JP2011104185A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for improving player's motivation for a game by displaying an excellent image in an image display device. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: an extending means for reading specific compression moving image data and outputting a plurality of kinds of image data; an image data-generating means for generating one image data by combining a plurality of image data outputted by the extending means; and an image display control means for allowing an image display means to display the image based on the image data generated by the image data-generating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, a gaming table represented by a pachinko machine is configured so that a predetermined profit can be obtained by firing a ball from a launching device and entering a predetermined winning opening provided in a predetermined gaming area. ing. As one of such game machines, an image display device for informing an image of a game or a lottery result is provided, and the effect of the display is enhanced by the image display by the image display device, and the player's willingness to play is improved. A gaming machine configured as described above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-200302 A

  However, in recent game machines, image display devices have been increased in size and the number of pixels has been increased. For this reason, an increase in the data capacity necessary for displaying an image, such as an increase in the data capacity necessary for displaying one image or an increase in the number of images necessary for one set of effect display, becomes a problem. In addition, the control load for image display has increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and provides a game stand that can improve a player's willingness to play by displaying a clean image on an image display device. For the purpose.

  The present invention includes a decompression unit that reads specific compressed moving image data and outputs a plurality of image data, an image data generation unit that generates one image data by combining the plurality of image data output by the decompression unit, An image display control means for causing an image display means to display an image based on the image data generated by the image data generation means.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the player's willingness to play by displaying a beautiful image on the image display device.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front side (player side). It is the external view which looked at the same pachinko machine from the back side. It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) An example of the stop symbol form of the special figure is shown. (B) An example of a decorative design is shown. (C) An example of a usual stop display symbol is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU of a 1st sub control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a 1st sub control part. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of a 1st sub control part. (D) It is a flowchart of the image control process of a 1st sub control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an image transfer instruction | indication. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a texture movie transfer process. It is the figure which showed the decoding process and the duplication process typically. (A) It is the figure which showed an example of the image data contained in transfer image information. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the display control data contained in transfer image information. (C) It is the figure which showed an example of the image data for texture movies. It is the figure which showed the order of the decoding and production | generation of texture movie A, and the state change of the expansion | deployment area | regions 0-2 in a decoding process. (A) It is the figure which showed the example which has arrange | positioned several texture in the duplication buffer. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the arrangement | positioning coordinate table of a texture. (A) It is the figure which showed a mode that the texture produced | generated by the duplication process was expand | deployed to a drawing area | region. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the timing of a decoding process and a duplication process. (A) It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates two types of textures from the movie comprised by several sheets of texture. (B) It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates one texture from the multiple types of movie comprised by several textures. (A) It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates two types of textures from the same texture contained in the movie comprised by several sheets of texture. (B) It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates a movie and one texture from the movie comprised by several sheets of texture. It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates one texture from the movie comprised from several sheets of texture, and one sprite. (A) It is the figure which showed the example which produces | generates a texture within a chance button reception period. (B) It is the figure which showed the production | generation timing of the texture when some abnormality generate | occur | produces in the pachinko machine. (A) It is the time chart which showed the timing of the image transfer instruction | indication by CPU of 1st sub control, and the response of the completion | finish of transfer by VDP434. (B) It is the figure which showed a mode that the texture of 1 sheet | seat was produced | generated every time 1st sub control part main process is performed.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine such as the pachinko machine 100 or a spinning game machine such as a slot machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on the front surface.

  The outer frame 102 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 104 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inner side of the front frame door 106 can be opened and closed. Is a door member having an opening. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A game area 124 is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player 200 ball launching handles 134 for launching into the game area 124, chance buttons 136 for changing the effects of the various effects devices 206 by the player's operation, and the chance button 136 to emit light. Sub button lamp 138, ball lending operation button 140 for instructing ball lending to a card unit (CR unit) installed in the game store, and return operation button for instructing the card unit to return the player's balance 142, and a ball rental display unit 144 for displaying the balance of the player and the state of the card unit.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side. The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to the dispensing device 152 located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 152 is formed of a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown) inside.

  The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the temporarily accumulated game balls are sent one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the dispensing control unit 600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches the upper plate 126 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The pachinko machine 100 has this configuration. To pay out the ball to the player.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 300 The first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400. An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the control unit 500, a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to the payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk Discharge board case 172 storing the payout board 170 having 168, launch base constituting the launch control unit 630 that performs control processing relating to the launch of the game ball A launch board case 176 that houses 174, a power management unit 660 that supplies power to various electrical gaming machines, and a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by the operation of a game store clerk and an RWM clear by being operated when the power is turned on A power board case 184 that houses a power board 182 that includes an RWM clear switch 180 that outputs a signal to the main controller 300, and a CR interface 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout controller 600 and the card unit are provided. ing.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front. In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. The effect device 206 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 208 substantially in the center, and around the normal symbol display device 210, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, and the ordinary device. A symbol holding lamp 216, a first special symbol holding lamp 218, a second special symbol holding lamp 220, and a high-probability medium lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 224, and details thereof will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying a special figure, and are configured by 7 segment LEDs in this embodiment.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, a general prize opening 226, a general figure starting opening 228, a first special figure starting opening 230, a second special figure starting opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234 are provided around the effect device 206. ing.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detecting sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning, the payout device 152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is constituted by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the ball has passed through the usual figure starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a usual figure variable game by the ordinary figure display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a payout device 152, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 126. And the special figure changing game by the first special figure display device is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu). In the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. The second special figure starting port 232 has a wing that can be opened and closed to the left and right, and the sphere cannot be entered while the wing is closed. When stopped, the blades open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device 152 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls is discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure variable game by the second special figure display device is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 234 is called a large winning opening or an attacker, and in the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. This variable winning opening 234 has a door member that can be freely opened and closed, and it is impossible to enter a ball while the door member is closed, and the special figure display device stops and displays the jackpot symbol when the special figure variable game is won. In this case, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, An out port 240 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won a prize or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the game island side.

  This pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 126 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and launches 146 Further, the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 are passed by the launcher 148 and driven into the game area 124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (Outside the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal start port 228, the out port 240 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding device 246 are positioned behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b, a ball carried on by a nail of the game board 200, or the like, and the passed ball is a first special figure starting port 230 at the center of the stage 244. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate entry into the golf course.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding device 246 covers the inner end portions of the shielding device 246 so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 A payout control unit 600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, and a power management unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100. Yes.

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

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316 as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316 is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a signal output from various sensors 320 including a ball detection sensor provided inside each start opening, winning opening and variable winning opening, and receiving an amplification result and a reference voltage. A sensor circuit 322 for outputting the comparison result to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302, a drive circuit 324 for performing display control of the first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214, A drive circuit 326 for performing display control of the figure display device 210, and various status display units 328 (for example, a general map hold lamp 216, a first special figure hold lamp) 18, a second special figure holding lamp 220, a high-accuracy middle lamp 222, and the like) and a solenoid 332 that opens and closes the second special figure starting port 232, the variable prize opening 234, and the like. A drive circuit 334 for controlling is connected.

  When the ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 230, the sensor circuit 322 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 318. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 318 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 318 receives a signal indicating that the second special figure starting port 232 has won a ball, the counter circuit 318 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and for measuring time, frequency, etc. The counter timer 412 is mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and a shielding device 246. A drive circuit 432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 246, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a shielding device sensor 430, and a chance button detection sensor The sensor circuit 428 that outputs the detection signal from the 426 to the basic circuit 402, and the image data stored in the ROM 406 based on the signal from the CPU 404 are read, and the display image is generated using the work area of the VRAM 436 to decorate A VDP 434 (image) that displays an image on the symbol display device 208. Are connected Oh and display processor), the.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512 is installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock, and controls a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and an image display A ROM 506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 502 includes a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 224, an effect movable body sensor 424 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 224, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 424. Is output to the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table frame lamp drive for controlling the game table frame lamp 542 The circuit 540 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 520 that performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp drive circuit 530 and the game stand frame lamp drive circuit 540.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply management unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power management unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 mainly based on a command signal or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a prize ball or a rental ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604 It is detected whether or not the payout has been completed, and communication with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 is performed via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Control of the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 146 and launcher 148, and control of the ball feeder 634 that supplies the launcher 110 with a ball from the upper plate 126 based on a control signal that indicates the launch intensity according to the amount. I do.

  The power management unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power supply management unit 660 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power management unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 5A to 5C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the ball has entered the second special figure start port 232 The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do. These “variation display of special figure 1” and “variation display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of the symbol fluctuation display according to the present invention. Then, when the variation time determined before the variation start of the special figure 1 (corresponding to the variation time referred to in the present invention) elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the special symbol form of the special figure 1. When the variation time determined before the start of variation 2 (this also corresponds to the variation time according to the present invention) has elapsed, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special diagram 2. Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display referred to in the present invention, hereinafter, after the “variable display of special figure 1 or 2” is started, the stop symbol form of special figure 1 or 2 is stopped and displayed. The series of displays up to is referred to as symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 5A shows ten types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as the stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display. In the figure, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  “Special figure C” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. "Special figure D" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “Special Figure B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1—decoration 1—decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot is displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” is displayed. Stop display.

  On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 5B are stopped in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. indicate.

  FIG.5 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that a sphere has passed through the general-purpose start opening 228, the normal symbol display device 210 repeats all lighting of the seven segments and lighting of the central one segment. Perform a “normal change display”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in the figure, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

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

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input performs reset start by a reset interrupt, and executes main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step SA01, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value.

  In step SA03, the counter value of WDT 314 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted.

  In step SA05, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300 by the voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment). 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. If the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step SA03. If the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step returns. Proceed to SA07. Even if the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step SA03, and step SA05 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step SA07, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step SA09, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step SA13).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of an amusement store operates the RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step SA11 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step SA13.

  In step SA11, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in step SA15 and step SA17) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt process (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step SA11, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power interruption, and is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step SA13, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step SA13) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Like the power recovery command, the normal return command is the first command in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300. 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step SA15, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random number value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to Step SA17.

  In step SA17, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. In the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, a first special figure notice lottery random number counter for generating a first special figure notice lottery random number value that can take a value in the range of 0 to 127, and a value in the range of 0 to 127 are also taken. A second special figure notice lottery random number counter for generating a second special figure notice lottery random number value to be obtained is provided. In step SA17, the values of these counters are updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of step SA15 and step SA17 except during the timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

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

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

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, detection of various sensors 320 including the above-mentioned front frame door open sensor, inner frame open sensor, lower pan full sensor, and various ball detection sensors via the input port of the I / O 310. A signal is input to monitor the presence or absence of a detection signal, and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each sensor 320 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signals of the respective sphere detection sensors detected this time are stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step SB05, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interruption process is started, in the above-described step SB05, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step SB05, information on presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning ports 226 and 234 and the starting ports 230, 232, and 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226. Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step SB07 and step SB09, a basic random number initial value update process and a basic random number update process are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step SA15 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step SB11, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. Here, the random number counter for generating the effect random number performed in step SA17 is updated. Accordingly, the values of the special figure 1 notice lottery random number counter and the special figure 2 notice lottery random number counter are updated in this step SB11.

  In step SB13, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped for the first special symbol display device 212 Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step SB15, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when winning holes 226, 234 and starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read out, 1 is added, and the original prize ball number storage area is set.

  In step SB17, a winning acceptance process is performed. In step SB19, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information in bit 7 (indicating that data is set when on), and power supply in bit 6. Input information (indicating that it is the first command transmission after power-on when turned on), bits 4-5 for the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 for encryption processing The number of subsequent payout requests is indicated.

  In step SB21, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the value of the above-mentioned general symbol display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the win symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to be in the off symbol display mode. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed. Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 5C) or the off symbol (the common symbol B shown in FIG. 5C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the usual figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member is held in the open state by the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). In addition, a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in the closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 332, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Furthermore, if the result of the usual figure fluctuation game is out, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the off-normal flag is on, the normal state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing at which the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0) In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB23.

  In step SB23, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Subsequently, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step SB25). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game).

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, a special figure probability variation flag, and a normal figure. A flag for each probability variation flag is prepared. In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the first off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed. After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number, and if the subtraction result becomes 1 to 0, the special figure probability is changing. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  In addition, in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33), 4H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the variable display is stopped. The special figure 2 identification information indicating that is special figure 2 is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 5H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Or, until a winning of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable winning opening 234.) The door member is opened to the open / close driving solenoid (332) of the variable winning opening 234. A signal to be held is output, and information indicating an opening period is set in a storage area of a door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 7H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is indicated in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information. Further, 8H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  In addition, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the door member opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (15 rounds or 2 rounds in this embodiment) and finished, a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds) In other words, the effect standby period is stored in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. Set the information indicating. Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON. The short time here means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. In the ordinary high probability state, compared to the ordinary low probability state, if the common figure variable game is hit, there is a high possibility that the variation time will be shortened. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game is shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high-probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low-probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members are more likely to be opened in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state. In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Furthermore, 6H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  Also, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of the way, the off flag is turned on as will be described later. In the case where the miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB27.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step SB27). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. The order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed.

  When the special figure state update process in step SB25 and step SB27 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, the special figure related lottery process (special figure 2 related lottery process) for special figure 2 is performed first (step SB29), and then the special figure related lottery process for special figure 1 (special figure 1 related lottery process) (Step SB31). Also for these special drawing related lottery processes, the main control unit 300 performs the special figure 2 related lottery processing before the special figure 1 related lottery processing, so that the special figure 2 variable game start condition and the special figure 1 fluctuation Even if the game start conditions are satisfied at the same time, since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step SB33, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, commands such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, FRAM clear command, etc. Information that can specify the type), bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special figure related lottery process, etc. is included in the command data. In the case of the symbol variation stop command, the value of the 15R jackpot flag, 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. are included. In the case of a jackpot round number designation command, the value of the special variation probability flag, the number of jackpot rounds, and the like are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the special figure related lottery process, and the special figure stored in the RAM 308 as command data 2. Information indicating the timer number selected in the related lottery process, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the general command rotation stop setting transmission process described above, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag, the 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set in the command data. In the above-mentioned general command winning effect setting transmission process, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, command control data stored in the RAM 308, effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, the various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the effect standby period, special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held. Information indicating the number of games is set. In the above-mentioned general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process, the number of big hit rounds stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held Information indicating the number of games is set. In step SB33, general command special figure hold increase processing is also performed. In this general command special figure pending increase process, special figure identification information (information showing special figure 1 or special figure 2) stored in the transmission information storage area of the RAM 308, command notice information (preliminary notice information, false) Set either advance notice information or no advance notice information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB35, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336.

  In step SB37, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read and monitored for the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or a bottom pan full error, etc. Device information indicating whether or not there is a front frame door open error or a lower plate full error is set in the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 when a lower plate full error is detected. Further, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210 and the first special symbol display via the display circuits 324, 326, and 330. Display data to be output to the device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the various status display unit 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step SB19) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step SB39, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB43. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB41.

  In step SB41, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, etc., and then the main control unit main process shown in FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, in step SB43, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SC01. In this initialization process, initialization of the input / output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05.

  In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SC07, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300. In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SC07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 406, and the effect data is updated when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, when pressing of the chance button is detected, processing for changing the effect data updated in step SC09 to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button is performed.

  In step SC13, an image control process (details will be described later) shown in FIG.

  In step SC15, when there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 416.

  In step SC <b> 17, if there is a command to various lamps 418 in the effect data read in SC <b> 09, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step SC19, if there is a command to the shielding device 246 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step SC21, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03 of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step SC21, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

  Next, the image control process in step SC13 in the main process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SF01, an image transfer instruction (details will be described later) is performed. In step SF03, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF05. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SF05, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 436 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 436 in step SF01, the CPU 404 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 436). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 434. The VDP 434 sets parameters according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

  In step SF07, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the VDP 434 to start drawing an image. The VDP 434 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404.

  In step SF09, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 based on the image drawing end is input. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF11. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SF11, a scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Image transfer instruction>
Next, an image transfer instruction in the first sub control unit image control process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of an image transfer instruction.

  In step SG01, it is determined whether or not there is a request for transfer of a normal movie (moving image). If applicable, the process proceeds to step SG02 to perform normal movie transfer processing, and the processing is terminated. Proceed to step SG03.

  In step SG03, it is determined whether or not there is a texture movie transfer request. If applicable, the process proceeds to step SG04 to finish the texture movie transfer process (details will be described later), and the process ends. Advances to step SG05.

  In step SG05, it is determined whether or not there is a texture transfer request. If there is a transfer request, the process proceeds to step SG06, where the coordinate value of the ROM 406 that is the texture transfer source, the coordinate value of the VRAM 436 that is the texture transfer destination. After setting the value, transfer size, etc., the process proceeds to step SG07. If there is no transfer request, the process ends. In step SG07, texture transfer is started.

  In this image transfer instruction, the designation of the drawing areas of the two display areas (display area A and display area B) of the VRAM 436 is swapped (replaced). As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the decorative design display device 208.

<Texture movie transfer processing>
Next, the texture movie transfer process (step SG04) in the image transfer instruction will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of texture movie transfer processing.

  In step SH01, transfer image information (details will be described later) stored in advance in the ROM 406 is acquired. In step SH02, the image transfer source address (the coordinate value (ROM coordinate value) in which the image is stored in the ROM 406) included in the transfer image information acquired in step SH01 is set in the attribute register of the VDP 434. In step SH03, the expansion buffer of the VRAM 436 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “development area”) 0 to 2 as the image transfer destination and the transfer destination address in the expansion area (the image is stored in the VRAM 436). Coordinate value (VRAM coordinate value)) is set in the attribute register of the VDP 434. In step SH04, the execution mode of the VDP 434 is set to the 3-buffer mode (in this example, 3 buffers of expansion buffers 0 to 2).

  In step SH05, a command for instructing start of decoding is set in the attribute register of VDP434. In step SH06, it is determined whether or not the VDP 434 has been decoded. If the decoding has been completed, the process proceeds to step SH07. If the decoding process has not been completed, the decoding is awaited.

  In step SH07, the attribute register of VDP 434 is referred to, and the number of the expansion buffer that has been decoded (any one of 0 to 2 in this example) is acquired. In step SH08, the address on the copy buffer (texture generation area) that is the copy (copy) destination of the image stored in the expansion buffer acquired in step SH07 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “decoded image”) is set. , Set in the attribute register of VDP434.

  In step SH09, a command for instructing the start of duplication processing (details will be described later) is set in the attribute register of the VDP 434. In step SH10, it is determined whether or not the replication process of the VDP 434 has been completed. If the replication process has been completed, the process proceeds to step SH11. If the replication process has not been completed, the process waits for the replication process to end. In step SH11, after updating the transfer image information described above, the process ends. Thereafter, the first sub-control unit 400 repeatedly executes the texture movie transfer process when there is an image that needs to be decoded or duplicated.

<Decoding processing, replication processing>
Next, the decoding process and the duplication process in the texture movie transfer process will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the decoding process and the duplication process.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has started the image control process in step SC13 obtains transfer image information stored in the ROM 406 in step SH01 of the texture movie transfer process.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of image data included in the transfer image information, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of display control data included in the transfer image information.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the image data storage area of the ROM 406 includes a plurality of sprite (still image) image data (for example, sprite a (sa)) and a plurality of texture movies (moving images). Image data (for example, movie x (Smx) and the like), a plurality of normal movie image data (for example, movie z (Mz) and the like), and the like are stored in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the display control data storage area of the ROM 406 stores the types of image data and control data corresponding to the respective image data in association with a plurality of types of effects. ing. In this example, the effect I includes, as the types of image data, sprite a (Sa), sprite b (Sb) and sprite c (Sc) which are sprite image data, and movie x (texture movie image data). Smx) is stored. Each sprite image data includes a display size (for example, the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions), a display position (for example, coordinates in the decorative symbol display device 208), a display period (for example, 5 seconds), and the like. The control data is associated and stored, and the texture movie image data is further associated with control data such as development information (for example, development period, development area, etc.), display size, display position, and display period. ing.

  FIG. 12C is a diagram showing an example of the texture movie image data described above. In this example, the texture movie image data is composed of 16 textures T1 to T16, and 4 of the 16 textures T1, T5, T9, and T13 are I pictures, and the others are P pictures. Yes.

  Returning to FIG. 11, for example, the first sub-control unit 400 performs sprites a (Sa) to c (Sc) when performing reproduction control of effect I according to the display control data of FIG. 12 (b). Control is performed to display the (still image) on the decorative image display device 208 in accordance with the display size, display position, and display period associated therewith. At the same time, the first sub-control unit 400 includes the movie x (Smx), which is the image data for texture movie, in the display control data corresponding to the effect I. Performs texture movie transfer processing.

  For example, consider the case where the texture movie A shown in FIG. 12C is subjected to a texture movie transfer process SH02 to SH06 decoding process and a step SH07 to SH10 replication process. First, in step SH02, the first sub control unit 400 acquires the transfer source address (ROM coordinate value) of the ROM 406 in which the image data of the I picture I1 corresponding to the texture T1 is stored from the transfer image information. Set in the attribute register of VDP434.

  Subsequently, in step SH03, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the development area 0 of the initial value in the attribute register of the VDP 434 as the development area to which the I picture I1 is transferred, and develops the development image included in the transfer image information. After setting the transfer destination address (VRAM coordinate value) in the area 0 in the attribute register of the VDP 434, the VDP 434 starts decoding of the I picture I1 in step SH05, and after confirming the end of decoding, proceeds to the next duplication processing. .

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the order of decoding (decompression) and generation of the texture movie A and the state change of the development areas 0 to 2 in the decoding process. The I picture I1 corresponding to the texture T1 is decoded by the VDP 434 and then developed (temporarily stored) in the development area 0 set in step SH03. Next, the P picture P1 corresponding to the texture T2 is decoded by the VDP 434 in the above-described procedure, and then expanded (temporarily stored) in the expansion area 1. Thereafter, the I picture or P picture corresponding to the textures T3 to T16 is decoded in the order (P2 → P3 →... → P6 → I3 →...) Shown in the “decode order” in FIG. 2 → development area 0 → development area 1 → development area 2 →... Is developed in the order of development areas, and finally 16 pieces of image data corresponding to the textures T1 to T16 are generated.

  Subsequently, in step SH07, the first sub-control unit 400 obtains the number of the expanded area where decoding is completed. In this example, first, the expanded area where the decoded I picture I1 is expanded. Get 0 which is the number of.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of textures are arranged in the duplication buffer, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a texture arrangement coordinate table.

  For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 6A, the pixel (in the left corner) of texture image data (in this example, square image data composed of 49 pixels in the vertical direction × 49 pixels in the horizontal direction) is used as a reference (representative). Point). Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, an arrangement coordinate table in which texture numbers (in this example, T1 to T16) are associated with representative point arrangement coordinates (coordinates on the VRAM 436 where the texture representative points are arranged) is associated. , And stored in advance in the transfer image information described above.

  Subsequently, in step SH08, the first sub-control unit 400 sets an address on the duplication buffer that is a transfer destination of the decoded image. In the above-described example of the texture movie A, refer to the arrangement coordinate table. Then, the representative point arrangement coordinates (in this example, n (for example, 0) and m (for example, 0)) corresponding to the texture T1 are acquired, and the lower left corner of the texture T1 is located at the position corresponding to the acquired representative point arrangement coordinates. Duplicate the texture T1 on the duplication buffer so that the pixels are arranged. Thereafter, the first sub-control unit 400 sequentially acquires representative point arrangement coordinates corresponding to the textures T2 to T16, and the acquired representative point arrangement coordinates are obtained as shown on the right side of FIG. The textures T2 to T16 are duplicated on the duplication buffer so that the lower left corner pixels of the textures T2 to T16 are arranged at the corresponding positions. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 6A, the representative point is (n, m) and the coordinates of the remaining three vertices are (n, m + 196), (n + 196, m + 196) on the replication buffer. One texture (one still image data) composed of 4 rows × 4 columns = 16 textures (n + 196, m) is generated.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram showing how the texture generated by the duplication process is developed in the drawing area, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the timing of the decoding process and the duplication process. .

  The first sub-control unit 400 develops (temporarily stores) the texture generated by the decoding process and the duplication process in the drawing area in the VRAM 436. As described above, in the image transfer instruction, the designation of the drawing areas of the two display areas (display area A and display area B) is swapped, and when the drawing area shown in the figure is designated as the display area, the texture image Is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208. Thereafter, the first sub-control unit 400 is required for every predetermined period (in this example, every 17 frames (= 16 frames, which is the time required for decoding and duplicating 16 textures) + swapping for designating the drawing area. At one frame))), the texture generated from the texture movie image data is developed in the drawing area in the VRAM 436, and the decorative symbol display device 208 displays an image corresponding to the texture. In this example, during the period of 0 to 150 frames, the above-described sprites a (Sa) to c (Sc) are displayed on the decoration image display device 208 according to the display size, display position, and display period associated therewith. The texture generated from the image data for the texture movie is developed in the drawing area in the VRAM 436 during the period of 59 to 75 frames, and one image corresponding to one texture is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208. Images are displayed.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a texture movie is composed of 16 textures, and one texture is generated from the 16 textures, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Therefore, for example, a texture movie may be composed of a plurality of textures of 16 or less, or may be composed of more than 16 textures. Also, the types of images constituting the texture movie are not limited to I pictures and P pictures. Further, one or a plurality of textures may be generated from all or part of the textures constituting the texture movie.

  For example, FIG. 16A shows an example in which two types of textures are generated from a movie composed of a plurality of textures. In this example, from a texture movie composed of 16 textures T: 1 to T: 16, a texture composed of 8 textures T: 1 to T: 8 and 8 textures T: 9 to T : Two types of textures composed of 16 are generated. As described above, if a plurality of types of textures (still image data) can be generated from a single movie (compressed moving image data), the storage capacity of the image data can be reduced, but various effects are performed. There are cases where it is possible. As shown in this example, the texture to be generated is not limited to a square shape, and may be a rectangular shape, for example.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example in which one texture is generated from a plurality of types of movies composed of a plurality of textures. In this example, a texture movie (first movie) composed of eight textures T: 1 to T: 8 and a texture movie (second movie) composed of eight textures T: 9 to T: 16. Therefore, one texture composed of 16 textures T: 1 to T: 16 is generated. In this way, if one texture (still image data) can be generated from a plurality of types of movies (compressed moving image data), it is possible to generate an unprecedented novel image, and a wide variety of effects can be achieved. Sometimes it can be done.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example in which two types of textures are generated from the same texture included in a movie composed of a plurality of textures. In this example, from a texture movie composed of four textures T: 1 to T: 4, the upper left is texture T: 1, the upper right is texture T: 2, the lower left is texture T: 3, and the lower right is texture T: 4 textures T: 1 to T: 4 (sprite SX1), upper left texture T: 1, upper right texture T: 3, lower left texture T: 4, lower right texture T : 2 textures (sprites SX2) composed of four textures T: 1 to T: 4 are generated. As described above, if a plurality of types of textures (still image data) can be generated from a single movie (compressed moving image data) including a plurality of textures, the storage capacity of image data can be reduced, but various types of textures can be reduced. There are cases where various effects can be performed.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of generating a movie and one texture from a movie composed of a plurality of textures. In this example, from a texture movie composed of eight textures T: 1 to T: 8, a movie composed of eight textures T: 1 to T: 8 (for example, a movie in which the main character runs around) , Textures composed of eight textures T: 1 to T: 8 (for example, a still image in which eight photographs taken by shooting the main character's character running around with a camera) are generated. As described above, if a movie (compressed video data) and a texture (still image data) can be generated from a movie (compressed video data) composed of a plurality of textures, the storage capacity of the image data can be reduced. However, there are cases where a wide variety of effects can be performed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example in which one texture is generated from a movie composed of a plurality of textures and one sprite. In this example, a texture movie composed of two textures T: 1 to T: 2 and one sprite S: 1, texture T: 1, sprite S: 1, and texture T: 2 are three. One texture composed of is generated. In this way, if a single texture (still image data) can be generated from a movie (compressed moving image data) composed of a plurality of textures and a sprite (still image data), a novel image that has never existed before can be obtained. In some cases, it is possible to produce a wide variety of effects.

  Further, the timing for generating a texture from a movie (the timing of the above-described decoding processing and duplication processing) is not limited to the example shown in the above embodiment. For example, FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a texture is generated within a chance button reception period in which an operation of the chance button 136 is received. In this example, after the acceptance of the operation of the chance button 136 is started, whether or not the operation of the chance button 136 is detected for a predetermined chance button acceptance period (in this example, 3 seconds) is monitored. When the operation of the chance button 136 is detected, the decoding process described above is started and a texture is generated from the movie. In this example, various conditions (for example, for example, the time required from the detection of the operation of the chance button 136 to the start of the decoding process to the generation of the texture within 3 seconds of the chance button reception period (for example, The number of textures that make up the movie, the number of textures to decode, etc.) are set. In this way, if the decoding process and the duplication process are performed during a predetermined time period, the generated image can be displayed reliably, and the player can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable. There is a case.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the texture generation timing when some abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 100. In this example, when some abnormality occurs, first, an error in-progress image (Se) informing that the abnormality has occurred is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208, and immediately after that, an image after error recovery is generated. Therefore, an image (apology image) to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 after error recovery is prepared by performing a decoding process or a duplication process. As described above, if the decoding process or the duplication process is performed during a period in which the predetermined time can be secured (for example, the period from the occurrence of an error to the return), the generated image can be reliably displayed. In some cases, it is possible to avoid giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  FIG. 20A is a time chart showing the timing of the image transfer instruction (step SF01) from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 and the response to the end of transfer by the VDP 434. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state in which one texture is generated every time the first sub control unit main process is executed once.

  In this example, it is configured so that a maximum of eight image transfer instructions can be performed during a period in which the first sub-control unit main process is executed once (for example, 33 ms). Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, by generating one texture every time the first sub control unit main process is executed once, the texture can be switched for each frame. As described above, if it is possible to generate a texture from a movie within the first unit time (in one frame) for switching the display, there may be a case where a more novel effect can be performed.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment reads specific compressed moving image data (for example, texture movie A) and outputs a plurality of image data (for example, 16 textures T1 to T16). Means (for example, the decoding process by the first sub-control unit 400 or VDP 434) and the plurality of image data output by the decompression means are combined into one image data (for example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 14A). Image data generating means for generating image data (for example, replication processing by the first sub-control unit 400 or VDP 434), and an image based on the image data generated by the image data generating means for image display (for example, decorative symbol display) An image display control means to be displayed on the device 208).

  According to the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, since image data is stored in the format of compressed moving image data, it is illegal for an outsider who does not know that one image data is generated from the compressed moving image data. In some cases, image data can be prevented from being taken out from the image ROM. Further, since the image data can be generated from the compressed moving image data, the storage capacity necessary for storing the image data may be reduced rather than storing the generated image data itself in advance.

  Further, the specific compressed moving image data is the specific number of compressions obtained by compressing a plurality of specific image data generated by dividing the one image data into a specific number (for example, 16). The image data may be included.

  With such a configuration, since the divided data of the image data can be stored in a compressed state, it is necessary for storing the image data rather than storing the generated image data itself in advance. In some cases, the storage capacity can be reduced.

  The image display control unit is configured to switch an image to be displayed on the image display unit at a predetermined cycle (for example, every frame), and the specific compressed moving image data has a plurality of continuous cycles. Compressed image data obtained by compressing each of a plurality of image data used for display in a format that can specify the use time (for example, texture T1 shown in FIG. 12C) In addition to the P picture P1 corresponding to the texture T2 and the pictures corresponding to the textures T3 to T16), the decompression means is specified by the compressed image data The compressed image data is expanded based on the use time (for example, the decoding order shown in FIG. 13), and the image data is output. It may be.

  With such a configuration, the decompression method (decoding method) of the compressed moving image data can be used, so that the control burden can be reduced and the production can be performed smoothly.

  In addition, the specific compressed moving image data is configured to include a specific number of compressed image data, and each time a predetermined trigger is established (for example, every time when one frame elapses), Image data output command means for commanding the decompression means to output the image data from the compressed moving image data (for example, an image transfer instruction of the first sub-control unit 400), and the image data generation means includes the predetermined data The one image data may be generated when the number of triggers coincides with the specific number.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to expand a small image obtained by dividing a large image into a plurality of predetermined cycles, so that the control load may be reduced compared to the case where a large image is expanded at once. is there.

  The specific compressed moving image data includes at least first compressed image data (for example, I picture) obtained by compressing first image data and second obtained by compressing second image data. Color information included in the second image data is difference information (for example, pixels whose color changes) with respect to the color information included in the first image data. Color information).

  With such a configuration, the storage capacity necessary for storing the compressed moving image data can be reduced, and further reduction of the storage capacity can be realized.

  It should be noted that the game table according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in addition to the pachinko machine 100 (1 type), it can be applied to a pachinko machine (2 types, 3 types), a sealed pachinko machine, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, It can also be applied to smart balls and the like.

  Further, for example, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium. Here, as a slot machine to which the present invention is applied, a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of symbols, a start switch for starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and each of the plurality of reels are provided. Provided by a stop switch that individually stops the rotation of the reels, lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of predetermined winning combinations is made by lottery, and the plurality of reels when stopped An example includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the winning combination is determined based on whether or not the combination of symbols is a winning combination that has been won internally by the lottery means.

  Further, for example, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program that simulates the operation of a real machine such as a pachinko machine for a home game machine.

  Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to things.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 104 Main body 106 Front frame door 110 Launching device 124 Game area 136 Launch button 152 Dispensing device 200 Game board 206 Production device 208 Decoration symbol display device 210 Universal diagram display device 212 First special figure display device 214 Second special figure display Device 224 Production movable body 226 General winning opening 228 Universal drawing starting port 230 First special drawing starting port 232 Second special drawing starting port 234 Variable winning opening 246 Shielding device 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control Part 600 payout control part 630 launch control part 660 power supply management part

Claims (5)

Decompression means for reading specific compressed video data and outputting a plurality of image data;
Image data generating means for generating one image data by combining the plurality of image data output from the decompression means;
Image display control means for causing the image display means to display an image based on the image data generated by the image data generation means,
Amusement stand. The specific compressed video data is
A specific number of compressed image data obtained by compressing a plurality of specific image data generated by dividing the one image data into a specific number is provided. ,
The game table according to claim 1. The image display control means includes
Configured to switch an image to be displayed on the image display means at a predetermined cycle,
The specific compressed video data is
Compressed image data obtained by compressing each of a plurality of image data used for display in each of a plurality of consecutive cycles, and having compressed image data in a format that can specify the use time And
The extension means includes
The compressed image data is decompressed based on the use time specified by the compressed image data, and the image data is output.
The game table according to claim 1 or 2. The specific compressed video data is
Consists of a specific number of compressed image data,
Image data output instruction means for instructing the decompression means to output the image data from the specific compressed moving image data each time a predetermined trigger is established;
The image data generating means
The one image data is generated when the predetermined number of times coincides with the specific number,
The game stand according to claim 1. The specific compressed video data is at least
First compressed image data obtained by compressing the first image data, and second image data obtained by compressing the second image data,
The color information included in the second image data includes difference information with respect to the color information included in the first image data.
The game stand according to claim 1.