JP2011010871A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a game property and a performance effect on display by performing stepwise display of numbers by using a multicolor 7-segment LED.SOLUTION: Main data including multicolor light emitting data and mask data for concealing the main data are prepared. The display control unit of the game machine includes: a clear data generation unit for generating clear data for clearing the data of bits of at least a part of the main data on the basis of the mask data; a main data clear part for clearing the main data on the basis of the clear data; and a synthesis unit for synthesizing the main data cleared in the main data clear unit with the mask data and outputting the synthesized data as the driving data of the multicolor 7-segment LED.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

  A ball ball game machine (a so-called pachinko machine) installed in a game machine installation store (hall) or the like uses a game ball (also called a game medium) to play a game. The borrowed game balls are launched to the board surface provided on the game board of the ball game machine, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out each time the game balls enter a predetermined winning opening. The game balls to be paid out are called prize balls.

  In recent years, pachinko machines are known that generate special benefits for players by the display screen of a variable display device (center accessory) provided in the center of the game board. For example, when the symbol displayed on the variable display device (center accessory) fluctuates and stops, an operation called “winning” starts, and a large winning device provided below the game board surface continues. In some cases, a large number of prize balls are paid out to the player because a large number of winnings are obtained during that time. Such a pachinko machine is provided with a random number generating means for determining hits, and when a game ball falls into the start winning device, the random number of the random number generating means is extracted and the pattern of the variable display device (center accessory) The variation is started, and when the extracted random number value meets a predetermined condition, the display variation of the variable display device (center accessory) is stopped at the winning symbol and the winning operation is started. As the random number generating means, there are one constituted by hardware such as a counter and a register, or one realized by a counter executed by software.

  In order to perform game processing including paying out a prize ball, lottery and winning determination, etc., the gaming machine displays an image on a lighting, sound, or liquid crystal display device based on a command from the control unit and the control unit. A sub-control unit for performing an effect such as display. In gaming machines, lottery, winning, payout, and production control are realized by a program. The program of the control unit and the sub-control unit performs important control related to the game.

  The sub-control unit is mainly responsible for effect processing related to games. For production, in addition to the liquid crystal display device, a so-called 7-segment LED may be used. The 7-segment LED consists of seven rod-shaped light emitting elements (LEDs, segments) arranged in the shape of a Japanese character (eight character), and generally digitally displays one-digit numbers from 0 to 9. It is. Since it has seven elements (segments), it is called a 7-segment LED or 7-segment display.

JP 2009-17957 A JP 2001-87453 A

  In a ball game machine, an effect using a 7-segment LED is performed together with a liquid crystal display device. The production varies depending on the model. For example, when the big hit is won, by checking the 7-segment LED provided on the front of the board of the ball game machine, how the jackpot changes thereafter (for example, promotion) , Whether it is sudden probability change, sudden time reduction, or fake). Based on the change of the 7-segment LED, the player can predict the end of the jackpot in advance. Therefore, the display of the 7-segment LED should be taken care of for the player, and a game full of interest can be provided by performing various effects.

The 7-segment LED is widely used in electronic devices, but in gaming machines, a display method different from that of general electronic devices is used. That is, in a general electronic device, the 7-segment LED only displays numbers from 0 to 9, but the gaming machine displays the following.
(1) Light any one or a combination of seven segments. What is displayed is a pattern and may not mean 0-9.
(2) Eventually, any specific number from 0 to 9 will be displayed, but even after the displayed number is finalized, other numbers will be displayed between the start of display and the display of the number. May be displayed sequentially. That is, the display of numbers varies (variable display is performed).

  In the above (1), each segment of the 7-segment LED is used in the same manner as other illuminations or LEDs provided in the gaming machine to emit light, so to speak, it is used for the effect of changing illumination. In general electronic equipment, a 7-segment LED is rarely used in this way.

  The above (2) is the same in the production of the liquid crystal display device, but it is difficult to predict the result by changing before the display of the numbers is determined, and the time until the numbers are determined Earning a sense of tension and raising interest in the meantime.

  The present invention provides a new third expression technique different from the above (1) and (2). That is, it is an object to provide a gaming machine that can improve the appearance on display and can change the numerical display step by step to improve the game performance and display effect.

The present invention includes a control unit that executes a control process related to a game, a sub-control unit that executes a process related to a game effect based on a signal from the control unit, and a plurality of light-emitting elements, and includes at least a number or the like A display capable of displaying symbols, and a display control unit for receiving main data and mask data each consisting of a plurality of bits from the sub-control unit and individually controlling lighting or extinction of the plurality of light emitting elements of the display In a gaming machine comprising
The plurality of light emitting elements of the display are multicolor light emitting elements that emit light of at least a first color and a second color, respectively.
The main data includes first main data for causing the multi-color light emitting element to emit the first color and second main data for causing the second color to emit light, and displays the symbol on the display. It is for letting
The mask data includes first mask data for causing the multi-color light emitting element to emit the first color and second mask data for causing the second color to emit light. Is also displayed with priority,
The display control unit
A clear data generating unit that generates clear data for clearing at least some of the bits of the main data based on the first mask data and the second mask data;
A first main data clear unit that clears data of at least some bits of the first main data based on the clear data;
A second main data clear unit for clearing at least some of the bits of the second main data based on the clear data;
A first combining unit that combines the first main data cleared by the first main data clear unit with the first mask data, and outputs the combined data as first color drive data;
A second synthesizing unit that synthesizes the second main data cleared by the second main data clear unit with the second mask data, and outputs the synthesized data as second color drive data;
The plurality of light emitting elements of the display are caused to emit light in the first color based on the first color driving data, and the plurality of light emitting elements of the display are configured to be in the second color based on the second color driving data. It is what emits light.

The clear data generation unit obtains a logical sum of the first mask data and the second mask data, and inverts the result as the clear data,
The first main data clear unit obtains a logical product of the clear data and the first main data,
The second main data clear unit obtains a logical product of the clear data and the second main data,
The first synthesizing unit obtains a logical sum of the first main data and the first mask data cleared by the first main data clearing unit, and sets the result as the first color driving data.
The second combining unit obtains a logical sum of the second main data cleared by the second main data clear unit and the second mask data, and uses the result as the second color drive data. May be.

The sub-control unit generates a plurality of timer data each specifying a time for displaying a predetermined symbol on the display unit together with the main data and the mask data,
The display control unit further includes:
A main data mask data timer data storage unit for storing a plurality of the main data, the mask data, and the timer data;
A main data mask data timer data reading unit for reading the main data, the mask data, and the timer data one by one;
A timer for measuring time based on the timer data,
The main data mask data timer data reading unit is connected to the clear data generating unit, the first main data clearing unit, the second main data clearing unit, the first combining unit, and the second combining unit. Driving the plurality of light emitting elements of the display based on the data and the mask data, and setting the timer data in the timer to measure time,
The timer causes the main data mask data timer data reading unit to read the next main data, the mask data, and the timer data when the time measurement based on the set timer data is finished. But you can.

The main data read by the main data mask data timer data reading unit is the same as the number of the light emitting elements of the display that emits light.
The mask data read by the main data mask data timer data reading unit monotonously decreases or monotonously increases the number of the light emitting elements of the display that emit light according to the mask data each time reading is performed. Is.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display or erase numbers stepwise by simultaneously updating the main data mainly used for changing numbers and the mask data for production, and synthesizing these data. New expressions that are not possible in the past are possible. That is, the appearance on the display can be improved and the stepwise change of the numbers can be displayed, so that the game performance and the presentation effect on the display can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the surface structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game machine. It is a figure (front view) which shows the mode of the board surface seen from the player. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the hardware constitutions of a sub-control part. It is a block diagram of a 7-segment LED control circuit according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a circuit example of the 7-segment LED control circuit which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of 7 segment LED control processing concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of 7 segment LED control processing which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of a 7-segment LED display control circuit according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of 7 segment LED display control processing concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is an example of the timer data which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is an example of the main data and mask data which concern on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the main data and mask data which concern on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 7-segment LED display control process which concerns on embodiment of invention (pattern which exposes a number little by little). It is explanatory drawing of the 7 segment LED display control process which concerns on embodiment of invention (pattern which hides a number little by little).

An outline of the structure of the ball game machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
First, the external structure of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The outer frame 50 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.
The main body member 51 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 50 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame via a hinge portion 51a. The main body member 51 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside thereof.
The opening frame door 52 is mounted on the front surface of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside is an opening. It is a door member.
A transparent plate member made of glass or resin is provided at the opening of the opening frame door 52, and an electrical decoration 52a, a speaker 52b, and the like are attached in the vicinity of the opening.
A game board (not shown in FIG. 1), which will be described later, is detachably attached to the main body member 51 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 51. After the game board is mounted on the main body member 51, the game area can be observed from the opening.

The door 53 with a ball tray is a door member provided at least with a ball tray for storing a game ball attached to the lower part of the main body member 51 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In addition, the following members are attached to the door with a ball tray in the present embodiment.
(1) A ball tray in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 48 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 48b for performing an operation of launching the stored game ball guided to the launch drive device 48 to a game area provided on the board surface 11 of the game board 10.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit provided with buttons for instructing a read-in related to reading a paid card and a lending process related to a borrowed game ball.
(4) A storage ball discharge operation button for a ball tray for releasing the game ball stored in the ball tray into a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit that is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member attached thereto, and performs electrical game control processing to generate main processing information.
40b is provided through the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member provided to the main body member 51, or a sub member that performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing by obtaining processing information generated by the control unit 40. It is a control unit.
A payout control unit 42 performs payout control of prize balls.
43 is a game ball payout device for paying out game balls.
Reference numeral 44 denotes an electric decoration control unit that controls a lamp and electric decoration 52a (not shown).
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound by controlling and driving the speaker 52b.
49 is a control device for controlling the firing drive device 48, and is a launch control device for controlling the launch of a game ball to a game area provided on the board surface via a rotary operation handle 48b.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a board surface of the game board 10. The board surface 11 changes the direction of the guide rail 12, the discharge port (out port) 13 that guides the game ball that has fallen through the substantially circular game area defined by the guide rail 12, and the direction of the game ball that moves in the game area. It is a rectangular board surface provided with a plurality of obstacles such as the nailing 14 and the windmill 14a.

  The game area of the board surface 11 described above is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by the guide rail 12 (including a sliding part for sliding the game ball and a regulation part for regulating the game ball), and the movement of the game ball that has been launched It is an area that regulates the range. A restricting portion is provided to follow the sliding portion. The sliding portion is arranged on the board surface 11 in a spiral as a whole.

  The discharge port (out port) 13 is a collection opening provided at a position where the game balls thrown into the game area converge.

  The game nails as the obstacles 14 are a plurality of rod-shaped members that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface 11 in order to make the movement direction irregular by contacting with the game ball or to restrict the movement direction.

Reference numeral 30a denotes a variable display device (center accessory) that is provided at the center or slightly above the game area and has one or more variable display sections such as an effect display lamp and an LCD (liquid crystal display device).
In FIG. 3, three 7-segment LEDs (7-segment display) 55-1 to 55-3 are provided on the lower side of the variable display device 30a.
30b is a through chucker (winning chucker).
30c is a normal winning device having a normal winning opening.
30d is a start chucker (start winning device) having a start winning opening.
30e is an attacker having a big prize opening.
In the following description, 30b to 30d may be collectively referred to as a winning opening 30 or the like.
Although not shown, the ball passage detectors 20b, 20c, and 20d are provided inside the 30b, 30c, and 30d (the reference numerals in parentheses in the figure mean that).

The start winning device of the start chucker 30d is also called a specific winning device, and the big winning device of the attacker 30e is also called a special winning device.
The start chucker (start winning device) 30d is provided with movable pieces on both sides for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, making a variable display by winning a game ball and winning a prize for a player. Device.
The attacker (large winning device) 30e is driven and controlled by a movable door that exposes the winning port and closes the winning port, and is compared with other winning devices by winning game balls. This is a winning device that allows more prize balls to be obtained.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit (also referred to as a “main board”) that performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. The control unit 40 moves (flows down) the game area and receives signals from the ball passage detectors 20b to 20d that detect the game balls that have passed through the winning holes 30b to 30d, respectively, and passes the gaming balls through the winning holes 30b to 30d. A winning determination unit 40a for performing a lottery / determination in accordance with this is included.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a display control unit that turns on an effect display lamp of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a and displays an image related to the effect on an LCD (liquid crystal display device). The display control unit 41, in accordance with the result of the electronic winning / losing lottery based on establishment of a predetermined condition in the winning determination unit 40a provided in the control unit 40 (for example, winning of a game ball to the start winning device 30d, etc.) It is also a display control device that performs stop display after variably displaying the identification display information (effect display on the LCD of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a). Furthermore, the display control unit 41 determines the identification lighting information (in accordance with the result of electronic determination of lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition in the winning determination unit 40a (for example, the passing of a game ball to a predetermined passing port). This is a display control device that performs stop display after variable display of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a is lit and displayed on the effect display lamp.

  The LCD of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and also displays a background image, various characters, and the like in an animated manner. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning device) 30d, the displayed symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery is drawn when the game ball start chucker (start winning device) 30d passes. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed on the LCD and stopped. The attacker 30e includes an opening / closing plate that can be opened forward. When the symbol after the LCD fluctuation stops is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” is started, and the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened a predetermined number of times. After the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened, the opening / closing plate is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls are won.

42 is a payout control unit that receives the signal of the winning determination unit 40a and controls the game ball payout device 43 according to the game balls passing through the winning holes 30b to 30d and / or according to the lottery / determination result. .
43 is a game ball payout device provided with a driving source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the result of the lottery / determination according to the game balls passing through the winning openings 30b to 30d and / or as the game profits. .

  40b is a sub-control unit (also referred to as “sub-board”) that performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing including effects such as blinking of light and generation of sound by obtaining processing information generated by the control unit 40. It is. The sub-control unit 40b includes a 7-segment LED display control unit 47 that performs display control of the three 7-segment LEDs 55-1 to 55-3.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a lamp control unit for controlling lighting of the lamp / electric decoration 52a and the like provided on the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound effects / sounds through a speaker 52b provided in the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.

  PS is a power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage such as +5 V to the control unit 40, the sub-control unit 40b, and other units. The power supply unit PS includes a memory clear switch MCLR as well as a power switch PW for turning on and off the power. When the power switch PW is turned on, the memory clear switch MCLR is operated to clear the memory and start the gaming machine from the initial state.

  The winning devices 30b to 30d in which the game balls are provided in the game area are respectively provided with ball passage detectors (for example, switches) 20b to 20d so that the passage of the game balls can be detected. When the position of any of the winning devices 30b to 30d passes, the ball passage detectors 20b to 20d detect this, and the winning determination unit 40a performs a predetermined lottery / determination process. For example, when the ball passage detector 20b detects a game ball that has passed through the through chucker (winning chucker) 30b, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d is released for a predetermined time. That is, a pair of movable pieces provided opposite to each other on both the left and right sides of the start chucker (start winning device) 30d are opened outward. At the same time, the effect of winning is displayed on the variable display device (center accessory) 30a. Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the big winning device of the attacker 30e is released.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the sub-control unit 40b. The sub-control unit 40b shown in FIG. 4 is actually realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. That is, a CPU (processing device), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), a memory M (a readable and writable memory, RWM), and an I / O (input / output device) are connected to a bus BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings). It is connected. Note that the CPU, I / O, and the like may be formed on one chip and grouped as one unit (IC).

  Three 7-segment LEDs 55-1 to 55-3 are connected to the I / O in FIG. The I / O is directly connected to the seven segments of the 7-segment LED, and each segment can be turned on or off independently. Thereby, it is possible to display other than numbers by the program. Here, “directly connected” means that the seven segments of the 7-segment LED are connected from the CPU so that they can be turned on or off independently. Therefore, even if a drive circuit (buffer) is provided between the I / O and the 7-segment LED, it is “directly connected” if it can be turned on or off as described above. On the other hand, when a decoder IC (74LS47, 4511, etc. as general-purpose ICs) is provided between the I / O and the 7-segment LED, it is not “direct connection”.

  Each of the 7-segment LEDs 55-1 to 55-3 is a multicolor 7-segment LED that can emit light of either one of red and blue or both of them. That is, each of the seven segments of the 7-segment LEDs 55-1 to 55-3 includes a red LED and a blue LED, and a terminal for lighting each of them independently is provided. Either the anode or the cathode of the LED of each segment of the 7-segment LED is connected to each other and serves as a common terminal (common). When the anodes are connected in common, it is called anode common, and when the cathodes are connected in common, it is called cathode common.

  The effect process related to the game executed by the sub-control unit 40b in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU operating in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM in FIG. The CPU performs processing such as storing various data in the memory M when performing processing, reading out processing as necessary, performing processing, and storing again as necessary. The memory M may have received a battery backup, and in this case, the stored contents are retained even during power-off. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the memory means the rewritable memory M (RWM) in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 according to the embodiment of the invention. As described above, the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 is realized by the circuit in FIG. 5 executing a predetermined program. FIG. 6 is a block diagram in which the processing is associated with hardware. . It should be noted that the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 can also be configured by hardware in accordance with FIG.

  In FIG. 6, d7R to d1R are first main data, and d7B to d1B are second main data. The main data is data for displaying any number from 1 to 7 on the 7-segment LED 55. The first main data d7R to d1R and the second main data d7B to d1B individually turn on or off the segments associated in advance. “First” indicates that the red LED of the 7-segment LED 55 is lit, and “second” indicates that the blue LED is also lit. When it is necessary to distinguish between d7R to d1R and d7B to d1B, they are expressed as “first main data” and “second main data”, respectively. When shown, it is simply written as “main data”.

  m7R to m1R are first mask data, and m7B to m1B are second mask data. The mask data is data for hiding part or all of the numerical expression by the main data, and turns on or off individually the segments associated in advance. The expression by mask data is an arbitrary display pattern by segments, and is not necessarily a number. “First” indicates that the red LED of the 7-segment LED 55 is lit, and “second” indicates that the blue LED is also lit. By lighting the segment based on the mask data in accordance with the processing procedure described below, some or all of the numbers of the main data can be hidden. In other words, the mask data is prioritized, and the segment that is not lit based on the mask data is lit based on the main data. When it is necessary to distinguish between m7R to m1R and m7B to m1B, they are expressed as “first mask data” and “second mask data”, respectively. When shown, it is simply written as “mask data”.

  471 clears part or all of the first main data d7R to d1R and part or all of the second main data d7B to d1B from the first mask data m7R to m1R and the second mask data m7B to m1B. It is a clear data generation unit that generates clear data C7 to C1 for setting the corresponding bit to 0.

  472R is a first main data clear unit that clears corresponding bits of the first main data d7R to d1R based on the clear data C7 to C1. Reference numeral 472B denotes a second main data clear unit that clears corresponding bits of the second main data d7B to d1B based on the clear data C7 to C1. The first and second data clear units 472R and 472B give priority to the display of the first mask data and the second mask data, so that the first and second bits corresponding to the valid bits (1 bit) in these mask data. The bit of the main data is cleared (set to 0).

  d7R ′ to d1R ′ are first main data that has been cleared by the clear data generation unit 472R, and d7B ′ to d1B ′ are second main data that has been cleared by the clear data generation unit 472B.

  Reference numeral 473R denotes a first combining unit that combines the first main data d7R 'to d1R' subjected to the clear process and the first mask data m7R to m1R. Reference numeral 473B denotes a second combining unit that combines the second main data d7B 'to d1B' subjected to the clear process and the second mask data m7B to m1B.

  L7R to L1R are drive data that is combined by the first combining unit 473R and lights up the red segments 551R to 557R of the 7-segment LED 55, respectively. L7B to L1B are drive data that are combined by the second combining unit 473B and turn on the blue segments 551B to 557B of the 7-segment LED 55, respectively.

  In signal names such as d7R to d1R in FIG. 6, numerals 7 to 1 correspond to segments, and R and B correspond to red and blue segments. Processing is performed between signals having the same number. Each signal (for example, d7R) represents 1-bit data.

  As described above, the 7-segment LED 55 is a multi-color 7-segment LED that can emit light of either one or both of red and blue. In FIG. 6, the red segments are 551R to 557R, and the blue segments are 551B to 557B. In terms of the appearance of the 7-segment LED, each red segment and each blue segment are the same, but in order to make the drawing easier to see, they are displayed separately in FIG. In other words, the red segments 551R to 557R in FIG. 6 and the blue segments 551B to 557B actually overlap each other.

The first and second main data and the first and second mask data are all 7-bit data, but the memory of the actual gaming machine device (hardware) may have a configuration of 1 word = 8 bits. Since the CPU also performs processing in units of 1 word = 8 bits, the first and second main data and the first and second mask data are configured by 8 bits (1 byte). . Assuming that 7-bit data is used, how the 7 bits are assigned to 1 word = 8 bits when processing by the CPU (for example, when data is loaded to the CPU, the most significant bit of the register storing the data ( MSB) is blank or is shifted by 1 bit in the upper direction and the least significant bit (LSB) is blank), whether 0 or 1 data is inserted into the blank bit or whether to ignore , The processing when the data is handled by the CPU becomes complicated (according to this, the number of instructions of the program increases). In addition, the program becomes unnecessarily complicated. On the other hand, if 1 word = 8 bits and the most significant bit is always defined in advance as a constant value (= 0), the complicated processing as described above is unnecessary, and as a result, the CPU Is easy to handle.
In the following description, it may be expressed by 8 bits in which the most significant bit is always 0.

  FIG. 7 shows a specific circuit example of the processing unit of FIG. For simplicity, FIG. 7 shows only the drive circuit for segments 557R and 557B.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the clear data generation unit 471 includes an OR gate that calculates a logical sum of the mask data m7R and m7B, and a NOT gate (inverter) that inverts the output and outputs the inverted data as the clear data C7. The first main data clear unit 472R includes an AND gate that calculates a logical product of the main data d7R and the clear data C7. The same applies to the second main data clear unit 472B. The first synthesizing unit 473R includes an OR gate that calculates a logical sum of the main data d7R ′ that has been cleared and the mask data m7R. The same applies to the second synthesis unit 473B. The segment 557R is turned on at the output L7R of the first combining unit 473R, and the segment 557B is turned on at the output L7B of the second combining unit 473B. A drive circuit (not shown) is provided between the OR gates 473R and 473B and the segments 557R and 557B. When the output of the OR gates 473R and 473B is 1, each segment is lit (usually with the input terminal of the drive circuit). Since the logic is inverted at the output end, when the output of the OR gates 473R and 473B is 1, current flows from the power supply VCC through the segments 557R and 557B to the drive circuit (not shown).

  FIG. 7A shows the case of a 7-segment LED with an anode common. In the case of the cathode common, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, a switch (for example, a relay, a semiconductor relay, or a transistor) is provided between the power supply VCC and the segments 557R and 557B, and this is driven by the OR gates 473R and 473B. You just have to do it.

  FIG. 8 is a process flowchart of the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 according to the embodiment of the invention. The CPU in FIG. 5 executes processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The circuit of FIG.6 and FIG.7 is also the same.

S1: Clear data generation process (part 1)
The logical sum of the first mask data (red data: m7R to m1R) and the second mask data (blue data: m7B to m1B) is obtained.

S2: Clear data generation process (part 2)
The result of the logical sum is inverted (determination is obtained), and the result is set as clear data (C7 to C1).
The clear data generation unit 471 performs the processes of S1 and S2.

S3: Main data clear process The logical product of the clear data (C7 to C1), the first main data (d7R to d1R), and the second main data (d7B to d1B) is obtained. The obtained data are (d7R ′ to d1R ′) and (d7B ′ to d1B ′), respectively.
The first and second main data clear units 472R and 472B perform the process of S3.

S4: Main data and mask data combining processing (d7R ′ to d1R ′) and first mask data (red data: m7R to m1R) are obtained, and the result is defined as (L7R to L1R). The logical sum of (d7B ′ to d1B ′) and the second mask data (blue data: m7B to m1B) is obtained, and the result is defined as (L7B to L1B).
The first and second synthesis units 473R and 473B perform the process of S4.
Note that “synthesizing” here means that the main data and the mask data are overlapped. As an example, OR (OR, NOR) is used. In addition, logical product (AND, NAND) can also be used (particularly in the case of negative logic). In addition, by using exclusive OR (XOR), it is possible to provide a display pattern different from the case of OR.

S5: The 7-segment LED first light emitting element (red) is turned on based on the 7-segment LED control process (L7R to L1R). Based on (L7B to L1B), the first light emitting element (blue) of the 7-segment LED is turned on.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the specific example of the process of the 7 segment LED display control part 47 which concerns on embodiment of invention is demonstrated. (A) in the figure shows a specific example of main data and mask data input to the 7-segment LED display control unit 47, (b) in the figure shows main data after clear processing, and (c) in FIG. The drive data after a process is shown. In these figures, what is shown on the right side of the 8-bit data indicates the state of the 7-segment LED 55 that is turned on by the data. A black fill indicates that both red and blue are lit, i.e. purple light emission. Cross hatching indicates that blue is lit. In the empty segment, both red and blue are off.

  The main data input to the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 is d7R to d1R = d7B to d7B = 011111101B, and the number 6 is displayed. The mask data is m7R to m1R = 00000000B, m7B to m1B = 00011000B, and the two lower left segments 554 and 555 emit blue light.

  If the main data and the mask data are simply overlapped (or the logical sum is obtained), the number 6 of the main data is displayed, and a part of the number 6 cannot be hidden by the mask data. Therefore, clear data is generated from the mask data, and a part of the main data is cleared.

  That is, the logical sum of the first mask data (red data: m7R to m1R) and the second mask data (blue data: m7B to m1B) is obtained, and the result of the logical sum is inverted. In the example of FIG. 9A, 11100111B is obtained as the clear data C7 to C1.

  Next, the logical product of the clear data C7 to C1, the first main data d7R to d1R, and the second main data d7B to d1B is obtained. In the example of FIG. 9B, 01100101B is obtained as the first main data d7R ′ to d1R ′ subjected to the clear process, and 01100101B is obtained as the second main data d7B ′ to d1B ′ subjected to the clear process. These data correspond to the state in which the two lower left segments of the numeral 6 are extinguished (the segment that is lit by the clear data is extinguished).

  Then, the logical sum of the first main data d7R 'to d1R' subjected to the clear processing and the first mask data m7R to m1R is obtained, and the result is defined as (L7R to L1R). The logical sum of the second main data d7B 'to d1B' subjected to the clear process and the second mask data m7B to m1B is obtained, and the result is defined as (L7B to L1B). In the example of FIG. 9C, 01100101B is obtained as the drive data L7R to L1R, and 01111101B is obtained as the drive data L7B to L1B. When the 7-segment LED 55 is driven based on these (L7R to L1R) and (L7B to L1B), the two lower left segments of the number 6 are blue, and the remaining segments displaying the number 6 are purple. That is, it seems that a part of the number 6 of the main data is hidden by the mask data blue.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the invention, in the multi-color 7-segment LED, part or all of the display by the main data can be hidden by the mask data. By using this, the 7-segment display of the gaming machine can be changed, and a more interesting production can be performed.

  In FIG. 9, the main data is data that lights both red and blue, and the mask data is data that lights only blue (all red data is zero), but this is only an example, and the main data Alternatively, one or both of red and blue may be lit as mask data.

  To explain this point, it is possible to select whether or not to use red and blue of the main data and red and blue of the mask data (all zero), and these combinations are 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16 types, but some of them cannot be used from the viewpoint of masking the numerical display of the main data. For example, if both red and blue mask data are not used, numbers cannot be displayed. Excluding such combinations, the following six types can be applied to the embodiment of the present invention.

(1) Both red and blue of the main data are used, and only blue of the mask data is used (example in FIG. 9). When both red and blue are used, the red main data and the blue main data are the same (for example, when the number 6 is displayed in red, the number 6 is also displayed in blue). The same applies to the mask data. The color data not used is 00000000B (the same applies hereinafter).

(2) Use both red and blue of the main data and only red of the mask data.
(3) Only the main data red is used, and both the red and blue mask data are used.
(4) Only the main data blue is used, and both the red and blue mask data are used.
(5) Only the red of the main data is used and only the blue of the mask data is used.
(6) Only blue of main data is used and only red of mask data is used (example in FIG. 13).

  With the circuit or processing described above, a part of the number (which may be an arbitrary pattern) displayed by the main data can be covered with the display by the arbitrary mask data.

  Next, a description will be given of a circuit or a process for changing the mask data so as to gradually cover the numbers, or to make the hidden portion of the numbers gradually visible.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a circuit for performing numerical variation display. As described above, the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 is realized by the circuit of FIG. 5 executing a predetermined program. Like FIG. 6, FIG. 10 is a block diagram that associates the processing with hardware. It is illustrated. It should be noted that the 7-segment LED display control unit 47 can also be configured by hardware in accordance with FIG.

  The masking processing unit in FIG. 10 includes the clear data generation unit 471, the first and second main data clear units 472R and 472B, and the first and second synthesis units 473R and 473B in FIG.

  The main data mask data timer data buffer 475 stores main data, mask data (see FIG. 13) and timer data (see FIG. 12) defined in time series. For the timer data, a plurality of main data defined in time series and mask data (data of D11 to D16 in FIG. 13) are lit for how long (in other words, the numerical display is changed at what time interval). Is data for setting.

  The main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 reads the data stored in the main data mask data timer data buffer 475 in order and supplies the data to the masking processing unit. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 has one main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 in the order of T1 of FIG. 12 and D11 of FIG. 13, T2 and D12,. The main data, mask data and timer data are read out one by one.

  The timer 477 sets the timer data read by the main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 and holds the main data and mask data at that time in the main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 until the set time elapses. Let The retained data is given to the masking processing unit. When the set time has elapsed (timeout), the timer 477 outputs a data read signal to cause the main data mask data timer data read circuit 476 to read the next data.

  FIG. 11 is a processing flowchart for displaying the variation of the masking of numbers. The CPU in FIG. 5 executes processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

S10: A plurality of sets of main data, mask data, and timer data are created.
For example, T1 to T6 shown in FIG. 12 and D11 to D16 shown in FIG. 13 are created.

S11: A set of main data, mask data, and timer data is read.
For example, the timer data T1 in FIG. 12, the main data in FIG. 13, and the mask data D11 are read out. When the processing of S12 to S16 is performed (NO in S16), the next data T2 and D12 are read. Thereafter, the same processing is performed.

S12: A timer is set based on the timer data.
For example, the timer is set to 500 ms.

S13: Main data and mask data are set.
For example, the main data and mask data D11 in FIG. 13 are set.

S14: Masking processing, that is, synthesis processing of main data and mask data is performed.
The process of FIG. 8 is executed.

S15: It is determined whether a timeout has occurred.
If a time-out (for example, 500 ms elapses), the process proceeds to S16. If not, wait until timeout.

S16: It is determined whether all data has been read.
When all the data has been read (YES in S16), the process ends. When there is data that has not been read (NO in S16), the processes in and after S11 are repeated.

  A display example of a 7-segment LED will be described based on the data in FIGS.

  In FIG. 13, for all of D11 to D16, the main data is blue and the number 6 is displayed (the red of each segment is all extinguished). FIG. 14A shows the lighting status of the segments based on the main data in FIG. Even if time elapses from t1 to t7, the number of lighting of the segment by the main data is constant and does not change (lighting number = 6). In FIG. 14, t1 to t7 indicate times, and the intervals (time) T1,..., T6 are all 500 ms defined by the timer value in FIG.

  On the other hand, the mask data is to turn on red of each segment (all the blue of each segment is turned off) from D11 to D15, and the number of segments to be turned on gradually decreases (monotonically). Is. In the mask data of D16, all segments are turned off. FIG. 14B shows the lighting state of the segment based on the mask data of FIG. As the time elapses from t1 to t7, the number of lighting segments by the mask data decreases monotonously (there is no increase in the middle). That is, the number of lighting segments according to the mask data changes from 7, 6, 4, 3, 1, 0 from t1 to t7.

  This is because the number 6 based on the main data that was completely hidden in the mask data at t1 is gradually exposed to t2, t3,..., T5. It means to appear. This is shown in FIG. In the figure, horizontal line hatching indicates blue lighting, and cross hatching indicates red lighting. 15A and 15B are the same as the display example of FIG. As described above, the numbers of the main data can be presented to the player over time using the data shown in FIGS.

  The main data may be other than the numeral 6, and can be applied to any numeral. Also, other combinations of segments can be adopted for the mask data. The mask data may be any data as long as the number of segment lighting due to this decreases monotonously.

  In the above description, the number of segment lighting based on the mask data is monotonously decreased. However, it may be monotonously increased. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS. In FIG. 14C, the order of the mask data is reversed, and reading is performed in the order of D16, D15,..., D11 (the order of the data table may be reversed). This is because the number 6 appears completely at t1, but the number 6 from the main data is gradually hidden in the mask data over t2, t3,..., T5, and the number 6 at t6. Means that it is completely hidden.

  Whether the 7-segment LED numbers are gradually exposed or gradually hidden can be appropriately selected according to the contents of the production.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, update processing is performed simultaneously on the main data mainly used for changing numbers and the mask data for production, and both data are combined when output to the I / O port. Thus, it is possible to display or erase numbers in stages. That is, by synthesizing and outputting effect data from the numerical variation data, it becomes possible to express stepwise changes in numbers, and the game performance and display effect are improved.

  In the above description, a ball game machine is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other game machines such as a slot machine. Moreover, it is applicable also to light emitting elements other than 2 color light emission 7-segment LED, for example, the light emitting element which arranged 2 color LED in the array form. Moreover, you may apply also to the light emitting element of 3 colors or more.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

47 7-segment LED display controller 471 Clear data generator (OR gate and NOT gate)
472R, 472B First and second main data clear section (AND gate)
473R, 473B first and second synthesis unit (OR gate)
475 Main data mask data timer data buffer 476 Main data mask data timer data read circuit 477 Timer 55-1 to 55-3 Multicolor 7 segment LED
551R to 557R Red light emitting part of segment (light emitting element, individual light emitting part) 551B to 557B Blue light emitting part of segment (light emitting element, individual light emitting part) d7R to d1R First main data (main data)
d7B to d1B Second main data (main data)
d7R ′ to d1R ′ Cleared first main data d7B ′ to d1B ′ Cleared second main data m7R to m1R First mask data (mask data)
m7B to m1B second mask data (mask data)
C7 to C1 Clear data L7R to L1R Segment red drive signal L7B to L1B Segment blue drive signal

Claims (4)

A control unit that executes a control process related to a game, a sub-control unit that executes a process related to a game effect based on a signal from the control unit, and a plurality of light emitting elements, and displays at least symbols such as numbers A display comprising: a display capable of displaying and a display control unit that receives main data and mask data each consisting of a plurality of bits from the sub-control unit and individually controls lighting or extinction of the plurality of light emitting elements of the display In the machine
The plurality of light emitting elements of the display are multicolor light emitting elements that emit light of at least a first color and a second color, respectively.
The main data includes first main data for causing the multi-color light emitting element to emit the first color and second main data for causing the second color to emit light, and displays the symbol on the display. It is for letting
The mask data includes first mask data for causing the multi-color light emitting element to emit the first color and second mask data for causing the second color to emit light. Is also displayed with priority,
The display control unit
A clear data generating unit that generates clear data for clearing at least some of the bits of the main data based on the first mask data and the second mask data;
A first main data clear unit for clearing data of at least some bits of the first main data based on the clear data;
A second main data clear unit for clearing at least some of the bits of the second main data based on the clear data;
A first synthesizing unit that synthesizes the first main data cleared by the first main data clear unit with the first mask data, and outputs the synthesized data as first color drive data;
A second synthesizing unit that synthesizes the second main data cleared by the second main data clear unit with the second mask data, and outputs the synthesized data as second color drive data;
The plurality of light emitting elements of the display are caused to emit light in the first color based on the first color driving data, and the plurality of light emitting elements of the display are configured to be in the second color based on the second color driving data. A gaming machine characterized by light emission. The clear data generation unit obtains a logical sum of the first mask data and the second mask data, and inverts the result as the clear data,
The first main data clear unit obtains a logical product of the clear data and the first main data,
The second main data clear unit obtains a logical product of the clear data and the second main data,
The first synthesizing unit obtains a logical sum of the first main data and the first mask data cleared by the first main data clearing unit, and sets the result as the first color driving data.
The second synthesizing unit obtains a logical sum of the second main data and the second mask data cleared by the second main data clear unit, and uses the result as the second color drive data. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The sub-control unit generates a plurality of timer data each specifying a time for displaying a predetermined symbol on the display unit together with the main data and the mask data,
The display control unit further includes:
A main data mask data timer data storage unit for storing a plurality of the main data, the mask data, and the timer data;
A main data mask data timer data reading unit for reading the main data, the mask data, and the timer data one by one;
A timer for measuring time based on the timer data,
The main data mask data timer data reading unit is connected to the clear data generating unit, the first main data clearing unit, the second main data clearing unit, the first combining unit, and the second combining unit. Driving the plurality of light emitting elements of the display based on the data and the mask data, and setting the timer data in the timer to measure time,
The timer causes the main data mask data timer data reading unit to read the next main data, the mask data, and the timer data when the time measurement based on the set timer data is finished. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The main data read by the main data mask data timer data reading unit is the same as the number of the light emitting elements of the display that emits light.
The mask data read by the main data mask data timer data reading unit monotonously decreases or monotonously increases the number of the light emitting elements of the display that emit light according to the mask data each time reading is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is a thing.

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