JP2011229999A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid the deterioration of an effect of a display performance performed by an image display apparatus, and to enhance an effect of performance performed by a movable member, in a game machine having a transparent game board and the movable member.SOLUTION: A game region 6 includes a transparent game region 71 having transparency, and a side opaque game region 72B which is formed by adding an opaque member to the side of the transparent game region 71 at the transparent game board, a movable member controller can move the movable member 78 between a non-display correspondence region which is a region corresponding to the side opaque game region 72B or corresponding to a region other than the game region, and a transparency correspondence region corresponding to the transparent game region 71, and also moves the movable member 78 so that an overlap ratio with the transparency correspondence region 71 can be changed according to a game state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game by firing a game ball into a game area.

  As a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls Is paid out to the player. Further, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) whose display state can be changed is provided, and variable display (variable) is performed by updating and displaying predetermined identification information (for example, symbols) on the image display device. There is a display configured to notify whether or not a predetermined game value is given to the player based on a display result (stop symbol) of the image display device. An image display device that performs variable display is also referred to as a variable display device.

  In addition, the gaming value is a state in which a state of a variable winning ball device called a big prize opening provided in a gaming area of a gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds) (for example, An open state), a right to be advantageous to the player, or a condition for winning a prize ball payout.

  Hereinafter, a state in which the prize winning opening is in an open state and winning of a game ball is extremely easy is referred to as a specific gaming state (including a state between rounds). When entering the specific gaming state, for example, the stop symbol pattern of the display symbol displayed on the image display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, the stop symbols are aligned in the same symbol).

  During the variable display, the player pays attention to whether or not the mode of the stop symbol becomes the specific display mode and becomes a “hit”. For this reason, various effects are displayed to enhance the game entertainment, such as changing the variation of the symbols, until the symbol is finalized (final stop) so that it can be determined whether or not it will be a “big hit”. Is called.

  As such an effect, for example, in the image display device, a symbol other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continues for a predetermined time and matches a specific display result. Before the final result is displayed, such as when it is stopped, swinging, enlarged or reduced or deformed, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. There is a reach effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of big hits is continuing (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states). Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display.

  In general, the game area is formed on the surface of a game board on which plywood boards and the like are stacked. However, a gaming machine in which a gaming area is formed on the surface of a gaming board made of a transparent board such as a transparent acrylic board has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Hereinafter, a game board formed of a transparent board such as an acrylic board is referred to as a transparent game board. A game board on which plywood boards and the like are laminated is called an opaque game board. In gaming machines equipped with a transparent game board, an image display device having a relatively large screen is used, and the game effect is enhanced by allowing the player to visually recognize the screen of the image display device through the transparent game board.

  However, in the case where the screen of the image display device having a relatively large screen is made visible through the transparent game board, the area where the accessory is arranged becomes narrow, and an opaque game board is provided. Compared to a gaming machine, the number and size of the objects and decorative members that can be installed in the gaming area are limited.

  Patent Document 1 describes that a decorative member is disposed between a transparent game board and an image display device. Further, as described in Patent Document 2, it has also been proposed to increase the number of decoration members as a whole gaming machine by providing a movable member for production between the transparent game board and the image display device. .

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-230643 (FIG. 12) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-230549 (FIGS. 3 and 4)

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a part of the transparent gaming board is covered with the decorative member. In addition, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, a part of the transparent gaming board is covered by the movable member. That is, the player cannot see part of the screen of the image display device. As a result, there exists a problem that the effect of the display effect by an image display apparatus will fall.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent a display effect of an image display device from being reduced in a gaming machine including a transparent game board and a movable member, and to further enhance the effect of the movable member.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine in which a player can perform a predetermined game by firing a game ball into the gaming area, and has transparency and a gaming area formed on the front side. A transparent game board (for example, a game board 6 made of a transparent board) and an image display device (for example, an image display) disposed on the back side of the transparent game board and having a display area that can be visually recognized by the player via the transparent game board Device 9), and a movable member (for example, movable member 78) movable within a region (for example, space 76) formed between the transparent game board and the image display device. A transparent gaming area (for example, a transparent gaming area 71) and an opaque gaming area formed by attaching an opaque member (for example, a decorated film) to the side of the transparent gaming area in the transparent gaming board (For example, side opaque areas 2B), and the movable member is a non-display corresponding region (for example, a portion of the back surface of the opaque gaming region in the space 76 or a region outside the gaming region corresponding to the opaque gaming region or a region corresponding to the outside of the gaming region It is possible to move between the transparent corresponding area corresponding to the transparent gaming area (for example, the rear portion of the transparent gaming area in the space 76), and the transparent corresponding area according to the gaming state. Movable member control means (for example, the production control microcomputer 100. In particular, the portion for executing the decorative symbol variation processing (see FIG. 48) with the variation pattern of the super reach B) is provided to move the overlapping ratio in a changeable manner. It is characterized by.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the screen of the image display device without obstruction, and to prevent the effect of display effects by the image display device from being reduced. Moreover, the effect by the movable member can be enhanced.

The movable member control means is configured to be able to set a first state where the entire movable member overlaps the transparent corresponding region and a second state where the entire movable member overlaps the non-display corresponding region. It is also possible (see FIG. 6).
According to such a configuration, when the movable member is not used for the progress of the game, the second state is set so as not to be visually recognized by the player, and when the movable member is used, the first state is set to be visually recognized by the player. It is possible to perform control that enables the game, and it is possible to improve the fun of the game while effectively using the screen of the image display device.

A special symbol display device (for example, special symbol display 8) performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified based on the establishment of variable display execution conditions, and the display result of the identification information is the specific display result. When the game ball becomes a winning game (for example, a winning game symbol), a variable winning ball device (a closed state) between a first state in which a game ball can win (for example, an open state) and a second state in which a game ball cannot win (for example, a closed state) For example, it is possible to control a special gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that repeats a predetermined number of times (a big winning opening), and a game ball is played based on the fact that a payout condition is satisfied (for example, a gaming ball wins a winning area) A payout device unit (for example, a special variable winning ball device 20) that forms a game ball winning area in an area corresponding to an opaque game area, and a special symbol unit that variably displays a special symbol. (For example, an electrical component including the special symbol display 8), a round number display unit (for example, an electrical component including the round number display 75) for displaying the number of times of the first state in the specific gaming state, and a game ball payout notification A prize ball display unit (for example, an electrical part including a prize ball indicator 51) and a hold display unit for displaying the number of holdings of variable display execution conditions (for example, an electrical part including a special symbol hold memory display 18) ) May be provided.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to arrange the units in a state where the player can visually recognize the screen of the image display device without obstruction, and the number of units provided in the gaming machine. Can be increased.

The ball passage detection means (for example, the gate switch 32a) that includes a drive mechanism (for example, the motor 78A) that drives the movable member by the control of the movable member control means and that detects the passage of the game ball and outputs a detection signal is a transparent game. A ball passage control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560, which is provided on the board and controls the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the ball passage detection means, in particular, a part for determining a detection signal from the gate switch 32a ( Switch processing: Step S21)) and the movable member control means are provided on the back side of the image display device, and the first wiring (for example, shown in FIGS. 66 and 67) connecting the ball passage detection means and the ball passage control means Common passage for passing both the wiring F1) and the second wiring (for example, the wiring D1 shown in FIGS. 66 and 67) connecting the driving mechanism and the movable member control means. (E.g., the common line passing portion 79) may be provided in the vicinity of the installation position of the image display device.
According to such a configuration, even if the movable member is provided, it is possible to prevent the wiring of the gaming machine from being complicated.

A support member that supports the movable member (for example, the support member 78a) may be connected to the movable member, and a portion of the support member that overlaps the transparent game region may be formed of a transparent member.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an increase in the portion that hinders the visual recognition of the screen of the image display device.

Display control microcomputer (for example, production control microcomputer 100) for controlling the display state of the image display device, image data storage means (for example, CGROM 83) for storing a plurality of types of image data, and display control microcomputer A drawing processor (for example, a drawing processor) that creates display data based on the control command from the image data and the image data read from the image data storage means, and displays an effect image on the image display device based on the created display data 109), and the image data stored in the image data storage means is a plurality of types of moving image data (for example, image data of moving images A and B shown in FIG. 53) composed of compressed data corresponding to a plurality of types of moving images. Display data storage means for storing display data For example, a moving image display data creation unit (VRAMFB96B) that decodes each of a plurality of types of moving image data read from the image data storage unit to create a plurality of types of display data and writes the data to the display data storage unit For example, the rendering processor 109 renders the image display apparatus based on the display data stored in the display data storage means and the decoder 95 that transfers image data in response to a command from the rendering control microcomputer 100. Including an effect display control means (for example, a display circuit 98) for displaying an image, and the moving image display data creating means is a 1 / integer (for example, 1/2) of a frame period (for example, 1/30 second). The first read out from the image data storage means each time the first period elapses between the first period and the second period of the same reproduction period. Display data created by decoding image data (for example, moving image data of moving image A shown in FIG. 53) is stored in the display data storage means, and a second period elapses in a reproduction period following the first period. Display data generated by decoding the second moving image data read from the image data storage means (for example, moving image data of moving image B shown in FIG. 53) every time elapses. (See steps S621 and S623 in FIGS. 54 and 57).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the drawing processor, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of missing of a plurality of display data constituting the moving image data when reproducing the moving image. . Further, the storage capacity of the display data storage means can be reduced.

Display control microcomputer (for example, production control microcomputer 100) for controlling the display state of the image display device, image data storage means (for example, CGROM 83) for storing a plurality of types of image data, and display control microcomputer A drawing processor (for example, a drawing processor) that creates display data based on the control command from the image data and the image data read from the image data storage means, and displays an effect image on the image display device based on the created display data 109), and the image data stored in the image data storage means has a first pixel number (eg, 320 × 240 dots) smaller than the total number of pixels (eg, 640 × 480 dots) in the display area of the image display device. First image data (for example, the image data shown in FIG. 58B) and the first image Second image data (for example, the image data shown in FIG. 58A) having a pixel count (for example, 160 × 120 dots) that is different from the number of data pixels and also has a small total number of pixels in the display area of the image display device. The display control microcomputer includes an effect image corresponding to the first image data and a second image displayed on the image display device when a predetermined image switching condition is satisfied according to the progress of the game. Effect image switching determination means (for example, a portion that executes the processing of steps S831, S832, and S833 in the effect control microcomputer 100) for determining to switch to the effect image corresponding to the data, and the progress of the game In response, an image switching enlargement ratio changing means for determining the enlargement ratio of the effect image (for example, in the microcomputer 100 for effect control) Image switching command means (for example, effect control micro) for outputting to the drawing processor a control command corresponding to the determination results of the effect image switching determination means and the image switching enlargement ratio changing means. The computer 100 performs a display operation based on the first image data or the second image data read from the image data storage means based on the control command. Display data creating means for creating data (for example, a drawing circuit 91 for transferring image data in response to a command from the rendering control microcomputer 100 in the rendering processor 109) and a display created by the display data creating means Enlarge the production image corresponding to the image data at an enlargement rate based on the control command and display the image table Enlarged display processing means (for example, the drawing circuit 91) to be displayed on the display device. The drawing circuit 91 may be configured to include, when a VRAMFB transfer command is input, the image data of the image A is enlarged four times and written to the VRAMFB 96B).
According to such a configuration, by storing image data smaller than the total number of pixels in the display area of the image display device, the storage capacity of the image data storage means can be reduced, and the display control microcomputer can display the image. The effect image displayed on the device is determined to be switched between the effect image corresponding to the first image data and the effect image corresponding to the second image data, and the enlargement ratio of the effect image is determined according to the progress of the game. Since it includes an image switching enlargement ratio changing means, it is possible to enrich the types of effects by effect images.

Display control microcomputer (for example, production control microcomputer 100) for controlling the display state of the image display device, image data storage means (for example, CGROM 83) for storing a plurality of types of image data, and data bus (for example, for example) The image data stored in the image data storage means via the CG bus) is connected to the image data storage means so as to be readable, and the control command from the display control microcomputer and the image data read from the image data storage means A display processor for generating display data based on the generated display data and displaying an effect image on the image display device based on the generated display data (for example, a drawing processor 109); When the width is set to the first bus width (eg 64 bits) When the first ROM (for example, ROM 83A, 83B) from which image data is read and the second bus width (for example, 32 bits) narrower than the first bus width are set. A second ROM (for example, ROM 83C) from which image data is read is stored. The second ROM stores moving image data, and the drawing processor reads data when reading image data from the second ROM. The bus width setting of the bus may be configured to be changed from the first bus width to the second bus width.
According to such a configuration, the bus width of the data bus is set to the first bus width as the ROM of the image data storage means from which the image data is read when the bus width of the data bus is changed to the second bus width. It is possible to use a ROM capable of inputting / outputting data with fewer bits than a ROM from which image data is read when set, and as a result, the number of memories constituting the image data storage means can be reduced. is there. In addition, the bus width of the data bus becomes narrower when reading moving image data, but since the control of moving images in the rendering processor takes more time than the control of still images, image processing is possible even if the bus width is reduced. The performance can be prevented from deteriorating.

Display control microcomputer (for example, production control microcomputer 100) for controlling the display state of the image display device, image data storage means (for example, CGROM 83) for storing a plurality of types of image data, and display control microcomputer A drawing processor (for example, a drawing processor) that creates display data based on the control command from the image data and the image data read from the image data storage means, and displays an effect image on the image display device based on the created display data 109), and the display control microcomputer outputs an initial setting command (for example, a CGROM transfer command) for image data transfer control to the drawing processor when the display control microcomputer is activated. And the drawing processor Temporary storage means (for example, VRAMRS96A) for temporarily storing the image data stored in the data storage means, and display data storage means (for example, VRAMFB96B) for storing display data, from the display control microcomputer In response to the input of the initial setting command, among the plurality of types of image data stored in the image data storage means, image data with a relatively high performance execution frequency by the effect image corresponding to the image data (for example, The image data transfer means (for example, the effect mode # 1 data transfer control process outputs the image data of the decorative design) in a predetermined area in the temporary storage means (for example, a fixed area in the VRAMRS 96A, see FIG. 34). In response to the CGROM transfer command, the decorative design image data is converted to VRA. When the image data is stored in the predetermined area in the temporary storage means and the drawing circuit 91 for transferring to the fixed area in the RS 96A, the image data is read from the predetermined area and written in the display data storage means, and the image data is stored in the predetermined area. When not stored, the image data is read from the image data storage means, transferred to a transfer area (for example, a transfer area in VRAMRS 96A, see FIG. 34) that is different from the predetermined area in the temporary storage means, and image data is transferred from the transfer area. Display data creation means (for example, a drawing circuit 91 that transfers image data in response to a command from the effect control microcomputer 100 in the drawing processor 109) and writes the data to the display data storage means, and display data Based on the display data stored in the storage means Therefore, it may be configured to include effect display control means (for example, display circuit 98) for displaying the effect image on the image display device.
According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to reuse image data. In addition, the drawing processor does not need to read the image data from the image data storage unit every time image data is needed, and the processing load on the drawing processor can be reduced.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the mechanism part of a game machine. It is sectional drawing which shows the longitudinal cross-section of a game machine. It is a front view for demonstrating a transparent game area | region and a movable member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the display effect and movable member in an image display apparatus cooperate, and one effect is implement | achieved. It is a front view for demonstrating another kind of movable member. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a drawing processor. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the multiple types of decoration symbol variably displayed in an image display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern table. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the image display apparatus 9 when the reach effect by super reach A is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the image display apparatus 9 when the reach effect by super reach A is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the image display apparatus 9 when the reach production by super reach B is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the production | presentation aspect of reach production. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating transfer of image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the command regarding data transfer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the instruction | command regarding extending | stretching moving image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data bus in the CG bus between the drawing control part and CGROM in a drawing processor. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the image data of the design symbol memorize | stored in CGROM. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of moving image data among the image data of the components image memorize | stored in CGROM. It is explanatory drawing which shows the decoding method of the moving image data (compressed data) by which data compression was carried out. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a notice selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process which determines the kind of notification effect at the time of determining whether to perform a notification effect, and performing a notification effect. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows production mode # 1 data transfer control processing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the image data which comprise the synthetic | combination moving image of the moving images A and B used by the notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which a synthetic | combination moving image is reproduced | regenerated repeatedly. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image data for backgrounds memorize | stored in CGROM. It is explanatory drawing which shows the background image displayed on the display screen of an image display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the decoration design change start process in an effect control process process. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the mechanism part of the game machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the game machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view for demonstrating the transparent game area | region and movable member in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example in which the display effect and movable member in the image display apparatus of 2nd Embodiment cooperate and a single effect is implement | achieved. It is a front view for demonstrating the other kind of movable member in 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the mechanism part of the game machine of 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the game machine of 3rd Embodiment. It is a front view for demonstrating the transparent game area | region and movable member in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the display effect and movable member in the image display apparatus of 3rd Embodiment cooperate and a single effect is implement | achieved. It is a front view for demonstrating the other kind of movable member in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data bus in the CG bus between the drawing control part and CGROM in a drawing processor. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of 4th Embodiment provided with the sound / lamp control board and the display control board.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. In the following embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and a predetermined number of gaming media are paid out as prizes according to the game. It can also be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2B formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding game boards described later). Is a structure including

  There is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 on the lower surface of the glass door frame 2B. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game balls are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a substantially circular game area 7 inside the rail 82 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  The player plays a game by operating the hitting operation handle 5 in order to launch a game ball toward the game area 7. In response to the launching operation, a hitting ball launching device (not shown) launches a game ball. The game ball launched by the hit ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail.

  The plate-like body constituting the game board 6 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin plate (for example, an acrylic plate) having transparency. The game area 7 includes a transparent game area 71 and an opaque area 72. In the opaque region 72, for example, a decorated film (opaque member) is attached to the front or back surface of the transparent synthetic resin plate, or the decoration is drawn on the transparent synthetic resin plate itself. Further, the opaque region 72 may be formed by attaching an opaque decorative member to the back surface of the transparent synthetic resin plate having transparency. The opaque region 72 includes an upper opaque region 72A, a side opaque region 72B, and a lower opaque region 72C.

  On the back side of the game board 6, an image display device (variable display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display units each variably displaying a decorative pattern for performance is provided. The screen of the image display device 9 is visible. In the image display device 9, for example, three decorative symbols “left”, “middle”, and “right” as decorative (effect) symbols are variably displayed, and effect display is performed. The image display device 9 performs variable display of decorative symbols during the special symbol variable display period by the special symbol display 8. The image display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative designs is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board and a drawing processor.

  In the transparent game area 71, a gate (passing gate) 32A is provided at the bottom. The game ball that has passed through the gate 32A is detected by the gate switch 32a. In the transparent game area 71, a decoration member 73 is attached to the left side. In this example, the decorative member 73 is a star-shaped opaque frame. On the display screen of the image display device 9, a special effect display is performed at a portion corresponding to the inside of the decorative member 73 (inside the frame). Therefore, it is visually recognized by the player as if a special effect display is performed inside the decorative member 73. In addition, a decoration member 82 is installed in the central portion of the transparent game area 71 so as to surround a portion on the display screen of the image display device 9 where variable display of identification information and display effects accompanying variable display are performed.

  Note that the gate switch 32a and the decoration member 73 are opaque members, and in the transparent game area 71, in the portion where the gate switch 32a is provided and the portion where the decoration member 73 is provided (frame-like portion), the player Cannot visually recognize the display screen of the image display device 9. However, the decorative member 73 may be formed of a transparent member. Further, it may be integrally formed with a transparent plate-like body constituting the game board 6.

  A gate 32B is provided across both the transparent game area 71 and the lower opaque area 72C. The game ball that has passed through the gate 32B is detected by a gate switch 32b (not shown).

  A start winning opening 13 is provided in the lower opaque area 72C. A game ball won in the start winning opening 13 is led to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 13a. A variable winning ball device 15 that forms a starting winning port 14 is provided below the starting winning port 13. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16 and when it is opened, a game ball can be won in the start winning port 14. It is not possible to win a prize in the closed state. The game ball won in the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a.

  Below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 has an opening / closing plate, and the large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) is opened by controlling the opening / closing plate to be opened. The winning ball that has won the special variable winning ball device 20 is detected by the count switch 23.

  The lower opaque area 72C is provided with a plurality of winning holes (ordinary winning holes) 29, 30, 33, and 39, and the winning holes 29, 30, 33, and 39 for the game balls are respectively changed to winning hole switches. Detected by 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning openings 13, 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning.

  The upper opaque area 72A is provided with a special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7-segment LED) that can variably display numbers from 0 to 99, for example. The image display device 9 performs variable display of the decorative symbol as a decorative symbol (for production) during the variable symbol special symbol display period of the special symbol indicator 8.

  Further, in the upper opaque area 72A, four special symbol hold memory indicators 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning openings 13, 14, that is, the number of hold memories (also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). Is provided. The special symbol reservation storage display 18 displays up to four reservation storage numbers in the order of winning. The special symbol hold storage display 18 increases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 each time there is a start winning in the start winning opening 14. Then, each time the special symbol display 8 starts variable display, the special symbol hold storage indicator 18 reduces the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, turns off one LED). Specifically, the special symbol hold storage display 18 shifts the lighting state each time variable display is started on the special symbol display 8. In this example, the upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the starting memory number by winning to the start winning ports 13 and 14, but the upper limit number may be four or more.

  The upper opaque area 72A is provided with a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols. When a game ball wins the gate 32A or the gate 32B and is detected by the gate switch 32a or the gate switch 32b, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit). For example, if the right lamp is lit at the end of variable display, it is a win. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In addition, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls entered into the gates 32A and 32B is provided. Each time there is a prize at the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  In the side opaque area 72B, a prize ball display 51 for displaying the number of payouts during the payout of a prize ball as a prize to be paid out based on the winning of a game ball in the prize area, and the number of rounds during a big hit game Is displayed.

  Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  Further, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as a “card unit”) that enables ball lending by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown). The card unit includes, for example, a use indicator lamp that indicates whether or not the card unit is in a usable state, a connection table direction indicator that indicates which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit, When checking the card insertion indicator lamp indicating that the card is inserted, the card insertion slot into which the card as a recording medium is inserted, and the card reader / writer mechanism provided on the back of the card insertion slot A card unit lock is provided to release the unit.

  The game balls launched from the hit ball launching device enter the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descend the game area 7. If the game ball enters the start winning opening 13 or the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 13a or the start opening switch 14a, a special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 8 as long as the variable display of the symbol can be started. While the variable display (variation) is started, the decorative design in the image display device 9 starts variable display (variation). If it is not in a state where the variable display of symbols can be started, the start winning memory number is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 9 are stopped when a certain time has passed. If the special symbol (stop symbol) at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls wins.

  When the game ball wins the gate 32A or the gate 32B, the normal symbol display unit 10 is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mechanism portion of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a longitudinal section of the gaming machine. The game board 6 is attached to the game frame 2A in the outer frame 2, and an LCD image display device 9 attached to the attachment plate 90 is installed on the back side of the game frame 2A. A space 76 exists between the game frame 2 </ b> A and the image display device 9, but in the space 76, a movable member 78 is installed on the back surface of the upper opaque region 72 </ b> A (a position corresponding to the upper opaque region 72 </ b> A). The movable member 78 is attached to the game board 6 by a base portion attachment portion 78B integrated with the movable member 78, is attached to the shaft of the motor 78A, and is rotated about the shaft of the motor 78A. 78 moves. FIG. 2 also shows a stopper 2C for stopping the game frame 2A.

  On the back surface of the image display device 9, a main unit 31A including a game control board and an effect unit 80A including an effect control board are attached. 2 and 3, the rectangular parallelepiped movable member attachment portion A is attached over both the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A and the back surface outside the game region, and is integrated with the movable member 78. A member for attaching 78B. In addition, the movable member mounting portion A is formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A. As an electrical component (unit) in the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque area 72A, each of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol start storage display 41 is provided. There are electrical parts to include. The rectangular parallelepiped cover portion B is attached to both the back surface of the side opaque region 72B and the back surface outside the game region, and is formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B. Yes. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72 </ b> B, there are electrical components including the prize ball display 51 and the round number display 75. The rectangular parallelepiped cover C is attached to both the back surface of the lower opaque region 72C and the back surface outside the game region, and is formed to cover the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C, the start winning opening 13, the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, and the winning opening (ordinary winning opening) 29, 30, 33, 39 There are electrical components including each (including a detection switch for a winning opening). The side opaque region 72B and the lower opaque region 72C need not be provided.

  The upper opaque area 72A includes an electrical component including the special symbol display 8, an electrical component including the normal symbol display 10, an electrical component including the special symbol storage memory display 18, and a normal symbol start storage memory 41. Although electrical components are installed, the electrical components including the prize ball indicator 51, the electrical parts including the round number indicator 75, or the start winning port 13, the variable winning ball device 15, the special variable winning ball device 20, the winning port Electrical components including any of 29, 30, 33, and 39 may be installed. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one of the electrical components is installed.

  Moreover, although the movable member attachment part A is attached over both the back surface of the upper opaque area 72A and the back surface outside the game area, it may be attached to either one of the back surfaces. Further, it is not always necessary to cover the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A.

  In addition, the movable member 78 is attached to the upper opaque region 72A. Further, a movable member attachment portion for attaching an attachment portion integrated with the movable member to the side opaque region 72B and the lower opaque region 72C is provided. May be attached. Further, the movable member attaching portion may be attached to the cover portions B and C.

  The wiring A1 indicates a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A and the main unit 31A. A wiring B1 indicates a wiring for connecting the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B and the main unit 31A. The wiring C1 is a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C and the main unit 31A. A wiring D1 indicates a wiring that connects the motor 78A and the rendering unit 80A. A wiring E1 indicates a wiring for connecting the image display device 9 and the effect unit 80A.

  The wirings A1, B1, C1, and D1 are holes provided in a lower portion of the mounting plate 90 that passes through the lower side of the image display device 9 and is attached to the rear surface side of the game board 6. It passes through a certain common wire passing part 79. The wiring E1 passes through, for example, a rectangular wiring passage portion 79B provided at a part of the mounting plate 90 corresponding to the back surface of the image display device 9. Note that the wiring F1 connected to the gate switch 32a passes under the image display device 9 on the back side of the game board 6, similarly to the wiring A1, the wiring B1, the wiring C1, or the wiring D1, and the image display device. 9 is attached to the main unit 31 </ b> A through a common wiring passage 79 which is a hole provided on the lower side of the attachment plate 90 to which 9 is attached.

  Moreover, you may install decoration members, such as LED, in any one of the upper opaque area 72A, the side part opaque area 72B, and the lower opaque area 72C, or a plurality of back surfaces. For example, when a decorative member is installed on the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A, the wiring connected to the decorative member passes under the image display device 9 on the back surface side of the game board 6 in the same manner as the wiring D1. Then, it passes through the common wiring passage 79 which is a hole provided on the lower side of the attachment plate 90 to which the image display device 9 is attached, and is connected to the effect unit 80A. The game balls that have won the variable winning ball device 15 and the special variable winning ball device 20 and the like, and the game balls that have entered the out port 26 pass through a ball passage (not shown) provided in the space 76. It is discharged outside the gaming machine.

  The image display device 9 is preferably configured to be movable in the front-rear direction (the direction connecting the front side of the gaming machine and the back side of the gaming machine) in the gaming machine. For example, the image display device 9 can be configured to be movable in the front-rear direction by interposing a column between the image display device 9 and the mounting plate 90 and changing the height of the column. According to such a configuration, when the display unit including the image display device 9 is used in another model, it can be easily handled even when the width of the space 76 is different. In addition, when the thickness of the electrical component arrange | positioned on the back side of the upper opaque area 72A or the side opaque area 72B is different, the width of the space 76 is different.

  FIG. 4 is a front view for explaining the transparent game area 71 and the movable member 78 in the game area. In FIG. 4, the hatched portion from the upper left to the lower right indicates an opaque region (upper opaque region 72A, side opaque region 72B, lower opaque region 72C), and the portion not hatched is transparent. A game area 71 is shown. An area that is not the game area 7 on the surface of the game board 6 is referred to as “out of game area” 6B. The game area 7 is formed of a transparent game area 71 and an opaque area. The transparent game area 71 and the opaque area overlap with the area of the display screen 9A (inside the broken-line rectangle), that is, the display area of the image display device 9, but the display area also overlaps with the outside of the game area 6B.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where the movable member 78 is driven by the motor 78 </ b> A and moves to the transparent game area 71. Further, the movable member 78 can be accommodated in a position (in the example shown in FIG. 4, outside the game area 6B and the upper opaque area 72A) that is not visually recognized by the player by the motor 78A. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the movable member 78 is accommodated over the outside of the game area 6B and the side opaque area 72B (overlapping the outside of the game area 6B and the upper opaque area 72A). The movable member 78 may be accommodated so as to overlap only outside the game area 6B, or may overlap only in any opaque area (upper opaque area 72A, side opaque area 72B, or lower opaque area 72C). It may be stored. Actually, the movable member 78 is housed in the outside of the game area 6B or in the space 76 on the back surface of the transparent area. Hereinafter, the movable member 78 is expressed as “stored in the outside of the game area 6B (or the transparent area)”. There are things to do. In FIG. 4, four attachment metal parts (metal parts for attaching the image display device 9 to the attachment plate 90: see FIG. 2) are also shown outside the game board 6.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which one effect is realized by the display effect in the image display device 9 and the movable member 78 stopped at a predetermined fixed position cooperating. In FIG. 5, the “dragon” shape is the movable member 78, and the flame shape expressed so that the “dragon” shape is discharged is an image displayed on the display screen 9 </ b> A of the image display device 9. 9c. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an image 73 a having a different taste from the other part is displayed in a part corresponding to the inside of the decorative member 73 in the display screen 9 </ b> A.

  A part of the movable member 78 (for example, the eye part of the “dragon” shape) may be transparent. In that case, on the display screen of the image display device 9, a special effect display (for example, an image such as a glowing eye) is performed on the portion corresponding to the transparent portion of the movable member 78. Therefore, it is visually recognized by the player as if a special effect display is performed on the transparent portion.

  FIG. 6 is a front view for explaining another type of movable member 78. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the movable member 78 is connected to one end of a support member 78a, and the other end of the support member 78a is connected to the shaft of a motor 78A. The support member 78a is formed of a transparent material (for example, a transparent acrylic plate). Therefore, the part which overlaps with the transparent game area | region 71 is transparent. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, when the movable member 78 moves to a position where it overlaps the transparent game area 71, a part of the movable member 78 exists in the opaque area. However, in the example shown in FIG. 6, all the portions of the movable member 78 overlap with the transparent game area 71.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration in the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 7 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to a game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switches 32a and 32b, the start port switches 13a and 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a to the game control microcomputer 560 is also provided on the main board 31. It is mounted on. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, a system reset circuit (not shown) for resetting the game control microcomputer 560 when the power is turned on, and an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state are sent to an external device such as a hall computer. An information output circuit (not shown) for outputting is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18, and a normal symbol hold memory display 41. Perform display control.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The display control of the image display device 9 that receives and displays the decorative design variably is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the drawing processor (VDP: video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the image display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a rendering processor 109 that controls the display of the image display device 9 in cooperation with the rendering control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the rendering control board 80. The drawing processor 109 has an address space independent of the effect control microcomputer 100, and maps the VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the drawing processor 109 outputs the image data in the drawing area to the image display device 9. Hereinafter, writing image data in the drawing area is referred to as “drawing”. An image corresponding to the image data in the drawing area is displayed on the image display device 9.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs a command for reading necessary data from the CGROM (not shown) to the drawing processor 109 in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the image display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols (including decorative designs), and background image data in advance. ROM. The drawing processor 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. Then, the drawing processor 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c.

  The LED driver 353 drives the winning ball display 51 and the round number display 75. When the payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 for paying out a prize ball, the payout control microcomputer pays out one game ball as a prize ball or a predetermined number of prizes. Each time the ball payout is completed, a prize ball payout command is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. When the game control microcomputer 560 receives a prize ball payout command from the payout control microcomputer, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an effect control command including the same information as the prize ball payout command to the effect control microcomputer 100. The effect control microcomputer 100 performs control for displaying the number of prize balls paid out on the prize ball display 51 in accordance with the effect control command. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control for displaying the number of rounds on the round number display 75 according to the effect control command indicating the number of rounds received from the game control microcomputer 560 during the big hit game.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the drawing processor 109. FIG. 9 also shows an effect control CPU 101 and a CGROM 83.

  When executing the display control of the image display device 6, the effect control CPU 101 gives a command corresponding to the effect control command to the drawing processor 109 via the CPU interface (CPU I / F) 92. If the command is a command to read image data from the CGROM 83, the drawing circuit 91 of the drawing processor 109 gives an instruction to read necessary data from the CGROM 83 to the CG bus interface (CG bus I / F) 93. The decoder 95 expands (decodes) the frame image data (image data of each frame constituting the moving image) subjected to data compression, and writes the expanded frame image data to the drawing material data memory 96A. The drawing circuit 91 in the drawing processor 109 generates image data to be displayed on the image display device 9 according to the input data, and writes the image data in the drawing area of the frame buffer 96B. The display circuit 98 outputs R (red), G (green), and B (blue) image signals and synchronization signals based on the image data in the drawing area to the image display device 9. The image display device 9 performs, for example, screen display by a dot matrix system that drives a large number of pixels (pixels).

  In the drawing processor 109, drawing material data read from the CGROM 83 is stored in a drawing material data memory (hereinafter referred to as VRAMRS) 96 </ b> A. As drawing material data, still image data or sprites constituting moving image data obtained by decoding (decompressing) moving image data encoded (data compressed) by the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) method or the like Image data (image data of a non-moving image (original still image)) is stored. In a frame buffer (hereinafter referred to as VRAMFB) 96B, a drawing area that is a data storage area corresponding to the display screen can be secured. The drawing processor 109 has a built-in VRAM (video RAM), and the VRAMRS 96A and the VRAMFB 96B are formed in the VRAM. Hereinafter, when either the VRAMRS 96A or the VRAMFB 96B may be used when the drawing processor 109 executes the process, the expression “VRAM” may be used.

  Further, when playing back a moving image, the drawing processor 109 reads frame image data (data compressed) constituting the moving image data from the CGROM 83. Then, the decoder 95 expands the compressed frame image data and writes the expanded frame image data to the VRAMRS 96A. Hereinafter, writing the image data in the VRAMRS 96A or VRAMFB 96B may be referred to as developing the image data.

  A CG bus and a VRAM bus are provided inside the drawing processor 109. A CG bus interface (CG bus I / F) 93 is installed between the CGROM 83 and the CG bus. The CPU I / F 92 is also connected to the CG bus, and the effect control CPU 101 can access the portion connected to the CG bus via the CPU I / F 92. Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 can access the drawing control register 95 connected to the CG bus.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When the gaming machine is turned on and the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) determines whether the contents of the program are valid. After executing the security check process, which is a process for confirming whether or not, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is interrupted. It is a mode that indicates a cover address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).

  After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 56 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S8). In step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process (step S43). In the gaming state recovery process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a power failure recovery command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, initial values are set for flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as a total prize ball number storage buffer and a special symbol process flag.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an initialization command transmission request flag in order to transmit an initialization command for initializing the sub board to the sub board (step S13). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the image display device 9.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 itself controls game devices such as an image display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine. In a process to transmit, a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game device control process), the count value of the jackpot determination random number generation counter or the like is one round (a jackpot determination random number generation counter or the like) When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value that can be taken, the initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switches 32a and 32b, the start port switches 13a and 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, and the state determination thereof is performed. Performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33.

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit in response to the variable display of a special symbol based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening (for big hit determination)
(2) Random 2: Determines the special symbol detachment symbol (stop symbol) (for detachment symbol determination)
(3) Random 3: Determines the special symbol stop symbol when generating a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(4) Random 4: Determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(6) Random 6: Determine the initial value of random 1 (for determining the random 1 initial value)
(7) Random 7: Determine the initial value of random 5 (for determining the random 5 initial value)

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 560 determines (1) the big hit determination random number, (3) the big hit symbol determination random number, and (5) the normal symbol determination. The counter for generating a random number for use is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may make it use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(7). In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a software random number generated by the game control microcomputer 560 based on a program. Alternatively, a random number generated by hardware built in the game control microcomputer 560 may be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, the corresponding symbol is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the prize opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S30). Specifically, the payout control mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on any of the start opening switch 14a, the count switch 23 and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag for normal symbol variation is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (left side lighting and right side lighting) every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. In the case of the speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating left side lighting and 0 indicating right side lighting) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the jackpot determination value. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the big hit determination random value. The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it coincides with the judgment value, it is determined that the special symbol is a big hit (probability big hit or normal big hit). In FIG. 13B, numerical values are not shown, and the number of numerical values is shown. In a normal state, the CPU 56 compares the jackpot determination random number value with the jackpot determination value described in FIG. In the probability variation state, the jackpot determination random number value is compared with the jackpot determination values set for the number shown in FIG. The numerical values described in FIG. 13A are set in the ROM 54 as normal jackpot determination values, and the numerical values for the number of numbers described in FIG. 13B are set in the ROM 54 as probabilistic jackpot determination values. Yes. The probability variation big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a probable state where there is a high probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state. Usually, the big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a state that is not a probable change state.

  In the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is determined as a winning symbol may be increased, the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased, or the number of times of opening may be increased.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of types of decorative symbols variably displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions on the display screen of the image display device 9. In this embodiment, in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions provided on the display screen of the image display device 9, the symbols indicating the numbers “1” to “9” are, for example, It is variably displayed in combination with a predetermined figure such as a quadrangle, a circle, a substantially diamond, or a star hexagon. A corresponding symbol number is assigned to each of the decorative symbols. The arrangement of decorative symbols displayed in each variable display section includes a common symbol displayed in the same display mode regardless of whether the production state (production mode) is production mode # 1 to # 3, and production. Selection symbols displayed in different display modes according to modes # 1 to # 3 are included.

  For example, symbols indicating numbers “1” to “6”, “8”, and “9” are combined with a rectangular figure regardless of which of the production modes # 1 to # 3. The symbol indicating the number “7” is combined with a circular figure when in the production mode # 1, combined with a substantially rhombus figure when in the production mode # 2, and a star-shaped hexagon when in the production mode # 3. Combined with the figure. The decorative symbols corresponding to the symbol numbers “1” to “6”, “8”, and “9” are common symbols, and the decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol number “7” is a selected symbol.

  In this embodiment, the effect mode is controlled to effect mode # 1 when the game state is the normal state, and the effect mode is controlled to effect mode # 2 when the game state is the short time state, and the game state The production mode is controlled to the production mode # 3 when is in a certain change state. However, such a method of dividing the production mode is an example. For example, the player can select the production mode by operating means such as a push button provided on the gaming machine, or according to the time. You may comprise so that production mode may be switched.

  Moreover, in FIG. 1, the decorative design was shown in the state without the figure of a square, a circle, a substantially rhombus, and a star-shaped hexagon.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 15, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern that is accompanied by a reach mode but whose display result (stop symbol) does not become a big hit symbol. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. Different reach modes mean that different modes of change (speed, direction of rotation, etc.), characters, etc. appear in the reach change time (the period during which the reach effect is performed). For example, in “normal reach”, a reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes having different speeds and directions of change is realized.

  “Reach B” is a fluctuation pattern having a reach mode different from “Normal reach” and “Reach A”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”.

  “Super reach” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B” and “reach C”. “Super Reach” includes “Super Reach A” and “Super Reach B”, and “Super Reach B” is realized by cooperating the display effect of the image display device 9 and the effect of the movable member 78. It is a fluctuation pattern with a production. Hereinafter, “super reach A” and “super reach B” may be collectively referred to as “super reach”.

  Note that “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C” may or may not be a big hit. In addition, “Super Reach” may be a big hit or not a big hit, but if variable display by “Super Reach” is executed, the stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol at a very high rate. In “Super Reach”, it may always be a big hit.

  “Normal variation / shortening” is a variation pattern that does not involve a reach mode, but the variation time (variable display time) is shorter than “normal variation”. “Reach A / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach A”, but the reach variation time is shorter than “reach A”. “Reach B / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but the reach variation time is shorter than “reach B”.

  16A to 16D are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a variation pattern table. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the variation pattern determination random number. The variation pattern determination random number is shown in FIG. When the number of determination values matches the number of determination values, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value is determined as the variation pattern to be used. Therefore, the variation pattern table is a table in which a determination value to be compared with the variation pattern determination random number is set in correspondence with the variation pattern. The variation pattern table is set in the ROM 54.

  FIG. 16A shows a variation pattern table (outlier variation pattern table) used when the gaming state is the normal state and it is determined to be out of play. FIG. 16B is a variation pattern table (big hit variation pattern table) used when the gaming state is a normal state and it is determined to be a big hit. FIG. 16C shows a variation pattern table (displacement variation pattern table at the time shortening) used when the gaming state is a probability variation state or a time reduction state and is determined to be out of play. FIG. 16D is a fluctuation pattern table (short-time big hit fluctuation pattern table) used when the gaming state is a probability change state or a short-time state and is determined to be a big hit.

  In the probability variation state and the short time state, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened compared to the normal state. In addition, the normal symbol variation time may be shortened in the probability variation state and the short time state.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 by using eight signal lines of the effect control signals D0 to D7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

  In this embodiment, the presentation control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 19, commands 8001 (H) to 800 A (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the image display device 9 in correspondence with variable symbol special display. Pattern command). The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 800A (H), the image display device 9 controls the image display device 9 to start variable display of decorative symbols. In this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol are synchronized (the variable display start time and the variable display end time are the same), so the decorative pattern variation pattern (variation time) Determining also means determining the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and a gaming state after the big hit game. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H). Therefore, the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result specifying commands.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the special symbol variable display (variation) is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols and derives and displays the display result. The derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, designates power-on. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command A000 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Command A300 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot end designation command: an ending designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 19, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  The special winning opening open designation command also serves as a round number designation command for designating the number of rounds. Further, in addition to the effect control command shown in FIG. 19, an effect control command or the like that can specify the number of winning ball payouts is also used.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 20, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a change pattern command and a display result specifying command at the start of change. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  Note that before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the image display device 9 according to the gaming state (eg, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. In this case, out of the display result specifying commands shown in FIG. 19, the display result specifying commands (display result 1 specifying command, display result 2 specifying command, display result 3 specifying command) specified for losing may be combined into one command. it can.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the start opening switch 13a or the start opening switch 14a for detecting that a game ball has won the start winning opening 13, 14, that is, if a start winning has occurred. Then, the start port switch passing process is executed (step S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S309 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S309 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is ready to start the variable display of the special symbol, it checks the number of reserved memories (the number of start winning memories). The reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to step S301.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. The variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from when variable display is started until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is used as the variable symbol variable display variation time. To decide. In addition, a variation time timer that measures the variation time of the determined special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Display result specifying command transmission process (step S303): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304.

  Special symbol variation processing (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S302 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S305 (5 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to step S306. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the image display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when it receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Big hit display process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A predetermined period is measured by the big hit display time timer, and when the predetermined period elapses, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S307. When all the rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S309): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Further, a process for setting a flag (for example, a probability variation flag) indicating a gaming state is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the reserved storage number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S111). If the number of reserved memories is 4, the process is terminated.

  When the number of reserved memories is not 4, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 (step S112). Further, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (such as a counter value for generating a jackpot determination random number), and stores them as a storage area in the reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the reserved storage number counter as the extracted random number value. The process to store in is executed (step S113). In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the reserved storage number are secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot determination random number and the like and a holding storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. In step 113, random values 1 to 4 (see FIG. 7) are extracted and stored in the storage area.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of reserved storage (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, the value of the reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) (step S54).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 reads random 1 (random number for jackpot determination) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S62). The jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 13) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining a jackpot if they match. When the gaming state is a probable change state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which jackpot determination values for the number as shown in FIG. 13B are set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (short time). (Including the state), the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 13A is set is used. If it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S81. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 a big hit symbol. It is also a thing.

  If it is decided not to win, the CPU 56 reads out the design symbol random number from the random number buffer area (step S64), and determines the stop symbol based on the design symbol random number (step S65). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S81, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S82), and the big hit symbol (for example, any of the odd symbols) is determined as the stop symbol based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S83). Here, the stop symbol is determined without distinguishing between the probability variation big hit and the normal big hit, but the stop symbol may be determined separately. For example, when it is determined that the probability variation big hit, the stop symbol is determined to be “77”, and when it is determined that the normal big hit is determined, the stop symbol is determined to be any set of odd symbols other than “77”. You may do it.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag if it is determined to be a probability variation jackpot (steps S84 and S85). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S302) (step S86). When the probability change big hit flag is set, the game state is shifted to the probability change state when the big hit game is finished.

  In step S90, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S95. If it is set, the value of the probability variation counter is decremented by 1 (step S91). When the value of the probability variation counter reaches 0, a probability variation end flag is set (steps S92 and S93), and the process proceeds to step S86. If the value of the probability variation counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S86 as it is. When the probability change end flag is set, the gaming state is shifted from the probability change state to the time-short state when the variable symbol special display is ended.

  In step S95, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S86. If it is set, the value of the time reduction counter is decremented by 1 (step S96). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, the time reduction end flag is set (steps S97 and S98), and the process proceeds to step S86. If the value of the time reduction counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S86 as it is. In addition, when the short time end flag is set, the game state is shifted from the short time state to the normal state when the variable symbol special display ends.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit and whether or not to control the probability variation state is determined based on the big hit determination random number (see FIG. 13), but based on the big hit determination random number Whether or not to make a big hit, and when a predetermined big hit symbol (predetermined probable variable big hit symbol) is determined based on the random number for determining the big hit symbol, it is determined to control the probability change state. You may do it.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S302) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S101). Then, a variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table (see FIG. 16) based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S102). Here, when the game state is the normal state and it is determined to be out of play, a variation pattern is selected from the out-of-range variation pattern table (see FIG. 16A). When the gaming state is a normal state and it is determined to be a big hit, a fluctuation pattern is selected from the big hit fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 16B). When the gaming state is a probability change state or a time reduction state and it is determined to be out of play, a variation pattern is selected from the deviation variation pattern table (see FIG. 16C) during the time reduction. When the gaming state is a probability change state or a time saving state and it is determined to be a big hit, a fluctuation pattern is selected from the time reduction big hit fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 16D).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 19) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S102 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Moreover, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S104). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S303) (step S106).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S303). In the display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit any effect control command (see FIG. 19) of display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation (step S107). Here, if it is decided to win the probability big hit, a display result 5 designation command is transmitted, and if it is decided to make the normal big hit, a display result 4 designation command is transmitted. If the probability change end flag is set in the process of step S93, a display result 2 designation command is transmitted. If the time reduction end flag is set in the process of step S98, a display result 3 designation command is transmitted. To do. Otherwise, a display result 1 designation command is transmitted. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S304) (step S108).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S305) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S305). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S305) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display unit 8. (Step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S141 (step S133).

  When the big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the big hit start designation command is performed (step S135). In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (a time for notifying the occurrence of the jackpot in the image display device 9, for example) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step S136), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the jackpot display processing ( The value is updated to a value corresponding to step S307) (step S137). In the jackpot display process, when the jackpot display time timer times out, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening pre-process (step S307).

  In step S141, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation end flag is set. If the probability variation end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S146. If the probability variation end flag is set, the probability variation end flag is reset (step S142), the probability variation flag is reset and the probability variation state is terminated (step S143). Further, the time reduction flag is set to change the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S144). 50 is set in the hour / hour counter indicating the number of possible fluctuations in the hour / short state (step S145). Then, the process proceeds to step S149.

  In step S146, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction end flag is set. If the time saving end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S149. If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset (step S147), and the time reduction flag is reset to end the time reduction state (step S148). The gaming state shifts to the normal state by resetting the time reduction flag.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S149).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S309) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 resets the jackpot flag (step S151) and performs control to transmit a jackpot end designation command (step S152).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is set (step S153). If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, the probability variation jackpot flag is reset (step S154). The probability variation flag is set and the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (step S155). If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation flag has already been set. Further, if the gaming state at that time is the time saving state, the time saving flag is reset (step S156). Then, 100 is set in the probability variation counter indicating the number of possible fluctuations in the probability variation state (step S157), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S158).

  If the probability variation big hit flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation flag is set (step S161). If the probability change flag is set, the probability change flag is reset (step S162), the time reduction flag is set (step S163), and the gaming state is shifted from the probability change state to the time reduction state. Further, 50 is set in the time reduction counter (step S164), and the process proceeds to step S158.

  If the probability change flag is not set, if the gaming state at that time is a short-time state, the short-time flag is reset to shift the gaming state from the short-time state to the normal state (step S165), and the process proceeds to step S158. Transition.

  Next, an example of the variation of the decorative design will be described. 30 and 31 are explanatory diagrams showing the display state of the image display device 9 when the reach effect by the super reach A is executed. A rectangle shown in FIGS. 30A to 31P shows a display screen 9A in the image display device 9. FIG. At the start timing of the variable display, the left middle right symbol indicating the previous variable display result as shown in FIG. 30A starts rotating, and the left middle right symbol as shown in FIG. It will be in a rotated state. After high-speed rotation is performed for a predetermined period and the left symbol is rotated at a low speed by several symbols, when the left symbol is temporarily stopped, the left symbol is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. The temporary stop state is a state where the stop symbol is stopped at a stage before the stop symbol is confirmed (finally stopped). In the temporary stop state, for example, the symbol fluctuates up and down or from side to side.

  Next, after the right symbol is rotated at a low speed for several symbols, when the temporary stop timing of the right symbol is reached, the right symbol is also temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. In this example, the left and right symbols are both “7” and the reach is temporarily stopped. This is called reach establishment. After reaching the reach display state as shown in FIG. 30D, a reach effect by super reach is executed.

  In the reach production by the super reach A, first, the production by the medium speed rotation is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30 (E), after “reach” is displayed to notify that the reach state has been reached, the middle symbol is rotated at a low speed by several symbols, and then the middle symbol is displayed. When the temporary stop timing is reached, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. When the middle symbol is temporarily stopped, the effect by the medium speed rotation ends.

  When the effect by the medium speed rotation is finished, the effect by the high speed rotation is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30 (G), after the display of “high-speed reach” for notifying that the reach effect by the high-speed rotation is executed, the high-speed rotation of the middle symbol is performed for a predetermined period. When the intermediate symbol temporary stop timing comes, the intermediate symbol is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. When the middle symbol is temporarily stopped, the effect of high-speed rotation ends.

  When the effect by the high speed rotation is finished, the moving image effect is executed. In the moving image effect, as shown in FIG. 31 (I), the display of “special reach” for notifying that the effect further developed than the effect by the high-speed rotation is performed, and the left and right during the temporary stop are displayed. The symbol is reduced and moved to the lower part of the screen, and the middle symbol starts rotating at high speed. Next, moving image display based on the moving image data is started, and display control is performed so that the character image gradually appears as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31 (K), after the character image is completely displayed, the intermediate symbol is temporarily stopped when the temporary stop timing of the intermediate symbol is reached. In the temporarily stopped state of the middle symbol, as shown in FIG. 31 (L), a moving image in which the character image swings down the hammer is displayed. In this example, moving image data for displaying a character image as a moving image is created so that the place where the middle symbol during the temporary stop is located coincides with the place where the hammer is swung down. Therefore, on the display screen of the image display device 9, an effect display is realized in which the character image swings down the hammer and hits the middle symbol that is temporarily stopped.

  Next, the temporarily stopped middle symbol disappears from the screen, and as shown in FIG. 31 (M), the middle symbol (“7” in this example) displayed next to the disappeared symbol descends from the top of the screen. A coming display is made. As shown in FIG. 31 (N), when the middle symbol that comes down from the upper part of the screen is in a temporarily stopped state, the moving image performs a motion such that the character image poses with the right hand based on the moving image data. An image is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 31 (O), a display is made such that the character image gradually disappears. When the character disappears completely, the moving image effect based on the moving image data ends, and the left middle right symbol is finally stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. When the left middle right symbol is stopped and displayed, the moving image effect ends, and the super reach A effect is completed.

  In the super reach B effect, after the display of “special reach” as shown in FIG. 31 (I) for notifying that the effect further developed than the effect by the high speed rotation is executed, FIG. 32 (J) is performed. , (K), the movable member 78 advances into the transparent game area 71 from outside the non-transparent area or the game area. Then, when reaching the position where the overlapping part of the movable member 78 with the transparent game area 71 reaches the maximum, as shown in FIG. A flame image is displayed. The image is displayed in the vicinity of the changing middle symbol. The rectangles shown in FIGS. 32J to 32P indicate the display screen 9A in the image display device 9.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 32 (M), an effect is performed as if the change of the middle symbol is stopped by the flame, and the movable member 78 is moved so as to leave the transparent game area 71 (not shown). 3) As shown in FIG. 32 (P), the left middle right symbol is finally stopped and displayed.

  In this embodiment, the super reach A effect and the super reach B effect are effects in which an effect due to medium speed rotation, an effect due to high speed rotation, and an effect due to moving images are executed in order. Therefore, it is the aspect which developed the production contents of other reach productions (normal reach, reach A, etc.). In such a case, the appearance of the moving image display makes it possible for the player to have great expectation for the big hit, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect aspect of reach production used in the normal state in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33, there are six types of reach effects such as normal reach, reach A, reach B, reach C, super reach A and super reach B as the reach effects used in the normal state. Normal reach rotates the special symbol (medium symbol) that stops last with medium speed after the special symbol display state reaches the reach mode (the left and right symbols are aligned in the same pattern) at medium speed. ). That is, the normal reach is a normal reach effect that is not a special effect that raises the player's expectation for the big hit. Reach A and Reach B are an extension of normal reach, and the special symbol (medium symbol) that stops last while maintaining the reach mode is rotated at medium speed, and the special symbol is rotated at high speed when a predetermined period has elapsed. Or it is an effect of reverse rotation. Reach B is an effect including a so-called return effect (an effect by a display in which the symbol rotates backward after the symbol stop position and the symbol returns to the stop position).

  Reach C, Super Reach A, and Super Reach B are an extension of Reach A. The special symbol (medium symbol) that stops last while maintaining the reach mode was rotated at medium speed, and the special symbol was rotated at high speed. Thereafter, the frame advance or the moving image effect is performed.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot occurrence probability for the appearance of the reach effect increases in the order of normal reach, reach A, reach B, reach C, super reach (super reach A and super reach B). . Specifically, for example, when super reach appears, the probability of winning a big hit is configured to be higher than when other reach effects appear (see FIG. 16). 30 to 32, the decorative design is shown without a square, a circle, a substantially rhombus, and a star-shaped hexagonal figure (see FIG. 14).

  Next, a data transfer method in the rendering processor 109 and a command (command) output from the rendering control CPU 101 to the rendering processor 109 will be described.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining transfer of image data. The image data stored in the CGROM 83 can be transferred to the VRAMRS 96A. The image data stored in the CGROM 83 can be transferred to the VRAF 96B via the transfer area in the VRAM RS 96A. Also, the image data stored in the fixed area of VRAMRS 96A can be transferred to VRAFB 96B. Furthermore, the image data stored in VRAFB 96B can be transferred to VRAMRS 96A. Note that, for example, when the power supply is started, the drawing processor 109 fixes image data having a relatively high frequency of execution of effects by the effect image corresponding to the image data from the CGROM 83 to the VRAMRS 96A in response to a command from the effect control CPU 101. Transfer to region. Further, when writing the image data read from the CGROM 83 into the VRAMFB 96B, the drawing processor 109 once writes the image data into the VRAMRS 96A, reads the image data from the VRAMRS 96A, and writes it into the VRAMFB 96B.

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing commands related to data transfer among commands output from the rendering control CPU 101 to the rendering processor 109. The CGROM transfer command is a command that is output when image data is transferred from the CGROM 83 to the VRAMRS 96A. The VRAMFB transfer command is a command that is output when image data is transferred from the VRAMRS 96A to the VRAMFB 96B. The inter-VRAMRS transfer command is a command that is output when the image data stored in the VRAMRS 96A is transferred to another region in the VRAMRS 96A.

  The drawing effect command is a command for designating a drawing effect when image data is transferred from the VRAMRS 96A to the VRAMFB 96B. The VRAMFB copy command is a command that is output when image data is transferred from the VRAMFB 96B to the VRAMRS 96A. The automatic transfer command is a command that is output when the image data stored in the CGROM 83 is transferred to the VRAF 96B via the VRAMRS 96A.

  In this embodiment, except for the address designation of CGROM 83, the transfer source address (read address) and the transfer destination address (write address) at the time of data transfer are commanded by the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the area. It can also be specified by the address itself where the image data is stored in the memory (ROM or RAM). Further, it is possible to designate a read address and a write address using an index created in advance (area address or the like is set).

  When the drawing circuit 91 of the drawing processor 109 receives the CGROM transfer command, the drawing circuit 91 causes the CG bus interface 93 to read the image data from the reading start address of the CGROM 83 and transfer the image data to the writing address of the VRAMRS 96A. When a VRAMFB transfer command is input, image data is read from the read address of VRAMRS 96A and written to the write address of VRAMFB 96B. When an inter-VRAM transfer command is input, image data is read from the read address of VRAMRS 96A and written to the write address of VRAMRS 96A. When a drawing effect command is input, when a VRAMFB transfer command is input, image synthesis is performed in accordance with parameters included in the drawing effect command.

  When the VRAMFB copy command is input, the drawing circuit 91 reads the image data from the read address of the VRAMFB 96B and writes it to the write address of the VRAMRS 96A. When an automatic transfer command is input, the CG bus interface 93 reads the image data from the read start address of the CGROM 83, transfers the image data to a predetermined area of the VRAMRS 96A, and further reads the image data from the predetermined area and writes it to the write address of the VRAMFB 96B. .

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a command related to decompressing data-compressed moving image data among commands output from the rendering control CPU 101 to the drawing processor 109. The single stream start address is a command for designating a storage address of the image in the CGROM 83 when the moving image data of one moving image is expanded. The single stream area development command is a command for designating a storage address in the VRAMRS 96A of the image data after decompressing the moving image data of one moving image. The multi-stream start address is a command for designating storage addresses of the images in the CGROM 83 when decompressing moving image data of a plurality of (for example, two) moving images. The multi-stream area development command is a command for designating a storage address in the VRAMRS 96A of image data after decompressing moving image data of a plurality of moving images.

  The decode execution command is a command that specifies expansion of moving image data of a moving image. When the decoder 95 receives the decode execution command, the moving image data stored in the CGROM 83 in accordance with the single stream start address and the single stream region development command, and using the parameters of the multistream start address and the multistream region development command. Is decoded and stored in the VRAMRS 96A.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a data bus in the CG bus between the drawing circuit 91 and the CGROM 83 in the drawing processor 109. In FIG. 37, the CG bus I / F 93 (see FIG. 9) is not shown. As shown in FIG. 37, the data bus physically has 64 bits, but a 64-bit mode in which all 64 bits are used as a data bus, and a 32-bit mode in which lower 32 bits are used as a data bus. Can be switched to.

  In this embodiment, when image data is read from the ROM 83C in which moving image data is stored, the image data is read from ROMs 83A and 83B in which the 32-bit mode is set and still image (sprite image) data is stored. When reading, the 64-bit mode is set. Therefore, the image data of the sprite image is read from the CGROM 83 in 64-bit units, and the moving image data is read from the CGROM 83 in 32-bit units. In FIG. 37, for convenience of drawing, the ROM 83C is described as having a data bus extending from the ROM 83A. However, in reality, the data bus between the drawing control unit 91 and the ROM 83A branches to the ROM 83C. Wired.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram for explaining decorative design image data stored in the CGROM 83. As shown in FIG. 38 (A), “7” decorative design and graphic image data are stored in the selected image data area in the CGROM 83. The decorative pattern indicating the number “7” combined with the circular figure is used in the production mode # 1. In addition, the decorative pattern indicating the number “7” combined with the approximately rhombus graphic is used in the production mode # 2. The decorative pattern indicating the number “7” combined with the star-shaped hexagonal figure is used in the production mode # 3. A decorative design corresponding to the image data stored in the selected image data area is the selection identification information.

  In addition, the image data of other decorative designs is stored in the common image data area in the CGROM 83 as shown in FIG. Each image data stored in the common image data area is transferred from the CGROM 83 to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A when the power supply to the gaming machine is started and the production control microcomputer 100 is activated (step in FIG. 41). (See S702). Each image data stored in the selected image data area is transferred from the CGROM 83 to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A when the effect mode is switched. A decorative design corresponding to the image data stored in the common image data area is the common identification information. In FIG. 38B, the dummy data is data indicating that it is not image data, and is all-zero data, for example.

  In this embodiment, the decorative pattern image data stored in the common image data area is preliminarily transferred to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A as pre-transfer data. However, the image data is pre-transferred to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A. The image data is not limited to decorative design image data. For example, it may be image data (moving image data) of a moving image constituting a background symbol.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of moving image data among the image data stored in the CGROM 83. The moving image data has a configuration in which a file header is set at the first address, and then a frame header and compressed data of each frame are sequentially set. In the stream, frame headers and compressed data of frames 1 to N (frame images 1 to n) are set in order from image 1. The moving image data is encoded by, for example, MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) encoding method. Since the amount of image data before encoding is reduced by encoding, the encoded image data is referred to as compressed data.

  In FIG. 39, “(J) image of Super Reach A” means the image data of the image shown in FIG. 31 (J). The “super reach A image (O)” means the image data of the image shown in FIG. FIG. 39 illustrates one piece of moving image data (Super Reach A moving image data), but the CGROM 83 stores more moving image data.

  The compressed data is stored in the CGROM 83 in a ROM having 32 bits as one word. When the drawing processor 109 reads compressed data from the CGROM 83, the bus width of the CG bus is set to 32 bits. Accordingly, the drawing processor 109 reads compressed data from the CGROM 83 in units of 32 bits.

  Next, a method of decoding moving image data (compressed data) compressed by the decoder 95 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG. The frame numbers shown in FIG. 40A are the frame serial numbers in the moving image data shown in FIG. 39 (frames 1 to N). In the moving image data, the compressed data of frames 1 to N are configured by I picture, B picture, or P picture defined by the MPEG2 encoding method in the order shown in FIG. For example, frame 1 is an I picture, frames 2, 3, 5, and 6 are B pictures, and frames 4 and 7 are P pictures. The subscripts attached to I, B, and P are serial numbers for each picture type.

  As described above, frames 1 to N (frame images 1 to n) are stored as moving image data in order from frame 1 (image 1) (see FIG. 39). For example, frame 1 (image 1) in the stream is an I picture, frames 2, 3, 5, and 6 (images 2, 3, 5, and 6) are B pictures, and frames 4 and 7 (images 4 and 7). Is a P picture.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 33 ms) (step S701). . Next, initial data transfer processing is performed (step S702). In the initial data transfer process, the drawing processor 109 sets a fixed area (an area for storing fixed image data) in the VRAMRS 96A, and image data of the decorative design stored in the CGROM 83 (the figure is stored in the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A). 14) is transferred. In the initial data transfer process, a fixed area setting command is output to the drawing processor 109 in order to cause the VRAMRS 96A to set a fixed area. Further, a CGROM transfer command (see FIG. 35) is output to the drawing processor 109 in order to transfer the image data stored in the common image data area in the CGROM 83 as shown in FIG. 38B to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A. To do. The drawing processor 109 sets a fixed area (see FIG. 34) in the VRAMRS 96A in response to an input of a fixed area setting command. In addition, the image data in the CGROM 83 is read from the read start address that is a parameter of the CGROM transfer command, and the image data is written in the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A as display data according to the write address.

  Next, effect mode # 1 data transfer control processing is performed (step S703). The effect mode # 1 data transfer control process uses VRAMRS96A to display the decorative pattern image data (see the upper part of FIG. 38A) indicating the number “7” combined with the circular figure stored in the selected image data area. Is a process for transferring to a fixed area (specifically, an area to which dummy data shown in FIG. 38B is transferred).

  The drawing processor 109 transfers the image data of the decorative design from the fixed region of the VRAMRS 96A to the drawing region of the VRAMFB 96B during the change of the decorative design. Since the decorative design image data is not read from the CGROM 83 outside the rendering processor 109, the decorative design can be variably displayed by data transfer inside the rendering processor 109 (data transfer from the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A to the rendering area). The control burden on the drawing processor 109 is reduced, and the substantial data transfer speed is increased. The drawing processor 109 realizes the variation of the decorative design by writing the decorative design image data read from the fixed region of the VRAMRS 96A, for example, by shifting the position in the drawing region over time.

  As described above, the drawing processor 109 reads the image data from the fixed area when the image data is stored in the fixed area in the VRAMRS 96A and writes it as display data in the drawing area in the VRAMFB 96B. When the image data of the effect character) is not stored, the image data is read from the CGROM 83 and transferred to the transfer area in the VRAMRS 96A, and the image data is read from the transfer area and written as display data in the drawing area in the VRAMFB 96B.

  Further, the writing control with the position shifted in the drawing area is executed according to the instruction of the CPU 101 for effect control. The effect control CPU 101 performs the drawing processor 109 according to the display control data set in the process table described later. Command is output. That is, display control data including data that can specify the position at which the decorative design image data is drawn in the drawing area is set in the process table.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S704). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S705) and executes the effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S706). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S707). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the image display device 9 is executed. Further, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number is executed (step S708). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  It is assumed that the timer interrupt generation period is 1/33 seconds. The screen change frequency (frame frequency) of the image display device 9 is 30 Hz, and the display circuit 98 of the drawing processor 109 updates the display screen of the image display device 9 with a period of 1/33 seconds. The update of the display screen means that an image signal based on the image data of the drawing area in the VRAMFB 93B is output to the image display device 9, and an image based on the image data set in the drawing area at that time is displayed on the image display device 9. It is to let you. The timer interrupt generation period may be a value other than 1/33 seconds (for example, 2 ms). In that case, in the production control process, for example, a V blank interrupt (from the image display device 9 to the image display device 9). Processing related to drawing is executed in synchronization with the generation of an interrupt generated by the drawing processor 109 in the same cycle as the supplied vertical synchronization signal.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S707) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801).

  Prior notice selection process (step S801): In the effect display device 9, a notice effect for notifying the player of the occurrence of the big hit (in order to notify the player before the display result of the decorative symbol is derived that the big hit will be obtained) (However, it may be executed when a big hit is not made.) Decide whether or not to perform the notice effect process, and if you decide to execute the notice effect process, decide the notice type To do. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S802).

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804).

  Decoration symbol variation stop processing (step S804): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the image display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806).

  Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when an effect control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds in the image display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S807).

  Big hit end processing (step S807): In the image display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). The variation pattern command reception flag is set in the command analysis process when a variation pattern command is received. In the command analysis process, the received fluctuation pattern command or data indicating the received fluctuation pattern command is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area of the RAM. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a notice selection process in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the notice selection process, the CPU 101 for effect control includes a variation pattern (“reach”) included in the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command (stored in the variation pattern command storage area in the RAM in the command analysis processing). It is confirmed whether it is any of (see FIG. 15) (step S821). If the variation pattern includes “reach”, the process is terminated. If the fluctuation pattern includes “reach”, a random number for determining the notice is extracted, and based on the extracted random number value, whether or not the notice effect is to be given and the type of the notice effect when it is decided to give the notice effect are determined. Determine (step S822). The received display result specifying command is also referred to when determining whether or not to give a notice effect.

  In addition, when it is decided to make a notice effect, when it is decided to make a big hit notice effect, a big hit notice flag is set, and when it is decided to make a break notice effect, a break notice flag is set. (Step S824). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) (step S825).

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a process for determining whether or not to perform the notice effect and the type of the notice effect when it is determined to perform the notice effect. FIG. 45A shows a command (display result 4 designation command or command indicating that the received display result specifying command (stored in the display result specifying command storage area of the RAM in the command analysis process) is a hit. An example of a display result 5 designation command (see FIG. 19) is shown. FIG. 45B shows an example in the case where the received display result specifying command is a command indicating a loss (display result 1 to 3 designation command; see FIG. 19).

  When the extracted random number value matches the notice determination value shown in FIG. 45 in the process of step S822, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to give the notice effect according to the matched notice determination value. Then, when a display result specifying command indicating a win is received and it is determined to give a notice effect, it is decided to execute a big hit notice effect. In addition, when the display result specifying command indicating the loss is received and it is determined to give the notice effect, it is decided to execute the notice effect at the time of loss.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command or data indicating the received variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S840).

  Next, the display result (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area of the RAM (that is, the received display result specifying command) (step S841). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area.

  In step S841, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a predetermined random number and determines a stop symbol based on the extracted random number. At this time, if a display result specifying command (display result 1 to 3 designation command) indicating a loss is received, a combination of stop symbols reminiscent of a loss (for example, the left middle right symbol does not match, or left and right The symbol and the middle symbol do not match). In addition, when a display result specifying command (display result 4 designation command or display result 5 designation command) indicating a hit is received, a combination of stop symbols reminiscent of a big hit (for example, the left middle right symbol matches) ). In addition, when the display result specifying command (display result 5 designation command) indicating the probability variation big hit is received, the combination of the stop symbols reminiscent of the probability variation big hit (for example, “7” “7” “7”) May be determined. In addition, a combination of decorative symbols that evokes a big hit is sometimes referred to as a big hit symbol, and a combination of decorative symbols that evokes a loss is sometimes referred to as a missed symbol.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S842). Then, the process timer corresponding to the production execution data 1 in the selected process data is started (step S843).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs the effect device (the image display device 9 as an effect part) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, movable member control data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Then, the control of the movable member 78 as the production component, the various lamps as the production component, the light emitter of the LED, and the speaker 27 as the production component is started (step S844). For example, in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the image display device 9, a command is output to the drawing processor 109. Further, the motor 78A is driven to operate the movable member 78. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform lighting / extinguishing control of various lamps in synchronization with the display effect of the image display device 9 and the movement of the movable member 78. . In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to perform sound output synchronized with the display effect of the image display device 9 and the movement of the movable member 78 from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the decorative pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis, but the effect control CPU 101 controls the change pattern command. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S845), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation process (step S803). (Step S846).

  FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the image display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, movable member control data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the decorative symbols. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the image display device 9 is described. Data relating to the operation of the movable member 78 is set in the movable member control data. Specifically, data such as the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation time of the motor 78A is set. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change.

  Specific data (for example, 00) indicating that the movable member 78 is not used is set as the movable member control data in the process table corresponding to an effect that does not use the movable member 78. The process table corresponding to the effect using the movable member 78 is a process table corresponding to the variation pattern of the super reach B.

  The process table shown in FIG. 47 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern. Furthermore, different process tables are prepared according to the difference in the notice effect mode (notice type) when the notice effect is executed.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S851) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S852). When the process timer times out (step S853), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S854). Further, the control state for the image display device 9 is changed based on the display control execution data set next (step S855A). The position of the movable member 78 is changed by driving the motor 78A based on the movable member control execution data set next (step S855B). That is, the movable member 78 is moved. When specific data indicating that the movable member 78 is not used is set as the movable member control data, the effect control CPU 101 does not control the movable member 78.

  Further, based on the lamp control execution data and sound number data that are set next, the control state for the light emitters such as lamps and LEDs and the speaker 27 is changed (step S855C). Also, a notice effect process is performed (step S855D).

  When an effect based on the variation pattern of Super Reach B is being performed, the data is not specific data indicating that the movable member 78 is not used (that is, data for controlling the movable member 78, such as the rotational speed of the motor 78A, A process table including movable member control data in which data indicating the rotation direction is set is used. Therefore, when effect control is performed using the variation pattern of Super Reach B, the effect control CPU 101 controls the motor 78A according to the movable member control data in the process data, thereby moving as illustrated in FIG. Control that the member 78 gradually advances into the transparent game area 71 can be performed.

  Further, when an effect based on the variation pattern of Super Reach B is performed, the display control execution data includes data indicating that a special effect display is performed in a portion corresponding to the inside of the decorative member 73 (inside the frame). including. When display control is performed as in the example shown in FIG. 5, data indicating that a star-shaped image 73 a is displayed inside the decorative member 73 is included. In this case, in step S855A, the effect control CPU 101 reads out image data corresponding to the star-shaped image 73a from the CGROM 83 in accordance with the data indicating that the star-shaped image 73a is displayed, and a predetermined position in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B. A command (specifically, a CGROM transfer command shown in FIG. 35) to be written in (a position corresponding to the inside of the decoration member 73) is output to the drawing processor 109. The drawing processor 109 reads the image data corresponding to the star-shaped image 73a from the CGROM 83 in accordance with the command, and writes it in a predetermined position in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B (a position corresponding to the interior of the decoration member 73). Therefore, it is visually recognized by the player as if a special effect display is performed inside the decorative member 73.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S856), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804) (step S858). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S857), the process proceeds to step S858. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol in accordance with the data stored in the decorative symbol display result storage area (data indicating the left middle right stop symbol) (step S861). . Specifically, an address or the like where the stop symbol image data is stored in the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A is designated, and a command to transfer the stop symbol image data to the VRAMFB 96B is output to the drawing processor 109. The drawing processor 109 transfers the image data of the stop symbol to the drawing area of the VRAMFB according to the command. Then, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S862). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the address pointer is set to 0 (step S863) and the fixed area data transfer control process is executed (step S864). The fixed area data transfer control process is a process for transferring the image data (see FIG. 38B) stored in the common image data area of the CGROM 83 to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A, and the initial data in step S702. This process is similar to the process executed in the transfer process. Although it is not essential to execute the fixed area data transfer control process at this stage, for example, by executing the fixed area data transfer control process when it is determined to be a big hit, for example (for example, When the data is garbled in the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A due to noise or the like, the image data in the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A can be returned to correct data. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) (step S865).

  If it is decided not to win, if the display result 2 designation command (outgoing designation / time reduction designation) is received, the probability variation state flag is reset and the time reduction state flag is set (steps S871, S872). , S873). Then, effect mode # 2 data transfer control processing is performed (step S874). That is, since the game mode is determined to be in the short time state, the effect mode # 2 data transfer control process is executed. In this embodiment, the symbol shown in the middle of FIG. 38A is used as the decorative symbol “7” in the time-short state. In the effect mode # 2 data transfer control process, the decorative pattern image data indicating the number “7” combined with the approximately rhombus figure stored in the selected image data area (see the middle of FIG. 38A). This is a process for transferring to the fixed area of the VRAMRS 96A.

  If the display result 3 designation command (outgoing designation / low probability designation) has been received, the time reduction state flag is reset (steps S875, S876). Then, effect mode # 1 data transfer control processing is performed (step S877). That is, since the game mode is determined to be in the low probability state (normal state), the effect mode # 1 data transfer control process is executed. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the symbol shown in the upper part of FIG. 38A is used as the decorative symbol “7”. The effect mode # 1 data transfer control process uses VRAMRS96A to display the decorative pattern image data (see the upper part of FIG. 38A) indicating the number “7” combined with the circular figure stored in the selected image data area. It is a process for transferring to the fixed area.

  Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S878).

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S805) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not a fanfare flag (set when the jackpot start designation command is received in the command analysis process) indicating that the jackpot start designation command is received is set. Confirmation is made (step S891). If the fanfare flag has been set, the fanfare flag is reset (step S892), and the process table corresponding to the big hit gaming effect is selected (step S893). Then, a process timer corresponding to the process data 1 in the selected process data is started (step S894). Further, the control of the effect device is executed according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) (step S895). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806) (step S896).

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag (set when a jackpot end designation command is received in the command analysis process) indicating that the jackpot end designation command has been received. It is confirmed whether or not (step S881). When the big hit end designation command reception flag is set, the big hit end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and the image display device 9 is controlled to display the big hit end screen (step S888). Specifically, an address or the like where the image data of the big hit end screen in the CGROM 83 is stored, and a command to transfer the big hit end screen image data to the drawing area is output to the drawing processor 109. The drawing processor 109 reads the image data of the big hit end screen from the CGROM 83 according to the command, and transfers the read image data to the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B.

  When the display result 5 designation command (probability change jackpot designation) has been received, the probability change state flag is set. When the time reduction state is set, that is, when the time reduction state flag is set, the time reduction state is set. The flag is reset (steps S884, S885, S886). Then, effect mode # 3 data transfer control processing is performed (step S887). That is, since the game mode is determined to be in a certain change state, the effect mode # 3 data transfer control process is executed. In this embodiment, in the probability variation state, the symbol shown in the lower part of FIG. 38A is used as the decorative symbol “7”. In the effect mode # 3 data transfer control process, the decorative pattern image data indicating the number “7” combined with the star-shaped hexagon figure stored in the selected image data area (see the lower part of FIG. 38A). ) Is transferred to the VRAMFB 96B.

  Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S888).

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing effect mode # 1 data transfer control processing (step S703). In the effect mode # 1 data transfer control process, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a CGROM transfer command to the drawing processor 109 (step S601). The read address is an address in which image data of a decorative pattern indicating the number “7” combined with a circular figure stored in the selected image data area in the CGROM 83 (see the upper part of FIG. 38A) is stored. The write address is the address of the fixed area of VRAMRS 96A. The effect mode # 2 data transfer control process (see FIG. 42) and the effect mode # 3 data transfer control process (see FIG. 51) are executed in the same manner as the effect mode # 1 data transfer control process, although the read addresses are different. The The initial data transfer process (step S702) is also executed in the same manner as the presentation mode # 1 data transfer control process, although the read address and the write address are different. The drawing circuit 91 in the drawing processor 109 transfers the image data of the decorative design from the CGROM 83 to the fixed area in the VRAMRS 96A in response to the CGROM transfer command.

  Next, the notice effect executed using the effect device will be described. FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the image data constituting the combined moving image of the moving images A and B used in the notice effect. FIG. 53A illustrates a moving image in which a spacecraft moves. FIG. 53B illustrates a moving image in which a satellite moves.

  The drawing processor 109 in this embodiment has a capability of reproducing an image in 1/60 seconds (displaying an image based on image data). That is, the decoder 95 can decompress the frame image data that has been subjected to data compression every 1/60 seconds. Actually, when the image is reproduced at 1/30 seconds, that is, when the frame period in the actual display is 1/30 seconds, two frame image data can be expanded in one frame period. Therefore, when two moving images are combined and played back, as shown in FIG. 54A, frame image data about the frame images constituting the moving image A in a period of (1/60) × 2 seconds. And the frame image data of the frame image constituting the moving image B are alternately expanded, and as shown in FIG. 54 (B), the two expanded frame image data are combined once every 1/30 seconds. By executing the calculation for this, as shown in FIG. 54C, the synthesized moving image can be reproduced every 1/30 seconds. That is, the decoder 95 alternately decodes the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B within one frame period (simultaneously, the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image of the moving image B Data is not decrypted.) Display data is created, and the created display data is synthesized by writing it into the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B. In other words, the rendering processor 109 sequentially selects one moving image data from a plurality of moving image data for each predetermined cycle (for example, 1/2 of the frame cycle), and displays data for display from the moving image data selected in the cycle. The processing burden is reduced by creating Note that the reproduction cycle of moving image data is ½ times the frame cycle.

  54A to 54C show a case where the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B are combined, as shown in FIGS. 54D and 54E. As described above, the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B may be written in the drawing area without being synthesized. In this case, the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B are written in different areas of the drawing area. That is, the moving image A is displayed on a part of the display screen of the image display device 9, and the moving image B is displayed on the other part. Also in this case, the decoder 95 alternately decodes the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B within one frame period (simultaneously, the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image B of the moving image A). The display data is created, and the created display data is written in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B. That is, the decoder 95 reads from the CGROM 83 every time the first period elapses between the first period and the second period of the same reproduction period which is ½ of the frame period (in this example, 1/30 second). The display data created by decoding the moving image data of the moving image A is stored in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B, and the moving image read from the CGROM 83 every time the second period elapses in the reproduction period following the first period Display data created by decoding the moving image data of the image B is stored in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B. When the frame period (the screen update period of the image display device 9, that is, the display data reading period from the drawing area) is 1/60 second, the moving image data of the moving image A and the moving image data of the moving image B Are decoded at a period (1/30 second) that is twice the frame period.

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notice effect executed in the image display device 9. FIG. 55 shows an example executed when a big hit is not made. In the example shown in FIG. 55, a part of the display screen of the image display device 9 is used as the notice effect area 9b. As shown in FIGS. 55A to 55D, the drawing processor 109 decodes the moving images A and B shown in FIG. 53, synthesizes them (see FIG. 54), and rotates them to give a notice effect. Control to display in the area 9b is performed. The rotation angle gradually varies from frame to frame.

  FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the notice effect executed in the image display device 9. FIG. 56 shows an example that is executed in the case of a big hit. As shown in FIGS. 56 (A) to 56 (D), the rendering processor 109 decodes the moving images A and B shown in FIG. 53, combines them (see FIG. 54), and rotates them to give a notice effect. Control to display in the area 9b is performed. The rotation angle gradually varies from frame to frame. Moreover, the rotation direction in the example shown to FIG. 56 (A)-(D) is reverse to the rotation direction in the example shown to FIG. 55 (A)-(D).

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing the notice effect process (see FIG. 48) in step S855D. In the notice effect processing, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit notice flag or the off notice notice flag is set (step S611). If any flag is set, it is confirmed whether or not the notice effect flag is set (step S612). If the notice effect flag is not set, it is checked whether or not the notice effect start timing has come (step S613). The notice effect start timing is the time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the predetermined variable display. By setting data indicating the time in the process data, the effect control CPU 101 notifies the notice. It can be determined whether or not the production start timing has come.

  When it is time to start the notice effect, a flag for notice effect is set (step S614). Then, the production control CPU 101 outputs a multi-stream start address command (see FIG. 36) to the drawing processor 109 (step S615). The address of the CGROM 83 specified by the multi-stream start address command is an address in which the moving image data of the moving images A and B illustrated in FIG. 53 is stored. Further, the multi-stream development area address command (see FIG. 36) is output to the drawing processor 109 (step S616). Then, a decode execution command (see FIG. 36) for instructing multi-stream expansion is output to the drawing processor 109 (step S617).

  Note that the decoder 95 expands the frame image data subjected to data compression every 1/60 seconds in accordance with a decode execution command. At that time, every 1/60 seconds, one frame of frame image data in the moving image A data and one frame of frame image data in the moving image B data are alternately expanded. Therefore, the decompression process for the other moving image data is not started until the decompression process for one moving image data is completed.

  In step S612, if it is confirmed that the flag for the advance notice effect is set, the effect control CPU 101 develops (decodes) one frame of image data (decoded) in the expanded region corresponding to the moving image A (the region in the VRAMRS 96A). In order to output the image data constituting the moving image A) to the VRAMFB 96B, first, a CGROM transfer command (see FIG. 35) is output to the drawing processor 109 to be developed on the VRAMRS 96A, and further, the VRAMFB transfer command (see FIG. 35). Is output, but a predetermined area (area for developing the notice effect image) is designated as the write address of the VRAMFB 96B (step S621). The drawing processor 109 changes the bus width setting of the CG bus from 64 bits to 32 bits when reading the image data of the moving image from the CGROM 83. Specifically, the upper 32 bits of the CG bus are invalidated.

  In addition, a rendering effect command for designating the α value of the image data constituting the moving image B is output to the rendering processor 109 (step S622). Further, in order to output the image data of one frame of the moving image B to the VRAMFB 96B, a CGROM transfer command and a VRAMFB transfer command are output to the drawing processor 109. As a write address of the VRAMFB 96B, a predetermined area (notification effect) is output. An area for expanding the image is designated (step S623).

  In addition, when the drawing processor 109 outputs the image data developed in the development area corresponding to the moving image B to the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B, the image data already developed in the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B (in this example, the moving image The image data constituting the image A) and each pixel are calculated. That is, the synthesis process (superposition process) is performed. At the time of combining processing, for example, for each of two image data, addition processing of each of R, G, and B values multiplied by an α value is performed. The drawing effect command also includes a parameter for commanding the rotation angle of an image (in this example, an image used for a notice effect).

  The α value is a value indicating transparency, and for example, a value corresponding to any of 0 to 1.0 is set. 0 indicates complete transparency and 1.0 indicates complete opacity. Complete transparency means that R, G, and B values of one image data are not used for the calculation when the combination calculation of one image data (α value is 0) and other image data is performed (for example, 0 And completely opaque means that R, G, and B of one image data when a composite operation of one image data (α value is 1.0) and other image data is performed. Indicates that the value is used as is. Also, the value between 0 and 1.0 is the same as the image data when the composition operation of one image data (α value is between 0 and 1.0) and other image data is performed. Indicates that the R, G, and B values are multiplied by a predetermined coefficient.

  FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of background image data stored in the CGROM 83. FIG. 58A illustrates image data of 160 (horizontal) × 120 (vertical) dots, and FIG. 58B illustrates image data of 320 (horizontal) × 240 (vertical) dots. Yes. Note that the image data image shown in FIG. 58A and the image data image shown in FIG. 58B have different resolutions.

  FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing a background image displayed on the display screen 9a of the image display device 9. FIG. 59 illustrates a background image displayed on the display screen 9a having a total number of pixels of 640 (horizontal) × 480 (vertical) dots. When an image based on the image data illustrated in FIG. 58A is displayed on the image display device 9, as shown in the upper part of FIG. . Further, when an image based on the image data illustrated in FIG. 58B is displayed on the image display device 9, as shown in the lower part of FIG. Display.

  FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a modification of the decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process. In this example, the effect control CPU 101 selects the image data (image data of the image B) illustrated in FIG. 58B when the probability variation jackpot designation command is received (steps S831, S832). . If the probability variation jackpot designation command has not been received, the image data illustrated in FIG. 58A (image data of image A) is selected (steps S831 and S833).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 outputs a CGROM transfer command (see FIG. 35) to the drawing processor 109, and the image data selected in step S832 or step S833 is stored in a predetermined area (transfer area shown in FIG. 34) of the VRAMRS 96A. Output (step S834). Specifically, a CGROM transfer command (see FIG. 35) is output. Further, in order to output the image data of a predetermined area of the VRAMRS 96A to the drawing area of the VRAMFB 96B, a VRAMFB transfer command (see FIG. 35) is output to the drawing processor 109 (step S835). Here, in the parameter of the VRAMFB transfer command, the address where the image data in the VRAMRS 96A is expanded is specified as the read address, but the entire background display area in the VRAMFB 96B is specified as the write address. That is, the first address of the background display area is designated as the writing start address, and the last address of the background display area is designated as the writing end address.

  In this example, the background display area is an area of 640 (horizontal) × 480 (vertical) dots. Therefore, when the drawing circuit 91 in the drawing processor 109 inputs a VRAMFB transfer command for the image data of the image A, the image data of the image A is enlarged four times and written to the VRAMFB 96B. Specifically, for example, each dot in the image data of the image A is used as each data of a (4 × 4) dot square area. When a VRAMFB transfer command is input for image data of image B, the image data of image B is doubled and written to VRAMFB 96B. Specifically, for example, each dot in the image data of the image B is used as each data of a square area of (2 × 2) dots. Therefore, in this example, the effect control CPU 101 sets the enlargement ratio by setting the parameter (specifically, the write address) of the VRAMFB transfer command. Note that the enlargement ratio may be set according to the parameters of the drawing effect command.

  Further, in this example, the case where the background image is switched when the change of the decorative design starts is taken as an example, but the timing for switching the background image may be at another time point.

  In this example, the case where the image data of the image A is quadrupled and the image data of the image B is doubled is taken as an example of the background image. However, the control for enlarging the image data controls the background image. Not limited to cases. For example, control for enlarging the image data for a part of the background image may be performed. Moreover, you may perform control which expands image data about a decoration design. In that case, the image data of the images A and B is not limited to 4 times or 2 times, but may be enlarged at an arbitrary magnification. By controlling in such a manner, many kinds of images can be displayed on the image display device 9 without storing many kinds of image data in the CGROM 83. That is, it is possible to enrich the types of effects without increasing the storage capacity of the CGROM 83.

  Further, in this example, a still image is taken as an example, but a plurality of types of moving image data having different resolutions (number of pixels) and having a smaller number of pixels than the total number of pixels of the display screen 9a of the image display device 9 are stored in the CGROM 83. You may make it store. With such a configuration, it is possible to further enrich the types of effects without increasing the storage capacity of the CGROM 83.

  Further, for example, for image data that is frequently used (for example, image data of a decorative design), CGROM 83 is used as image data with relatively high resolution within a range smaller than the total number of pixels of the display screen 9a of the image display device 9. For image data that is rarely used (for example, character image image data used in special effects such as a notice effect), image data with a relatively low resolution is stored in the CGROM 83. May be. In such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the CGROM 83 in order to enrich the types of effects produced by the display of the image display device 9 while making the image data frequently used high-definition. .

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the movable member 78 is installed on the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A (position corresponding to the upper opaque region 72A), but the back surface of the lower transparent region 72C (position corresponding to the lower opaque region 72C). A movable member 78 may be installed on the front panel. FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mechanism portion of the gaming machine of the second embodiment in which the movable member 78 is installed at a position corresponding to the lower opaque region 72C. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view showing a longitudinal section of the gaming machine of the second embodiment. The game board 6 is attached to the game frame 2A, and an LCD image display device 9 attached to the attachment plate 90 is installed on the back side of the game frame 2A. In the space 76 between the game frame 2A and the image display device 9, a movable member 78 is installed on the back surface of the lower opaque region 72C (a position corresponding to the lower opaque region 72C). A base portion attachment portion 78B (a transmission portion for transmitting the driving force of the motor 78A to the movable member 78) integrated with the movable member 78 is attached to the shaft of the motor 78A and rotated about the shaft of the motor 78A. Accordingly, the movable member 78 moves.

  On the back surface of the image display device 9, a main unit 31A including a game control board and an effect unit 80A including an effect control board are attached. 61 and 62, the rectangular parallelepiped cover portion A is attached over both the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A and the back surface outside the game region, and is an electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A. It is formed so as to cover. As an electrical component (unit) in the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque area 72A, each of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol start storage display 41 is provided. There are electrical parts to include. The rectangular parallelepiped cover portion B is attached to both the back surface of the side opaque region 72B and the back surface outside the game region, and is formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B. Yes. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72 </ b> B, there are electrical components including the prize ball display 51 and the round number display 75. The rectangular parallelepiped movable member attachment portion C is a member that is attached over both the back surface of the lower opaque region 72C and the back surface outside the game region, and attaches the attachment portion 78B integrated with the movable member 78. In addition, the movable member mounting portion C is formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C, the start winning opening 13, the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, and the winning opening (ordinary winning opening) 29, 30, 33, 39 There are electrical components including each (including a detection switch for a winning opening). The upper opaque region 72A and the side opaque region 72B need not be provided.

  The lower opaque area 72C is provided with electrical components including the start winning port 13, the variable winning ball device 15, the special variable winning ball device 20, and the winning ports 29, 30, 33, 39. An electrical component including the indicator 51 and an electrical component including the round number display 75, an electrical component including the special symbol indicator 8, an electrical component including the normal symbol indicator 10, and an electrical component including the special symbol hold storage indicator 18. An electric component including any one of the normal symbol start memory display 41 may be installed. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one of the electrical components is installed.

  Moreover, although the movable member attaching part C is attached over both the back surface of the lower opaque region 72C and the back surface outside the game region, it may be attached to either one of the back surfaces. Further, it is not always necessary to cover the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C.

  In addition, the movable member 78 is attached to the lower opaque region 72C, and a movable member attaching portion for attaching an attaching portion integrated with the movable member to the upper opaque region 72A and the side opaque region 72B is further provided. May be attached. Further, the movable member attaching portion may be attached to the cover portions A and B.

  The wiring A1 indicates a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A and the main unit 31A. A wiring B1 indicates a wiring for connecting the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B and the main unit 31A. The wiring C1 is a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C and the main unit 31A. A wiring D1 indicates a wiring that connects the motor 78A and the rendering unit 80A. A wiring E1 indicates a wiring for connecting the image display device 9 and the effect unit 80A.

  The wirings A1, B1, C1, and D1 are holes provided in a lower portion of the mounting plate 90 that passes through the lower side of the image display device 9 and is attached to the rear surface side of the game board 6. It passes through a certain common wire passing part 79. The wiring E1 passes through a wiring passage portion 79B provided at a part of the mounting plate 90 corresponding to the back surface of the image display device 9. Note that the wiring F1 connected to the gate switch 32a passes under the image display device 9 on the back side of the game board 6, similarly to the wiring A1, the wiring B1, the wiring C1, or the wiring D1, and the image display device. 9 is attached to the main unit 31 </ b> A through a common wiring passage 79 which is a hole provided on the lower side of the attachment plate 90 to which 9 is attached.

  FIG. 63 is a front view for explaining the transparent game area 71 and the movable member 78 in the game area. As in the case of the first embodiment, in FIG. 63, the hatched portions from the upper left to the lower right are opaque regions (upper opaque region 72A, side opaque region 72B, and lower opaque region 72C). The hatched portion indicates a transparent game area 71. The game area 7 is formed of a transparent game area 71 and an opaque area. The transparent game area 71 and the opaque area overlap with the area (display area) of the display screen 9A (inside the broken-line rectangle) of the image display device 9, but the display area also has a portion overlapping with the outside of the game area 6B.

  FIG. 63 shows a case where the movable member 78 is driven by the motor 78 </ b> A and moves to the transparent game area 71. Further, the movable member 78 can be accommodated in a position (in the example shown in FIG. 63, the lower opaque region 72C) that is not visually recognized by the player by the motor 78A. In FIG. 63, four mounting brackets (a bracket for mounting the image display device 9 to the mounting plate 90: see FIG. 61) are also shown outside the game board 6.

  FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one effect is realized by the display effect in the image display device 9 and the movable member 78 stopped at a predetermined fixed position cooperating. In FIG. 64, the “dragon” shape is the movable member 78, and the flame shape expressed so that the “dragon” shape is discharged is an image displayed on the display screen 9 </ b> A of the image display device 9. 9c. As shown in FIG. 64, an image 73a having a different taste from the other part is displayed in a part corresponding to the inside of the decorative member 73 in the display screen 9A.

  In this embodiment, for example, in the super reach B effect, a display of “special reach” as shown in FIG. 31 (I) for notifying that an effect further developed than the effect by high-speed rotation is executed. After that, the movable member 78 advances from the non-transparent area or the game area to the transparent game area 71 (the effects illustrated in FIGS. 32 (J) and (K) show that the movable member 78 is transparent from the right side). It is changed to the effect that advances into the area 71). When reaching the position where the overlapping portion of the movable member 78 with the transparent game area 71 is maximized, the image display device 9 displays a flame image as if it is exhaling from the movable member 78. The image is displayed in the vicinity of the changing middle symbol (the effect illustrated in FIG. 32 (L) is changed to an effect in which the movable member 78 has advanced into the transparent game area 71 from the right side. ).

  FIG. 65 is a front view for explaining another type of movable member 78 in the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 65, the movable member 78 is supported at one end of the support member 78a, and the other end of the support member 78a is connected to the shaft of the motor 78A. The support member 78a is formed of a transparent material (for example, a transparent acrylic plate). In the example shown in FIG. 64, when the movable member 78 moves to a position where it overlaps with the transparent game area 71, a part of the movable member 78 exists in the opaque area. However, in the example shown in FIG. 65, all the portions of the movable member 78 overlap with the transparent game area 71.

  In the second embodiment, the mounting position of the movable member 78 is different from that in the first embodiment, but the configuration of each board including the main board 31 and the effect control board 80 is the same as that in the first embodiment. It is the same as the case of the form. Further, although the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the motor 78A are different from those in the first embodiment, the contents of the control of the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer 100 are also the same as those in the first embodiment. Same as the case.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first and second embodiments, it is movable to the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A (position corresponding to the upper opaque region 72A) and the back surface of the lower transparent region 72C (position corresponding to the lower opaque region 72C). Although the member 78 is installed, the movable member 78 may be installed on the back surface of the horizontal transparent region 72B (a position corresponding to the side opaque region 72B). FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mechanism portion of the gaming machine of the third embodiment in which the movable member 78 is installed at a position corresponding to the side opaque region 72B. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view showing a longitudinal section of the gaming machine of the third embodiment. The game board 6 is attached to the game frame 2A, and an LCD image display device 9 attached to the attachment plate 90 is installed on the back side of the game frame 2A. In the space 76 between the game frame 2A and the image display device 9, a movable member 78 is installed on the back surface of the side opaque region 72B (a position corresponding to the side opaque region 72B). A part of the movable member 78 is attached to the shaft of the motor 78A, and the movable member 78 moves by being rotated about the shaft of the motor 78A.

  On the back surface of the image display device 9, a main unit 31A including a game control board and an effect unit 80A including an effect control board are attached. 66 and 67, the rectangular parallelepiped cover portion A is attached over both the back surface of the upper opaque region 72A and the back surface outside the game region, and is an electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A. It is formed so as to cover. As an electrical component (unit) in the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque area 72A, each of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol start storage display 41 is provided. There are electrical parts to include. The rectangular parallelepiped movable member attachment portion B is a member that is attached over both the back surface of the side opaque region 72B and the back surface outside the game region, and attaches the attachment portion 78B integrated with the movable member 78. In addition, the movable member mounting portion B is formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72 </ b> B, there are electrical components including the prize ball display 51 and the round number display 75. The rectangular parallelepiped cover C is attached to both the back surface of the lower opaque region 72C and the back surface outside the game region, and is formed to cover the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C. As electrical components in the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C, the start winning opening 13, the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, and the winning opening (ordinary winning opening) 29, 30, 33, 39 There are electrical components including each (including a detection switch for a winning opening). The upper opaque region 72A and the lower opaque region 72C need not be provided.

  The side opaque region 72B is provided with an electrical component including the prize ball display 51 and an electrical component including the round number display 75. However, the electrical component including the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display are included. 10, electrical parts including special symbol hold memory display 18 and normal symbol start memory display 41, start winning port 13, variable winning ball device 15, special variable winning ball device 20, winning ports 29 and 30 , 33, 39 may be installed. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one of the electrical components is installed.

  Moreover, although the movable member attaching part B is attached over both the back surface of the side part non-transparent area | region 72B and the back surface outside a game area | region, you may make it attach to any one back surface. Moreover, it does not necessarily have to be formed so as to cover the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B.

  In addition, the movable member 78 is attached to the side opaque region 72B, and a movable member attaching portion for attaching an attaching portion integrated with the movable member to the upper opaque region 72A and the lower opaque region 72C is further provided. May be attached. Further, the movable member attaching portion may be attached to the cover portions A and C.

  The wiring A1 indicates a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the upper opaque region 72A and the main unit 31A. A wiring B1 indicates a wiring for connecting the electrical component group provided in the side opaque region 72B and the main unit 31A. The wiring C1 is a wiring that connects the electrical component group provided in the lower opaque region 72C and the main unit 31A. A wiring D1 indicates a wiring that connects the motor 78A and the rendering unit 80A. A wiring E1 indicates a wiring for connecting the image display device 9 and the effect unit 80A.

  The wirings A1, B1, C1, and D1 are holes provided in a lower portion of the mounting plate 90 that passes through the lower side of the image display device 9 and is attached to the rear surface side of the game board 6. It passes through a certain common wire passing part 79. The wiring E1 passes through a wiring passage portion 79B provided at a part of the mounting plate 90 corresponding to the back surface of the image display device 9. Note that the wiring F1 connected to the gate switch 32a passes under the image display device 9 on the back side of the game board 6, similarly to the wiring A1, the wiring B1, the wiring C1, or the wiring D1, and the image display device. 9 is attached to the main unit 31 </ b> A through a common wiring passage 79 which is a hole provided on the lower side of the attachment plate 90 to which 9 is attached.

  FIG. 68 is a front view for explaining the transparent game area 71 and the movable member 78 in the game area. As in the case of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in FIG. 68, the hatched portions from the upper left to the lower right are opaque regions (upper opaque region 72A, side opaque region 72B). , The lower opaque area 72C), and the hatched portion indicates the transparent gaming area 71. The game area 7 is formed of a transparent game area 71 and an opaque area. The transparent game area 71 and the opaque area overlap with the area (display area) of the display screen 9A (inside the broken-line rectangle) of the image display device 9, but the display area also has a portion overlapping with the outside of the game area 6B.

  68 shows a case where the movable member 78 is driven by the motor 78A and moved to the transparent game area 71. FIG. Further, the movable member 78 can be accommodated in a position (in the example shown in FIG. 68, outside the game area 6B and the side opaque area 72B) that is not visually recognized by the player by the motor 78A. In FIG. 68, four mounting brackets (a bracket for mounting the image display device 9 to the mounting plate 90: see FIG. 66) are also shown outside the game board 6.

  FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which one effect is realized by the display effect in the image display device 9 and the movable member 78 stopped at a predetermined fixed position cooperating. In FIG. 69, the “dragon” shape is the movable member 78, and the flame shape expressed so that the “dragon” shape is discharged is an image displayed on the display screen 9 </ b> A of the image display device 9. 9c. In addition, as shown in FIG. 69, in the portion corresponding to the inside of the decorative member 73 on the display screen 9A, an image 73a having a different taste from the other portions is displayed.

  In this embodiment, for example, in the super reach B effect, a display of “special reach” as shown in FIG. 31 (I) for notifying that an effect further developed than the effect by high-speed rotation is executed. After that, the movable member 78 advances from the non-transparent area or the game area to the transparent game area 71 (the effects illustrated in FIGS. 32 (J) and (K) show that the movable member 78 is transparent from the bottom) It will be changed to a production that advances to 71). When reaching the position where the overlapping portion of the movable member 78 with the transparent game area 71 is maximized, the image display device 9 displays a flame image as if it is exhaling from the movable member 78. The image is displayed in the vicinity of the changing middle symbol (the effect illustrated in FIG. 32 (L) is changed to an effect in which the movable member 78 has advanced into the transparent game area 71 from below). .

  FIG. 70 is a front view for explaining another type of movable member 78 in the third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 70, the movable member 78 is supported at one end of the support member 78a, and the other end of the support member 78a is connected to the shaft of the motor 78A. The support member 78a is formed of a transparent material (for example, a transparent acrylic plate). In the example shown in FIG. 69, when the movable member 78 moves to a position where it overlaps with the transparent game area 71, a part of the movable member 78 exists in the opaque area. However, in the example shown in FIG. 70, all the portions of the movable member 78 overlap with the transparent game area 71.

  In the third embodiment, the mounting position of the movable member 78 is different from the case of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, but each board including the main board 31 and the effect control board 80 is different. The configuration is the same as in the case of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The rotation direction of the motor 78A is different from that in the first embodiment, and the rotation amount is different from that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The contents of the control of the production control microcomputer 100 are also the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  As described above, in each of the above-described embodiments, the movable member 78 includes the region corresponding to the opaque game region or the region corresponding to the outside of the game region (non-display corresponding region) and the display corresponding region corresponding to the display region. (Specifically, it can be moved between the transparent region 71), and according to the gaming state, the overlapping ratio of the movable member 78 and the display corresponding region (movable member 78 when viewed in plan view) Since the movable member 78 is moved so that the ratio of the area overlapping the display corresponding area to the total area) can be changed, the player can visually recognize the display screen 9A of the image display device 9 without obstruction. Further, it is possible to prevent the effect of the display effect by the image display device 9 from being lowered and to enhance the effect of the movable member 78.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the reach effect (specifically, the super reach B effect) executed during the change of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is exemplified as the effect using the movable member 78. The effect using the member 78 is not limited to the reach effect. An effect using the movable member 78 may be performed in a notice effect, an effect executed during a big hit game, or other effects. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the production control microcomputer 100 has exemplified the production in which the movable member 78 gradually advances into the transparent game area 71, but the production using the movable member 78 is It is not limited to such a production. For example, when a specific effect such as a reach effect is not performed, the movable member 78 is positioned so as to exist in the transparent game area 71, and when the specific effect is started, the movable member 78 is moved to the non-transparent area 72 or It is also possible to evacuate the game area and then perform a specific effect by a display effect on the display screen of the image display 9. Alternatively, the movable member 78 may be gradually withdrawn from the transparent gaming area 71, or the movable member 78 may be controlled to repeatedly move between the transparent gaming area 71 and the non-transparent area 72 or outside the gaming area.

  In each of the above embodiments, the data bus in the CG bus between the drawing circuit 91 and the CGROM 83 in the drawing processor 109 physically has 64 bits, but all 64 bits are used as the data bus. It is possible to switch between a 64-bit mode and a 32-bit mode in which the lower 32 bits are used as a data bus. Hereinafter, the operation and effect when such switching is possible will be described.

  FIG. 71A shows a case where two ROMs 83A and 83B are provided. However, when an additional ROM is added, two ROM 32A capable of data input / output as shown in FIG. 71B are shown. It is necessary to provide ROMs 83C and 83D or a ROM capable of inputting and outputting 64-bit data. In FIG. 71B, for convenience of drawing, the ROM 83C and 83D are described such that the data bus extends from the ROM 83A and 83B. However, in actuality, between the drawing control unit 91 and the ROM 83A and 83B. The data bus is branched and wired to the ROMs 83C and 83D. When the bus width is 64 bits as shown in FIG. 71B, the drawing control unit 91 inputs data 64 bits at a time. In that case, if one ROM 83C is provided when the ROM is added, the drawing control unit 91 masks (forcibly sets to 0) the upper 32 bits of the input 64-bit data, or sets two 64-bit data. It is necessary to perform processing such as creating 64-bit data from the lower 32 bits of each data.

  In the above embodiments, the CG bus mode can be switched between a 64-bit mode in which all 64 bits are used as a data bus and a 32-bit mode in which lower 32 bits are used as a data bus. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 71C, when reading image data from the ROM 83C in which moving image data is stored, the 32-bit mode is set and images are read from the ROM 83A and 83B in which still image data is stored. When reading data, if the 64-bit mode is set, the ROM 83C to be added can be made one. In FIG. 71 (C), for convenience of drawing, the ROM 83C is described such that the data bus extends from the ROM 83A. However, actually, the data bus between the drawing control unit 91 and the ROM 83A is branched. Wired to the ROM 83C. When configured as shown in FIG. 71C, when the bus width is 32 bits, that is, when the lower 32 bits are set to the 32-bit mode used as a data bus, the drawing control is performed. The unit 91 can input data by 32 bits. Therefore, the drawing control unit 91 can handle 32-bit data as it is by providing only one ROM 83C.

  Further, in the case where the ROM is not added and the CGROM 83 can be formed by the three ROMs 83A, 83B and 83C as shown in FIG. 71 (C), when the present invention is not applied, FIG. 71 (B). As shown, it is necessary to form the CGROM 83 with four ROMs 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D. That is, the number of ROMs used increases.

  The moving image data is stored in the ROM 83C in a compressed state. Therefore, the data amount is compressed as compared with the sprite images stored in the ROMs 83A and 83B. Then, the amount of data transfer processing from the CGROM 83 is small compared to the decoding processing by the drawing processor 109. Therefore, even if the bus width when reading moving image data (compressed data) from the CGROM 83 is narrowed to reduce the data transfer speed, the overall processing performance of the rendering processor 109 is not significantly reduced.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
72 shows a fourth embodiment in which a sound / lamp control board 80b and a display control board 80a are provided in place of the production control board 80, lamp driver board 35, and audio output board 70 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure. As shown in FIG. 72, the sound / lamp control board 80b is mounted with a sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b and a RAM. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b operates according to a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and is input via the relay board 77. In response to the strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from, an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver 352 via the output port 107. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp such as the left frame lamp 28b and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b outputs a signal for driving the LED to the LED driver 353 via the output port 107. The LED driver 353 drives the winning ball display 51 and the round number display 75.

  In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 703. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the sound number data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b transfers the received effect control command to the symbol control board 80a via the output port 104, and generates a command based on the received effect control command. The data is transmitted to the symbol control board 80a via the output port 104.

  As shown in FIG. 72, a display control microcomputer 100a including a display control CPU 101a and a RAM (not shown) is mounted on the display control board 80a. In the display control board 80a, the display control microcomputer 100a operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown) and receives a command from the sound / lamp control board 80b via the input port 108. To do. Then, the display control microcomputer 100a causes the drawing processor 109 to perform display control of the image display device 9 using the LCD based on the received command. The control of the display control microcomputer 100a related to the display control of the image display device 9 is the same as the control of the effect control microcomputer 100 in the first to third embodiments.

  The command transmitted from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b to the display control microcomputer 100a is the same as the effect control command (see FIG. 14) in the first to third embodiments. The command received by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b from the game control microcomputer 560 is directly transferred to the symbol control microcomputer 100a, or the symbol control microcomputer 100a receives the command received from the game control microcomputer 560. By transmitting the command generated based on the symbol control microcomputer 100a, a command similar to the effect control command (see FIG. 19) in the first embodiment can be given to the display control microcomputer 100a.

  The present invention includes an image display device and a movable member, and can display a still image and a moving image for production on the image display device, and the effect display of the image display device and the movable member cooperate to produce the effect. It is preferably applied to a gaming machine to be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Image display device 13 Start winning opening 14 Start winning opening 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
71 Transparent gaming area 72A Upper opaque area 72B Side opaque area 72C Lower opaque area 73 Decoration member 78 Movable member 78A Motor 83 CGROM
80 Production control board 91 Drawing circuit 95 Decoder 96A VRAMRS
96B VRAMFB
100 effect control microcomputer 101 effect control CPU
109 Drawing processor 560 Microcomputer for game control

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which a player can perform a predetermined game by firing a game ball into a game area,
A transparent gaming board having transparency and having the gaming area formed on the front side;
An image display device disposed on the back side of the transparent game board and having a display area visible to the player through the transparent game board;
A movable member movable in a region formed between the transparent game board and the image display device;
The game area includes a transparent game area having transparency, and an opaque game area formed by attaching an opaque member to a side portion of the transparent game area in the transparent game board,
The movable member can be moved between a non-display corresponding area which is an area corresponding to the opaque game area or an area corresponding to outside the game area and a transparent corresponding area corresponding to the transparent game area, A gaming machine comprising a movable member control means for moving the overlapping ratio with the transparent corresponding region in a changeable manner in accordance with a gaming state.