JP2010029601A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for increasing player's excitement and enjoyment of a game by presenting various performances, and effectively utilizing the recording area of a storage means with a limited capacity. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: the storage means for previously storing prescribed announcement data; an announcing means for performing prescribed announcement; and an announcement control means for performing announcement control to allow the announcing means to perform the prescribed announcement, based on the prescribed announcement data. The announcement control means starts the announcement control based on the prescribed announcement data at a first timing, and then, starts the announcement control based on the prescribed announcement data at a second timing before terminating the announcement control based on the prescribed announcement data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine or a pachinko machine.

  Many conventional game machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device.

The image processing apparatus of the image display device mounted on such a conventional game machine reads the corresponding image data from the image data ROM, stores it in the video RAM area, and displays the image data stored in the video RAM area as an image display. Generally, an image is displayed by outputting to an apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-175347 A

  However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when displaying a series of frame data such as moving image data, the area to be stored in the video RAM is predetermined for each data, so that the image display by the image display apparatus becomes monotonous. There was a risk that the player would soon get bored.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such conventional problems, and can provide various effects, improve the interest of the player in games, and limit the capacity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of effectively utilizing the recording area of the storage means provided.

  (1) The present invention provides a storage unit that stores predetermined notification data in advance, a notification unit that performs predetermined notification, and a notification that causes the notification unit to perform the predetermined notification based on the predetermined notification data. A notification control unit that executes control, and the notification control unit starts notification control based on the predetermined notification data at a first timing and then ends notification control based on the predetermined notification data. The game machine is characterized in that notification control based on the same predetermined notification data is started at the second timing.

  (2) The present invention further includes temporary storage means capable of temporarily storing the predetermined notification data, wherein the notification control means reads at least a part of the predetermined notification data from the storage means, and After expanding to the first area in the temporary storage means at a first timing, at least a part of the predetermined notification data is read from the storage means and the first storage in the temporary storage means at the second timing. Expanded in a second area different from the area, at least a part of the predetermined notification data expanded in the first area and / or at least one of the predetermined notification data expanded in the second area The game machine according to (1), wherein notification control for causing the notification means to perform notification based on a section is executed.

  (3) In the present invention, the predetermined notification data includes a plurality of pieces of notification information in which a notification order by the notification unit is determined in advance, and the notification control unit stores the plurality of pieces of notification information from the storage unit. After at least part of the information is read and expansion into the first area or the second area is started, expansion into the first area or the second area is determined based on the predetermined information of the plurality of notification information. Suspending before starting the development of the notification information, and starting the development to the first area or the second area from the predetermined notification information based on the fact that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first area Alternatively, the game stand according to (2) above, wherein notification restart control is performed to cause the notification means to perform notification based on the predetermined notification information developed in the second area.

  (4) In the present invention, the plurality of pieces of broadcast information may include first broadcast information that does not require reference to broadcast information other than its own information for the deployment, and other broadcast information other than its own information. The game table according to (3), including second notification information that requires reference to notification information.

  (5) The present invention is also the gaming machine according to (4), wherein the predetermined notification information is the second notification information.

  (6) According to the present invention, the second notification information may be the third notification information that requires reference to other notification information in which the notification order is earlier than the second notification information, or the notification. The game table according to (4) or (5), characterized in that the game table is fourth notification information that requires reference to other notification information whose order is before and after itself in the expansion. It is.

  (7) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the predetermined notification data is in a compressed data format.

  (8) In the present invention, the notification unit includes a display unit that performs predetermined display, and the predetermined notification data is moving image data. It is a gaming table according to any one of the above.

  (9) The present invention is also characterized in that the notification means includes sound output means for outputting a predetermined sound, and the predetermined notification data is voice data. It is the game stand in any one of.

  (10) The present invention is also characterized in that the notification means includes light emission means for emitting light in a predetermined light emission mode, and the predetermined notification data is light emission mode data. ).

  (11) The present invention further includes a specific operation unit operable by a player, and the notification control unit executes the notification control or the notification resumption control based on the operation of the specific operation unit. The game table according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein:

  (12) The present invention further includes a detection unit capable of detecting a game medium, and the notification control unit performs the notification control or the notification restart control based on the detection unit detecting the game medium. The game machine according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the game machine is executed.

  (13) The present invention is also based on the fact that the notification control means ends the notification control of either the first region or the second region in which the deployment is not interrupted. The game table according to (3), wherein the game table is executed.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, various effects can be performed, the player's interest in games can be improved, and the recording area of the storage means with limited capacity can be effectively used. it can.

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

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  The pachinko machine 100 includes a game board (board surface) 102, which will be described later, disposed so as to be visible on the back side of a door member 156 made of a transparent plate member 152 made of glass or resin and a transparent member holding frame (glass frame) 154. ing.

  Further, below the launcher 138 and the launcher 140, an operation handle 148 for controlling the launcher 138 and operating the launch intensity of the sphere toward the game area 104 is disposed. Below the 144, a lower plate 150 is provided for storing overflow balls that cannot be stored in the storage plate 144.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board 102 as viewed from the front. The game board 102 is provided with an outer rail 106 and an inner rail 108, and a game area 104 in which a game ball (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “ball”) can roll is defined.

  In the center of the game area 104, an effect device 200 is provided. In the effect device 200, a horizontally long decorative symbol display device 110 is arranged at substantially the center, and a normal symbol display device 112, a special symbol display device 114, a normal symbol hold lamp 116, and a special symbol hold around the periphery thereof. A lamp 118 and a high-probability medium lamp 120 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The rendering device 200 performs rendering by operating the movable part, and details will be described later. The decorative symbol display device 110 is a display device for displaying various images used for decorative symbols and effects. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 110 is configured by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 110 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 110a, a middle symbol display area 110b, a right symbol display area 110c, and an effect display area 110d, and the left symbol display area 110a and the middle symbol display area 110b. The left symbol display area 110c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 110d displays an image used for the effect. Further, the positions and sizes of the display areas 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110. The decorative symbol display device 110 employs other display devices such as a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a drum display device, and a leaf display device instead of the liquid crystal display device. May be.

  The general map display device 112 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The special figure display device 114 is a display device for displaying a special figure, and is constituted by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment.

  The general figure hold lamp 116 is a lamp for indicating the number of the general figure variable games that are on hold. In this embodiment, it is possible to hold up to two common figure variable games. The special figure hold lamp 118 is a lamp for indicating the number of special figure variable games that are on hold. In this embodiment, up to four special figure variable games can be held. The high-probability lamp 120 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state (a gaming state in which a winning probability of a jackpot game described later is set higher than a normal probability), or a high probability state. Yes, when the game state is changed from a low probability state (a game state in which the winning probability of a big hit game described later is set to a normal probability) to a high probability state, and turned off when changing from a high probability state to a low probability state .

  Further, around the effect device 200, a general winning opening 122, a general drawing starting opening 124, a first special drawing starting opening 126, a second special drawing starting opening 128, and a variable winning opening 130 are arranged. ing. In this embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 122 are provided on the game board 102. When a predetermined ball detecting sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 122 (in the general winning holes 122). In the case of winning, a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of balls is discharged as a prize ball to the storage tray 144. The ball discharged to the storage tray 144 can be freely taken out by the player, and with these configurations, the prize ball is paid out to the player based on the winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 122 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 1124 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed through a predetermined area of the game area, and in this embodiment, on the left side of the game board 102. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 122, the ball that has passed through the normal start port 124 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When the predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the ball has passed through the usual figure starting port 124, the pachinko machine 100 starts the usual figure variable game by the usual figure display device 112.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 126 is disposed at the center of the game board 102. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 126, a payout device 552 to be described later is driven to store a predetermined number (three in this embodiment) of balls as prize balls. While discharging to the plate 144, the special figure display game by the special figure display device 114 is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 126 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 128 is called an electric tulip (electric chew), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 128 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 126. This second special figure starting port 128 is provided with wings that can be opened and closed to the left and right. While the wings are closed, it is impossible to enter a sphere. Is stopped and displayed, the blades open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 128, a payout device 552, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) of balls will be described later as prize balls. While discharging to the storage tray 144, the special figure display game by the special figure display device 114 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 128 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 130 is called a big winning opening or an attacker, and in this embodiment, only one variable winning opening 130 is arranged below the center of the game board 102. This variable winning opening 130 has a door member that can be freely opened and closed. When the door member is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and the special figure display device 114 stops displaying the jackpot symbol. In this case, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 130, a payout device 552, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (15 balls in this embodiment) of balls is discharged to the storage tray 144 as a prize ball. To do. The ball that has entered the variable prize opening 130 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disk-shaped hitting direction changing members 132 and game nails 134 called windmills are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 108, An out port 136 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the game island side.

  The pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the storage tray 144 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail 142, drives the launch motor 602 with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle 148, The launcher 138 and the launcher 140 are passed through the outer rail 106 and the inner rail 108 to launch into the game area 104. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 104 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 132, the game nail 134, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 122, variable winning opening 130) or starting opening (First special figure start port 126, second special figure start port 128), or the out port 136 without winning any of the winning port and start port, or just passing the normal start port 124 To reach.

<Director>
Next, the rendering device 200 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. A warp device 230 and a stage are arranged on the front side of the effect device 200, and a decorative symbol display device 110 and a shielding means 250 are arranged on the back side of the effect device 200. That is, in the rendering device 200, the decorative symbol display device 110 and the shielding means 250 are located behind the warp device 230 and the stage.

  The warp device 230 discharges the game ball that has entered the entrance 232 provided at the upper left of the effect device 200 to the front stage 234 below the front surface of the effect device 200, and the game ball discharged to the front stage 234 is the front surface. When the player enters the second entrance 236 provided at the rear of the center of the stage 234, the game ball is discharged from the outlet 238 provided in the lower center of the stage device 200 above the first special figure starting port 126. It is discharged toward the first special figure starting port 126. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 238 is easy to enter the first special figure starting port 126.

  The shielding means 250 includes a lattice-like left door 250a and right door 250b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 110 and the front stage 234. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are respectively fixed to the upper portions of the left door 250a and the right door 250b. That is, the left door 250a and the right door 250b move to the left and right with the operation of the belt driven by the motor via the pulley. When the left and right doors 250a and 250b are closed, the shielding means 250 covers the inner end portions of the doors 250a and 250b so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 110. In the state where the left and right doors 250a and 250b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110, but the player can visually recognize all of the displays on the decorative symbol display device 110. . Further, the left and right doors 250a and 250b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, for example, only a part of the decorative design is shielded so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. You can do that. Note that the left and right doors 250a and 250b may make it possible to visually recognize a part of the decorative pattern display device 110 behind the lattice hole, or block the shoji part of the lattice hole with a translucent lens body to decorate the rear. The display by the symbol display device 110 may be vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the lattice holes may be completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 110 at the rear may be completely invisible. .

<Type of design>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the special drawing display device 114, the decorative symbol display device 110, and the special drawing display device 112 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with respect to the special drawing and the type of the general drawing. To do.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of a special display stop display mode. There are three types of special display stop display modes according to the present embodiment: “Special Figure 1” which is a jackpot symbol, “Special Figure 2” which is a special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure 3” which is a missed symbol. . When the special figure variation game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 126 or the second special figure start port 128, the special figure display device 114 Performs “variable display of special figure” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Then, when the variation time determined before the start of the special figure elapses, in order to notify the winning of the special figure variable game, “Special Figure 1” or “Special Figure 2” is stopped and displayed. In the case of notifying the disconnection, “Special Figure 3” is stopped and displayed. In addition, the white part in a figure shows the location of the segment which turns off, and the black part shows the location of the segment which lights up.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The left symbol display area 110a of the decorative symbol display device 110, the middle symbol, on condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special symbol start port 126 or the second special diagram start port 128 In the respective symbol display areas of the display area 110b and the right symbol display area 110c, “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” → Perform “decorative symbol variation display” to switch the display in the order. When notifying the jackpot, a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c (in this embodiment, a combination of decorative symbols having the same number (for example, “decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2”). )) Is stopped and a special jackpot is notified, a combination of symbols corresponding to the special jackpot (in this embodiment, a combination of decorative symbols of the same odd-numbered numbers (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration”). 1 ”)) is stopped and displayed. When the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game or the special jackpot game is started, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the special jackpot is stopped and displayed, the special jackpot game is started. In the case of notifying a detachment, if there is a variation display of a decorative symbol that is put on hold after the symbol combination other than the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c, the variation display is performed. To start.

  FIG. 2C shows an example of a normal stop display mode. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes of the normal figure, “general figure 1” which is a winning symbol and “general figure 2” which is a missed symbol. In the case where a general-purpose display game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general-purpose start opening 124, the general-purpose display device 112 displays that all seven segments are turned on. Then, the “variable display of the usual map” is performed by repeatedly turning on one central segment. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “general figure 1” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game being lost, the “normal figure 2” is stopped and displayed.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 shows a circuit block diagram of the main control unit, the payout control unit, the launch control unit, and the power management unit, and FIG. 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the first sub control unit and the second sub control unit. It is shown.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be broadly classified according to a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500 that control effects, a pay-out control unit 550 that mainly performs control related to pay-out of game balls in response to a command transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a game ball The launch control unit 600 that controls the launch control and the power management unit 650 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 are configured.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and the like. Note that other storage means may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for other control units described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 316 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535 every time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314a is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a signal output from various sensors 318 including a ball detection sensor provided inside each start opening, winning opening and variable winning opening, and receiving an amplification result and a reference voltage. Sensor circuit 320 for outputting the comparison result to the counter circuit 316 and the basic circuit 302, a display circuit 322 for performing display control of the special figure display device 114, and for performing display control of the general map display device 112. Display circuit 324 and various status display units 326 (general map hold lamp 116, special figure hold lamp 118, high accuracy medium lamp 118, etc.) A display circuit 328 for performing, connects the solenoid circuit 332 for controlling the solenoids 330 for opening and closing the second Japanese view start hole 128 and the variable winning hole 130 or the like.

  When the ball detection sensor 318 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 126, the sensor circuit 320 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 316 receives a signal indicating that the ball has won the second special figure starting port 128, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128.

  Further, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 550. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550 are configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Discharge control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 550 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 550 includes a basic circuit 552 that controls the entire payout control unit 550 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 552 includes a CPU 554, a control program, ROM 556 for storing various data, RAM 558 for temporarily storing data, I / O 560 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 562 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. The CPU 554 of the basic circuit 552 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 564 as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 552 receives signals output from the various sensors 568 and controls the sensor circuit 570 and the various lamps 572 for outputting the comparison result with the amplification result and the reference voltage to the basic circuit 552. The display circuit 574, the motor control circuit 578 for controlling the motor that drives the payout device 576, and the voltage monitoring circuit 580 for monitoring the voltage of the power source supplied to the basic circuit 552 are connected.

  Also, the payout control unit 550 communicates with a card unit 654 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 via the CR interface unit 556.

<Launch control unit, power management unit>
Next, the launch control unit 600 and the power management unit 650 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The firing control unit 600 determines the amount of operation of the launch handle 148 by the player, which is output from the control signal instructing permission or stop of launch output from the payout control unit 550, or the launch intensity output circuit provided in the operation handle 148. Based on the control signal instructing the corresponding launch intensity, the launch motor 602 that drives the launcher 138 and the launcher 140 is controlled, and the ball feeder 604 that supplies the ball from the storage plate 144 to the launch rail 142 is controlled. .

  The power management unit 650 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 576, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power management unit 650 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. Capacitor).

<First sub-control unit, second sub-control unit>
Next, the 1st sub control part 400 and the 2nd sub control part 500 of the pachinko machine 100 are demonstrated using FIG.

  The first sub-control unit 400 mainly controls the effect of the game table via the display control of the decorative symbol display device 110, and the second sub-control unit 500 mainly controls the effect driving device and the lamps. Is what you do. The first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 communicate with each other via the I / O 410 and the I / O 510 in accordance with the effect control performed by the first sub control unit 400.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is a basic circuit that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on a control program and various data stored in the P-ROM 406 mainly according to commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and time and frequency. A counter timer 412 is mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock.

  The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 receives various control data transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input I / O 410, performs various arithmetic processes according to the contents of the received command, and the decorative symbol display device 110. Control the display of. Further, a P-ROM 406, a RAM 408, a VDP (video display processor) 431, and a VRAM 433 are connected to the CPU 404 via a bus (not shown). The P-ROM 406 is one of storage means for storing a program for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, production data, and the like. The RAM 408 has a work area for a program processed by the CPU 404, and is one of storage means for temporarily storing production data and the like. The VDP 431 is a processor (also referred to as a GPU or a video chip) that generates an image to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. The VRAM 433 is one of storage means in which a work area for generating an image to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110 is set.

  A VRAM 433 is connected to the VDP 431, and a decorative symbol display device 110 is connected via a scaler and a transmitter (not shown). The scaler enlarges the image generated by the VDP 431 according to the number of pixels of the decorative design display device 110, and the transmitter converts the digital image data into analog signal R (red) signal, G (green) signal, B ( The signal is converted into a blue signal and output to the decorative symbol display device 110. Note that a luminance adjustment signal for enabling the CPU 404 to adjust the luminance of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110 is input to the decorative symbol display device 110.

  The VRAM 433 is composed of a plurality of storage areas including two frame buffers 1 and 2 (see FIG. 10), and the contents of one of the frame buffers are displayed on the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110. In the meantime, the VDP 431 performs drawing on the other frame buffer.

  It is assumed that the display period of one frame is T1 = 1/30 seconds (about 33.3 ms), and the VDP 431 sends a Vsync interrupt signal to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 every half of 1/60 seconds. To do. This display synchronization control is controlled by a built-in timer of the VDP 431.

  In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is a shutter device such as a stepping motor or a solenoid that drives various actors for effects that shield or expose part or all of the display area of the decorative symbol display device 110. A motor control circuit 426 for driving 424 is included. Information such as the current position of the shutter of the shutter device 424 is detected via a sensor output detection circuit 430.

  The basic circuit 402 is connected to a sound source IC 418 for controlling the speaker 416 (and an amplifier (not shown)), detects the operation of the chance button 146, and responds to the operation of the chance button 146 during the production control. The chance button lamp 146a is turned on / off (or flashing), and if necessary, the display of the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 is also changed.

  In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) (not shown) that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the output circuit, the production control is started.

  The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on a control program and various data stored in the P-ROM 506. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504 and A RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time and number of times are mounted. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.

  Further, the second sub-control unit 500 includes an effect driving device control circuit 526 for driving various effect driving devices 524 such as a stepping motor and a solenoid for driving various effects for effects.

  Further, the second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a serial communication control circuit 530. The serial communication control circuit 530 includes a game board lamp board 540 containing serial communication drive circuits 541 and 571, and a game table, respectively. By communicating with the frame lamp board 570, it is possible to control lighting / extinguishing (flashing) of various lamps 561 provided mainly on the game board frame side and various lamps 562 provided mainly on the game board side.

  The power supply voltage necessary for the operation of the first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 is supplied via the power management unit 650.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, the stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt mask is set, the initial setting of the I / O port 310, the initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and the operation permission to the WDT 313 is permitted. Set initial values. In this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set as an initial value in WDT 313.

  In step S102, the value of the counter of WDT 313 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 313 is restarted.

  In step S103, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 336 supplies from the power management unit 650 to the main control unit 300 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. If the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply has been shut off), the process returns to step S102. If the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 has not detected the power supply being cut off), the process proceeds to step S102. The process proceeds to S104.

  In step S104, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, to the counter / timer 312, a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S105, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to step S107. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S108.

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of the game shop operates the operation unit provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicating that there is an operation), that is, It is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary, and if the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S107 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and whether the power status information is information indicating suspend. Determine whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S107 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is a specific value (for example, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S106 to return to the state before power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the checksum result is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S107 in order to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S106, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read and reset to the stack pointer. In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out, reset to each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in steps S108 and S109) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before the power interruption.

  In step S107, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization processing, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer, initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S108, after setting for interrupt inhibition, basic random number initial value update processing is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the normal figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the normal figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer random number counter, respectively. Two random number counters for generating numerical values are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S108 and S109 except during a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main controller timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main controller timer interrupt processing.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter / timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Start with a predetermined period.

  In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving the value of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S202, WDT is periodically performed (this implementation is performed so that the WDT interrupt does not occur (the processing abnormality is not detected)) because the count value of WDT 313 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment). In the example, the restart is performed once in about 2 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S203, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, an open sensor for detecting whether the above-described glass frame 154 is in an open state or a closed state via the input port of the I / O 310, the above-described lower plate 150 is provided. A detection signal of various sensors 318 including a bottom plate full sensor for detecting whether or not the ball is full and a plurality of ball detection sensors is input to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signal. The signal state is stored in a signal state storage area. In this embodiment, information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process of the last time (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each previous sphere detection sensor. This information is read from the area, and this information is stored in the RAM 308 in the detection signal storage area provided in advance for each sphere detection sensor, and the detection of each sphere detection sensor detected by the previous timer interruption process (about 2 ms before). Information on the presence or absence of a signal is read from the current detection signal storage area provided in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor, and this information is stored in the previous detection signal storage area. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step S203, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in the sphere detection sensor of the two sphere detection sensors matches. The information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, this time detection signal) In the case of a match to the winning opening (the general winning opening 122, the variable winning opening 130) or the starting opening (the first special figure starting opening 126, the second special drawing starting opening 128), It is determined that the starting port 124 has passed. For example, if the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the ball detection sensor that detects the winning at the general winning opening 122, it is assumed that the player has entered the general winning opening 122. After determining and performing the process associated with the subsequent entry to the general winning opening 122, if the information on the presence or absence of the detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with entering the mouth 122.

  In step S204 and step S205, basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step S110 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value and special value used in the main control unit 300 are updated. The two random number counters for generating the figure random number values are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. In addition to the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the regular-winning random number next makes one round, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308.

  In step S206, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  In step S207, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, a normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 112, and a time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the special symbol display device 114. Various timers including a special figure display symbol update timer, a timer for measuring a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step S208, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when there is a winning (winning) in the winning opening (the general winning opening 122, the first and second special figure starting openings 126, 128, and the variable winning opening 130), The value of the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning opening is read, and 1 is added to set the original winning ball number storage area.

  In step S209, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, if there is a prize at the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128 and the number of special figure variable games held is less than four, it corresponds to the winning starting port. The value is acquired as a special figure winning random number value from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 316b. In addition, a value is acquired as a special figure random value from the random number counter for generating the special figure random value described above, and stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 308 together with the special figure winning random number value. In addition, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the general figure starting port 124, and the number of the general figure variable games held is less than two, the random number counter for generating the normal figure winning random number value at that timing Is obtained as a random number value for normal winning, and is stored in a random number value storage area provided in the RAM 308 different from that for the above special figure. Further, in this winning acceptance process, when a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the ordinary drawing starting port 124, or the variable winning port, In the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, winning acceptance information indicating whether or not the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the ordinary drawing starting port 124, and the variable winning port are won (entered) is included. Set.

  In step S210, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 550 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information in bit 7 (indicating that data is set when on), and power supply in bit 6 Input information (when ON, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type (0-3), and bits 0-3 indicate the number of payout requests after processing I am doing so.

  In step S211, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in a general diagram state update process during a normal map change (a general-purpose general-purpose timer value to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the general map display device 112 is performed. Do.

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal map change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general map display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, When the 7-segment LED constituting the general-purpose display device 112 is turned on / off so as to be in the first mode, and the hit flag is off, the normal diagram is displayed as in the above-described normal mode. The 7-segment LED constituting the device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off, and then stored in a routine stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). Information indicating the stop period is set in the area. With this setting, the usual figure is stopped and the result of the usual figure variable game is notified to the player.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the predetermined state is displayed. During the opening period (for example, 2 seconds), a signal for holding the blade member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the blade member of the second special figure starting port 128, and the blade opening time management provided in the RAM 308 is controlled. Information indicating the release period is set in the storage area of the timer.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in a closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 330, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the normal state update process that starts at the timing when a predetermined closing period has elapsed (the timing when the value of the blade closing time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the normal state is set to inactive. In the normal state update process when the normal state is inactive, the process proceeds to the next step S212 without doing anything.

  In step S212, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 128 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time for displaying the variable map on the general map display device 112 is selected from among them, and this variable display time is stored in the general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308 as the normal map variable display time. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  In step S213, special figure state update processing is performed. In the special figure state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed according to the state of the special figure. For example, in special figure state update processing during special figure fluctuation (the value of a special figure general-purpose timer to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 112 is performed. Do.

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the special figure change display time has elapsed (when the special figure display symbol update timer value changes from 1 to 0), the jackpot flag is on and the probability change flag is off In the special figure display device 114, the above-mentioned special figure 1, when the big hit flag is on and the probability variation flag is on, the special figure display device 114, and when the above special figure 2, the big hit flag is off, In order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec) while performing the lighting / extinguishing drive control of the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 112 so as to be in the above-described special figure 3 mode. The information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308. With this setting, the special figure is stopped and displayed, and the result of the special figure variable game is notified to the player. Further, 02H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing at which the special figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), if the jackpot flag is on, a predetermined value is displayed. A special figure waiting time management timer provided in the RAM 308 for waiting for a period during which an image for notifying the player that a big hit by the decorative symbol display device 110 is started, that is, a bonus winning period (for example, 3 seconds) is displayed. Information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area. Further, 04H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the special figure standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds or A signal for holding the door member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the variable prize opening 130 (until a winning of a game ball of a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable prize opening 130). At the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 10H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  In the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) is variable. A signal for holding the door member in the closed state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the winning opening 130, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. To do. Further, 20H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update processing which is repeated at predetermined timing (for example, 15 rounds) and this door member opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds), a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, by the decorative symbol display device 110 Information indicating the effect standby period is set in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the jackpot is to be ended is displayed. Further, 08H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update process which starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (the timing when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure state is set to inactive. . In the special figure state update process when the special figure is in a non-operating state, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S214.

  In step S214, special drawing related lottery processing is performed. In this special drawing-related lottery process, the opening / closing control of the special drawing variable game and the variable winning opening 130 is not performed (the state of the special drawing is inactive), and the number of the special drawing variable games held is 1 In the case described above, the jackpot determination is first performed among various lotteries using the jackpot determination table, the high probability state transition determination table, the timer number determination table, and the like. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure winning random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S203 is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure starting port in the jackpot determination table. When the random number value is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure start opening, information indicating that the special figure variable game is won and the jackpot flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is a big hit is set. (Here, setting the jackpot information in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the jackpot flag to ON). On the other hand, when the special figure winning random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure starting port, it is determined that the special figure variable game is out of the game, and the jackpot flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is out of the storage area. (In this case, setting outlier information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag off). Note that the number of special figure variable games held is stored in the special figure hold number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Each time a hit determination is made, the number of special figure variable games held is determined. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is stored again in this special figure reservation number storage area. In addition, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  If the jackpot flag is set to ON, then the probability variation transition determination is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure random value stored in the random value storage area in step S209 is within the numerical range of the transition determination random number, and when the special figure random value is within the numerical range of the lottery data. Sets information indicating the start of a special jackpot game in the storage area of the probability variation (probability variation) flag provided in the RAM 308. (Here, setting the special jackpot game start information in the RAM 308 is referred to as turning on the probability variation flag). On the other hand, if the special figure random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data, information indicating that the jackpot game is started is set in the storage area of the probability variation flag (here, the information on the start of the jackpot game is set). Setting in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the probability variation flag off).

  Regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the process for determining the timer number is performed next. Specifically, the value of the random counter for generating the special figure timer random value described above is acquired as the special figure timer random value. A timer number corresponding to the value of the jackpot flag and the timer random number range including the acquired special figure timer random number value is selected and stored in a predetermined timer number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Further, the fluctuation time corresponding to the timer number is stored as the special figure fluctuation display time in the special figure display symbol update timer, and the general command rotation start setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S215). For this reason, 01H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the process ends.

  In step S215, command setting transmission processing is performed. The output schedule information (command) transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bits 11 to 11 14 is a command type (basic command for 00H, symbol change start command for 01H, symbol change stop command for 04H, winning effect start command for 05H, end effect start command for 06H, 07H Is a jackpot round number designation command, 0EH is a power recovery command, 0FH is information indicating a command type such as a RAM clear command, and bits 0 to 10 correspond to command data (command type). Predetermined information).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off by command transmission processing. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, the command data includes information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special symbol related lottery process, etc. If it is a case, it includes the value of the jackpot flag, the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a winning effect command and an end effect start command, it includes the value of the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a jackpot round number designation command The value of the probability variation flag, the number of jackpot rounds, etc. are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 126, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 128, winning of the variable winning port 130 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the command type is 01H, the jackpot flag value stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the probability variation flag value, the timer number selected in the special drawing related lottery process, the pending Information indicating the number of special figure variable games being set is set. In the general command rotation stop setting transmission process described above, 04H is set as the command type, and information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the above-described general command winning effect setting transmission process, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various lamps 420, and the speaker 416 during the winning effect period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type and 05H as command type Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set. In the general command end effect setting transmission process described above, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various lamps 420, and the speaker 416 during the effect standby period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type is stored in the command type 06H. Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set. In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, the information indicating the command type is 07H, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the value of the probability variation flag, the number of the special figure variable games held, etc. Set. In the above-described general command big prize closing setting transmission process, the information indicating the command type is 08H, the number of jackpot rounds stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the value of the probability variation flag, the number of the special figure variable games held, etc. Set. In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S216, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 that is separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S217, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step 203 are read out to monitor whether there is a glass frame opening error or a lower pan full error, and so on. When a full tank error is detected, device information indicating whether there is a glass frame opening error or a lower pan full error is set in the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In addition, the solenoids 330 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 128 and the variable prize opening 130, and the general diagram display device 112 and the special figure display device 114 are provided via the display circuits 322, 324, and 328. The display data to be output to the various status display units 326 and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S210) is output to the first sub control unit 400 via the output port 310.

  In step S218, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S220. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register, or interrupt permission is set.

  In step S220, the voltage monitoring circuit that monitors the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit 650 to the main control unit 300 outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that the voltage has dropped when it is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Whether or not a power-off is detected. If a power-off is detected, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is displayed. The return data is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power interruption processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed.

<First Sub Control Unit (400) Main Process>
First, the sub-control unit main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 to which this reset signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the P-ROM 406. First, various initial settings are performed in step S301. In this initial setting, input / output ports are initialized and various variables are initialized. In step S301, a Vsync variable described later is reset to zero.

  In step S302, a command input process (FIG. 8B described later) for inputting an effect command transmitted from the main control unit 300 is performed.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the Vsync variable assigned to the RAM 408 or the like is 2 or more. As described above, the VDP 431 interrupts the V404 interrupt to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 every 1/60 second of a half of the predetermined time T1 = 1/30 s (about 33.3 ms) corresponding to one frame section. The Vsync variable is incremented by 1 by the Vsync interrupt process of FIG. 8B.

  That is, as shown in the Vsync interrupt process of FIG. 8B, when a Vsync interrupt from the VDP 431 occurs, the CPU 404 increments the Vsync variable by 1 in step S401.

  Therefore, determining whether or not Vsync variable ≧ 2 in step S303 is equivalent to determining whether or not a time corresponding to a predetermined time T1 = 1/30 s corresponding to one frame period has elapsed. If step S303 is negative, the process returns to step S302 to repeat the command input process. When step S303 is affirmed, that is, when a time corresponding to one frame section T1 = 1/30 s has elapsed, effect control to be executed in one frame section is performed after step S304.

  First, in step S304, the Vsync variable is reset to zero. In step S305, effects for controlling the display of the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110, the speaker 416, the shutter device 424, various lamps (561, 562) and the like according to the effect command transmitted from the main control unit 300. Update the data.

  In step S306, the sound source IC 418 and the speaker 416 are controlled based on the effect data to perform sound output processing. In step S307, the operation state of the chance button 146 is detected according to the winning and the display state of the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 controlled according to the lottery state, and the chance button lamp 146a is set to the chance button 146. Control the lighting / extinguishing (flashing) state suitable for the operation state.

  In step S308, the shutter device 424 is moved using the motor control circuit 426 and the sensor output detection circuit 430 in synchronization with the display state of the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 that is controlled according to the winning state and the lottery state. Make it work.

  In step S309, in accordance with the effect command transmitted from the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500 transmits a control command for driving various effect drive devices 524, lamps 561, 562, and the like.

  In step S310, display control processing (details will be described later) using the VDP 431, VRAM 433, and P-ROM 506 is executed, and the process returns to step S302.

The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 repeats the above processing thereafter, except for interruption by Vsync interrupt processing, strobe processing, chance button interrupt processing, and command input processing, which will be described later.
<Vsync interrupt processing>
As described above, when a Vsync interrupt from the VDP 431 occurs, the CPU 404 increments the Vsync variable by 1 in step S401 as shown in FIG. 8B.

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

  The strobe interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S501 of the strobe interrupt process, the effect command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

<Chance button interrupt processing>
Next, the chance button interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of chance button interrupt processing.
This chance button interruption process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects an operation of the chance button 146 by the chance button detection circuit 380.

  In step S601 of the chance button interrupt process, a value is acquired from the detection counter stored in the detection counter storage area of the RAM 408 for measuring the number of times the chance button 146 is pressed, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Store in the original detection counter storage area.

<Command input processing>
Next, a command input process in the first sub control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of command input processing.
In step S701, the contents of the command storage area are confirmed, and it is determined whether or not an unprocessed command remains. If an unprocessed command remains in the command storage area, the process proceeds to step S702. If an unprocessed command does not remain in the command storage area, the process ends and the first sub-control unit main process is performed. Return.

<Second Sub Control Unit (500) Main Process>
Next, the second sub control unit main process executed by the CPU 504 of the sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As in the case of the first sub-control unit 400, the CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 of the second sub-control unit 500 that has input a reset signal starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing according to a control program stored in advance in the P-ROM 506. First, various initial settings are made in step S1001. In this initial setting, input / output ports are initialized and various variables are initialized.

  In step S1002, the effect command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 (step S309 in FIG. 8A) is detected. When an effect command is received from the first sub-control unit 400, the command is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508. In steps S1003 and S1004, effect control based on the received effect command is performed.

  In step S1003, based on the production command stored in the command storage area, the game board lamp 561 and the game board frame are connected via the serial communication control circuit 530, the game board lamp board 540, and the game board frame lamp board 570. The lighting / extinguishing (flashing) of the lamp 562 is controlled.

  In step S1004, based on the effect command stored in the command storage area, various effect drive devices 524 such as a stepping motor and a solenoid that drive various effects for effects are driven via the effect drive device control circuit 526. .

<Control processing of decorative symbol display device 110>
Next, the control processing of the decorative symbol display device 110 by the first sub-control unit 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the P-ROM 406 and the VRAM 433 provided in the first sub control unit 400.

<P-ROM>
In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of movie data (moving image data) streams are stored in advance in the P-ROM 406, and each stream includes one file header, and frame headers and frame data (number of frames). Compressed data). In the figure, as a stream of movie data 1, one file header, a frame header for 900 frames, and frame data (frame data 1 to frame data 900) are illustrated.

  The frame data (compressed data) of this embodiment can be classified into three types: I frame, P frame, and B frame. An I frame is compressed data that is decoded without referring to other types of frames, a P frame is compressed data that is decoded with reference to a past I frame or P frame, and a B frame is a past I frame. Compressed data that is decoded with reference to a frame or P frame, or a future I or P frame.

  The VDP 431 provided in the first sub-control unit 400 decodes the stream stored in the P-ROM 406 for each frame in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404 and develops the decoded frame in the work area of the VRAM 433.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a frame decoding order and a playback order. In the figure, (1) indicates a frame playback order, and (7) in the figure indicates a frame decoding order.

  For example, as shown in (2) in the figure, No. 1 (I1) of the I frame can be decoded without referring to other frames. After being decoded by (1), it is first reproduced (developed) as shown in (1) in the figure. Subsequently, the first (B1) of the B frame to be reproduced next to the first (I1) of the I frame is the same as the first (I1) of the I frame and the P frame, as indicated by (5) in the figure. Since it is necessary to decode with reference to No. 1 (P1), as shown in (7) in the figure, No. 1 (P1) of the P frame is decoded before No. 1 (B1) of the B frame. . Subsequently, referring to the decoded I frame No. 1 (I1) and the P frame No. 1 (P1), the B frame No. 1 (B1) is decoded, as shown in FIG. The first (B1) of the B frame is reproduced (developed) after the first (I1) of the I frame. Thereafter, in the same procedure, the VDP 431 reproduces (decompresses) the decoded frames in the order indicated by (1) in the figure while decoding the frames in the order indicated by (7) in the figure.

<VRAM>
Returning to FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the VRAM 433 is a character image data for temporarily storing a work area having two storage areas, a first area and a second area, and a plurality of types of character images. A storage area and the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 described above are provided.

  Each of the first area and the second area of the work area includes a forward buffer for storing past I frames or P frames, a backward buffer for storing future I frames or P frames, and a frame currently being decoded. Three buffers for current are stored. In the figure, three frames (frame data 101 to 103) after decoding movie data 1 are expanded in the first area, and three frames (frames after decoding movie data 1) are displayed in the second area. An example of the development of data 1 to 3) is illustrated.

  In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, the VDP 431 transfers the decoded frame expanded in the first area or the second area of the work area of the VRAM 433 to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2, and the frame buffer 1 If there is transferred image data on the other side of the frame buffer 2, the image of the image data is displayed on the decorative design display device (liquid crystal display device) 110.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a change in the frame developed in the first area and the second area of the work area of the VRAM 433. FIG. 13 shows an image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. It is the figure which showed an example of the change.

  At the timing shown in FIG. 12A, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 1 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and uses the decoded frame data 1 as the first data in the work area. Expand into the area. In addition, the VDP 431 transfers the decoded frame data 1 expanded in the first area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404 and at a predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 13A, the image of frame data 1 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110.

  Subsequently, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 2 to 100 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 according to the instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 2 to 100 are the first area of the work area. Expand in order. In addition, the VDP 431 sequentially transfers the decoded frame data 2 to 100 expanded in the first area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404. However, the image of the frame data 2 to 100 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is sequentially displayed on the decorative design display device 110 at a predetermined timing.

  Subsequently, at the timing shown in FIG. 12B, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 101 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 according to the instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 101 is stored in the work area. The frame data 1 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 is decoded in the first area, and the decoded frame data 1 is expanded in the second area of the work area. In addition, the VDP 431 receives the decoded frame data 101 expanded in the first area of the work area and the decoded frame data 1 expanded in the second area of the work area in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404. The image of frame data 101 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is transferred to one of the buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 as shown in FIG. The image of the frame data 1 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110 on the right side of 110.

  Subsequently, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 102 to 200 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 according to an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 102 to 200 is a first area of the work area. The frame data 2 to 100 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 are sequentially decoded, and the decoded frame data 2 to 100 are sequentially expanded to the second area of the work area. . In addition, the VDP 431 receives the decoded frame data 102 to 200 expanded in the first area of the work area and the decoded frame data 2 to 2 expanded in the second area of the work area according to an instruction from the CPU 404. 100 is sequentially transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2, and although not shown, the images of the frame data 102 to 200 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are decorated at a predetermined timing. On the right side of the symbol display device 110, the images of the frame data 2 to 100 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are sequentially displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110, respectively. As a result, a moving image delayed by 100 frames from the moving image displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110 is displayed on the right side of the decorative symbol display device 110.

  Subsequently, at the timing shown in FIG. 12C, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 201 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 201 is stored in the work area. The frame data 101 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 is decoded in the first area, and the decoded frame data 101 is expanded in the second area of the work area. Further, the VDP 431 transfers the decoded frame data 101 developed in the second area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404 and at a predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 13C, the image of the frame data 101 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 (the image displayed on the right side of the decorative symbol display device 110 at the timing of FIG. 13B). It is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. At this time, the VDP 431 expands the decoded frame data 201 to the first area of the work area. However, the VDP 431 transfers the frame data 201 to the frame buffer or the image of the frame data 201 by the decorative symbol display device 110. Does not display.

  Subsequently, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 202 to 300 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 according to an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 202 to 300 is a first area of the work area. The frame data 102 to 200 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 are sequentially decoded, and the decoded frame data 102 to 200 are sequentially expanded to the second area of the work area. . In addition, the VDP 431 sequentially transfers the decoded frame data 102 to 200 expanded in the second area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404. However, images of the frame data 102 to 200 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are sequentially displayed on the decorative design display device 110 at a predetermined timing. At this time, the VDP 431 expands the decoded frame data 202 to 300 to the first area of the work area. However, the VDP 431 transfers the frame data 202 to 300 to the frame buffer or the frame data by the decorative symbol display device 110. The images 202 to 300 are not displayed.

  Subsequently, at the timing shown in FIG. 12D, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 301 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 301 is stored in the work area. The frame data 201 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 is decoded in the first area, and the decoded frame data 201 is expanded in the second area of the work area. In addition, the VDP 431 transfers the decoded frame data 301 expanded in the first area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404 and at a predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 13D, the image of the frame data 301 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the decorative design display device 110. At this time, the VDP 431 expands the decoded frame data 201 to the second area of the work area. However, the VDP 431 transfers the frame data 201 to the frame buffer or the image of the frame data 201 by the decorative symbol display device 110. Does not display.

  Thereafter, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 302 to 900 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 302 to 900 are stored in the first area of the work area. The images of the decoded frame data 302 to 900 are expanded in order and displayed on the decorative design display device 110 in order.

<Other control processing of decorative symbol display device 110>
Next, another control process of the decorative symbol display device 110 by the first sub-control unit 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing another example of changes in the frames developed in the first area and the second area of the work area of the VRAM 433, and FIG. 15 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. It is the figure which showed the other example of the change of the image performed.

  In this example, at the timing shown in FIG. 14A, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 101 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and uses the decoded frame data 101 as a work area. The frame data 1 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 is decoded, and the decoded frame data 1 is expanded in the second area of the work area. In addition, the VDP 431 receives the decoded frame data 101 expanded in the first area of the work area and the decoded frame data 1 expanded in the second area of the work area in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404. As shown in FIG. 15A, the image of the frame data 101 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is transferred to one of the buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 as shown in FIG. The image of the frame data 1 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110 on the right side of 110.

  Subsequently, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 102 to 300 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 according to the instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 102 to 300 is the first area of the work area. The frame data 2 to 200 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 are sequentially decoded, and the decoded frame data 2 to 200 are sequentially expanded to the second area of the work area. . In addition, the VDP 431 receives the decoded frame data 102 to 300 expanded in the first area of the work area and the decoded frame data 2 to 2 expanded in the second area of the work area according to an instruction from the CPU 404. 200 is sequentially transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 and, although not shown, the images of the frame data 102 to 300 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are decorated at a predetermined timing. On the right side of the symbol display device 110, the images of the frame data 2 to 200 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are sequentially displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110, respectively. As a result, a moving image delayed by 100 frames from the moving image displayed on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 110 is displayed on the right side of the decorative symbol display device 110.

  Subsequently, at the timing shown in FIG. 14B, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 201 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 201 is stored in the work area. Expand to the second area. Further, the expanded decoded frame data 201 is transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2, and at a predetermined timing, as shown in FIG. The image of the frame data 201 transferred to one side (the image displayed on the right side of the decorative symbol display device 110 at the timing shown in FIG. 5A) is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. At this time, the frame data 300 is expanded in the first area of the work area. However, the VDP 431 transfers the frame data 300 to the frame buffer or the image of the frame data 300 by the decorative symbol display device 110. Does not display.

  Subsequently, the VDP 431 sequentially decodes the frame data 202 to 900 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, and the decoded frame data 202 to 900 is a second area of the work area. Expand in order. In addition, the VDP 431 sequentially transfers the decoded frame data 202 to 900 expanded in the second area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404, At the timing, images of the frame data 202 to 900 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are sequentially displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. FIG. 15C shows an example in which an image of the frame data 900 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110.

  Subsequently, at the timing shown in FIG. 14D, the VDP 431 decodes the frame data 301 of the movie data 1 stored in the P-ROM 406 and expands the decoded frame data 301 into the first area of the work area. To do. Further, the VDP 431 transfers the decoded frame data 301 expanded in the first area of the work area to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 404, and at a predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 15 (d), an image of the frame data 301 transferred to one of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110.

  Thereby, the reproduction of the movie data 1 interrupted at the timing of FIG. 14B can be restarted from the frame data 301 following the frame data 300 immediately before the interruption. If the frame data 301 is a P frame or a B frame, another frame to be referred to at the time of restart (a past I frame or P frame in the case of a P frame. A past I frame or P frame in the case of a B frame) Since the frame or future I frame or P frame) has been developed in the work area, the development process can be resumed without delay.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a storage unit (for example, P-ROM 406) that stores predetermined notification data (for example, movie data 1) in advance, and a predetermined notification (for example, moving image). Notification means (for example, decorative symbol display device 110) for performing image reproduction) and notification control means (for example, for performing notification control for causing the notification means to perform the predetermined notification based on the predetermined notification data) , VDP 431), and the notification control means starts the notification control based on the predetermined notification data at a first timing (for example, the timing of FIG. 12A), and then adds the predetermined notification data to the predetermined notification data. The notification control based on the same predetermined notification data is started at a second timing (for example, the timing of FIG. 12B) before the notification control based on the end. And wherein, a gaming table.

  According to the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment, notification control based on one predetermined notification data can be started at two or more different timings (for example, reproduction of the same moving image is started at different timings). In addition, since the same moving image can be reproduced in parallel at different times), it is possible to provide a variety of effects that are not possible in the past and to improve the interest of the player in the game. In addition, since various presentations can be performed based on one predetermined notification data, the data capacity of the notification data stored in the storage means can be reduced, and the storage area of the storage means with a limited capacity can be effectively used. May be possible.

  Further, the information processing apparatus further includes a temporary storage unit (for example, a VRAM 433) capable of temporarily storing the predetermined notification data, and the notification control unit includes at least a part of the predetermined notification data (for example, movie data) from the storage unit. 1 frame) is read out and expanded to a first area (for example, a first area of a work area) in the temporary storage means at the first timing, and then the predetermined notification is made from the storage means. At least a part of the data is read and developed in a second area (for example, a second area of the work area) different from the first area in the temporary storage means at the second timing, and the first Based on at least a part of the predetermined notification data expanded in the second area or at least a part of the predetermined notification data expanded in the second area May be configured to perform the notification control to perform knowledge to said notification means.

  With such a configuration, in order to start notification control based on any of the data developed in the first area and the second area (for example, a plurality of videos that are reproduced in parallel at different times) Images can be displayed at the same time, or any one of the moving images can be displayed), so that it is possible to provide a variety of unprecedented effects and improve the player's interest in games. .

  Further, the predetermined notification data includes a plurality of notification information (for example, frame data) in which a notification order by the notification means is determined in advance, and the notification control means receives the plurality of notification information from the storage means. After at least part of the information is read and expansion into the first area or the second area is started, expansion into the first area or the second area is determined based on the predetermined information of the plurality of notification information. It is interrupted before starting the development of the notification information (for example, the frame data 301 in FIG. 14), and based on the fact that the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a plurality of moving images reproduced in parallel at different times) Deployment to the first area or the second area is started from the predetermined notification information (in response to the end of any reproduction), and the first area or the second area May be configured to perform the notification restart control to perform a notification based on the open and the predetermined notification information to the notification means.

  With such a configuration, since notification is started from the middle of the notification data, various effects can be performed, and the player's interest in the game may be improved.

  The plurality of pieces of broadcast information include first broadcast information (for example, an I frame) that does not require reference to broadcast information other than its own information for the deployment, and other information other than its own information for the deployment. You may comprise so that the 2nd alerting | reporting information (for example, P frame and B frame) which needs the reference of alerting | reporting information may be included.

  With such a configuration, the first broadcast information does not require reference to other broadcast information, so the image quality is good, and the second broadcast information requires reference to other broadcast information, so the compression rate is high. . Therefore, the notification data including a large amount of the first notification information can improve the notification quality, and the notification data including a large amount of the second notification information can reduce the used capacity of the storage unit.

  The predetermined notification information may be the second notification information. With such a configuration, the other broadcast information to be referred to is already deployed when the deployment process is resumed, so the deployment process is immediately started in the same manner as the first broadcast information that does not refer to other broadcast information. In some cases, notification can be made.

  The second broadcast information may be third broadcast information (for example, a P frame) that requires reference to other broadcast information in which the broadcast order is earlier than the second broadcast information, or the broadcast. May be fourth broadcast information (for example, B frame) that requires reference to other broadcast information whose order is before and after itself.

  With such a configuration, the third broadcast information has better broadcast quality than the fourth broadcast information, and the fourth broadcast information has a higher compression rate than the third broadcast information. Therefore, in the second notification information, the notification data including a large amount of the third notification information can improve the notification quality, and the notification data including a large amount of the fourth notification information can reduce the use capacity of the storage unit. May be possible.

  The predetermined notification data is in a compressed data format (for example, RAPIC (registered trademark) or MPEG when the notification data is moving image data, or MP3 when the notification data is audio data). It may be a thing. With such a configuration, the use capacity of the storage unit may be reduced. The predetermined notification data is not limited to a compressed data format. For example, when the notification data is moving image data, the AVI is in an uncompressed format, and when the notification data is audio data, the uncompressed format is used. WAVE or the like may be used.

  Further, the notification means may include display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device) that performs a predetermined display, and the predetermined notification data may be moving image data.

  With such a configuration, a variety of display effects (display effects) that are not possible in the past can be performed, and the player's interest in games may be improved.

  The notification means may include sound output means (for example, a speaker) that outputs a predetermined sound, and the predetermined notification data may be audio data.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various voice effects (sound effects) that have not been possible in the past, and to improve the interest of the player in the game.

  The informing means includes light emitting means (for example, an LED or a lamp) that emits light in a predetermined light emitting mode, and the predetermined informing data includes light emitting mode data (for example, information on lamp brightness and on / off state). Data).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various light emission effects (effects by light emission) that have not been conventionally possible, and it may be possible to improve the interest of the player in the game.

  Further, the game apparatus further includes specific operation means (for example, a chance button 146 and stop buttons 137 to 139 of the slot machine 100 described later) that can be operated by the player, and the notification control means is configured to operate the specific operation means. The notification control or the notification restart control may be executed based on the above.

  With such a configuration, the presentation can be started (or resumed) based on the player's operation, and the player's interest in the game may be improved.

  In addition, a detection unit (for example, a ball detection sensor) capable of detecting a game medium is further provided, and the notification control unit detects the notification control or the notification restart control based on the detection unit detecting the game medium. May be configured to execute.

  With such a configuration, an effect can be started (or resumed) based on the movement of the game medium, and an effect that has never existed in some cases can be performed.

  Further, the notification control means is configured to execute the notification resumption control based on completion of the notification control of either the first region or the second region where the deployment is not interrupted. May be. With such a configuration, there may be a variety of effects that are not possible in the past.

  In the above embodiment, an example of a pachinko machine using a game ball as a game medium is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a medal (coin) as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine used as a game medium.

  The slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed inside the center of the main body 101, and can be rotated inside the slot machine 100. Has been. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving means such as a stepping motor.

  Each of the symbols is printed on the belt-like member at an appropriate interval, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display unit that displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It is like that. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 134 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 134. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout exit 155 is a payout exit for paying out medals.

  The sound hole 160 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed on the front door 102. The effect device 190 includes a door (shutter) member 163 including two right doors 163a and a left door 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (illustrated) disposed on the back side of the door member 163. When the two right doors 163a and 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player). Side).

  If the present invention is applied to such a slot machine 100, notification control based on one predetermined notification data can be started at two or more different timings (for example, reproduction of the same moving image at different timings). Start and play back the same moving image in parallel at different times), so that it is possible to perform a variety of unprecedented effects and improve the player's interest in games. . In addition, since various presentations can be performed based on one predetermined notification data, the data capacity of the notification data stored in the storage means can be reduced, and the storage area of the storage means with a limited capacity can be effectively used. May be possible.

  Further, the same effect can be obtained when the present invention is applied to an arrangement ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, a casino machine as shown in FIG.

  Note that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done. In addition, in some cases, the contents described in one configuration among a plurality of configurations described in the embodiments may be applied to other configurations to further widen the game width.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines represented by slot machines and gaming machines (such as pachinko machines).

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front side (player side). It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. (A) An example of a special display stop display mode is shown. (B) An example of a decorative design is shown. (C) An example of a normal stop display mode is shown. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit, a payout control unit, a launch control unit, and a power management unit. The circuit block diagram of a 1st sub control part and a 2nd sub control part is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main process of the 1st sub control part 400. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a Vsync interruption process. (C) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a strobe process. (D) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a chance button interruption process. (E) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command input processing. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the second sub-control unit 500. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of P-ROM and VRAM with which the 1st sub control part 400 is provided. It is the figure which showed the decoding order and the reproduction | regeneration order of a frame. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the change of the flame | frame developed by the 1st area | region and 2nd area | region of the work area of VRAM. It is the figure which showed an example of the change of the image displayed on a decoration design display apparatus. It is the figure which showed typically the other example of the change of the flame | frame developed by the 1st area | region and 2nd area | region of the work area of VRAM. It is the figure which showed the other example of the change of the image displayed on a decoration design display apparatus. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of a casino machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 102 Game board 104 Game area 110 Ornamental symbol display device 112 General figure display device 114 Special figure display device 122 General winning opening 124 General drawing starting point 126 First special figure starting port 128 Second special drawing starting port 130 Variable winning prize Port 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit 550 Discharge control unit 600 Launch control unit 650 Power management unit

Claims (6)

Storage means for storing predetermined notification data in advance;
A notification means for performing predetermined notification;
Notification control means for executing notification control for causing the notification means to perform the predetermined notification based on the predetermined notification data;
The notification control means includes
Notification control based on the same predetermined notification data at a second timing after starting notification control based on the predetermined notification data at a first timing and before ending notification control based on the predetermined notification data Characterized by starting,
Amusement stand. A temporary storage means capable of temporarily storing the predetermined notification data;
The notification control means includes
After at least a part of the predetermined notification data is read from the storage unit and expanded in the first area of the temporary storage unit at the first timing, at least a part of the predetermined notification data is stored from the storage unit. At least a part of the predetermined notification data read and expanded in a second area different from the first area in the temporary storage means at the second timing, and / or Alternatively, the notification control is performed to cause the notification means to perform notification based on at least a part of the predetermined notification data developed in the second area.
The game table according to claim 1. The predetermined notification data is:
The notification means includes a plurality of notification information in which the order of notification is determined in advance,
The notification control means includes
After reading at least a part of the plurality of notification information from the storage means and starting expansion to the first area or the second area, the expansion to the first area or the second area is performed. The predetermined notification information is interrupted before starting the expansion of the predetermined notification information, and the predetermined notification information is expanded to the first area or the second area based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. And performing notification restart control for causing the notification means to perform notification based on the predetermined notification information developed in the first region or the second region,
The game table according to claim 2. The plurality of broadcast information is:
First broadcast information that does not require reference to other broadcast information other than its own information for the deployment; second broadcast information that requires reference to broadcast information other than its own information for the deployment; Including,
The game table according to claim 3. The predetermined notification information is
It is said 2nd information information,
The game table according to claim 4. The second broadcast information is
The third broadcast information that requires reference to other broadcast information in which the broadcast order is earlier than itself, or the other broadcast information in which the broadcast order is before and after the broadcast order. It is the 4th information information which requires a reference for the above-mentioned expansion,
The game table according to claim 4 or 5.