JP2013121447A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which reduces power consumption without discomforting a player.SOLUTION: The game machine includes an image display means and an image generation means for generating an image to be displayed in the image display means. The image generation means determines whether information on colors which is set for specific display pixels of the image display device is set in a predetermined range during a predetermined period, and generates an image with less power than that in a period immediately before when determined that the information is set in the predetermined range.

Description

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

  Many game consoles in recent years are equipped with a large display or the like in order to enhance the effect, but a large amount of power consumption is a problem. In order to solve such a problem, a gaming machine configured to suppress the power consumption of the backlight by gradually reducing the amount of light of the backlight with the passage of time has been proposed (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

JP 2011-24801 A

  However, as with conventional game consoles, if you simply wait for the time to elapse and reduce the amount of light on the display, the visibility will change regardless of the display content and the progress of the game, which makes the player feel uncomfortable. There is a problem that the game motivation is reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of suppressing power consumption without causing a player to feel uncomfortable.

  The present invention is a game machine comprising image display means and image generation means for generating an image to be displayed on the image display means, wherein the image generation means is a specific display pixel of the image display device. It is determined whether or not the information related to the color set in is set in a predetermined range in a predetermined period, and if it is determined that the information is set in the predetermined range, an image with less power consumption than the immediately preceding period A game machine characterized by generating.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress power consumption without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is a front view showing the slot machine in a state where the front door is opened. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a planar arrangement of symbols arranged on each reel (left reel, middle reel, right reel) of the slot machine. (B) A winning combination of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of game state control. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the demonstration command setting in game state control. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU504 of the 2nd sub control part 500 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. It is the figure which showed the flowchart which shows the flow of an image control process. (A) It is the figure which showed typically and compared the magnitude | size of the display area of the effect image display apparatus 157, and the magnitude | size of the frame buffer FB of VRAM536. (B) It is the figure which showed the structural example of the specific pixel information memorize | stored in the built-in register of VDP534. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the VDP power saving setting which VDP534 performs. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the VDP count update process which VDP534 performs. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing internal states of a main control unit 300, a first sub control unit 400, and a second sub control unit 500. It is the figure which showed typically the relationship between the power consumption at the time of displaying a game effect, the power consumption at the time of displaying a demonstration effect, and the power consumption at the time of displaying a game effect or a demonstration effect in power saving setting. It is the figure which showed an example of demonstration effect. (A) It is the figure which showed typically the image display in a game production (normal mode). (B) It is the figure which showed typically the image display in demonstration effect (normal mode). (C) It is the figure which showed typically the image display in normal production (eco-mode) or demonstration production (eco-mode). (A) It is the figure which showed typically the processing content of VDP534 and CPU504 in normal mode. (B) It is the figure which showed typically the processing content of VDP534 and CPU504 in eco mode. (A) It is the figure which showed typically the content of drawing execution of VDP534 in a normal mode. (B) It is the figure which showed typically the content of drawing execution of VDP534 in eco mode. It is the figure which expanded and extracted the specific pixel in each game image and an example of a game effect. It is the figure which expanded and extracted the example of the demonstration effect, and the specific pixel in each demonstration image. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of image control processing according to the second embodiment and corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the power saving setting by CPU504. (A), (b) It is a figure corresponding to Fig.11 (a), and is the figure which showed typically the magnitude | size of the display area of the production image display apparatus 157, and the magnitude | size of the frame buffer FB of VRAM536. . (A), (b) It is the figure which showed the example which sets the positional information on the some pixel in all the display areas DP of the effect image display apparatus 157 as the positional information on a specific pixel. It is a figure for demonstrating the example which considers the color information of a specific pixel as the same. It is the figure which showed typically the example which changes the brightness | luminance of an image in normal mode and eco mode. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front side (player side). It is the external view which looked at the pachinko machine from the back side. It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) An example of the stop symbol form of the special figure is shown. (B) An example of a stop symbol form of a decorative symbol is shown. (C) An example of a usual stop display symbol is shown. (A) It is the figure which expanded and showed the specific pixel at the time of a decoration design change, and the specific pixel at the time of a decoration design stop. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the RGB value of the specific pixel contained in the decorations 1-10.

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

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100 when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157. It has become. It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores the main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. Below the three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as a main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500 described later. To do. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. Yes.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. An upper speaker 272 is provided. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 180.

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

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

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 306 for storing position, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and the like WDT (watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 at every interruption time. Medal reception sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110 , The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.).

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

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

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

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

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

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

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various drive devices for presentation (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

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

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives a motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is provided with a shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interruption time.

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

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

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

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

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

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

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

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

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

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. The gaming state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly classified into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal winning game may be a division included in the normal game.
<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

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

  In the normal game, the internal lottery result is almost lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), or any stop display result A setting is made so that the stop display result of the losing that does not correspond to the symbol combination of the combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals to be acquired is less than the total number of inserted medals. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, Consumption of medals used for games is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, resulting in a gaming state where the total number of medals exceeds the total number of medals inserted, which is beneficial to the player. May become a gaming state.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game a plurality of times. For example, when a combination (for example, replay-replay-replay) is set for starting the RB game, and this combination is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and a predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). The internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” is increased to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2, which is a predetermined value), and a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is a prize. In the RB game, when a predetermined number of times (at least 2 times) is won (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, (8 times). Since the BB game described above can execute the RB game a plurality of times, when a single RB game is performed, the number of medals less than the total number of medals obtained in the BB game is acquired and terminated. Become.

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

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player. It should be noted that BB game and RB game are both game states that are beneficial to the player, and may be generally referred to as bonus games or special games.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.
As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value. In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S104.

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

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

<Game state control>
Next, the game state control (step S121) in the main control unit main process described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the flow of gaming state control, and FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing the flow of demo command setting in gaming state control.

  In step S151, processing relating to transition of the respective game states of the normal game state, the BB game state, the RB game state, and the internal winning game state is performed, and the game state is shifted when the start condition and the end condition are satisfied. In step S152, the process ends after performing the demo command setting described below.

  In step S171 for setting the demo command, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a non-gaming state (for example, a state in which one game is completed in the normal gaming state). In the case of a gaming state other than the non-gaming state (for example, a game state in the normal gaming state, a BB gaming state, an RB gaming state, or an internal winning gaming state), the process ends.

  In step S172, the value of the demonstration start counter provided in the RAM 308 is acquired. In step S173, whether or not the acquired value of the demonstration start counter exceeds a predetermined reference value (for example, a numerical value corresponding to 30 seconds). Determine whether. When the reference value is exceeded (in this example, when the non-gaming state continues for 30 seconds or more), the process proceeds to step S174, and a setting for transmitting a demonstration start command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. If the reference value is not exceeded, the process is terminated. The demo start counter is configured to add 1 for each timer interrupt in a timer update process (step S209) described later. Although not shown, when a predetermined game operation (for example, electronic medal insertion by the bet buttons 130 to 132 and medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 141) is detected in the non-game state, the first sub-control is performed. Settings for transmitting the effect return command to unit 400 are made (details will be described later).

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

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle. In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed. In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

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

  In step S211, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, and operation of stop buttons 137 to 139. Bits 0 to 10 are command data (a stop button reception command accompanying the stop processing of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command accompanying the medal payout processing, a payout end command, a command indicating a gaming state, etc.). Predetermined information corresponding to the command type). In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S213, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

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

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

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. On the other hand, in step S221, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

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

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

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

  In step S307, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 300. In step S309, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S307, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated. In this embodiment, for example, when a demonstration start command is received from the main control unit 300, processing such as reading demonstration effect production data from the ROM 406 is performed, and when an effect return command is received from the main control unit 300. For example, processing such as reading out effect data of a normal game effect from the ROM 406 is performed.

  In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S309, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read out in step S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S315, an information output process is performed for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in step S309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

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

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

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, the processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 9B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 9C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step S601 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S601. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S607, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In step S609, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S607, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

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

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

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

  In step S801, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S603 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 9A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S603, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S803, an effect random number update process is performed.

<Image control processing>
Next, the image control process (step S613) in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

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

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

  In step S907, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image (arrow C). The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a generation end interrupt signal to the CPU 504 (arrow D). Further, the VDP 534 refers to the specific pixel information set in the built-in register, acquires the color information of the pixel (pixel) stored at the coordinates indicated by the specific pixel information, and stores it in the storage means such as the VRAM 536 ( For details, refer to <Color information storage processing> described later). The storage means for storing the color information is not limited to the VRAM 536, and may be a built-in register of the VDP 534, for example.

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

<Color information storage processing>
Next, color information storage processing executed by the VDP 534 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A schematically shows a comparison between the size of the display area of the effect image display device 157 and the size of the frame buffer FB of the VRAM 536, and FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of a structure of the specific pixel information memorize | stored in a built-in register.

  The specific pixel information shown in FIG. 5B is information stored in a storage unit such as the VRAM 536, and the positional information of the specific pixel PX among the plurality of pixels (pixels) included in the frame buffer area FB of the VRAM 536. (X coordinate and Y coordinate information in the VRAM 536). In the present embodiment, the second sub control unit 500 sets initial values (in this example, X coordinate = X1, Y coordinate = Y1) in the specific pixel information in the above-described initial setting (step S601). It is composed.

  In the present embodiment, an area DP (for example, for storing pixel data displayed in the display area of the effect image display device 157 in a part of the area FB (for example, an area of 800 pixels × 600 pixels) of the frame buffer. , A region of 640 pixels × 400 pixels) (FB> DP), and the position information of the pixels in the region DP is set as the position information of the specific pixel PX. In other words, the position information of the pixel actually displayed on the effect image display device 157 is set as the position information of the specific pixel PX.

  As described above, when the VDP 534 receives a drawing instruction from the second sub-control unit 500, the VDP 534 refers to the specific pixel information, and the coordinates indicated by the specific pixel information (in the previous example, X coordinate = X1, Y coordinate = Y1) pixel color information (for example, RGB information and luminance information) stored in Y1) is acquired and stored in storage means such as the VRAM 536.

<VDP processing>
Next, processing executed by the VDP 534 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing the flow of VDP power saving setting executed by the VDP 534, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing the flow of VDP count update processing executed by the VDP 534.

  The VDP 534 periodically executes a plurality of processes including the VDP power saving setting shown in FIG. 5A and the VDP count update process shown in FIG. 5B, for example, once every 2 ms. Is configured to do. Specifically, in step S1001 of VDP power saving setting, color information (previous color information) stored in the current specific pixel color information area stored in the VRAM 536 is stored in the previous specific pixel color information area ( After saving, the color information (current color information) stored in the VRAM 536 by the color information storage process described above is acquired and stored in the current specific pixel color information area.

  In step S1002, the previous color information is compared with the current color information. If both are the same, the process proceeds to step S1005, and if both are different, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, an initial value (for example, 0) is set to the timer value stored in the VRAM 536. In the next step S1004, information indicating “normal setting” is stored in the setting information stored in the VRAM 536. The process ends.

  In step S1005, a timer value that is periodically updated by adding 1 in step S1101 of the VDP count update process shown in FIG. 5B is acquired, and in step S1006, the acquired timer value is set to a predetermined reference value. It is determined whether or not a value (for example, a numerical value corresponding to 35 seconds) has been exceeded. If the reference value is exceeded (in this example, the state where the current color information matches the previous color information exceeds 35 seconds), the process proceeds to step S1007. If the reference value is not exceeded, The process ends. In step S1008, it is determined whether or not information indicating “power saving setting” is stored in the setting information described above. If the information is set (if already shifted to the power saving setting), the process ends. If it is not set, information indicating “power saving setting” is stored in the setting information described above in step S1008.

<Demonstration effect of the first sub-control unit and power saving setting of the second sub-control unit>
Next, the demonstration effect of the first sub-control unit 400 and the power saving setting of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the internal states of the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500, and FIG. 14 shows the power consumption when a game effect is displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between power consumption when displaying a demonstration effect and power consumption when displaying a game effect or a demonstration effect in the power saving setting.

  As described above, when the non-game state (for example, a state in which one game is finished in the normal game state) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the main control unit 300 When a predetermined game operation (for example, electronic medal insertion by the bet buttons 130 to 132 and medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 141) is detected in the non-game state, the first sub-command is transmitted. An effect return command is transmitted to the control unit 400.

  When the first sub-control unit 400 receives a demonstration start command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 starts the demonstration effect after ending the game effect, and at the same time transmits a command to the second sub-control unit 500, End the game production and start the demonstration production. Here, in the game effect in the second sub-control unit 500, for example, an effect of displaying a game image of about 30 frames per second on the effect image display device 157 (for example, an effect using a moving image or a plurality of still images). In the demonstration effect in the second sub-control unit 500, for example, an effect of displaying a demonstration image of about 30 frames per second on the effect image display device 157 (for example, a game description, a character using a single still image) Presentation, explanation of odds, etc.).

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the demonstration effect. In this demonstration effect, one still image D for explaining the game is displayed for 200 frames (= about 6.6 seconds), and then one still image D ′ for explaining the character is displayed for 200 frames. (= About 6.6 seconds), and finally, a still image D ″ for explaining odds is displayed for 200 frames (= about 6.6 seconds). Are repeatedly displayed in this order.

  The game effect and the demonstration effect are common in that an image of about 30 frames is displayed per second. In the demonstration effect, the effect is mainly performed using one still image, whereas in the game effect, the moving image or Since an effect using a plurality of still images is performed, the power consumption of the demonstration effect is smaller than the power consumption of the game effect. That is, when the effect executed by the second sub-control unit 500 is changed from the game effect shown in FIG. 14A to the demo effect shown in FIG. The power consumption of the second sub-control unit 500 (VDP 534, effect image display device 157, etc.), and hence the power consumption in the slot machine 100 can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the first sub-control unit 400 receives an effect return command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 ends the demonstration effect by transmitting a command to the second sub-control unit 500. Let the normal game production start. Thus, when the effect performed by the second sub-control unit 500 is changed from the demonstration effect shown in FIG. 14B to the game effect shown in FIG. Therefore, the power consumption of the second sub-control unit 500 (VDP 534, effect image display device 157, etc.) and the power consumption in the slot machine 100 will increase.

  As described above, the second sub control unit 500 (of the VDP 534) is set when it is determined that the state in which the previous color information in the specific pixel matches the current color information continues for a predetermined period (for example, 35 seconds). The information is changed from the normal setting to the power saving setting, and the image drawing frequency is made lower than the normal setting. Specifically, in the game effect, for example, an effect of displaying a game image of about 15 frames per second (for example, an effect using a moving image or a plurality of still images) is performed, and in the demonstration effect, for example, for 1 second. An effect of displaying a demo image of about 15 frames (for example, an effect of performing game description, character description, odds description, etc. using a still image as shown in FIG. 15) is performed. The power-saving setting displays about 15 frames of game images and demo images per second, while the normal setting displays about 30 frames of game images and demo images per second. Is smaller than the power consumption of the normal setting. That is, based on the control of the VDP 534, the effect executed by the second sub-control unit 500 is changed from the game effect shown in FIG. 14 (a) and the demo effect shown in FIG. 14 (b) to the game shown in FIG. 14 (c). When the effect is changed to the effect or demonstration effect, the power consumption of the second sub-control unit 500 (VDP 534, effect image display device 157, etc.), and hence the power consumption in the slot machine 100 can be reduced. Hereinafter, the state in which the setting information of the second sub-control unit 500 is set to the normal setting may be referred to as “normal mode”, and the state in which the power saving setting is set may be referred to as “eco mode”.

<Overview of normal mode and eco mode>
Next, the outline of the normal mode and the eco mode will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure (a) is the figure which showed typically the image display in game effect (normal mode), and the figure (b) is the figure which showed the image display in demonstration effect (normal mode) typically. FIG. 6C is a diagram schematically showing the image display in the normal effect (eco mode) or the demonstration effect (eco mode).

  In the game effect (normal mode) shown in FIG. 5A, as described above, an effect of displaying a game image of about 30 frames per second is performed. During this game effect, a plurality of images (in this example, , Image A, image B, and image C) are displayed for each frame. On the other hand, in the demonstration effect (normal mode) shown in FIG. 5B, as described above, an effect of displaying a game image of about 30 frames per second is performed. However, during this demonstration effect, there are fewer than during the game effect. Control is performed to display the number of images (in this example, one image of image D) for each frame. As described above, in the demonstration effect (normal mode), an effect using mainly one image per frame is performed, whereas in the game effect (normal mode), an effect using mainly a plurality of images per frame is performed. Therefore, the power consumption of the demonstration effect (normal mode) is smaller than the power consumption of the game effect (normal mode).

  In addition, in the game effect (eco mode) shown in FIG. 10C, as described above, an effect of displaying a game image of about 15 frames per second is performed, and the demonstration effect (eco mode) shown in FIG. Then, an effect of displaying a demo image of about 15 frames per second is performed. Thus, in the eco mode (power saving setting), about 15 frames of game images and demo images are displayed per second, while in the normal mode (normal setting), about 30 frames of game images and demos are displayed per second. Since the image is displayed, the drawing frequency in the eco mode (power saving setting) is about half of the drawing frequency in the normal mode (normal setting), and the power consumption in the eco mode (power saving setting) is the consumption of the normal mode (normal setting). It becomes smaller than electric power. Here, the drawing frequency in the eco mode (power saving setting) is about half of the drawing frequency in the normal mode (normal setting), but the drawing frequency in the eco mode (power saving setting) is the normal mode (normal setting). If it is smaller than the drawing frequency in, power consumption can be reduced.

<Processing of second sub-control unit in normal mode and eco mode>
Next, processing of the second sub control unit 500 in the normal mode and the eco mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17A is a diagram schematically showing the processing contents of the VDP 534 and the CPU 504 in the normal mode, and FIG. 17B is a diagram schematically showing the processing contents of the VDP 534 and the CPU 504 in the eco mode. is there. FIG. 18A is a diagram schematically showing the contents of drawing execution of the VDP 534 in the normal mode, and FIG. 18B is a diagram schematically showing the contents of drawing execution of the VDP 534 in the eco mode.

  In the normal mode shown in FIG. 17A, the CPU 504 always gives a drawing instruction to the VDP 534 once per frame (about 33 ms) in step S907 of the image control process described above. On the other hand, the VDP 534 always executes image drawing in the frame buffer. For example, when the CPU 504 issues a drawing instruction 0, the VDP 534 executes image drawing in the frame buffer according to the drawing instruction 0, and when the CPU 504 issues a drawing instruction 1 next, the VDP 534 follows the drawing instruction 1 in the frame buffer. After that, the VDP 534 always draws an image once per frame (about 33 ms), such as drawing execution 2 according to the drawing instruction 2 → drawing execution 3 according to the drawing instruction 3 →. Run.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) that is not designated as a drawing area when drawing is executed. At this time, an image of one frame stored in the frame buffer 2 (FB2) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Subsequently, at the time of drawing execution 1, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 2 (FB2) not designated as a drawing area. At this time, an image of one frame (image drawn by drawing execution 0) stored in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Subsequently, at the time of drawing execution 2, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) not designated as a drawing area. At this time, an image of one frame (image drawn in the drawing execution 1) stored in the frame buffer 2 (FB2) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Subsequently, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 2 (FB2) not designated as a drawing area at the time of drawing execution 3. At this time, an image of one frame (image drawn in the drawing execution 2) stored in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. By such control, in the normal mode, a game effect for displaying a game image of about 30 frames per second or a demonstration effect for displaying a demo image of about 30 frames per second is performed.

  On the other hand, in the eco mode shown in FIG. 17B, the CPU 504 always gives a drawing instruction to the VDP 534 once per frame (about 33 ms) in step S907 of the image control process described above. On the other hand, the VDP 534 thins out and executes image drawing in the frame buffer. For example, when the CPU 504 issues a drawing instruction 0, the VDP 534 executes image drawing in the frame buffer according to the drawing instruction 0. When the CPU 504 issues a drawing instruction 1 next, the VDP 534 performs an image according to the drawing instruction 1. Drawing is not executed (image instruction 1 is ignored), and thereafter VDP 534 does not execute drawing execution 2 according to drawing instruction 2 → drawing execution 3 according to drawing instruction 3 (ignoring drawing instruction 3). As described above, image drawing is executed once every two frames (about 66 ms) by executing image drawing every one frame (about 33 ms).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 18B, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) that is not designated as a drawing area when drawing is executed. At this time, an image of one frame stored in the frame buffer 2 (FB2) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Subsequently, the VDP 534 performs only the designated swap of the drawing area without drawing at the next drawing execution timing. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) designated as the drawing area (an image drawn in the drawing execution 0) is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Subsequently, at the time of drawing execution 2, the VDP 534 draws image data for one frame in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) not designated as a drawing area. Subsequently, the VDP 534 performs only the designated swap of the drawing area without drawing at the next drawing execution timing. As a result, an image of one frame (image drawn in the drawing execution 2) stored in the frame buffer 1 (FB1) designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. By such control, in the eco mode, a game effect for displaying a game image of about 15 frames per second or a demonstration effect for displaying a demo image of about 15 frames per second is performed.

  In this example, the VDP 534 ignores the drawing instruction of the CPU 504 every other frame in the eco mode, but the CPU 504 issues a drawing instruction every other frame so that the VDP 534 always performs drawing according to the drawing instruction. It may be configured.

<Specific examples of game production>
Next, a specific example of the game effect will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows an example of a game effect and an enlarged view of a specific pixel in each game image.

  In this example, the second sub control unit 500 renders the game image shown in FIG. 5A based on the commands of the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, and then shows the game image shown in FIG. By drawing the game image, the game image shown in FIG. 5A is changed to the game image shown in FIG. 5B. The color information of the specific pixel of the game image shown in FIG. The color information of the specific pixels of the game image shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the second sub-control unit 500 draws the game image shown in FIG. 5C based on the commands of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, thereby showing the same in FIG. The game image is changed to the game image shown in FIG. 4C. The color information of the specific pixel of the game image shown in FIG. 5B and the color of the specific pixel of the game image shown in FIG. The information is different.

  As described above, the VDP 534 monitors the change of color information in a specific pixel in the VDP power saving setting, and when the state without the change continues for a predetermined period (for example, 35 seconds), the setting information indicates “power saving setting”. When the state where the color information of the specific pixel does not change as in the game image shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B continues for a predetermined period as shown in FIGS. When the state where the color information of the specific pixel does not change as in the game images shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C does not continue for a predetermined period, the echo mode is not changed.

  Therefore, when a game image with little change in color information continues even in the normal gaming state, the gaming state is not a non-gaming state, and therefore the transition from the gaming effect to the demonstration effect is performed according to a command from the main control unit 300. However, the VDP 534 can shift from the normal mode to the echo mode. In this case, even in the normal gaming state, the image display frequency may be reduced to reduce power consumption. Further, when the change in color information increases, the VDP 534 can also shift from the eco mode to the normal mode, and in this case, the visibility of the image may be improved.

<Specific example of demonstration production>
Next, a specific example of the demonstration effect will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows an example of a demonstration effect and an enlarged view of specific pixels in each demonstration image.

  In this example, the second sub-control unit 500 draws the demo image shown in FIG. 5A based on the commands of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, and thereafter, FIG. The demo images are changed by drawing the demo images in the order of c), (d), (e), and (f), but are specified in all the demo images shown in FIGS. The color information of the pixels (in this example, the pixel at the lower right corner of the demo image) is the same.

  As described above, the VDP 534 monitors the change of color information in a specific pixel in the VDP power saving setting, and when the state without the change continues for a predetermined period (for example, 35 seconds), the setting information indicates “power saving setting”. When the normal mode is changed to the eco mode and the color information of the specific pixel does not change as in the demo images shown in FIGS. Transition from normal mode to echo mode. For this reason, in addition to the effect of reducing power consumption by shifting from the game effect to the demonstration effect, the effect of reducing power consumption by shifting from the normal mode to the echo mode can be obtained.

  In this example, a strip-shaped display area of the same color (same color information) is provided above and below the demo image, and the demonstration effect is configured not to change the pixels of the display area. By assigning pixels, the second sub-control unit 500 can be easily shifted to the eco mode, and the power consumption reduction effect can be further enhanced.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, the slot machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part same as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing according to the second embodiment, corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 10 described above, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of power saving setting by the CPU 504. .

  The second embodiment is characterized in that the CPU 504 performs power saving setting instead of the VDP 534. Specifically, the CPU 504 performs power saving setting in step S920 of the image control process. In this power saving setting, as shown in FIG. 22, whether or not there is a power saving mode setting in step S1201, that is, whether or not information indicating “power saving setting” is stored in the setting information described above. If YES in step S1203, the flow advances to step S1202. Otherwise, the flow advances to step S1203.

  In step S1202, the drawing history information stored in the RAM 506 is referred to. When the execution history information is stored in the drawing history information, the execution history information is stored in the drawing history information, and the process advances to step S1203. When the execution history information is stored in the drawing history information, the non-execution information is stored in the drawing history information (without performing an image drawing instruction), and the image control process is terminated. In step S1203, it is determined whether or not there is an image display change. If there is an image display change, the process returns to the image control process and an image drawing instruction is issued. On the other hand, if there is no image display change, the process advances to step S1204.

  In step S1204, a count value that is periodically updated in the second sub control unit timer interrupt process described above is acquired. In step S1205, the acquired count value corresponds to a predetermined reference value (for example, 35 seconds). It is determined whether or not the numerical value 1060) is exceeded. If the reference value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1206. If the reference value is not exceeded, the process ends. In step S1206, information indicating “power saving setting” is stored in the setting information described above, and the process ends.

<Other embodiments>
Next, a slot machine according to another embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part same as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted. FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 11A, schematically showing the size of the display area of the effect image display device 157 and the size of the frame buffer FB of the VRAM 536. It is the figure compared.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the frame buffer area FB (for example, the size of the pixel data corresponding to the entire display area DP (for example, the area of 640 pixels × 480 pixels) of the effect image display device 157 is used. The size of the pixel data stored in the area of 500 pixels × 300 pixels is small (DP> FB), and the position information of the pixels in the smaller area FB is used as the position information of the specific pixel PX. Configured to set. In other words, the position information of a part of the pixels actually displayed on the effect image display device 157 is set as the position information of the specific pixel PX.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the total display area DP of the effect image display device 157 is larger than the size of pixel data stored in the frame buffer area FB (for example, an area of 800 pixels × 600 pixels). The size of the pixel data corresponding to (for example, a region of 640 pixels × 480 pixels) is small (FB> DP), and the position information of the pixel in the larger region FB is changed to the position of the specific pixel PX. It is configured to be set as information. In other words, pixel position information that is not actually displayed on the effect image display device 157 is set as position information of the specific pixel PX.

  24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating an example in which position information of a plurality of pixels in the entire display area DP of the effect image display device 157 is set as position information of specific pixels. For example, FIG. 5A shows an example in which the position information of the pixels located at the three positions of the upper left corner, the center, and the lower right corner in the entire display area DP of the effect image display device 157 is set as the position information of the specific pixel, respectively. It is. In this case, the detection accuracy of the color information change of the pixels in the entire display area DP may be improved.

  FIG. 5B is an example in which the position information of a plurality of adjacent pixels is set as the position information of specific pixels in the vicinity of the lower right corner in the entire display area DP of the effect image display device 157. In this case, if it is configured to display an image with little change in color information in the vicinity of the lower right corner of the effect image display device 157, the number of transitions from the normal mode to the eco mode can be increased, and the power consumption can be further reduced. There is.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the color information of a specific pixel is regarded as the same. In the above embodiment, as a condition for shifting to the eco mode, the previous RGB value of the specific pixel and the current RGB value are compared to determine whether or not the two are completely the same, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a part of the previous RGB value of a specific pixel may be compared with a part of the current RGB value (for example, an R value), and the two may be determined to be the same if they are within a predetermined numerical range. . For example, when the RG value of the previous RGB value of a specific pixel matches the current RG value, only the B value may be intentionally changed. In such a case, there is no significant scene change. Many may be determined to be the same. In other words, if one of the previous RGB values of a specific pixel is different from the current value, there is a possibility that only this one value has been intentionally changed. In many cases, it may be determined to be the same. For example, when the R value of the previous RGB value of a specific pixel matches the current R value, only the GB value may be intentionally changed, and in such a case, there is no significant scene change. Many may be determined to be the same. In other words, if two of the previous RGB values of a specific pixel are different from the current value, the remaining one value may not have been intentionally changed. In many cases, it may be determined to be the same.

  For example, in the example shown in the figure, as the game progresses, the background image is changed in the order of a background image representing the daytime sky → a background image representing the evening sky → a background image representing the night sky. At this time, the RGB value of the specific pixel set in the lower right corner of the background image changes in the order of (0, 120, 255) → (240, 120, 255) → (255, 120, 255). The B value does not change, and only the R value changes in the range of 0 to 255. Therefore, for example, the R value (in this example, 0) of a specific pixel in the background image representing the daytime sky is compared with the R value (240 in this example) of the specific pixel in the background image representing the evening sky. When both are within a predetermined numerical range (within a range of 0 to 255), it may be determined that both are the same and the mode can be shifted to the eco mode.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which the luminance of the image is changed between the normal mode and the eco mode. In the above embodiment, when the mode is shifted to the eco mode, the power consumption is reduced by reducing the display frequency of the image per unit time compared to the normal mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, When the mode is shifted to the eco mode, the power consumption may be reduced by lowering the luminance of the image as compared with the normal mode.

  For example, in the normal mode shown in FIG. 6A, three types of images A, B, and C are displayed, and in the eco mode shown in FIG. C is displayed at the same display frequency as in the normal mode, but in the eco mode, the brightness of the three types of images A, B, and C is lower than in the normal mode (for example, the light emission amount is reduced from 100% to 70%). %). With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the eco mode while maintaining the type of image to be displayed and the display frequency of the image to be the same as those in the normal mode. In the eco mode, the display frequency of the image may be decreased and the luminance of the image may be decreased. In this case, the power consumption can be further reduced.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine 1100 or a spinning machine such as a slot machine) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 1100 from the front side (player side).

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 1100 includes an outer frame 1102, a main body 1104, a front frame door 1106, a door with a ball storage tray 1108, a launching device 1110, and a game board 1200 on the front surface. The outer frame 1102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop. The main body 1104 is a member called an inner frame, which is provided inside the outer frame 1102 and is a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base shaft that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 1102 via a hinge portion 1112. The main body 1104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 1114 inside. In addition, when the main body 1104 is opened, an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 1104 is provided.

  The front frame door 1106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 1104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 1100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside Is a door member having an opening. The front frame door 1106 is provided with a transparent plate member 1118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 1120 and a frame lamp 1122 are attached to the front side. A game area 1124 is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 1106 and the front surface of the game board 1200. Further, when the front frame door 1106 is opened, a front frame door open sensor (not shown) that detects opening of the front frame door 1106 is provided.

  The door 1108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower surface of the main body 1104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The door 1108 with a ball storage tray is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 1126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 1110. A lower plate 1128 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 1126, a ball removal button 1130 for discharging the game balls stored in the upper plate 1126 to the lower plate 1128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 1132 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 1128 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 1110 by operation of the player A ball launching handle 1134 for launching into the gaming area 1124 of 1200, a chance button 1136 for changing the presentation mode of various presentation devices 1206 by the player's operation, Chance button lamp 1138 that causes the sbutton 1136 to emit light, a ball lending operation button 1140 that gives a ball lending instruction to a card unit (CR unit) installed in the game store, and an instruction to return the player's balance to the card unit A return operation button 1142 and a ball rental display unit 1144 for displaying the player's balance and the state of the card unit. In addition, a lower plate full tank sensor (not shown) that detects that the lower plate 1128 is full is provided.

  The launching device 1110 is attached below the main body 1104, and a launching rod 1146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 1134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 1148 that hits the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 1146, . The game board 1200 has a game area 1124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 1104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 1114 of the main body 1104. The game area 1124 can be observed from the opening after the game board 1200 is mounted on the main body 1104.

FIG. 28 is an external view of the pachinko machine 1100 of FIG. 27 viewed from the back side. The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 1100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 1150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 1150, A tank rail 1154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to a dispensing device 1152 located on the right side of the back surface.
The payout device 1152 is formed of a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown) inside. The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 1154 and flows down into the payout device 1152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the game balls that are temporarily retained are sent out one by one downward to the payout device 1152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the payout control unit 1600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches an upper plate 1126 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 1100. The pachinko machine 1100 has this configuration. To pay out the ball to the player.

  On the left side of the payout device 1152 in the figure, a main board case 1158 that houses the main board 1156 that constitutes the main control section 1300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 1300 The first sub-board case 1162 that houses the first sub-board 1160 constituting the first sub-control unit 1400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 1400 An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 1166 that houses the second sub-board 1164 constituting the control unit 1500, a payout control unit 1600 that performs control processing related to payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk A payout board case 1172 for storing a payout board 1170 including 1168, and a control process relating to the launch of a game ball. A launch board case 1176 that houses a launch board 1174 that constitutes the firing control section 1630, a power supply control section 1660 that supplies power to various electric gaming machines, and a power switch 1178 that turns on and off the power by operation of a game shop clerk and a power source A power supply board case 1184 that houses a power supply board 1182 including an RWM clear switch 1180 that outputs an RWM clear signal to the main control unit 1300 when operated at the time of input, and transmission / reception of signals between the payout control unit 1600 and the card unit A CR interface unit 1186 is provided.

  FIG. 29 is a schematic front view of the game board 1200 as viewed from the front. The game board 1200 is provided with an outer rail 1202 and an inner rail 1204, and a game area 1124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 1206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 1124. The effect device 1206 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 1208 substantially in the center, and around the normal symbol display device 1210, the first special symbol display device 1212, the second special symbol display device 1214, and the ordinary A symbol holding lamp 1216, a first special symbol holding lamp 1218, a second special symbol holding lamp 1220, and a high-probability medium lamp 1222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”. The effect device 1206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 1224, and details will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 1208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 1208 is configured by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 1208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 1208a, a middle symbol display area 1208b, a right symbol display area 1208c, and an effect display area 1208d, and the left symbol display area 1208a and the middle symbol display area 1208b. The right symbol display area 1208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 1208d displays an image used for the effect. Further, the positions and sizes of the display areas 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 1208.

  The universal map display device 1210 is a display device for displaying a universal map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 1212 and the second special figure display device 1214 are display devices for displaying a special figure, and are configured by 7 segment LEDs in this embodiment.

  The general figure hold lamp 1216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general figure variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general figure variable game is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 1218 and the second special figure hold lamp 1220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable game is displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 1222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high-probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high-probability state. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, there are predetermined ball entrances, for example, a general prize opening 1226, a universal start port 1228, a first special figure start port 1230, and a second special figure start port 1232, around the rendering device 1206. A variable prize opening 1234 is provided.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 1226 are provided on the game board 1200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 1226 (in the general winning holes 1226). In the case of winning a prize, the payout device 1152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 1126 as prize balls. The player can freely take out the ball discharged to the upper plate 1126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning ball to the player based on the winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 1226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 1100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 1228 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 1124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 1200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general prize opening 1226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 1228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general map start port 1228, the pachinko machine 1100 starts a general variable game by the general map display device 1210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 1230 is provided at the center of the game board 1200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 1230, a payout device 1152 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 1126. And the special figure changing game by the first special figure display device 1212 is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 1230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 1100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 1232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 1232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 1230. The second special figure starting port 1232 includes a wing member 1232a that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the wing member 1232a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball. When 1210 hits and stops and displays the symbol, the blade member 1232a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 1232, the payout device 1152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 1126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure changing game by the second special figure display device 1214 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 1232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 1100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 1234 is called a big winning opening or an attacker, and in this embodiment, only one variable winning opening 1234 is arranged below the center of the game board 1200. This variable winning opening 1234 includes a door member 1234a that can be opened and closed. When the door member 1234a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and the special figure display device stops the jackpot symbol when the special figure variable game is won. When displayed, the door member 1234a opens and closes at predetermined time intervals (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 1234, the payout device 1152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 1126 as prize balls. The ball that has entered the variable prize opening 1234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 1100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting ball direction changing members 1236 and game nails 1238 called windmills are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 1204, After guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 1100, an out port is provided for discharging to the game island side.

  This pachinko machine 1100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 1126 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with the strength corresponding to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and launches 1146 And the launcher 1148 passes the outer rail 1202 and the inner rail 1204 to launch into the game area 1124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 1124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 1236, the game nail 1238, etc., and a winning opening (a general winning opening 1226, a variable winning opening 1234) or a starting opening. (1st special figure starting port 1230, 2nd special figure starting port 1232) winning out either without winning any prize opening and starting port, or just passing through normal figure starting port 1228 To reach.

<Director 1206>
Next, the rendering device 1206 of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described. On the front side of the effect device 1206, a warp device 1242 and a stage 1244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 1224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 1208 and a shielding device 1246 (hereinafter may be referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the rendering device 1206. That is, in the effect device 1206, the decorative symbol display device 1208 and the shielding means are located behind the warp device 1242, the stage 1244, and the effect movable body 1224.

  The warp device 1242 discharges the game ball that has entered the warp inlet 1242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 1206 from the warp outlet 1242b to the stage 1244 below the front surface of the effect device 1206.

  The stage 1244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 1242b, a ball that has been picked up by a nail of the game board 1200, or the like. A special route 1244a is provided to facilitate entry into the golf course.

  The production movable body 1224 is composed of an upper arm portion 1224a and a forearm portion 1224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm in this embodiment, and an upper arm motor and an elbow (not shown) that rotate the upper arm portion 1224a to the position of the shoulder. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm portion 1224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 1224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 1208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 1246 includes a grid-like left door 1246a and right door 1246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 1208 and the front stage 1244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are respectively fixed to the upper portions of the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b. That is, the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b move to the left and right with the operation of the belt driven by the motor via the pulley. When the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b are closed, the shielding means shields the inner end portions of the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 1208. In the state where the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 1208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 1208. It is. Further, the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, for example, only a part of the decorative design to the extent that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. Note that the left door 1246a and the right door 1246b may be configured such that a part of the decorative symbol display device 1208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 1208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the hole in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 1208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. The control unit of the pachinko machine 1100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 1300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 1300. In response to the first sub-control unit 1400 that controls the second sub-control unit 1500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 1400, and the command transmitted from the main control unit 1300 A payout control unit 1600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls, a launch control unit 1630 that performs launch control of game balls, and a power supply control unit 1660 that controls power supplied to the pachinko machine 1100 are configured. Yes.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 1300 of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described. The main control unit 1300 includes a basic circuit 1302 that controls the entire main control unit 1300. The basic circuit 1302 includes a CPU 1304, a ROM 1306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 1308 for storing data, I / O 1310 for controlling input / output of various devices, a counter timer 1312 for measuring time and the number of times, and a WDT 1314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing. . Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 1306 and the RAM 1308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 1400 described later. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1316b as a system clock.

  Further, the basic circuit 1302 includes a counter circuit 1318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 every time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 1316a is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a predetermined ball detection sensor, for example, a sensor that detects a game ball passing through each start port, winning port, variable winning port, front frame door opening sensor, and inner frame opening sensor. And a sensor circuit 1322 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320 including a full plate sensor and a comparison result with an amplification result and a reference voltage to the counter circuit 1318 and the basic circuit 1302, and a predetermined symbol display device For example, a drive circuit 1324 for performing display control of the first special figure display device 1212 and the second special figure display device 1214, and a predetermined A drive circuit 1326 for performing display control of the pattern display device, for example, the general map display device 1210, and various status display units 1328 (for example, the general map hold lamp 216, the first special figure hold lamp 1218, the second special figure hold lamp) 1220, high-accuracy medium lamp 1222, etc.) and a drive circuit 330 for controlling the display, and a predetermined movable member, for example, a blade member 1232a of the second special figure starting port 1232, a door member 1234a of the variable prize opening 1234, etc. A drive circuit 1334 for controlling various solenoids 1332 to be driven is connected.

  When the ball detection sensor 1320 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 1230, the sensor circuit 1322 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 1318. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 1318 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 1230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 1230. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 1318 receives a signal indicating that a ball has won the second special figure starting port 1232, the counter circuit 1318 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 1232. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 1232.

  Further, an information output circuit 1336 is connected to the basic circuit 1302, and the main control unit 1300 is connected to an information input circuit 1350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 1336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 1100 is output.

  Further, the main control unit 1300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 1338 for monitoring the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 1660 to the main control unit 1300. The voltage monitoring circuit 1338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 1302.

  Further, the main control unit 1300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 1340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and the CPU 1304 receives the start signal output circuit 1340 from the start signal output circuit 1340. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 1300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 1400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 1600. With this configuration, the first control unit 1300 has a first interface. Communication with the sub-control unit 1400 and the payout control unit 1600 is enabled. The information communication between the main control unit 1300, the first sub control unit 1400, and the payout control unit 1600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 1300 sends commands and the like to the first sub control unit 1400 and the payout control unit 1600. The first sub control unit 1400 and the payout control unit 1600 are configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 1300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 1400 of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 1400 includes a basic circuit 1402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 1400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 1300. The basic circuit 1402 includes a CPU 1404 and A ROM 1406 for storing control programs and various effects data; a RAM 1408 for temporarily storing data; an I / O 1410 for controlling input / output of various devices; and for measuring time and frequency The counter timer 1412 is mounted. The CPU 1404 of the basic circuit 1402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1414 as a system clock. The ROM 1406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 1402 includes a sound source IC 1416 for controlling the speaker 1120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 1420 for controlling various lamps 1418 (for example, a chance button lamp 1138), and a shielding device 1246. A drive circuit 1432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 1430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 1246, a chance button detection sensor 1426 that detects pressing of the chance button 1136, a shielding device sensor 1430, and a chance button detection sensor A sensor circuit 1428 that outputs a detection signal from 1426 to the basic circuit 1402, and image data stored in the ROM 1406 is read based on a signal from the CPU 1404, and a display image is generated and decorated using the work area of the VRAM 1436. Symbol display device And 208 for displaying an image on VDP1434 (Video Display Processor), is connected to.

  Next, the second sub control unit 1500 of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described. The second sub control unit 1500 includes a basic circuit 1502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub control unit 1400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub control unit 1500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1502 includes a CPU 1504, a RAM 1508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 1512 is installed. The CPU 1504 of the basic circuit 1502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1514 as a system clock, and controls a program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 1500, and an image display A ROM 1506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 1502 includes a drive circuit 1516 for performing drive control of the effect movable body 1224, an effect movable body sensor 1424 for detecting the current position of the effect movable body 1224, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 1424. Is output to the basic circuit 1502, a game board lamp drive circuit 1530 for controlling the game board lamp 1532, and a game table frame lamp drive for controlling the game table frame lamp 1542. The circuit 1540 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 1520 that performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp drive circuit 1530 and the game stand frame lamp drive circuit 1540.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 1600, the launch control unit 1630, and the power supply control unit 1660 of the pachinko machine 1100 will be described. The payout control unit 1600 controls the payout motor 1602 of the payout device 1152 mainly based on a command signal or the like transmitted from the main control unit 1300, and wins or rents a ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 1604. Is detected, and communication with a card unit 1608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 1100 is performed via the interface unit 1606.

  The launch control unit 1630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 1600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 1134 outputs an operation of the ball launch handle 1134 by the player. Based on a control signal instructing the launch intensity according to the amount, control of a launch motor 1632 that drives the launcher 1146 and launcher 1148, and control of a ball feeder 1634 that supplies a ball from the upper plate 1126 to the launcher 1110 I do.

  The power supply control unit 1660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 1100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 1300 and the first sub control unit 1400, the payout device 1152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power supply control unit 1660 is a storage circuit (for example, for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 1308 of the main control unit 1300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply control unit 1660 to the payout control unit 1600 and the second sub control unit 1500, and the main control unit 1300, the second sub control unit 1500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 1600. Although the predetermined voltage is supplied to 1630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 31A to 31C, the first special symbol display device 1212, the second special symbol display device 1214, the decorative symbol display device 1208, and the normal symbol display device 1210 of the pachinko machine 1100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. FIG. 4A shows an example of the stop symbol form of the special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the ball has entered the first special figure start port 1230, and the ball has entered the second special figure start port 1232. The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 1212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating the lighting of all the seven segments and the lighting of the central one segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 1214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats the lighting of all the seven segments and the lighting of the central one segment. Do. These “variation display of special figure 1” and “variation display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of the symbol fluctuation display according to the present invention.

  Then, when the variation time determined before the start of variation in FIG. 1 (corresponding to the variation time in the present invention) elapses, the first special symbol display device 1212 stops and displays the stop symbol form in FIG. When the variation time determined before the start of variation 2 (this also corresponds to the variation time according to the present invention) has elapsed, the second special symbol display device 1214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special diagram 2. Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display referred to in the present invention, hereinafter, after the “variable display of special figure 1 or 2” is started, the stop symbol form of special figure 1 or 2 is stopped and displayed. The series of displays up to is referred to as symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 10A shows 10 types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display, and the white portions in the figure are turned off. The location of the segment to be displayed is shown, and the black portion indicates the location of the segment to be lit.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 1100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, whether or not a big hit in the special figure variable game is determined by lottery of hardware random numbers, and whether or not a special big hit is determined by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

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

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

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 1208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced. In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 1100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 31 (b) shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 1230 or the second special view start port 1232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 1230, or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 1232, the left symbol display area 1208a, the middle symbol display area 1208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 1208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “special drawing B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot in the symbol display areas 1208a to 1208c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” Stop display. On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 5B are stopped in the symbol display areas 1208a to 1208c. indicate.

  FIG. 31C shows an example of a usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that the sphere has passed through the normal start port 1228, the normal symbol display device 1210 repeats all lighting of the seven segments and lighting of the central one segment. Perform a “normal change display”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 6C, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

  FIG. 32A is an enlarged view of the specific pixel when the decorative design changes and the specific pixel when the decorative design is stopped. If the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1100, when the decorative symbol variation and the decorative symbol stop are repeatedly executed (for example, during a game), the eco-mode is not entered, but the decorative symbol stop continues for a predetermined time ( For example, during non-games or when there is a game but the variable display is not performed for a predetermined time), the color information of the specific pixel does not change, so the pachinko machine 100 is shifted to the eco mode, so that the pachinko machine 100 Power consumption can be reduced. The specific pixel is not limited to a part of the pixels of the decorative design, and may be a part of the pixels of the fourth decorative design, for example. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, the RGB values of specific pixels included in the decorations 1 to 10 are set to RGB values (100, 255, 255) corresponding to a predetermined color (for example, blue). For example, when determining whether or not the decoration symbol stop has continued for a predetermined time, it is possible to determine whether or not the RGB value of a specific pixel is an RGB value corresponding to a predetermined color, thereby reducing the control burden. can do.

  As described above, the slot machine 100 and the pachinko machine 1100 according to this embodiment generate an image to be displayed on the image display means (for example, the effect image display device 157 and the decorative symbol display device 1208) and the image display means. An image generating means (for example, a second sub-control unit 500, a first sub-control unit 1400), wherein the image generating means is a specific display pixel (for example, Whether the information (for example, RGB information, luminance information) related to the color set for the specific pixel) is set within a predetermined range for a predetermined period (for example, 35 seconds) (for example, whether the RGB information is the same) No, whether a part of the RGB information is within a predetermined range, whether the luminance information is the same), and if it is determined that the RGB information is set within the predetermined range, the power consumption is less than the immediately preceding period Image generation (e.g., control to reduce the display frequency of images per unit time) is performed, it is the amusement machine according to claim.

  According to the slot machine 100 and the pachinko machine 1100 according to the present embodiment, since an image with low power consumption is generated when there is little change in information related to color, visibility is improved regardless of the display content and the progress of the game. A situation that changes can be avoided. For this reason, there is a case where power consumption can be suppressed without giving a sense of incongruity to the player and without reducing the game motivation more than necessary.

  In addition, the image generation unit may change from the first mode (for example, the normal mode) set for the predetermined period to the second mode (for example, the eco mode) that consumes less power than the first mode. ), The mode can be changed, and it is determined whether or not the same setting is made in the information relating to the color set in the specific display pixel even after the predetermined period has elapsed. If it is determined, the mode may be changed from the second mode to the first mode.

  With such a configuration, even after image generation with low power consumption is performed, image generation can be performed according to changes in display content and game progress. For this reason, in a situation where power consumption is not so much reduced, the player's visibility can be improved, and the player's willingness to play is not reduced.

  Further, the image display means is a display device (for example, LED) including a backlight, and the second mode compares the power consumed by the backlight with the power consumed in the first mode. May be in a lower mode.

  With such a configuration, it may be possible to significantly reduce power consumption while ensuring visibility.

  Further, the image display means arranges pixels composed of light emitting elements of a plurality of colors on a matrix (for example, 640 pixels × 480 pixels), and the specific display pixels are pixels at four corners of the display area of the image display device. Any one of the pixels may be used.

  With such a configuration, it may be possible to indirectly control whether or not to generate an image with low power consumption by setting the color information of the pixels at the four corners.

  The configuration of the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the slot machine 100 or the pachinko machine 1100 according to the above embodiment. Therefore, for example, the condition for shifting from the game effect to the demo effect is not limited to the case where the non-game state continues for 30 seconds or more, and for example, the condition described in the other embodiments may be satisfied, Even in the gaming state, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139 is not detected for a predetermined period or longer), the game effect may be shifted to the demo effect.

  Also, the condition for shifting from the normal mode to the eco mode is not limited to the case where the current color information matches the previous color information for more than 35 seconds. For example, the conditions described in the other embodiments described above May be established, or during the game production, the normal mode may be shifted to the eco mode only during the demonstration production without shifting from the normal mode to the eco mode.

  In addition, the example in which the display control by the effect image display device 157 is changed when the normal effect is changed to the demonstration effect has been shown. For example, in the slot machine 100, the second sub control unit 500 performs the drive control of the shutter 163. In this case, the power supplied to the drive circuit 530 of the shutter 163 may be stopped or the moving speed of the shutter 163 may be reduced when the normal effect is changed to the demo effect. In addition, the control of the speakers 272 and 277 and the various lamps 420 by the first sub-control unit 400 may be changed. For example, the sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 is stopped when the normal effect is shifted to the demonstration effect. Alternatively, the various lamps 420 may be turned off, or the power supplied to these drive circuits may be stopped. Furthermore, when the main control unit 300 controls the reel devices 110 to 112, the various lamps 338, and the like are changed, for example, when the normal production is shifted to the demonstration production, the rotation of the reel devices 110 to 112 is stopped. The various lamps 338 may be turned off, or the power supplied to these drive circuits may be stopped.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1100, the control of the effect movable body 1224 by the second sub-control unit 1500 may be changed when shifting from the normal effect to the demonstration effect. In this case, the drive circuit 1516 of the effect movable body 1224 is changed. The electric power supplied to may be stopped, or the moving speed of the effect movable body 1224 may be reduced. In addition, the control of the speaker 1120, the various lamps 1418, and the shielding device 1246 by the first sub-control unit 1400 may be changed. For example, the sound output of the speaker 1120 is stopped when the normal effect is changed to the demonstration effect. Alternatively, the various lamps 1418 may be turned off, the shielding device 1246 may be stopped, or the power supplied to these drive circuits may be stopped. Further, the control of various solenoids 1332 by the main control unit 1300, the control of various display devices 1212, 1214, and 1210 are changed, for example, when various solenoids 1332 are switched from the normal production to the demonstration production, Various display devices 1212, 1214, and 1210 may be turned off, or the power supplied to these drive circuits may be stopped.

  In addition, the example in which the display control by the effect image display device 157 is changed when the normal mode is changed to the eco mode has been shown. For example, in the slot machine 100, the second sub control unit 500 performs the drive control of the shutter 163. In this case, the power supplied to the drive circuit 530 of the shutter 163 may be stopped or the moving speed of the shutter 163 may be reduced when the normal effect is changed to the demo effect. Further, in the pachinko machine 1100, when the normal production is shifted to the demonstration production, the power supplied to the drive circuit 1516 of the production movable body 1224 may be stopped, or the moving speed of the production movable body 1224 may be reduced.

  It should be noted that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to things. The present invention can also be realized by combining configurations described in different embodiments.

  The game machine according to the present invention can be applied to game machines represented by a spinning machine (slot machine), a ball game machine (pachinko machine), and the like.

100 slot machine 110 to 112 reel 135 start lever 137 to 139 stop button 157 effect image display device 300 main control unit 400 first sub control unit 500 second sub control unit 534 VDP
536 VRAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1100 Pachinko machine 1208 Decorative design display device 1300 Main control unit 1400 First sub control unit 1500 Second control unit 1434 VDP
1436 VRAM

Claims (4)

Image display means;
Image generating means for generating an image to be displayed on the image display means;
A game machine equipped with
The image generation means includes
When the information about the color set for a specific display pixel of the image display device is set in a predetermined range in a predetermined period, and when it is determined that the information is set in the predetermined range, Generate images that consume less power than the previous period.
A game stand characterized by that. In claim 1,
The image generation means includes
The mode can be changed from the first mode set for the predetermined period to the second mode with less power consumption than the first mode,
After the predetermined period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the same setting is made for the information related to the color set for the specific display pixel. If it is determined that the setting is not the same, the mode is changed to the first mode. Change from the second mode to the first mode,
A game stand characterized by that. In claim 2,
The image display means includes
A display device including a backlight;
The second mode is
In this mode, the power consumed by the backlight is lower than the power consumed in the first mode.
A game stand characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The image display means includes
Arranging pixels consisting of light emitting elements of multiple colors on a matrix
The specific display pixel is:
Any one of the pixels at the four corners of the display area of the image display device;
A game stand characterized by that.