JP2011030894A - Program, information storage medium, electronic device, and code manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily edit a rendering control process of a game machine even by those who have little technical knowledge on hardware such as a control code. <P>SOLUTION: A timing chart window 2 of a control process edit screen W2 displays a timing chart in which channels 20 individually registering lighting parts for illumination and frames 22 arranged along horizontal time axes of the respective channels, are arranged in matrix shape. An operator can register a game machine front image (displayed as "BG" name in the figure) in one of the channels 20 and register lighting mode image data 516 representing the lighted state of a lighting part, in the other channel. Lighting timing can be set and edited by specifying the selected range of the optional frame 22 in the timing chart. In a simulation window 8, each lighting mode image is composed and displayed at the lighting timing according to setting of the timing chart on the game machine front image to make an animation display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to simulate blinking (lighting and extinguishing) of a lighting part of a gaming machine.

Known pachinko machines (pachinko machines) and slot machines (rotor-type game machines) have a main control board, an image display section as an effect element, an illumination lighting section, and a speaker. An effect control board for receiving and controlling a control signal from the control board is provided. The image display unit, the lighting unit for lighting, the output device for the production of the speaker, and the production control board may be packaged to constitute one production device.
And if it is a pachinko machine, while the production video is displayed on the image display unit in accordance with the timing of reach or probability change, the lighting unit for lighting is blinked or the BGM is emitted from the speaker. It is common to raise (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP 2007-7148 A

  By the way, the lighting timing of the lighting unit for lighting (hereinafter also simply referred to as “lighting unit”) is determined by a non-volatile IC memory mounted on the board by a processor (CPU, DSP, etc.) mounted on the effect control board. It is controlled according to a predetermined control code prepared according to the contents of the production from the information storage medium.

  When editing production content, a dedicated programmer who normally understands the control code creates the control code, writes it to the non-volatile IC memory, etc., and installs it on the production control board connected to the actual machine. Repeat the operation check on the actual machine. Therefore, when developing game machines or development devices, there are many restrictions such as securing the programmer who understands the control code and early arrangement of actual machines for operation confirmation, such as personnel and schedule required for development. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily edit the effect control process of a gaming machine even for those who have little expertise in hardware such as control codes. It is.

A first form for solving the above problem is a program for causing a computer to simulate blinking of a lighting part of a gaming machine,
Game machine image registration means for registering the image of the gaming machine (for example, control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, editing control unit 210, gaming machine image registration unit 214, storage unit 500, gaming machine front image) Data 514, steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 23),
For each lighting unit of the gaming machine, lighting unit registration means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, FIG. 17) registers the arrangement position of the lighting unit and a lighting-like image indicating the state of the lighting unit during light emission. Processing unit 200, editing control unit 210, lighting-like image registration unit 216, storage unit 500, lighting-like image data 516, steps S20 to S22 in FIG.
Display control of a control timing chart (for example, see timing chart window 2 in FIG. 3) in which blinking control of each lighting unit can be set in a predetermined unit time unit (for example, frame 22 in FIG. 9) along the time axis. Control timing chart display control means (for example, control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, editing control unit 210, control process setting unit 218, channel setting data 518 in FIG. 21, output value setting data by frame 518f) , Step S44 in FIG. 24),
Control process setting means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, editing) that sets lighting and extinction at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart. Control unit 210, control process setting unit 218, channel setting data 518 in FIG. 21, output value setting data for each frame 518f, steps S40 to S42 in FIG. 24),
The display of the image of the gaming machine is controlled, and the lighting-like image of each lighting unit is displayed at the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine according to the setting content set by the control process setting means. By controlling, a simulation means for simulating a series of flashing by each lighting unit (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the editing control unit 210, the simulation unit 222, and steps S70 to S70 in FIG. 24). S72) is a program for causing the computer to function.

Further, as another form, an electronic device that simulates blinking of a lighting unit of a gaming machine, which is a gaming machine image registration unit that registers an image of the gaming machine (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit in FIG. 17). 200, editing control unit 210, gaming machine image registration unit 214, storage unit 500, gaming machine front image data 514, steps S10 to S12 in FIG.
For each lighting unit of the gaming machine, lighting unit registration means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, FIG. 17) registers the arrangement position of the lighting unit and a lighting-like image indicating the state of the lighting unit during light emission. Processing unit 200, editing control unit 210, lighting-like image registration unit 216, storage unit 500, lighting-like image data 516, steps S20 to S22 in FIG.
Control timing chart display control means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit in FIG. 17) that controls the display of a control timing chart that can set the blinking control of each lighting unit in a predetermined unit time unit along the time axis. 200, editing control unit 210, control process setting unit 218, channel setting data 518 in FIG. 21, output value setting data 518f for each frame, step S44 in FIG. 24),
Control process setting means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, editing) that sets lighting and extinction at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart. A control unit 210, a control process setting unit 218, channel setting data 518 in FIG. 21, output value setting data 518f for each frame, steps S40 to S42 in FIG.
The display of the image of the gaming machine is controlled, and the lighting-like image of each lighting unit is displayed at the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine according to the setting content set by the control process setting means. By controlling, a simulation means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the editing control unit 210, the simulation unit 222, and step S70 in FIG. 24) displays a series of blinking by each lighting unit. To S72) can be configured.

  According to the first embodiment, it is possible to register the image of the gaming machine and the lighting-like image of the lighting unit for lighting of the gaming machine, and lighting for each lighting unit control unit time made on the timing chart. By combining the lighting-like image with the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine according to the setting of turning off or turning off, a series of blinking states by the lighting unit can be displayed as an animation. Therefore, even if you do not know the control code for the processor mounted on the production control board, or without preparing an actual machine for operation confirmation, you can easily edit the lighting pattern of the lighting part on the timing chart and display the edited result The simulation can be confirmed.

  The second form is a moving image registration means for registering given moving image data reproduced and displayed on the display unit of the gaming machine along the time axis of the control timing chart (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, FIG. 17). The processing unit 200, the editing control unit 210, the effect moving image registration unit 212, the storage unit 500, the effect moving image data 512, and the steps S4 to S6 in FIG. A program according to a first mode for causing the computer to function so as to control reproduction of moving image data registered by the moving image registration unit at the display unit position in an image.

  According to the second mode, the same effect as that of the program of the first mode can be obtained, and the flashing pattern of the lighting unit can be set in accordance with the moving image reproduced and displayed on the display unit of the gaming machine. .

  In the third mode, the driving control of each lighting unit is stored in a memory mounted on the gaming machine and is driven and controlled by a processor of the gaming machine based on the setting contents set by the control process setting unit. Drive control code generation means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the drive control code 524 in FIG. 16, the processing unit 200, the edit control unit 210, the drive control code generation unit 224 in FIG. 17, FIG. 24 is a program in the first or second form for causing the computer to function as step S82).

  According to the third mode, the lighting unit that has the same effect as the program of the first or second mode and is referred to by the processor of the production control board from the setting contents of the control process edited on the timing chart. The drive control code can be generated.

  Further, a fourth form is a program according to the third form for causing the computer to function so that the drive control code generation means generates the drive control code by compressing data.

  According to the fourth aspect, the same effect as the program of the third aspect can be obtained, and the size of the generated drive control data can be further reduced.

In the fifth mode, group registration means (for example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1 and the group window in FIG. 12) that registers the setting contents in the control timing chart for a plurality of lighting sections selected according to the user's operation input. 6, the computer is made to function as the processing unit 200, the edit control unit 210, the group registration unit 220, and the steps S50 to S52 in FIG.
Group registration applying means for applying the setting contents of a plurality of lighting sections registered by the group registering means to the control timing chart according to a user operation input for applying the group registration by the control process setting means. (For example, the control unit 1450 in FIG. 1, the group window 6 in FIG. 12, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the editing control unit 210, the control process setting unit 218, and steps S60 to S62 in FIG. 24). It is the program of the 3rd or 4th form for making it function.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the same effect as the program of the third or fourth embodiment is obtained, and for example, the contents once set in the timing chart are collectively registered as a group and applied to another place on the timing chart. It can be said. Therefore, the editing process of the control process becomes easier.

  In a sixth mode, the drive control code generation means reads out and uses the setting contents group-registered by the group registration means as a subroutine in the drive control code (for example, the drive control code of FIG. 16). 524)), the fifth form of program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the sixth embodiment, the same effect as that of the program of the fifth embodiment can be obtained, and the setting contents registered in the group can be shared in the drive control code as a code block that can be read out as a subroutine. Therefore, the data amount of the drive control code can be reduced.

In the seventh embodiment, general-purpose setting registration means for registering general-purpose settings applicable to any lighting section in the control timing chart according to a user's operation input (for example, the group 64 registered in the frame of FIG. 12, FIG. 17). The processing unit 200, the edit control unit 210, the group registration unit 220, the group setting data 520 in FIG. 22, the output value data 520e for each extracted frame, and the steps S50 to S52 in FIG.
The general setting for applying the general setting registered by the general setting registration unit to the control timing chart according to the selection operation of the lighting unit to which the general setting is applied and the operation input for applying the general setting. The application means (for example, the output display 28 in the range surrounded by the broken line ellipse in FIG. 14, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the editing control unit 210, the group registration unit 220, and steps S50 to S52 in FIG. 24). It is a program in any one of the 3rd-6th form for making a computer function.

  According to the seventh aspect, the same effect as the program of any one of the third to sixth aspects is obtained, and for example, the lighting pattern portion of the lighting part on the timing chart is registered as a general setting, and on the timing chart You can copy and use it elsewhere. Therefore, the control process editing becomes easier.

  In an eighth mode, the drive control code generation means causes the computer to function as a code block that is read out and used as a subroutine in the drive control code for the general settings registered by the general setting registration means. 7 is a program of the seventh form.

  According to the eighth aspect, the same effect as the program of the seventh aspect can be obtained, and the general-purpose setting contents registered as a group can be shared in the drive control code as a code block that can be read as a subroutine. Therefore, the data amount of the drive control code can be reduced.

The ninth form is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program of any one of the first to eighth forms.
The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the ninth aspect, by causing the computer to read and execute the program of any one of the first to eighth forms, causing the computer to exert the same effect as any of the first to eighth forms. Can do.

The eleventh aspect is a code manufacturing method for manufacturing a drive control code for each lighting section of the gaming machine that is stored in a memory mounted on the gaming machine and is driven and controlled by the processor of the gaming machine. ,
A gaming machine image registration step (for example, steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 23) for registering an image of the gaming machine;
For each lighting section, a lighting section registration step (for example, steps S40 to S44 in FIG. 24) for registering an arrangement position of the lighting section and a lighting-like image indicating the state of the lighting section during light emission,
A control timing chart display control step (for example, step S44 in FIG. 24) for displaying and controlling a control timing chart capable of setting the blinking control of each lighting unit in a predetermined unit time unit along the time axis;
A control process setting step (for example, steps S40 to S42 in FIG. 24) for setting lighting and extinction at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart;
A drive code generation step (for example, step S82 in FIG. 24) for generating the drive control code based on the setting content set in the control process setting step.

  According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to register an image of the gaming machine and a lighting-like image of the lighting unit for lighting of the gaming machine, and lighting for each lighting unit control unit time made on the timing chart. According to the setting of turning off or turning off, a lighting-like image can be synthesized with the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine, and a series of blinking states by the lighting unit can be displayed as an animation. Furthermore, a drive control code can be generated from the set contents of the set control process. Therefore, even if you do not know the control code for the processor mounted on the production control board, or without preparing an actual machine for operation confirmation, you can easily edit the lighting pattern of the lighting part on the timing chart and display the edited result The simulation can be confirmed.

The figure which shows the system structural example of an electronic apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a screen display of a control process edit screen. The figure which shows the registration procedure of effect animation data, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the setting procedure of the display timing of effect animation data, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the example of a window display at the time of completion of registration of effect animation data. The figure which shows the registration procedure of game machine front image data, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the setting procedure of the display timing of game machine front image data, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the registration procedure of a lighting part, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the setting procedure of the lighting timing of a lighting part, and the example of a window display at that time. The figure which shows the setting procedure of the lighting timing of a lighting part, and the example of a window display at that time. The figure which shows the example of a timing chart at the time of completion of control process edit. The figure which shows the procedure of a group registration, and the window display example at that time. The figure which shows the application procedure to the timing chart of the registered group, and the example of a window display at that time. The figure which shows the example of a timing chart after applying to the timing chart of the registered group. The figure which shows the example of a display of a simulation window. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of drive control code generation. The functional block diagram which shows a function structural example. The figure which shows the example of an effect animation. The figure which shows the example of a gaming machine front image. The figure which shows the example of a lighting-like image. The figure which shows the data structural example of channel setting data. The figure which shows the data structural example of group setting data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes. The flowchart following FIG. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example which added the accessory to the control object of a control process. The figure which shows the example of a setting of the timing chart of the example which added the accessory to the control object of the control process.

  Next, a control process for the purpose of driving control (lighting / extinguishing control, or brightness adjustment control) of a lighting unit for an electrical equipment mounted on a gaming machine, with an electronic device having an editing control function for a gaming machine An example of generating a drive control code according to the edited contents of the control process will be described.

[Configuration of electronic device]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the system configuration of an electronic apparatus 1400 having a game machine effect control process editing function. The electronic device 1400 includes a keyboard 1402, a track pad 1404, a mouse 1406, a display 1408, a speaker 1410, and a control unit 1450.

  The electronic device 1400 also includes a memory card reader 1418 that can read and write data from a memory card 1440 that is a computer-readable information storage medium, and a memory writer 1496 that writes data to the nonvolatile IC memory 1494. .

The nonvolatile IC memory 1494 is mounted on an effect control board 1493 of an effect device for a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine 1490 or a slot machine 1492.
The effect device includes a slot machine-like reel image and various effect images, a liquid crystal display 1497, a lighting unit 1498 having a built-in LED, a speaker 1495, and the like, and the effect control board 1493 is a main control board (illustrated) of the pachinko machine 1490. The control signal from (omitted) is received, and various effects are realized by controlling the image display control of the liquid crystal display 1497, the lighting control of the lighting unit 1498, and the sound reproduction from the speaker 1495. The non-volatile IC memory 1494 stores a drive control code for a processor (eg, CPU or DSP) mounted on the effect control board 1493 to read and control the liquid crystal display 1497 and the lighting unit 1498 in an integrated manner.

  The display 1408 is a device that can display an image generated by the control unit 1450, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel display, an organic EL display, an electronic ink display, or the like.

The control unit 1450 corresponds to a control board, and includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), VRAM, RAM, and ROM. Various IC memories such as are mounted.
The control unit 1450 includes a wireless communication module 1452, a driver circuit for the display 1408, a driver circuit for the track pad 1404, a circuit that receives signals from the keyboard 1402 and the mouse 1406, and an amplifier that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 1410. A so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) such as a circuit and a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1418 is mounted. Each element mounted on the control unit 1450 is electrically connected via a bus circuit so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

  The control unit 1450 reads out the program and data stored in the memory card 1440 by the memory card reader 1418 and temporarily stores them in the IC memory to be mounted. Then, the read program is executed to execute arithmetic processing, and each part of the device is controlled in accordance with an operation input from the keyboard 1402, the track pad 1404, and the mouse 1406, and the control process editing of the effect device mounted on the gaming machine is edited. Realize the function. Based on the editing result, the drive control code can be written into the IC memory 1494 by the memory writer 1496.

  In addition, although illustration and description about a power supply etc. are abbreviate | omitted, a battery is mounted like a well-known electronic device, or it has a terminal which connects the power cord from an AC adapter, and receives supply of electric power from an external power supply. Shall be able to.

In the present embodiment, the electronic device 1400 is configured to read out necessary programs and various setting data from the memory card 1440. However, main programs and data installed in the control unit 1450 are stored in advance in the IC memory. It can be set as a structure. Alternatively, the wireless communication module 1452 may be connected to a wired / wireless communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and downloaded and acquired from an external device. .
The number of displays 1408 may be two or more. Alternatively, a touch panel may be mounted on the display 1408 so that operation input can be performed by directly touching the display screen separately from the track pad 1404 and the mouse 1406.

[Overview of editing operations]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the control process editing screen in the present embodiment. The control process edit screen W2 includes a timing chart window 2, a property window 4, a group window 6, a simulation window 8, and a function bar 10, and an operator activates a desired window as appropriate to edit a control process. do.

  The timing chart window 2 displays a chart (timing chart) showing a control process of one effect in the gaming machine for each control unit time. For example, if the gaming machine is a pachinko machine 1490, the “one effect” mentioned here corresponds to an effect display in a so-called attract mode waiting for a player, a reach effect or a probability change effect in the play mode, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a pull-down menu 12 is displayed when “File” in the function bar 10 shown in a strip shape is selected at the top of the screen, and a new timing chart window 2 is displayed when “New Chart” is selected from the menu. A new control process is displayed and can be edited. That is, in this embodiment, the control process of each effect used with a gaming machine can be edited with an individual timing chart.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the first operation in the control process editing in this embodiment. In the control process editing, the timing chart window 2 and the property window 4 are mainly operated.

  In the timing chart window 2, channels 20 for individually registering control targets are displayed in the vertical direction in order from the first channel. Then, the control target registration name display unit 21 registered in the channel from the channel 20 in the right-hand direction of the screen and the subsequent frames 22 for a plurality of control unit times are arranged and displayed in a horizontal row. Since one timing chart is generated for each effect element, the title 23 is displayed and identified in the timing chart window 2.

  The real time size of the frame 22 corresponds to one effect image generation cycle in the effect control board 1493 of the gaming machine on which the nonvolatile IC memory 1494 is mounted. In this embodiment, one frame is set to 1/30 second, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate according to the specifications of the gaming machine on which the nonvolatile IC memory 1494 is mounted. Therefore, the timing chart window 2 displays a vertical and horizontal matrix timing chart with the channel 20 as the vertical axis.

  The operator can set a control parameter value for each frame 22 of the timing chart. That is, it is possible to set how much the control parameter value to be controlled is set in units of frames. The control parameter value can be appropriately set depending on the control target assumed in the actual machine. For example, a value indicating LED on / off, pixel brightness, color value, motor drive voltage, motor rotation angle, and the like. Hereinafter, the control parameter value is simply referred to as “output value”.

  The total number of frames 22 to be arranged is displayed in the total frame number display section 24 at the upper left of the window. The total number of frames 22 to be arranged can be arbitrarily set by the operator by selection / numerical value input operation to the total frame number display section 24, and is automatically adjusted according to the reproduction time of the registered effect moving image.

  In the present embodiment, since the control process is edited in units of frames 22, first, in the editing operation, the original effect moving image data 512 is registered in the first channel (CH1). The effect moving image data 512 uses existing moving image data in a file format that can be played back by the control board 1493 installed in the gaming machine, and is provided to the electronic device 1400 via the memory card 1440, for example.

  Specifically, when the registered name display section 21 of the first channel is selected and operated, the registered name setting field 40, the display position setting field 42, the file setting field 44, and the display size setting of the channel in the property window 4 are displayed. A column 46 is displayed so that input is possible, and a setting application button 49 for setting application operation input is additionally displayed in the same window.

The operator can set the registered name by selecting the registered name setting field 40 and inputting arbitrary text from the keyboard 1420. The set registered name is reflected in the display of the corresponding registered name display unit 21.
Also, with the display position setting field 42 selected, an arbitrary coordinate value is input from the keyboard 1420, or an arbitrary position in the simulation window 8 is pointed with the mouse 1406 or the like to input the center position of the registered moving image.

When the file setting column 44 is selected, a so-called directory display is performed in which data files stored in the memory card 1440 or the IC memory of the control unit 1450 are hierarchically displayed, and a desired data file is designated and the data file is also displayed. Can be set.
By selecting the display size setting field 46 and inputting an arbitrary size value from the keyboard 1402, it is possible to specify a size for displaying the control target data in the simulation window 8.

  If the effect moving image data 512 is registered in the first channel, it is set at which timing in the timing chart the registered moving image is reproduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the timing is set by selecting an arbitrary range from the frame 22 arranged next to the first channel with a mouse 1406 or the like. In the figure, the selection range is indicated with a bold line. The control process of the first channel is set so that the effect animation registered in the first channel is played from the beginning to the end of the selection range.

When the selection range is determined, the property window 4 is controlled so that the output value setting field 48 can be selected and input.
The output value setting field 48 sets the registered output value of the control target. In the present embodiment, an output value of 0% is set by default for each frame 22 in the initial state, and an output value of 100% is set instead for the frame 22 designated by the selection range. Since a moving image is registered in the first channel, the output value is read and controlled by the opacity of the moving image. It is also possible to select an output setting field 48 with the mouse 1406 and set an arbitrary numerical value from the keyboard 1402.

  When the setting application button 49 is pointed and clicked with the mouse 1406 and a setting application operation is input, the settings set in the above-described fields are determined.

  When the setting is determined, the setting application button 49 is deleted. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the output display 28 is displayed on the frame 22 with the output, and the output display 28 is displayed on the frame 22 with the output value 0%. Do not show. In the example of FIG. 5, it is shown that the reproduction of the effect moving image data 512 is set to start from the beginning of the timing chart.

  Further, the display in the simulation window 8 is updated to a simulation image in the first frame based on the current setting contents of the timing chart. That is, during editing in the timing chart window 2, the contents of the effect can be confirmed as appropriate by display in the simulation window 8.

Next, when the registration of the moving image data in the first channel is completed, the gaming machine front image is registered in the second channel.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the registered name display part 21 on the right side of the second channel is selected, the part is highlighted, and the registered name setting field 40 and the display position setting field in the property window 4 are displayed. 42, the file setting field 44, and the display size setting field 46 can be selected and input, and a setting application button 49 is displayed.

  Then, the gaming machine front image data 514 is registered in the file setting field 44. The gaming machine front image data 514 is a front image of the gaming machine in a state where the liquid crystal display 1497 of the gaming machine is not displayed and the lighting unit 1498 is turned off. In particular, the α channel where the liquid crystal display 1497 is visible has a masking setting, and when the display control is performed in the simulation window 8, the portion is transparently processed so that the display content of the first channel corresponding to the lower layer can be seen. To be controlled.

  If the gaming machine front image data 514 is registered as the control target of the second channel, the timing at which the registered image is displayed is set. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display timing is set by selecting an arbitrary range from the frame 22 arranged next to the second channel with the mouse 1406 or the like. In the figure, the selection range is indicated with a bold line. The control process of the second channel is set so that the image registered in the second channel is displayed from the beginning to the end of the selection range.

  When the selection range is determined, the output value setting field 48 is displayed in the property window 4 so as to be selectable and inputable. An arbitrary numerical value can be input from the keyboard 1402 to the output value setting field 48, but in this embodiment, an output value of 100% is set as a default.

  If it is detected that the setting application button 49 has been operated, the output value 100% is automatically set to the frame 22 in which the selection range is designated, as in the control process editing in the first channel. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, an output display 28 is displayed on the frame 22 which has been designated as a selection range on the timing chart. The image registered in the second channel is controlled by replacing the output value with opacity. In the example of FIG. 8, it is set so that the front image of the gaming machine is continuously displayed with the start of reproduction of the effect video.

  Next, one of the lighting units 1498 is registered in the third channel. Specifically, the registered name display unit 21 on the right side of the third channel is selected, and the name of the lighting unit 1498 is registered in the registered name setting field 40 of the property window 4. In the present embodiment, since an assumed gaming machine uses an LED as a light emitter, the name of the lighting unit is registered with “LED” as the head.

  Further, in the file setting field 44, lighting-like image data 34 indicating the atmosphere in which the lighting unit 1498 is lit is registered. The lighting-like image data 34 is an image for causing the lighting unit 1498 to emit light. For example, a dot pattern that makes an image of a set of light-emitting dots, a concentrated line pattern drawn in a radial pattern, and the like in a light-emitting color. It is preferable to prepare a drawn image.

When the lighting-like image data 34 is registered, the display size and display position in the simulation window 8 are adjusted by the display size setting field 46 and the display position setting field 42.
As described above, when the setting application button 49 is operated, the setting contents in the property window 4 are reflected in the display in the simulation window 8. Therefore, the setting application button 49 is sometimes operated to display the display in the simulation window 8 in which the setting is reflected. It is preferable to adjust and set the display size and display position while checking.

  Next, it is set at which timing the lighting unit 1498 registered in the third channel is turned on and at which timing. The lighting timing is set by sequentially specifying an arbitrary selection range from the frame 22 horizontally arranged on the right of the third channel. For example, the example of FIG. 9 shows a state in which the selection range is designated from the 13th frame to the 17th frame.

  Then, by operating the setting application button 49, an output value of 100% is set in the frame 22 of the selection range. Further, on the timing chart, as shown in FIG. 10, an output display 28 is additionally displayed on the frame 22 designated by the selection range, and it briefly shows that the lighting state is turned on at the timing from the 13th frame to the 17th frame. If it is not necessary to specify a selection range for a frame for which it is not desired to set the light-off state. In the example of FIG. 10, the 18th to 25th frames are not selected, but the selection range is specified for 2 frames from the 26th frame, and the light is turned on again.

  Hereinafter, the same operation is repeated as appropriate in the range from the first frame to the last frame of the timing chart, so that the lighting unit 1498 registered in the third channel blinks in accordance with the reproduction of the moving image registered in the first channel. Can be set. If the frame once set to the lit state is to be returned to the unlit state, it is preferable to specify the selection range of the corresponding frame and reset the output value 0% in the output value setting field 48.

When the registration of the lighting unit 1498 to the third channel is completed, each lighting unit 1498 provided in the gaming machine from the fourth channel onward is registered one after another in association with one lighting unit in the same manner. Set.
In the case where the R, G, B three-color LEDs are apparently installed in one lighting section 1498, each of the R, G, B LEDs may be registered in one channel. When the registration and lighting timing are set for all the lighting units 1498, the timing chart is as shown in FIG. 11, for example, and the setting of the control process of the lighting unit 1498 based on the reproduction of the effect video registered in the first channel is performed. Is completed.

In the present embodiment, a part of the lighting control process set in this way can be further registered as a group, and collectively managed and reused.
Specifically, first, as a first method, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of channels 20 are selected and registered in the group window 6 by a drag-and-drop operation. This is called “channel registration”. In channel registration, setting information for the total number of frames in the current timing chart is registered as a new group for a plurality of selected channels, and a newly registered channel registration icon 62 is additionally displayed in the group window 6. Is done. The file names of the registered groups are automatically given, but can be arbitrarily changed as in the known operating system.

  As a second method, a frame 22 in an arbitrary range is designated and registered in the group window 6 by a drag and drop operation. This is called “frame registration”. In the frame registration, the setting contents of the frame 22 included in the selection range are registered, and a newly registered channel registration icon 64 is additionally displayed in the group window 6.

  When a registered group is dragged and dropped to the timing chart window 2, the registered contents are copied to the timing chart window 2 as they are and can be used.

  For example, the timing chart window 2 in FIG. 13 displays a timing chart for setting the lighting timing of the lighting unit 1498 in accordance with the reproduction of the effect moving image data “move03”. The total number of frames is 300 frames, which is larger than the example of FIG. From this state, when the operator drags and drops the channel registration icon 62 in the group window 6 to an arbitrary frame 22 of the timing chart, the information registered in the channel corresponding to the icon 62 is dragged and dropped. Registered to start from the frame 22 made. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the lighting patterns for 150 frames corresponding to the total of “LED_h01r”, “LED_h01g”, and “LED_h01b” in FIG. 12 are copied to the sixth channel. The file name of the channel registration icon 62 that has been dragged and dropped is applied to the registration name display unit 21. Further, an output display 29 is displayed in the registration range on the chart.

  Similarly, when the operator drags and drops the frame registration icon 64 in the group window 6 to an arbitrary frame 22 in the timing chart as shown in FIG. 13, each frame registered in the frame corresponding to the icon 64 is registered. The lighting / extinguishing pattern 22 is registered so as to start from the frame 22 that has been dragged and dropped. That is, in the 16th to 27th frames of the 3rd to 5th channels, the lighting patterns for 5 to 17 frames corresponding to the total of “LED_h01r”, “LED_h01g” and “LED_h01b” in FIG. 12 (dotted lines in FIG. 14). The part enclosed in the ellipse is equivalent). In this case, when the lighting pattern for each frame is copied, the registered name display portions 21 of the third to fifth channels are maintained as they are. That is, the group registered in the frame can be used for other purposes in other channels of the timing chart. Therefore, for example, if it is registered as a lighting control in accordance with the start / end of an effect at the time of jackpot or reach, it can be shared and used as an effect at the time of jackpot or reach, which is convenient.

Now, the operator can confirm the current control process editing result in the simulation window 8 as appropriate by inputting a predetermined simulation start operation.
For example, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example in the simulation window 8. In the simulation window 8, a moving image or an image registered in each channel as a transparent layer overlapping in order of the first channel to the nth channel (n is a natural number) is displayed in units of frames according to the current timing chart setting. Generated and continuously animated.

  In other words, in the gaming machine front image 80 registered as the background, the alpha channel setting portion where the liquid crystal display 1497 can be seen is subjected to transmission processing, and the first channel effect animation 82 corresponding to the lower layer is controlled to be seen. . Then, since the lighting-like image 84 in which the display position is set in the lighting unit 1498 arranged on the gaming machine front image 80 is synthesized on the gaming machine front image 80 at the lighting timing, it is as if the production video 82 is reproduced. It is displayed as if it is lit. The operator can check the display of the simulation window 8 to confirm that the desired effect is achieved, and adjust the timing chart in the timing chart window 2 as necessary.

  When the desired performance is completed, when the operator performs predetermined data generation operation and writing operation, the electronic device 1400 is mounted on the gaming machine based on the control process shown in the timing chart. A drive control code for writing to 1494 (see FIG. 1) is generated. Then, a process of writing the generated drive control code in the nonvolatile IC memory 1494 mounted on the memory writer 1496 is performed.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a data configuration example of a drive control code. As shown in the figure, the electronic device 1400 is stored in an information storage medium such as an IC memory on the production moving image data 512, the gaming machine front image data 514, the lighting-like image data 516, as the edit save data 510 of the control process, Channel setting data 518, group setting data 520, and channel correspondence data 522 are stored.

The channel setting data 518 is provided for each channel of the timing chart, and stores information set in the property window 4 and output value information for each frame 22 shown in the tie chart.
The group setting data 520 stores a copy of the channel setting data of the channels that are collectively managed as a group when corresponding to channel registration, and continuous data of output values for the selected range when corresponding to frame registration. Is stored.
The channel correspondence data 522 stores identification information 522b of the lighting unit 1498 that is driven and controlled by the control process editing of this embodiment, and association information between each channel 522a.

  The electronic device 1400 generates the drive control code 524 from the edit save data 510 in accordance with a predetermined data format that can be read out by the processor of the effect device 1493 of the gaming machine. The drive control code 524 includes a drive control code, an address, and a code block that can be read out as a subroutine for each lighting unit 1498 between a header and a footer (contents can be set as appropriate). In the figure, the individual identification information of the lighting unit to be driven and controlled is indicated by “LED_h01r”, “LED_m02”, and the like.

The control code is a collection of data indicating the output values of all the frames 22 set in accordance with the effect moving image.
The code block is a collection of control codes corresponding to a portion registered by channel registration or frame registration. Each code block has a head address (address α, address γ,...), And any code block can be read by including a jump code including the head address as part of the control code. ing.

For example, the control code for the lighting unit 1498 of the identification information “LED_h01r” requires the memory capacity M1, but the control code for the lighting unit 1498 of the identification information “LED_h02r” includes “code block Frgr01” as part of the control code group. , The required memory capacity M2 (<M1) can be reduced. The example of “code block Frgr01” corresponds to an example of using a group registered with a channel registration or a frame registration when editing a control process. When the total number of frames is the same as that of the group registered in the channel, only the head address of the code block to be referred to as the control code is designated for the lighting unit 1498 of the identification information “LED_m01”, and the necessary memory The capacity M3 (<M2) is further reduced.
As a result, the drive control code 524 can be made smaller than the case where the control code is simply stored for each lighting unit 1498, and can be used in an effect device for a gaming machine in which usable memory capacity is limited. The data structure is suitable for use.

  The general purpose control code is stored as a code block, and the drive control code 524 can be used as a subroutine to reduce the size of the drive control code 524, and the drive control code 524 is appropriately applied by applying a known data compression technique. The size can be further reduced.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a functional configuration example for executing the editing function of the effect control process of the gaming machine as described above will be described.
FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the operation input unit 100, the processing unit 200, the sound output unit 350, the image display unit 360, the communication unit 370, the memory writer unit 380, and the storage unit 500 are provided. Prepare.

  The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a keyboard, mouse, button switch, lever, joystick, touch pad, trackball, and the like. The keyboard 1402, the track pad 1404, and the mouse 1406 in FIG.

The processing unit 200 is realized by an electronic component such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an IC memory. Data input / output control is performed between the operation input unit 100 and each function unit including the storage unit 500, and various arithmetic processes are performed based on predetermined programs and data, and operation input signals from the operation input unit 100. To control the operation of the electronic device 1400 in an integrated manner. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1450 corresponds to the processing unit 200.
The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes an editing control unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, a communication control unit 270, and an IC memory write control unit 280.

  The edit control unit 210 executes various processes related to control process editing. Specifically, an effect moving image registration unit 212, a gaming machine image registration unit 214, a lighting-like image registration unit 216, a control process setting unit 218, a group registration unit 220, a simulation unit 222, and a drive control code A generation unit 224.

  The effect moving image registration unit 212 executes processing related to registering / managing effect moving image data as a source of effect control in one channel of the timing chart. Specifically, for example, when the registered name display unit 21 of the first channel is in the selected state in the timing chart window 2, the property window 4 is activated and the registered name setting field 40, the display position setting field 42, the file setting The column 44 and the display size setting column 46 can be selected and set (see FIG. 3). Then, when the setting content is stored in the storage unit 500 as the channel setting data 518 of the first channel and the data file selected / designated in the file setting column 44 is acquired from the outside, the effect moving image data 512 is stored in the storage unit 500. As a copy and memorize.

  The gaming machine image registration unit 214 executes processing related to registration of an image representing the front of the gaming machine corresponding to the background of the simulation screen. Specifically, for example, when the registered name display unit 21 of the second channel is in the selected state in the timing chart window 2, the property window 4 is activated and the registered name setting field 40, the display position setting field 42, the file setting The column 44 and the display size setting column 46 can be selected and set (see FIG. 6). Then, when the setting content is stored in the storage unit 500 as the channel setting data 518 of the second channel and the data file selected / designated in the file setting field 44 is acquired from the outside, the front image of the gaming machine is stored in the storage unit 500. The data 514 is duplicated and stored.

  The lighting-like image registration unit 216 executes processing related to registration of the arrangement position on the gaming machine image for each lighting unit of the gaming machine and the lighting-like image indicating the lighting state atmosphere of the lighting unit during light emission. Specifically, when the registered name display section 21 of the third and subsequent channels is in the selected state in the timing chart window 2, the property window 4 is activated and the registered name setting field 40, the display position setting field 42, the file setting The column 44 and the display size setting column 46 can be selected and set (see FIG. 8). Then, the setting contents are stored in the storage unit 500 as channel setting data 518 of the corresponding channel, and when the data file selected / designated in the file setting field 44 is acquired from the outside, the lighting-like image data 516 is stored in the storage unit 500. As a copy and memorize.

The control process setting unit 218 performs display control of a control timing chart in which blinking control of each lighting unit 1498 can be set in units of a predetermined unit time (frame 22) along the time axis, and performs flashing control according to a predetermined setting operation. Execute the process for registering settings.
Specifically, the timing chart is displayed in the timing chart window 2. Then, the number of frames of all channel setting data 518 is changed according to the selection / input operation to the total frame number display unit 24. When the selection range designation operation for the frame 22 on the timing chart is detected, the property window 4 is activated, the default value 100% is set in the output display field 48, and the selected frame of the channel setting data 518 of the channel is set. The lighting pattern is changed so that the output value to is 100%. Then, the output display 28 is displayed in the selected frame (see FIG. 9). Of course, when a specific numerical value input operation is performed in the output display field 48, the output value to the selected frame is changed to the input value.

  In addition, the control process setting unit 218 applies the setting contents of the plurality of lighting units registered in the timing chart as a group in accordance with an operation input indicating that the group registration is applied to the designated unit time. Specifically, when an icon of a group registered in a channel or a group registered in a frame is dragged and dropped on the frame 22 from the group window 6, the group setting data 520 of the dropped group is referred to. To copy the contents of the setting data to the timing chart. Then, the output display 29 is displayed in the corresponding frame (see FIG. 14). In the case of a group in which channels are registered, even if a plurality of channels are registered in the group, they are displayed as one channel on the timing chart.

  The group registration unit 220 performs processing related to “channel registration” for group registration so that the setting contents in the timing chart can be collectively managed for a plurality of lighting units selected according to a predetermined registration operation input, and arbitrary selection in the timing chart A process related to “frame registration” for registering a range-designated frame as a general-purpose blinking pattern applicable to other frames is executed.

Specifically, for “channel registration”, when a channel 20 on the timing chart is selected and a drag and drop operation to the group window 6 is detected, the channel setting data 518 of the dropped channel 20 is copied. One group setting data 520 is registered.
For “frame registration”, when a drag and drop operation to the group window 6 is detected with the frame 22 selected on the timing chart, the lighting pattern of the dropped frame 22 is duplicated as a matrix of channels and frames, One group setting data 520 is registered.

  The simulation unit 222 controls the display of the front image of the gaming machine together with the reproduction processing of the registered effect movie. Then, display control of each lighting-like image of the lighting unit 1498 is performed at a registered arrangement position on the gaming machine image according to the timing chart set by the control process editing operation. Thereby, it is possible to realize a simulation for confirming whether or not the effect animation and a series of blinking by each lighting unit 1498 achieve the desired effect.

  The drive control code generation unit 224 generates the drive control code 524 according to the timing chart set by the control process editing operation, and stores the drive control code 524 in the storage unit 500. More specifically, the setting contents registered in the group are converted into code blocks that can be called as a subroutine. On the other hand, by inserting the jump instruction code specifying the address of the memory space in which these code blocks are arranged into the control code of each lighting unit 1498, the code of the control process having the same pattern can be diverted. Thereby, the number of codes of the entire drive control code 524 can be reduced.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec that can play back an audio file, and the like, based on the processing result by the editing control unit 210, BGM and sound signals of various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1410 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 260 generates image data relating to one screen in one frame time (for example, 1/30 second) based on the processing result by the editing control unit 210, and outputs the generated image data to the image display unit 360. To do.

  The image display unit 360 displays various screens based on the image data input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the display 1408 in FIG.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 is connected to a communication line to realize communication. For example, the wireless communication module 1452 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like.

  The IC memory write control unit 280 controls the memory writer unit 380 to cause the drive control code 524 to be written in an information storage medium that can be read by the processor of the rendering device mounted on the gaming machine. As the information storage medium, for example, the nonvolatile IC memory 1494 of FIG. 1 corresponds, and more specifically, it is realized by a so-called flash memory writer or a ROM writer for writing data to the flash memory.

  The storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the electronic apparatus 1400 in an integrated manner, a program necessary for executing editing control, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD. In FIG. 1, the IC memory and the memory card 1440 mounted on the control unit 1450 and the reading device (memory card reading device 1418) correspond to this.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 500 stores a system program 501, an editing program 502, and an IC memory writing program 504. A system program 501 is a program for realizing basic functions of input / output of the electronic apparatus 1400 as a computer. The editing program 502 is application software for realizing a function as the editing control unit 210 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200. The IC memory writing program 504 corresponds to application software or middleware for realizing the function as the IC memory writing control unit 280 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200. The editing program 502 and the IC memory writing program 504 may be configured as a part of the system program 501.

  The storage unit 500 appropriately stores edit save data 510, drive control code 524, and other information necessary for various window displays and simulation displays (not shown).

  The edit save data 510 is a data set prepared for each timing chart window 2. The edit save data 510 includes a title 511, effect animation data 512, gaming machine front image data 514, lighting-like image data 516, channel setting data 518, group setting data 520, and channel correspondence data 522. .

  The effect video data 512 is video clip data that can be played back by the processing unit 200. For example, in the example of FIG. 18, three symbols in a three-slot slot style are displayed in the lottery process performed on the gaming machine, and therefore the portion where the symbols are displayed when a moving image is synthesized on these three symbols. The screen configuration is devised so that 512a can be transparently processed. And it is comprised so that a character etc. may excite various movements around it. Further, in the present embodiment, only one effect moving image data 512 is illustrated, but a plurality of effect moving image data 512 may be prepared, and one control process edit may include a plurality of moving image clips. Of course.

  The game machine front image data 514 is still image data that can be played back by the processing unit 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a screen configuration that reproduces the state of a board surface viewed from the player's viewpoint if it is a pachinko machine. It has become. In addition, all the lighting parts 1498 reflected in the image are in a state of being turned off. Further, as described above, mask information is set in the α channel of the portion 514a (the hatched cross hatched portion in the center) where the liquid crystal display 1497 can be seen. The display content of the first channel corresponding to the lower layer is controlled so as to be visible.

  The lighting-like image data 516 is prepared for each shape of the lighting unit 1498 mounted on the gaming machine. For example, as illustrated in (1) to (4) of FIG. A texture having a shape and a color at the time of light emission is set. At the time of display control in the simulation window 8, an atmosphere as if the light is emitted is expressed by being overwritten and synthesized at the registered arrangement position of the gaming machine front image.

  The channel setting data 518 is set as one data set for each channel constituting the timing chart. As shown in FIG. 21, for example, one data set includes a channel number 518a, a channel registration name 518b, an arrangement position coordinate 518c for display control in the simulation window 8, and a control target registered in the channel. File name 518d, display size 518e when display control is performed in the simulation window 8, and output value setting data 518f for each frame for storing output values for each frame.

The group setting data 520 is a data set for storing information of timing charts registered as a group, and is generated for each group.
For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the group setting data 520 includes a group number 520a corresponding to identification information, a group name 520b, a registration attribute 520c indicating an attribute of channel registration or frame registration, and the group is registered as a channel. The duplicate channel setting data 520d of the channel setting data 518 included in the group, and the frame-specific output value setting data 518f of the frame portion selected as the registration range when the group is a frame registration. Output value setting data 520e.

  The channel correspondence data 522 stores the identification information 522b of the lighting unit 1498 that is driven and controlled by the control process editing of this embodiment, and the association information between each channel 522a (see FIG. 16).

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. A series of processing flow described here is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing the editing program 502 and the IC memory writing program 504.

  23 to 24 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the present embodiment. The processing unit 200 first displays the operation screen W2 (step S2; see FIG. 2). At this stage, nothing is registered in the timing chart of the timing chart window 2, and nothing is displayed in each setting column of the property window 4. Also, nothing is registered in the group window 6. Nothing is displayed in the simulation window 8 either. The edit save data 510 is generated, but the registration information is set to a predetermined default value.

  Next, when the processing unit 200 detects an operation for registering a predetermined effect moving image in the timing chart window 2 (YES in step S4), the processing unit 200 registers the effect moving image data 512 in the first channel according to the operation input. And the corresponding channel setting data 518 is updated (step S6; see FIG. 3). Then, the total number of frames of the all channel setting data 518 is changed to automatically match the total number of frames of the registered effect movie (step S8), and the display of the timing chart window 2 and the property window 4 is changed according to the registered contents. (Step S9).

  Next, when the processing unit 200 detects a predetermined gaming machine front image registration operation in the timing chart window 2 (YES in step S10), the processing unit 200 executes a process of registering the gaming machine front image data 514 in the second channel. The corresponding channel setting data 518 is updated (step S12; see FIG. 6). Then, the processing unit 200 updates the display of the timing chart window 2 and the display of the simulation window 8 according to the registration setting in the current timing chart (step S12). In the simulation window 8 update at this time, since the animation is not reproduced, an image indicating the state of the first frame is displayed as a still image.

  Next, when the processing unit 200 detects a registration operation of the predetermined lighting unit 1498 in the timing chart window 2 (YES in step S20), the processing unit 200 executes a registration process of the lighting unit 1498 to the operated channel. The channel setting data 518 to be updated is updated (step S22; see FIG. 8). Then, the channel correspondence data 522 is updated (step S24), and the display of the timing chart window 2 and the property window 4 is updated (step S26).

  Next, if the processing unit 200 detects a selection operation on the total frame number display unit 24 of the timing chart 2 (YES in step S30), the frame of all the channel setting data 518 according to the input operation of the total frame number. The number of frames of the different output value data 518f is adjusted (step S32). Thus, the operator can create a timing chart having a length other than the total number of frames of the registered effect moving image.

  Next, if the selection range designation operation for the frame 22 in the timing chart window 2 is detected (YES in step S40), the processing unit 200 executes the output setting process for the selected frame 22 and the corresponding channel setting data 518. (Step S42; see FIGS. 4, 7, and 9 to 10). Then, the channel correspondence data 522 is updated (step S42), and the display of the timing chart window 2 is updated (step S44). In the present embodiment, the output value 100% is automatically set in the frame 22 in which the selection range is designated, but an arbitrary value can be set by inputting a numerical value in the output value setting field 48.

  Next, when it is detected that the channel 20 or frame 22 designated in the selection range in the timing chart window 2 has been dragged and dropped to the group window 6, the processing unit 200 determines that a group registration operation has been detected (step S50). YES, see FIG. 12). If the selected range is designated for channel 20, channel registration is performed. If the selected range is designated for frame 22, a new group is registered as frame registration (step S52). Then, new group setting data 522 is generated in the edit save data 510 of the storage unit 500, and the newly registered group icon is displayed in the group window 6 (step S54).

  If it is detected that the icon displayed in the group window 6 has been dragged and dropped to the frame 22 of the timing chart window 2, the processing unit 200 determines that an application operation to the timing chart of the registered group has been detected. (YES in step S60; see FIG. 13). Then, the setting information of the group is copied and applied on the timing chart with the drop destination frame 22 as a base point (step S62), and the display of the timing chart window 2 is updated (step S64).

  Specifically, if the applied operation is a group registered as a channel, channel setting data is prepared from the channel of the drop-destination frame 22 by the number of channels included in the group, and duplicate channel setting data of the group is prepared. Copy 520d. At this time, for the frame-specific output value setting data 518f, the setting frame is automatically adjusted so that the lighting pattern for the total frame of the group starts from the drop destination frame. As the display on the timing chart window 2, the group name 520d of the group is displayed on the channel of the drop destination frame 22, and the output display 29 is displayed on the timing chart by the total number of frames of the group from the drop destination frame. (See FIG. 14).

  Further, if the applied operation is a group in which a registered frame is registered, the channel setting data of the channel corresponding to the number of the output value setting data 520e for each extracted frame of the group in order from the channel of the drop destination frame 22. The registered lighting pattern is copied to the output value setting data 518f for each frame 518 with reference to the output value data 520e for each frame of the group setting data 520 starting from the drop destination frame 22.

  Next, when a predetermined simulation start operation is detected (YES in step S70), the processing unit 200 performs an animation display process according to the setting of the current timing chart in the simulation window 8, and displays the simulation of the effect control process. (Step S72; refer to FIG. 15).

  If the operator does not perform a predetermined editing end operation (NO in step S80), the process automatically proceeds to step 4, and the processing unit 200 again waits for input of various operation inputs. The control process can be edited. Then, when the result is sufficiently confirmed, an editing end operation is input.

If the processing unit 200 detects a predetermined editing end operation (YES in step S80), the processing unit 200 primarily generates a drive control code 524 based on the current editing save data 518 (step S82; see FIG. 16). Then, data compression processing is performed on the generated drive control code 524 (step S84).
The “data compression processing” referred to here needs to be restored to the original code data after being decompressed by the control board 1493 of the gaming machine, so that a known lossless compression technique can be used as appropriate. In addition, a duplicate code pattern is searched from the primary generated drive control code 524, the searched duplicate code pattern is registered as a new code block, and a storage portion of the duplicate code pattern is newly registered. Data may be further compressed by performing processing such as replacement with the head address of the code block.

  Then, the processing unit 200 writes the compressed drive control data 524 to the nonvolatile IC memory 1494 attached to the memory writer 1496 (step S86), and ends the series of processes.

  As described above, according to the electronic device 1400 of the present embodiment, even a person who does not understand the control code for the rendering device installed in the gaming machine can easily edit the control process. And since the editing result can be confirmed by simulation each time, the editing process of the control process does not require an actual machine. You can also.

  In addition, since the drive control code 524 can be generated from the edit save data 510 by the electronic device 1400 and further written into the nonvolatile IC memory 1494, it is possible to work consistently from editing the control process to completing the prototype. In addition, since the data capacity of the drive control code 524 can be compressed, it is suitable for editing a control process for a rendering device of a gaming machine where the memory space (storage memory capacity) is limited.

[Modification]
As described above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described. However, the applicable embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and additions, omissions, and modifications of components can be appropriately made. .

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the control process editing is described as the lighting control of the lighting unit 1498 in accordance with the reproduction of the effect moving image. However, the reproduction of the effect moving image is omitted and the process editing of the lighting unit 1498 is specialized only in the process editing. You can also

  In addition, the elements to be controlled in the control process are not limited to the reproduction of the production video or the blinking of the lighting unit 1498, but the drive control of the figure model equipped in the production device, the switching of the passage of the game medium, the opening and closing of the door, etc. Drive control of the mechanical structure (gimmick) can be included.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the pachinko machine 1490 has a mechanical structure accessory 80 as a rendering device. In the accessory 80, an arm 84 of a figure 82 is attached so as to be swingable, and a rod 88 pivotally supported by a cam 87 is moved up and down by being individually driven and controlled by the left and right motors 86 and connected to the rod 88. The arm 84 swings. In this case, operation state diagrams 90a to 90e are prepared in which the operation states of the figure 82 are drawn in a frame style of the flip animation.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the operation state diagrams 90a to 90e are registered in the channel 20 of the timing chart, and the output value 100% is set in the frame 22 of the timing that becomes the state of the registered operation state diagram. That is, the operation state diagrams 90a to 90e are regarded as one frame of the cell animation, and the timing chart is edited. Then, at the time of the simulation display in the simulation window 8, it becomes possible to confirm that the figure 82 performs a flag swinging operation in accordance with the rhythm of the production animation in a para-animation style.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 1490 and the slot machine 1492 have been described as examples of gaming machines, but the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited thereto. For example, as long as the lighting unit 1498 for production such as a crane game device, a medal pusher type game device, and a bin ball device is equipped, the present invention can be similarly applied to the editing of the control process of other types of gaming machines.

2 Timing chart window 20 Channel 21 Registered name display section 22 Frame 23 Title 24 Total frame number display section 4 Property window 40 Registered name setting field 42 Display position setting field 44 File setting field 46 Display size setting field 48 Output value setting field 6 Group Window 8 Simulation window 100 Operation input unit 200 Processing unit 210 Editing control unit 212 Production moving image registration unit 214 Game machine image registration unit 216 Lighting-like image registration unit 218 Control process setting unit 220 Group registration unit 222 Simulation unit 224 Drive control code generation Unit 500 storage unit 502 editing program 504 IC memory writing program 510 editing save data 512 effect moving image data 514 game machine front image data 516 lighting-like image data 51 Channel configuration data
518f Output value setting data for each frame 520 Group setting data 522 Channel correspondence data 524 Drive control code 1400 Electronic device 1402 Keyboard 1406 Mouse 1408 Display 1450 Control unit

Claims (11)

A program for causing a computer to simulate blinking of a lighting part of a gaming machine,
A gaming machine image registration means for registering an image of the gaming machine;
For each lighting part of the gaming machine, lighting part registration means for registering the arrangement position of the lighting part and a lighting-like image indicating the state of the lighting part at the time of light emission,
Control timing chart display control means for displaying and controlling a control timing chart capable of setting flashing control of each lighting unit in a predetermined unit time unit along the time axis;
Control process setting means for setting lighting and extinction at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart;
The display of the image of the gaming machine is controlled, and the lighting-like image of each lighting unit is displayed at the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine according to the setting content set by the control process setting means. Simulation means for simulating a series of flashing by each lighting unit by controlling,
A program for causing the computer to function as While causing the computer to function as moving image registration means for registering given moving image data reproduced and displayed on the display unit of the gaming machine along the time axis of the control timing chart,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit causes the computer to function so as to reproduce and control the moving image data registered by the moving image registration unit at the display unit position in the image of the gaming machine.   Drive that generates a drive control code for each lighting unit that is stored in a memory mounted on the gaming machine and is driven and controlled by a processor of the gaming machine based on the setting content set by the control process setting unit The program according to claim 1 or 2, which causes the computer to function as control code generation means.   The program according to claim 3, wherein the drive control code generation unit causes the computer to function so as to generate the drive control code by data compression. Causing the computer to function as group registration means for group-registering the setting contents to the control timing chart for a plurality of lighting sections selected according to a user's operation input;
Group registration applying means for applying the setting contents of a plurality of lighting sections registered by the group registering means to the control timing chart according to a user operation input for applying the group registration by the control process setting means. Allowing the computer to function as
The program of Claim 3 or 4 for.   6. The computer according to claim 5, wherein the drive control code generation means causes the computer to function as a code block to be read and used as a subroutine in the drive control code for the setting contents group-registered by the group registration means. The listed program. Causing the computer to function as general-purpose setting registration means for registering general-purpose settings applicable to any lighting section in the control timing chart according to user operation inputs;
The general setting for applying the general setting registered by the general setting registration unit to the control timing chart according to the selection operation of the lighting unit to which the general setting is applied and the operation input for applying the general setting. Causing the computer to function to have application means;
The program as described in any one of Claims 3-6 for.   8. The drive control code generating means for causing the computer to function so as to generate a general purpose setting registered by the general purpose setting registration means as a code block to be read and used as a subroutine in the drive control code. The listed program.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-8. An electronic device that simulates blinking of a lighting part of a gaming machine,
A gaming machine image registration means for registering an image of the gaming machine;
For each lighting part of the gaming machine, lighting part registration means for registering the arrangement position of the lighting part and a lighting-like image indicating the state of the lighting part during light emission,
Control timing chart display control means for displaying and controlling a control timing chart capable of setting flashing control of each lighting unit in a predetermined unit time unit along the time axis;
Control process setting means for setting lighting and extinction at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart;
The display of the image of the gaming machine is controlled, and the lighting-like image of each lighting unit is displayed at the registered arrangement position on the image of the gaming machine according to the setting content set by the control process setting means. By controlling, simulation means for simulating and displaying a series of flashing by each lighting unit,
An electronic device comprising: A code manufacturing method for manufacturing a drive control code for each lighting unit of a gaming machine stored in a memory mounted on the gaming machine and driven and controlled by a processor of the gaming machine,
A gaming machine image registration step of registering an image of the gaming machine;
For each lighting part, a lighting part registration step for registering an arrangement position of the lighting part and a lighting-like image indicating a state of the lighting part at the time of light emission,
A control timing chart display control step for displaying and controlling a control timing chart capable of setting the blinking control of each lighting unit in a predetermined unit time unit along the time axis;
A control process setting step for setting lighting and extinguishing at an arbitrary timing of an arbitrary lighting unit in accordance with a user operation input to the control timing chart;
A drive control code generation step for generating the drive control code based on the setting content set in the control process setting step;
A code manufacturing method including: