JP2011115260A - Game board - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game board capable of reducing a sense of incongruity to be provided to a game player by preventing an image that is previously made not to be directly visualized by the player from being marked. <P>SOLUTION: The game board includes: an image display device 157 for displaying images relating to a game; an image display control means for controlling displaying images on the image display device 157 with a raster scan; a movable performance body 163a moving in the proximity to this side of a display region of the image display device and able to act movements including the movement in a scan line direction of the raster scan; and a movement control means for controlling movements of the movable performance body 163a. When displaying a back image to be displayed in the back of the movable performance body 163a, the image display control means, under the image display body 163a acting in a scan line direction of the raster scan through the movement control means, so controls the back image as to display an inclined-back image 712 in which display rows are stepwise shifted to the scan line direction of the raster scan. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

  Conventionally, a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine has a display device for displaying an image, and a variety of images and moving images are displayed on the display device to produce a game. In such a gaming machine, the display unit includes a see-through unit that can visually recognize the display area and a decorative unit that is less transparent than the see-through unit or cannot be seen through. A game machine having a decorative film that can be stored outside the display area is proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-280437 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, an image is displayed on the display device so that the player can see through the fluoroscope, but the player changes the viewpoint (for example, the display device). When viewing from an extreme angle with respect to the display surface, the image displayed on the back side of the decorative portion may be directly visible. That is, there is a problem in that an image displayed by the decoration portion that is difficult for the player to visually recognize is visually recognized by the player.

  Moreover, when moving the structure provided so that the front surface of the display apparatus can move like the decorative film with which the game stand of the said patent document 1 is equipped, although a display content is updated according to the movement of a structure, (For example, an image representing the content of the scroll is displayed on the liquid crystal in accordance with the movement of the structure simulating the scroll), the operation cycle of the motor that moves the structure, and the operation of the display control device that updates the display content If the period is different, an image that is originally shielded by the structure and is not at least directly visible will be visually recognized by the player due to this shift in the operation period, and the player will feel uncomfortable. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is possible to prevent an image scheduled to be visually invisible to the player from standing out and to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the player. Is to provide.

  The present invention relates to an image display device that displays an image related to a game, image display control means for performing display control for displaying an image on the image display device by raster scanning, and the vicinity of the front side of the display area of the image display device A game stage comprising: a movable effector capable of performing an operation including an operation in a scanning line direction of raster scan; and an operation control means for controlling the operation of the movable effector, wherein the image display control means When displaying a background image to be displayed behind the movable effector, when the movable effector performs an operation in the scanning line direction of the raster scan by the operation control means, It is a game table that is controlled to display an inclined rear image in which a display row is shifted stepwise toward a scanning line direction.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect of preventing an image that is scheduled not to be visually recognized by the player from being noticeable and reducing a sense of discomfort given to the player.

An external perspective view of the slot machine is shown. It is a front view showing the slot machine in a state where the front door is opened. (A) It is a front view of the shutter in a state where the right shutter and the left shutter are respectively in the fully open position. (B) It is a front view of a shutter in the state where the right shutter and the left shutter are respectively in the fully open position. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. It is the figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel, middle reel, right reel). 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. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU of a 2nd sub control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a 2nd sub control part. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of a 2nd sub control part. (D) It is a flowchart of the image control process of a 2nd sub control part. (A)-(c) It is the schematic which showed the outline | summary of the display by a liquid crystal display device. It is the schematic which showed the detail of the display by (a) and (b) liquid crystal display device. (A)-(f) It is the schematic which showed the example of an effect which uses an inclination back image, when moving a right shutter toward a predetermined stop position from a full open position. It is the schematic which showed the image which comprises the effect using (a) and (b) liquid crystal display device and a shutter. It is the schematic which showed the mode of the change of the inclination back image in the example of an effect which moves a right shutter toward a predetermined stop position from a full open position. (A)-(f) It is the schematic which showed the example of the effect which uses an inclination back image, when moving a right shutter toward a full open position from a predetermined stop position. It is the schematic which showed the mode of the inclination back image in the example of an effect which moves a right shutter toward a full open position from a predetermined stop position. (A) And (b) It is the schematic which showed the example which decided whether to use an inclination back image according to the moving speed of a right shutter and a left shutter. (A) And (b) It is the schematic which showed the outline | summary of the display by the shutter and liquid crystal display device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the image which comprises the effect using (a) and (b) liquid crystal display device and a shutter. (A)-(j) It is the schematic which showed the example of an effect which uses an inclination back image, when moving a right shutter toward a predetermined stop position (fully closed position) from a fully open position. (A)-(c) It is the schematic which showed the liquid crystal display device, shutter, and pendulum apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(e) It is the schematic which showed the example of the effect which uses an inclination back image, when operating a pendulum apparatus. (A)-(h) It is the schematic which showed the example of the effect which uses an inclination back image, when operating a pendulum apparatus. (A) And (b) It is the schematic which showed the example which changes the scanning direction of a liquid crystal display device.

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

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface (not shown) are accommodated inside the center of the main body 101 and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

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

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

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

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

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

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

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

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout outlet 155, a sound hole 159, and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The sound holes 143 and 159 are holes for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside.

  The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction before the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player). Side). In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen.

  Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the present embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 containing a main control board (main control unit 300, which will be described later) is disposed inside the main body 101 at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided at the upper part of the back plate 242. Three reels 110 to 112 are disposed below the main control board storage case 210. Sub-control boards (first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 to be described later) are stored inside the main control board storage case 210 and the side plate 260 on the left side of the reels 110 to 112, that is, the left side. The sub-control board storage case 220 is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) 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 source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected thereto extends outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. Yes.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 for controlling the effect device 160 (not shown) is provided above the symbol display window 113. ) And an upper speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 159.

<Shutter>
Next, the configuration of the shutter (shielding device) 163 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a front view of the shutter 163 in a state where the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are in the fully opened position, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b in the fully opened position. It is a front view of the shutter 163 in a state.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the shutter 163 includes a right shutter 163a, a left shutter 163b, and a frame 163c. The frame 163c has an opening 163c1 at the center and two pairs of upper and lower guide rails 163c2 and 163c3. The upper and lower ends of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are guided by the guide rails 163c2 and 163c3 and moved in the horizontal direction. The liquid crystal display device 157 is disposed behind (back side) the opening 163c1 of the frame 163c. Therefore, the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 is visually recognized through the opening 163c1.

  The right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are configured in a lattice shape imitating a shoji, and a transmission region (effect display region) in which a hole portion of the lattice can visually recognize a part of the image display region of the rear liquid crystal display device 157. 163d. In this embodiment, the hole portion of the lattice is made of a translucent material so that the player can visually recognize the display by the rear liquid crystal display device 157 through the transmission region 163d. May be a transparent material or an opening, and the rear liquid crystal display device 157 may be clearly visible through the transmission region 163d. Further, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b may not be configured in a grid pattern, but may be configured as a semi-transparent member as a whole.

  On the upper part of the frame 163c, a pair of pulleys 163c4 and an endless belt 163c5 wound around these are arranged on the left and right. One of the two pairs of pulleys 163c4 is connected to a stepping motor (not shown), and the two endless belts 163c5 are connected to the upper portions of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b, respectively. That is, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b move in the horizontal direction together with the endless belt 163c5 that is driven by the stepping motor and travels.

  The right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are driven by the stepping motor in this way, so that the opening 163c1 is fully opened (FIG. 1A), and the left end 163a1 and the left shutter of the right shutter 163a at the center of the opening. The right end 163b1 of 163b substantially contacts and moves between the fully closed positions (FIG. 5B) that shield the opening 163c1. That is, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b move between a fully open position where the liquid crystal display device 157 is released and a fully closed position where the liquid crystal display device 157 is shielded. The right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b can be stopped at any position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

  In addition, a shutter sensor (right shutter 1) 538a and a shutter sensor (right shutter 2) 538b are disposed between the pair of pulleys 163c4 that drive the right shutter 163a, and drive the left shutter 163b. A shutter sensor (left shutter 1) 538c and a shutter sensor (left shutter 2) 538d are disposed between the pair of pulleys 163c4. These shutter sensors 538a to 538d are for detecting that the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are in the fully open position or the fully closed position. Specifically, the shutter sensor (right shutter 1) 538a detects that the right shutter 163a is in the fully open position, and the shutter sensor (right shutter 2) 538b detects that the right shutter 163a is in the fully closed position. The shutter sensor (left shutter 1) 538c detects that the left shutter 163b is in the fully open position, and the shutter sensor (left shutter 2) 538d detects that the left shutter 163b is in the fully closed position.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are determined with reference to the inner end portions (the right shutter 163a is the left end 163a1 and the left shutter 163b is the right end 163b1) of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157. It is expressed by the x coordinate. As shown in the figure, the x coordinate of the liquid crystal display device 157 is a coordinate 0 at the left end, a coordinate 784 at the right end, and a coordinate 392 at the center. Accordingly, the right shutter 163a is located at the coordinate 784 in the fully open position and is located at the coordinate 392 in the fully closed position. Further, the left shutter 163b is located at the coordinate 0 in the fully open position, and is located at the coordinate 392 in the fully closed position. As a result, the right shutter 163a moves between the coordinates 784 and the coordinates 392, and the left shutter 163b moves between the coordinates 0 and the coordinates 392.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot 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 slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot 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, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 306 for storing the position, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency , WDT314 is installed. 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 314b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  Further, the basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.) are monitored.

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 sensor are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main controller 300 includes a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving the provided motor, various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, a stored number A drive circuit 328 for driving the display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127) is provided.

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

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. 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, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is provided.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Provided.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the effect image display device 157 and the shutter (shielding device) 163. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured by a plurality of control units such as a control unit that controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls the shutter (shielding device) 163. Good.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the slot 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 is operated by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock, and a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and for image display A ROM 506 is provided for storing the above data.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

The second sub control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 for driving the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is provided with a shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.
The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and the sensor circuit 532 is provided with shutter sensors 538a to 538d via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensors 538a to 538d at every interruption time.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device (liquid crystal display device) 157. .

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “replay” symbol for the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, the “bell” symbol for the number 0 frame on the middle reel 111, and the “bell” symbol for the number 2 frame on the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good.

  “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.
<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, the gaming state is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be repeatedly executed continuously. For example, a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

<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 the main process of the main control unit.

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

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value. In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. In addition, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated.

  In step S105, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In step S107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In step S109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S107. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In step S111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S113, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In step S115, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step S111. Stop based on data. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. In step S119, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In step S121, game state control processing is performed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

<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 main controller timer interrupt processing.

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

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process 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 S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption 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 S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S207, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process). In step S209, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S211, 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, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, and operation of stop buttons 137 to 139. Stop button reception command, stop position information command accompanying reel 110 to 112 stop processing, payout number command accompanying payout processing, payout end command, etc.), bits 0 to 10 are command data (predetermined corresponding to command type) 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 S213, external signal setting processing is performed. In the external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 that is separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read, and the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S221, 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>
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.

  First, the main process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, command processing is performed. In this command processing, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the main control unit 300. In step S309, effect control processing is performed. For example, when there is a new command in step S307, processing such as reading effect data corresponding to this command from the ROM 406 is performed, and when update of the effect data is necessary, effect data update processing is performed.

  In step S311, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S307, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In step S313, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step S307, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S315, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in step S307, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S303.

  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 S401 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 S501 of the timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub control unit main process described above, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S503, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S315, update processing of the effect random number value, and the like are performed.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S601. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S607, command processing is performed. In this command processing, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. In step S609, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S607, processing such as reading the production data corresponding to this command from the ROM 506 is performed, and if the production data needs to be updated, the production data is updated.

  In step S611, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S609, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed. In step S613, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S609, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to step S603.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S701 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and a timer interrupt process is performed in response to this timer interrupt. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S801 of this timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S603 in the second sub control unit main process described above, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S603, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S803, various variables are updated.

  Next, the image control process in step S613 in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S901, an image data transfer instruction is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S903, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S905. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step S905, 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 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S901, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting according to the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S907, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step S909, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S911. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step S911, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Display by liquid crystal display device>
Next, display by the liquid crystal display device 157 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing an outline of display by the liquid crystal display device 157. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a normal effect image 700 configured by combining images such as characters and backgrounds is displayed in the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157. Then, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b of the shutter 163 moves in the vicinity of the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157, and at least the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 When a part is shielded, the display on the rear liquid crystal display device 157 is visible through (via) the transmission region 163d (not shown).

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing details of display by the liquid crystal display device 157. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 has a resolution of 1056 × 525 pixels and scans the horizontal scanning lines 158 in order from the top. The display is controlled by a raster scan method for displaying. Specifically, the VDP 534 uses one row (one row) of pixels in the horizontal direction in the image display region of the liquid crystal display device 157 as the scanning line 158, and sequentially sets each pixel from the leftmost pixel to the rightmost pixel of one scanning line 158. Is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 157. Then, after transmitting information of all the pixels included in one scanning line 158, information is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 157 in the same manner as described above for the pixels included in the scanning line 158 one row below (vertical scanning). The VDP 534 repeats the above processing from the uppermost scanning line 158 to the lowermost scanning line 158 of the image display area, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 157 to display an image.

  Accordingly, the display update (update of color information, luminance information, etc.) in the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 is performed on the scanning line 158 at the uppermost end (first row) as indicated by an arrow in FIG. From the left end to the right end, the scanning line 158 of the second row is directed from the left end to the right end, from the left end of the scanning line 158 of the third row to the right end, and so on. Therefore, for example, when displaying an image of 60 fps, that is, 60 frames per second on the liquid crystal display device 157, the display line 158 included in the lowermost scanning line 158 is included in the update of the display of the pixel 157a included in the uppermost scanning line 158. The display update of the pixel 157b is delayed by about 16 ms (milliseconds).

  Conventionally, when the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is moved in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the rear image 710 is displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b as shown in FIG. To be displayed.

  For example, when the normal effect image 700 is shielded by the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b as it is, the normal effect image 700 is visually recognized through the transmissive area 163d, so that it looks very bad. There is. For this reason, conventionally, a rectangular back image 710 having a substantially uniform color such as white is displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b blocking the liquid crystal display device 157 on the normal effect image 700. It is arranged (displayed) in an overlapping manner (from the front side) so that the normal effect image 700 is not visually recognized through the transmission region 163d.

  In addition, conventionally, there is a case where an effect of causing a player to visually recognize various images through the transmission region 163d of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b may be performed. In the case of performing such an effect, a picture (a figure, a symbol) configured in consideration of being visually recognized through the transmission region 163d behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b shielding the liquid crystal display device 157. , Characters, etc.) are displayed.

  This background image 710 is displayed following the movement of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. Specifically, the background image 710 is displayed while changing the display position in accordance with the movement of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. However, as described above, the display update of the liquid crystal display device 157 has a time lag of about 16 ms at the upper end and the lower end of the image display area, and as shown in FIG. The right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b (the left shutter in the example shown in FIG. 5B) is also moved from the start of the operation until the display update at the lower pixel. Therefore, when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are moved (operated) in the direction of the scanning line 158 (in other words, the direction perpendicular to the direction of vertical scanning) as in the present embodiment, the right shutter 163a. Alternatively, there is a problem that the display position of the background image 710 is shifted by a distance a in which the left shutter 163b moves in about 16 ms.

  Further, when there is an individual difference in the operation of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b, the shift of the display position of the back image 710 with respect to the position of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b becomes significant, and the back image 710 is displayed. When the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is displayed and the normal effect image 700 is viewed through the transmission area of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b through 163d, it looks very bad and the player feels uncomfortable. There was a case that would give.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in the present embodiment, while the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is moving, the display column is stepped in the direction of the scanning line 158 behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. The shifted tilted background image 712 is displayed.

  12 (a) to 12 (f) are schematic diagrams illustrating an effect example in which the tilted rear image 712 is used when the right shutter 163a is moved from the fully open position toward a predetermined stop position. (F) is the A section enlarged view of the figure (d). In this example, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E, the right shutter 163a is moved from the fully open position toward a predetermined stop position, and the inclined rear image 712 is behind the moving right shutter 163a. Is displayed.

  Specifically, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 receives the effect data corresponding to the command received from the first sub-control unit 400 from the ROM 406 in the effect control process (step S609) of the second sub-control unit main process. read out. Then, the CPU 504 controls the right shutter 163a to move from the fully open position toward the predetermined stop position based on the effect data in the shutter control process (step S611). Further, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to display the background image 702 based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613) and to display the tilted background image 712 corresponding to the position of the right shutter 163a. The VDP 534 draws the background image 702 and the tilted background image 712 based on the instruction from the CPU 504 and causes the liquid crystal display device 157 to display them.

  The tilted background image 712 is formed by shifting the display column in the direction of the scanning line 158 stepwise from the upper part to the lower part of the liquid crystal display device 157. As shown in FIG. The lower region is protruded stepwise with respect to the upper region of the device 157.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing images constituting an effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 and the shutter 163. In the effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 and the shutter 163, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a background image 702 configured by combining a plurality of types of images and a right shutter 163a or a left shutter 163b are liquid crystals. A rear image (shutter rear image) 710 displayed in the area behind the display device 157 when it is positioned on the front side of the display device 157 is used.

  In the present embodiment, when the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is stopped on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157, one rear image 710 enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio is displayed as the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. When the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is moving on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157, an inclined rear image 712 configured by combining a plurality of the rear images 710 is displayed on the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163a. The image is displayed behind the shutter 163b. The background image 710 and the tilted background image 712 are displayed superimposed on the background image 702 (front side).

  The inclined background image 712 is configured by arranging, in the vertical direction, five background images 710a to 710e whose horizontal dimensions are enlarged at different magnifications, as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, first, the horizontal width of the rear image 710a arranged at the top is approximately the distance from the right end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 to the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. Set to the same length. Then, the horizontal width of the back image 710b arranged below the back image 710a is set longer than the width of the back image 710a by a predetermined length, and the horizontal direction of the back image 710c arranged below the back image 710b is set. Is set longer than the width of the background image 710b by a predetermined length, and the horizontal width of the background image 710d arranged below the background image 710c is set longer than the width of the background image 710c by a predetermined length. The horizontal width of the background image 710e arranged below the background image 710d is set longer than the width of the background image 710d by a predetermined length, and the right edges of the background images 710a to 710e are aligned in the vertical direction. By arranging, an inclined rear image 712 is formed.

  When displaying on the liquid crystal display device 157, the background image 702 is displayed in substantially the entire image display area. In the tilted rear image 712, in the region behind the right shutter 163a, the right end 712a substantially coincides with the right end of the image display region of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the left end 710a1 of the background image 710a is the position of the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. The display position is set so as to substantially match (the position at the start of the raster scan), and the image is displayed superimposed on the background image 702 (front side).

  Specifically, in the image control process (step S613), the CPU 504 determines the size and arrangement of each of the back images 710a to 710e by referring to various tables stored in the ROM 506 based on the effect data. Based on this, the VDP 534 is instructed to display the tilted background image 712 together with the background image 702. At this time, the horizontal width of each of the background images 710a to 710e is changed for each frame according to the position of the right shutter 163a. The VDP 534 displays the background image 702 and the tilted background image 712 on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the instruction from the CPU 504.

  The background images 710a to 710e constituting the inclined background image 712 are set to have the same horizontal width, and the horizontal positions are sequentially shifted by a predetermined distance to thereby arrange the inclined background image 712. You may make it comprise. In this case, the horizontal width of each of the back images 710 a to 710 e is set to a length that the right side portion protrudes from the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157. The display position of the tilted background image 712 composed of the background images 710a to 710e is changed for each frame in accordance with the position of the right shutter 163a, and from the image display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 in the tilted background image 712. The protruding part is not displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a change in the tilted back image 712 in the effect example in which the right shutter 163a is moved from the fully open position toward the predetermined stop position. In the figure, the time axis (t) is set to the right, and the change of the tilted background image 712 is shown in time series.

  As shown in the figure, in the inclined rear image 712, when the movement of the right shutter 163a is started (1), the positions of the left end of the uppermost rear image 710a and the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a are substantially the same as described above. The display positions are set and displayed so that the left ends of the rear images 710b to 710e below are in a stepped manner and protrude outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. Then, during the subsequent movement (2), the inclined rear image 712 is changed to the uppermost position at the display position by changing the horizontal dimension of each of the rear images 710a to 710e according to the position of the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. The position of the left end of the rear image 710a and the position of the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a substantially coincides with each other, and the left ends of the rear images 710b to 710e therebelow maintain a state of projecting outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. Is set and displayed.

  As described above, when the tilted back image 712 is displayed behind the moving right shutter 163a, the right shutter 163a is moved during the vertical scanning of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the position of the tilted back image 712 is shifted. In addition, only the upper left portion of the tilted background image 712 is drawn into the right shutter 163a, and the lower portion of the left end of the tilted background image 712 is slightly protruded outside the right shutter 163a. In other words, the left end line of the tilted back image 712 and the left end of the tilted back image 712 are configured by forming the left end line of the tilted back image 712 in a state having a half angle with respect to the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. The line can be crossed. Thereby, in this embodiment, it is possible to make the shift of the position of the tilted background image 712 with respect to the right shutter 163a inconspicuous.

  Thereafter, when the right shutter 163a approaches the stop position, the left end of the lowermost rear image 710e first reaches the stop position due to the change in the horizontal dimension according to the movement of the right shutter 163a (3). After the left end of the lowermost back image 710e reaches the stop position, the left ends of the back images 710d, 710c, and 710b reach the stop position in order from the bottom according to the movement of the right shutter 163a (4 to 6). . During this time, the uppermost rear image 710a is maintained in a state in which the left end substantially coincides with the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a, and the rear images 710b to 710e have a horizontal dimension in the length after the left end reaches the stop position. Is maintained. Finally, the left end of the uppermost rear image 710a is made to reach the stop position almost simultaneously with the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a reaching the stop position (7).

  In this way, the display position of the tilted back image 712 is accurately aligned with the stop position of the right shutter 163a, and the tilted back image 712 protrudes outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a while the right shutter 163a is stopped. You can avoid it. Note that after the right shutter 163a is stopped, an enlarged version of one background image 710 is displayed instead of the tilted background image 712 composed of the background images 710a to 710e.

  FIGS. 15A to 15F are schematic views showing an example of the effect of using the tilted rear image 712 when the right shutter 163a is moved from the predetermined stop position toward the fully open position. (F) is the B section enlarged view of the same figure (b). In this example, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E, the right shutter 163a is moved from the predetermined stop position toward the fully open position, and the tilted rear image 712 is behind the moving right shutter 163a. Is displayed.

  Specifically, similarly to the description in FIG. 12, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 receives the command received from the first sub-control unit 400 in the effect control process (step S609) of the second sub-control unit main process. The effect data corresponding to is read from the ROM 406. Then, in the shutter control process (step S611), the CPU 504 controls the right shutter 163a to move from the predetermined stop position toward the fully open position based on the effect data. Further, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to display the background image 702 based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613) and to display the tilted background image 712 corresponding to the position of the right shutter 163a. The VDP 534 draws the background image 702 and the tilted background image 712 based on the instruction from the CPU 504 and causes the liquid crystal display device 157 to display them.

  In this production example, the right shutter 163a moves in the direction opposite to that of the production example in FIG. 12, and therefore, the tilted rear image 712 used in this production example is stepwise from the top to the bottom of the liquid crystal display device 157. The display column is shifted in the opposite direction to the effect example. That is, as shown in FIG. 5F, the lower region is drawn inwardly in a stepped manner with respect to the upper region of the liquid crystal display device 157.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a change in the tilted back image 712 in the effect example in which the right shutter 163a is moved from the predetermined stop position toward the fully open position. In the same figure, as in FIG. 14, the time axis (t) is set to the right, and the change of the tilted background image 712 is shown in time series.

  As shown in the figure, in the inclined rear image 712, when the movement of the right shutter 163a is started (1), the positions of the left end of the uppermost rear image 710a and the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a are substantially the same as described above. The display positions are set and displayed so that the left ends of the rear images 710b to 710e below are inwardly drawn inward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. Then, during the subsequent movement (2), the inclined rear image 712 is changed to the uppermost position at the display position by changing the horizontal dimension of each of the rear images 710a to 710e according to the position of the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. The left end of the rear image 710a and the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a substantially coincide with each other, and the left ends of the lower images 710b to 710e thereunder are maintained in a state of being drawn inwardly from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. It is set to be displayed.

  As described above, when the right shutter 163a is moved toward the fully open position, the right shutter 163a is displayed during the vertical scanning of the liquid crystal display device 157 by displaying the tilted rear image 712 with the lower portion drawn inward. When the position of the tilted rear image 712 is shifted due to movement, only the upper left portion of the tilted rear image 712 protrudes outside the right shutter 163a, and the lower left portion of the tilted rear image 712 is slightly inside the right shutter 163a. It can be in a retracted state. Accordingly, similarly to the effect examples of FIGS. 12 and 14, it is possible to make the positional deviation of the tilted background image 712 with respect to the right shutter 163a inconspicuous.

  When the right shutter 163a approaches the stop position (fully open position), the left end of the lowermost rear image 710e first reaches the stop position due to the change in the horizontal dimension according to the movement of the right shutter 163a, and the horizontal of the rear image 710e. The direction dimension becomes 0, the background image 710e is deleted, and only the background images 710a to 710d are displayed (3). Thereafter, while maintaining the state in which the left end of the uppermost rear image 710a substantially coincides with the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a, the rear images 710d, 710c, and 710b are deleted sequentially from the bottom according to the movement of the right shutter 163a. (4-6). Finally, the uppermost rear image 710a is erased almost simultaneously with the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a reaching the stop position (7). By doing so, the tilted back image 712 can be erased without conspicuous as the right shutter 163a reaches the fully open position (that is, the position that is not the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157).

  Note that the inclined background image 712 is not always used during the movement of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b, but the inclined background image 712 is used when the moving speed of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is high, and the right shutter. When the moving speed of 163a or the left shutter 163b is slow, an enlarged version of one background image 710 may be used.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which it is determined whether to use the tilted background image 712 according to the moving speeds of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the production data such as productions a to c for moving the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b quickly include the movement speed and movement distance of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. And liquid crystal display data a to c indicating that an inclined rear image 712 is displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b to be moved, respectively. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5B, the effect data such as effects m to o that move the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b slowly includes the right shutter 163a or left that is moved together with the shutter operation data m to o. Liquid crystal display data m to o indicating that an enlarged image of one background image 710 is displayed behind the shutter 163b.

  The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 reads out the effect data corresponding to the command received from the first sub control unit 400 from the ROM 406 in the effect control process (step S609) of the second sub control unit main process. Then, in the image control process (step S613), the CPU 504 displays either the tilted background image 712 or one background image 710 corresponding to the position of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b based on the read effect data. The VDP 534 is instructed as follows.

  It should be noted that the shift amount (protrusion amount or pull-in amount) of the back images 710b to 710e with respect to the back image 710a in the tilted back image 712 may be changed according to the moving speed of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. That is, when the moving speed of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is high, the shift amount (protrusion amount or pull-in amount) of the rear images 710b to 710e with respect to the rear image 710a is increased, and the moving speed of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is increased. If it is late, the amount of deviation of the background images 710b to 710e with respect to the background image 710a may be reduced.

  Further, when the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b starts to move and decelerates when it stops, the shift amount of the background images 710b to 710e with respect to the background image 710a is made smaller than that at the constant speed. Also good.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the left end and the right end of the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b of the slot machine 100 are each configured in a substantially arc shape. For this reason, only the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b, and the production example using these will be described below, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  18A and 18B are schematic diagrams showing an outline of display by the shutter 163 and the liquid crystal display device 157. FIG. As shown in these drawings, in the present embodiment, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b of the shutter 163 are configured so that the left and right end portions are substantially arc-shaped. Although not shown, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are each provided with a transmission region 163d. Further, the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are configured such that the inner portions (the left end 163a1 side portion of the right shutter 163a and the right end 163b1 side portion of the left shutter 163b) overlap each other in the fully closed position. The entire image display area can be shielded.

  Even if the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b do not have a side (vertical side) that intersects at right angles to the direction of the scanning line of the liquid crystal display device 157 as in this embodiment, the movement is performed. By making the image displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b in the middle as the inclined rear image 712, the position shift of the image displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is made inconspicuous. Can do.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic views showing images constituting an effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 and the shutter 163. FIG. In the effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 and the shutter 163, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a background image 702 configured by combining a plurality of types of images and a right shutter 163a or a left shutter 163b are liquid crystals. A rear image (shutter rear image) 710 displayed in the area behind the display device 157 when it is positioned on the front side of the display device 157 is used. The back image 710 of the present embodiment has a substantially similar shape to the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b.

  Also in the present embodiment, when the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b is stopped on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157, one back image 710 enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio is displayed as the right shutter 163a or the left shutter. It is displayed behind 163b. When the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b moves on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157, as shown in FIG. 5B, the back image 710 is tilted at a predetermined tilt angle. The constructed tilted background image 712 is enlarged at a predetermined magnification and displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b.

  In FIG. 7B, an example of an inclined rear image 712 used when the right shutter 163a is moved from the fully open position to a predetermined stop position, or when the left shutter 163b is moved from the predetermined stop position to the fully open position. Is shown. That is, when the tilted back image 712 shown in FIG. 5B is displayed behind the right shutter 163a, the lower left portion of the tilted back image 712 protrudes outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a, and the left shutter 163b When displayed behind, the back image 710 is tilted clockwise so that the upper part of the right end of the tilted back image 712 protrudes outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. When the right shutter 163a is moved from the predetermined stop position to the fully open position, or when the left shutter 163b is moved from the fully open position to the predetermined stop position, the tilted back image 712 is tilted counterclockwise. Is used. Further, FIG. 2B shows an example in which the tilt angle is 3 °, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the tilt angle of the tilted back image 712 depends on the shape of the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b. What is necessary is just to set suitably according to a moving speed.

  FIGS. 20A to 20J are schematic diagrams illustrating an effect example in which the tilted background image 712 is used when the right shutter 163a is moved from the fully open position toward a predetermined stop position (fully closed position). . In this example, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 reads effect data corresponding to the command received from the first sub control unit 400 from the ROM 406 in the effect control process (step S609) of the second sub control unit main process. . Then, the CPU 504 moves the right shutter 163a from the fully open position toward the predetermined stop position based on this effect data in the shutter control process (step S611), as shown in FIGS. To control. Further, the CPU 504 displays the background image 702a based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613), and also displays a display position (inclined background image 712) corresponding to the position of the moving right shutter 163a. The VDP 534 is instructed to display the lower left end of the right shutter 163a at a position that protrudes outward from the left end 163a1 of the right shutter 163a. The VDP 534 draws the background image 702a and the tilted background image 712 based on the instruction from the CPU 504, and displays the background image 702a on the liquid crystal display device 157.

  Thus, by displaying the tilted back image 712 configured by tilting the back image 710 behind the moving right shutter 163a, the right shutter 163a is moved during the vertical scanning of the liquid crystal display device 157. When the position of the tilted background image 712 is shifted, only the upper left portion of the tilted background image 712 is drawn into the right shutter 163a, and the lower left portion of the tilted background image 712 slightly protrudes outside the right shutter 163a. Can be in a state. Thereby, it is possible to make the shift of the position of the tilted background image 712 with respect to the right shutter 163a inconspicuous.

  In this effect example, as shown in FIG. 6I, the background image 710 is displayed instead of the tilted background image 712 at substantially the same time as the right shutter 163a reaches the fully closed position. Then, as shown in FIG. 6J, the background image 702b is displayed instead of the background image 702a and the background image 710 at a predetermined timing.

  Specifically, the CPU 504 controls the right shutter 163a to stop at the fully closed position based on the effect data in the shutter control process (step S611), and also controls the right shutter 163a in the image control process (step S613). The VDP 534 is instructed to display the background image 710 instead of the tilted background image 712 at substantially the same timing as the stop. Based on this, the VDP 534 causes the liquid crystal display 157 to display the background image 702a and the background image 710. Thereafter, the CPU 504 controls the right shutter 163a to maintain the stop state at the fully closed position based on the effect data in the shutter control process (step S611), and based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613). The background image 702b is displayed instead of the background image 702a at a predetermined timing, and the VDP 534 is instructed not to display the background image 710, and the VDP 534 causes the liquid crystal display device 157 to display only the background image 702b based on this.

  Note that when the right shutter 163a is accelerated and decelerated, the inclination angle of the inclined rear image 712 may be gradually changed according to the change in the speed of the right shutter 163a.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment of the present invention, a pendulum device 800 is applied to the slot machine 100. For this reason, hereinafter, only the pendulum device 800 and an effect example using the pendulum device 800 will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIGS. 21A to 21C are schematic views showing the liquid crystal display device 157, the shutter 163, and the pendulum device 800. As shown in these drawings, the pendulum device 800 is disposed above the liquid crystal display device 157, and includes an annular frame portion 800a and a rod-shaped instruction portion 800b that protrudes radially from the frame portion 800a. It is configured. Further, the inner portion surrounded by the frame portion 800a is a transmissive region 800c made of a transparent material.

  A first gear 802 is provided at the tip of the instruction unit 800 b of the pendulum device 800. The first gear 802 is meshed with a second gear 804 connected to a stepping motor (not shown). With such a configuration, the pendulum device 800 is driven by a stepping motor and can rotate in a range of about 90 degrees in a pendulum shape.

  Specifically, the pendulum device 800 moves from the retracted position above the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 5A to the front (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 157 as shown in FIG. Thus, it can be moved between the stop positions shown in FIG. 3C, and can be stopped at any position between the retracted position and the stop position. The stepping motor of the pendulum device 800 is connected to the drive circuit 530 (see FIG. 4) together with the stepping motor of the shutter 163, and is controlled together with the shutter 163 by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500.

  When the pendulum device 800 is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the rear liquid crystal display device 157 can be visually recognized through the transmission region 800c. The transmissive region 800c may be made of a translucent material or may be an opening.

  FIGS. 22A to 22E and FIGS. 23A to 23H are schematic diagrams showing an example of an effect using the tilted back image 712 when the pendulum device 800 is operated. FIG. 23 (f) is an enlarged view of FIG. 23 (b), FIG. 23 (g) is an enlarged view of FIG. 23 (c), and FIG. 23 (f) is an enlarged view of FIG. It is.

  In this example, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 reads effect data corresponding to the command received from the first sub control unit 400 from the ROM 406 in the effect control process (step S609) of the second sub control unit main process. . Then, the CPU 504 moves the pendulum device 800 to the retracted position as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22E and FIGS. 23A to 23E based on the effect data in the shutter control process (step S611). To move to the stop position. In addition, the CPU 504 displays the background image 702a based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613), and displays the back image 710 or the tilted back image 712 at a display position behind the transmission region 800c of the pendulum device 800. The VDP 534 is instructed to do so. The VDP 534 draws the background image 710 or the tilted background image 712 together with the background image 702 a based on the instruction from the CPU 504, and causes the liquid crystal display device 157 to display it.

  As described above, the pendulum device 800 of this embodiment performs a rotating operation in the vicinity of the front side of the liquid crystal display device 157. Therefore, the frame portion 800a and the transmission region 800c of the pendulum device 800 move mainly in the vertical direction (that is, the vertical scanning direction of the liquid crystal display device 157) immediately after the start of movement, and then gradually move in the horizontal direction (that is, the liquid crystal display device 157). (In the direction of the scanning line). Therefore, in this embodiment, after the pendulum device 800 starts operation, a circular back image 710 having substantially the same shape as the transmissive area 800c is displayed behind the transmissive area 800 while the vertical movement is mainly performed. Thereafter, from the timing at which the movement in the horizontal direction is mainly performed (specifically, the timing at which the rotation angle is about 60 ° (FIG. 23B)) to the stop, the circular rear image 710 is tilted. 712 is displayed behind the transmissive area 800c.

  Note that the tilted background image 712 used in this production example tilts the circular background image 710 counterclockwise because the frame portion 800a and the transmission region 800c of the pendulum device 800 move from left to right. It has become a thing.

  The CPU 504, based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613), as shown in FIGS. 22B to 22E and FIGS. 23A and 23B, the frame portion 800a of the pendulum device 800 and the transmission. When the region 800c is moving on the near side of the liquid crystal display device 157 and the rotation angle is 60 ° or less, the circular background image 710 is transmitted as shown in, for example, the enlarged view of FIG. The VDP 534 is instructed to display at a display position corresponding to the area 800c. Then, after the timing when the rotation angle of the pendulum device 800 exceeds 60 ° (FIGS. 23B to 23E), as shown in enlarged views in FIGS. 23G and 23H, the background image 710 is displayed. The VDP 534 is instructed to display the tilted background image 712 with the tilted at the display position corresponding to the transmission region 800c (the position where the lower right portion of the tilted background image 712 protrudes outward from the lower right portion of the transmission region 800c). To do.

  At this time, in the present embodiment, as the rotation angle of the pendulum device 800 increases, the horizontal movement speed of the frame portion 800a and the transmission region 800c increases. The transmission area 800c is gradually increased as the horizontal movement speed increases. Finally, after the pendulum device 800 stops, a circular background image 710 is displayed instead of the tilted background image 712. By doing in this way, it is possible to make the displacement of the position of the tilted back image 712 with respect to the transmission region of the pendulum device 800 inconspicuous.

<Change of scanning direction of liquid crystal display device>
In the above embodiment, when an image is displayed behind the right shutter 163a or the left shutter 163b or the transmission region 800c of the pendulum device 800, the positional deviation is made inconspicuous by using the tilted background image 712. Although an example is shown, the scanning direction of the liquid crystal display device 157, that is, the direction of raster scanning may be changed.

  24A and 24B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which the scanning direction of the liquid crystal display device 157 is changed. The scanning direction of the liquid crystal display device 157 is set in the RGB output mode setting register of the VDP 534. In this example, in the normal state, as shown in FIG. 5A, the RGB output mode setting register is set to “rotation angle: 0 °”, and the VDP 534 sets the scanning line 158 in the horizontal direction. The display of the liquid crystal display device 157 is controlled by raster scanning.

  When operating the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b, or the pendulum device 800, the second sub-control unit CPU 504 performs the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b, and the like based on the effect data in the image control process (step S613). Alternatively, the setting of the RGB output mode setting register of the VDP 534 is changed to “rotation angle: 90 °” immediately before the start of the operation of the pendulum device 800 or at substantially the same timing. When the RGB output mode setting register is set to “rotation angle: 90 °”, the VDP 534 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 by raster scanning with the scanning line 158 in the vertical direction.

  As described above, the slot machine 100 according to the above embodiment includes the image display device (in the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157) that displays an image related to the game and the image display device 157 by raster scanning. An image display control means for performing display control for display (in the above embodiment, the image control process in step S613 in the second sub-control unit main process), and a raster scan that operates near the display area of the image display device 157 Of the movable effector (in the above embodiment, the right shutter 163a, the left shutter 163b, and the pendulum device 800), and the operation of controlling the operations of the movable effectors 163a, 163b, and 800. Control means (in the above embodiment, the shutter control in step S611 in the second sub-control unit main process). The image display control means, when displaying the back image 710 to be displayed behind the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, 800, the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b by the operation control means. , 800 is performing an operation in the direction of the raster scan line 158, control is performed so as to display an inclined back image 712 in which the display columns are shifted stepwise in the direction of the raster scan line 158.

  With such a configuration, when the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 move in the direction of the scanning line 158 during the vertical scanning of the image display device 157, they are displayed behind the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800. It is possible to make the shift of the position of the image to be inconspicuous. Moreover, even when the back of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 is looked into from an extreme angle, the image displayed behind the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 is not conspicuous. It becomes possible. This makes it possible to prevent the player from paying attention to images that are not supposed to be directly viewed by the player, and to allow the player to pay attention to images that should be noticed by the player. Thus, it is possible to perform an effect display that does not give the player a sense of incongruity.

  Further, the image display control means controls to display the tilted back image 712 according to the moving speed of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 by the operation control means. For this reason, it is determined which of the back image 710 and the tilted background image 712 is used according to the moving speed of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800, and the protruding amount (the pull-in amount) or the tilt of the tilted background image 712 By determining the angle, it becomes possible to display an optimal image according to the moving speed of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, 800, and the position of the image to be displayed behind the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, 800 It is possible to prevent the deviation from becoming noticeable more effectively.

  The image display control means includes a plurality of back images 710 obtained by dividing the tilted back image 712 into a plurality of display columns. For this reason, adjustment of the protrusion amount (retraction amount) of the tilted rear image 712 according to the moving speed of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 can be easily performed without increasing the processing load of the image display control means.

  The movable effect bodies 163a and 163b are door-type shutters that cover the front side of the image display device 157 from the upper end to the lower end, and are not located on the front side of the image display device 157 (in the above embodiment, the fully open position). ) To a predetermined position on the near side (in the above embodiment, the fully closed position), the operation control means controls the movement of the shutters 163a and 163b, and the image display control means is the operation control means. Thus, the inclined rear image 712 is made different between when the shutters 163a and 163b move from the retracted position to the predetermined position and when the shutters 163a and 163b move from the predetermined position to the retracted position.

  For this reason, it becomes possible to display the optimal image according to the moving direction of the movable effects bodies 163a, 163b, and 800, and the displacement of the image displayed behind the movable effects bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 is more effective. Can be made inconspicuous.

  It should be noted that the game table according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the background image 710 and the inclined background image 712 may be composed of a single color such as white, or may be composed of a plurality of colors, and may be a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like. May be included.

  Further, when the inclined background image 712 is composed of a plurality of background images 710, the number of the plurality of background images 710 constituting the inclined background image is not limited to 5 shown in the above embodiment, but other than that It may be a number.

  Further, the operations of the movable effect bodies 163a, 163b, and 800 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment, and any operation that includes an operation in the same direction as the scanning line 158 of the liquid crystal display device 157 can be used. It may be something like this.

In the above embodiment, an example of a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball) is used as a game medium. The present invention can also be applied to the slot machines and pachinko machines described above.

  Specifically, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a launching device that launches a game ball into a predetermined game area, a winning opening configured to be able to enter a gaming ball launched from the launching device, and a winning opening Detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the game, a payout means for paying out a game ball (prize ball) when the detecting means detects a game ball, and a variable display device for variably displaying a predetermined symbol (identification information) It is also suitable for a “pachinko machine” in which a variable display device displays a stop after a change of a symbol and notifies a game state transition when a game ball enters the winning opening and wins. .

Furthermore, even if the present invention is applied to an arrangement ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, a smart ball, and a casino machine, the same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only 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 game machine of the present invention can be used particularly in the field of game machines represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (such as a pachinko machine).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Slot machine 157 Liquid crystal display device 158 Scan line of a liquid crystal display device 163a Right shutter 163b Left shutter 710 Back image 712 Inclined back image 800 Pendulum device

Claims (4)

An image display device for displaying an image related to a game;
Image display control means for performing display control for displaying an image on the image display device by raster scanning;
A movable effector that operates in the vicinity of the front side of the display area of the image display device and is capable of operations including operations in the scanning line direction of the raster scan;
An operation control means for controlling the operation of the movable effect body,
In the case where the image display control means displays a background image to be displayed behind the movable effect body, when the movable effect body is operating in the scanning line direction of the raster scan by the operation control means. , And controlling to display an inclined back image in which the display row is shifted stepwise toward the scanning line direction of the raster scan,
Amusement stand. The image display control means controls to display the tilted back image according to the moving speed of the movable effector by the operation control means.
The game table according to claim 1. The image display control means is configured by a plurality of the back images obtained by dividing the tilted back image into a plurality of display rows,
The game table according to claim 1 or 2. The movable effect body is a door-type shutter that covers the front side of the image display device from the upper end to the lower end, and is configured to be movable from a retracted position not located on the front side of the image display device to a predetermined position on the front side. And
The operation control means controls the movement of the shutter;
The image display control unit is configured to change the tilted rear image between when the operation control unit moves the shutter from the retracted position to the predetermined position and when the shutter moves from the predetermined position to the retracted position. It is characterized by
The game table according to claim 1.