in the main screen, no matter how much the window is enlarged, it is only partly enlarged in the main screen, and the main screen itself is fixed. As long as there is still a lack of visual impact.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to improve the visual effect of an image while giving a range of various effects by a movable body.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: The present invention is provided with an image display for displaying an image in a display screen opposite to a player, and movable on the front side of the display screen. Is displayed on the image display unit according to the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting means, the detecting means for detecting the position of the shielding member, the shielding member for forming the shielding area where the shielding is performed and the other non-shielding area. A game machine including image adjusting means for adjusting the size of the image to be recorded. The present invention may include a movement control means for controlling the movement of the shielding member (the same applies to the following solving means).

  As described above, in the present invention, since the size of the image is adjusted according to the position of the shielding member, even in a state where the display screen is partially shielded, it is within the other region (non-shielding region). The image can be displayed after adjusting the size to fit. That is, when the shielding member moves to a position that largely covers the display screen, the image is once adjusted (reduced) to a small size, and then the shielding member moves in a direction to open (not cover) the display screen. Then, on the contrary, the image is greatly adjusted (enlarged) and displayed.

  As described above, in the present invention, by adjusting the size of the image in accordance with the movement (detected position) of the shielding member, the entire image can be reduced or enlarged, and the visual impact can be increased accordingly. can do. In addition, when the shielding member moves a certain distance, the size of the image can be adjusted in real time while detecting the position of the shielding member finely in the moving process. It can be displayed smoothly as a change.

In the present invention, it is not necessary to move the shielding member in accordance with the contents of the image.
(1) Even when the shielding member is moved at random, the size of the image is adjusted following the movement. Therefore, image data is prepared after assuming the operation pattern of the shielding member. There is no need to keep it. For this reason, it is easy to design the correspondence between the position of the shielding member and the displayed image in the production.

(2) The shielding member can be freely moved regardless of the contents of the currently displayed image. Thereby, various effects mainly based on the operation of the shielding member can be executed without particularly considering what the content of the image is. In this regard, in the above prior art (1), the movement according to the content of the image is mainly, and the shielding member is only an appendage of the image. Can lead the action. Unlike the planar image, the shielding member is a movable object with a substance (so-called directing agent), and thus the visual effect of the operation is great.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, when the display screen is not shielded by the shielding member, the image is displayed in the maximum size in the display screen. In this case, the image adjusting means can adjust the size of the image by changing the ratio of at least one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the image with respect to the maximum size in the display screen.

  In other words, if the display screen is partially occluded, in order to display the image that has been displayed in the maximum size until then, the image can be viewed by the player, the size of the image is reduced by changing the size ratio. It is effective to do.

  At this time, for example, if the shielding member moves in the horizontal direction with respect to the display screen and the shielding area is increased in the horizontal direction, the image adjusting unit changes the ratio of the horizontal size to change the entire image in the horizontal direction. Reduce to. In this case, the vertical size of the image remains the maximum, but the whole image is displayed as if it was crushed in the horizontal direction, which may give visual interest and unexpected appearance. it can. Further, when the image adjustment means changes the ratio of the size in the vertical direction, the entire image is reduced in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, so that the entire image can be displayed in a reduced state.

  On the contrary, if the shielding member moves in the vertical direction with respect to the display screen and the shielding area is increased in the vertical direction, the image adjustment unit first changes the vertical size ratio to vertically Shrink in the direction. In this case, the horizontal size of the image remains the maximum, but the whole image is displayed as if it was crushed in the vertical direction, so that the visual effects are also interesting and the visual effects are surprising. Can be demonstrated. When the image adjustment means changes the ratio of the size in the horizontal direction, the entire image is reduced in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, so that the entire image can be displayed in a reduced state as described above.

  As described above, even if the image is once reduced and displayed, when the shielding member moves from there to a position where the display screen is opened, the image returns to the maximum size. Then, by changing the vertical and horizontal ratios of the image separately or simultaneously in the process of moving the shielding member, the image can be reduced and displayed in more various modes.

  Solution 3: In addition, the present invention is provided as an independent configuration, an image display for displaying an image on a display screen facing the player, and a movable display on the front side of the display screen. Based on the shielding member that shields at least a part of the display screen, the detection means that detects the position of the shielding member, and the position of the shielding member detected by the detection means, the position of the image to be displayed in the display screen is derived. And a display position control means for displaying an image on the image display unit in accordance with the position derived by the position deriving means.

  The solving means 3 of the present invention controls the display position of the image in accordance with the position of the shielding member. Therefore, even when the display screen is partially shielded, it is possible to derive a visible position from the player and display an image at that position. For this reason, it is certain that an image of content that needs to be shown to the player at all times (for example, the current time, a message about the game, information indicating the game state, etc.) is temporarily hidden by the shielding member. Can be prevented. In addition, when the shielding member moves a certain distance, the display position of the image is controlled in real time while detecting the position of the shielding member finely in the moving process, so that it is displayed in conjunction with the movement of the shielding member. A visual effect as if the image is moving in the screen can be exhibited.

  In this regard, in the above-described prior art (1), when an effect of blocking the image is performed, an image that needs to be shown to the player is also hidden together, but in the present invention, some images ( For example, even if a background image is hidden, it is possible to prevent the necessary information from being hidden by changing the position of the image that needs to be shown to the player.

  In the above prior art (2), there is an image that temporarily disappears outside the frame due to the enlarged display. However, in the present invention, such a problem does not occur (the entire display screen is shielded by the shielding member). Unless otherwise).

  Further, the solving means 3 does not need to move the shielding member in accordance with the contents of the image, and therefore the same advantages as the above (1) and (2) described in the solving means 1 occur.

  Solution 4: More specifically, in the solution 3, when the display screen is not shielded by the shielding member, an image is displayed at an initial position defined in advance in the display screen. With the movement of the shielding member, an image can be displayed at a position that is not shielded by the shielding member in the display screen.

  In this case, the “position” derived by the position deriving means is a position that can be surely seen by the player in the display screen, so that it is shown to the player unless all of the display screen is shielded by the shielding member. You can always display the image you want to keep.

  Solution 5: The present invention is also provided with an image display for displaying at least the first image and the second image in the display screen facing the player, respectively, and movable on the front side of the display screen. Along with the movement, a shielding member that partially shields the display screen and a non-shielding region other than that, a detection unit that detects the position of the shielding member, and a shielding that is detected by the detection unit Based on the position of the member, position deriving means for deriving the position of the second image to be displayed on the display screen, and adjusting the size of the first image according to the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting means In addition, the gaming machine may include a display control unit that displays the second image in accordance with the position derived by the position deriving unit together with the adjusted first image. Note that the gaming machine of the present invention can be configured by combining the configuration of the solution means 5 with the configuration of the solution means 2 and 4. In this case, the “first image” corresponds to the “image” referred to in the solving means 2, and the “second image” corresponds to the “image” referred to in the solving means 4.

  For example, the “first image” occupies a relatively large range in the display screen (for example, including a background image), and the “second image” occupies only a part of the display screen. (For example, the current time and message information) are assumed. In this case, in a state where the display screen is not shielded by the shielding member, the “first image” is displayed at the maximum size, and the “second image” is included in the “first image”. It is displayed at the initial position in the inserted (or overlapped) state.

  When the shielding member moves from this state and the display screen is partially obscured, the horizontal or vertical ratio of the “first image” is changed in real time in real time. Adjusted. For the “second image”, a position that is not hidden by the shielding member is derived in real time, and the display position is changed each time. As a result, the “first image” is reduced or enlarged in accordance with the operation of the shielding member, and the effect of changing the display position in accordance with the operation of the shielding member is performed in parallel for the “second image”. And can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to appeal an apparent change by enlarging / reducing the size of the entire “first image” while giving a visual impact to the player by the free movement of the shielding member.

  Further, since the “second image” as necessary information can be always displayed on the display screen without interruption, the player does not temporarily lose information. In particular, when the “first image” is reduced or enlarged, the size of the “second image” does not change and only the position changes, so that the “second image”. Is not buried in the change of the “first image”, and can be clearly highlighted visually as another existence.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the position in real time and appropriately change the size and position of the image without designing the correspondence between the operation of the shielding member and the content of the image to be displayed in advance. By doing so, it is possible to realize a dynamic and powerful production. In addition, if only necessary image data is prepared, the image display mode can be adapted to the operation of the shielding member. Therefore, the image data is prepared on the assumption of all operation patterns in advance for the shielding member. Therefore, the storage capacity can be reduced accordingly.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 1 which is an example of a spinning cylinder type gaming machine. The slot machine 1 is of a type in which a game is played using a game medal as a medium, for example, and is called a so-called “pachislot machine”. In addition to this, there is a type of revolving game machine (so-called “parrot machine”) in which a game is played using a game ball as a medium, which is also suitable as an embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described.

  The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2, and is installed by nailing or the like in an island facility of a game hall (hall) through the housing 2. In FIG. 1, the diagonally lower left corresponds to the front of the slot machine 1, and a player usually sits in the hall so as to face the slot machine 1 from the front. The housing 2 is open on the front side, and the opening can be opened and closed by the front door 4. Although the front door 4 is shown in a closed state in FIG. 1, the front door 4 is connected to the housing 2 via a hinge mechanism (not shown), for example. Further, a locking device (not shown) is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right end portion of the front door 4, and a locking tool (not shown) is also provided on the right inner wall surface of the housing 2 correspondingly. Yes. In the state where the front door 4 is closed as shown in FIG. 1, the locking device together with the locking tool of the housing 2 disables the opening of the front door 4. When the slot machine 1 is installed in the island facility, the casing 2 is mostly embedded in the island facility. From the island facility, only the opening edge of the casing 2 and the front door 4 are on the front side. Protrusively.

  A cylinder lock 4a is provided on the right edge of the front door 4. For example, when a manager of a game hall twists the cylinder lock 4a clockwise using a dedicated key, the locking device is activated and the front door 4 is operated. Can be opened. Note that when the cylinder lock 4a is twisted counterclockwise, an error state (for example, a medal expired) generated in the slot machine 1 can be released.

  Three reels 6, 8, and 10 are installed as display bodies in the back of the front door 4, that is, inside the housing 2. Each of the reels 6, 8, and 10 is formed in an annular shape, and a reel band having a plurality of symbols (not shown) attached in a row at intervals is wound around the reels 6, 8, and 10. There are multiple types of designs, such as those designed with a character string such as the number “7” and alphabet “BAR”, those designed with an auspicious character such as “Bell”, “Cherry”, “Watermelon”, etc. In addition to designs of fruits and vegetables, there are character designs designed based on the game concept of the slot machine 1 or designs representing “Replay” which is one of the winning types. In addition, the kind of design is only illustrated here and it does not specifically limit to these.

  A panel portion 12 is disposed at a position above the center of the front door 4 in the vertical direction. The panel portion 12 is decorated based on, for example, the game concept of the slot machine 1. In addition, a rectangular display window (display unit) 14 is formed at the center position of the panel unit 12, and the display window 14 is configured by a transparent plate member. The display window 14 is light transmissive so that the symbols of the reels 6, 8, and 10 can be clearly seen. With the front door 4 closed, the display window 14 is positioned on the front side of the three reels 6, 8, and 10. In this state, the player can see the symbols on the reels 6, 8, and 10 through the plate-like member of the display window 14. Usually, in the display window 14, the player can effectively visually recognize three symbols in the vertical direction for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10 (the symbols are not shown). The display window 14 may be divided into three parts corresponding to the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  In the display window 14, a display position where a combination of symbols is formed between the three reels 6, 8, 10 arranged in the horizontal direction, that is, a display line is formed. The display lines are, for example, five virtual lines (dashed lines shown in FIG. 1) defined in the display window 14 in the horizontal direction and the oblique direction. Of these, on the three display lines in the horizontal direction, three symbol combinations are formed for the three reels 6, 8, and 10 at each of the upper, middle, and lower positions. On the two display lines in the diagonal direction, the upper position of the left reel 6, the middle position of the middle reel 8, and the lower position of the right reel 10 constitute a combination of three symbols, and the lower position of the left reel 6. A combination of three symbols is also formed at the middle position of the middle reel 8 and the upper position of the right reel 10. Note that the display lines in the horizontal direction and the diagonal direction are merely examples, and the display line may be a combination of the horizontal direction and the diagonal direction (broken line shape).

  The panel portion 12 is provided with, for example, three bet lamps 12 g below the display window 14. These bet lamps 12g are for displaying the number of medals thrown by the player in each game (referred to as "bet number", "multiply number", etc.). The bet lamp 12g indicates the number of display lines that are activated according to the number of bets at that time, that is, the number of effective lines. In the following description, a state in which the display line is activated according to the number of bets is referred to as an “effective line”.

  On the back side of the front door 4, a substrate having an LED (not shown) is installed just behind the bet lamp 12g. The bet lamp 12g displays the number of bets and the number of effective lines using transmitted light from the LEDs ( (Flash display). The player can know the current bet number from the display of the bet lamp 12g, and can also know the number of active lines in the display window 14. For example, when the number of bets is 3, in addition to the three active lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages in the horizontal direction, a total of five active lines are formed in the diagonal direction, that is, a right-up effective line and a right-down active line. . When the number of bets is two, for example, a total of three effective lines in the horizontal direction and one effective line in the oblique direction and two effective lines in the oblique direction may be formed (three may be the upper, middle, and lower stages). Note that the number and form of the effective lines are merely examples, and may be more or less.

  The front door 4 is provided with a medal slot 16 immediately below the display window 14. The medals inserted by the player are accepted one by one through the medal insertion slot 16 and counted as the number thrown into the game. When medals are inserted exceeding the maximum number (for example, 3) that can be thrown in one game, the amount is stored as credits. A credit display unit 12b is provided below the display window 14 of the panel unit 12, and the number of medals stored as credits is numerically displayed on the credit display unit 12b. For example, up to 50 credits can be stored.

  A medal selector (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the back side of the front door 4. The medal selector has a guide path extending from the medal insertion slot 16 to the inside of the housing 2, and the inserted medals are guided in a row (one by one) along the guide path. If the medal can be accepted, the inserted medal is received inside the housing 2 by a hopper of a payout device (not shown in FIG. 1). If the number of credits exceeds the upper limit, no more medals will be accepted. A medal outlet 26 is formed at the lower center of the front door 4, and a medal tray 28 is formed at the lower edge of the front door 4. If the medal insertion is not accepted, the medal inserted from the medal slot 16 is returned to the medal tray 28 through the medal outlet 26. The medal selector mechanically discriminates the diameter of the inserted medal and eliminates acceptance of an object (for example, a small-diameter medal or a coin) that is less than the prescribed diameter. Excluded items are discharged from the medal outlet 26.

  The front door 4 is provided with a start lever 18 on the lower left side of the panel portion 12. The start lever 18 is operated (pressed) by the player in order to start (start) the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10. When the start lever 18 is operated in a state where medals are thrown into the game, the reels 6, 8, and 10 start to rotate all at once.

  A start lamp 12c, an insert lamp 12d, and a replay lamp 12e are arranged on the right side of the credit display portion 12b. Of these, the start lamp 12c is turned on when the medals thrown into the game satisfy the minimum required number (for example, 1 to 3), and the start lamp 12c is turned on so that the start lever 18 can be operated. Means that. The insert lamp 12d lights up in a state where a medal for throwing into a game can be inserted, and also lights up in a state where credits can be stored by inserting an additional medal. The replay lamp 12e is lit when the game result corresponds to replay, that is, "replay".

  The medal selector has a medal blocker (not shown in FIG. 1) at the upstream side of the guide path at the base of the medal slot 16. The medal blocker performs an operation of switching a medal guide destination to either the guide path or the medal discharge port 26 using, for example, a solenoid. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit, the medal blocker is activated to switch the medal guide destination to the medal discharge port 26 and no more medals are accepted. When the start lever 18 is operated in one game, the medal blocker is operated until the reels 6, 8, and 10 are stopped, and further medals cannot be accepted. Even after the reels 6, 8, and 10 are stopped, if the game result is “replay”, the medal blocker is activated and the medal insertion is not accepted in the next game. The medal selector will be described later together with the configuration related to the control of the slot machine 1.

  On the front door 4, three stop buttons 20, 22, 24 are arranged side by side on the right side of the start lever 18. These stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 correspond to the left, middle, and right reels 6, 8, and 10, respectively, in order. When the player operates (presses) the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 one by one while the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotating at a constant speed, the rotation of the corresponding reels 6, 8, and 10 is individually stopped. To do. The order of operating the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 is arbitrary.

[Game Overview]
As described above, the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are operated by the player while the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotating through the betting of the medals and the operation of the start lever 18, and all the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotated. When stopped, the result of one game is determined from the combination of symbols displayed on the active line (effective display position) in the display window 14. For example, when a combination of three symbols of the same type such as “Bell” or “Watermelon” is displayed on the active line, it is determined that each small role is determined to have won the small role “Bell” or “Watermelon”. A predetermined number of medals are paid out. In addition to the combination of symbols of the same type in the three reels 6, 8, 10 for the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role, for example, if there is a “cherry” symbol on the left reel 6, the symbols of the other reels 8, 10 There is also a combination that can be anything ("cherry"-"ANY"-"ANY"). Since such a combination is essentially composed of a single symbol, if the “cherry” symbol stops at the position where the two active lines intersect (upper or lower position), double A prize is awarded and the number of payouts is added.

  Below the display window 14, a payout number display portion 12f is provided separately from the credit display portion 12b, and displays the number of medals paid out at the time of winning each time. In the case of the credit mode, the paid-out number is added to the credit until the maximum number is reached. Further, when the number of credits exceeds the upper limit due to the payout of medals during the credit mode, the amount is paid out from the medal outlet 26 as an actual medal, not as an increase in credit, and stored in the medal tray 28.

  In addition, if the combination of symbols corresponding to the above-mentioned “replay” is displayed on the active line when the three reels 6, 8, 10 are stopped, the game result at that time is replay (replay). Determined. If the game result is a replay, the next game can be replayed under the same conditions as the number of medals (the number of bets or the number of multipliers) thrown in the current game without throwing new medals. When the game result is determined to be replaying, the replay lamp 12e is turned on to indicate that replaying is possible. Further, the bet lamp 12g restores the display of the number of medals (number of valid lines) thrown in the previous game.

  On the other hand, when a combination of symbols such as red “7”-“7”-“7” is displayed on the active line, the player is given a profit to shift to a special game such as a so-called “big bonus game”. It is done. Alternatively, when a combination of black symbols such as “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” is displayed on the active line, the player is given a profit to shift to a special game such as a so-called “regular bonus game”. (In either case, medals are not paid out). When you shift to special games, the game progresses under special conditions that are advantageous to the player.For example, you can get opportunities to win small roles such as `` Bell '' and `` Watermelon '' more frequently than usual, It becomes possible to increase the number of payouts or to win a kind of small role that is not normally won.

  In the panel unit 12, a game state display unit 12 h is formed on the right side of the display window 14. A lighting device (not shown) is installed on the back side of the panel unit 12, and when the state shifts to the special game as described above or the state where the shift to the special game is possible (the state won by the internal lottery), The game state display unit 12h is turned on by the lighting device. If a combination of symbols specified in particular on the active line is not displayed, it is determined that the game result has not been awarded, replayed, or transferred to a special game.

  When the result of the game is determined every time as described above, the number of medals to be thrown into the next game is determined again by the player (except in the case of replaying). When the result of the game is determined and the medal can be inserted, the bet lamp 12g lights up and displays the number corresponding to the required number of medals to be thrown in that game. For example, if it is necessary to throw three medals in that game, all three bet lamps 12g are turned on. At this time, if the player performs an operation to insert three medals through the medal insertion slot 16, the number of medals to be thrown into the game (three multiplied by three bets) is determined. Note that the required number may be two (2 cards, 2 bets) or 1 (1 card, 1 bet) per game.

  In addition, a 1-bet button 30 and a MAX-bet button 32 are respectively installed at the lower left of the display window 14, and the player uses the remaining credits to operate the game by operating these buttons 30 and 32. The number of medals can also be determined. When the 1-bet button 30 is pressed once, the number of credits is decreased by 1, and the amount is used as the number of medals thrown into the game. When the 1-bet button 30 is repeatedly pressed until the maximum number is reached, the number of credits is reduced by the number of times the button is pressed, and the number of bets is added instead. In addition, if there is a sufficient remaining number of credits (3 or more), the player can operate the MAX bet button 32 once, and the maximum number of credits (for example, 3) that can be thrown into the game for that time is left as the remaining credit. It can be deducted from the number and used as the number of medals thrown into the game.

  A settlement button 34 is provided on the left side of the 1-bet button 30. When there is a remaining credit, the player operates the settlement button 34 to settle the remaining number and receive a medal return. Can do. When the checkout button 34 is pressed, medals are returned to the medal tray 28 through the medal outlet 26. A decorative panel 36 is installed below the front door 4 and above the medal tray 28. The decoration panel 36 displays the product model name of the slot machine 1 and is decorated based on the game concept.

  In addition, the slot machine 1 is provided with equipment for performing effects. For example, on the panel unit 12, three effect lamps 12 a are arranged side by side on the left side of the display window 14. These effect lamps 12a are used, for example, as an effect to teach that a special small role (special role) has been won in the profit lottery. Special small roles are combinations of symbols such as “red 7”-“bell”-“bell”, “blue 7”-“bell”-“bell”, “white 7”-“bell”-“bell”, etc. The three effect lamps 12a correspond to “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “white 7”, respectively. Behind the panel unit 12, lighting fixtures (LEDs or incandescent lamps) (not shown) are provided at positions corresponding to the three production lamps 12a, respectively, and the production lamps 12a used transmitted light by light emission of the lighting fixtures. Perform production display.

  The front door 4 is provided with a horizontally long production unit 105 at the upper edge. The production unit 105 has a top lamp 37 formed at the center of the upper part thereof, and left and right end parts of the upper part formed as a left top lamp 38 and a right top lamp 39, respectively. Each of these lamps 37, 38, 39 emits light emitted from, for example, a built-in LED, and emits light to execute an effect accompanying the progress of the game.

  The effect unit 105 is equipped with a liquid crystal display 44 in the center of the production unit 105. This liquid crystal display 44 can display an image, character information, etc. on the display screen which faces the front side, and can perform the effect accompanying progress of a game. In addition, the rendering unit 105 includes door speakers (not shown) on both left and right sides thereof. These door speakers can produce effects by outputting sound effects, sounds, BGM, and the like.

  Furthermore, the rendering unit 105 is equipped with a front shutter 81 and a rear shutter 82 on the front side of the display screen. The front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 are doubled forward and backward on the front surface side of the liquid crystal display 44. Among these, the front shutter 81 is located on the front side, and the rear shutter 82 is located on the back side. Yes. The shutters 81 and 82 are paired on the left and right, and the pair of shutters 81 and 82 can slide in the left-right direction like a sliding door along the display screen (line display in FIG. 1) of the liquid crystal display 44. It has become.

  In addition, a left panel lamp 40 and a right panel lamp 42 are installed on the front door 4 along the left and right side edges of the panel portion 12. Further, inside the housing 2, for example, a rear speaker (not shown) is installed on a plate on the back side thereof, and this rear speaker outputs sound effects, sounds, BGM and the like together with the door speaker. The production can be executed.

[Composition of production unit]
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rendering unit 105 as viewed from diagonally forward. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rendering unit 105 as viewed obliquely from the rear. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 as appropriate.

First, the configuration and arrangement inside the rendering unit 105 will be schematically described.
The effect unit 105 has a front cover 206 at the foremost position. The front cover 206 is configured by combining, for example, parts made of synthetic resin, and the top lamp 37 and the left and right top lamps 38 and 39 are integrally formed on an upper edge portion thereof. In addition, a laterally long rectangular window 206a is formed at the center of the front cover 206, and a pair of acoustic ports 206b are also formed on both the left and right sides. A transparent plate is fitted into the rectangular window 206a, and a mesh (or porous) plate is fitted into the acoustic port 206b.

  When viewed from the front side, the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 are arranged in this order on the side of the front cover 206 in order. Further, a guide member 209 is disposed between the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82. The guide member 209 has a function of guiding the pair of left and right front shutters 81 and rear shutters slidably in the left and right directions.

  On the other hand, the rendering unit 105 has the liquid crystal display 44 at the most saddle position. The liquid crystal display 44 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the display screen 71 is directed almost to the front (front). The liquid crystal display 44 is fixed to the back surface of the base member 211 inside the effect unit 105. The base member 211 has a horizontally long rectangular shape, and a rectangular opening 211 a is formed at the center thereof in accordance with the size of the display screen 71. The door member 214 is attached to the base member 211 on both sides of the opening 211a.

Next, details of each unit will be described.
The guide member 209 has a horizontally long upper guide 91 and a lower guide 92 at the upper and lower edges thereof, and the upper and lower guides 91 and 92 are connected to each other via a pair of left and right connecting plates 93. Has been.

  The upper guide 91 is formed with a front door upper rail 911 and a rear door upper rail 912 which are parallel in the vertical direction. These upper rails 911 and 912 guide the upper edge portions of the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. Therefore, each upper rail 911, 912 extends in the left-right direction inside the front cover 206, and its entire length is longer than the horizontal width of the display screen 71. Each of the upper rails 911 and 912 has a U-shape with a longitudinal section opened downward, and a guide groove is formed inside thereof. The front door upper rail 911 is positioned above the rear door upper rail 912.

  One lower guide 92 is formed with a front door lower rail 921 and a rear door lower rail 922 which are parallel in the front-rear direction. The lower rails 921 and 922 also guide the lower edge portions of the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. Similarly, the lower rails 921 and 922 extend in the left-right direction inside the front cover 206, and the total length thereof is longer than the horizontal width of the display screen 71. Each of the lower rails 921 and 922 has a U-shape in which the longitudinal cross-sectional shape is opened upward, and a guide groove is formed inside thereof. The front door lower rail 921 is positioned on the front side of the rear door lower rail 922.

  The left and right connecting plates 93 are spaced apart so as not to shield the display screen 71 of the liquid crystal display 44. Each connecting plate 93 has an upper end attached to the front surface of the rear door upper rail 912, while its lower end is sandwiched between the front door lower rail 921 and the rear door lower rail 922. It is attached. The left and right connecting plates 93 are decorative plates that have almost no light transmittance.

(Shielding member)
The left and right front shutters 81 are roughly composed of a transparent member 811 and a decorative member 812. Among these, the transparent member 811 is a transparent plate (transparent acrylic plate) made of synthetic resin, and the player on the front passes through the transparent member 811 and is behind (rear shutter 82, display screen 71, connecting plate 93, etc.) Is well visible. In the present embodiment, the transparent member 811 can be as transparent (light transmissive) as the display window 14 of the reels 6, 8, 10.

  On the other hand, the decorative member 812 is a part made of synthetic resin that has almost no light transmittance. Each of the transparent members 811 has a semicircular outer shape, and when the left and right transparent members 811 are brought into contact with each other, exactly one circular shape is formed. In addition, the decorative member 812 has a portion corresponding to the transparent member 811 cut out in a semicircular shape, and the transparent member 811 is exactly inside the portion. Note that the transparent member 811 is attached in a state in which the periphery thereof is superimposed on the back surface of the decorative member 812.

  The left and right front shutters 81 are formed with an upper slide portion 813 and a lower slide portion 814 along the upper and lower edges of the decorative member 812. When these upper and lower slide parts 813 and 814 are fitted to the front door upper rail 911 and the front door lower rail 921, the front shutter 81 is moved in the horizontal direction along the front surface of the display screen 71 and the connecting plate 93. It will be in the state supported slidably.

  Next, the left and right rear shutters 82 are roughly composed of a translucent member 823 and a frame body 820. Among these, the translucent member 823 is a cloudy translucent plate (similar to polished glass) made of synthetic resin, for example. The translucent member 823 has a rectangular shape. When the left and right translucent members 823 are brought into contact with each other, the translucent member 823 has a rectangular shape that just covers the display screen 71. Such a translucent member 823 has a light transmittance lower than that of the transparent member 811, and is displayed on the display screen 71 from the player on the front even when it is overlapped with the front of the display screen 71. The displayed image can be visually recognized in a semi-clear manner (not as clear as the transparent member 811). The translucent member 823 has lower light transmittance than the transparent member 811 described above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, of the left and right translucent members 823, a vertically long ridge portion 824 is integrally formed along an inner end edge where these are abutted against each other. The protruding portion 824 protrudes from the inner end edge of the translucent member 823 toward the display screen 71 at a substantially right angle. The rear shutter 82 itself is disposed on the front side of the base member 211 inside the effect unit 105, but the protrusion 824 enters the opening 211 a of the base member 211 and reaches just before the display screen 71. is doing. Such a protrusion 824 increases the bending rigidity of the entire translucent member 823 and reduces the gap between the display screen 71 and the inner edge of the rear shutter 82.

  Note that the transparent member 811 of the front shutter 81 and the translucent member 823 of the rear shutter 82 are each light transmissive, but can be moved on the front side of the display screen 71 of the liquid crystal display 44. The “shielding member” is configured in the embodiment.

  The left and right frame bodies 820 are synthetic resin (or metal) molded parts, each of which corresponds to a translucent member 823 and has a U-shape with an inward opening. The translucent member 823 is attached in a state where the peripheral edge thereof is superimposed on the back surface of the frame body 820.

  The left and right rear shutters 82 are formed with an upper slide portion 821 and a lower slide portion 822 along the upper and lower edges of the frame body 820. When these upper and lower slide parts 821 and 822 are fitted to the rear door upper rail 912 and the rear door lower rail 922, the rear shutter 82 is moved in the horizontal direction along the front surface of the display screen 71 and the connecting plate 93. It will be in the state supported slidably.

  Next, a driving mechanism for sliding the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82 individually will be described.

  Inside the effect unit 105, left and right front door drive units 210A and rear door drive units 210B are provided corresponding to the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82, respectively. Of these, the left and right front door drive units 210A individually move the left and right front shutters 81 in the left-right direction, and are arranged separately on the upper left and right sides on the back surface of the base member 211. The left and right rear door drive units 210 </ b> B individually move the left and right rear shutters 82 in the left and right directions, and are arranged separately on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the base member 211.

  The front door drive unit 210A and the rear door drive unit 210B have stepping motors 203A and 203B as drive sources, respectively. These stepping motors 203A and 203B are base members via upper and lower brackets 202A and 202B, respectively. It is attached to the back surface of 211. The brackets 202A and 202B are provided with pinions 201A and 201B, respectively, and these pinions 201A and 201B receive the power of the stepping motors 203A and 203B and rotate around the vertical axis.

  Here, the left and right front shutters 81 are each formed with a rack 816 on the back surface of the upper slide portion 813. Each of the left and right rear shutters 82 is formed with a rack 825 on the back surface of the lower slide portion 822. On the other hand, the base member 211 is formed with horizontally long slits 212 and 213 on the upper left and right and the lower left and right (a total of four places), respectively. In a state where the production unit 105 is assembled (completed state), the pinions 201A and 201B are partially exposed to the surface side of the base member 211 through the corresponding slits 212 and 213, respectively.

  In this state, when the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82 are attached to the surface of the base member 211 via the guide members 209, each rack 816 meshes with the upper pinion 201A, and each rack 825 has the lower pinion. Engage with 201B. Thereby, the rotation (CW / CCW) of each stepping motor 203A, 203B in both directions can be individually transmitted to the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82, and these can be moved in the left and right directions.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 are attached to the guide member 209. FIG. 5 is a perspective view thereof.

  4 and 5, both the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82 are in positions that do not block the display screen 71. In this state, the display screen 71 is greatly opened toward the front side, and the display screen 71 can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent plate (rectangular window 206a) of the front cover 206.

  On the other hand, by operating the front door drive unit 210A and the rear door drive unit 210B from the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the display screen 71 partially displays the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82. It can be moved to a position that is totally shielded. At this time, the movement of the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 in the left-right direction is guided to the corresponding upper rails 911, 912 and lower rails 921, 922, respectively. At the position where the display screen 71 is totally shielded, both the left and right front shutters 81 and the rear shutter 82 are overlapped with the front surface of the display screen 71. Therefore, when viewed from the player, the display screen 71 is shielded by the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82.

[Configuration related to control]
Next, a configuration related to the control of the slot machine 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the slot machine 1. In terms of the configuration related to the control of the slot machine 1, the electronic devices are roughly divided into a game control group shown on the upper side in FIG. 6 and an effect control group shown on the lower side.

[Game Control Group]
The slot machine 1 is equipped with a main control computer 100 (microcomputer), and the main control computer 100 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of games in the slot machine 1. The main control computer 100 is equipped with a circuit board on which a main control CPU 102 that is a central processing unit is mounted. A semiconductor memory such as a ROM 104 and a RAM 106 is connected to the main control CPU 102 through a bus. The main control CPU 102 may be configured as a package in which the ROM 104 and the RAM 106 are integrated.

  The main control computer 100 is also equipped with a random number generator 108, a random number sampling circuit 110, a clock pulse generation circuit 112, an I / O (input / output interface) 114, and the like, which are the main control CPU 102, ROM 104, and RAM 106. At the same time, it is mounted on a circuit board. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  The 1 bet button 30 and the MAX bet button 32 described above are equipped with a 1 bet button switch 118 and a MAX bet button switch 116 for detecting respective operations. The operation of throwing medals into the game (insertion operation) is detected using the respective bet button switches 116 and 118.

  Two medal sensors 120a and 120b are also provided on the guide path of the medal selector (reference numeral 120 in the figure). Among these, the upstream medal sensor 120a is located on the upstream side on the guide path, and the downstream medal sensor 120b is located on the downstream side. These upstream and downstream medal sensors 120a and 120b can detect an operation (insertion operation) in which the player throws a medal into the game through the medal insertion slot 16 by sequentially detecting medals passing through the guide path. In addition, the medal sensors 120a and 120b can detect a medal inserted as a credit storage amount instead of being thrown into the game. Note that the medal sensors 120a and 120b are also used for detecting clogging or reverse running of medals.

  Detection signals from the bet button switches 116 and 118 and the medal sensors 120a and 120b are input to the main control CPU 102, and the main control CPU 102 accepts an insertion operation by the player or determines the number of credits stored based on the input detection signals. Add or subtract.

  Similarly, the start lever 18 described above is equipped with a start switch 122 that detects its operation. An operation (starting operation) of the start lever 18 performed by the player is detected using the start switch 122. The three stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 corresponding to the reels 6, 8, and 10 are respectively provided with a left stop switch 124, an intermediate stop switch 125, and a right stop switch 126. When the player operates the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 (stop operation), a left reel stop signal, a middle reel stop signal, and a right reel stop signal are individually output from the stop switches 124, 125, and 126, respectively. The detection signal from the start switch 122 and the left / middle / right reel stop signals from the stop switches 124, 125, 126 are input to the main control CPU 102. The main control CPU 102 performs a process of accepting a start operation or a stop operation by the player based on the input detection signal or the left / middle / right reel stop signal. The main control computer 100 receives an operation signal for the settlement button 34, and the main control CPU 102 executes a medal payout process for the number of credits based on the operation signal.

  The three reels 6, 8, and 10 are installed inside the housing 2 in the form of one reel unit 128, for example. The reel unit 128 includes a left reel motor 128a, a middle reel motor 128b, and a right reel motor 128c corresponding to the reels 6, 8, and 10, respectively. These reel motors 128a, 128b, and 128c are all stepping motors, and are respectively equipped with a left reel index sensor 128d, a middle reel index sensor 128e, and a right reel index sensor 128f. The main control computer 100 is formed with a motor drive circuit and a reel position detection circuit (not shown). The main control CPU 102 applies drive pulses (for example, 1-2 phase) to the reel motors 128a, 128b, and 128c through the motor drive circuit. Excitation signal) is output, and the reels 6, 8, 10 are controlled to rotate or stop at a predetermined position. The reel position detection circuit generates a reel position detection signal based on the index signal from each reel index sensor 128d, 128e, 128f, and outputs it to the main control CPU 102. The main control CPU 102 can detect the position (for example, the number of steps from the reference position) related to the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10 based on the reel position detection signal. The position relating to the rotation is a material for determining what kind of symbol is displayed at which position in the display window 14 for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  The payout device 134 includes a hopper motor 134b for actually paying out medals, a payout sensor 134a for detecting medals actually paid out, and also has a function as a hopper for storing inserted medals. The payout device 134 is installed, for example, on the bottom surface of the housing 2, and the hopper portion for storing medals has a large top surface. The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 16 and passed through the guide path of the medal selector 120 are dropped onto the hopper portion of the payout device 134 by the eaves of the front door 4. The payout device 134 can rotate the hopper motor 134b to inject medals one by one continuously toward the front of the slot machine 1. The injected medals are guided to the medal outlet 26 on the back side of the front door 4 and are paid out to the medal tray 28.

  A medal overflow tank (not shown) is installed adjacent to the payout device 134 on the bottom surface of the housing 2. When the hopper portion of the payout device 134 is filled with medals, the overflowed amount is stored in the medal overflow tank. Although a considerable amount of medals can be accommodated in the medal overflow tank, when the medal overflow tank is full, the medals are scattered inside the housing 2. For this reason, an overflow sensor 148 is installed inside the housing 2, and an overflow signal is output from the overflow sensor 148 when a medal stays in the medal overflow tank to some extent. When receiving the overflow signal, the main control CPU 102 generates, for example, an error state or outputs the overflow signal to the outside. In the case where an automatic medal replenishment / collection mechanism is attached to the island facility, it is not necessary to install a medal overflow tank and an overflow sensor 148.

  The main control CPU 102 of the main control computer 100 performs a process of outputting a drive signal to the hopper motor 134b to execute medal payout, credit settlement, and the like. When a medal is actually paid out from the payout device 134, a detection signal from the payout sensor 134a is input to the main control CPU 102. The main control CPU 102 counts the number of payouts based on the input detection signal, and performs a process of stopping the motor drive when the specified payout number is reached.

  The main control computer 100 is connected to the medal sensors 120a and 120b and the medal blocker 102c of the medal selector 120 described above. Each of the medal sensors 120 a and 120 b is, for example, a transmissive photo interrupter, and each detection signal (ON / OFF) is input to the main control CPU 102 of the main control computer 100. The solenoid of the medal blocker 120c is excited based on a drive signal from the main control CPU 102.

  The credit display unit 12b, the start lamp 12c, the insert lamp 12d, the replay lamp 12e, the bet lamp 12g, the payout number display unit 12f, and the game state display unit 12h described above are collectively referred to as the game information display device 140 in terms of the configuration related to control. can do. For example, the game information display device 140 may include a lighting device (incandescent lamp or LED) of the game state display unit 12h, a credit display unit 12b, and a 7 segment LED of the payout number display unit 12f, or a start lamp 12c, an insert lamp 12d, and a replay. The lamp 12e and the bed lamp 12g are composed of LEDs. The main control computer 100 is formed with a lamp driving circuit (not shown), and the main control CPU 102 controls the game information display device 140 through the lamp driving circuit and operates (turns on or off) various display units and lamps. To perform the process. Further, the main control CPU 102 performs a process of operating the solenoid of the medal blocker 120c while driving the insert lamp 12d.

  The game information display device 140 includes three stop button LEDs 140a and a bet button LED 140b. Of these, three stop button LEDs 140a are built into the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 one by one, and each stop button 20, 22, and 24 emits light or changes its emission color. . The main control CPU 102 performs a process of turning on the corresponding stop button LED 140a or lighting it with a predetermined emission color in a state where the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 can be pressed (stop operation). The bet button LED 140b is built in, for example, the MAX bet button 32, and the MAX bet button 32 emits light (or blinks) by the bet button LED 140b. The main control CPU 102 performs a process of turning on (or flashing) the bet button LED 140b in a state where the MAX bet button 32 can be pressed (insertion operation).

  In addition, a setting key switch 144, a setting change switch 146, a door sensor 147, and the like are installed inside the housing 2. The main control CPU 102 receives a setting change mode switching signal from the setting key switch 144, a setting change signal from the setting change switch 146, a front door opening signal from the door sensor 147, and the like. The setting key switch 144 is provided, for example, in a power supply unit (not shown), and this setting key switch 144 can be operated using a dedicated setting change key in a state where the front door 4 is opened by the game hall manager. it can. The setting change switch 146 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the front door 4, and the setting change switch 146 is also operated by the manager of the game hall. In any case, when the front door 4 is opened, the door sensor 147 outputs a front door opening signal.

  For example, when a setting change mode switching signal is input when the slot machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 102 shifts to the setting change mode and performs a process of receiving an input of the setting change signal from the setting change switch 146. “Setting” is for changing a predetermined machine allocation of the slot machine 1 into a plurality of stages. For example, “setting” includes stages 1 to 6. Note that details such as “setting” and changes thereof are omitted here.

  Further, the main control CPU 102 can output signals (a medal-in signal, a medal-out signal, a game status signal, an overflow signal, a front door opening signal, etc.) to the outside of the slot machine 1 through the external concentration terminal board 149. The signal output from the external concentration terminal board 149 is managed by, for example, a hall computer in a game hall.

[Direction control group]
Apart from the main control computer 100, the slot machine 1 includes a sub-control computer 150 (microcomputer) as a control configuration. This sub-control computer 150 controls the production accompanying the progress of the game in the slot machine 1. The sub-control computer 150 is equipped with a circuit board on which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 154 and a RAM 156 is mounted, as well as a sub-control CPU 152 which is a central processing unit. The sub-control CPU 152 controls the effect based on the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 102. The sub control CPU 152 may be configured as an LSI package in which the ROM 154 and the RAM 156 are integrated.

  The sub-control computer 150 is provided with various peripheral ICs such as a lamp driving circuit 158, an acoustic driving circuit 160, a time measuring circuit 162, and an I / O 163, as well as a clock pulse generating circuit (not shown). Of these, the lamp driving circuit 158 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs, and switches (or switches duty) the driving voltage applied to various LEDs to emit light, flash, and so on. Manage behavior. The sub control CPU 152 performs an effect by the light emission operation of the top lamp 37, the left and right top lamps 38 and 39, the left and right panel lamps 40 and 42, and the effect lamp 12a through the lamp driving circuit 158. Further, the reel unit 128 is provided with a reel lamp 164 and a back lamp 166 as lighting fixtures, and the lamps 164 and 166 are also controlled to be lit through a lamp driving circuit 158. The sub-control CPU 152 illuminates the surfaces of the reels 6, 8, 10 with the reel lamp 164, or irradiates transmitted light (backlight) from the inner peripheral side of the reels 6, 8, 10 with the back lamp 166. Illuminate and perform. In addition, a decorative lamp 168 is installed on the front door 4 of the slot machine 1. The decoration lamp 168 is for illuminating the front decoration panel 36, and the decoration lamp 168 is also controlled to be turned on through the lamp driving circuit 158.

  The acoustic drive circuit 160 includes, for example, a sound ROM, a sequencer, an amplifier (all not shown), and the like. When the sub-control CPU 152 instructs the sound drive circuit 160 to specify the sound effect pattern data number, the sequencer sequentially reads out the sound source file of the specified number from the sound ROM, converts it to analog, and outputs it to the amplifier. The acoustic drive circuit 160 drives the left and right door speakers 214 and the rear speaker 174 through an amplifier, and outputs sound, music, etc. for production.

  The time measurement circuit 162 is a measurement IC that incorporates a self-clock, a nonvolatile memory, a backup power supply (capacitor), and the like. The time measuring circuit 162 updates the current time information stored in the nonvolatile memory with the passage of time while appropriately dividing the clock pulse and counting the passage of time. The current time information can be output externally in response to a read request from the sub control CPU 152, for example.

  The liquid crystal display 44 is mounted on the back side of the front door 4 in a state of being incorporated in the liquid crystal unit 176. The liquid crystal unit 176 includes a liquid crystal control device 178, and this liquid crystal control device 178 controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 44. The liquid crystal controller 178 is equipped with a circuit board on which a VDP 178b is mounted together with the display control CPU 178a. In addition to the semiconductor memory such as the ROM 178c, the RAM 178d, the image ROM 178e, and the VRAM 178f, the liquid crystal control device 178 is mounted with an I / O 178g. The VRAM 178f can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 154 of the sub-control computer 150 stores a basic program related to the control of the effect, and the sub-control CPU 152 executes the control of the effect according to this program. The effects include effects related to the sound output and the light emission operation as described above, and effects due to image display using the liquid crystal display 44. The sub-control CPU 152 transmits basic information related to the effect to the display control CPU 178a, and the display control CPU 178a that receives the information performs a control to specifically display the image for effect based on the basic information. .

  The display control CPU 178a outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 178b, and the VDP 178b receiving the access signal accesses the storage area of the image ROM 178e based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and reads it into the VRAM 178f. Forward. Further, the VDP 178b develops the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 178f, and individually drives each pixel of the liquid crystal display 44 based on the buffered image data.

  The above stepping motors 203 </ b> A and 203 </ b> B are incorporated as part of the rendering unit 105 as the shutter unit 180, and are mounted on the back side of the front door 4 together with the liquid crystal unit 176. The shutter unit 180 includes a motor drive circuit 182, and the rotation direction and rotation angle of the stepping motors 203A and 203B are controlled by the motor drive circuit 182. The motor drive circuit 182 includes a circuit board on which a motor control CPU 182a, a ROM 182b, a RAM 182c, and an I / O 182d are mounted.

  The sub control CPU 152 of the sub control computer 150 transmits a shutter drive command to the motor control CPU 182a of the motor drive circuit 182. This shutter drive command includes basic information regarding the operations of the left and right front shutters 81 and rear shutters 82. The motor control CPU 182a outputs drive pulses to the stepping motors 203A and 203B based on the received shutter drive command, and controls the rotation direction and rotation angle thereof. Thus, the slide operation is performed so that the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 are opened and closed on the front side of the liquid crystal display 44 as requested by the shutter drive command.

  Motor sensors 204A and 204B (detection means) are attached to the respective stepping motors 203A and 203B, and these motor sensors 204A and 204B are proportional to the rotation angle (number of steps) of each stepping motor 203A and 203B from the reference position. Output the specified number of pulse signals. For example, the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 both have a fully open position (a state where they are not shielded) that open the display screen 71 as a reference position, and the stepping motors 203A and 203B move the shutters 81 and 82 to the front side of the display screen 71 from there. When the motor is rotated in the direction of movement, the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle is output from the motor sensors 204A and 204B. Since the number of pulses at this time is proportional to the moving distance of each shutter 81, 82, the motor control CPU 182a can detect the current position of each shutter 81, 82 from the counted number of pulses.

  In this embodiment, the pulses of the motor sensors 204A and 204B are also input to the liquid crystal unit 176, and the display control CPU 178a determines the current position of each shutter 81 and 82 from the counted number of pulses, as with the motor control CPU 182a. Can be detected. The motor sensors 204A and 204B may not be connected to the liquid crystal unit 176, and the current position detected by the motor control CPU 182a may be transmitted to the display control CPU 178a of the liquid crystal unit 176.

  In addition, although not shown, the above-described power supply unit is built in the housing 2. This power supply unit takes in external power (for example, AC 100V, 24V, etc.) from the island facility, and generates necessary power (for example, DC 24V, 12V, etc.) therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply unit is supplied to various parts of the slot machine 1, including the main control computer 100, the sub control computer 150, the reel unit 128, the payout device 134, and the rendering unit 105.

  The above is a configuration example regarding the control of the slot machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 102 and the sub control CPU 152 will be described. In the following, description of processes that are not directly related to the present embodiment (power-on process, setting change process, power failure process, timer interrupt process, etc.) will be omitted.

[Main processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main processing executed by the main control CPU 102. This main process is executed after the slot machine 1 is powered on. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S10: In the medal insertion process, the main control CPU 102 confirms the detection signals from the medal sensors 120a and 120b or the bet button sensors 116 and 118. Upon receiving any detection signal, the main control CPU 102 increments a bet number counter on the RAM 106, for example, and outputs a drive signal to the game information display device 140 accordingly. As a result, the bet lamp 12g performs display (1 to 3 lighting displays) according to the value of the bet number counter.

  When the bet number counter reaches an upper limit (for example, 3), the main control CPU 102 invalidates the operation of the bet buttons 30 and 32 and accordingly outputs a drive signal to the game information display device 140. Thereby, for example, the bet button LED 140b built in the MAX bet button 32 is turned off, but the insert lamp 12d is continuously turned on. Further, the main control CPU 102 confirms the detection signals from the medal sensors 120a and 120b and receives the detection signals. For example, the main control CPU 102 increments the credit number counter on the RAM 106 and accordingly sends a drive signal to the game information display device 140. Output. Thereby, numerical display according to the credit counter is performed in the credit display unit 12b.

  Note that each time the main control CPU 102 receives detection signals from the medal sensors 120 a and 120 b or the bet button sensors 116 and 118, it sends an insertion process command to the sub control CPU 152. The insertion processing command includes information indicating that a player's insertion operation or credit addition operation has been accepted, and also includes information such as the value of the bet number counter and the value of the credit number counter at that time, for example. ing.

  Step S12: In the start lever process, when the value of the bet number counter reaches the required number (for example, 3), the main control CPU 102 can accept the operation of the start lever 18, and the game information display device 140 is driven accordingly. Output a signal. As a result, the start lamp 12c is turned on.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 102 determines whether or not the required number of medals have been inserted and the start lever 18 has been operated. These conditions can be determined based on the value of the bet number counter and the detection signal from the start switch 122. The main control CPU 102 refers to the value of the bet number counter to check whether or not the detection signal from the start switch 122 is input. If any of the conditions is not satisfied (No), the main control CPU 102 performs step. Repeat steps S10 to S14.

  When the detection signal from the start switch 122 is received in step S14, the main control CPU 102 disables the operation of the start lever 18, and accordingly outputs a drive signal to the game information display device 140. As a result, both the start lamp 12c and the insert lamp 12d are turned off. Further, the main control CPU 102 operates the above-described medal blocker 102 c and switches the path leading from the medal insertion port 16 to the guide path to the medal discharge port 26.

  When the main control CPU 102 receives a detection signal from the start switch 122, it outputs a start operation command to the transmission request buffer. The start operation command includes information indicating that the operation of the start lever 18 by the player has been accepted. At the same time, the main control CPU 102 outputs the number of medal-in signals through the external concentration terminal board 149.

  Step S16: If it is determined that both conditions are satisfied in the previous step S14 (Yes), the main control CPU 102 performs a lottery process next. In the lottery process, the main control CPU 102 acquires a random number (for example, any one of 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) from the random number generator 108 and saves the value in the random number storage area of the RAM 106. Then, the main control CPU 102 refers to the lottery table read from the ROM 104 and determines whether the acquired random number value corresponds to any winning value. In the lottery table, several winning ranges and non-winning ranges are defined among all random values (0 to 65535), and some winning type (winning role) is assigned to the winning range. .

  The winning types include “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, “Special Role”, “Replay”, “Replay”, “7” and “BAR”. There are special roles to do. Note that “7” corresponds to a plurality of winning types depending on the difference in color. Some winning ranges also serve as a plurality of winning types. For example, one winning range may serve both as a small role “Watermelon” and a special role “7”, or as a small role “Cherry” and a special role “7”. In any case, the winning probability (N / 65536) is determined by the number (N) of winning values in the total number of random numbers (65536). The lottery table is prepared for each of the above-mentioned “setting 1” to “setting 6”. Generally, “setting 1” has the lowest winning probability, and “setting 6” has the highest winning probability.

  Further, the main control CPU 102 sets a lottery result flag in the flag storage area of the RAM 106 based on the lottery result. The lottery result flag is internal information used to determine the result of the lottery performed in the current game. The lottery result flag remains the default value (for example, “0”) if the lottery result is non-winning. If the lottery result is winning, the winning number (for example, “1” to “36”) corresponding to the type of winning at that time. ) Is set.

  When the main control CPU 102 performs the lottery process, the main control CPU 102 transmits a winning number command to the sub control CPU 152. The winning number command includes information indicating whether the result of the lottery is non-winning or, if it is a win, which winning type is applicable. Subsequently, the main control CPU 102 transmits the start operation command to the sub control CPU 152.

  Step S18: Next, the main control CPU 102 executes a rotating rotation process. In this process, the main control CPU 102 checks the elapsed time since the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10 was started in the previous game. When the main control CPU 102 starts the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10 in the previous game, the main control CPU 102 writes timekeeping information (for example, 4.1 seconds) into a timer register, for example, and then the value of the register at a predetermined interrupt cycle Is decremented. In step S18, the main control CPU 102 refers to the value of the register. If the value is not 0, the main control CPU 102 waits as it is, and if the value is 0, outputs a drive pulse to the reel motors 128a, 128b, 128c. . Thereby, the three reels 6, 8, and 10 start to rotate.

  Step S20: When the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotated, the main control CPU 102 next executes a rotation stopping process. This process corresponds to so-called “reel control”. When the main control CPU 102 confirms that the rotation speeds of the reels 6, 8, 10 have become constant, the main control CPU 102 enables the functions of the stop switches 124, 125, 126 for the stop buttons 20, 22, 24. The main control CPU 102 also performs the process of turning on the stop button LED 140a built in the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 and switching the emission color as described above.

  Next, the main control CPU 102 sets the table address of the ROM 104 storing the reel control table corresponding to the lottery result flag in the register. In the reel control table, information for individually controlling the stop positions of the reels 6, 8, and 10 is recorded in advance. Specifically, the number of steps from the time when the main control CPU 102 receives the detection signals from the stop switches 124, 125, 126 until the stepping motors of the reels 6, 8, 10 are stopped (drive pulse output in symbol units). The number of times) is recorded, and normally within 4 symbols (the number of steps for 4 symbols) after the stop operation is performed is the maximum allowable stop range.

  Actually, when the reel stop signal is received for any one of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24, the main control CPU 102 adjusts the drive pulse signal to be output to the stepping motor based on the reel control table, and the corresponding reel 6,8. , 10 stop positions are controlled. As a result, in the display window 14, the symbols that should not be stopped on the effective line are expelled, or on the contrary, symbols that may be stopped are pulled in (so-called “slip”).

  When the main control CPU 102 receives detection signals from the stop switches 124, 125, 126 for any of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24, the main control CPU 102 controls the operation of the reel motors 128a, 128b, 128c based on the reel control table. . In addition, the main control CPU 102 sets, for example, a first stop flag, a second stop flag, and a third stop flag on the RAM 106 in the order in which detection signals are received from the stop switches 124, 125, and 126, and reels that have already stopped. For 6, 8, and 10, the stopped flag is set for each.

  When the main control CPU 102 executes the spinning stop processing, the main control CPU 102 transmits an operation spinning command, a pressed position command, and a stop position command to the sub control CPU 152. Among these, the operation spinning command includes information indicating which of the left reel 6, the middle reel 8, and the right reel 10 has been stopped. In addition, the pressed position command includes information indicating which symbols are pressed in the state where the symbols are positioned in the display window 14 for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10. The stop position command includes information indicating the stop position of each of the reels 6, 8, 10, that is, the type of symbol (so-called “out”) stopped at each of the upper, middle, and lower positions in the display window 14. included.

  In the spinning stop processing, the main control CPU 102 individually controls the stop positions of the reels 6, 8, and 10 based on the reel control table. As a result, the symbols corresponding to the winning type are stopped on the effective line as much as possible. For example, consider a case where the symbol corresponding to the winning type is “watermelon”, the three reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotating, and the player first performs a stop operation on the left reel 6. At this time, for example, when the stop button 20 is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol is positioned in the upper stage, information for causing slipping, for example, two symbols, is stored in the reel control table with respect to the pressed position. For example, in order to stop the “watermelon” symbol at the lower position, not at the upper position, the main control CPU 102 stops the reel 6 at a position where it has been rotated by two symbols. For the other middle reel 8 and right reel 10, when the stop buttons 22 and 24 are respectively pressed, four frames (for four symbols) are counted in the circumferential direction (upward) from the symbol located on the lower effective line. ) If a “watermelon” symbol is present within (), the “watermelon” symbol is pulled in by reel control and stops on the lower effective line. However, if a “watermelon” symbol is present at the lower position (a position that does not pass the effective line) at this time, the process stops at the lower position. As described above, since the range in which the symbols can be stopped by the reel control table is determined in advance, the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the active line depending on the timing at which the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are operated. .

  Step S22: The main control CPU 102 determines whether or not all of the three reels 6, 8, and 10 have been stopped. If any one of the reels 6, 8, and 10 is still rotating (No), the main control CPU 102 executes the rotation stopping process in step S20. If it is determined that all the three reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped (Yes), the main control CPU 102 proceeds to the next step S24.

  Step S24: When all the three reels 6, 8, and 10 are stopped, the main control CPU 102 performs a result determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 102 determines the game result based on the combination mode of symbols stopped on the active line in the display window 14. As described above, when the combination mode in which three “watermelon” symbols are aligned and stopped is displayed on the lower effective line, the main control CPU 102 determines that the small part of “watermelon” has been won. In addition to this, when the combination mode of the symbol “Bell” is displayed or the combination mode of the symbol “Cherry” is displayed, the main control CPU 102 makes small roles of “Bell” and “Cherry”, respectively. It is determined that has won a prize.

  Alternatively, when the “replay” symbol combination mode is displayed, the main control CPU 102 determines that the game result is a replay. If the symbol combination mode of “7” is displayed, the main control CPU 102 determines the game result as a transition to the special gaming state. In particular, if the symbol combination mode does not correspond to winning, replaying, or transition to the special gaming state, the main control CPU 102 determines the game result as “other”. Even if it is determined that “other” is not won in the lottery or is won, the combination mode of symbols corresponding to the winning can be displayed in the turning stop processing in step S20. This is the case. In the former case, it is a so-called “off”, but in the latter case, the timing at which the player operates the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 does not meet the conditions of the reel control table. “Missed” or intentional “Remove”.

  When it is determined in the result determination process that a small role has been won, the main control CPU 102 writes the value of the corresponding number of payouts (for example, 10, 15 etc.) on the RAM 106. In other cases, the main control CPU 102 keeps the value of the number of payouts at 0 (default). Further, the main control CPU 102 transmits a determination result command to the sub control CPU 152. The determination result command includes information indicating the type of determination result of the game (non-winning, winning, replaying, transition to a special gaming state, etc.).

  Step S26: When the result of the game is determined, the main control CPU 102 next performs a payout process. In this process, the main control CPU 102 controls the operation of the payout device 134 with reference to the value of the payout amount recorded in the RAM 106. In the credit mode, the main control CPU 102 refers to the value of the credit number counter if a value other than 0 is recorded in the planned number of payouts, and if the maximum number is not reached, the value of the planned payout number is used as the credit number counter. And subtract that amount from the expected payout number. When the value of the credit number counter reaches the maximum number, the main control CPU 102 outputs a drive signal to the motor of the payout device 134 to actually execute the medal payout operation. When the main control CPU 102 receives the detection signal from the payout sensor 134a of the payout device 134, the main control CPU 102 subtracts the detection signal from the expected payout number, and stops the motor of the payout device 134 when the value becomes zero. Further, the main control CPU 102 outputs a driving signal to the game information display device 140, and displays the number of medals awarded by winning (number added to credit + number of medals actually paid out). Execute the process of displaying numerical values.

  Further, when executing the payout process, the main control CPU 102 transmits a post-rotation stop command and a payout number command to the sub-control CPU 152. The post-rotation stop command includes information indicating that all reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped. The payout number command includes information indicating the number of medals to be paid out in the current game. Note that when the medals are actually paid out, the main control CPU 102 outputs the medal-out signals for the number of sheets through the external concentration terminal board 149.

  When it is determined that the game is replayed in the result determination process, the main control CPU 102 holds (or restores) the value of the bet number counter stored in the current game, and proceeds to step S10. In this case, the insertion of a new medal is not accepted as described above. Further, when it is determined in the result determination process that the transition to the special game state is made, the main control CPU 102 sets a special game state flag on the RAM 106, and shifts to a special game process different from the main process, for example. In other cases, the main control CPU 102 deletes the winning flag, ends the payout process, and returns to step S10. However, if the winning flag corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state (for example, the one corresponding to the symbol “7”) is set, it is determined that the symbol combination mode is not displayed in the result determination process. In this case, the main control CPU 102 ends the payout process without deleting the winning flag, and returns to step S10. As a result, the winning flag is carried over to the next and subsequent games.

  Although not specifically shown, when the process proceeds to the above-described special game process, the main control CPU 102 controls the progress of the game in a special game state such as a “big bonus game” or a “regular bonus game”. At the same time, the main control CPU 102 outputs a game status signal indicating “in bonus” through the external concentration terminal board 149. In this case, the main control CPU 102 erases the winning flag on the RAM 106, and rewrites the basic game information (required number, lottery table, etc.) acquired from the ROM 104 to that in the special game. Thereby, a game progresses on the conditions different from the normal time (normal game state) before shifting to a special game state. In particular, the lottery table has a higher chance of winning a small role than the normal one, so every time you win a small role with a high probability, and as a result, you will receive a medal payout with a high frequency. Is given to the player. Note that the special game state ends with a game when the number of payouts during that time has reached the specified number.

[Production control main processing]
Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the effect control main process executed by the sub control CPU 152. This effect control main process is executed after the slot machine 1 is powered on. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S40: The sub-control CPU 152 executes a command waiting process. In the command wait process, the sub control CPU 152 waits for a command transmitted from the main control CPU 102. Normally, commands transmitted from the main control CPU 102 as the game progresses are as follows in chronological order.

(1) Insertion processing command: This indicates that an insertion operation for inserting a medal or pressing the bet buttons 30 and 32 is accepted.
(2) Winning number command: If the result of the lottery is non-winning or winning, this indicates the winning type (small role, replay, bonus).
(3) Start operation command: Indicates that a start operation for depressing the start lever 18 has been accepted.
(4) Revolving rotation command: Indicates that the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10 has started (revolving start).
(5) Operation spinning command: Indicates which of the left reel 6, middle reel 8, and right reel 10 the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 are operated.
(6) Pressed position command: For each reel 6, 8, and 10, this indicates which symbol is positioned on the effective line at which the stop button 20, 22, 24 is pressed.
(7) Stop number command: This indicates which symbol has been stopped on the active line for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10.
(8) Judgment result command: Represents judgment results such as non-winning, winning, replaying, transition to special game.
(9) Command after stop of rotation: Indicates that all reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped.
(10) Payout number command: Represents the number of medals to be paid out.
(11) Game status command: Indicates an internal state of a normal game, a bonus game, or the like.

  The commands (1) to (9) are transmitted in order according to the reception of a series of operations by the player for each game. Therefore, when receiving one of the commands in the command waiting process, the sub control CPU 152 analyzes the type of the command through the following steps S42, S44, S46, and S48, and branches the process based on the result. The payout number command (10) is transmitted when a small role is won, and the game status command (11) is transmitted according to the internal state of the main control CPU 102, for example.

  Step S42: When a command is received from the main control CPU 102 in the command waiting process, the sub-control CPU 152 determines whether or not the command type relates to lottery. The command relating to the lottery corresponds to the winning number command of (2) above.

  Step S44: If the command received from the main control CPU 102 is not a lottery command (step S42: No), the sub-control CPU 152 determines whether or not the command type relates to an operation. The commands related to the operation correspond to, for example, the input processing command (1), the start operation command (3), and the operation spinning command (5).

  Step S46: If the command received from the main control CPU 102 is not a command relating to further operation (step S44: No), the sub control CPU 152 determines whether or not the command type corresponds to the stop number command of (7) above. .

  Step S48: If the command received from the main control CPU 102 does not correspond to the stop number command (step S46: No), the sub control CPU 152 determines whether the command type corresponds to the determination result command of (8) above. Determine whether. In this case, it may be determined whether or not it corresponds to the command after the rotation stop of (9).

  Step S50: If the command received from the main control CPU 102 does not correspond to the spinning stop command (step S48: No), the sub-control CPU 152 executes other processing. For example, when the above-described spinning cylinder rotation command (4) is received, the sub-control CPU 152 gives an instruction to output a reel starting sound to the acoustic drive circuit 160, for example. Thereby, when the reels 6, 8, and 10 start to rotate, an effect of outputting sound effects from the speakers 214 and 174 is executed.

  Further, when a command related to an error (medal reverse, medal jamming, medal shortage, etc.) is received from the main control CPU 102 in step S50, the sub control CPU 152 outputs error information to the acoustic drive circuit 160, the lamp drive circuit 158, and the display control CPU 178a. Give instructions to do. At this time, the sub-control CPU 152 transmits a shutter full-open command to the motor control CPU 182a in order to open the front surface of the display screen 71. Alternatively, when the pressing position command (6) is received from the main control CPU 102, the sub control CPU 152 stores the command content in the RAM 156 for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  Step S52: The sub-control CPU 152 performs lottery of effect contents. This lottery is performed based on, for example, an “effect lottery table” stored in the ROM 154. The “effect lottery table” is used to select one of the effect pattern numbers with a predetermined probability from among a plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance for each winning number. For example, ten production patterns are prepared for the winning number of “Watermelon”, and “Production lottery” is selected to select one of the production pattern numbers (1 to 10) with a probability of 6500/65536. When the “table” is stored, the sub control CPU 152, upon obtaining the effect lottery random number (any one of 0 to 65535), executes the effect content lottery with reference to the “effect lottery table”. As a result, if the random value corresponds to the winning value of any effect pattern number, the effect is won. On the other hand, if the random value does not correspond to the winning value of any effect pattern number, it means that the effect is not won.

  Step S54: The sub-control CPU 152 confirms whether or not the lottery of effect contents has been won in the previous step S52. In the case of non-winning (No), the sub-control CPU 152 returns to the command waiting process of step S40 and does not instruct execution of the effect in this game. In this case, a normal image is still displayed on the liquid crystal display 44. A normal image shows a situation where a person such as a character is present in a background (stage) that recalls a certain place or scene, for example. That does not show any significant development).

  Step S56: If the lottery of the contents of the effect is won in the previous step S54 (Yes), the sub control CPU 152 acquires the effect basic data. The production group basic data is acquired by referring to the “production basic data table” stored in the ROM 154, for example. The acquired effect basic data is saved in a buffer area of the RAM 156, for example. An example of the production basic data will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  The above steps S54 to S56 are the processes when the operation of the start lever 18 is accepted, but the following processes are performed when any other input operation or stop operation is accepted.

  Step S60: When a command related to the operation is received from the main control CPU 102 (step S44: Yes), the sub control CPU 152 confirms whether or not there is an effect scheduled to be executed. Specifically, the sub control CPU 152 accesses the storage area on the RAM 156 and confirms the presence or absence of the effect basic data acquired in the previous step S56. At this time, if it is confirmed that the production basic data has been acquired (Yes), the sub-control CPU 152 proceeds to the next step S62.

  Step S62: The sub control CPU 152 executes an effect execution process. In this process, the performance operation by the liquid crystal display 44, the speakers 214 and 174, the top lamp 38, the left and right panel lamps 40 and 42, the shutter unit 180, and the like is actually controlled. The control of the liquid crystal display 44 and the shutter unit 180 will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S64: Even if the command related to the operation is received in the previous step S40, if it is not confirmed that the effect basic data has been acquired at that time (step S60: No), the sub control CPU 152 executes other effect processing. . This process is the same type as step S50. For example, when the insertion processing command (1) has been received, the sub-control CPU 152 gives an instruction to the acoustic drive circuit 160 to output a medal insertion sound. Alternatively, when the operation rotating command (5) has been received, the sub-control CPU 152 gives an instruction to the acoustic drive circuit 160 to output a reel stop sound. Thereby, the effect which outputs various sound effects from the speaker 214,174 according to operation by a player is performed.

  Step S66: When the stop number command (7) is received from the main control CPU 102 (Step S46: Yes), the sub control CPU 152 determines which position of the stopped reels 6, 8, and 10, that is, within the display window 14. Whether the symbol is displayed (so-called “stop appearance”) is stored in the RAM 156.

  Step S <b> 68: The sub-control CPU 152 executes an output effect process based on the stop output stored in the RAM 156. For example, assume that the middle reel 8 stops after the left reel 6 and the right reel 10 is still rotating. The sub-control CPU 152 refers to the stop event stored in the RAM 156, and for the two of the left reel 6 and the middle reel 8, up to two “7” symbols are aligned on the effective line (so-called “tempe”). If it is confirmed that it is in the state of (2), the sound drive circuit 160 and the lamp drive circuit 158 are instructed to produce an outcome. Thereby, for example, effects such as outputting sound effects (so-called “tempered sound”) from the speakers 214 and 174 and lighting and blinking the left and right panel lamps 40 and 42 are executed. If there is no particular need to execute an effect (if it is not a so-called “temple”), the sub-control CPU 152 does not instruct the effect in step S68.

  Step S70: When the determination result command (8) is received from the main control CPU 102 (step S48: Yes), the sub control CPU 152 executes a result determination effect process. In this process, the sub control CPU 152 determines whether the determination result of the current game corresponds to non-winning, winning, or replaying based on the determination result command of (8). Further, the sub-control CPU 152 refers to the stop event stored in the RAM 156 and confirms the combination mode of the symbols displayed on the effective line by the three reels 6, 8, and 10. For example, when the determination result is “winning” and it is confirmed that a combination mode in which three symbols such as “bell” and “watermelon” are arranged on the active line is displayed, the sub control CPU 152 causes the acoustic drive circuit 160 to display. In addition, the lamp driving circuit 158 is instructed to win a prize. Accordingly, a medal payout sound (credit increase sound) is output from the speakers 214 and 174, the top lamps 37 and 38 and the left and right panel lamps 40 and 42 are turned on and blinking, or the reels 6, 8, and 10 are used. The effect of highlighting each symbol on the active line by blinking the back lamp 166 is executed.

[Example of production basic data]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of effect basic data (for one game) acquired in step S56. The production basic data specifically defines the contents of the production to be executed each time a start operation, a first stop operation, a second stop operation, a third stop operation, and an input operation by the player are accepted. Such effect basic data is composed of combinations of effect basic data numbers “0660”, “0611”, “0002”, “0640”, and “0009” corresponding to each operation. The ROM 154 stores the following effect pattern data numbers corresponding to the effect basic data numbers “0660”, “0611”, “0002”, “0640”, and “0009”, respectively.

(1) Top lamp effect pattern data number: This specifies the lighting pattern of the top lamps 37 and 38.
(2) Pattern data number for left panel lamp production: This specifies the lighting pattern of the left panel lamp 40.
(3) Pattern data number for right panel lamp effect .... Specifies lighting pattern of right panel lamp 42.
(4) Sound effect pattern data number: This specifies the content of sound (for example, voice, music, sound effect, etc.) to be output from the speakers 214, 174.
(5) Image effect pattern data number: Specifies the content of an image (including an image group for displaying a moving image) to be displayed by the liquid crystal display 44.
(6) Shutter effect pattern data number: Specifies the operation pattern of the shutter unit 180 (including the stop positions of the shutters 81 and 82).

  In addition, each lighting pattern prescribed | regulated by said (1)-(3) is described as a waveform pattern of the drive voltage applied to LED, for example. The waveform pattern includes not only the case where the LEDs are turned on or off, but also a pattern in which the gradation at the time of lighting is duty controlled.

  The sub-control CPU 152 reads out the production pattern data numbers corresponding to the production basic data numbers “0660”, “0611”, “0002”, “0640”, and “0009” from the ROM 154, and arranges them in groups by number. And stored in the storage area of the RAM 156. In FIG. 9, the group of effect basic data (number “0660”) arranged at the top is executed in accordance with the start operation by the player, and the number “0611” is advanced as the operation stage proceeds. ”,“ 0002 ”,“ 0640 ”, and“ 0009 ”are used in the order of each production basic data group. FIG. 9 shows the values (codes) arranged in the memory space of the RAM 156 as rendering basic data in a visible (character) form.

  As described above, when the sub control CPU 152 generates the production basic data and stores it in the storage area of the RAM 156, the sub control CPU 152 performs the image production pattern data of (5) in the production execution process (step S62). The number and (6) shutter effect pattern data number are transmitted as commands to the liquid crystal unit 176 and the shutter unit 180, respectively.

  When the display control CPU 178a of the liquid crystal unit 176 receives a command (display command) from the sub control CPU 152, the display control CPU 178a controls the display content of the image by the liquid crystal display 44 based on the command. When the motor control CPU 182a of the shutter unit 180 receives a command (shutter command) from the sub control CPU 152, the motor control CPU 182a controls the rotation direction and rotation angle of the stepping motors 203A and 203B based on this command, and the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 are controlled. Controls the opening / closing operation (stop position). Details of control by the peripheral display control CPU 178a and motor control CPU 182a will be described below.

[Processing of motor control CPU]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of timer interrupt processing executed by the motor control CPU 182a. The motor control CPU 182a generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (for example, about 1 to several ms) during execution of a main process (not shown), and executes the following process.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Step S100: The motor control CPU 182a executes a command reception process in the timer interrupt process. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG.
Step S200: Further, the motor control CPU 182a executes the effect process in the timer interrupt process. The contents of the effect process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of command reception processing executed by the motor control CPU 182a in the timer interrupt processing.

  Step S102: The motor control CPU 182a performs polling reception and confirms whether or not the “shutter full open command” has been received as the shutter drive command from the sub control CPU 152 (sub control computer 150). The “shutter fully open command” is a command for opening the display screen 71 by moving both the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 to the fully open position. In particular, if the “shutter fully open command” has not been received (No), the motor control CPU 182a executes the next step S104.

  Step S104: Next, the motor control CPU 182a confirms whether or not the “shutter full close command” is received as the shutter drive command from the sub control CPU 152. The “shutter fully closed command” is a command for blocking all the display screen 71 by moving both the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 to the fully closed position. In particular, if the “shutter full close command” has not been received (No), the motor control CPU 182a next executes step S106.

  Step S106: The motor control CPU 182a confirms whether or not the “effect command” is received as the shutter drive command from the sub-control CPU 152. The “production command” is a command for instructing the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 to perform an operation other than full open or full close. For example, only the left rear shutter 82 is moved to the closed position, the left and right front shutters 81 are moved to a position where about half of the display screen 71 is shielded, and the left and right front shutters 81 are opened and closed in small increments. It is an operation to do. If this “effect command” has not been received (No), the motor control CPU 182a returns to the timer interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when any one of the “shutter fully open command”, “shutter fully close command”, and “production command” is received from the sub control CPU 152 (step S102, step S104, step S106: Yes), the motor control CPU 182a executes step S108. Execute.

  Step S108: The motor control CPU 182a stores an “effect pattern” corresponding to the received command in the RAM 182c. The “effect pattern” includes excitation patterns of the stepping motors 203A and 203B for operating the shutters 81 and 82.

  Step S110: The motor control CPU 182a turns on the effect execution flag. When the above procedure is executed, the motor control CPU 182a returns to the timer interrupt process.

[Example of command]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a list of shutter drive commands transmitted from the sub control CPU 152 to the motor control CPU 182a. The sub-control CPU 152 transmits the “shutter effect pattern data number” included in the effect basic data (FIG. 9) to the motor control CPU 182a as a shutter drive command. For this reason, the shutter drive command is described as, for example, “01H”, “02H”, “03H”, “04H”, “05H”,... In one byte. “Operation of shutter unit” is assigned. Specifically, the shutter drive command “01H” corresponds to the “shutter full open command” described above, and an operation of “opening the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both right and left sides” is assigned in advance. ing. The shutter drive command “02H” corresponds to the “shutter full close command” described above, and an operation of “fully closing the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both the left and right sides” is assigned in advance. The shutter drive command “03H” and subsequent ones correspond to the “production command” described above, and for each command, “half-close the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both left and right sides” and “close the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 only on the right side. And the like (refer to the drawings as appropriate). Note that the assignment contents for each command are stored in the ROM 182b of the shutter unit 180, and the motor control CPU 182a can read out and obtain the assignment contents for the received command from the ROM 182b.

[Direction processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect process executed by the motor control CPU 182a in the timer interrupt process.

  Step S202: The motor control CPU 182a checks whether or not the effect execution flag is on. If the effect execution flag is turned on in the previous command reception process (Yes), the motor control CPU 182a next executes step S204.

  Step S204: The motor control CPU 182a executes the effect pattern stored in the RAM 182c. Thereby, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the stepping motors 203A and 203B are controlled based on the effect pattern, and the shutters 81 and 82 actually perform operations according to the effect pattern.

  Step S206: The motor control CPU 182a checks whether or not the execution of the effect pattern has been completed. Since a certain amount of time is required for the operation of the shutters 81 and 82 (rotation of the stepping motors 203A and 203B), the motor control CPU 182a performs timer interruption until the execution of all effect patterns is completed (No). The driving of the stepping motors 203A and 203B is controlled at a cycle. Thereafter, when it is determined that the execution of the effect pattern is completed in the process of repeating the timer interruption (Yes), the motor control CPU 182a executes the next step S208 in the effect process.

  Step S208: The motor control CPU 182a turns off the effect execution flag and returns to the timer interrupt process. Thereafter, the effect execution flag is not turned on until the motor control CPU 182a receives a new shutter drive command (step S106 = No in FIG. 11), so the motor control CPU 182a performs step S204 in the effect process. Never run.

  The above is the contents of the process of the motor control CPU 182a. In the present embodiment, the operation of the shutter unit 180 is mainly used, and the display control of the image according to the operation can be performed. Hereinafter, processing by the display control CPU 178a will be described.

[Processing of display control CPU]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of timer interrupt processing executed by the display control CPU 178a. The display control CPU 178a generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (for example, about 1 to several ms) during execution of a main process (not shown), and executes the following process.

Step S400: The display control CPU 178a executes a command reception process in the timer interrupt process. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG.
Step S500: The display control CPU 178a executes an image display process in the timer interrupt process. The contents of the image display process will also be described later with reference to another FIG.

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of command reception processing executed by the display control CPU 178a in the timer interrupt processing.

  Step S402: The display control CPU 178a performs polling reception, and confirms whether a display command has been received from the sub control CPU 152 (sub control computer 150). If no display command is received (No), the display control CPU 178a returns to the timer interrupt process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display command has been received (Yes), the display control CPU 178a executes the next step S404.

  Step S404: The display control CPU 178a stores the received command data in the RAM 178d. When the storage is finished, the display control CPU 178a returns to the timer interrupt process.

[Display command example]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a list of display commands transmitted from the sub control CPU 152 to the display control CPU 178a. The sub-control CPU 152 transmits “image effect pattern data number” included in the effect basic data (FIG. 9) to the display control CPU 178a as a part of the display command. That is, “01H”, “02H”, “03H”,... Shown in order from the top in the figure constitutes the lower byte of the display command. “Contents of image data to be performed” and “image size adjustment pattern” are respectively assigned. Also, the display commands “7FH” and “80H” shown at the lower position in the figure constitute the upper bytes of the display command. These display commands include “addition of information display” and “change display position”. Each pattern is assigned.

  Among these, for the display command “01H” in the lower byte, an adjustment pattern “display without reducing the image size” is assigned in advance together with the content “display image A”, and the display command “02H” is assigned in advance an adjustment pattern “display image B in a reduced size only” along with the content “display image B” (refer to the drawings as appropriate for others). . When the timing (execution operation, at the time of the first to third stop operations, at the time of the input operation, etc.) is reached, the sub-control CPU 152 executes the “image effect pattern data corresponding to each operation” based on the effect basic data. Set "number" in the lower byte of the display command.

  On the other hand, for the display command “7FH” of the upper byte, a change pattern “change only the display position” is assigned in advance together with the contents “add information display”, and the next display command “80H "Is pre-assigned an adjustment pattern" adjust the size in conjunction with the image size "together with the content" add information display ". “Add information display” here means to display, for example, “current time information”, “game message information” and the like together with the above “image A” and “image B”. The sub-control CPU 152 sets “7FH”, “80H”, etc. in the upper byte of the display command when information display needs to be added at the time of performance execution. Set “00H” in the upper byte. Specific examples of the information display will be described later.

  The display command transmitted from the sub-control CPU 152 combines the upper byte and the lower byte and is described in one word such as “7FH01H”, “00H01H”, and the like. When the upper byte is “7FH”, “80H” or the like, it means that “addition of information display” is instructed in the display command. On the other hand, when the upper byte of the display command is “00H”, “addition of information display” is not instructed in the display command. In any case, the contents of assignment corresponding to each display command are stored in the ROM 178c of the liquid crystal unit 176, and the display control CPU 178a can read out and obtain the contents of assignment for the received display command from the ROM 178c. .

[Image display processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of image display processing executed by the display control CPU 178a in the timer interrupt processing.

  Step S502: The display control CPU 178a checks whether command data is stored in the RAM 178d. If no command data is stored in the RAM 178d in the previous command reception process (No), the display control CPU 178a returns to the timer interrupt process. On the other hand, if the command data is stored (Yes), the display control CPU 178a executes the next step S504.

  Step S504: The display control CPU 178a analyzes the upper byte of the display command and determines whether “addition of information display” is instructed. Here, for example, if the upper byte is “7FH” or “80H” (Yes), the display control CPU 178a executes the next step S506. On the other hand, if the upper byte is “00H” (No), the display control CPU 178a bypasses step S506 and executes the next step S508.

  Step S506: When “addition of information display” is instructed by the display command (step S504: Yes), the display control CPU 178a performs processing for acquiring various types of information. Here, examples of various information include the following.

(1) Current time information: Indicates the current time.
(2) Credit number information: Indicates the current credit number.
(3) Bet number information: Indicates the current bet number.
(4) Game count information: Shows the number of games counted during the replay time during various bonus games.
(5) Acquired number information: Indicates the total number of medals acquired during various replay times during various bonus games.
(6) Game message information: Information that needs to be transmitted to the player, such as game operations and errors.

  The information of the above (1) to (6) is merely an example, and is not particularly limited thereto. Further, the display control CPU 178a does not need to acquire all information, and may acquire only one of them.

  The various types of information are transmitted from the sub control CPU 152 in response to a request from the display control CPU 178a, for example. Alternatively, various types of information may be transmitted from the sub control CPU 152 to the display control CPU 178a at a constant interrupt cycle, and the display control CPU 178a may selectively acquire necessary information in step S506. Various types of information acquired by the display control CPU 178a are saved, for example, in a buffer area of the RAM 178d.

  Step S508: Next, the display control CPU 178a acquires image data. The display control CPU 178a accesses the image ROM 178e and transfers the image data (the above-mentioned “image A”, “image B”, etc.) indicated by the lower byte of the display command to the VRAM 178f.

  Step S510: The display control CPU 178a acquires initial values of the reference coordinates (x, y), the horizontal size (w), and the vertical size (h) on the display screen 71 for the acquired image data. Here, the above parameters (x, y, w, h) are acquired with the initial value being a state where the display screen 71 is not shielded (the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are fully opened).

(Image parameters)
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing parameters (x, y, w, h) related to image display. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that all the pixels on the display screen 71 are not shielded in the state where the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are in the fully open position.

  Among the parameters relating to image display, the reference coordinates (x, y) can be expressed by using the pixel located at the upper left of the display screen 71 as the origin (0, 0). For this reason, the value increases in the right direction for the horizontal position (x) and in the downward direction for the vertical position (y). Here, when the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are in the fully open position, the initial value of the reference coordinates (x, y) is (0, 0).

  When the left and right front / rear shutters 81 and 82 are in the fully open position, the initial value of the horizontal size (w) is substantially the full width of the display screen 71 (the number of pixels for one line). The initial value of the vertical size (h) corresponds to substantially the entire height of the display screen 71 (the number of pixels in the vertical direction). The display control CPU 178a can draw (display) the image data on the display screen 71 after setting these parameters (x, y, w, h). When the parameters (x, y, w, h) are set to the initial values, the image is displayed in the maximum size on the entire display screen 71 as shown in FIG.

[See Figure 17: Image Display Processing]

  Step S512: Next, the display control CPU 178a executes image composition processing. Here, the display control CPU 178a performs processing for combining image data and various types of information (sprite combining).

  Step S514: Next, the display control CPU 178a acquires (detects) the current positions of the shutters 81 and 82 based on the number of output pulses from the motor sensors 204A and 204B. The current positions of the shutters 81 and 82 here are, for example, relative positions with respect to the display screen 71, and are specifically represented by a moving amount in the horizontal direction from the fully opened position. Although the relative position is detected here, for example, the fully open position may be used as a reference position, and the absolute position with respect to the reference position may be detected as the current position.

  Step S516: The display control CPU 178a determines whether or not the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are in the fully open position from the position information acquired in the previous step S514. If it is determined that the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are not in the fully open position (No), the display control CPU 178a next executes step S518.

  Step S518: The display control CPU 178a checks whether or not to display the image without reducing it. This determination can be made based on the display command received from the sub control CPU 152. The display commands “01H” and “04H” are assigned “display without reduction” as the size adjustment pattern, but the other display commands “02H” and “03H” have the size adjustment pattern. “Reduced display only in horizontal direction” or “reduced display in vertical and horizontal directions” is assigned. For this reason, when “reduced display” is assigned to the command data stored at the present time, the sub-control CPU 152 determines that it is necessary to reduce and display the image (No), and executes the next step S520. .

[Adjustment of x and w: Image adjusting means]
Step S520: The display control CPU 178a adjusts the reference position (x) of the image from the acquired positions of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82, and reduces the horizontal size (w). The adjusted reference position (x) can be derived from the positions of the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82. Further, the reduction ratio of the size in the horizontal direction can be derived from the ratio of the unshielded area in the display screen 71. For example, when the size of the display screen 71 is represented by the number of pixels, if the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are in positions where the left portion of the display screen 71 is shielded to about N pixels (N: integer), The reference position (x) is adjusted to a position of + N from the initial value. If the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both the left and right sides are in a position that covers about M% (M> 0) of the entire width of the display screen 71, the horizontal size (w) is reduced from the initial value to −M%. The Note that the reduction ratio of the image size may be derived simply from the current positions of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 (for example, the absolute position with respect to the reference position). That is, if the current positions of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are known, it is clear how much the display screen 71 is shielded, and the reduction ratio at that time can be uniquely derived.

  Step S522: Next, the display control CPU 178a determines whether or not the image should be reduced and displayed only in the horizontal direction. This determination can also be made based on the stored command data. If the display command is “03H”, “reduced display in the vertical and horizontal directions” is assigned as the size adjustment pattern, and therefore the sub-control CPU 152 reduces and displays the image not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction. It is determined that it is necessary (No), and the next step S524 is executed.

[Adjustment of h and y: Image adjusting means]
Step S524: In this case, the display control CPU 178a reduces the size (h) in the vertical direction from the reduction ratio of the size (w) in the horizontal direction, and adjusts the reference position (y) of the image. For example, if the horizontal size (w) is reduced to −10% from the initial value as described above, the horizontal size (w) is also reduced to −10% from the initial value. Then, a vertical length (number of pixels) of the image is obtained based on the reduced vertical size (h), and a reference position (y) appropriate for positioning the reduced image at the approximate center of the display screen 71. Is set.

[Adjustment of information display image]
Step S526: Next, the display control CPU 178a determines whether or not only the display position of the information display image to be added to the image should be changed. Specifically, the display control CPU 178a refers to the upper byte of the display command, and confirms whether or not a change pattern “change only the display position” is assigned to the information display to be added. If the upper byte of the display command is “80H”, an adjustment pattern “adjust the size in conjunction with the image size” is assigned (No), and the display control CPU 178a next executes step S528. To do. If the upper byte is “00H”, the information display itself is not added (No), and the display control CPU 178a next executes step S528.

[Display of composite image: display control means]
Step S528: The display control CPU 178a displays an image at the reference position (x, y) using the set size (w, h). As a result, an image whose size is reduced in the vertical and horizontal directions is displayed on the display screen 71. If an information display is added at this time, the image is also reduced and displayed.

  On the other hand, if the upper byte of the display command is “7FH”, a change pattern of “change only the display position” is assigned to the information display image to be added (step S526: Yes). In that case, the display control CPU 178a executes step S530.

[Change of display position: position derivation means, display position control means]
Step S530: The display control CPU 178a sets the size (w, h) to the initial value only for the information display image. When the display control CPU 178a executes step S528 through this procedure, only the reference position (x, y) is adjusted for the information display image, and the size (w, h) remains at the initial value. On 71, only the display position is changed (no reduction).

  Apart from this, when it is determined in the previous step S522 that the image should be reduced and displayed only in the horizontal direction (No), the display control CPU 178a sets the reference position (y) and the horizontal size (w) of the image to the initial values. The above step S528 is executed as it is. In this case, an image whose size has been reduced in the horizontal direction is displayed on the display screen 71 while maintaining the initial size in the vertical direction.

  If it is determined in the previous step S516 that the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are in the fully open position (Yes), or if it is determined in step S518 that the image should be displayed without being reduced (Yes), the display control CPU 178a. Executes step S528 with all parameters (x, y, w, h) set to initial values. In this case, the image is displayed in the maximum size on the entire display screen 71.

[Specific examples of production operations]
Next, specific examples will be described with reference to some examples of production operations. In the following production operation examples, the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are moved to the same position on both the left and right sides to prevent the explanation from becoming complicated (the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are not moved to different positions on one side). Note that only one of the front shutter 81 and the rear shutter 82 may be moved on the left and right, and the other may be always stopped at the fully open position.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating rendering operation examples 1 to 3 performed by the rendering unit 105. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating production operation examples 4 and 5 by the production unit 105. In these presentation operation examples 1 to 5, an image A (first image) that is the basis for presentation is displayed on the display screen 71, and an information display image (second image) is added to a part thereof. ) Is displayed. Among them, the image A has a content that a character exists in some background (stage), for example, and a story progresses there. One information display image displays, for example, the current time as additional information for the player. It should be noted that the commands used in the following rendering operation examples do not correspond to the rendering basic data illustrated in FIG.

[Production operation example 1]
In FIG. 19, (A): Production operation example 1 is a case where the display command is “80H01H” and the shutter drive command is “01H”. The lower byte “01H” of the display command instructs “display image A without reducing it” as described above. The upper byte “80H” of the display command instructs “add information display” and “display in conjunction with the image size”. The shutter drive command “01H” instructs “open the front and rear shutters 81 and 82”.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to stop the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 at the fully open position in the effect process (FIG. 13). The display control CPU 178a obtains the current time information by the image display process (step S506 in FIG. 17) and does not adjust the image display parameters (x, y, w, h) (step S516 in FIG. 17). : Yes), the image is displayed with the initial value.

  For this reason, in the rendering operation example 1, the display screen 71 is not shielded by the front and rear shutters 81 and 82, and the image A is displayed in the maximum size over the entire area of the display screen 71. As the information display image (symbol Im in the figure), for example, current time information “12:13” is displayed at the initial position (for example, the upper right corner) in the display screen 71.

[Production operation example 2]
In FIG. 19, (B): In the rendering operation example 2, the display command is “80H03H”, and the lower byte is different from the rendering operation example 1. Further, the shutter drive command of the rendering operation example 2 is “03H”. The lower byte “03H” of the display command is for instructing “display image A in a reduced size in the vertical and horizontal directions”, and the shutter drive command “03H” is for instructing “half-closed front and rear shutters 81 and 82”. Is.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to move the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 from the fully open position to the center in the effect process (FIG. 13) and stop them at the half-closed positions closed to about half. Further, the display control CPU 178a obtains the current time information by the image display process (step S506 in FIG. 17), adjusts the reference position (x, y), and combines the horizontal size (w) and the vertical direction. The size (h) is reduced (steps S520 and S524 in FIG. 17).

  As a result, in the production operation example 2, the display screen 71 is shielded to about half by the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both the left and right sides, and the display screen 71 is vertically covered with an unshielded area (non-shielded area). The image A is displayed in a size reduced in the horizontal and horizontal directions. At this time, since the upper byte of the display command is “80H”, the information display image Im is reduced and displayed in conjunction with the size of the image A.

[Direction operation example 3]
In FIG. 19, (C): Next, in the rendering operation example 3, the display command is “80H02H”, and here, the lower byte is different from the rendering operation example 1. In the rendering operation example 3, the shutter drive command is “05H”. The lower byte “02H” of the display command instructs “display image A reduced in the horizontal direction only”, and the shutter drive command “05H” “makes the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 largely closed”. It is an instruction.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a moves the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 on both the left and right sides largely from the fully open position toward the center in the effect process (FIG. 13) (the movement amount is larger than in the case of the effect operation example 2), Control to stop at a position slightly beyond the position. Further, the display control CPU 178a obtains the current time information by the image display process (step S506 in FIG. 17), and reduces only the reference position (x) and the horizontal size (w) (step S520 in FIG. 17). ). In this case, the reference position (y) and the vertical size (h) remain the initial values.

  In the production operation example 3, more than half of the display screen 71 is shielded by the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82. Then, the image A is displayed in a size reduced only in the horizontal direction in the remaining non-shielded area (non-shielded area) in the display screen 71. Also in the rendering operation example 3, since the upper byte of the display command is “80H”, the information display image Im is reduced and displayed only in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the size of the image A.

[Production operation example 4: see FIG. 20]
In FIG. 20, (D): In the production operation example 4, the display command is “80H03H”, which is the same as the production operation example 2. However, in the production operation example 4, the shutter drive command is “04H”, which is different from the production operation examples 1 to 3 described above. In other words, the shutter drive command “04H” has the command type “effect 2”, and instructs the operation “fully close the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 only on the right side”.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to stop only the right front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the half-closed position and stop the left front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the fully open position in the rendering process (FIG. 13). Further, the display control CPU 178a obtains the current time information by the image display process (step S506 in FIG. 17). However, in the production operation example 4, since the left front and rear shutters 81 and 82 do not move from the fully open position, the display control CPU 178a adjusts only the reference position (y) while keeping the reference position (x) of the image as the initial value. Thus, the horizontal size (w) and the vertical size (h) are reduced (steps S520 and S524 in FIG. 17).

  For this reason, in the rendering operation example 4, the right half of the display screen 71 is shielded by the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82, but the left half is reduced vertically and horizontally to the unshielded area (non-shielded area). The image A is displayed at the selected size. Also in this case, since the upper byte of the display command is “80H”, the information display image Im is reduced and displayed in conjunction with the size of the image A.

[Direction operation example 5]
In FIG. 20, (E): Next, in the rendering operation example 5, the display command is “80H02H”, which is the same as the rendering operation example 3. In the production operation example 5, the shutter drive command is “04H”, which is the same as the production operation example 4 described above.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to stop only the right front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the half-closed position and stop the left front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the fully open position in the rendering process (FIG. 13). Further, the display control CPU 178a obtains the current time information by the image display process (step S506 in FIG. 17). However, in the rendering operation example 5 as well, the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 do not move from the fully open position, and in addition, the vertical size is not reduced. Therefore, the display control CPU 178a sets the reference position (x, y) of the image. The initial value is left as it is, and only the horizontal size (w) is reduced (step S520 in FIG. 17).

  Therefore, in the production operation example 5, the right half of the display screen 71 is shielded by the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82, but the left half is reduced only in the horizontal direction in an unshielded area (non-shielded area). The image A is displayed in the selected size. The information display image Im is the same as before.

[Example of changing only the display position]
Although not particularly illustrated here, when the upper byte of the display command is “7FH” in the above-described rendering operation examples 2 to 5, only the display position of the information display image Im is changed. Specifically, in the rendering operation examples 2 and 4, only the display position parameter (x) is adjusted in accordance with the positions of the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82, and the horizontal size (w) and the vertical size are adjusted. (H) is set to an initial value (step S530 in FIG. 17). In the production operation examples 3 and 5, both the display position parameters (x, y) are adjusted in accordance with the positions of the right and left front and rear shutters 81 and 82, but the horizontal size (w) and the vertical size. (H) is similarly set to an initial value (step S530 in FIG. 17).

  Thereby, in the production operation examples 2 and 4, the image A is reduced in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the information display image Im is displayed in its initial size. In the production operation examples 3 and 5, the image A is reduced only in the horizontal direction, and the information display image Im is displayed in its initial size. In production operation examples 2 and 4, the information display image Im may be set to an initial value without adjusting the parameter (y) of the display position. In this case, the image A is also reduced and displayed on the display screen 71 in the vertical direction, but the information display image Im is displayed outside (upper position) of the image A.

[Other examples of production]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating rendering operation examples 6 and 7 as examples in which information displays other than the current time information are added. In these effect operation examples 6 and 7, game message information is added as an information display image (symbol M in the figure). The game message information is, for example, character information “Please stop the reel”, and this is for urging the player to perform a stop operation.

  In the present embodiment, if any of the reels 6, 8, 10 is rotating after a certain time (for example, about 3 minutes) has elapsed after the player performs the starting operation, the sub-control CPU 152 determines Can display game message information. For this reason, the sub control CPU 152 prepares, for example, “7DH” and “7EH” in advance as upper bytes of the display command. Among these, the display command “7DH” is pre-assigned a change pattern “change only the display position” together with the content “add game message information display”, and the display command “7EH”. Are preliminarily assigned with an adjustment pattern “adjust the size in conjunction with the image size” together with the content “add game message information display”.

[Production operation example 6]
In FIG. 21, (A): In the rendering operation example 6, the display command is “7EH01H”, which is different from the rendering operation example 1 in the higher byte. Further, the shutter drive command is “01H”, which is the same as in the rendering operation example 1 described above.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to stop the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 at the fully open position in the effect process (FIG. 13). The display control CPU 178a obtains game message information by image display processing (step S506 in FIG. 17), and does not adjust image display parameters (x, y, w, h) (step S516 in FIG. 17). : Yes), the image is displayed with the initial value.

  Thereby, in the production operation example 6, the display screen 71 is not shielded by the front and rear shutters 81 and 82, and the image A is displayed in the maximum size over the entire area of the display screen 71. As the information display image M, Character information “Please stop the reel” is displayed at the initial position (for example, the upper center position) in the display screen 71.

[Production example 7]
FIG. 21B: Next, in the rendering operation example 7, the display command is “7EH02H”, which is different from the rendering operation example 6 in the lower byte. In the production operation example 6, the shutter drive command is “04H”, which is the same as the production operation examples 4 and 5 described above.

  In this case, the motor control CPU 182a performs control to stop only the right front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the half-closed position and stop the left front / rear shutters 81 and 82 in the fully open position in the rendering process (FIG. 13). Further, the display control CPU 178a obtains game message information by image display processing (step S506 in FIG. 17) and reduces only the reference position (x) and the horizontal size (w) (step S520 in FIG. 17). ).

  Therefore, in the production operation example 6, the right half of the display screen 71 is shielded by the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82, but the left half is reduced only in the horizontal direction in an unshielded area (non-shielded area). The image A is displayed in the selected size. Since the upper byte of the display command is “7EH”, the information display image M is reduced and displayed in conjunction with the size of the image A.

  Although not particularly illustrated here, when the upper byte of the display command is “7FH” in the above-described rendering operation examples 6 and 7, only the display position of the information display image M is changed. The specific change of the display position is the same as the contents described in the rendering operation examples 1 to 5.

  The displayed game message information may be text information such as “medal is clogged”, “medal is out”, “door is open”, “please call a staff member”. Further, here, (1) current time information and (6) game message information are cited as the contents of the information display to be added, but the same applies to the case of displaying other information.

[Summary of production operation examples]
According to the above-described production operation examples 1 to 7, the display control CPU 178a detects (acquires) the positions of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 in real time during the timer interruption process, and the parameters (x, y, w, By adjusting h), the display position and size of the image are adjusted in real time even in the process in which the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 move. Therefore, it is possible to produce a visual effect as if the image is expanding and contracting in accordance with the movements of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82, and to increase the appeal to the player.

  In the rendering operation examples 2 and 3, the image A is reduced and displayed at the center position of the display screen 71 in accordance with the operation in which the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 move symmetrically. For this reason, it is visually recognized by the player as if the left and right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are closed, as if the image A was crushed or compressed to the center from both sides.

  On the other hand, in the production operation examples 4 and 5, the left front and rear shutters 81 and 82 remain stopped at the fully open position, and the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are moved to the fully closed position. Image A is reduced and displayed on the left side of the screen 71. In this case, since only the right front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are closed, the player can visually recognize that the image A is crushed leftward or compressed leftward.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, various changes can be made to the reduced display pattern of the image in accordance with the operation of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82. For this reason, although not shown in the figure, for example, when the operations shown in the examples 4 and 5 of the rendering operation are performed and then the operations opposite to the above (symmetrical to the left and right) are performed on the front and rear shutters 81 and 82, they are temporarily reduced to the left side An effect can be realized in which the performed image A is now reduced to the right.

  In the present embodiment, the display position and size of the image can be adjusted mainly based on the operation of the shutters 81 and 82, and it is not necessary to program the operation of the shutters 81 and 82 in advance according to the content of the image. Therefore, the sub-control CPU 152 can generate effect basic data in which image effect pattern data and shutter effect pattern data are variously combined. As a result, the variety of effects can be greatly expanded, and various effects can be provided to the player.

  Since the image is always displayed in the non-shielding area on the display screen 71, the image that the player wants to show to the player (the image that the player wants to appeal or the information display image) is not shielded. The player does not feel that the image is hidden and cannot be seen.

  In particular, regarding the game message information, even if the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 are moved to the semi-closed position, the content can be surely seen by the player. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from stagnation due to the carelessness of the player, etc., and thus the smooth progress of the game can be promoted, and the operation of the slot machine 1 can be maintained.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The images and the rendering operation examples 1 to 7 given in the embodiment are merely preferable examples, and it is naturally possible to perform other rendering operations using other images.

  The shutter unit 180 may have only one shutter instead of the double shutters 81 and 82, or may have only the shutters 81 and 82 on either the left or right. Or the aspect which a shutter can move to an up-down direction, the diagonal direction, etc. may be sufficient.

  In addition, the specific shapes and structures of the front and rear shutters 81 and 82 described in the embodiment are merely examples, and these may be appropriately modified.

  The present invention can also be implemented as a pachinko gaming machine. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine, an image display is installed behind a game board (plywood board, transparent board, etc.) at a substantially central position of the game board surface (game area) when viewed from the front. Then, by arranging the same shutter as that of the embodiment in front of the display screen of the image display and supporting them so as to be openable and closable, it is possible to realize an effect operation similar to that of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a slot machine which is an example of a rotating type gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of the production unit seen from diagonally forward. It is a disassembled perspective view of the production | presentation unit seen from diagonally back. It is a front view which shows the state which attached the front shutter and the rear shutter to the guide member. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attached the front shutter and the rear shutter to the guide member. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the slot machine was equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process performed by main control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the production control main process performed by sub control CPU. It is a figure which shows an example of production basic data (for 1 game). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the timer interruption process which motor control CPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the command reception process which a motor control CPU performs in a timer interruption process. It is a figure which shows the list of the shutter drive commands transmitted to a motor control CPU from sub control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation process which motor control CPU performs in a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the timer interruption process which display control CPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the command reception process which a display control CPU performs in a timer interruption process. It is a figure which shows the list of the display commands transmitted to a display control CPU from sub control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the image display process which display control CPU performs in a timer interruption process. It is a figure which shows the parameter (x, y, w, h) regarding an image display. It is a figure which shows the production operation examples 1-3 by the production unit. It is a figure showing the example 4 and 5 of the production operation by the production unit. It is a figure showing example operation examples 6 and 7 by a production unit.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 6 left reel 8 middle reel 10 right reel 14 display window 16 medal slot 18 start lever 20 left stop button 22 middle stop button 24 right stop button 30 bet button 32 MAX bet button 44 liquid crystal display 71 display screen 81 front Shutter (shielding member)
82 Rear shutter (shielding member)
100 Main control computer 102 Main control CPU
150 Sub Control Computer 152 Sub Control CPU
178a Display control CPU
182a Motor control CPU
203A, 203B Stepping motor 204A, 204B Motor sensor

Claims (5)

An image display for displaying an image in a display screen facing the player;
A shielding member that is provided so as to be movable on the front side of the display screen, and that forms a shielding region that is partially shielded in the display screen and other non-shielding regions along with the movement;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the shielding member;
An gaming machine comprising: an image adjusting unit that adjusts a size of an image displayed by the image display unit according to the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting unit. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
In a state where the display screen is not shielded by the shielding member, an image is displayed in the maximum size in the display screen,
The image adjusting means includes
A gaming machine, wherein the size of an image is adjusted by changing a ratio of at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction of the image with respect to a maximum size in the display screen. An image display for displaying an image in a display screen facing the player;
A shielding member provided movably on the front side of the display screen, and shielding at least a part of the display screen with the movement;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the shielding member;
Position deriving means for deriving the position of an image to be displayed in the display screen based on the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting means;
A gaming machine comprising: display position control means for displaying an image on the image display unit in accordance with the position derived by the position deriving means. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
In a state where the display screen is not shielded by the shielding member, an image is displayed at an initial position defined in advance in the display screen,
The display position control means includes
As the shielding member moves, an image is displayed at a position that is not shielded by the shielding member in the display screen. An image display for displaying at least a first image and a second image respectively in a display screen facing the player;
A shielding member that is movably provided on the front side of the display screen, and that forms a shielding region that is partially shielded in the display screen and a non-shielding region other than that in the display screen;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the shielding member;
Position deriving means for deriving the position of the second image to be displayed in the display screen based on the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting means;
The size of the first image is adjusted according to the position of the shielding member detected by the detecting means, and the first image is adjusted to the position derived by the position deriving means together with the adjusted first image. A gaming machine comprising display control means for displaying two images.