JP2009195736A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a detachable performance image storage device to store massive performance image data. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1 is provided with control devices 3 and 35 controlling a game action, and a display control device 30 controlling a display action related to a visual performance according to the progress of a game by the control of the control devices 3 and 35. The display control device 30 includes a performance image storage device 340 storing performance image data 81 corresponding to an image related to the visual performance, and display action control means 311 and 330 executing the display action based on the performance image data stored in the performance image storage device 340. The performance image storage device 340 is provided with an optical disk device at least optically readable of the performance image data 81 and mounted with a detachable optical disk. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes an effect display operation based on effect image data stored in a predetermined storage device.

As this type of gaming machine, effect image data corresponding to an image related to the effect, such as a pachinko machine, is stored in a predetermined image storage device (hereinafter referred to as “character ROM”) and read from the character ROM. A gaming machine that displays an effect image based on effect image data is known.
In this type of gaming machine, a display operation related to visual effects is executed to prevent the player from losing his willingness to play in a normal gaming state, and to a special gaming state advantageous to the player. Even so, the player continues to maintain his willingness to play.

  However, recent gaming machines have been devised to display various effects in order to further increase the player's willingness to play, and a large amount of effect image data is required to display images related to such effects. And For this reason, in recent gaming machines, the storage capacity necessary for the character ROM to store such a large amount of effect image data has been remarkably increased, and it is considered that this tendency will continue in the future.

  Under such a tendency, as a known gaming machine, there is a display control device equipped with an optical disk device on which a large-capacity optical disk such as a removable DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a magneto-optical disk is mounted. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In general, it is known that an optical disk and a magneto-optical disk each have a larger storage capacity than a semiconductor memory, and can store more effect image data.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-35366 (second page, FIGS. 1 and 7)

  However, in general, an optical disk and a magneto-optical disk can be attached to and detached from the disk device. Therefore, when a disk is taken out from the disk device and the disk itself is replaced with another disk, the disk device Area) may be used for fraud.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique related to a gaming machine that can store more effect image data in an image storage device and can prevent the image storage device from being used for fraud.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine according to the present invention shifts to a special gaming state in which an advantageous profit is provided to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a normal gaming state in which the game proceeds according to consumption of the game medium. And a control means for outputting an effect display command relating to a visual effect in the normal game state and the special game state in a gaming machine that executes a display operation related to the effect according to the progress of the game using a display device. Display control means for controlling a display operation related to the visual effect based on the effect display command, wherein the display control means stores effect image data corresponding to the image related to the visual effect. A storage device and display operation control means for executing a display operation based on the effect image data stored in the effect image storage device, wherein the effect image storage device A magnetic disk device on which a magnetic disk capable of magnetically reading image data is mounted; and a terminal electrically connected to the magnetic disk device for reading effect image data stored in the magnetic disk device. In addition, the magnetic disk device and the terminal are formed into an IC chip by molding with a sealing member while the tip of the terminal is exposed. Note that the consumption of game media here refers to a game possessed by a player by launching a game ball as a game medium in the game area when the game machine is a ball-type game machine, for example. This means that the amount of the medium is reduced. On the other hand, when this gaming machine is, for example, a revolving type gaming machine, it means that the gaming medium possessed by the player is reduced by placing (betting) the gaming medium.

  First, it is generally known that a magnetic disk device has a larger storage capacity than a semiconductor memory including a semiconductor integrated circuit. In recent years, there has been a trend toward increasing the capacity of magnetic disk devices, while the trend toward ultra-miniaturization has been remarkable.

  The gaming machine of the present invention employs such an ultra-small magnetic disk device, and a large amount of effect image data is stored in the magnetic disk device. Here, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the magnetic disk device is adopted as the storage device for storing the effect image data for the following reason.

  First, an optical disk such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM) and a magneto-optical disk such as a digital versatile disk (DVD-RW or DVD-R) are usually discs. Only each disk can be attached to and detached from the apparatus.

  However, if the disk is detachable from the disk device in this way, the disk itself may be replaced with another disk. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect image storage device (the storage area thereof) can be prevented from being used for fraud by adopting a magnetic disk device in which the magnetic disk cannot be easily attached and detached. Examples of the fraudulent act may include, for example, recording a program for executing an illegal process in the effect image storage device or falsifying the effect image data so that it is beneficial to the player.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, effect image data stored in advance in the magnetic disk device can be read, and more various effect images can be displayed based on the read-out large amount of effect image data. According to such a gaming machine of the present invention, various effect images can be displayed on the basis of the large amount of effect image data to increase the player's willingness to play.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, since the magnetic disk device itself is sealed by the sealing member, the magnetic disk mounted on the magnetic disk device cannot be taken out. In other words, since the production image storage device seals the magnetic disk device with the sealing member, the appearance is almost the same as that of the semiconductor device having a configuration in which the semiconductor integrated circuit is sealed with a predetermined sealing resin. (It is referred to as “IC chip formation” that the appearance is almost the same as that of the semiconductor device).

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, in order to be advantageous to the player, the effect image data is replaced with another effect image data, or instead, another magnetic disk storing a program for executing unauthorized processing is stored in advance. It is possible to prevent the trick of replacing the magnetic disk originally mounted on the magnetic disk device with another magnetic disk.

(Solution 2)
In the solving means 1, it is preferable that the effect image storage device includes a restriction means for restricting rewriting of the effect image data stored in the magnetic disk.

  In a general magnetic disk device, data stored in the magnetic disk can be rewritten, but in the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect image data on the magnetic disk is rewritten into a program for executing unauthorized processing. Therefore, it is impossible to improve the game convenience for a player who attempts fraud. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the player who intends to cheat cannot enjoy the benefits that should not be originally obtained.

(Solution 3)
In the solving means 2 described above, the restricting means permits writing of the effect image data to the magnetic disk only for the first time in a state where the effect image data is not stored on the magnetic disk, and the effects thereafter. It is desirable to restrict rewriting of image data.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, once the effect image data is stored in the effect image storage device that does not store the effect image data, it is possible to restrict the rewriting of the effect image data in the effect image storage device thereafter. it can. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, once the effect image data is stored in the effect image storage device, the effect image storage device is handled as if it is a so-called character ROM, and the storage area of the magnetic disk device is used. Cheating can be prevented.

(Solution 4)
In any one of the above solutions 1 to 3, the display control device ensures electrical continuity between the effect image storage device and the display control device by inserting each terminal of the effect image storage device. The effect image storage device is preferably detachable from the socket.

  According to such a configuration, even when there are a plurality of gaming machines that perform various types of effect display, an effect image in which effect image data related to the effect image corresponding to the game content of each gaming machine is stored. If each storage device is prepared and these effect image storage devices are attached to the sockets of the display control device of each gaming machine, the display control device including the socket can be shared by any kind of gaming machine. be able to. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the display control apparatus can be reduced. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect image storage device can be detached from the display control device, so that the effect image storage device can be detached from the display control device and the contents of the effect image storage device can be easily referred to or confirmed.

(Solution 5)
In any one of the above solution means 1 to 4, it is detected that a launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium in a predetermined game area, and that a game medium launched in the game area has won a start winning opening A winning detection means, a symbol display means for starting a variable display of the symbol triggered by a winning at the start winning opening, executing a predetermined lottery, and displaying a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result; and the stop symbol It is desirable to provide special game state transition means for transitioning from the normal game state to the special game state when is a specific display mode.

(Solution 6)
In any one of the above solution means 1 to 4, it is detected that a launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium in a predetermined game area, and that a game ball has won a start winning opening provided in the game area A winning detector that performs opening / closing operation of the movable piece in response to a winning at the start winning opening, and accepts the game ball, and accepts the winning device along with the opening / closing operation of the movable piece. It is desirable to include special game state transition means for transitioning to the special game state when triggered game balls have passed through a specific area, and effect display means for executing effect display operations according to the progress of the game.

(Solution 7)
In any one of the above solutions 1 to 4, the game value multiplier is determined to start and stop according to the player's operation, and the display changes the display by the start. Symbol display means for displaying a combination of symbols, start operation means for accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display apparatus, and stop operation capable of accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display apparatus And a game value giving means for determining whether or not a prize is awarded from a symbol display mode when the symbol display unit is stopped, and for giving a player a number of game values according to the symbol display mode when there is a winning. , If there is a winning in a specific symbol display mode when the symbol display means is stopped, the transition to the special gaming state to shift to the special gaming state that enables winning with a probability advantageous to the player The and a stage is desirable.

(Solution 8)
In any one of the above solution means 1 to 4, game value counting means for collecting a specified number of game balls as game media into one unit of game value, and a multiplier of the game value by the game value counting means The symbol display means for starting and stopping in accordance with the player's operation in the determined state and changing the display of the symbols by the start, while displaying a combination of a plurality of symbols at the time of the stop, and the symbol display means A winning operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting, a stop operation means capable of accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display means, and a symbol display mode when the symbol display means is stopped. A game value giving means for giving a player a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game values corresponding to the symbol display mode in the case of winning a prize, If there is a winning at a particular symbol display mode in stopping the symbol display unit, be provided with a special game state transition means for shifting the special game state that allows winning with favorable probability player desirable.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can store more effect image data in a removable effect image storage device.

It is a front view which shows the structural example of the pachinko machine as 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a pattern control board. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of hard disk ROM. It is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a magnetic disk device. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of a recording control circuit. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of what is called ROM writer for writing effect image data in hard disk ROM. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the slot machine as 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a slot machine.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of a pachinko machine 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention.
First, an outline of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a wooden outer frame as a base of an outer shape, and a frame body such as a base frame or a front frame (collectively referred to as “main body frame 17”) is mounted on the inside thereof. .

  Among these, the game board 2 is detachably fitted in the base frame, and a substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface thereof. The game board 2 is provided with a large number of guide nails (not shown) in a predetermined gauge arrangement, a windmill, various winning holes 15 (winning devices), a gate port 13 (gate device), decoration A lamp or the like is disposed as a panel component (none of which is referenced). Each of the various winning openings 15 is provided with a winning detector for detecting the winning of a game ball. Also, on the back surface of the game board, various boards and electronic components such as a main control board, a sub control board, and a symbol control board (not shown in FIG. 1) are mounted.

  In addition, an upper plate 4 and a lower plate 6 are provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 for containing game balls, and game balls contained in the upper plate 4 are sequentially fired at the lower right corner position. A firing handle 8 is provided. In addition, a large number of frame lamps (frame decoration lamps 31 and the like) are decoratively arranged on the front surface (glass frame 5) of the pachinko machine 1, and speakers 29 and the like for performing sound output as the game progresses are installed. Has been. The glass frame 5 is configured to be able to open and close the front surface of the main body frame 17 via a predetermined hinge mechanism.

A plurality of pachinko machines 1 are usually installed side by side on an island facility of a game arcade, and a card unit (in the case of a CR machine) is provided as a sand 12 between the machines.
A ball stage 14a is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 14, and when a game ball is guided on the ball stage 14a, the movement is changed while staying there temporarily. When the game ball to which movement is given in the ball stage 14a falls to the entrance of the ball guide path 14b formed in the ball stage 14a, the game ball is guided to the ball guide path 14b and arranged immediately below it (winning prize) A winning is detected by a winning detector 15 provided in the mouth).

  In addition, a decorative symbol display device 16 is disposed in the center character, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 16 changes, for example, when a prize is received at the start winning opening. An image or the like representing the fluctuation of the symbol is displayed. The symbol stops after it has fluctuated over a certain period of time. At this time, if it becomes a predetermined symbol display mode (for example, a display mode in which three symbols of the same kind are arranged), it becomes a big hit and the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a special gaming state .

  When the special game state is entered, the display content on the decorative symbol display device 16 is switched to a round display with a big hit, and a round effect (such as counting the number of winning prizes or the number of continuous rounds) is executed. In addition, information indicating that a special game is being played (such as “probable change” or “short time”) may be displayed when a special game (such as “probability change” or “short time”) is entered. is there.

  A special symbol display device 41 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the center accessory 14 in the game board. The special symbol display device 41 is connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to change the lighting state over a predetermined time in response to the start winning. In addition, a normal symbol display device 42 including, for example, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the center accessory 14. The normal symbol display device 42 is also connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to change the lighting state over a predetermined period when the gate 13 passes.

  A special symbol holding display device 43 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the game board 2. This special symbol hold display device 43 is connected to the main control board 3, and is configured to hold the start winning while the lighting state of the special symbol display device 41 is changing and to display the hold status. Further, a normal symbol holding display device 44 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the game board 2. The normal symbol hold display device 44 is connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to hold the passage of the gate 13 while the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 42 is changing and to display the hold status. Yes. The main control board 3, the sub control board 35, the payout control board 25, the prize ball payout device 21 and the like are disposed on the back of the game board.

(2. Electric configuration example of pachinko machine)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the pachinko machine 1.

  The main body frame 17 is provided with a payout control board 25 and a firing control board 47. On the other hand, a main control board 3 and a sub control board 35 are provided on the back of the game board 2 at the top thereof. Further, a symbol control board 30 as a display control board is provided on the back of the game board 2, and the symbol control board 30 is connected to the decorative symbol display device 16.

  The main control board 3 is connected to a board such as the sub control board 35 and the payout control board 25. The payout control board 25 is also connected to the launch control board 47 and the prize ball payout device 21, and the sub control board 35 is also connected to the symbol control board 30 as a display control means for controlling the display operation. Yes. The sub control board 35 controls the symbol control board 30, the lamp relay board 32, and the lamp relay board 34.

  The sub-control board 35 transmits an effect display command for controlling the effect display operation according to the progress of the game, particularly during the game operation, to the symbol control board 30. The game board 2 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 16, which is controlled by the symbol control board 30 so that the character image (effect) is provided in the normal mode at a substantially central position of the game area. Image) can be displayed.

  Further, the speaker 29 is disposed, for example, on the front frame of the pachinko machine 1 or the inside of the upper plate 4. Normally, the speaker 29 outputs a sound effect or a sound accompanying the progress of the game. . In addition, the panel decoration lamp 12 is mounted on the game board surface, and the panel decoration lamp 12 can be decorated and produced by light emission in the game area under the control of the lamp relay board 32. Further, the frame decoration lamp 31 can be arranged at an appropriate position on the front frame by the control of the sub-control board 35 via the lamp relay board 34 and can give decoration and effects by light emission.

  When you touch the card sand here, the 7-segment display that displays the error of the card sand (an example of a table sand) and the balance of the card is generally provided on the upper plate or glass frame of the gaming machine. However, it is electrically connected directly to the card sand, and the card sand control device controls the display. In addition, it is known that since an error caused by a card sand is displayed as a code, the store clerk cannot understand the error content from the code and deal with it immediately.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the 7-segment display information output from the card sand is decoded by connecting to the payout control board 25 (CPU), and the decoded information is transmitted to the symbol control board 30 via the main control board 3. . In the case of error information, the card sand error content corresponding to the decryption information and the target method are stored in advance in the symbol control board 30, and the error content and countermeasure corresponding to the received decryption information are stored in the symbol control board. It is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 16 that is connected to 30 and displays symbols. Similarly, the card balance may be displayed.

  In this way, the error contents of the card sand can be expressed specifically, so that the store clerk can deal with it immediately. Generally, a display device that displays a pattern uses a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display, and it is useful to use not only the error contents of the card sand but also the balance display of the card. It is reasonable and effective in terms of cost.

Further, by connecting the balance display information of the card from the card sand to the payout control board 25, the convenience of ball lending can be improved.
The payout control board 25 is provided with an automatic ball lending button and a detection switch for detecting a game ball on the upper plate, and these are connected. In this way, when the player operates the automatic ball lending button, the ball lending can be automatically performed while checking the balance display information on the card when the number of balls on the upper plate is reduced.

(3-1. Configuration Example of Main Control Board)
Next, the main control board 3 will be described in detail. The main control board 3 includes electronic components such as a CPU (hereinafter referred to as “main CPU”), a RAM, a ROM, an input / output interface, etc. (all not shown). Is connected to a prize detector 15 as a prize detection means, and this prize detector 15 is used to enter various prize holes (start prize prize, big prize prize, general prize prize, etc.) in the game area. And the detection signal is output to the main control board 3.

  Further, even when a game ball passes through the gate port 13, the passage of the game ball is detected by a gate passage detector (gate switch) 13a as a gate passage detection means, and a gate passage signal is generated. . On the other hand, a solenoid 18 is provided in the special winning opening, and this solenoid 18 is used to open and close the special winning opening. The solenoid 18 is connected to the main control board 3, and its operation is controlled by the main control board 3.

  Control of the gaming operation by the main control board 3 is performed, for example, by the main CPU executing a predetermined control program (hereinafter referred to as “main control program”). The main CPU generates a random number with software in accordance with the execution of the main control program, and acquires a random number when triggered by detecting a winning at the start winning opening. If the random number value obtained at this time matches the predetermined hit value, the main CPU outputs a command signal for displaying the symbol in a big-hit manner to the sub-control board 35. A combination of symbols is displayed on the display device 16 in a big-hit manner, resulting in a big-hit. On the other hand, if the acquired random number value does not match the predetermined hit value, the main CPU outputs a command signal for displaying the symbols in a manner that is out of the sub-control board 35. continue. The main CPU determines the lottery result and the variation pattern, and the main CPU outputs signals related to the lottery result and the variation pattern.

  The sub-control board 35 has a predetermined command reception buffer (not shown), and stores received commands (such as lottery results and variation pattern commands) in the command reception buffer. The sub control board 35 acquires and analyzes the command stored in the command reception buffer. Further, the sub-control board 35 controls the amplifier board 30 to output sound from the speaker 29 based on the analyzed command, or controls the lamp relay board 32 to make the panel decoration lamp 12 in a predetermined color. The frame decoration lamp 31 is turned on or off in a predetermined color via the lamp relay board 34. Further, the sub control board 35 determines an effect item such as a reach notice that the main CPU does not determine. And this sub control board 35 transmits the information regarding this effect item with respect to the design control board 30 with the effect command (variation pattern command etc.) from the main control board 3. The symbol control board 30 controls the effect display operation by the decorative symbol display device 16 based on the received information on the effect command and the effect item.

  When the big hit is reached, the main control board 3 (the main CPU) shifts to the special game state to operate the solenoid 18 to open and close the open / close door of the big prize opening in a predetermined pattern. A player can win a lot of prize balls by winning a game ball as an example of a game medium during the opening. In addition to the above, the control of the game operation by the main control board 3 has various contents, but since all are well-known, detailed description is omitted here.

(3-2. Configuration example of payout control board)
The payout control board 25 also has a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, etc. (all not shown). In particular, the payout control board 25 is connected to the main control board 3 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Has been. That is, between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, serial signal upper and lower lines Su, Sd and ACK signal transmission lines Au, Ad are laid in parallel therewith.

  For example, when a winning ball command instructing the payout of a winning ball is transmitted from the main control board 3 in a serial format through the down line Sd, an ACK signal is received from the payout control board 25 that has received the command through the transmission line Au. To be sent to. Conversely, when a status command indicating the status of the payout control board 25 is transmitted from the payout control board 25 to the main control board 3 via the up line Su (for example, during the payout process), an ACK is received from the main control board 3 that has received the command. The signal is transmitted to the dispensing control board 25 through the transmission line Ad.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a prize ball payout device 21 in a main body frame (not shown), and a payout operation of the game ball by the prize ball payout device 21 is controlled by a payout control board 25. That is, the payout control board 25 receives a prize ball command (prize ball signal) from the main control board 3 and operates the payout motor 20 of the prize ball payout device 21 to perform a payout operation for the number designated by the prize ball command. Make it. At this time, the number of prize balls actually paid out is detected one by one by the payout ball detector 22 and fed back to the payout control board 25. On the other hand, the rotation state (rotation angle) of the payout motor 20 is detected by the motor drive sensor 24 and fed back to the payout control board 25.

  In addition, the payout control board 25 controls the launch control board 47, and this launch control board 47 has a function of controlling the launching operation of the game ball, and is therefore not shown in the launch control board 47. In addition to the firing motor, a firing handle 8 is connected. For example, a touch detection unit 48 is built in the firing handle 8, and the touch detection unit 48 detects a contact of a human body (player) and outputs a touch detection signal to the firing control board 47. The launch control board 47 permits the launch motor to be driven only in a state where the touch detection signal is received, so that the launch operation of the game ball can be actually performed.

  When the CPU of the payout control board 25 (hereinafter referred to as “payout CPU”) detects the occurrence of various faults such as an abnormal connection between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, the type of fault in the payout control board 25 is detected. Error information corresponding to is displayed. Specifically, a 7-segment LED 4a is provided on the payout control board 25, and error information is numerically displayed on the 7-segment LED 4a, for example, for each of the various types of faults.

  The payout control board 25 is provided with an operation switch 4b as an error canceling means, and the operation switch 4b is disposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside. The operation switch 4b is used to check a countermeasure for each failure when the various failures occur, or to clear error information (numerical value display) displayed on the 7-segment LED 4a after the failure is recovered. Can be used.

(4. Example of electrical configuration of design control board)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the symbol control board 30.
The symbol control board 30 includes a socket 334, a hard disk ROM 340, a read control circuit 324, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a control program storage unit 325, a video display processor (Video Display Processor) 330, and two bank memories 321 and 322. ing. The symbol control board 30 has a function of controlling the effect display operation based on the effect display command from the sub control board 35 for the decorative symbol display device 16.

(4-1. Configuration of hard disk ROM)
First, the hard disk ROM 340 as an effect image storage device is a kind of storage device provided in place of a so-called character ROM, and has a reading speed of about 95 Mbit / s. The hard disk ROM 340 displays image data (hereinafter referred to as character image data for displaying a character image as an effect image for effect display, background image data for displaying a background image (effect image) as a background image thereof) (Referred to as “effect image data 81”). In the present embodiment, the hard disk ROM 340 magnetically stores the effect image data 81 and can read the effect image data 81 as necessary.

  A control program storage unit 325 (hereinafter referred to as “control ROM”) is a read-only memory for storing a control program (hereinafter referred to as “design display control program”) for controlling the effect display operation of the symbol control board 30. It is.

Next, the CPU 311 is connected to a control ROM 325, a video display processor 330 (hereinafter referred to as “VDP”), and a reading control circuit 324. The CPU 311 controls the operations of the VDP 330 and the reading control circuit 324 based on the effect display command from the sub control board 35 by the operation of the symbol display control program read from the control ROM 325. The operating frequency of the CPU 311 is, for example, 133 MHz (core) / 66 MHz (bus), and the operating frequency of the VDP 330 is, for example, 33 MHz.

(4-2. Configuration Example of Read Control Circuit 324)
The read control circuit 324 has a function of controlling the reading of the effect image data 81 from the hard disk ROM 340 and the writing to the bank memories 321 and 322 according to the control signal of the CPU 311. The read control circuit 324 includes bank memory controllers 314 and 317, a control circuit 315, a control register group 313, a bus / switch circuit 316, a bus switching circuit 318, a bus conversion circuit 320, and a hard disk interface circuit 312. The read control circuit 324 is connected to the hard disk ROM 340 via the CPU 311, VDP 330, bank memories 321 and 322, and socket 334. Each of the bank memories 321 and 322 is an SDRAM having an operating frequency of 100 MHz, for example.

  The control register group 313 is connected to the CPU 311, the VDP 330, and the control circuit 315, and is a register group that receives a control signal from the CPU 311. The control circuit 315 is connected to the bank memory controllers 314 and 317 and the hard disk interface circuit 312 based on the control signal, and the operations of the bank memory controllers 314 and 317 and the hard disk interface circuit 312 based on the control signal from the CPU 311. Is controlling each. The hard disk interface circuit 312 has an interface function with the hard disk ROM 340 and functions as a buffer for temporarily storing the effect image data 81 read from the hard disk ROM 340.

  The bus switch circuit 316 controls one of the bank memory controllers 314 and 317 to be valid according to a control signal from the CPU 311 or the VDP 330 via the bus switching circuit 318. When the bus on the bank memory controller 314 side becomes valid, the effect image data 81 is alternately written in either the first bank memory 321 or the second bank memory 322 selected by switching.

  When a plurality of bank memories 321 and 322 are provided in this way, for example, even if the effect image data 81 stored in one bank memory 321 is being processed, other effect image data is stored in the other bank memory 322. Reading can be performed. Conversely, processing can be performed. In other words, if a plurality of bank memories 321 and 322 are provided, even if the hard disk ROM 340 is a low-speed memory for reading data, processing can be efficiently performed as a whole. When the bank memories 321 and 322 having such a configuration are provided, the other one of the bank memories 321 and 322 is within the time required for expansion of the effect image data 81 read from the hard disk ROM 340 to one of the bank memories 321 and 322. Data processing of other effect image data can be performed.

  Here, in these bank memories 321 and 322, the effect image data 81 acquired from the hard disk ROM 340 is stored in storage areas corresponding to predetermined specific addresses of the bank memories 321 and 322, respectively. Also good. In this way, the frequently used effect image data 81 can be accessed quickly and efficiently. Examples of the frequently used effect image data 81 include image data for displaying an image such as a number, a character, or a character.

  On the other hand, when the bus on the bank memory controller 317 side becomes valid, the bank memory controller 317 is already stored in either the first bank memory 321 or the second bank memory 322 under the control of the control circuit 315. The rendered effect image data 81 is delivered to the bus conversion circuit 320. The bus conversion circuit 320 converts, for example, the number of transmission unit bits of the buses that are transmitted simultaneously, and delivers the effect image data 81 delivered to the VDP 330. The VDP 330 has a function of causing the decorative design display device 16 to display an effect image based on the effect image data 81 under the control of the CPU 311.

(5. Configuration of hard disk ROM)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the hard disk ROM 340.
A hard disk ROM 340 as an effect image storage device has a configuration in which a magnetic disk device 200 and a terminal 210 are sealed with a mold resin 220, and as if in appearance, a semiconductor integrated circuit is sealed with a mold resin 220. It looks like a semiconductor device (IC device). In the following description, the magnetic disk device 200 thus molded with the mold resin 220 and configuring the hard disk ROM 340 as if it were an IC device is expressed as “to make an IC chip”. IC chip formation here does not mean making a bare chip (an integrated circuit itself), but means making the bare chip sealed with a mold resin (the state after packaging).

  The symbol control board 30 is provided with a socket 244. Each terminal 210 of the hard disk ROM 340 is inserted into the socket 244. When the terminals 210 are inserted into the socket 244, the hard disk ROM 340 is inserted. In addition, electrical continuity with the symbol control board 30 can be ensured and data can be read out. That is, the hard disk ROM 340 is detachable from the socket 244.

  The magnetic disk device 200 includes a magnetic disk 216 that can magnetically read or write the effect image data 81. The terminal 210 is electrically connected to the magnetic disk device 200 and has a function as a terminal for reading the effect image data 81 stored in the magnetic disk device 200.

  The hard disk ROM 340 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an outer shape of, for example, a width of 25 mm, a length of 60 mm, and a thickness of about 5 mm. For example, the hard disk ROM 340 has substantially the same size as a 64-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) . The hard disk ROM 340 seals the terminal 210 and the magnetic disk device 200 while exposing the tip of each terminal 210. The terminals 210 are arranged at predetermined pitches (for example, 2.54 mm intervals) along both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the mold resin 220.

  In the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip, the magnetic disk device 200 is connected to the data format conversion circuit 334 via the harness 230 in the mold resin 220. The data format conversion circuit 334 is also sealed with the mold resin 220. This data format conversion circuit 334 associates each signal line of the harness 230 electrically connected to the magnetic disk device 200 with each terminal 210 and outputs the effect image data 81 of the magnetic disk device 200 to each terminal 210. It has a function to make it.

  The data format conversion circuit 334 corresponds to a standard such as ATA or IDE that is a standard related to reading (or writing) data from the magnetic disk device 200 or a standard (ATAPI, E-IDE, etc.) that applies these. Thus, the effect image data 81 has a function of converting the data format. Therefore, the VDP 330 can read the effect image data 81 as if the hard disk ROM 340 is a semiconductor memory under the control of the CPU 311.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the magnetic disk device 200.
First, the magnetic disk device 200 includes a magnetic disk 216, a spindle motor 214, a spindle motor control unit 212, a bus 205, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 204 as a central processing unit, a hard disk interface 201, a hard disk controller 203, and a buffer memory 202. A recording restriction circuit 223, a recording channel circuit 206, a recording amplifier 209, a magnetic head 215, a servo DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 208, an amplifier 211, a voice coil motor 213, an arm 55, a reproduction amplifier 210, and a reproduction channel circuit 207. Yes.

  As the magnetic disk device 200, for example, an ultra-small hard disk device manufactured by Toshiba Corporation can be adopted. A magnetic disk 216 mounted on the magnetic disk device 200 is an information recording medium on a disk having a storage capacity of, for example, 4 Gbytes and a disk diameter of, for example, 0.85 inch (about 2.2 cm). The effect image data 81 magnetically recorded on the disk-shaped information recording medium is reproduced (read) based on a predetermined control signal.

  The spindle motor 214 is a motor for rotating the magnetic disk 216 in a predetermined direction. The spindle motor control unit 212 controls the rotation of the spindle motor 214 under the control of the CPU 204.

  In addition to the CPU 204, a servo DSP 208, a reproduction channel circuit 207, and a hard disk controller 203 are connected to the bus 205, and control signals are exchanged among them. The CPU 204 controls the hard disk controller 203, the reproduction channel circuit 207, and the servo DSP 208 via the bus 205. This CPU 204

  The hard disk interface 201 has a function as an interface that delivers the effect image data 81 acquired from the CPU 311 to the hard disk controller 203 under the control of the hard disk controller 203. The buffer memory 202 has a function as temporary storage means for temporarily storing the effect image data 81 thus acquired.

  The recording channel circuit 206 has a function of recording the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 by the magnetic head 215 via the recording amplifier 209 under the control of the hard disk controller 203. A servo DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 208 drives a voice coil motor 213 through an amplifier 211 to place a magnetic head 215 at a predetermined location on the magnetic disk 216. The effect image data 81 read from the magnetic disk 216 by the magnetic head 215 is delivered to the reproduction channel circuit 207 via the reproduction amplifier 210 under the control of the hard disk controller 203. The effect image data 81 delivered to the reproduction channel circuit 207 is delivered to the conversion circuit 334 via the hard disk interface 201 under the control of the hard disk controller 203.

  In the present embodiment, the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip includes a recording restriction circuit 223 as a restriction means for restricting rewriting of the effect image data 81 recorded on the magnetic disk device 200. Further, the recording restriction circuit 223 allows writing the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 only for the first time in a state where the effect image data 81 is not stored on the magnetic disk 216, and rewriting the effect image data 81 thereafter. Is regulated.

(6-2. Recording restriction circuit)
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of the recording restriction circuit 223. The recording restriction circuit 223 uses a hardware circuit as means for permitting writing of the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 only for the first time in a state where the effect image data 81 is not stored on the magnetic disk 216. However, it goes without saying that it may be realized by a program or the like in terms of software.

  The recording restriction circuit 223 includes a fuse 223a, a fuse blown input terminal 223e, a transistor 223c as a switching means, a resistor 223b, an output terminal 223g, an input terminal 223f, and a transistor 223d. One of the fuses 223a is connected to a power source, and when a current of a predetermined amount or more flows, the fuse 223a is electrically disconnected by melting by the current.

  In the first recording of the effect image data 81, the recording restriction circuit 223 operates as follows. First, in order to record the effect image data 81 for the first time on the magnetic disk 216 in which the effect image data 81 is not recorded, a predetermined input signal corresponding to the effect image data 81 is input to the input terminal 223f. Accordingly, data representing the effect image data 81 is output from the output terminal 223g. The output effect image data 81 is recorded on the magnetic disk 216 by the recording channel circuit 206.

  When the first recording of the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 is completed, in the recording restriction circuit 223, a predetermined input signal is input to the fuse blown input terminal 223e, and the transistor 223c is turned on. When the transistor 223c is turned on, a large amount of current flows through the fuse 223a, so that the fuse 223a is disconnected. When the fuse 223a is cut off in this way, the power supply and the output terminal 223g are cut off, so that the effect image data 81 is not output to the output terminal 223g even if there is an input signal at the input terminal 223f. That is, when the fuse 223a is cut off, the recording restriction circuit 223 can restrict the effect image data 81 from being recorded on the magnetic disk 216 thereafter.

(7. Magnetic recording / reproduction of effect image data)
(7-1. Recording of production image data)
In the hard disk ROM 340, the effect image data 81 is recorded only once by the function of the recording restriction circuit 223. A specific method for recording the effect image data 81 is as follows. . First, the CPU 311 (host) of the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip starts recording from a certain logical block address (LBA) on the magnetic disk 216 with the effect image data 81 to be recorded as a data block having a predetermined length. Then, a host command (in this case, a recording command) is sent to the magnetic disk device 200.

  Next, in the magnetic disk device 200, the hard disk controller 203 has an input register (not shown) for receiving effect image data 81 and control commands with the host (CPU 311), and the effect image data 81 and the magnetic disk device with respect to the host. An output register (not shown) for returning 200 statuses is provided.

  When receiving a recording command from the host, the hard disk controller 203 converts it into a logical block address (specified by a disk surface number, a track number, a sector number, etc.) designated by the recording command under the control of the CPU 204.

  Subsequently, the cluster sent from the hard disk ROM 340 by the CPU 311 is received by the input register in the hard disk controller 203 via the hard disk interface 201 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 202. The hard disk controller 203 divides the received data of the input register into logical value data and sector length (for example, 512 bytes) set on the track of the magnetic disk 216, and further to take bit synchronization at the time of reading before and after that Are added to the recording channel 206 in synchronization with the rotation of the magnetic disk 216.

  The recording channel circuit 206 performs channel coding on the data sector, and converts the data sector into a binary sequence suitable for the characteristics of the magnetic recording channel including the magnetic head 215 and the magnetic disk 216. This binary series is associated with a rectangular recording current waveform by the recording amplifier 209 and recorded as a magnetization reversal pattern on the magnetic disk 216 by the magnetic head 215.

  As described above, the magnetic disk device 200 records the effect image data 81 only for the first time. However, due to the function of the recording restriction circuit 223, the effect image data 81 is not rewritten thereafter and only reproduction is permitted. It will be.

(7-2. Reproduction of effect image data)
Here, when reproducing the effect image data 81 from the magnetic disk device 200, it is necessary to position the magnetic head 215 on a target track to be recorded on the magnetic disk 216 in advance. Therefore, the servo DSP 208 that has received the target track number from the hard disk controller 203 and the CPU 204 controls the voice coil motor 213 via the amplifier 111 while receiving a predetermined track number on the surface of the magnetic disk 216 from the reproduction channel circuit 207. As a result, the magnetic head 215 is moved to the physical address to perform positioning.

  The magnetic head 215 reads the magnetization reversal pattern corresponding to the predetermined track number from the magnetic disk 216 at the physical address, and passes it to the reproduction channel circuit 207 via the reproduction amplifier 210. The reproduction channel circuit 207 obtains, for example, a binary sequence associated with the magnetic reversal pattern under the control of the hard disk controller 203, and performs channel decoding by inversely converting the binary sequence from that at the time of recording. The data sector is obtained and delivered to the disk controller 203.

  The disk controller 203 deletes the preceding and succeeding preamble patterns and error correction codes from the data sector, and transmits based on the logical value data set on the track of the magnetic disk 216 and the sector length (for example, 512 bytes). Data is generated and stored in an output buffer in the hard disk controller 203. The transmission data stored in this output buffer is delivered to the VDP 330 in units of clusters, for example, via the hard disk interface 201 under the control of the CPU 311. In this way, the reading control circuit 324 delivers the effect image data 81 from the hard disk ROM 340 to the VDP 330 under the control of the CPU 311.

  The reading control circuit 324 obtains the effect image data 81 from the hard disk interface circuit 312 under the control of the control circuit 315, selects one of the bank memories 321 and 322, and selects the bank memory controller 314 and the bus The effect image data 81 is written into one selected bank memory (for example, the bank memory 321 side) via the switch circuit 316.

  Subsequently, the reading control circuit 324 instructs the bus switch circuit 316 to switch by controlling the bus switching circuit 318 under the control of the CPU 311 and selects the bank memory 321 in which the effect image data 81 has already been written. . Then, the VDP 330 acquires the effect image data 81 from the first bank memory 321 via the bank memory controller 317 and the bus conversion circuit 320.

  Next, the VDP 330 generates predetermined drawing data based on the effect image data 81 and outputs it to the decorative symbol display device 16. By repeatedly executing these processes in this way, effect images based on the effect image data 81 are displayed one after another on the decorative symbol display device 16. Here, since the hard disk ROM 340 provided in place of the so-called character ROM is a large-capacity storage device using the magnetic disk 216, a large amount of effect image data 81 can be stored. For this reason, the VDP 330 can display the effect image on the decorative symbol display device 16 based on more effect image data 81.

(8. ROM writer as an inspection device)
Such a hard disk ROM 340 is configured to read the effect image data 81 in the following manner, for example, in a predetermined inspection organization.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a so-called ROM writer 350 for inspecting the effect image data 81 stored in the hard disk ROM 340. The ROM writer 350 normally has a function as a recording device for writing data to, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). In this embodiment, the ROM (writer) function has a reproducing (reading) function. Is used. Since the basic configuration and functions of the ROM writer 350 are known, detailed points are omitted.

  The ROM writer 350 normally uses the same method for reading data from a semiconductor memory such as an EP-ROM. However, when reading the effect image data 81 of the hard disk ROM 340 including the magnetic disk device 200, the pitch conversion board 360 is first read. It is designed to be detachable. This pitch conversion board 360 has a function of converting the pitch of each terminal 210 of the hard disk ROM 340 into the pitch of each terminal of the socket of the ROM writer 350 on the receiving side.

  The pitch conversion board 360 is provided with a ROM writer interface circuit 335. The ROM writer interface circuit 335 has a buffering function for temporarily storing effect image data 81 read from the hard disk ROM 340. The ROM writer interface circuit 335 includes various circuits such as a function for converting each terminal 210 of the hard disk ROM 340 and a receiving terminal of the ROM writer 350 so as to correspond to each other.

  With this configuration, the ROM writer 350 reads out the effect image data 81 of the hard disk ROM 340 via the pitch conversion board 360, and then, for example, the sum check value of the predetermined reference effect image data prepared in advance and the effect The image data 81 can be inspected by comparing it with the sum check value.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following utility can be exhibited.
First, it is generally known that a magnetic disk device has a larger storage capacity than a semiconductor memory including a semiconductor integrated circuit. In recent years, there has been a trend toward increasing the capacity of magnetic disk devices, while the trend toward ultra-miniaturization has been remarkable.

  In the first embodiment, such an ultra-small magnetic disk device 200 is employed, and a large amount of effect image data 81 is stored in the magnetic disk device 200. Here, in the first embodiment, the magnetic disk device 200 is adopted as a storage device for storing the effect image data 81 for the following reason.

  First, an optical disk such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM) and a magneto-optical disk such as a digital versatile disk (DVD-RW or DVD-R) are usually discs. Only each disk can be attached to and detached from the apparatus.

  However, if the disk is detachable from the disk device in this way, the disk itself may be replaced with another disk. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hard disk ROM 340 (the storage area thereof) can be prevented from being used for fraud by adopting the magnetic disk device 200 in which the magnetic disk 216 cannot be easily attached and detached. The fraudulent act mentioned here can include, for example, recording a program for executing an unauthorized process in the hard disk ROM 340 or falsifying the effect image data 81 so that it is beneficial to the player.

  In the present embodiment, the effect image data 81 stored in advance in the magnetic disk device 200 can be read, and more various effect images can be displayed based on the read-out large amount of effect image data 91. According to such 1st Embodiment, various effect images can be displayed based on these many effect image data 81, and a player's game motivation can be heightened.

  In the first embodiment, since the magnetic disk device 200 itself is sealed by a mold member (sealing member), the magnetic disk 216 mounted on the magnetic disk device 200 cannot be taken out. That is, since the hard disk ROM 340 seals the magnetic disk device 200 with the mold member 220, the hard disk ROM 340 is almost as if as a semiconductor device (semiconductor device) having a configuration in which the semiconductor integrated circuit is sealed with a predetermined sealing resin. The external appearance is the same (in this embodiment, the appearance that is almost the same as that of the semiconductor device is referred to as “IC chip formation”).

  In this first embodiment, another magnetic disk in which a program for replacing the effect image data 81 with another effect image data or executing an illegal process is stored in advance so as to be advantageous to the player. In preparation, it is possible to prevent the trick of replacing the magnetic disk 216 originally mounted on the magnetic disk device 200 with another magnetic disk.

  In the first embodiment, the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip includes the recording restriction circuit 223 that restricts the rewriting of the effect image data 81 stored in the magnetic disk 216, and thus exhibits the following utility. be able to.

  That is, in a general known magnetic disk device, data stored in the magnetic disk can be rewritten, but in this embodiment, the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 is illegally processed. Since it cannot be rewritten into a program, it becomes impossible for a player who intends to cheat to improve the game convenience. For this reason, in this embodiment, a player who intends to cheat cannot receive the benefits that should not be obtained originally.

  The recording restriction circuit 223 is mounted on the magnetic disk device 200 itself. Due to the operation of the recording restriction circuit 223, an illegal program (or effect image) is used instead of the effect image data 81 in the storage area of the magnetic disk device 200. Data 81) cannot be written. For this reason, according to such a configuration, even when a person who intends to cheat takes out the magnetic disk device 200 itself from the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip maliciously, the storage area of the magnetic disk device 200 is first stored. It is possible to prevent fraudulent activity using.

  In the first embodiment, the recording restriction circuit 223 allows writing the effect image data 81 on the magnetic disk 216 only for the first time in a state where the effect image data 81 is not stored on the magnetic disk 216, and thereafter. Since rewriting of the effect image data 81 is regulated, the following usefulness can be exhibited.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, once the effect image data 81 is stored in the hard disk ROM 340 that does not store the effect image data 81, it is possible to restrict rewriting of the effect image data 81 in the hard disk ROM 340 thereafter. For this reason, in the present embodiment, once the effect image data 81 is stored in the hard disk ROM 340, after that, the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip is handled as if it is a so-called character ROM, and the illegal use of the storage area of the magnetic disk device is performed. Actions can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the symbol control board 30 is provided with a socket 244, and the hard disk ROM 340 can be attached to and detached from the socket. Therefore, the following utility can be exhibited.
That is, in the present embodiment, even when there are a plurality of pachinko machines 1 that perform various types of effect display, the hard disk in which the effect image data 81 related to the effect image corresponding to the game content of each pachinko machine 1 is stored. If the ROM 340 is prepared and the hard disk ROM 340 is attached to the socket of the symbol control board 30 of each pachinko machine 1, the symbol control board 30 provided with the socket is shared by any kind of pachinko machine 1. can do. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the symbol control board 30 can be reduced. In this embodiment, since the hard disk ROM 340 can be attached to and detached from the symbol control board 30, the hard disk ROM 340 can be detached from the symbol control board 30 and the contents of the hard disk ROM 340 can be easily referred to or confirmed.

(9. Second embodiment)
In addition, each of the above embodiments is applied not only to a ball-type game machine that uses a game ball to play, but also to a revolving type game machine that uses a game medium such as a medal or a coin such as a so-called slot machine. be able to. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is not a bullet-type game machine but a spinning game machine, and the configuration related to the display operation of the effect image using the effect image data 81 is different from that of the first embodiment. Since it is almost the same, the following description will focus on points different from the first embodiment. Note that, in the second embodiment, when the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a configuration example of the slot machine 101 to which the gaming machine as the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.
The second embodiment is characterized in that a hard disk ROM 340 in the form of an IC chip having the same function as that of the first embodiment is provided on the display control board.

  The slot machine 101 has a box-shaped housing 102, and is installed in an island facility of a game arcade based on the housing 102. In the island facility, a plurality of slot machines 101 are arranged in a row in the width direction, and usually a medal sand (not shown) is attached between the machines. When, for example, cash is inserted into the medal sand (the inter-sand sand), medals corresponding to the amount of money are lent out, and the player can use them to perform a slot machine game. The game medium is not particularly limited to medals and coins, but may be a mode using game balls or tokens. Alternatively, a mode in which a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-bed sand and the remaining frequency and medals are exchanged may be implemented.

  The casing 102 of the slot machine 101 has a front door 104 on the front surface facing the player, and the front door 104 can be opened forward with one side end (left side end in this example) as the center. The front door 104 has a glass plate (transparent plate) 106 at its middle position, and a rectangular display window 108 is formed at the center thereof. The slot machine 101 of this embodiment is equipped with three reels (left reel, middle reel, right reel) 110a, 110b, 110c as an example of a mechanical symbol display (symbol display device), and these reels 110a. , 110 b, 110 c are arranged at the back of the front door 104, that is, inside the housing 102.

  Each reel 110a, 110b, 110c has a reel band extending around its outer periphery, and various patterns are attached to its surface. Although not all are shown in FIG. 8, for example, the design of the figure “7”, the design of a specific alphabet (or its character string), and a sign such as a bell This includes a design of fruits, fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, apple, cherry, or a design of characters, figures, symbols, etc. that characterize the model of the slot machine 101.

  The slot machine 101 can change or stop the display mode of the symbols by rotating or stopping these reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. From the front surface of the slot machine 101, only a part of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is visible through the display window 8, and three symbols are effectively displayed for each reel 110a, 110b, 110c when stopped. It is supposed to be.

  Display areas 112 and 114 are formed on both sides of the display window 108 in the glass plate 106, and various character information and symbol information are attached to the display areas 112 and 114 in a predetermined arrangement. . A lamp unit (not shown) is disposed behind the glass plate 106, and information in the display areas 112 and 114 is lit and displayed by the lamp. For example, when a player first inserts medals through the medal insertion slot 115, the number of bets is added according to the number of inserted medals. At this time, the medal line lamp corresponding to the number of bets is lit on the right display area 112. . When the bet number reaches the maximum (for example, 3 bets), the inserted medals are stored as credits, and the credit number is displayed on the display unit 116 as a numerical value.

  When the player operates the start lever 124 (start operation means) with the medal line lamp lit up, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c start to rotate all at once, and the symbols change. Further, when the player operates the stop buttons 126, 128, and 130 (stop operation means), the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the right, middle, and left, respectively, stop rotating, and the variation of symbols stops.

  At this time, when a certain symbol combination (for example, a state where specific symbols are arranged in a line) is displayed on the winning line enabled in the display window 108, a prize is awarded to the player. Examples of the winning award include payout of medals and transition to a special gaming state (so-called big bonus game, regular bonus game, assist time, challenge time, etc.), and the player executes a special game. This makes it possible to receive more medals. In the following description, the realization of a predetermined symbol arrangement on each valid winning line is referred to as “winning”.

  When a prize is won by the game operation described above, the number of medals paid out according to the type of symbol at that time is displayed on the display unit 132. When winning a big bonus game or a regular bonus game, the number of remaining games is displayed on the display unit 134 during the progress. The medals that have been paid out are stored as credits until the number of credits on the display unit 116 reaches a maximum, and medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are paid out to the tray 138 through the payout opening 136. In addition, the player can release the medal storage (credit) by operating the credit check button 140, and can receive the payout of the medal stored until then.

  The slot machine 101 according to the present embodiment has a liquid crystal display 142 above the display window 108. The liquid crystal display 142 is provided with images for effects and various bonus games as the game progresses. The number of medals and the like are displayed. In addition, two speakers 144 are provided on the left and right sides of the payout opening 136 for outputting sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game. In addition, lamps 145, 146, and 148 are arranged at various locations on the front door 104, and these lamps 145, 146, and 148 can perform effects by light-emitting decoration according to the gaming state.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like that are installed in the slot machine 101. The slot machine 101 has a main control board 150 for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. On the main control board 150, circuit elements such as a CPU 152, a ROM 154, and a RAM 156 are mounted. The main control board 150 includes input / output interfaces 158 and 160 for exchanging information with external devices, a counter 162 for generating random numbers for lottery, and the like.

  The bet buttons 118, 120, 122, the start lever 124, the stop buttons 126, 128, 130, the settlement button 140, etc. are all connected to the main control board 150, and these operation buttons use sensors (not shown). The operation by the player can be detected and the operation signal can be output to the main control board 150.

  The casing 102 of the slot machine 101 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 150, and various signals are input to the main control board 150 from these devices. The devices include a medal selector 164, a reel device 166, a hopper device 168, etc. Among them, the medal selector 164 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 115 one by one, and the detection signal is sent to the main control board 150. Output.

  The reel device 166 is configured as a unit including the reels 110a to 110c described above. The reel device 166 has a photosensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 110a, 110b, 110c, and a detection signal (index signal) from these photosensors is a main control board. 150 is input. The hopper device 168 also has a payout sensor (not shown) that detects paid-out medals one by one, and a detection signal for each medal is input to the main control board 150 from the payout sensor. ing.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 150 to the reel device 166 and the hopper device 168. That is, the reel device 166 has a built-in stepping motor (not shown) for rotating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of these stepping motors is the main control. Output from the substrate 150. The hopper device 168 receives a payout signal from the main control board 150 according to the type of the winning symbol, and the hopper device 168 performs a medal payout operation based on the payout signal.

  In addition to the main control board 150, the slot machine 101 includes an effect control board 170 and a display control board 30a. In addition to the CPU 172, the effect control board 170 includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown), an input / output interface, a sound source IC, Equipped with an audio amplifier. The effect control board 170 receives various command signals from the main control board 150 and controls the operation of the display units 116, 132, 134 and the speaker 144, and controls the lighting or blinking of the lamps 145, 146, 148. Yes.

  A display control board 30a as a display control means is connected to the effect control board 170, and the display control board 30a is connected to the liquid crystal display 142. The display control board 30a has substantially the same configuration as the symbol control board 30 in the first embodiment and performs almost the same function, and controls display operations such as effect images by the liquid crystal display 142. The display control board 30a corresponds to the symbol control board 30 in the first embodiment, and includes a CPU, ROM, VDP (video display processor) (not shown) and a hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip in place of a so-called character ROM. ing. The display control board 30a may have a form in which the function is mounted on the effect control board 170. In this case, the hard disk ROM 340 is mounted on the effect control board 170.

  In the hard disk ROM 340, effect image data 81 is recorded by the ROM writer 350 as in the first embodiment. In the slot machine 101, the liquid crystal display 142 performs an effect display based on the effect image data 81 by a VDP (display operation control means) under the control of a CPU (display operation control means). Since the hard disk ROM 340 stores a large amount of effect image data 81 as in the first embodiment, the effect control board 170 can perform more elaborate effect display using the liquid crystal display 142.

  Further, an external terminal board 174 is connected to the main control board 150, and the slot machine 101 is connected to the hall computer 176 in the game hall via the external terminal board 174. The external terminal board 74 relays the inserted medal signal and the payout medal signal transmitted from the main control board 150 or the signal during the big bonus game or the regular bonus game (JAC game) to the hall computer 176, or conversely, the hall computer. The stop release signal transmitted from 176 is relayed to the main control board 150 and the effect control board 170.

  In addition, a power supply box 180 is accommodated in the housing 102. The power supply box 80 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 101. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply box 180 to each unit.

  The power supply box 180 is attached with a power switch 182, a setting key switch 184, a reset switch 186, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the housing 102 and can be operated only by opening the front door 104 thereof. Among these, the power switch 182 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 101, and the setting key switch 184 is for changing the setting of the slot machine 101. A reset switch 186 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 101.

  The CPU 152 of the main control board 150 determines the winning by collating the random value acquired from the counter 162 with the winning value of the table data during the normal game, and if a bonus game is hit, the corresponding symbol flag Set to ON. In this case, when the stop button 126, 128, 130 is operated near the symbol aimed by the player, the symbol stops at the stop position within the range (for example, within 4 symbols) possible by the reel control described above, so that each bonus It becomes easy to win with a symbol corresponding to the game.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment except that the gaming machine is a ball-type gaming machine using the hard disk ROM 340 formed as an IC chip.

(10. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  In the above embodiment, the magnetic disk device 200 is sealed with the predetermined mold resin 220, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnetic disk device 200 may be sealed with a predetermined case and a lid member so as to cover the magnetic disk device 200. It goes without saying that it is good. In this case, it is desirable to ensure that fraudulent acts using the storage area of the magnetic disk device 200 are not performed by sealing the magnetic disk device 200 in a state of being sealed with a case and a lid member.

  In the first embodiment, not only the ball-type game machine having the above-described configuration but also the following ball-type game machine can be exemplified. That is, the ball-type game machine has a predetermined A launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium in the game area, a winning detector for detecting that a game ball has won a start winning opening provided in the game area, and a winning to the start winning opening Triggering the opening and closing operation of the movable piece and receiving the game ball as an opportunity, and the fact that the game ball received by the winning device as the opening and closing operation of the movable piece has passed the specific area Special game state transition means for shifting to the special game state, and effect display means for executing an effect display operation according to the progress of the game.

  In the second embodiment, a slot machine is illustrated as a spinning-type game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to a spinning-type game machine (a so-called parrot machine) that uses a game ball. Can do. This spinning-type game machine has, as its basic configuration, for example, a game value counting means that collects a predetermined number of game balls as game media and makes it a unit of game value, and the game value counting means The symbol display device that starts and stops according to the player's operation in a state where the multiplier is determined, and changes the symbol display by the start, while displaying a combination of a plurality of symbols at the time of the stop, and the symbol Start operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting the display device, stop operation means capable of accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display device, and a symbol display mode when the symbol display device is stopped Game value giving means for determining whether or not there is a prize and giving a player a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game values according to the symbol display mode if there is a prize; If there is a winning at a particular symbol display mode during stop of the symbol display device, and a privilege gaming state transition means for shifting to award gaming state that allows winning advantageously probability to the player.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
16 Decorative design display (display)
30 Design control board (display control device)
30a Display control board (display control device)
35 Sub-control board (control means)
142 Liquid crystal display (display, symbol display means)
150 Main control board (control means)
170 Production control board (control means)
200 Magnetic disk device 210 Terminal 216 Magnetic disk 220 Mold resin (sealing resin)
223 Recording restriction circuit (regulation means)
311 CPU (control means)
330 Video display processor (display operation control means)
340 Hard disk ROM (production image storage device)

Claims (1)

A control device for controlling the game operation;
A display control device for controlling a display operation related to a visual effect according to the progress of the game by the control of the control device,
The display control device includes:
An effect image storage device for storing effect image data corresponding to an image relating to a visual effect;
Display operation control means for executing a display operation based on the effect image data stored in the effect image storage device,
The effect image storage device includes:
A gaming machine, comprising: an optical disk device on which an optical disk capable of at least optically reading out the effect image data and having a removable optical disk is mounted.

Images