JP2011212279A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabling a game player to beautifully pick up an image that he/she desires by an image pickup device.SOLUTION: In each renewal of one frame of the game machine, a drawing frame buffer in a VRAM (Video RAM) 153 is changed to a display frame buffer. Upon an instruction to store a display screen by an operation of a performance button 35, when there is predetermined remaining time after a termination of drawing, image data stored in the drawing frame buffer or display frame buffer are stored in a screen-shot storage area 153s. Also, upon an instruction to display a stored screen by an operation of the performance button 35, a drawing circuit 2070 reads out the image data stored in the area 153s, so as to draw the retrieved image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an effect using a predetermined image, and more particularly to a gaming machine that can store and display an image desired by a player.

  In a conventional gaming machine, when a game ball wins a start winning opening provided on the game board, a special symbol display is started on a special symbol display device, and is stopped and displayed with a predetermined special symbol (big win symbol). And special game (big hit) control. In such special games, the big prize opening provided on the game board is opened so that the game ball can be easily won, and the prize ball corresponding to the game ball won in the big prize opening is paid out to the player. It has become.

  In addition, in order to improve the production, a predetermined character image is displayed on the production display device (liquid crystal display device 31) in accordance with the variation display of the special design in the special design display device, and a reach production, a notice production, etc. Execution is taking place.

In particular, in recent years, a predetermined image such as a premium image or a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on an effect display device is photographed using a photographing device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone. Here, since there is a time limit in the display period in which the predetermined image is displayed on the effect display device, a photo opportunity may be missed even if the player wants to shoot the predetermined image.
Therefore, before displaying the premium image, the decorative lamp built in the launching handle is flashed to notify that the premium image is displayed in advance (see Patent Document 1) or before displaying the premium image. There is known a gaming machine in which a signing period for image capturing is provided (see Patent Document 2) so as not to miss a photo opportunity.

JP 2009-291227 A JP 2007-252535 A

However, the image that the player wants to shoot can change according to each player's hobbies and preferences, and the player's manufacturer intends to shoot the image that the player wants to shoot. If it is not a premium image, you may miss a photo opportunity.
Furthermore, there may be no problem if the predetermined image is a still image, but if the predetermined image is a moving image, it must be taken while chasing the predetermined image via the viewfinder of the photographing device. The predetermined image may not be photographed beautifully due to camera shake or movement of the predetermined image.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of beautifully photographing an image desired by a player with a photographing device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image display device (liquid crystal display device 31) that displays an effect image used for an effect in a predetermined display area, and an image information storage that stores a plurality of pieces of image information for displaying the effect image. A storage area is specified and specified every time a means (CGROM 151 and / or expanded storage area 153b) and a predetermined switching condition is satisfied (every time a V blank interrupt signal indicating one frame is input and drawing is completed). The designated image storage means (frame buffer of the VRAM 153) for storing the image information in a predetermined storage area, and the storage area designated as the first storage area (drawing frame buffer) of the designated image storage means, Drawing control means (drawing circuit 2070) for drawing the effect image by storing the image information stored in the image information storage means, and the designation By generating a video signal from the image information stored in the storage area designated as the second storage area (display frame buffer) of the image storage means, and outputting the video signal to the image display device, Display control means (display circuit 2080) for displaying the effect image on the image display device, and whenever the predetermined switching condition is satisfied, the first storage area is designated as the second storage area, and A storage area designating means (host CPU 150a) for designating a second storage area as the first storage area, an operation detecting means (effect button detection switch 35a) for detecting a predetermined external operation, and the designated image storage means On the other hand, when a predetermined external operation is detected by the operation detection unit, a desired image storage unit (screenshot storage area 153s) that updates and stores the image information. And a storage instruction unit (data transfer circuit 2040) for storing the image information in the desired image storage unit, and the drawing control unit stores the image information in a first storage area after the predetermined switching condition is established. Time measuring means (host CPU 150a) for measuring the time until storage is completed, and time determining means (host CPU) for determining whether the time measured by the time measuring means is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. CPU 150a),
The storage instruction means detects the first external operation by the operation detection means, and when the time measurement means determines that the predetermined time is exceeded, the first storage area or the second storage The image information stored in the area is stored in the desired image storage means, and when the drawing control means detects a second external operation by the operation detection means, the image information stored in the desired image storage means Is stored in the first storage area.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image information displayed on the liquid crystal display device by the first external operation by the player can be stored in the desired image storage means (screenshot storage area 153s). And the image information memorize | stored in the desired image memory | storage means is drawn by 2nd external operation by a player, and the drawn image information is displayed after that.
Thus, an image desired by the player can be stored in the gaming machine, and an image stored by the player's operation can be displayed as appropriate. it can.
In particular, since the image desired by the player is stored in the desired image storage means in the extra drawing time, the processing load can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the drawing control unit detects a second external operation by the operation detection unit, the image stored in the desired image storage unit. After the information is stored in the first storage area, specific image information for displaying a specific effect image (frame image) is overwritten and stored in the first storage area.

  According to the present invention, an image desired by the player can be stored in the gaming machine, and the image stored by the player's operation can be displayed as appropriate, so that the image desired by the player can be clearly photographed by the photographing device. can do.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the glass frame opened. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the whole gaming machine. It is a block diagram of an image control board. It is explanatory drawing of the switching of the frame buffer in VRAM. It is an example of the structure figure of a control register. It is a figure which shows a big hit determination table and a hit determination table. It is a figure which shows a symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows the variation pattern determination table of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows the variation production pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the classification of the command transmitted to a production | presentation control board from a main control board. It is a figure which shows the main process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 1 in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 2 in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the main process in host CPU. It is a figure which shows the interruption process in host CPU. It is an example of an anime group and an anime pattern. It is a conceptual diagram of the display list at the normal time. It is a conceptual diagram of the display list for displaying the image data memorize | stored in the screen shot storage area during the big hit. It is a conceptual diagram of the display list for displaying the image data memorize | stored in the screen shot memory | storage area | region during demonstration production. It is a figure which shows the expansion | extension control processing in an expansion | extension circuit. It is a figure which shows the drawing control process in a drawing circuit. It is a figure which shows the display control process in a display circuit. It is explanatory drawing of the display screen in the big hit of a liquid crystal display device. It is a block diagram of the display screen during the big hit of the liquid crystal display device. It is explanatory drawing of the display screen in the demonstration effect of a liquid crystal display device. It is a block diagram of the display screen in the demonstration production of a liquid crystal display device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Composition of gaming machine)
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 with the glass frame of the present invention opened, and FIG. 3 is a rear side of one gaming machine 1. It is a perspective view.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which the game ball 200 flows down is formed. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by a pressing operation is provided.

  Further, the glass frame 50 is provided with a tray 40 for storing a plurality of game balls 200, and the tray 40 has a downward slope so that the game balls 200 flow down in the direction of the operation handle 3. (See FIG. 2). A receiving opening for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 40, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, so that the glass frame 50 One by one is sent to the ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface. Then, the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having a downward slope toward the launching member 4c. A stopper 43 for stopping and stopping the game ball is provided above the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42, and the game ball 200 sent out from the ball feed opening 41 has a downward slope of the launch rail 42. One game ball is stopped at the end (see FIG. 2).

  When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a provided inside the operation handle 3 detects that the operation handle 3 is in contact with the player, and the launch solenoid 4a Allow energization of. Further, when the player rotates the operation handle 3, the firing volume 3b composed of a variable resistor directly connected to the operation handle 3 is also rotated, and the voltage supplied to the firing control board 160 by the firing volume 3b is varied. .

  The launch control board 160 (see FIG. 4) energizes the launch solenoid 4a, which is a rotary solenoid, based on the voltage varied by the launch volume 3b. When the firing solenoid 4a is energized, the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a rotates, and the game ball 200 stored at the end of the firing rail 42 at the downward slope is launched by the launch member 4c. A game ball will be fired.

  When the game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5a and 5b from the launch rail 42 and exceeds the ball return prevention piece 5c, the game ball reaches the game area 6 and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12. Each of these general winning ports 12 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 12a. When the general winning port detecting switch 12a detects a winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, ten game balls) is provided. To be paid out.

  Further, in the area below the center of the game area 6, there are a first start port 14 and a second start port 15 that constitute a start area into which game balls can enter, and a second large area in which game balls can enter. A winning opening 17 is provided.

  The second starting port 15 has a pair of movable pieces 15b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state, and a second state in which the pair of movable pieces 15b are in an open state. The movable control is performed. When the second starting port 15 is controlled in the first mode, the winning member of the second large winning port 17 located immediately above the second starting port 15 becomes an obstacle, and the game ball Is impossible to accept. On the other hand, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and it is easy to win a game ball to the second start port 15. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased.

Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is provided with a second start port detection switch for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 15a is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entrance of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”) is performed. Is called. Also, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.
In the present embodiment, the start port detection switch 14a and the second start port detection switch 15a constitute a start region detecting means.

  In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2. Below the second big prize opening 17, there is a second big prize opening / closing door 17b that can be erected from the game board surface side to the glass plate 52 side. The second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is a game. Movement control is performed between an open state standing on the board surface side and a closed state buried in the game board surface. When the second grand prize opening opening / closing door 17b is erected on the game board surface, it functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, and the game ball enters the second big prize opening 17. It becomes possible. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a. When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

Furthermore, in the area on the right side of the game area 6, there are provided a normal symbol gate 13 constituting a normal area through which game balls can pass and a first grand prize opening 16 through which game balls can enter.
For this reason, if the operation ball 3 is not a game ball which has been greatly rotated and launched with a strong force, the normal design gate 13 and the first big winning opening 16 are configured so that the game ball does not pass or win. Yes. In particular, even if the short game state, which will be described later, is entered, if the game ball flows down to the left side of the game area 6, the game ball does not pass through the normal symbol gate 13, so that it is at the second start port 15. The pair of movable pieces 15b are not opened, and it is difficult for a game ball to win the second starting port 15.

The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, a “normal symbol lottery” described later is performed. .
In the present embodiment, the gate detection switch 13a constitutes a normal area detection unit.

The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray for guiding, and the game ball can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first grand prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 Game balls).
In the present embodiment, the first big prize opening 16 having the first big prize opening / closing door 16b and the second big prize opening 17 having the second big prize opening / closing door 17b constitute a special variable prize winning device. In the present embodiment, the special variable winning device and / or the starting variable winning device constitutes a variable winning device.

  Further, in the lowermost area of the game area 6 and the lowermost area of the game area 6, the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first major winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening. An out port 11 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports 17.

  In addition, a decoration member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided in the center of the game area 6. A liquid crystal display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the decorative member 7. Above the liquid crystal display device 31, an effect driving device 33 in the form of a belt is provided. Is provided.

The liquid crystal display device 31 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 36 for informing the jackpot lottery result, which will be described later, are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 36 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a jackpot lottery result. A big hit is announced.
More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 36 are scroll-displayed, and the scroll is stopped after a predetermined time, The effect design 36 is stopped and displayed. Further, by displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 36, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation according to the operation mode. The effect driving device 33 performs, for example, an operation in which the belt moves downward or a rotating member at the center of the belt rotates. Various operational feelings are given to the player depending on the operation mode of the effect driving device 33.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described various production devices, the audio output device 32 outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), etc., and produces productions using sound. The illumination direction and the emission color are changed to produce an effect by illumination.

  The effect button 35 is effective only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 35 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31. The effect button 35 is provided with an effect button detection switch 35a. When the effect button detection switch 35a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  In the lower right of the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, a normal A symbol hold indicator 25 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 is for notifying a lottery result obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 14, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. Like that. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  Here, the “successful lottery” means that when a game ball enters the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, a special symbol determining random number value is acquired, and the acquired special symbol determining random value is acquired. Is a random number value corresponding to “big hit” or a random number value corresponding to “small hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the first special symbol display device 20 displays a variation such as blinking of the special symbol, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, The special symbol corresponding to is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, “big hit” means that a right to win a big hit game is obtained in a big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 Say what you did. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. A predetermined time is set for the total opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second major prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed. In other words, the “big hit game” is that a game ball enters the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 and the player can acquire a prize ball according to the winning ball. It is a game that can earn.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Here, “normal symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random value corresponds to “winning”. This is a process for determining whether or not a random value. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not always notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, but the normal symbol display device 22 displays a variation such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit hold number is set to 4, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 Lights up. In addition, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 blinks and the right LED is lit, and when there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold. Two LEDs on the display 23 blink. The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.
The upper limit number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the number of reserved symbols is displayed in the normal symbol hold display in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

  The glass frame 50 supports a glass plate 52 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 52 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50.

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1). The end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 52, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 that detects whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back side of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

(Block diagram of the entire gaming machine)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the entire gaming machine 1 in FIG.

  The main control board 110 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and receives various detection signals from the first start port detection switch 14a, etc., and the first special symbol display device 20 and the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid. The game is controlled by driving 16c and the like.

  The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 110m including a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c, an input port for main control, and an output port (not shown).

  The main control input port includes a payout control board 130, a general winning port detection switch 12a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 12, and a game ball having entered the normal symbol gate 13. Gate detection switch 13a to detect, first start port detection switch 14a to detect that a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and second start to detect that a game ball has entered the second start port 15 The mouth detection switch 15a, the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a that detects that a game ball has entered the first grand prize opening 16, and the second that detects that a game ball has entered the second grand prize opening 17 A big prize opening detection switch 17a is connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 110 through the main control input port.

  The main control output port includes a payout control board 130, a start opening / closing solenoid 15c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 15b of the second start opening 15, and a first large winning opening opening / closing door 16b. A special winning opening / closing solenoid 16c, a second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c for operating the second winning opening / closing door 17b, a first special symbol display device 20 and a second special symbol display device 21 for displaying special symbols, and a normal symbol. A normal symbol display device 22 for displaying a symbol, a first special symbol hold indicator 23 and a second special symbol hold indicator 24 for displaying the number of reserved balls for a special symbol, and a normal symbol hold indicator for displaying the number of reserved balls for a normal symbol 25. A game information output terminal board 30 for outputting an external information signal is connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The main CPU 110a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board.

The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery (see FIG. 8), a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery (see FIG. 8), and a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol (see FIG. 9). A variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 10) for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol is stored in the main ROM 110b.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a and has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, in the main RAM 110c, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, the normal symbol hold storage area, the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area, the first special hold Design random number value storage area, second special symbol random number value storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of times released (K) storage area, number of winning games (C) storage area, game state storage area (high (Probability game flag storage area and short-time game flag storage area), high-probability game count (X) counter, short-time count (J) counter, game state buffer, stop symbol data storage region, effect transmission data storage region, special symbol time counter Various timer counters such as special game timer counters are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.
In the present embodiment, the main RAM 101c that stores the first special symbol random value storage area and the second special symbol random value storage area constitutes a holding storage means.

  The game information output terminal board 30 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 30 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply board 170 includes a backup power supply made of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 110. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 110a enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 110a enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and for example, a battery may be used, and a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. . The sub CPU 120a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110, or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 35a and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the above, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150. The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command indicating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the contents of the received fluctuation pattern designation command are analyzed, and the liquid crystal display device 31, the voice Data for causing the output device 32, the effect driving device 33, and the effect lighting device 34 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 36 to be stopped, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 120b. Has been. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub RAM 120c is provided with a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The payout control board 130 performs payout control of game balls. The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 132, the door opening switch 133, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110. Further, a payout motor 131 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from a game ball storage unit to a player is connected to the output side of the payout control board 130. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

  The lamp control board 140 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 34 provided on the game board 2 and controls the driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect driving device 33. The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 and performs the above-described controls based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120.

The image control board 150 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 31 and the audio output device 32, and based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120, image display control and audio output device in the liquid crystal display device 31. The sound output control at 32 is performed.
Detailed description of the image control board 150 will be described later with reference to the block diagram of the image control board of FIG.

  The launch control board 160 performs launch control of the game ball. The launch control board 160 has a touch sensor 3a and a launch volume 3b connected to the input side, and a launch solenoid 4a and a ball feed solenoid 4b connected to the output side. The firing control board 160 inputs a touch signal from the touch sensor 3a and performs control to energize the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 3b.

  The touch sensor 3a includes a capacitive proximity switch that uses a change in capacitance caused by the player touching the operation handle 3. When the touch sensor 3a detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a is fired. A touch signal that permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a is output to the control board 160 (see FIG. 4).

  The firing volume 3b is composed of a variable resistor, and a constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the firing volume 3b is divided by the variable resistor, and the divided voltage is supplied to the firing control board 160.

  The launching solenoid 4a is composed of a rotary solenoid, and a launching member 4c is directly connected to the launching solenoid 4a. When the launching solenoid 4a rotates, the game ball 200 is launched by the launching member 4c. Become.

  Here, the rotation speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, one game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The ball feed solenoid 4b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls in the tray 40 one by one toward the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a.

(Block diagram of image control board)
Next, image display control will be described using the block diagram of the image control board 150 in FIG.

  The image control board 150 includes a host CPU 150a, a host RAM 150b, a host ROM 150c, a CGROM 151, a crystal oscillator 152, a VRAM 153, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 2000, and a sound control circuit 3000 for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 31. ing.

Based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120, the host CPU 150a instructs the liquid crystal display device 31 (LCD) to display the image data stored in the CGROM 151 in the VDP 2000. Such an instruction is performed by setting data in the control register 2010 in the VDP 2000 and outputting a display list including drawing control command groups.
Further, when receiving a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 2000, the host CPU 150a appropriately performs an interrupt process.

  Furthermore, the host CPU 150a also instructs the audio control circuit 3000 to output predetermined audio data to the audio output device 32 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.

  The host RAM 150b is built in the host CPU 150a, functions as a data work area when the host CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the host ROM 150c.

The host ROM 150c is composed of a mask ROM, a control processing program for the host CPU 150a, a display list generation program for generating a display list, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern, animation scene information, and the like. Is stored (see FIG. 24).
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. The animation scene information stores information such as weight frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. is doing.

The CGROM 151 includes a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like. The CGROM 151 compresses and stores image data (sprite, movie) or the like including a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels). ing. The pixel information is composed of color number information for designating a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image.
Further, the CGROM 151 also stores palette data in which color number information for designating color numbers and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other without being compressed.
Note that the CGROM 151 may have a configuration in which only a part of the image data is compressed without being compressed. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal to the VDP 2000 (clock generation circuit 2050), and divides the pulse signal, thereby the system clock for the VDP 2000 to control in the clock generation circuit 2050, the liquid crystal display device 31 ( A synchronization signal for synchronizing with the LCD) is generated.

The VRAM 153 is composed of an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed.
The VRAM 153 also has a display list storage area 153a for temporarily storing a display list output from the host CPU 150a, a decompression storage area 153b for storing image data decompressed by the decompression circuit 2060, and an image drawn or displayed. The first frame buffer 153c and the second frame buffer 153d for performing the operation and the screen shot storage area 153s for storing the image data desired by the player are designated. Further, palette data is also stored in the VRAM 153.

(Switch frame buffer)
As shown in FIG. 6, the two frame buffers in the VRAM 153 are alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” every time drawing is started.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a frame that becomes a “display frame buffer” at the start of drawing (every time a V blank interrupt signal indicating one frame is input and drawing ends). Specify a buffer. By designating this “display frame buffer”, a frame buffer that eventually becomes a “drawing frame buffer” is also designated. The designation of “display frame buffer” is set in a control register described later (see FIG. 7).
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, in each frame buffer, the frame buffer is designated in the order of “drawing frame buffer” → “display frame buffer” → “drawing frame buffer” →. Will be.
The description returns to the block diagram of the image control board 150 in FIG. 6 again.

  The VDP 2000 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (display frame buffer) based on an instruction from the host CPU 150a, and outputs a video signal (RGB signal or the like) based on the read image data. Is generated and output to the liquid crystal display device.

  The VDP 2000 includes a control register 2010, a CG bus I / F 2020, a CPU I / F 2030, a clock generation circuit 2050, a decompression circuit 2060, a drawing circuit 2070, a display circuit 2080, and a memory controller 2090. ing.

The control register 2010 is a register for the VDP 2000 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register 2010. The host CPU 150a can write and read data to and from the control register 2010 via the CPU I / F 2030.
The control register 2010 includes a system control register that performs basic settings necessary for VDP operation, a data transfer register that performs settings necessary for data transfer, and a drawing that performs settings for controlling drawing. A register, a bus interface register for making settings necessary for bus access, a decompression register for making settings necessary for decompressing a compressed image, a display register for making settings for controlling display, and six types It has a register.
The configuration of the control register 2010 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The CG bus I / F 2020 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 151, and image data from the CGROM 151 is input to the VDP 2000 via the CG bus I / F 2020.
The CPU I / F 2030 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 150a. The CPU I / F 2030 outputs a display list to the VDP 2000, accesses a control register, and performs various allocations from the VDP 2000 via the CPU I / F 2030. The host CPU 150a inputs an error signal.

The data transfer circuit 2040 performs data transfer between various devices.
Specifically, data transfer between the host CPU 150a and the VRAM 153, data transfer between the CGROM 151 and the VRAM 153, and data transfer between various storage areas (including the frame buffer) of the VRAM 153 are performed.

  The clock generation circuit 2050 receives a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 152 and generates a system clock that determines the operation processing speed of the VDP2000. Also, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the liquid crystal display device via the display circuit.

  The decompression circuit 2060 is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed by the CGROM 151, and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded storage area 153b.

  The drawing circuit 2070 is a circuit that performs sequence control based on a display list including drawing control command groups.

The display circuit 2080 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating image color data as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) stored in the “display frame buffer” in the VRAM 153, and the generated video signal ( (RGB signal) is output to the liquid crystal display device 31 (LCD). Further, the display circuit 2080 also outputs a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the liquid crystal display device 31 (LCD) to the liquid crystal display device 31.
In the present embodiment, an RGB signal obtained by converting a digital signal into an analog signal is output as a video signal to a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the video signal may be output as the digital signal.

  The memory controller 2090 performs control to switch between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when the host CPU 150a is instructed to switch the frame buffer.

  The sound control circuit 3000 includes an audio ROM that stores a large number of audio data. The sound control circuit reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, and an audio output device. The sound output control at 32 is performed.

(Structure of control register in VDP2000)
Here, the configuration of the control register 2010 provided in the VDP 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a structural diagram showing extracted representative data of the control register 2010 in the VDP2000.

  As described above, the control register 2010 includes six types of registers: a system control register, a data transfer register, a drawing register, a bus interface register, an expansion register, and a display register. It is the structure figure which extracted and showed the typical data of the register | resistor, the expansion | extension register | resistor, and the display register.

FIG. 7A is a structural diagram in which the 0th to 1st bits of the system control register are extracted. The 0th bit of the system control register is data instructing to output a V blank interrupt signal, and the 1st bit of the system control register is data instructing to output a drawing end interrupt signal. The 0th to 1st bits of these system control registers correspond to “interrupt registers”.
Specifically, the clock generation circuit 2050 generates a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms), and system control is performed every time the V blank interrupt signal is generated. 1 is set to 0 bit of the register. Further, when the drawing is completed, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 1 to the first bit of the system control register.
When 1 is set in these “interrupt registers”, the CPU I / F 2030 outputs a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 150a. The CPU I / F 2030 sets 0 to corresponding bits of various interrupt registers after outputting various interrupt signals.

FIG. 7B is a structural diagram in which the 0th bit of the drawing register is extracted. The 0th bit of the drawing register is data that instructs the drawing circuit 2070 to start drawing.
Specifically, the host CPU 150 a sets 1 to the 0 bit of the drawing register via the CPU I / F 2030 and instructs the drawing circuit 2070 to start drawing. When drawing starts, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 0 to the 0 bit of the drawing register.

FIG. 7C is a structural diagram in which the 0th to 1st bits of the expansion register are extracted. The 0th bit of the expansion register is data instructing the expansion circuit 2060 to start expansion of the compressed image. The first bit of the decompression register is data indicating the decompression execution state of the decompression circuit 2060.
Specifically, the drawing circuit 2070 analyzes the display list output from the host CPU 150a. If the image data to be used does not exist in the expanded storage area 153b of the VRAM 153, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 1 to the 0 bit of the expansion register, The decompression circuit 2060 is instructed to start decompressing image data to be used and store it in the expanded storage area 153b. When the decompression circuit 2060 starts decompression, it sets 0 to the 0 bit of the decompression register.
The decompression circuit 2060 sets 1 to the 1-bit of the decompression register while decompression is being performed, and sets 0 to the 1-bit of the decompression register when the decompression of the compressed image is completed.

FIG. 7D is a structural diagram in which the 0th to 1st bits of the display register are extracted. The 0 bit of the display register is data for instructing the display circuit 2080 to output a video signal, and the 1 bit of the display register is data for specifying the frame buffer of the VRAM 153.
Specifically, the host CPU 150a instructs the display circuit 2080 to create and output a video signal by setting 1 to the 0 bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030 when the power is turned on. As a result, the display circuit 2080 generates a video signal based on the designated image data in the “display frame buffer” and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal display device 31.
If the drawing is finished when the V blank interrupt signal is input, the host CPU 150a adds 1 to the first bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030, and displays “display” on the memory controller 2090. An instruction to switch between “frame buffer” and “drawing frame buffer” is given. That is, every time drawing ends, 1 is added to the 1st bit of the display register, so that “0 → 1 → 0 → 1 →...” Is switched.

  The structure diagram of the register shown in FIG. 7 is merely a representative data extracted from the control register 2010, and it goes without saying that more detailed data exists.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 110b will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Big hit judgment table)
FIG. 8A-1 and FIG. 8A-2 are diagrams showing a jackpot determination table used for the “hit lottery”. FIG. 8A-1 is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. 8A-2 is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 21. is there. In the table of FIG. 8A-1 and FIG. 8A-2, although the winning probability of the small hit is different, the jackpot probability is the same.

Specifically, the big hit determination table is used to determine whether “big hit”, “small hit”, or “losing” based on the probable gaming state and the acquired random number for determining a special symbol.
For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 8 (a-1), in the low probability gaming state, two special symbol determination disturbances “7” and “8”. The number is determined to be a big hit. On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, 20 special symbol determination random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be big hits.
Further, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 8 (a-1), the random number value for special symbol determination is obtained in the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state. In the case of four special symbol determination random numbers “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the low probability gaming state is 1 / 299.5, and in the high probability gaming state, the big hit The probability to be determined is 10 times up to 1 / 29.9. In the first special symbol display device, the probability of being determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 regardless of whether the game state is a low probability game state or a high probability game state.

(Winning judgment table)
FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a hit determination table used for “ordinary symbol lottery”.
Specifically, the winning determination table is for determining “winning” or “losing” based on the gaming state and the acquired random number for normal symbol determination.
For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 8B, it is determined that one normal symbol determination random number value of “0” is a win when in the non-time saving gaming state. On the other hand, when in the short-time gaming state, it is determined that 65535 normal symbol determining random numbers from “0” to “65534” are hit. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the normal symbol determination random number value is 0 to 65535, the probability of being determined to be hit in the non-short-time gaming state is 1/65536, and the probability of being determined to be winning in the time-short gaming state is 65535/65536 = 1 / 1.00002.

(Design determination table)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 9A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big win, and FIG. 9B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at a small hit. 9 (c) is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol in case of loss.

Specifically, according to the symbol determination table, when the game ball enters the special symbol display device (the type of the start port from which the game ball has won) and the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 The type of special symbol (stop symbol data) is determined on the basis of the random number value for jackpot symbol or the random number value for jackpot symbol acquired in step (b).
For example, in the first special symbol display device, when the jackpot, the jackpot symbol random number value is referred to, and if the jackpot symbol random number value is “55”, the stop symbol data is “03” (special symbol 3 (first symbol Determine 2)) per probability variation. Further, in the first special symbol display device, the random number value for the small hit symbol is referred to for the small hit, and if the random symbol value for the small hit symbol is “50”, the stop symbol data is “08” (the special symbol B). (Small hit B)). Further, in the case of a loss, “00” (special symbol 0 (lost)) is determined as stop symbol data without referring to any random value.

  Then, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, an effect designating command is generated as special symbol information based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data). Here, the effect designating command is composed of 2-byte data, and 1-byte MODE data for identifying the control command classification and 1-byte DATA indicating the contents of the control command to be executed. It consists of data. The same applies to various commands.

  As will be described later, the gaming state and jackpot after the jackpot is determined by the special symbol type (stop symbol data), so the special symbol type determines the gaming state and jackpot after the jackpot. It can be said that.

(Special symbol variation pattern determination table)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols as will be described later.

  Specifically, according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, the special symbol display device that operates (the type of the starting opening that the game ball won), the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to stop, and the short-time gaming state Based on the presence / absence, the number of special symbol reservations, the reach determination random number value, and the special symbol variation random value, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Based on the determined special symbol variation pattern, the special symbol variation time is determined, and a special symbol variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 120 is generated. Therefore, it can be said that the “special symbol variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the special symbol variation time. In addition, since a reach is always performed when a big hit or a small hit, the reach determination random number value is not referred to when a big hit or a small win. In addition, the random number range for reach determination and the random number value for special figure variation are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).

  Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is composed of 1-byte MODE data for identifying the command classification and 1-byte DATA data indicating the content (function) of the command. When the MODE data is “E6H”, a special symbol variation pattern designation command (of the first special symbol display device 20) corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first start port 14 is shown. "E7H" indicates a special symbol variation pattern designation command (of the second special symbol display device 21) corresponding to the winning of a game ball in the second starting port 15.

  Further, as a feature of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, when the jackpot determination result is lost, the special symbol variation time is set to be short when the game is in the short-time gaming state. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is 2, if the game is in the short-time game state, the variation pattern 9 (shortened variation) with a variation time of 3000 ms with a probability of 95% based on the reach determination random value However, if it is a non-time-saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds 3000 ms is determined. In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the sub ROM 120b will be described with reference to FIG.

(Variation production pattern determination table)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for determining the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 in the liquid crystal display device 31 or the like.

The sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1 received from the main control board 110. Here, even if the variation pattern designation command has the same special symbol, since the different variation representation pattern can be determined based on the random number for production 1, the number of variation pattern designation commands for the special symbol is reduced. Thus, the storage capacity of the main control board 110 is reduced.
The “variation effect pattern” refers to a specific effect mode in effect means (liquid crystal display device 31, audio output device 32, effect drive device 33, effect illumination device 34) performed during the change of the special symbol. Say. For example, in the liquid crystal display device 31, the display mode of the background, the display mode of the character, and the variation mode of the production symbol 36 displayed by the variation production pattern are determined. In addition, “reach” in the present embodiment refers to a state in which a part of the combination of the effect symbols 36 informing that the transition to the special game is stopped and the other effect symbols 36 are performing the variable display. . For example, when the combination of the three-digit effect symbol 36 of “777” is set as the combination of the effect symbols 36 for informing that the game will shift to the jackpot game, the two effect symbols 36 are stopped and displayed at “7”. The state where the remaining effect symbols 36 are performing variable display.

When the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern, the sub CPU 120a transmits an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation effect pattern to the host CPU 150a of the image control board 150.
Specifically, the production pattern designation command is composed of 2 bytes of data for 1 command, 1 byte of MODE data for identifying the control command classification, and 1 byte indicating the contents of the control command to be executed. Data. Further, as the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the change effect pattern, “MODE” is set to “A1H” in the case of the change effect pattern based on the change pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, and the second special When the variation effect pattern is based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the symbol display device 21, “MODE” is set as “B1H”, and “DATA” is set according to the identification number of the variation effect pattern.

  Although illustration is omitted, in addition to the effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the variable effect pattern, the MODE setting value is changed, and “effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the demo effect pattern (MODE = 01H)”, "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit start effect pattern (MODE = 0H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to jackpot effect pattern (MODE = 03H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit end effect pattern ( Various effect pattern designation commands such as “MODE = 04H)” are transmitted to the image control board 150.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In this embodiment, there are “low probability gaming state” and “high probability gaming state” as the states related to the jackpot lottery, and “non-short-time gaming state” is the state relating to the pair of movable pieces 15b that the second starting port 15 has. And “short-time gaming state”. The state relating to the jackpot lottery (low probability gaming state, high probability gaming state) and the state relating to the pair of movable pieces 15b (non-short-time gaming state, short-time gaming state) can be associated with each other and are independent. You can also. In other words,
(1) “Low probability gaming state” and “Time saving gaming state”
(2) “Low probability gaming state” and “non-temporary gaming state”
(3) “High probability gaming state” and “short time gaming state”
(4) It is possible to provide a “high probability gaming state” and a “non-temporary gaming state”.
Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a “low probability gaming state” and is set to a “non-short-time gaming state”. Is referred to as a “normal gaming state”.

In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, the winning probability of the jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.95. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to win a jackpot than in the “low probability gaming state”. Note that a high-probability game flag, which will be described later, is set in this high-probability game state, and the high-probability game flag is off in the low-probability game state.
Further, the low probability gaming state is changed to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot game described later is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the “non-short game state” means that, in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13, the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is 29 seconds. And a game state in which the opening control time of the second start port 15 is set to be as short as 0.2 seconds. In other words, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol is drawn and the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. Stop display later. If the lottery result is a win, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for about 0.2 seconds after the normal symbol stop display.

On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that the normal symbol variation time corresponding to the lottery result is 3 seconds in the normal symbol lottery performed on condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13. , A game that is set shorter than the “non-short game state”, and the opening control time of the second start port 15 when winning in the win is 3.5 seconds, which is set longer than the “non-short game state” State. Furthermore, in the “non-short-time gaming state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1/65536, and in the “short-time gaming state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 65535/65536. Is set. At this time, the short-time game flag, which will be described later, is set in the short-time game state, and the short-time game flag is off in the non-short-time game state.
Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the second starting port 15 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball.
In addition, since the normal symbol gate 13 is provided in the area on the right side of the game area 6, in the “short-time game state”, the operation handle 3 is greatly rotated, and the game ball is launched with a strong launch strength. Is configured to do.
Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “time-short gaming state”.

(Description of jackpot type)
In the present embodiment, there are two types of “big hits”: “long win” that opens the first big winning opening 16 with a long opening time and “short hit” that opens the second big winning opening 17 with a short opening time. One kind of “small hit” is provided. In the present embodiment, the “big hit” and the “small win” are collectively referred to as “special game”.

In the present embodiment, “long win” means that a big win is won in a lottery lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 and corresponds to a long hit. A game executed when a special symbol is determined.
In “long winning”, the round game in which the first grand prize winning opening 16 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The maximum opening time of the first grand prize opening 16 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds, and if a prescribed number (9) of game balls enter the first big prize opening 16 during this period, Rounds of games are over. In other words, “long win” is a special game that allows a player to acquire a large number of prize balls because a game ball enters the first grand prize opening 16 and a player can acquire a prize ball corresponding to the winning ball. is there. In addition, since the first grand prize winning opening 16 is provided in the area on the right side of the game area 6, when it is “long hit”, the operation handle 3 is greatly rotated to launch the game ball with a strong launch intensity. Are configured to play games.

In this embodiment, “short win” means winning a big hit in the big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 and corresponding to the short win A game executed when a special symbol is determined.
In the “short win”, a round game in which the second grand prize winning opening 17 is opened is performed a total of 15 times. The maximum opening time of the second grand prize opening 17 in each round game is set to a maximum of 0.052 seconds, which is shorter than the firing time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is launched. Yes. During this time, if a specified number (9) of game balls enter the second grand prize opening 17, one round game is completed, but the opening time of the second big prize opening 17 is extremely short as described above. , Game balls rarely enter. That is, “short win” is a special game in which it is difficult to obtain a prize ball unlike “long win”.

In the present embodiment, “small hit” means that the right to play a small hit game is obtained in the big win lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 A game that is executed in the event of a game.
In the “small win”, the second big prize winning opening 17 is opened 15 times as in the “short win”. At this time, the opening time, opening / closing timing, and opening / closing mode of the second grand prize winning port 17 are the same as the above “short win”, or the player cannot distinguish between “small win” and “short win” or difficult. It is set to approximate to some extent.

  Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 will be described using a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 110a, and the main CPU 110a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 110a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b and initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 110c in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol.

  In step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 110 will be described using FIG.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 110a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 110a updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal power release time counter. A time control process for updating various timer counters is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, and a general electricity open time counter is performed.

In step S120, the main CPU 110a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value.
Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are updated by adding +1. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (when the random number counter makes one revolution), the random number counter is returned to 0, and each random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. .

  In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Perform numerical value update processing.

In step S200, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 110a includes a general prize opening detection switch 12a, a first big prize opening detection switch 16a, a second big prize opening detection switch 17a, a first start opening detection switch 14a, a second start opening detection switch 15a, a gate. An input process for determining whether or not there is an input to each switch of the detection switch 13a is performed.

  Specifically, various detection signals from the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first big winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Is inputted, predetermined data is added to the prize ball counter used for the prize ball provided for each prize opening and updated.

  Furthermore, when a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, if the data set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is less than 4, the first special symbol hold number ( U1) Add 1 to the storage area to obtain special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit symbol random number value, reach determination random value, and special symbol variation random value The random number value is stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the first special symbol random value storage area.

  Similarly, when a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a, if the data set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area is less than 4, the second special symbol hold number (U2) 1 is added to the storage area, and a special symbol determination random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, a small hit symbol random number value, a reach determination random number value, and a special symbol variation random value are acquired. Various random numbers are stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the second special symbol random number value storage area.

  When a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, if the data set in the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is less than 4, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is set to 1. It adds, acquires the random number value for normal symbol determination, and memorize | stores the acquired random number value for normal symbol determination in the predetermined memory | storage part (0th memory | storage part-4th memory | storage part) in a normal symbol holding | maintenance storage area.

  Further, when a detection signal is input from the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, the number of game balls won in the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is counted. 1 is added to the number of entries (C) storage area for the big winning opening to update.

  In step S300, the main CPU 110a performs a special drawing special electric control process for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not one or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and one or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power transmission control process is terminated.
If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.
Then, referring to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 8B, whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win”. Processing to determine is performed. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.
Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

In step S500, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process.
In this payout control process, the main CPU 110a refers to each prize ball counter, generates payout number designation commands corresponding to various winning ports, and transmits the generated payout number designation commands to the payout control board 130. To do.

  In step S600, the main CPU 110a, external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, the number of memories Performs data creation for the specified command.

In step S700, the main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, the first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600.
Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed.
Further, command transmission processing for transmitting the command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control board 120 is also performed. The types of commands transmitted to the effect control board 120 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S800, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 110a.

(Special figure special electric control processing of main control board)
The special figure special power control processing of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S301, the value of the special figure special electricity processing data is loaded, the branch address is referred to from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S302, and if the special figure special electric treatment data = 0, the special symbol memory determination process (step The process proceeds to S310). If the special symbol special power processing data = 1, the process proceeds to the special symbol variation processing (step S320). If the special symbol special power processing data = 2, the special symbol stop processing (step S330) is performed. If special figure special electric processing data = 3, the process moves to jackpot game processing (step S340), and if special figure special electric processing data = 4, the process moves to big hit game end processing (step S350). If special electric processing data = 5, the process moves to the small hit game ending process (step S360).
This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing as will be described later, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed. .

  In the special symbol memory determination process in step S310, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining a jackpot and determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed. Here, the specific content of the special symbol memory determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Special symbol memory judgment processing of the main control board)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 110.

First, in step S311, the main CPU 110a determines whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area.
If one or more data is not set in any storage area of the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the special figure special electricity processing data = 0. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while holding.
On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the process proceeds to step S312.

In step S312, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process.
Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After the subtraction, the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 8 (a-2), the random number for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random number storage area corresponds to “big hit”. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.
In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 8 (a-1), the random number value for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number storage area corresponds to “big hit”. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.

In step S313, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed.
In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (step S312), the first special symbol random value storage area is referred to with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. The jackpot symbol (special symbol 1 to special symbol 6) is determined based on the random number value for the jackpot symbol stored in the 0th storage unit. Further, when it is determined as “small hit” in the big hit determination process (step S312), the 0th memory of the first special symbol random value storage area is referred to with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 9B. The small hit symbol (special symbol A, special symbol B) is determined based on the random number value for the small bonus symbol stored in the section. If it is determined that the game has been “lost” in the big hit determination process (step S312), the lost symbol (special symbol 0) is determined with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 9C.
Then, stop symbol data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage area.

In step S314, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing.
Specifically, referring to the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, based on the reach determination random number value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area. Determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed.

  In step S315, the main CPU 110a sets, in a predetermined processing area, variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform special symbol variation display (LED blinking). . As a result, when the variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, the LED lighting / extinguishing data is appropriately created in step S600, and the created data is output in step S700. Variation display of the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.

In step S316, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special electricity processing data = 0 to the special symbol special electric treatment data = 1, prepares to move to the special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.
In the present embodiment, the main CPU 110a that performs jackpot determination processing constitutes special game determination means.

Again, the description of the special figure special electric control process shown in FIG. 14 will be returned.
In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S314 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0), and if it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed, The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while maintaining the special electric processing data = 1. Note that the special symbol variation time counter set in step S314 is subtracted in step S110.
If it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol determined in step S313 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Thereby, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.
Also, when the number of time reduction (J)> 0, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction (J) counter and updated. When the number of time reduction (J) = 0, the time reduction game flag is cleared and the number of high probability games (X )> 0 is updated by subtracting 1 from the high probability game number (X) counter, and if the high probability game number (X) = 0, the high probability game flag is cleared.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2, preparation is made to move to a special symbol stop processing subroutine, and the special symbol variation processing is terminated.

In the special symbol stop process in step S330, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a “big hit symbol”, a “small bonus symbol”, or a “losing symbol”. Do.
If the jackpot symbol is determined, the data stored in the game state storage area is referred to and data (00H to 03H) indicating the current game state is set in the game state buffer. Clears the data stored in the state storage area. Further, after that, the special figure special processing data = 2 is set to the special figure special electric processing data = 3, preparation is made to move to the jackpot game processing subroutine, and the special symbol stop processing is ended.
In addition, when it is determined that the small winning symbol, the data stored in the game state storage area is not cleared, and the special figure special electric processing data = 2 to the special figure special electric treatment data = 5 is set. The special symbol stop process is completed by making preparations for transferring to a winning game process subroutine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is a lost symbol, the special symbol special electric processing data = 2 is set to special special electric symbol processing data = 0, and the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is prepared for the special symbol stop processing. finish.

In the jackpot game process of step S340, the main CPU 110a determines which jackpot of the long hit or short hit is executed, and performs a process of controlling the determined jackpot.
Specifically, the jackpot release mode is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313.
Next, in order to execute the determined jackpot opening mode, an opening time corresponding to the type of jackpot is set in the special game timer counter, and the first big winning opening opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big winning opening opening / closing solenoid) is set. 17c) is output to open the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b). At this time, 1 is added to the round game count (R) storage area.
When a predetermined number of game balls enter during the opening or when the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed (the number of the big prize opening (C) = 9 or the special game timer counter = 0), The output of the drive data of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is stopped, and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.
When the 15 round games are completed (round game count (R) = 15), the data stored in the round game count (R) storage area and the number of winning prize entrance (C) storage areas are cleared, The special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, preparation is made to move to the big hit game end processing subroutine, and the big hit game processing is ended.
In the present embodiment, the main CPU 110a that performs the jackpot game process shown in step S340 constitutes a special game control means.

In the big hit game ending process in step S350, the main CPU 110a determines either the high probability game state or the low probability game state, and the game state of either the short-time game state or the non-short-time game state. Perform the decision process.
Specifically, based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313, the setting of the high probability game flag, the setting of the high probability game number (X), the setting of the short-time game flag, the short-time number of times Set (J).
After that, the special symbol special power processing data = 4 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, and preparation for moving to the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is made, and the big hit game end processing is ended.

In the small hit game processing in step S360, the main CPU 110a determines the small hit release mode based on the type of small hit symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313.
Next, in order to execute the determined small hit opening mode, the small hit opening time is set in the special game timer counter, and the driving data of the second big winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is output to output the second big winning prize. The mouth opening / closing door 17b is opened. At this time, 1 is added to the number-of-releases (K) storage area.
When the small winning opening time elapses (special game timer counter = 0), the drive data output of the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped and the second big prize opening / closing door 17b is closed. The opening / closing control of the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is repeated 15 times.
Then, the opening / closing control of the second grand prize opening / closing door 17b is performed 15 times, or a predetermined number of game balls enter the second big prize opening 17 (the number of times of opening (K) = 15 or the grand prize opening entrance) Number (C) = 9), in order to end the small hit game, the output of the drive data of the second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped, the number of times of opening (K) storage area and the number of winning winning holes (C) Clear the data stored in the storage area, set special figure special electricity processing data = 5 to special figure special electricity treatment data = 0, and prepare to move to a special symbol memory judgment processing subroutine. The winning game process is terminated.

(Command explanation)
The types of commands transmitted from the main control board 110 to which the description is partially omitted in the flowchart of the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The command transmitted from the main control board 110 to the production control board 120 is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE information for identifying the control command classification and the control command to be executed. And 1-byte DATA information indicating the contents of.

The “designation designating command” indicates the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed, “MODE” is set as “E0H”, and DATA information is set according to the type of the special symbol. Since the special symbol type determines the jackpot type and the high probability gaming state as a result, it can be said that the effect symbol designation command indicates the jackpot type and the gaming state.
In the effect symbol designation command, when various special symbols are determined and the variation display of the special symbol is started, an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when various special symbols are determined in step S313, and the special symbol variation display is started in step S315, the effect symbol designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol is the effect of the main RAM 110c. Set in the transmission data storage area. Thereafter, the effect designating command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “first special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E1H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.
This first special symbol memory designation command is effect-controlled by the first special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when 1 is subtracted from the value stored in the first special symbol reserved number (U1) storage area in step S312, the first special symbol corresponding to the reserved stored number after the subtraction is performed. A storage designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “second special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E2H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.
This second special symbol memory designation command is directed by the second special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when 1 is subtracted from the value stored in the second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area in step S312, the second special symbol corresponding to the reserved memory number after the subtraction. A storage designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol memory designation command” and the “second special symbol memory designation command” are collectively referred to as “special symbol memory designation command”.

The “design determination command” indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, “MODE” is set to “E3H”, and “DATA” is set to “00H”.
This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed. Specifically, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 in step S320, the symbol confirmation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. The Thereafter, the symbol confirmation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “power-on designation command” indicates that the gaming machine 1 is powered on, “MODE” is set to “E4H”, and “DATA” is set to “00H”.
This power-on specification command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. Specifically, when the gaming machine is turned on in step S10, a power-on designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Then, immediately after the power-on designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “RAM clear designation command” indicates that the information stored in the main RAM 110c has been cleared, “MODE” is set to “E4H”, and “DATA” is set to “01H”.
Here, a RAM clear button (not shown) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and when the gaming machine 1 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button, the information stored in the main RAM 110c in step S10 is stored. Cleared.
The RAM clear designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button. Specifically, when the gaming machine is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button in step S10, a RAM clear designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the RAM clear designation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “demonstration designation command” indicates that the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is not operating, “MODE” is set to “E5H”, and “DATA” is set to “ 00H ".
This demonstration designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 does not hold the special symbol. Specifically, when one or more pieces of data are not set in either the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area in step S311. The demonstration designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the demonstration designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “first special symbol variation pattern designation command” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, “MODE” is set to “E6H”, and various variations DATA information is set according to the pattern.
The first special symbol variation pattern designation command is a first special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the first special symbol display device 20 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in step S314 and the variation display of the special symbol is started in step S315, the first special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is started. The variation pattern designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “variable pattern designation command for the second special symbol” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21, and “MODE” is set to “E7H”, and various variations DATA information is set according to the pattern.
The second special symbol variation pattern designation command is a second special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the second special symbol display device 21 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120.
Specifically, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in step S314 and when the variation display of the special symbol is started in step S315, the second special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is started. The variation pattern designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol variation pattern designation command” and the “second special symbol variation pattern designation command” are collectively referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”.

The “Big Winner Opening Specification Command” indicates the number of jackpot rounds according to the various jackpot types, “MODE” is set as “EAH”, and DATA information is set according to the number of jackpot rounds Has been.
With regard to the special winning opening opening designation command, when the big hit round is started, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the started round number is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b) is opened in step S340, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the number of rounds to be opened is issued. It is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, in step S700, the prize winning opening release command set in the effect transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “opening designation command” indicates that various jackpots start, “MODE” is set as “EBH”, and DATA information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for the opening designation command, when various jackpots start, an opening designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game processing in step S340, an opening designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. After that, the opening designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “ending designation command” indicates that various jackpots have ended, “MODE” is set as “ECH”, and DATA information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for the ending designation command, when various jackpots are completed, the ending designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game end process in step S350, an ending designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the ending designation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “gaming state designation command” indicates whether it is a short-time gaming state or a non-short-time gaming state, and “MODE” is set to “EEH”. “00H” is set, and “DATA” is set to “01H” in the time saving gaming state.
The gaming state designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol variation display is started and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed, corresponding to the gaming state. Specifically, when the variation display of the special symbol is started in the step S315, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 in the step S320, A game state designation command corresponding to the current game state is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the gaming state designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

  Next, processing executed by the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 will be described.

(Production control board main processing)
The main process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1000, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 120b and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 120c in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1400.

  In step S1100, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of updating random numbers stored in the sub RAM 120c (such as effect random number value 1, effect design determining random value, effect mode determining random value). Thereafter, the process of step S1100 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of production control board)
The timer interrupt process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and the timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, in step S1400, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a to the stack area.

  In step S1500, the sub CPU 120a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 120.

  In step S1600, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S1600.

  In step S1700, the sub CPU 120a checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 35a, and performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 35. A specific description of this effect input control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1800, the sub CPU 120a performs data output processing for transmitting various commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150.

  In step S1900, the sub CPU 120a restores the information saved in step S1810 to the register of the sub CPU 120a.

(Command analysis processing of production control board)
The command analysis processing of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The command analysis process 2 in FIG. 20 is performed subsequent to the command analysis process 1 in FIG.

In step S1601, the sub CPU 120a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command has been received.
If there is no command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process, and if there is a command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1610.

In step S1610, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1611, and if not the demo designation command, moves the process to step S1620.

In step S1611, the sub CPU 120a performs a demo effect pattern determination process for determining a demo effect pattern.
Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. An effect pattern designation command based on the demo effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

In step S1620, sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1621, and if it is not a special symbol storage designation command, moves the process to step S1630.

  In step S1621, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the reserved ball number from the special symbol memory designation command and transmits the analyzed reserved ball number data to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. The designated command is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1630, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1631, and moves to step S1640 if it is not an effect designating command.

In step S1631, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 36 to be stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command.
Specifically, the effect designating command is analyzed, the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 36 is determined according to the presence / absence of jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect symbol data is stored in the effect symbol storage area In addition, in order to transmit the effect symbol data to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, a stop symbol designation command indicating the effect symbol data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

  In step S1632, the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the effect mode determination random value updated in step 1100, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command, An effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed. Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

In step S1640, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1641 and moves the process to step S1650 if it is not the variation pattern designation command.

In step S1641, the sub CPU 120a obtains one random value from the effect random number 1 updated in step 1100, and stores the obtained effect random number 1, the received variation pattern designation command, and the effect mode storage area. Based on the set effect mode, a change effect pattern determination process is performed for determining one change effect pattern from a plurality of change effect patterns.
Specifically, in the case of the normal effect mode, the variable effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 11 is referred to, one variable effect pattern is determined based on the extracted random number for effect 1, and the determined variable effect pattern is selected. An effect pattern designation command based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c in order to transmit the determined variation effect pattern information to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 while being set in the effect pattern storage area. To do. For example, when “E6H01H” is received as the variation pattern designation command, the variation effect pattern 1 is determined if the extracted effect random number value 1 is “0 to 49”, and the extracted effect random number value is “50 to 99”. ”, The variation effect pattern 2 is determined, and the determined variation effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area. Further, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.
Thereafter, based on the effect pattern, the liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive device 33, and the effect illumination device 34 are controlled. Note that the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

In step S1650, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol confirmation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1651, and moves to step S1660 if the command is not the symbol confirmation command.

  In step S1651, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect symbol stop display process in which a stop designation command for stopping the effect symbol is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c in order to stop the effect symbol 36.

In step S1660, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1661, and moves to step S1670 if the command is not a gaming state designation command.

  In step S1661, the sub CPU 120a sets data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1670, the sub CPU 120a checks whether the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1671, and moves to step S1680 if the command is not the opening command.

In step S1671, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern.
Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1680, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a special winning opening opening designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big prize opening opening designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1681, and if it is not a big winning opening opening designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1690.

In step S1681, the sub CPU 120a performs a jackpot effect pattern determination process for determining a jackpot effect pattern.
Specifically, the jackpot effect pattern is determined based on the big prize opening opening designation command, the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined jackpot effect pattern is stored in the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1690, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1691, and ends the command analysis process if the command is not the ending command.

In step S1691, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern.
Specifically, the winning end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c. When this process ends, the command analysis process ends.

(Production input control processing of production control board 120)
The effect input control process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 21A is an effect input control process of the effect control board 120 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 21B is a modification of the effect input control process of the effect control board 120 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21A, in step S1701, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 35a.
If the sub CPU 120a determines that a detection signal has been input from the effect button detection switch 35a, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1702, and if it has not determined that a detection signal has been input from the effect button detection switch 35a, the current effect. The input control process ends.

In step S1702, the sub CPU 120a determines whether a demonstration or a big hit is being performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the demo is in progress based on whether or not the demo designation command is received, and any of the opening designation command, the big prize opening designation command, and the ending designation command is received Whether or not a big hit is determined by whether or not.
If the sub CPU 120a determines that the demonstration is in progress or is a big hit, it moves the process to step S1703.

  In step S1703, the sub CPU 120a sets a screen shot display instruction command for instructing the image control board 150 to display the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s of the VRAM 153 in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. This presentation input control process ends.

  In step S1704, the sub CPU 120a sets a screen shot storage instruction command for instructing the image control board 150 to store the displayed image data in the screen shot storage area 153s of the VRAM 153 in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. This presentation input control process ends.

In the effect input control process shown in FIG. 21 (a), the function of a so-called screen save button can be fulfilled by one effect button 35 during a demonstration or during a big hit. The function of a so-called screen display button can be achieved.
In particular, if the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is displayed later during the dynamic display of the effect symbol 36, it may be confused with that displayed during the current game. However, according to the present embodiment, the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is not displayed unless the demonstration or the big hit is being performed, so that confusion can be prevented.

In the effect input control process shown in FIG. 21A, one effect button 35 instructs to store image data in the screen shot storage area 153s of the VRAM 153 or display the stored image data. An effect button may be used.
In the effect input control process shown in FIG. 21B, a plurality of effect buttons are provided, and the role of storing image data and the role of displaying image data are distinguished depending on the type of effect buttons.

Specifically, in step S1705, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the first effect button detection switch.
If the sub CPU 120a determines that the detection signal is input from the first effect button detection switch, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1706, and if the sub CPU 120a does not determine that the detection signal is input from the first effect button detection switch, the step is executed. The process moves to S1707.

  In step S1706, the sub CPU 120a sets the screen shot display instruction command in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c, and ends the current effect input control process.

Specifically, in step S1707, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the second effect button detection switch.
If the sub CPU 120a determines that a detection signal has been input from the second effect button detection switch, the process proceeds to step S1708. If the sub CPU 120a does not determine that a detection signal has been input from the second effect button detection switch, this time. The effect input control process is terminated.

  In step S1708, the sub CPU 120a sets the screen shot storage instruction command in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c, and ends the present effect input control process.

In the effect input control process shown in FIG. 21B, the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s may not be displayed unless the demonstration or the big hit. That is, even if it is determined in step S1705 that a detection signal has been input from the first effect button detection switch, the screen shot display instruction command is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c unless the demonstration or big hit is being made. The effect input control process may be terminated without doing so.

  Next, processing executed by the host CPU 150a in the image control board 150 will be described.

(Main processing of image control board)
The main process of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the host CPU 150a, and the host CPU 150a performs the following main processing.

In step S2010, the host CPU 150a performs an initialization process. In this process, the host CPU 150a reads the main processing program from the host ROM 150c, initializes various modules of the host CPU 150a, and instructs the initial setting of the VDP 2000 in response to power-on.
Here, as an instruction for initial setting of VDP2000, the host CPU 150a
(1) To instruct the display circuit 2080 to create and output a video signal, instruct the video signal to be created (set 1 to 0 bit of the display register),
(2) In order to cause the decompression circuit 2060 to decompress the image data (image data such as the production symbol 36) frequently used in the decompression storage area 153b of the VRAM 153, set predetermined initial value data in the decompression register. ,
(3) In order to cause the drawing circuit 2070 to draw initial value image data (such as “a character image indicating power-on”), an initial value display list is output.

In step S2020, the host CPU 150a performs a drawing execution start process. In this process, in order to instruct the VDP 2000 to execute drawing on the display list that has already been output, drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register (see FIG. 7B).
That is, at the start of power-on, execution of drawing for the initial value display list output in step S2010 is instructed, and during normal routine processing, execution of drawing for the display list output in S2050 described later is instructed. .

In step S2030, the host CPU 150a performs effect instruction command analysis processing for analyzing the effect instruction command (command stored in the reception buffer of the host RAM 150b) transmitted from the effect control board 120.
When the image control board 150 receives a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, a command reception interrupt process of the image control board 150 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S2030.

The effect instruction command analysis process confirms whether or not an effect instruction command (for example, an effect pattern designation command as shown in FIG. 11) is stored in the reception buffer. If an effect instruction command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process proceeds directly to step S2040.
If a production instruction command is stored in the reception buffer, a new production instruction command is read, one or more animation groups to be executed are determined based on the read production instruction command, and an animation from each animation group is determined. The pattern is determined (see FIG. 24). When the animation pattern is determined, the read effect instruction command is deleted from the transmission buffer.
In particular, in this effect instruction command analysis process, when a “screenshot storage instruction command” is received, a “transfer instruction flag” is set in a predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b. Further, when the “screen shot display instruction command” is received, the “display instruction flag” is set in a predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b.

  In step S2040, the host CPU 150a performs an animation control process. In this process, based on the “scene switching counter”, the “weight frame”, the “frame counter” updated in step S2210, which will be described later, and the animation pattern determined in step S2030, various animation scenes are displayed. Update the address.

In step S2050, the host CPU 150a determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. Are generated (see FIG. 25). When the generation of the display list is completed, the host CPU 150a outputs the display list to the VDP 2000. The display list output here will be described later with reference to FIG.
The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 153a of the VRAM 153 via the CPU I / F 2030 in the VDP 2000.

In step S2051, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not the drawing end flag = 01.
Here, the drawing end flag is set to 01 when a drawing end interrupt signal is input, as will be described later with reference to FIG.
If the drawing end flag = 01, the host CPU 150a moves the process to step S2052, and if the drawing end flag = 00, the host CPU 150a waits until the drawing end flag = 01.

In step S2052, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not the remaining timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (predetermined counter).
Here, the remaining timer is incremented every 1 ms, as will be described later with reference to FIG.
If the host CPU 150a determines that the remaining timer is greater than or equal to the predetermined time (predetermined counter), the process proceeds to step S2053, and if not, the host CPU 150a proceeds to step S2053. The process moves to S2060.

In step S2053, the host CPU 150a performs a screen shot transfer instruction process for instructing the VDP 2000 to store the image data stored in the “display frame buffer” in the screen shot storage area 153s.
Specifically, when the “transfer instruction flag” is set in a predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b, the host CPU 150a receives the image data stored in the “display frame buffer” via the CPU I / F 2030. Is set in the data transfer register instructing the transfer to the screen shot storage area 153s.
When such transfer data is set in the data transfer register, the data transfer circuit 2040 transfers (copies) the image data stored in the “display frame buffer” to the screen shot storage area 153s.
In this embodiment, when the “transfer instruction flag” is set in a predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b, the image data stored in the “display frame buffer” is transferred to the screen shot storage area 153s. The image data stored in the “drawing frame buffer” may be instructed to be transferred to the screen shot storage area 153s.

In step S2060, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01.
Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 23B, the FB switching flag is set to FB if the previous display list has been drawn in the V blank interrupt every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). Switching flag = 01. That is, in step S2060, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing has been completed.
If the FB switching flag = 01, the host CPU 150a shifts the process to step S2070. If the FB switching flag = 00, the host CPU 150a waits until the FB switching flag = 01.

In step S2070, the host CPU 150a sets the FB switching flag = 00 (turns the FB switching flag off), and proceeds to step S2020.
Thereafter, the processing from step S2020 to step S2070 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt shown in FIG. 23 occurs.

(Image control board interrupt processing)
The interrupt process of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the interrupt processing of the image control board 150, a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal, a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal, and a command are received. Thus, at least a command reception interrupt process performed and a timer interrupt process performed every 1 ms are provided.
The drawing end interrupt process, the V blank interrupt process, and the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 23. The command reception interrupt process is as described in step S2030. Is omitted.

(Image control board drawing end interrupt processing)
FIG. 23A is a diagram illustrating a drawing end interrupt process of the image control board 150. FIG. When the drawing of a predetermined unit frame (one frame) is finished, the VDP 2000 outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 150a via the CPU I / F 2030.
When the host CPU 150a receives a drawing end interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the host CPU 150a executes the following drawing end interrupt process.

  In the drawing end interrupt process, the host CPU 150a only sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag) and ends (step S2110).

(V blank interrupt processing for image control board)
FIG. 23B is a diagram showing a V blank interrupt process for the image control board 150. The VDP2000 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the host CPU 150a via the CPU I / F 2030 every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms).
When the host CPU 150a receives a V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the host CPU 150a executes the following V blank interrupt processing.

  In step S2210, the host CPU 150a performs processing for updating various counters such as “scene switching counter”, “wait frame”, and “frame counter”.

In step S2220, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not the drawing end flag = 01. That is, it is determined whether or not drawing of a predetermined unit frame has been completed.
If the drawing end flag = 01, the host CPU 150a moves the process to step S2230. If the drawing end flag = 01, the host CPU 150a ends the V blank interrupt process. That is, even if the V blank interrupt signal is input, if the drawing is not completed, the processing after step S2230 is not performed.

  In step S2230, the host CPU 150a sets a drawing end flag = 00 (turns the drawing end flag off).

In step S 2240, the host CPU 150 a gives an instruction to switch the “frame buffer” to the memory controller 2090 of the VDP 2000.
Specifically, the host CPU 150a performs a process of adding 1 to the first bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030, and alternately switches between “display frame buffer” and “drawing frame buffer” (FIG. 7 (d)).

  In step S2250, the host CPU 150a sets the FB switching flag = 01 (turns on the FB switching flag), and cancels the standby state in step S2060.

  In step S2260, the host CPU 150a clears the remaining timer (sets remaining timer = 0), and ends the current V blank interrupt process.

(Image control board timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 23C is a diagram illustrating timer interrupt processing of the image control board 150. A clock pulse generation circuit for reset provided on the image control board 150 outputs a clock pulse to the host CPU 150a every 1 ms.
When the host CPU 150a inputs a clock pulse every 1 ms, the host CPU 150a executes the following timer interrupt process.

  In the timer interrupt process, the host CPU 150a adds 1 to the remaining timer and ends the current timer interrupt process (step S2270).

(Anime pattern)
Next, the animation pattern determined in step S2030 of FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is an example of an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern.

As shown in FIG. 24A, the animation pattern is grouped for each object or scene displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31, and displays the background group for displaying the background animation, and the animation of the character used for the notice A. Notice group A for displaying the animation of the character used for the notice B, the reach group for displaying the animation of the reach character, the effect symbol group for displaying the animation of the effect symbol 36, the jackpot There are a number of groups such as a jackpot production group for displaying production animations. A large number of animation patterns are associated with each group and stored in the host ROM 150c.
Based on the effect pattern designation command received from the sub CPU 120a, the host CPU 150a determines one or a plurality of animation groups to be executed and determines an animation pattern from each animation group.

  FIGS. 24B to 24E are animations that are determined when an effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the change effect pattern 7 (the special symbol change pattern 6 of 10 seconds) shown in FIG. 11 is received. An example of the pattern is shown.

  When the host CPU 150a receives the variation effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the variation effect pattern 7, the host CPU 150a determines four groups of the background group, the notice A group, the notice B group, and the effect symbol group, The anime pattern 1 is determined from the background group, the anime pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and the anime pattern 501 from the effect design group.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 24B to 24E, the animation pattern stores a combination of animation scene information, a display order of each animation scene information, and the like.
For example, in the effect symbol group / animation pattern 501 shown in FIG. 24E, the animation scene 501 is executed first, and the animation scene 511 is executed second.
The host RAM 150b has a “scene switching counter” that is updated every frame. When the scene switching counter measures 540 while the first animation scene 501 is being executed, the second animation scene 511 is displayed. The animation scene changes. When the scene switching counter measures 60 while the second animation scene 511 is being executed, the animation scene of the production symbol group / animation pattern 501 ends.
Note that “one frame” is the update timing of the liquid crystal display device (update timing of the vertical synchronization signal), and one frame is updated every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). That is, 60 frames are measured in 1 second.

Each animation scene stores animation scene information, and wait frames (that is, display time) updated every frame, target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite Display information such as a display position, a transfer destination address, and a drawing method.
For example, in the animation scene 501 shown in FIG. 24 (e), the first design to the fourth design are initially displayed up to 20 frames (about 0.33 seconds) at predetermined coordinates. Next, the first symbol to the fourth symbol are continuously displayed at different coordinates for 15 frames (about 0.25 seconds). Similarly, the first to fourth symbols continue to be displayed at predetermined coordinates up to a predetermined frame. If it does in this way, the animation which a 1st symbol-a 4th symbol moves and displays can be displayed.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 24B to 24E, the animation pattern 1 of the background group, the animation pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and the animation from the production design group A plurality of animation patterns with the pattern 501 are determined, and the animations of these animation patterns are executed in parallel.
That is, images of BG1 (mountains) and BG2 (clouds) continue to be displayed as the background from the start to the end of the animation pattern in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, and 2 seconds (120 frames from the start of the animation pattern). ) After that, an image for performing the animation of the notice display of the character A is displayed for 3 seconds (180 frames), and after 3 seconds (180 frames) from the start of the animation pattern, an image for performing the animation of the notice display of the character B is displayed for 4 seconds (240). Frame). Furthermore, an image for performing animation for normal variation display of effect symbols is performed for 9 seconds (540 frames), and then an image for performing animation for temporary stop display for 1 second (60 frames) is displayed.
Note that these images are displayed in an overlapping manner in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, and the first drawn image is overwritten by the later drawn image and erased. This image generation method will be described in the next display list.

(Normal display list)
Next, the display list generated in step S2050 of FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram of a display list composed of a normal drawing control command group. FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram of a display list for displaying the image data stored in the screen shot storage area during the big hit. FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a display list for displaying the image data stored in the screen shot storage area during the demonstration performance.

  When the host CPU 150a determines the animation pattern based on the effect pattern designation command as shown in FIG. 24, the determined animation pattern, the effect design symbol number data based on the stop symbol designation command from the sub CPU 120a, the sub CPU 120a With reference to various data such as the number of held balls based on the hold display designation command and the presence / absence of “transfer instruction flag” or “display instruction flag” in the host RAM 150b, the display list is displayed for each predetermined unit of frame (every frame). Generate. Then, the host CPU 150a outputs the generated display list to the VDP 2000.

  In particular, for the reference of the determined animation pattern, the content of the animation scene at the current number of frames based on the “frame counter (current number of frames)” indicating the current frame and the determined animation pattern (anime scene). Is generated according to the priority (drawing order) of each animation group, thereby generating a display list for the current number of frames.

  For example, as the priority of the animation group shown in FIG. 25A, the background group is associated with the lowest priority 10 data, the notice A group is associated with the priority 9 data, and the notice B Data of priority order 8 is associated with the group, ..., data of priority order 3 is associated with the big hit effect group, and data of priority order 2 is associated with the pending number data (FIG. 25). Reference), it is assumed that the data of the highest priority order 1 is associated with the effect symbol group.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 24 (b) to (e), the background group anime pattern 1, the anime pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and the effect design group. Assume that a plurality of anime patterns with the anime pattern 501 are determined. It is assumed that a hold display designation command is received from the sub CPU 120a.

  First, the host CPU 150a sequentially generates drawing control commands according to the contents of the animation scene in the current frame counter (current number of frames) from the animation pattern 1 of the lowest priority animation group (background group). When the drawing control command up to the highest priority animation group (direction design group) among the determined anime groups is generated, the drawing end command is finally generated, and the display list as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. Finalize.

  As described above, when the host CPU 150a outputs a display list in which drawing control command groups are grouped in predetermined frames (one frame) to the VDP 2000, the drawing circuit 2070 in the VDP 2000 performs specific drawing processing. The processing load on the host CPU 150a can be reduced.

(Display list with a big hit)
Assume that the host CPU 150a determines an animation pattern 101 of the jackpot effect group as shown in FIG. 26A during the jackpot. It is assumed that a hold display designation command is received from the sub CPU 120a.

  First, the host CPU 150a sequentially generates drawing control commands according to the contents of the animation scene XX in the current frame counter (current number of frames) from the animation pattern 101 of the jackpot effect group, and holds the highest priority order. When drawing control commands up to the number data are generated, a drawing end command is finally generated to complete a display list as shown in FIG.

Here, if the “display instruction flag” is set in the predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b during the big hit, the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is “drawn” before the drawing end command is generated. A drawing command for drawing at predetermined coordinates of the “frame buffer” is generated in the display list.
Next, a drawing command for drawing the frame image data at a predetermined coordinate is generated in the display list so that the frame image representing the frame can be displayed in front of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s. To do. Finally, a drawing end command is generated to complete a display list as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, during the big hit, the image of the image data, the frame image, and the composite image stored in the screen shot storage area 153s can be displayed. Also, a frame image can be displayed in front of the image of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s.

(Display list during demonstration)
During the demonstration production, the host CPU 150a determines the animation pattern 201 of the demonstration production group as shown in FIG.

  First, the host CPU 150a sequentially generates drawing control commands according to the contents of the animation scene XX in the current frame counter (current number of frames) from the animation pattern 201 of the demonstration effect group, and finally draws a drawing end command. Then, a display list as shown in FIG. 27B-1 is completed.

Here, if the “display instruction flag” is set in a predetermined storage area of the host RAM 150b during the demonstration effect, the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is “drawn” before the drawing end command is generated. A drawing command for drawing at predetermined coordinates in the “frame buffer” is generated in the display list.
Next, a drawing command for drawing the frame image data at a predetermined coordinate is generated in the display list so that the frame image representing the frame can be displayed in front of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s. To do. Finally, a drawing end command is generated to complete a display list as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, during the demonstration effect, the image of the image data, the frame image, and the composite image stored in the screen shot storage area 153s can be displayed. Also, a frame image can be displayed in front of the image of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s.

  Next, processing executed in VDP2000 will be described.

(Expansion circuit expansion control processing)
The decompression control process of the decompression circuit 2060 in VDP2000 will be described using FIG.

First, in step S2310, the decompression circuit 2060 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to start decompression execution for decompressing image data to be rendered from the rendering circuit 2070. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the decompression execution start data is set in the decompression register by the drawing circuit 2070 (whether 1 is set in the 0th bit of the decompression register) (see FIG. 7C).
When there is an instruction to start decompression execution, the decompression circuit 2060 moves the process to step S2320, and when there is no instruction to start decompression execution, the decompression circuit 2060 waits until there is an instruction to start decompression execution.

  In step S2320, the decompression circuit 2060 clears the decompression start data of the decompression register set by the drawing circuit 2070 (sets 0 to the 0th bit of the decompression register).

  In step S2330, the decompression circuit 2060 sets the decompression execution data in the decompression register (sets 1 to the first bit of the decompression register) in order to inform the drawing circuit 2070 that decompression is being performed (FIG. 7 ( c)).

  In step S2340, the decompression circuit 2060 reads the compressed image data compressed in the CRROM 151, decompresses the read compressed image data to the original image data, and decompresses the decompressed image data in the decompression storage area 153b of the VRAM 153. Let

In step S2350, the decompression circuit 2060 determines whether decompression of one compressed image has been completed.
In the decompression circuit 2060, when decompression of one compressed image is completed, the process proceeds to step S2360, and when decompression of one compressed image is not completed, the process returns to step S2340 and the decompression process is repeated. .

  In step S2360, when the decompression circuit 2060 completes decompression of one compressed image, the decompression register 2070 clears the decompression execution data in the decompression register to notify the drawing circuit 2070 that decompression has been completed (sets 0 to the first bit of the decompression register). Set), the process returns to step S2310 to repeat the expansion control process.

(Drawing control process in drawing circuit)
The drawing control process of the drawing circuit 2070 in VDP 2000 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S2410, the drawing circuit 2070 determines whether there is an instruction to start drawing from the host CPU 150a. Specifically, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register (whether 1 is set in the 0th bit of the drawing register) (see FIG. 7B). .
The drawing circuit 2070 shifts the process to step S2420 when there is an instruction to start drawing, and waits until there is an instruction to start drawing when there is no instruction to start drawing.

  In step S2420, the drawing circuit 2070 clears the drawing execution start data of the drawing register set by the host CPU 150a (sets 0 in the 0 bit of the drawing register).

In step S2430, the drawing circuit 2070 reads the display list stored in the display list storage area 153a of the VRAM 153, and sequentially analyzes the drawing display control commands of the read display list according to a predetermined priority (drawing order). Go.
Here, not all of the plurality of drawing control commands in the display list are analyzed at once. In one display list analysis control process, a predetermined unit (drawing order) is used in accordance with a predetermined priority (drawing order). For example, one drawing control command is analyzed.

  In step S2440, the drawing circuit 2070 stores a decompression command for decompressing the compressed image in the display list, and if the image data to be rendered is not stored (expanded) in the expanded storage area 153b of the VRAM 153, the decompression circuit Instruct 2060 to decompress the image data to be drawn. Specifically, the decompression execution start data is set in the decompression register (1 is set to 0 bit of the decompression register).

In step S2450, the drawing circuit 2070 determines whether the expansion of the image to be drawn has been completed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the decompression execution data is cleared in the decompression register (whether or not 0 is set in the first bit of the decompression register).
The drawing circuit 2070 shifts the process to step S2460 when the drawing image has been decompressed, and waits until the drawing image has been decompressed when the drawing image has not been decompressed.

In step S2460, the drawing circuit 2070 sets the necessary data in the drawing register according to the display list drawing control command, and displays the expanded image in the expanded storage area 153b of the VRAM 153 in the “drawing frame buffer in the VRAM 153”. The drawing process for drawing is performed.
In step S2460, the drawing circuit 2070 sets the necessary data in the drawing register according to the display list drawing control command, and displays the expanded image in the expanded storage area 153b of the VRAM 153 in the “drawing frame buffer in the VRAM 153”. The drawing process for drawing is performed.

In step S2470, the drawing circuit 2070 determines whether all the drawing control commands in the display list of one frame have been completed (drawing processing of one frame has been completed).
When the drawing process for one frame is completed, the drawing circuit 2070 shifts the process to step S2480. When the drawing process for one frame is not completed, the drawing circuit 2070 returns the process to step S2430, and the drawing process for one frame is completed. Until the process is completed, the “display list analysis control process” in step S2430, the “decompression instruction process” in step S2440, and the “drawing process” in step S2460 are repeated.
If all the image data is compressed and stored in the CGROM 151 as in the present embodiment, the image is expanded and drawn for each image according to the display list.

  In step S2480, the drawing circuit 2070 sets the drawing end data in the interrupt register (sets 1 in the first bit of the system control register) (see FIG. 7A), returns the processing to step S2410, and performs drawing control. Repeat the process.

(Display control processing in display circuit)
A display control process of the display circuit 2080 in the VDP 2000 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S2510, the display circuit 2080 determines whether there is an instruction to create a video signal from the host CPU 150a. Specifically, it is determined whether 1 is set in the 0 bit of the display register (see FIG. 7D).
If there is an instruction to create a video signal, the display circuit 2080 moves to step S2520. If there is no instruction to create a video signal, the display circuit 2080 waits until there is an instruction to create a video signal.
As a general rule, the 0th bit of the display register remains set to “1” from the time of power-on (the video signal creation ON state is maintained from the time of power-on).

  In step S2520, the display circuit 2080 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating image color data as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) stored in the “display frame buffer” in the VRAM 153.

  In step S2530, the display circuit 2080 generates the generated video signal (RGB signal) and a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the liquid crystal display device 31 (LCD). Output to (LCD). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2510 to repeat the display control process.

Next, the contents of the game performed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen during the big hit of the liquid crystal display device,
FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram of the display screen during the big hit of the liquid crystal display device, FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of the display screen during the demonstration performance of the liquid crystal display device, and FIG. 34 is during the demonstration performance of the liquid crystal display device. It is a block diagram of a display screen.

(Explanation of display screen during a big hit)
FIG. 31A shows a display screen in which the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31.
Here, the effect symbol 36 is composed of four types of symbols. In FIG. 31A, the effect symbol 36a for the left, the effect symbol 36b for the middle, and the effect for the right are shown in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. The symbol 36c is displayed, and a small fourth display symbol 36d is displayed at the lower left of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. Also, below the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, a reserved image 37a indicating one reserved number and a reserved image 37b indicating two reserved numbers are displayed.
Furthermore, a premium image 38 that is displayed only at the time of big hit and has a low appearance probability is displayed at the lower right of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31.

FIG. 31B is a display screen when the effect button 35 is operated immediately after FIG. 31A in order to store the premier image 38.
As shown in FIG. 31B, at the lower right of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, “screen storage in progress” is displayed to indicate that the screen data of FIG. 31A is stored in the screen shot storage area 153s. "Is displayed.

  FIG. 31 (c) displays a character image “big hit” in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31 in order to notify that the big hit symbol is displayed after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed.

FIG. 31D shows a display screen during a big hit.
As shown in FIG. 31 (d), in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, the image data stored in the big hit basic image 39a-1, the history image 39-2, and the screen shot storage area 153s are first. A reduced image 39b-1 reduced in size is displayed. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 26 (b-1), a big hit display list is generated,
An image according to the generated display list is displayed.

(Configuration diagram of the display screen during the big hit)
A configuration diagram of the display screen during the big hit shown in FIG. 31 (d) will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 26 (b-1), when the display screen shown in FIG. 31 (d) is created, first, the reduced image 39b-1 of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is stored. Draw at predetermined coordinates in the drawing frame buffer.

Next, the big hit basic image 39a-1 in which the frame image is also stored is drawn from the top of the reduced image 39b-1, and then the history indicating the presentation mode (reach mode) determined at the past big hit The image 39-2 is drawn.
Finally, when the reserved images 37a and 37b and the fourth effect symbol 36d are drawn, a display screen shown in FIG. 31 (d) is created.

FIG. 31E is a display screen when the effect button 35 is operated during the big hit in order to display the premier image 38 stored in the screen shot storage area 153s.
When the effect button 35 is operated during the big hit, the display list is created as described in FIG. 26B-2, and the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is changed to the second size (first size). A reduced image 39b-2 reduced to <second size) and a frame image 39c-1 in which a frame is imaged are displayed.
Thereby, an image desired by the player can be stored as appropriate, and the stored image can be displayed by the player's operation.

(Explanation of display screen during demonstration production)
FIG. 33A is a display screen in which a demonstration effect is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. As shown in FIG. 33 (a), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, a character image indicating the title of the gaming machine and a demo background image of a predetermined motif (meter) are displayed.
Specifically, a display list is created as described in FIG. 27B-1 and an image according to the display list is displayed.

FIG. 33B is a display screen when the effect button 35 is operated during the demonstration effect in order to display the premier image 38 stored in the screen shot storage area 153s.
When the production button 35 is operated during the demonstration production, a display list is created as described in FIG. 27B-2, and an image 39b-3 based on the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is displayed. The

(Configuration diagram of display screen during demonstration production)
A configuration diagram of the display screen during the demonstration effect shown in FIG. 33B will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 27 (b-2), in creating the display screen shown in FIG. 33 (b), first, a demo background image of a predetermined motif (meter) and characters indicating the title of the gaming machine. Draw an image.

Next, the image 39b-3 of the image data stored in the screen shot storage area 153s is drawn in the drawing frame buffer. Finally, a display screen shown in FIG. 34B is created in which a frame image 39c-2 having a size over the entire display area is drawn from above the image 39b-3.
Thereby, an image desired by the player can be stored as appropriate, and the stored image can be displayed by the player's operation.

  In this embodiment, one frame is updated every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). However, one frame may be updated every 1/30 seconds, or every 1/120 seconds. One frame may be updated every time. In other words, the design cycle can be freely changed for one frame update period.

  In the present embodiment, one frame is updated and the next frame is drawn when drawing by the drawing circuit 2070 is completed. However, by updating one frame, the next frame is always updated. You may comprise so that the frame of this may be drawn.

  In the present embodiment, on the condition that the drawing is finished, each frame is updated so that the next frame can be drawn. However, every time two frames are updated, the next frame is updated. It may be configured to be able to draw a frame, or may be configured to be able to draw the next frame every time three frames are updated, that is, one frame. The update cycle and the drawing cycle of the drawing circuit may not be the same.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the gaming machine used for the pachinko gaming machine has been described, but it may be used for a swing-type gaming machine (slot machine), a ball ball gaming machine, and an arrange ball gaming machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Game board 14 1st starting port 14a 1st starting port detection switch 15 2nd starting port 15a 2nd starting port detection switch 20 1st special symbol display apparatus,
21 Second special symbol display device 31 Liquid crystal display device 35 Effect button 35a Effect button detection switch 110 Main control board 110a Main CPU
110b Main ROM
110c Main RAM
120 Production control board 120a Sub CPU
120b Sub ROM
120c sub RAM
150 Image control board 150a Host CPU
150b host RAM
150c host ROM
151 CGROM
153 VRAM
153a Display list storage area 153b Expanded storage area 153c First frame buffer 153d Second frame buffer 153s Screenshot storage area 2000 VDP
2010 Control register 2020 CG bus I / F
2030 CPU I / F
2050 Clock generation circuit 2060 Expansion circuit 2070 Drawing circuit 2080 Display circuit 2090 Memory controller

Claims (2)

An image display device for displaying an effect image used for the effect in a predetermined display area;
Image information storage means for storing a plurality of image information for displaying the effect image;
A storage area is designated each time a predetermined switching condition is satisfied, and designated image storage means for storing the image information in the designated predetermined storage area;
A drawing control means for drawing the effect image by storing the image information stored in the image information storage means in a storage area designated as a first storage area of the designated image storage means;
The effect image is generated by generating a video signal from the image information stored in the storage area designated as the second storage area of the designated image storage means, and outputting the video signal to the image display device. Display control means for displaying on the image display device;
Storage area designating means for designating the first storage area as the second storage area and designating the second storage area as the first storage area each time the predetermined switching condition is satisfied;
Operation detecting means for detecting a predetermined external operation;
Unlike the designated image storage unit, a desired image storage unit that updates and stores the image information when a predetermined external operation is detected by the operation detection unit;
Storage instruction means for storing the image information in the desired image storage means;
Time measuring means for measuring a time from when the predetermined switching condition is established until the drawing control means completes storing the image information in the first storage area;
A time determination means for determining whether the time measured by the time measurement means is a predetermined time or more,
The storage instruction means detects the first external operation by the operation detection means, and when the time measurement means determines that the predetermined time is exceeded, the first storage area or the second storage Storing the image information stored in the area in the desired image storage means;
When the operation control unit detects a second external operation, the drawing control unit stores the image information stored in the desired image storage unit in the first storage area.   When the drawing control unit detects the second external operation by the operation detection unit, the drawing control unit stores the image information stored in the desired image storage unit in the first storage area, and then displays a specific effect image. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific image information to be displayed is overwritten and stored in the first storage area.