JP2012115457A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To diversify notification of information by operation of a touch panel by displaying information on a performance pattern that has not been displayed in a stopped state yet by the player' direct operation to the touch panel.SOLUTION: A performance control board 120 and an image control board 150 display the performance pattern for executing a performance corresponding to a lottery result of a special game lottery means by a main control board 110 in a varied state or a stopped state on a screen of a liquid crystal display device 31 and display the information on the performance pattern that has not been displayed in a stopped state yet on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 when a contact position detected by a plurality of oblong electrodes 83, 84 of the touch panel 53 and a touch panel controller 120d enters a prescribed detection area while the liquid crystal display device 31 is performing variation display of the performance pattern.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a notifying means for notifying information and a pressing operation member for performing a pressing operation from the outside.

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine that is commonly used and called a conventional pachinko machine includes an outer frame that is attached to an island facility of a game store and a glass frame that is rotatably supported by the outer frame. The outer frame is provided with a game board in which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed. On the other hand, a transparent glass plate is attached to the upper center of the glass frame facing the game board, and a tray for storing game balls possessed by the player is installed in the lower center.
In addition, conventional general pachinko gaming machines execute a special prize lottery when a prize is received at the start opening, and display a variable display of special symbols on the special symbol display device when the special prize lottery is executed. ing. The special prize lottery in this case is generally referred to as a jackpot lottery, and is a lottery in which a selection is made when shifting to a special game advantageous to the player or without shifting to a special game.

  In such a conventional general pachinko gaming machine, an image output means such as a liquid crystal display device is provided on the game board, and an effect image corresponding to the progress of the game is displayed on the image output means. As such an effect image, for example, a variable display of a plurality of effect symbols (decorative symbols) corresponding to the special symbol variable display is mainly displayed. Here, on the special symbol display device, the special symbol variation display is terminated, and the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special prize lottery is stopped and displayed. At this time, also in the image output means, the variation display of the effect symbols ends, and a plurality of effect symbols corresponding to the lottery result of the special prize lottery are stopped and displayed.

  In addition, pachinko machines that have become popular in recent years include, for example, a production button such as a chance button for production on a saucer as shown in Patent Document 1. The player changes the effect from the non-operation by operating the effect button. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a touch panel is arranged on a glass plate of a glass frame as a touch sensor for detecting contact by a player, and information for performance is notified by operating the touch panel.

JP 2009-112212 A JP 2006-288482 A

However, in conventional gaming machines, information notification by operating the touch panel has many simple patterns such as changes in the background image, and is easily bored by the player. In addition, with conventional pachinko machines, informing the game result content such as the combination of productions to be stopped in advance depends on the preference of the player, and the game result content is specified in advance. It was difficult to compose the production so that both players who wanted to know and those who didn't want to know were liked.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can display information of effect symbols that are not yet stopped and displayed by direct operation of the player's touch panel, and can diversify information notification by operating the touch panel.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a game area where a game ball flows down, a start area provided in the game area, and a shift that does not shift to a special game or a special game advantageous to a player, Special game lottery means determined by lottery based on the entry of game balls into the starting area, and special symbols corresponding to the lottery results of the special game lottery means can be displayed, and the special game lottery means draws once A special symbol display means for notifying the lottery result by selecting and displaying the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means for the special symbol to be stopped and stopped A player contact member that can be contacted by the player, a player contact position detection unit that detects a contact position of the player with respect to the player contact member, a notification unit that reports information by displaying an image on a screen, An effect symbol that produces an effect corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means is variably displayed or stopped on the screen of the notifying means, and the player is in a state where the notifying means is variably displaying the effect symbol. And a notification control means for displaying information on effect symbols that have not been stopped and displayed on the screen of the notification means when the contact position detected by the contact position detection means enters a predetermined detection region. To do.

The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means is displayed on the screen of the notification means at least during the variable display of the special symbol and during the display of the effect symbol. When an image of a mark is displayed and the contact position detected by the player contact position detecting means changes, the mark is moved in conjunction with the change of the contact position, and the player contact position detecting means detects When the contact position enters the predetermined detection area, the mark is moved to the predetermined screen area.
The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined screen area is a screen area displaying the effect design or a screen area displaying the effect design. It is a neighborhood.

The invention according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification control means is the same as the effect symbol as information of the effect symbol that has not yet been stopped or displayed. It is characterized in that a prior notification pattern made up of images of approximate shapes is used.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, wherein the notification control means displays a question mark image superimposed on the prior notification symbol to stop display.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the player contact member is transparent, and the notification means is configured such that the screen is the player contact. It is arranged to face the back side of the member, and information is notified on the back side of the player contact member.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the game area, the start area, the special game lottery means, the special symbol display means, and the notification means A game board provided; a transparent board that covers the game area so as to be visible; and a support member that supports the transparent board on the front side of the game board; and the player contact member includes the support member It is provided in.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the notification control means is configured such that the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means is in a predetermined detection area in a state where the notification means is performing the variable display of the effect symbol. When it enters, the information of the effect symbol that is not yet stopped and displayed is displayed on the screen of the notification means, so the information of the effect symbol that is not yet stopped and displayed is displayed by direct operation on the touch panel of the player, It is possible to diversify the information notification by the operation.

  According to the present invention, the notification control means, when the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means enters a predetermined detection area in a state where the notification means is a variable display of the effect symbol, Since the information of the effect symbol that has not been stopped and displayed is displayed on the screen of the notification means, the information of the effect symbol that has not yet been stopped and displayed is displayed by direct operation on the touch panel of the player, and the information of the information by the operation of the touch panel is displayed. Notifications can be diversified.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in a state in which a glass frame of a first embodiment of the present invention is opened. It is a perspective view of the back surface side of the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the touchscreen of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of an entire gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the image control board of the 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the structure figure of the control register in VDP of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the jackpot determination table and the hit determination table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol determination table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the special electric accessory operating mode determination table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the special winning opening open | release mode table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the variation production pattern determination table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the main process in the main control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in the main control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electricity control process in the main control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination processing in the main control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the classification of the command transmitted to the effect control board from the main control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the main process in the production | presentation control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in the presentation control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 1 in the presentation control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 2 in the presentation control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the effect input control process in the effect control board of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the main process in the host CPU of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the interruption process in the host CPU of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the animation group of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the animation pattern of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display list comprised from the drawing control command group of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the expansion | extension control process in the expansion | extension circuit of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the drawing control process in the drawing circuit of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display control process in the display circuit of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the game content displayed with the liquid crystal display device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the display screen of the change effect pattern in the liquid crystal display device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the 1st explanatory view showing operation of the production symbol corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is the 2nd explanatory view showing operation of the production symbol corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a 3rd explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement of the production symbol corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the 4th explanatory view showing operation of the production symbol corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the image display timing of the change effect pattern of embodiment shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the jackpot image corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the jackpot image corresponding to operation of the cursor in the liquid crystal display device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the 1st explanatory view showing display of an image corresponding to operation of a cursor in a liquid crystal display of a modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the saucer unit of the game machine of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention, and its peripheral part.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(Composition of gaming machine)
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 with the glass frame opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 with the glass frame opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  1 to 3, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (FIG. 1, FIG. 1). (See FIG. 3). In addition, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which the game ball 200 flows down is formed. 1 and 2, the glass frame 50 has an operation handle 3 that launches a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32, and an up-and-down effect having a plurality of lamps. Lighting devices 34a and 34b, and an effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by a pressing operation.

  Further, in FIG. 3, a tray unit 8 is provided below the glass frame 50. The tray unit 8 is provided with a ball tray portion 71 for storing a plurality of game balls 200, and the ball tray portion 71 is inclined downward so that the game balls 200 flow down toward the operation handle 3. Have. A receiving opening for receiving a game ball is provided at the downwardly inclined end of the ball tray portion 71, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, thereby forming a glass frame. One by one is sent to a ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface of 50. Then, the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having a downward slope toward the launching member 4c. A stopper 43 for stopping and stopping the game ball is provided above the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42, and the game ball 200 sent out from the ball feed opening 41 has a downward slope of the launch rail 42. One game ball is stopped at the end.

  When the player rotates the operation handle 3, the launch volume 3b (see FIG. 6) directly connected to the operation handle 3 also rotates, and the launch intensity of the game ball is adjusted and adjusted by the launch volume 3b. The launching member 4c directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a rotates with the firing strength. By rotating the launch member 4 c, the game ball 200 stored at the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 is launched by the launch member 4 c, and the game ball is launched into the game area 6.

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

(Composition of game area 6)

  In FIG. 1, the game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 12. Each of these general winning awards 12 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 12a (see FIG. 6). When this general winning opening detecting switch 12a detects a winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10) Game balls).

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

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

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detecting switch 14a (see FIG. 6) for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is a first for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 2 A start port detection switch 15a (see FIG. 6) is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a special symbol determination random number value is acquired, and a right acquisition lottery (to be described later) Hereinafter, “Lottery for jackpot” is performed. Also, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.

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

  Furthermore, in the area on the right side of the game area 6, there are provided a normal symbol gate 13 constituting a normal area through which game balls can pass and a first grand prize opening 16 through which game balls can enter.

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

  The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol determination random number value. Is acquired, and a “normal symbol lottery” to be described later is performed.

  The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first big prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a (see FIG. 6). When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, it is set in advance. Prize balls (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned various effects devices, the audio output device 32 outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), etc., and produces effects by sound. The effect lighting devices 34a and 34b are The lighting direction and the emission color of each lamp are changed to produce an effect by illumination.

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

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

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

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, “big hit” means that a big hit lottery is performed in a lottery lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. It means having acquired the right to execute. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. A predetermined time is set for the maximum opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed. In other words, the “big hit game” is a game in which a game ball can enter the first grand prize winning opening 16 or the second big winning prize opening 17 and the player can acquire a winning ball according to the winning prize.
This jackpot game is provided with a plurality of types of jackpots, which will be described in detail later.

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

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

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.

  For both of these holds, the upper limit hold number is set to 4, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 Lights up. In addition, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 blinks and the right LED is lit, and when there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold. Two LEDs on the display 23 blink. The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

(Configuration of tray unit 8)
In FIG. 2, inclined surface portions 74 that are inclined obliquely forward are provided on the front side and the right side of the ball tray portion 71 of the tray unit 8. An effect button 35 is disposed on the right side of the inclined surface portion 74. The operation of the effect button 35 is provided with an effect button detection switch 35a (see FIG. 12). For example, guidance for prompting the operation of the effect button 35 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 in the case of a specific reach effect during the game. It becomes effective while

  An alignment path 72 is provided on the diagonally left rear side of the effect button 35.

  A ball removal button 75 is provided on the right side of the alignment path 72. By continuously pressing the ball removal button 75, the opening / closing plate provided at the tip of the alignment path 72 is moved to move the ball tray side ball discharge port. 76 is opened, and the game balls stored in the upper ball tray are removed and sent to the lower ball discharge port 77 (see FIG. 1). The game balls discharged from the lower ball discharge port 77 are normally received and stored in a game ball storage box called a dollar box.

  On the lower side of the tray unit 8, a lower effect illumination device 34 b is provided.

(Configuration of glass frame 5)
In FIG. 3, the glass frame 50 supports a glass plate 52 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 52 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50. A known touch panel 53 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) is attached to the front side of the glass plate 52.

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

(Configuration of the back side of the gaming machine 1)
In FIG. 4, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

  Hereinafter, the touch panel 53 which is a main part of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the touch panel 53.
In FIG. 5, the touch panel 53 uses a known type using a transparent electrode film as a switch electrode, and a plurality of areas (detection areas) in which a player can specify a contact position are arranged in a matrix on the panel surface. Is arranged. More specifically, on the touch panel 53, a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes 83 are disposed on the front sheet 81, and a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes 84 are disposed on the back sheet 82. In this case, the touch panel 53 has a plurality of electrodes 83, 84 in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes 83 of the front sheet 81 is oriented 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes 84 of the back sheet 82. The electrode surfaces are arranged facing each other. A small sbaser is inserted between the front sheet 81 and the back sheet 82 so that an unpressed electrode portion does not contact. In the present embodiment, the detection areas are arranged in 60 vertical rows and 50 horizontal rows, and are divided into first to nth (n = 60 × 50 = 3000) detection areas as a whole. The plurality of electrodes 83 and 84 are respectively provided with terminals 85 and 86 for connection to the effect control board 120 (see FIG. 6) via a flexible wiring board. At the contact position by the player, the electrodes 83 and 84 are in contact with each other, and the terminals 85 and 86 are energized. Thereby, the effect control board 120 detects the contact position by the player.
In such a touch panel 53, a plurality of crossing positions where a plurality of electrodes 83 of the front sheet 81 and a plurality of electrodes 84 of the back sheet 82 intersect as viewed from the front side are a plurality of areas (where a player's contact position can be specified) Detection area).
The image displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 is visually recognized by the player via the touch panel 53.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, the main ROM 110b stores a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery, a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and the like.
In addition, the table mentioned above only lists characteristic tables among the tables in the first embodiment of the present invention as an example. There are many programs.
The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery (see FIG. 12), a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery (see FIG. 12), and a symbol determination table to determine a special symbol stop symbol (see FIG. 13). , A jackpot game end setting data table for determining the game state after the end of the jackpot, a special electric accessory operating mode determination table (see FIG. 14) for determining the opening / closing conditions of the jackpot opening / closing door, and the jackpot opening mode Table (see FIG. 15) A variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols, etc. is stored in the main ROM 110b.
In addition, the table mentioned above only lists characteristic tables among the tables in the first embodiment of the present invention as an example. There are many programs.

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

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

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

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. . The control board 120 includes a touch panel controller 120d of a one-chip CPU. The sub CPU 120a transmits control information to the touch panel controller 120d. The touch panel controller 120d specifies the presence or absence of contact by the player on the touch panel 53 by controlling the drive of the touch panel 53 based on the received control information, specifies the contact position when there is a contact, and specifies the specified contact position detection information Is transmitted to the sub CPU 120a. The sub CPU 120a is stored in the sub ROM 120b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110, the touch button detection information by the effect button detection switch 35a or the touch panel controller 120d, or the input signal from the timer. The program is read to perform arithmetic processing, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on the processing. The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command indicating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the contents of the received fluctuation pattern designation command are analyzed, and the liquid crystal display device 31, the voice Data for causing the output device 32, the effect drive device 33, and the effect illumination devices 34a and 34b to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. Further, when receiving the variation pattern designation command, the CPU 120a generates control information for detecting a player's contact by the touch panel 53, and transmits the control information to the touch panel controller 120d.

The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a change pattern designation command received from the main control board, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 36 to be stopped, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 120b. Has been. In addition, the table mentioned above only lists characteristic tables among the tables in the first embodiment of the present invention as an example. There are many programs.

The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub-RAM 120c includes a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a cursor display position storage area, a cursor effect execution flag storage area, and first to n-th area executable flag storage areas. Etc. are provided. The cursor display position storage area stores a position where the cursor is displayed in the previous process or the process immediately before the display of the cursor is interrupted. Note that the storage area described above is merely an example, and in addition to this, the sub-RAM 120c is provided with a large number of storage areas.

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

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

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

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

  The touch sensor 3a is provided in the inside of the operation handle 3, and is comprised from the electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch using the change of the electrostatic capacitance by the player touching the operation handle 3. When the touch sensor 3a detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a outputs a touch signal that permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a to the firing control board 160 (see FIG. 6). As a major premise, the launch control board 160 is configured not to launch the game ball 200 into the game area 6 unless a touch signal is input from the touch sensor 3a.

  The firing volume 3b is provided directly connected to a rotating portion around which the operation handle 3 rotates, and is composed of a variable resistor. The firing volume 3b divides a constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the firing volume 3b by a variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the launch control board 160 (the voltage to be supplied to the launch control board 160). Variable). The launch control board 160 energizes the launch solenoid 4a based on the voltage divided by the launch volume 3b, and rotates the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a, thereby playing the game ball 200 in the game. Fire into area 6.

  The launching solenoid 4a is composed of a rotary solenoid, and a launching member 4c is directly connected to the launching solenoid 4a, and the launching member 4c is rotated by rotating the launching solenoid 4a.

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

  The ball feed solenoid 4b is composed of a linear solenoid, and feeds the game balls in the ball tray portion 71 one by one toward the launching member 4c directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a.

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

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

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

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

  The host RAM 150b is built in the host CPU 150a, functions as a data work area when the host CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the host ROM 150c. In the storage area of the host RAM 150b, various timer counters such as an effect timer counter are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The host ROM 150c is composed of a mask ROM, a control processing program for the host CPU 150a, a display list generation program for generating a display list, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern, animation scene information, and the like. Is stored (see FIGS. 26 to 37).
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. The animation scene information stores information such as weight frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. doing.

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

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal to the VDP 2000 (clock generation circuit 2050), and divides the pulse signal so that the clock generation circuit 2050 controls the system clock, the liquid crystal display device 31, and the VDP 2000 to control. A synchronization signal or the like for synchronization is generated.

The VRAM 153 is composed of an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed.
The VRAM 153 also draws or displays an image, a display list storage area 153a that temporarily stores the display list output from the host CPU 150a, a decompression storage area 153b that stores image data decompressed by the decompression circuit 2060, and the like. A first frame buffer 153c and a second frame buffer 153d. The VRAM 153 also stores palette data.
The two frame buffers are alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” every time drawing is started.

  The VDP 2000 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (display frame buffer) based on an instruction from the host CPU 150a, and outputs a video signal (RGB signal or the like) based on the read image data. Is generated and output to the liquid crystal display device 31.

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

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

The CG bus I / F 2020 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 151, and image data from the CGROM 151 is input to the VDP 2000 via the CG bus I / F 2020.
The CPU I / F 2030 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 150a, and the host CPU 150a outputs a display list to the VDP 2000, accesses a control register, and accesses from the VDP 2000 via the CPU I / F 2030. Various interrupt signals are input by the host CPU 150a.

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

  The clock generation circuit 2050 receives a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 152 and generates a system clock that determines the operation processing speed of the VDP2000. Also, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the liquid crystal display device 31 via the display circuit.

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

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

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

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

  The audio control circuit 3000 is provided with an audio ROM that stores a large number of audio data. The audio CPU of the audio control circuit 3000 reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 120. The sound output control in the sound output device 32 is performed.

(Structure of control register in VDP2000)
Here, the configuration of the control register 2010 provided in the VDP 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram obtained by obtaining representative data of the control register 2010 in the VDP2000.

  As described above, the control register 2010 includes six types of registers, that is, a system control register, a data transfer register, a drawing register, a bus interface register, an expansion register, and a display register. Representative data of a register, an expansion register, and a display register are acquired and shown.

FIG. 8A is a structure diagram in which the 0th to 1st bits of the system control register are acquired. The 0th bit of the system control register is data instructing to output a V blank interrupt signal, and the 1st bit of the system control register is data instructing to output a drawing end interrupt signal. The 0th to 1st bits of these system control registers correspond to “interrupt registers”.
Specifically, the clock generation circuit 2050 generates a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms), and system control is performed every time the V blank interrupt signal is generated. 1 is set to 0 bit of the register. Further, when the drawing is completed, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 1 to the first bit of the system control register.
When 1 is set in these “interrupt registers”, the CPU I / F 2030 outputs a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 150a. The CPU I / F 2030 sets 0 to corresponding bits of various interrupt registers after outputting various interrupt signals.

FIG. 8B is a structure diagram in which the 0th bit of the drawing register is acquired. The 0th bit of the drawing register is data that instructs the drawing circuit 2070 to start drawing.
Specifically, the host CPU 150 a sets 1 to the 0 bit of the drawing register via the CPU I / F 2030 and instructs the drawing circuit 2070 to start drawing. When drawing starts, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 0 to the 0 bit of the drawing register.

FIG. 8C is a structural diagram in which the 0th to 1st bits of the decompression register are acquired. The 0th bit of the expansion register is data instructing the expansion circuit 2060 to start expansion of the compressed image. The first bit of the decompression register is data indicating the decompression execution state of the decompression circuit 2060.
Specifically, the drawing circuit 2070 analyzes the display list output from the host CPU 150a. If the image data to be used does not exist in the expanded storage area 153b of the VRAM 153, the drawing circuit 2070 sets 1 to the 0 bit of the expansion register, The decompression circuit 2060 is instructed to start decompressing image data to be used and store it in the expanded storage area 153b. When the decompression circuit 2060 starts decompression, it sets 0 to the 0 bit of the decompression register.
The decompression circuit 2060 sets 1 to the 1-bit of the decompression register while decompression is being performed, and sets 0 to the 1-bit of the decompression register when the decompression of the compressed image is completed.

FIG. 8D is a structural diagram in which 0th to 1st bits of the display register are acquired. The 0 bit of the display register is data for instructing the display circuit 2080 to output a video signal, and the 1 bit of the display register is data for specifying the frame buffer of the VRAM 153.
Specifically, the host CPU 150a instructs the display circuit 2080 to create and output a video signal by setting 1 to the 0 bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030 when the power is turned on. As a result, the display circuit 2080 generates a video signal based on the designated image data in the “display frame buffer” and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal display device 31.
If the drawing is finished when the V blank interrupt signal is input, the host CPU 150a adds 1 to the first bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030, and displays “display” on the memory controller 2090. An instruction to switch between “frame buffer” and “drawing frame buffer” is given. That is, every time drawing ends, 1 is added to the 1st bit of the display register, so that “0 → 1 → 0 → 1 →...” Is switched.

  The structure diagram of the register shown in FIG. 8 is merely obtained from representative data of the control register 2010, and it goes without saying that more detailed data exists.

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

(Big hit judgment table)
FIG. 9 (a-1) and FIG. 9 (a-2) are diagrams showing a jackpot determination table used for the “big hit lottery”. FIG. 9 (a-1) is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. 9 (a-2) is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 21. is there. In the table of FIG. 9A-1 and FIG. 9A-2, although the winning probability of the small hit is different, the jackpot probability is the same.

Specifically, the jackpot determination table is for determining whether the jackpot, the jackpot, or the loss is based on the current probability gaming state and the acquired random number for determining the special symbol.
For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 9A-1, two special symbol determination disturbances “7” and “8” are in the low probability gaming state. The number is determined to be a big hit. On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, 20 special symbol determination random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be big hits.
Further, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 9 (a-1), the random number value for special symbol determination is obtained in the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state. In the case of four special symbol determination random numbers “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the low probability gaming state is 1 / 299.5, and in the high probability gaming state, The probability to be determined is 10 times up to 1 / 29.9. In the first special symbol display device, the probability of being determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 regardless of whether the game state is a low probability game state or a high probability game state.

(Winning judgment table)
FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a hit determination table used for “ordinary symbol lottery”.
Specifically, the winning determination table determines whether it is “winning” or “lost” based on the presence / absence of the short-time gaming state and the acquired random number for normal symbol determination.
For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 9B, when in the non-time-saving gaming state, it is determined that one specific normal symbol determination random value of “0” is a win. On the other hand, when in the short-time gaming state, it is determined that 65535 specific random symbols for determining normal symbols from “0” to “65534” are hit. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Accordingly, since the random number range of the normal symbol determination random number value is 0 to 65535, the probability of being determined to be hit in the non-short-time gaming state is 1/65536, and the probability of being determined to be winning in the time-short gaming state is 65535/65536 = 1 / 1.00002.

(Design determination table)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 10A is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 10B is a symbol that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit. FIG. 10C is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine the symbol to be stopped when lost.

Specifically, according to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10, the type of the special symbol display device (the type of the start opening in which the game ball has won) and the game ball at the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number value or the small bonus symbol random number value acquired when the ball is entered.
For example, the first special symbol display device refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10A in the case of a jackpot, and if the acquired jackpot symbol random value is “55”, the stop symbol data is “03”. ”(Special symbol 3 (first positive variation jackpot 3)) is determined. Further, in the first special symbol display device, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10B is referred to at the time of the small hit, and if the acquired random number for the small hit symbol is “50”, as the stopped symbol data “08” (special symbol B (small hit B)) is determined. In the case of a loss, “00” (special symbol 0 (lost)) is determined as stop symbol data without referring to any random value.

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

  As will be described later, since the game state after the end of the jackpot game and the type of the jackpot game (see FIG. 11) are determined by the type of special symbol (stop symbol data), the type of special symbol is the end of the jackpot game. It can be said that it determines the later game state and the type of jackpot game.

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

(Variation production pattern determination table)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for determining the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 in the liquid crystal display device 31 or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Description of types of jackpot games)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a “long winning game” in which the first big winning opening 16 is opened with a long opening time, and a “short winning game” in which the second big winning opening 17 is opened in a short opening time. 3 types of “Big Bonus Game” and 1 type of “Small Bonus Game” are provided, which is to open the second big prize opening 17 with a short opening time and then open it with a long opening time. It has been. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the “big hit game” and the “small hit game” are collectively referred to as “special game”.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, “long win game” means winning in the jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. And a game executed when a special symbol corresponding to the long jackpot is determined.
In the “long game”, a round game in which the first grand prize winning opening 16 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The maximum opening time of the first grand prize opening 16 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29 seconds. Round game is over. In other words, “game per long” is a special game in which a game ball enters the first grand prize opening 16 and a player can acquire a prize ball according to the game, so that a lot of prize balls can be acquired. It is. In addition, since the first grand prize winning opening 16 is provided in the area on the right side of the game area 6, in the case of “long hit game”, the operation handle 3 is greatly rotated to launch the game ball with a strong launch intensity. And is configured to play a game.

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

In the first embodiment of the present invention, “game per development” means winning in a jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. A game executed when a special symbol corresponding to each development is determined.
In "game per development", a round game in which the second grand prize winning opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. In the first round game, after performing an opening / closing operation with a short opening time of the second big prize opening 17 a plurality of times, an opening / closing operation with a long opening time of the second big prize opening 17 is performed. The maximum opening time of the second grand prize opening 17 after two rounds of game is set to 29 seconds, and if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter the second big prize opening 17 during this time, one time The round game ends. In other words, “game per development” initially repeats an opening / closing operation with a short opening time of the second big prize opening 17 and then repeating an opening / closing operation with a long opening time of the second big prize opening 17, This is a game in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained because a game ball enters the second big prize opening 17 and a player can obtain a prize ball according to the prize.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, “small hit game” means “small hit game” in the big hit lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. A game executed when the right to execute is acquired.
Also in the “small win game”, the second big prize opening 17 is opened 15 times as in the “short win game”. At this time, the opening time, opening / closing timing, and opening / closing mode of the second big prize opening 17 are the same as the above “short win game”, or the player determines whether the “small win game” or “short win game” It is set to approximate the impossible or difficult level.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Perform numerical value update processing.
In step S200, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 110a includes a general winning opening detection switch 12a, a first large winning opening detection switch 16a, a second large winning opening detection switch 17a, a first starting opening detection switch 14a, a second starting opening detection switch 15a, a gate. An input process for determining whether or not there is an input to each switch of the detection switch 13a is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and 1 or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power transmission control process is terminated.
If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.
Then, referring to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 9B, whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win”. Processing to determine is performed. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.
Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

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

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

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

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

(Special figure special electric control processing of main control board)
With reference to FIG. 16, the special figure special power control process of the main control board 110 will be described.

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

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

(Special symbol memory judgment processing of the main control board)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 110.

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

In step S312, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process.
Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After the subtraction, the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 9 (a-2), the random number for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random number storage area corresponds to “big hit”. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.
In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage section are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 9 (a-1), the random number value for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number storage area corresponds to “big hit”. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the random number value stored in the second special symbol random value storage area is shifted (digested) with priority over the first special symbol random value storage area. However, the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area may be shifted in the order of winning in the starting opening, and the first special symbol storage area is given priority over the second special symbol storage area. You may let them.

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

In step S314, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing.
Specifically, referring to the variation pattern determination table, based on the reach determination random value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area, the special symbol Determine the variation pattern. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed. By performing such processing, the production time corresponding to the single determination result of the jackpot lottery (the determination result of the special symbol) corresponds to the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol. Decide immediately.

In step S315, the main CPU 110a sets, in a predetermined processing area, variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform special symbol variation display (LED blinking). . As a result, when the variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, the LED lighting / extinguishing data is appropriately created in step S600, and the created data is output in step S700. Variation display of the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.
Further, the main CPU 110a, when the special symbol variation display is started, the special symbol variation pattern designation command (the first special symbol variation pattern designation command) corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern determined in step S314. Alternatively, the second special symbol variation pattern designation command) is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  In step S316, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special electricity processing data = 0 to the special symbol special electric treatment data = 1, prepares to move to the special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.

Again, the description of the special figure special electric control process shown in FIG. 16 will be returned.
In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S314 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0), and if it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed The special symbol variation process is terminated while the special symbol special electricity processing data = 1 is held. Note that the special symbol variation time counter set in step S314 is subtracted in step S110.
If it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the special symbol determined in step S313 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Thereby, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.
Also, when the number of time reduction (J)> 0, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction (J) counter and updated. When the number of time reduction (J) = 0, the time reduction game flag is cleared and the number of high probability games (X )> 0 is updated by subtracting 1 from the high probability game number (X) counter, and if the high probability game number (X) = 0, the high probability game flag is cleared.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2, preparation is made to move to a special symbol stop processing subroutine, and the special symbol variation processing is terminated.

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

In the jackpot game process of step S340, the main CPU 110a determines which jackpot of the long hit or short hit is executed, and performs a process of controlling the determined jackpot.
Specifically, first, referring to the special electric accessory actuating mode determination table shown in FIG. 11, the jackpot opening mode is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313 ( Determine TBL per long, TBL per short or TBL per evolution).
Next, in order to execute the determined jackpot opening mode, with reference to the jackpot opening mode table shown in FIG. 12A, the opening time according to the type of jackpot is set in the special game timer counter, The driving data of the first grand prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is output to open the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b). At this time, 1 is added to the round game count (R) storage area.
When a predetermined number of game balls enter during the opening or when the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed (the number of the big prize opening (C) = 9 or the special game timer counter = 0), The output of the drive data of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is stopped, and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.
When the 15 round games are completed (round game count (R) = 15), the data stored in the round game count (R) storage area and the number of winning prize entrance (C) storage areas are cleared, The special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, preparation is made to move to the big hit game end processing subroutine, and the big hit game processing is ended.

In the jackpot game ending process in step S350, the main CPU 110a determines the probability game state of either the high probability game state or the low probability game state, and changes the game state of either the short-time game state or the non-time-short game state. Perform the decision process.
Specifically, with reference to the jackpot game end setting data table, based on the data stored in the game state buffer and the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313, the high probability game flag , High probability game count (X), short-time game flag, short-time count (J). For example, in the case of the special symbol 1, the high probability game flag is set in the high probability game flag storage area, and the high probability game number (X) counter is set to 10,000 times. Further, a time-short game flag is set in the time-short game flag storage area, and a time-short time (J) counter is set to 10,000 times.
After that, the special symbol special power processing data = 4 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, preparation is made to move to a special symbol memory determination processing subroutine, and the jackpot game end processing is terminated.

In the small hit game process of step S360, the main CPU 110a first refers to the special electric accessory operation mode determination table shown in FIG. 11 and based on the type of the small hit symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313. Thus, the opening mode for the small hits is determined.
Next, in order to execute the determined small hit opening mode, the big winning opening opening mode table shown in FIG. 12 (b) is referred to, and the small hitting opening time is set in the special game timer counter. Driving data of the winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is output to open the second large winning opening / closing door 17b. At this time, 1 is added to the number-of-releases (K) storage area.
When the small winning opening time elapses (special game timer counter = 0), the drive data output of the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped and the second big prize opening / closing door 17b is closed. The opening / closing control of the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is repeated 15 times.
Then, the opening / closing control of the second grand prize opening / closing door 17b is performed 15 times, or a predetermined number of game balls enter the second big prize opening 17 (the number of times of opening (K) = 15 or the grand prize opening entrance) Number (C) = 9), in order to end the small hit game, the output of the drive data of the second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped, the number of times of opening (K) storage area and the number of winning winning holes (C) Clear the data stored in the storage area, set special figure special electricity processing data = 5 to special figure special electricity treatment data = 0, and prepare to move to a special symbol memory judgment processing subroutine. The winning game process is terminated.

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

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

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

The “first special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E1H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.
This first special symbol memory designation command is effect-controlled by the first special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area in step S200 (or S230) or step S312 increases or decreases, the first corresponding to the number of stored storage after increase or decrease. A special symbol memory designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “second special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E2H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.
This second special symbol memory designation command is directed by the second special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area in step S200 (or S240) or step S312 increases or decreases, the second corresponding to the holding memory number after the increase or decrease. A special symbol memory designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the “first special symbol memory designation command” and the “second special symbol memory designation command” are collectively referred to as “special symbol memory designation command”.

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

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

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

The “power restoration designation command” indicates that the gaming machine 1 is turned on and has been restored normally, “MODE” is set to “E4H”, and “DATA” is set to “02H to 05H”. Is set. The power recovery designation command also indicates the gaming state at the time of power recovery. If the gaming state at the time of power recovery is “low probability gaming state and non-short gaming state”, “DATA” is set to “02H”. "DATA" is set to "03H" if "low probability gaming state and short time gaming state", "DATA" is set to "04H" if "high probability gaming state and non-short time gaming state" If “high probability gaming state and short time gaming state”, “DATA” is set to “05H”.
This power restoration designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and is normally restored. Specifically, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, a checksum of the main RAM 110c is created when the power is turned on. Compare. Here, if the checksums match, it is determined that the normal recovery has been performed, and a power recovery specification command is generated according to the gaming state, and the generated power recovery specification command is stored in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Set. Then, immediately after the power-on designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is transmitted to the production control board 120.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “gaming state designation command” indicates whether it is a short-time gaming state or a non-short-time gaming state, and “MODE” is set to “EEH”, and if it is a non-short-time gaming state, “DATA” is “ “00H” is set, and “DATA” is set to “01H” in the time saving gaming state.
As for the gaming state designation command, a gaming state designation command corresponding to the gaming state is transmitted to the effect control board 120 at the start of variation of the special symbol, at the end of variation of the special symbol, at the start of the jackpot game and at the end of the jackpot. . Specifically, when the special symbol variation display is started in step S315, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in step S320, the high probability game flag, the high probability game count, the short-time game flag, and the step S320 are displayed. When the number of times reduced (J) is cleared, the gaming state corresponding to the current gaming state when the high probability gaming flag, the number of times of high probability gaming, the hourly gaming flag, and the hourly number of times (J) are set in step S350. The designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the gaming state designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

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

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

  In step S1000, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 120b and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 120c in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1100.

  In step S1100, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of updating random numbers (effect random number value 1, effect random number value 2, effect design determining random value, effect mode determining random value, etc.) stored in the sub RAM 120c. Thereafter, the process of step S1100 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

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

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

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

  In step S1600, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S1600.

  In step S <b> 1700, the sub CPU 120 a performs driving of the touch panel 53 and a detection voltage check, and performs effect input control processing related to the touch panel 53. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

(Command analysis processing of production control board)
The command analysis processing of the effect control board 120 will be described using FIG. 21 and FIG. Note that the command analysis processing 2 in FIG. 22 is performed subsequent to the command analysis processing 1 in FIG.

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

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

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

  In step S1612, the sub CPU 120a sets the cursor effect execution flag = 00 in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c (turns off the cursor effect execution flag).

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

  In step S1621, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the special symbol storage designation command to determine the display number of special figure reservation images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31, and the special CPU corresponding to the determined display number of special figure reservation images. A special symbol memory number determination process for transmitting a figure display number designation command to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 is performed.

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

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

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

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

In step S1641, the sub CPU 120a obtains one random value from the effect random number 1 updated in step 1100, and stores the obtained effect random number 1, the received variation pattern designation command, and the effect mode storage area. Based on the set effect mode, a variation effect pattern determination process is performed for determining one variable effect pattern from a plurality of variable effect patterns.
Specifically, in the case of the normal effect mode, the variable effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 is referred to, one variable effect pattern is determined based on the acquired random number for effect 1, and the determined variable effect pattern is selected. An effect pattern designation command based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c in order to transmit the determined variation effect pattern information to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 while being set in the effect pattern storage area. To do. For example, when “E6H01H” is received as the variation pattern designation command, if the obtained effect random number value 1 is “0 to 49”, the variation effect pattern 1 is determined, and the obtained effect random number value is “50 to 99”. ”, The variation effect pattern 2 is determined, and the determined variation effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area. Further, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c. In addition, the sub CPU 120a corresponds to the area operation of the area where the operation is effective in the position data of the current cursor (see FIGS. 34 to 37) and the determined variation effect pattern among the first to nth areas of the touch panel 53. Display executable flag = 01 is set (area operation corresponding display executable flag is turned on). Also, the area operation corresponding display executable flag = 00 is set (the area operation corresponding display executable flag is turned off) in the area where the operation is invalid in the variation effect pattern. Here, the area where the operation is valid in the determined variation effect pattern is at least the position data of the current cursor (see FIGS. 34 to 37) or an area in the vicinity thereof.
In step S1642, the sub CPU 120a sets the cursor effect execution flag = 01 in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c (turns on the cursor effect execution flag).
Thereafter, based on the effect pattern, the liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive device 33, and the effect illumination device 34 are controlled. Note that the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here. In addition, the production time corresponding to the single determination result of the jackpot lottery coincides with the production time indicated by the variation mode of the production design 36. The effect pattern designation command designates an effect time corresponding to a determination result of one lottery for the host CPU 150a of the image control board 150.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S1671, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern.
Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.
In step S1672, the sub CPU 120a sets the -sol effect execution flag = 00 in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c (turns off the cursor effect execution flag).

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

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

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

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

(Production control board production input control processing)
The effect input control process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S1701, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the cursor effect execution flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Here, if the cursor effect execution flag = 01 is not set, the sub CPU 120a ends the present effect input control process. If the cursor effect execution flag = 01 is set, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1702. .
In step S1702, the sub CPU 120a transmits touch panel control information to the touch panel controller 120d in order to perform touch panel contact position detection processing. When the touch panel controller 120d receives the touch panel control information from the sub CPU 120a, the touch panel controller 120d sequentially applies voltages to the plurality of electrodes 83 of the front sheet 81 of the touch panel 53, and individually detects the voltages of the plurality of electrodes 84 of the back sheet 82. The presence or absence of contact by the player on the touch panel 53 is specified, the contact position when there is contact is specified, and the specified contact position detection information is transmitted to the sub CPU 120a. The sub CPU 120a stores the received contact position detection information in the sub RAM 120c, ends the current touch panel contact position detection process, and proceeds to the process of step S1703.

In step S1703, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the touch panel 53 has been touched based on the contact position detection information stored in the sub RAM 120c. If it is determined that the touch panel 53 has been touched, the process proceeds to step S1704-1. If it is determined that the touch panel 53 has not been touched, the process proceeds to step S1711.
In step S1711, if the position where the cursor was displayed in the previous process or the process immediately before the cursor display is interrupted is stored in the cursor display position storage area, the sub CPU 120a moves the cursor to the stored position. Cursor stop display processing is performed by setting a cursor display execution command for displaying in the transmission buffer. Further, when the position where the cursor is displayed is not stored in the cursor display position storage area, the sub CPU 120a performs cursor stop display processing by setting a cursor display execution command for displaying the cursor at the default position in the transmission buffer. Then, the current production input control process is terminated.

  In step S1704-1, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the contact position where contact is detected is the first area based on the contact position detection information stored in the sub RAM 120c. Here, when the contact position is the first area, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1705-1, and when the contact position is not the first area, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1704-2.

  In step S1705-1, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the first area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Here, if the first area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is not set, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the processing of step S1704-2, and the first area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S1706-1.

In step S1706-1, the sub CPU 120a sets the first area operation corresponding display execution command in the transmission buffer. This command is a command for causing the image control board 105 to execute image display corresponding to the first area operation.
In step S1704-2, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the contact position where contact is detected is the second area based on the contact position detection information stored in the sub RAM 120c. Here, when the contact position is the first area, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1705-2, and when the contact position is not the second area, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the contact position is the third area. Transition to processing.
In step S1705-2, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the second area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Here, if the second area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is not set, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1706-2, and the second area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set. Then, the process proceeds to a process for determining whether or not the contact position is the third area.

In step S1706-2, the sub CPU 120a sets a display execution command corresponding to the second area operation in the transmission buffer. This command is a command for causing the image control board 105 to perform image display corresponding to the operation of the second area.
Thereafter, the same processing as in steps S1704-1, S1705-1, S1706-1 corresponding to the operation in the first area and steps S1704-2, S1705-2, S1706-2 corresponding to the operation in the second area is performed from the third area. Repeat until area n-1.
In step S1704-n, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the contact position where the contact is detected is the nth area. Here, when the contact position is in the nth area, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the process of step S1705-n, and when the contact position is not in the nth area, the current process is terminated.
In step S1705-n, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the nth area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Here, if the nth area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is not set, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to the processing of step S1706-n, and the nth area operation corresponding display executable flag = 01 is set. If this is the case, the current process is terminated.

  In step S1706-n, the sub CPU 120a sets a display execution command corresponding to the nth area operation in the transmission buffer, and ends the current process.

  Here, the sub CPU 120a transmits the command set in the transmission buffer in step S1800 (see FIG. 20) after the effect input control process to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. The image control board 150 activates the liquid crystal display device 31, the liquid crystal display device 80, and the audio output device 32 based on the received command, and the lamp control board 140 operates the effect driving device 33 and the effect illumination based on the received command. The device 34 is activated.

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

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

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

In step S2020, the host CPU 150a performs a drawing execution start process. In this process, in order to instruct the VDP 2000 to execute drawing on the display list that has already been output, drawing start data is set in the drawing register (see FIG. 8B).
That is, at the start of power-on, execution of drawing for the initial value display list output in step S2010 is instructed, and during normal routine processing, execution of drawing for the display list output in S2050 described later is instructed. .

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

The effect instruction command analysis process confirms whether or not an effect instruction command (for example, an effect pattern designation command as shown in FIG. 13) is stored in the reception buffer. If an effect instruction command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process proceeds directly to step S2040.
If a production instruction command is stored in the reception buffer, a new production instruction command is read, and one or more animation groups to be executed are determined based on the read production instruction command. The pattern is determined (see FIG. 26).
If the effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer, the host CPU 150a sets the effect time corresponding to the effect pattern designation command in the effect timer counter of the host RAM 150b. The effect timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms.
Further, if the first to nth area operation corresponding display execution commands are stored in the reception buffer, the host CPU 150a reads a new first to nth area operation corresponding display execution command and stores the storage area of the host RAM 105b. The first to nth area operation corresponding display execution flags = 01 are set (the first to nth area operation corresponding display execution flags are turned on).
Further, when the effect time corresponding to the effect instruction command read by the effect timer counter subtraction process ends, the host CPU 150a sets the first to nth area operation corresponding display execution flags = 00 in the storage area of the host RAM 105b ( The display execution flags corresponding to the first to nth area operations are turned off).

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

In step S2050, the host CPU 150a determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. Are generated (see FIG. 28). When the generation of the display list is completed, the host CPU 150a outputs the display list to the VDP 2000. The display list output here will be described later with reference to FIG.
The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 153a of the VRAM 153 via the CPU I / F 2030 in the VDP 2000.

In step S2060, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01.
Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 25B, the FB switching flag is set to FB if the previous display list has been drawn in a V blank interrupt every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). Switching flag = 01. That is, in step S2060, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing has been completed.
If the FB switching flag = 01, the host CPU 150a shifts the process to step S2070. If the FB switching flag = 00, the host CPU 150a waits until the FB switching flag = 01.

In step S2070, the host CPU 150a sets the FB switching flag = 00 (turns the FB switching flag off), and moves the process to step S2020.
Thereafter, the processing from step S2020 to step S2070 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt shown in FIG. 25 occurs.

(Image control board interrupt processing)
The interrupt process of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the interrupt processing of the image control board 150, a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal, a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal, and a command are received. And at least a command reception interrupt process performed.
Note that the drawing end interrupt process and the V blank interrupt process are described with reference to FIG. 25, but the command reception interrupt process is as described in step S2030 and is not shown.

(Image control board drawing end interrupt processing)
FIG. 25A is a diagram showing a drawing end interrupt process of the image control board 150. FIG.

When the drawing of a predetermined unit frame (one frame) is finished, the VDP 2000 outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 150a via the CPU I / F 2030.
When the host CPU 150a receives a drawing end interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the host CPU 150a executes a drawing end interrupt process.

  In the drawing end interrupt process, the host CPU 150a sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag), and ends the current drawing end interrupt process (step S2110). That is, the drawing end flag is turned on every time drawing ends.

(V blank interrupt processing for image control board)
FIG. 25B is a diagram showing a V blank interrupt process for the image control board 150.
The VDP2000 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the host CPU 150a via the CPU I / F 2030 every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms).
When the host CPU 150a receives a V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the host CPU 150a executes a V blank interrupt process.

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

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

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

In step S 2240, the host CPU 150 a gives an instruction to switch between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” to the memory controller 2090 of the VDP 2000.
Specifically, the host CPU 150a performs a process of adding 1 to the first bit of the display register via the CPU I / F 2030 (see FIG. 8D).

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

  Next, an animation pattern determination method and a display list generation method will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Anime pattern)
FIG. 26 is an example of an animation group for displaying an animation of a production pattern. FIG. 27 is an example of an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern.

As shown in FIG. 26, the animation patterns are grouped for each object or scene displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31, and are used to display the background group for displaying the background animation and the animation of the character used for the notice A. Advance notice group B, advance notice group B for displaying the animation of the character used for advance notice B, reach group for displaying the animation of the reach character, production design group for displaying the animation of the production design 36, animation of the jackpot production There are a large number of groups such as a jackpot effect group for displaying, a cursor effect group for displaying an animation of a cursor effect, and so on. A large number of animation patterns are associated with each group and stored in the host ROM 150c.
Based on the effect pattern designation command received from the sub CPU 120a, the host CPU 150a determines one or a plurality of animation groups to be executed and determines an animation pattern from each animation group.

  FIGS. 27A to 27E show animations to be determined when an effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the change effect pattern 7 (special pattern change pattern 6 of 10 seconds) shown in FIG. 13 is received. An example of the pattern is shown.

  When the host CPU 150a receives the variation effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the variation effect pattern 7, the host CPU 150a determines four groups of the background group, the notice A group, the notice B group, and the effect symbol group, The anime pattern 1 is determined from the background group, the anime pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, the anime pattern 501 from the effect design group, and the anime pattern 601 from the cursor effect group.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 27A to 27E, the animation pattern stores a combination of animation scene information, a display order of each animation scene information, and the like.
For example, in the effect design group / animation pattern 501 shown in FIG. 27D, the animation scene 501 is executed first, and the animation scene 511 is executed second.
The host RAM 150b has a “scene switching counter” that is updated every frame. When the scene switching counter measures 540 while the first animation scene 501 is being executed, the second animation scene 511 is displayed. The animation scene changes. When the scene switching counter measures 60 while the second animation scene 511 is being executed, the animation scene of the production symbol group / animation pattern 501 ends.
Note that “one frame” is the update timing of the liquid crystal display device (update timing of the vertical synchronization signal), and one frame is updated every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). That is, 60 frames are measured in 1 second.

Each animation scene stores animation scene information, and wait frames (that is, display time) updated every frame, target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite Display information such as a display position, a transfer destination address, and a drawing method.
For example, in the animation display at the standard speed, in the animation scene 501 shown in FIG. 27D, first, the first to fourth symbols are continuously displayed at predetermined coordinates up to 20 frames (about 0.33 seconds). Thereafter, the first symbol to the fourth symbol are continuously displayed at different coordinates for up to 15 frames (about 0.25 seconds). Similarly, when the first symbol to the fourth symbol are continuously displayed at different coordinates up to a predetermined frame, an animation is displayed in which the first symbol to the fourth symbol is moved and displayed. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 27A to 27E, the background group anime pattern 1, the anime pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and the anime from the production design group. A plurality of animation patterns of the animation pattern 601 are determined from the pattern 501 and the cursor effect group, and the animations of these animation patterns are executed in parallel.
That is, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, images of BG1 (mountains) and BG2 (clouds) and images of the cursor 1 (cursor 40a in FIG. 32) are displayed as backgrounds from the start to the end of the animation pattern. The image for performing the animation of the notice display of the character A is displayed for 3 seconds (180 frames) after 2 seconds (120 frames) from the start of the animation pattern, and the character B is displayed 3 seconds (180 frames) after the start of the animation pattern. An image for performing the animation of the notice display is displayed for 4 seconds (240 frames). Furthermore, an image for performing animation for normal variation display of effect symbols is performed for 9 seconds (540 frames), and then an image for performing animation for temporary stop display for 1 second (60 frames) is displayed.
Note that these images are displayed in an overlapping manner in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, and the first drawn image is overwritten by the later drawn image and erased. This image generation method will be described in the display list described later.

(Display list)
FIG. 28 is an example of a display list including drawing control command groups.

  When the host CPU 150a determines the animation pattern as shown in FIG. 26, the host CPU 150a generates a display list for each predetermined frame (every frame) and outputs the generated display list to the VDP 2000.

  Here, regarding the display list generation method, the host CPU 150a follows the contents of the animation scene at the current number of frames based on the “frame counter” indicating the current frame and the determined animation pattern (anime scene). By generating the drawing control commands according to the priority order (drawing order) of each animation group, a display list for the current number of frames is generated.

  For example, as the priority order of the animation groups shown in FIGS. 27A to 27E, the background group is associated with the lowest priority 11 data, and the notice A group is associated with the priority 10 data. The priority B data is associated with the notice B group,..., The priority 2 data is associated with the effect symbol group, and the highest priority 1 data is associated with the cursor effect group. Assume that it is associated.

27 (a) to 27 (e), the background group anime pattern 1, the anime pattern 11 from the notice A group, the anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and the production design group It is assumed that a plurality of animation patterns 601 are determined from the animation pattern 501 and the production symbol group.
Next, drawing control commands were sequentially generated and determined from the animation pattern 1 of the lowest priority animation group (background group) according to the contents of the animation scene in the current frame counter (current number of frames). When drawing control commands up to the highest priority animation group (direction design group) among the animation groups are generated, a drawing end command is finally generated to complete the display list as shown in FIG.
Such a display list is generated by program processing while referring to necessary data by the host CPU 150a.

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

  Next, processing executed in VDP2000 will be described.

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

First, in step S2310, the decompression circuit 2060 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to start decompression execution for decompressing image data to be rendered from the rendering circuit 2070. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the decompression execution start data is set in the decompression register by the drawing circuit 2070 (whether 1 is set in the 0th bit of the decompression register) (see FIG. 8C).
When there is an instruction to start decompression execution, the decompression circuit 2060 moves the process to step S2320, and when there is no instruction to start decompression execution, the decompression circuit 2060 waits until there is an instruction to start decompression execution.

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

  In step S2330, the decompression circuit 2060 sets decompression execution data in the decompression register (sets 1 to the 1st bit of the decompression register) in order to notify the drawing circuit 2070 that decompression is being performed (FIG. 8 ( c)).

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

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

  In step S2360, when the decompression circuit 2060 completes decompression of one image, the decompression register 2070 clears the decompression execution data in the decompression register in order to notify the rendering circuit 2070 that decompression has ended (sets 0 to the 1-bit of the decompression register). Then, the process returns to step S2310 to repeat the expansion control process.

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

In step S2410, the drawing circuit 2070 determines whether there is an instruction to start drawing from the host CPU 150a. Specifically, the host CPU 150a determines whether or not drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register (whether or not 1 is set in the 0 bit of the drawing register) (see FIG. 8B). .
The drawing circuit 2070 shifts the process to step S2420 when there is an instruction to start drawing, and waits until there is an instruction to start drawing when there is no instruction to start drawing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S2480, the drawing circuit 2070 sets the drawing end data in the interrupt register (sets 1 in the first bit of the system control register) (see FIG. 8A), returns the processing to step S2410, and performs drawing control. Repeat the process.

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

In step S2510, the display circuit 2080 determines whether there is an instruction to create a video signal from the host CPU 150a. Specifically, it is determined whether 1 is set in the 0 bit of the display register (see FIG. 8D).
If there is an instruction to create a video signal, the display circuit 2080 moves to step S2520. If there is no instruction to create a video signal, the display circuit 2080 waits until there is an instruction to create a video signal.
As a general rule, the 0th bit of the display register remains set to “1” from the time of power-on (the video signal creation ON state is maintained from the time of power-on).

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

  In step S 2530, the display circuit 2080 outputs the generated video signal (RGB signal) and a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the liquid crystal display device 31 to the liquid crystal display device 31. . Thereafter, the process returns to step S2510 to repeat the display control process.

  Next, the outline of the effect control board 120 will be briefly described.

  When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer.

  Then, the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 analyzes the received command and generates various commands corresponding to each command in the timer interrupt process of the effect control board 120 performed every 2 ms. Thereafter, the generated various commands are transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the variation pattern designation command from the main control board 110, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the content of the received variation pattern designation command, and the liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive. A command for causing the device 33 and the effect lighting device 34 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the command is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

  Next, the outline of the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150 will be briefly described.

  In the lamp control board 140, upon receiving the production command from the production control board 120, the production drive device operation program is read based on the received production command, and the production drive device 33 is operated and controlled. The effect lighting device control program is read based on the received effect command, and the effect lighting device 34 is controlled.

  In the image control board 150, when the production command is received from the production control board 120, the audio CPU reads out the audio output device control program from the audio ROM based on the received production command, and the audio in the audio output device 32 is read. And the host CPU 150a reads the animation control program from the image ROM and controls the image display on the liquid crystal display device 31.

(Game contents)
Next, with reference to FIG. 32 to FIG. 33, game contents that are played on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 in a state where the player does not touch the touch panel 53 will be described.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the game contents from the start of variation display of the effect symbol 36 in the effect pattern 101 to the jackpot game.

(Direction pattern 101)
FIG. 32A is a display screen in which the effect symbol 36 is variably displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31.
Here, in the state where the effect symbol 36 is variably displayed, the cursor effect execution flag is 01, the effect input control process of FIG. 23 is a flow of steps S1701, S1702, S1703, S1711, and RETURN, and the cursor 40a is the previous one. The effect symbol 36 is displayed at the position displayed at the end of the fluctuation.
The effect symbol 36 is composed of four types of symbols. In FIG. 32A, in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, a left effect symbol 36a, a medium effect symbol 36b, and a right effect symbol 36c, Is displayed, and the fourth effect symbol 36d is displayed in the lower left of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. Further, an information basic image 37b is displayed below the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. On the information basic image 37b, two special figure hold images 37a and three general figure hold images 38a, 38b is displayed. Further, on the background of the production symbol 36, a mountain background image 39a, an airplane image 39b used for the notice A, and a cursor 40a serving as a mark for operating the touch panel 53 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) are displayed.

FIG. 32B is a display screen showing a state in which a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of FIG.
At this time, for the left effect symbol 36a and the right effect symbol 36c, the same type of effect symbol (for example, 7) is stopped and displayed at both corners of the display area.
It should be noted that the “stop display” of the effect symbol 36 in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a complete stop display in which the effect symbol 36 does not move at all and a temporary stop display in which the effect symbol 36 swings small. Even in this state, the cursor 40a is displayed.

FIG. 32C is a display screen on which a character Z39c appears after a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of FIG.
At this time, the character Z39c is displayed over the front surface of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31, and the special figure hold image 37a and the general figure hold images 38a and 38b below the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31 are erased. . Even in this state, the cursor 40a is displayed.

FIG. 32D is a display screen that displays the result of the reach effect after a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of FIG.
At this time, the medium-type effect symbol 36b of the same kind as the effect symbol 36a for the left and the effect symbol 36c for the right is stopped and displayed. In addition, as a result of the reach effect, a display in which the character Z39c is defeated is also performed. In this state, the cursor 40a shown in FIG. 32 (c) disappears.

FIG. 32E is a display screen that displays that a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of FIG.
At this time, a character image “big hit” is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the display screen of FIG. 32 (e) is performed after the end of the effect time corresponding to the effect instruction command of the change display of the effect symbol 36, and the jackpot game Included in production time. In this state, the cursor 40a shown in FIG. 32C is not displayed.

FIG. 32F is a display screen that displays that a jackpot game is being performed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of FIG.
At this time, a history image 39e, a jackpot round image 39f, and a jackpot background image 39g for informing the effect that has been a jackpot trigger are displayed. In this state, the cursor 40a shown in FIG. 32C is not displayed.

(Configuration diagram of display screen of variation effect pattern)
A configuration diagram of the display screen in FIG. 32A will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a configuration diagram of the display screen of FIG. 32A, in which data drawn according to the display list shown in FIG. 28 is displayed on the display screen of the variable effect pattern until the reach effect is displayed. It is.

  The drawing circuit 2070 shown in FIG. 7 performs drawing processing according to the display list shown in FIG. 28A, first draws the mountain background image 39a, and then draws the airplane image 39b as shown in FIG. Draw, information basic image 37b, three ordinary figure reserved images 38a, 38b, two special figure reserved images 37a, left effect symbol 36a, right effect symbol 36c, medium effect symbol 36b, fourth By drawing in the order of the effect symbol 36d and the cursor 40a, a plurality of images are superimposed in order from the bottom, and finally the display screen shown in FIG. 33B is created.

  In FIG. 32 (a), the change display of the effect symbol 36 is indicated by an arrow, but to be exact, the effect symbol 36 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined number of frames (a configuration like a so-called pelper comic). In FIG. 33, the effect symbol 36 is stopped and displayed.

  FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are explanatory views showing from the temporary stop of the left effect symbol 36a in the loss effect effect pattern 201 to the final display of the big hit lottery. FIG. 34 (a) shows the display area of the liquid crystal display device 31. All the effect symbols 36a, 36b, 36c are shown in a variably displayed state, the left effect symbol 36a is temporarily stopped, and FIG. 34 (b) shows the left effect symbol 36a temporarily stopped. FIG. 34 (c1) shows the case where the cursor is moved on the right effect symbol 36c, and FIG. 34 (c2) shows the player's finger 500 at the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a. FIG. 35 (d1) shows a state in which the prior notification symbol image 36e of the right effect symbol 36c is displayed, and FIG. 35 (e1) shows that the right effect symbol 36c is reached. FIG. 35 (f1) shows a state in which the left, middle, and right production symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are finally lost combinations after the touch panel operation. FIG. 35 (f2) shows a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are finally stopped by a combination of loses without operating the touch panel.

  FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are explanatory views showing from the temporary stop of the left effect symbol 36a in the jackpot effect pattern 202 to the confirmation display of the big hit lottery, and FIG. 36 (a) shows that the left effect symbol 36a is temporarily stopped. FIG. 36 (b) shows a state in which the left, middle, and right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are temporarily stopped by a combination of lost after reaching, and FIG. 36 (c1) shows the effect that the cursor is in the middle. FIG. 36 (c2) shows a case where the player's finger 500 does not touch the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a, and FIG. FIG. 37 (e1) shows a state in which the player has released his / her hand from the touch panel after the medium-use production symbol 36b has been restarted. ) The middle left and right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c after the touch panel operation are shown in a finally stopped state due to the combination of loss, and FIG. 37 (f2) shows the left middle right symbol design symbol 36a without operating the touch panel. , 36b, and 36c finally show a state of being stopped by a combination of loses.

  FIG. 38 is a timing chart of the effect patterns 201 and 202.

(Direction pattern 201)
First, in the effect pattern 201, the same symbol variation L as that of the effect pattern 101 shown in FIG. 34A is executed for 10 seconds from the timing T1 shown in FIG. Variation S is performed for 2 seconds. When the effect symbol 36 is variably displayed, the cursor effect execution flag is 01, and the cursor 40a shown in FIG. 34A is displayed at the position where the previous effect symbol 36 was displayed at the end of the variation. An image is displayed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34 (b) from the timing T3 shown in FIG. 38, the left effect design 36a is temporarily stopped.

  In the state where the left effect symbol 36a is temporarily stopped and displayed, the cursor effect execution flag = 01, and as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the display region where the right effect symbol 36c of the liquid crystal display device 31 is displayed. A divided area 501 where the effect changes as the cursor moves is set. In a state where the player's finger 500 touches the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a, the effect input control process in FIG. 23 is a flow of steps S1701, S1702, S1703, S1704-1,. 40a moves following the position touched by the player's finger 500. Here, as shown in FIG. 34 (c1), when the cursor 40a moves to the divided area 501, a pre-notification symbol image 36e for the right effect symbol 36c = 7 during the variable display is displayed. Here, as the prior notification symbol image 36e, for example, an image in which the right effect symbol 36c = 7 is made translucent with a different color is used. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35 (d1), the right effect symbol 36c = 7 descends toward the prior notification symbol image 36e, and as shown in FIG. 35 (e1), the right effect symbol 36c = 7 is obtained. It overlaps with the pre-notification symbol image 36e, and temporarily stops at a combination of reach (left effect symbol 36a = 7, right effect symbol 36c = 7). Thereafter, even when the player's finger 500 is separated from the position of the touch panel 53, the state where the right effect design 36c is temporarily stopped by the reach combination is maintained. Further, as shown in FIG. 35 (f1), the left, middle and right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are combinations of lost (the left effect symbol 36a = 7, the middle effect symbol 36b = 6, the right Is completely stopped at the production effect symbol 36c = 7), and the image 40b of the character “Lose” is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31.

Further, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), after the left effect symbol 36a is temporarily stopped, as shown in FIG. 34 (c2), the player's finger 500 is placed at the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a. If the touch is not touched, the temporarily stopped right effect design 36c does not change again, and the left middle right effect design 36a, 36b as shown in FIG. 35 (f2) from the timing T4 shown in FIG. , 36c is a combination of loss (left effect symbol 36a = 7, middle effect symbol 36b = 6, right effect symbol 36c = 6), and in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31, “ The image 40b of the character “Lose” is displayed.
Here, the symbol that stops as the effect pattern 36c for the right as the effect pattern 201 is a number pattern (a combination of the effect pattern 36a for the left and the reach when the cursor 40a moves to the divided area 501 by the operation of the finger 500 ( 35 (e1) and 7 symbols shown in (f1)), and when the cursor 40a does not move to the divided area 501, the figure of the number randomly selected by lottery (6 shown in FIG. 35 (f2)) ).
In the effect pattern 201, as a symbol that stops as the effect symbol 36c for the right, when the cursor 40a moves to the divided area 501, a number symbol (7 symbols) that is a combination of the effect symbol 36a for the left and the reach. When the cursor 40a does not move to the divided area 501 from among the symbols (6 and 8) of numbers that are close to it and the cursor 40a does not move to the divided area 501, it is configured so that the numbers of numbers selected at random are selected. May be.

(Production pattern 202)
In the effect pattern 202, all symbol variations L and S similar to the effect pattern 201 are executed for 12 seconds from the timing T1 shown in FIG. Thereafter, from timing T3 shown in FIG. 38, the left effect symbol 36a temporarily stops as shown in FIG. 36 (a), and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), rightward from timing T3 shown in FIG. The production effect symbol 36c temporarily stops at the combination of the reach (the left effect symbol 36a = 7, the right effect symbol 36c = 7). In a state where the left and right effect symbols 36a and 36c are temporarily stopped and displayed in combination with reach lose, the cursor effect execution flag is 01, and the cursor is displayed in the display area where the medium effect symbol 36b is variably displayed. In the state where the divided area 502 in which the effect changes by the movement of is set and the player's finger 500 touches the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a, the effect input control process of FIG. 23 is performed in steps S1701 → S1702 → The flow of S1703 → S1704-1 →... → RETURN follows, and the cursor 40a moves following the position touched by the player's finger 500. Here, as shown in FIG. 36 (c1), when the cursor 40a moves to the display area (divided area 502) for variably displaying the medium effect pattern 36b on the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31, the medium effect. A pre-notification symbol image 36e of symbol 36b = 6 is displayed. Here, for example, an image obtained by making the medium effect design symbol 36b = 6 translucent with a different color is used as the prior notification symbol image 36e. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 37 (d1), the medium effect design symbol 36b = 6 descends toward the prior notification design image 36f, and as shown in FIG. 37 (e1), the medium effect design symbol 36b = 6 is displayed. It overlaps with the previously notified symbol image 36f, and temporarily stops at the combination of loss (the left effect symbol 36a = 7, the middle effect symbol 36b = 6, the right effect symbol 36c = 7). Thereafter, even when the player's finger 500 is separated from the position of the touch panel 53, the left, middle, and right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c continue to temporarily stop due to a combination of misses. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 37 (f1), the left middle right effect symbols 36a, 36b, 36c are combinations of lost (the left effect symbol 36a = 7, the middle effect symbol 36b = 6, the right Is completely stopped at the production effect symbol 36c = 7), and the image 40b of the character “Lose” is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), after the medium effect design symbol 36b is temporarily stopped due to reach loss, as shown in FIG. 36 (c2), the player is positioned at the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a. When the finger 500 is not touched, the medium effect design 36b continues to fluctuate until timing T5 shown in FIG. 38, and from left to right as shown in FIG. 37 (f2) from timing T5 to T6 shown in FIG. The production symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are completely stopped when the combination is lost (the production symbol for the left 36a = 7, the production symbol for the middle 36b = 6, the production symbol for the right 36c = 6), and the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31. In the middle of the left side, an image 40b of the character “lost” is displayed.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing up to the confirmation display of the jackpot lottery in the jackpot effect pattern 301.

(Direction pattern 301)
In the jackpot effect pattern 301, when a cursor operation is performed, the screen display changes from FIG. 34 (a) → FIG. 34 (b) → FIG. 34 (c1) → FIG. 35 (d1) → FIG. 35 (e1) → FIG. (F1) and the effect pattern 201 for the right and the effect pattern 201 for the right until the state in which the effect patterns 36a, 36b, and 36c for the left middle right shown in FIG. The same effect is performed, and thereafter, the middle right effect symbol 36b suddenly changes, and the left middle right effect symbols 36a, 36b, 36c are combined with the jackpot (left-hand combination as shown in FIG. 39 (f1)). The effect symbol 36a = 7, the medium effect symbol 36b = 7, and the right effect symbol 36c = 7) are completely stopped, and the “big hit” character image 40c is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31. .

  Further, in the jackpot effect pattern 301, when the cursor operation is not performed, the screen display is a flow of FIG. 34 (a) → FIG. 34 (b) → FIG. 34 (c2) → FIG. 39 (f2). As shown in (c2), when the player's finger 500 does not touch the position of the touch panel 53 corresponding to the position of the cursor 40a, the timing T36 shown in FIG. An effect similar to the lost effect pattern 201 is performed without stopping, and thereafter, the left middle right effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are jackpot combinations (left effect symbols as shown in FIG. 39 (f2)). 36a = 7, medium effect design symbol 36b = 7, right effect design symbol 36c = 7) and suddenly stops completely, and an image 40c of “big hit” character is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31. It is.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing up to the confirmation display of the jackpot lottery in the jackpot effect pattern 302.

(Direction pattern 302)
In the jackpot effect pattern 302, when a cursor operation is performed, the screen display changes from FIG. 37 (a) → FIG. 37 (b) → FIG. 37 (c1) → FIG. 37 (d1) → FIG. 37 (e1) → FIG. As shown in FIG. 37 (d1), the effect design 36b for the medium is a combination of loss (the effect design 36a for the left, the effect design 36b for the middle, the effect design 36b for the right, and the effect design 36c for the right. = 7) is temporarily stopped, and as shown in FIG. 37 (e1), the medium-use effect symbol 36b is a combination of loses as shown in FIG. 37 (d1) (left effect symbol 36a = 7, medium-effect effect symbol). 36b = 6, production effect for right 36c = 7) is temporarily stopped and until the predetermined time, the production similar to the production pattern 202 of the loss is performed, and then, as shown in FIG. 40 (f1), the left middle right Production symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c are jackpot combinations The left effect symbol 36a = 7, the medium effect symbol 36b = 7, and the right effect symbol 36c = 7) are suddenly switched and completely stopped, and the character “big hit” is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31. An image 40c is displayed.

  Further, in the jackpot effect pattern 302, when the cursor operation is not performed, the screen display is a flow of FIG. 37 (a) → FIG. 37 (b) → FIG. 37 (c2) → FIG. 40 (f2). As shown in FIG. 36 (c2), the middle effect design symbol 36b continues to fluctuate until the timing T5 shown in FIG. 36, and thereafter, the left middle right effect design symbols 36a, 36b, 36c as shown in FIG. 40 (f2). Suddenly switches to a jackpot combination (left effect symbol 36a = 7, middle effect symbol 36b = 7, right effect symbol 36c = 7), and stops completely. The image 40c of the “big hit” character is displayed.

If the above structure and operation | movement are demonstrated collectively, the game ball | bowl 200 will flow down into the game area | region 6. FIG.
The first start port 14 and the second start port 15 are start regions provided in the game region 6.

  When the main control board 110 shifts to the special game advantageous to the player (in the case of this embodiment, per jackpot length) or loses that does not shift to the special game, the first start port 14 and the second start port 15 This is a special game lottery means that is determined by a lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the game. The special game indicates a game state in which, for example, the special winning openings 16 and 17 that are not normally opened are opened and the game balls are paid out with a higher probability than usual.

  The first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21 can display a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means by the main control board 110, and the lottery 1 of the special game lottery means The special symbol display means for notifying the lottery result by selecting and displaying the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means as the special symbol to be stopped is displayed and stopped every time. ing.

  The effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c for the left middle right are a plurality of effect symbols.

The touch panel 53 is a player contact member that can be contacted by the player.
The liquid crystal display device 31 serves as an informing means for informing information by displaying an image on a screen.
In addition, the liquid crystal display device 31 can display the effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c that perform the effects corresponding to the lottery of the special game lottery means, and perform variable display and stop display of the effect symbols 36a, 36b, and 36c. It is a display output means.

  The plurality of strip-shaped electrodes 83 and 84 and the touch panel controller 120 d of the touch panel 53 serve as player contact position detection means for detecting the contact position of the player with respect to the touch panel 53.

  The effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 display an effect design that produces an effect corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means by the main control board 110 on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 variably displayed or stopped. When the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means enters a predetermined detection area in a state where the liquid crystal display device 31 displays the variation of the effect symbol, the effect symbol that has not been stopped and displayed yet Information control means for displaying information (in the case of this embodiment, the prior notification symbol image 36e or 36f) on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 is provided.

  Further, the effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 are configured to display the liquid crystal display device while at least the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and at least one of the effect symbols (the effect symbol 36b or 36c in the present embodiment) is displayed in a variable manner. When the contact position detected by the player contact position detecting means is changed, the cursor 40a is moved in conjunction with the change of the contact position, and the image of the cursor 40a serving as a mark is displayed on the screen of 31. When the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means enters the predetermined detection area (for example, the divided area 501 in FIG. 34 and the divided area 502 in FIG. 36), the cursor 40a is moved to a predetermined screen area (for example, FIG. 34 divided areas 501 and divided areas 502 in FIG.

  The predetermined screen area is a screen area displaying the effect symbol (the effect symbol 36b or 36c in the case of the present embodiment) or the vicinity of the screen region displaying the effect symbol.

  Further, the effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 have the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means in the predetermined detection area in a state where the special game lottery means of the main control board 110 determines the lottery result. When entering, the pre-notification symbol for informing in advance the stop display of the effect symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means is stopped and displayed for the effect symbol stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31.

  Further, the effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 are pre-notification symbols (in the case of this embodiment, pre-notification in the form of an image having a shape that is the same as or similar to the effect symbol as information of the effect symbols that are not yet stopped and displayed. The design image 36e or 36f) is used. In addition, as the information of the effect symbol that has not been stopped and displayed, a prior notification symbol composed of an image having a shape that approximates the effect symbol may be used.

  In the effect control board 120, when setting the variation pattern of the effect symbol, an effect symbol that is not yet displayed is determined corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means, and the determined effect symbol is stopped. As described above, it further includes stop symbol determining means for setting the variation mode.

  The touch panel 53 has transparency, and the liquid crystal display device 31 is arranged such that the screen faces the back surface of the touch panel 53 and informs information on the back side of the touch panel 53.

  The main control board 110 is a probability changing means for changing the lottery probability for determining the win to a low probability state and a high probability state higher than the low probability state.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 perform effects corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means by the main control board 110. Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 in a variable manner or stopped, and the liquid crystal display device 31 displays the effect symbols in a variable manner while the touch panel 53 has a plurality of strip electrodes 83 and 84 and a touch panel. When the contact position detected by the controller 120d enters a predetermined detection area, the information of the effect symbol that has not been stopped yet is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31, so that the effect symbol that has not yet been stopped displayed. Information can be displayed by direct operation of the player's touch panel, and information notification by the operation of the touch panel can be diversified. Kill.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an effect pattern 801 according to a modification of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
The effect control board 120 and the image control board 150 of the modified example of the first embodiment are provided with a question mark image (in this embodiment, in the case of this embodiment, a prior notification pattern image 36f shown in FIG. 41 in the case of this embodiment). In this case, the question mark image 36g) shown in FIG.
(Direction pattern 801)
In the lost effect pattern 801, when a cursor operation is performed, the screen display changes from the screen display shown in FIG. 36 (a) → FIG. 36 (b) → FIG. 41 (c1) → FIG. 41 (d1) → FIG. ) → FIG. 37 (f1), and the right effect symbol 36c shown in FIG. 36 (b) temporarily stops at the combination of the reach (the left effect symbol 36a = 7, the right effect symbol 36c = 7). Until the effect pattern 202 is displayed, and when the cursor 40a moves to the divided area 501, as shown in FIG. 34 (c1), the effect pattern 36c = 7 for the right during the variable display is displayed. A prior notification symbol image 36e is displayed, and an image of a question mark image 36g = "?" Is superimposed on the preliminary notification symbol image 36e. Here, for the question mark image 36g, for example, an image in which the effect pattern 36c for the right is made translucent with a different color is used. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 41 (d1), the right effect symbol 36c = 7 descends toward the prior notification symbol image 36e, the question mark image 36g disappears as shown in FIG. 37 (e1), and the right symbol The effect symbol 36c = 7 overlaps the pre-notification symbol image 36e, and temporarily stops at the reach combination (the effect symbol 36a for the left, the effect symbol 36c for the right 36). Thereafter, the display is performed in the same manner as the effect pattern 202 shown in FIG.
In the modified example of the first embodiment, when the image of the question mark image 36g = “?” Is displayed superimposed on the prior notification symbol image 36e as another effect pattern, the preliminary notification by the preliminary notification symbol image 36e is removed, A symbol different from the prior notification symbol image 36e may stop.

  According to such a modification, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 40 can be obtained, and information notification by operation of the touch panel can be further diversified.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention and its modification shown in FIGS. 1 to 41, the mark cursor 40a is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 during the variable display of a plurality of effect symbols. However, the mark cursor 40a may be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 31 in another state, for example, the jackpot game shown in FIG.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the saucer unit 608 and its peripheral portion of the gaming machine 901 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the description using FIG. 42, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 40 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The gaming machine 901 includes an outer frame 60 that is attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 650 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60.

  The glass frame 650 of the gaming machine 901 supports a glass plate 652 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). A saucer unit 608 is provided below the glass frame 650. An inclined surface portion 674 that is inclined obliquely forward is provided on the front side and the right side of the ball tray portion 71 of the tray unit 608.

  A touch pad 700 is provided on the left side of the inclined surface portion 674. The touch pad 700 is provided with player contact position detecting means 702 for detecting the contact position of the player with respect to the player contact member 701 on the back side of the flat plate player contact member 701 that can be contacted by the player. . The touch pad 700 is also called a touch mouse. In the second embodiment, no touch sensor is provided on the glass plate 652.

  The player contact position detection means 702 has a weak electrostatic capacity that indicates a position on the surface of the player contact member 701 by a capacitor composed of the player contact member 701 and a human body (player) finger. Detect as change.

  The effect control board 120 (see FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment displays the trajectory of the finger tracing the surface of the player contact member 701 indicated by the detection result of the player contact position detection means 702 on the liquid crystal display device 31 ( 32 to 43) are displayed in association with the operations of the cursors on the screen (the cursor 40a in FIG. 32, the cursors 40d and 40e in FIG. 40, and the cursor 40f in FIG. 43). The screen display in this case is the same as the example of FIGS. 32 to 43 of the first embodiment.

  If this structure is explained collectively, the glass plate 652 is a transparent plate that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible.

  The glass frame 650 is a support member that supports the glass plate 652 on the front side of the game board 2.

  The player contact member 701 is provided on the glass frame 650.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even when the touch pad 700 of the tray unit 608 is used as the player contact member and the player contact position detection means, the same as in the first embodiment. Can be displayed, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the gaming machine used for the pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the gaming machine may be used for a jigball game machine and an arrangement ball gaming machine.

  Further, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the liquid crystal display device 31 is used as the moving image display means. However, the moving image display means may use a plasma display or a projector, so-called 7-segment. You may use display apparatuses, such as LED and a dot matrix.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Game board 8 Sauce unit 14 1st starting port 14a 1st starting port detection switch 15 2nd starting port 15a 2nd starting port detection switch 20 1st special symbol display apparatus,
21 Second special symbol display device 31 Liquid crystal display devices 36a, 36b, 36c Left middle right effect symbols 36e, 36f Pre-notification symbol image 36g Question mark image 40a Cursor 52 Glass plate 53 Touch panel 74 Inclined surface portion 75 Ball lending button 75a Operation portion 75b Press operation member 76 Return button 76a Operation unit 76b Press operation member 81 Front sheet 82 Back sheet 83, 84 Electrode 110 Main control board 110a Main CPU
110b Main ROM
110c Main RAM
120 Production control board 120a Sub CPU
120b Sub ROM
120c sub RAM
150 Image control board 150a Host CPU
150b host RAM
150c host ROM
151 CGROM
153 VRAM
153a Display list storage area 153b Expanded storage area 153c First frame buffer 153d Second frame buffer 153s Screenshot storage area 501, 502 Divided area 2000 VDP
2010 Control register 2020 CG bus I / F
2030 CPU I / F
2050 Clock generation circuit 2060 Expansion circuit 2070 Drawing circuit 2080 Display circuit 2090 Memory controller

Claims (7)

A game area where game balls flow down,
A starting area provided in the gaming area;
A special game lottery means for determining a game play that is advantageous to the player or a lottery that does not shift to the special game by a lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
The special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means can be displayed, and the special game is displayed and changed for each lottery of the special game lottery means, and the special game is displayed on the special symbol to be stopped. A special symbol display means for notifying the lottery result by selecting one corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery means;
A player contact member that the player can contact;
A player contact position detecting means for detecting a contact position of the player with respect to the player contact member;
An informing means for informing information by displaying an image on a screen;
An effect symbol that produces an effect corresponding to the lottery result of the special game lottery means is variably displayed or stopped on the screen of the notifying means, and the player is in a state where the notifying means is variably displaying the effect symbols. When the contact position detected by the contact position detection means enters a predetermined detection area, notification control means for displaying information on the effect symbol that has not been stopped and displayed on the screen of the notification means;
A gaming machine comprising:   The notification control means displays an image of a mark on the screen of the notification means at least while the special symbol is variably displayed and the effect symbol is variably displayed, and the contact position detected by the player contact position detecting means is changed. When the contact position detected by the player contact position detection means enters the predetermined detection area, the mark is moved to the predetermined screen area. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is moved to a position.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined screen area is a screen area displaying the effect symbol or a vicinity of a screen area displaying the effect symbol.   4. The notice control means uses a prior notice symbol comprising an image having a shape that is the same as or similar to the effect symbol as information of the effect symbol that has not been stopped and displayed yet. The gaming machine described in Crab.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the notification control means stops and displays a question mark image superimposed on the prior notification symbol.   The player contact member has transparency, and the notification means has the screen disposed on the player contact member so as to face the back surface, and notifies information on the back side of the player contact member. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A game board provided with the game area, the start area, the special game lottery means, the special symbol display means, and the notification means;
A transparent plate that covers the game area in a visible manner;
A support member for supporting the transparent plate on the front side of the game board;
The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: the player contact member provided on the support member.

Images