JP2015015993A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve a processing load of lighting control.SOLUTION: An area having a plurality of illuminant bodies arranged in an illuminant unit provided in movable members 51-54 constituting a game machine frame 3 and a performance movable mechanism is separated into a plurality of illuminant blocks B01-B84 and so on. Lighting data used for lighting control of the plurality of illuminant bodies is made for each of the illuminant blocks. On the basis of a control signal corresponding to the lighting data, the illuminant bodies corresponding to the respective illuminant blocks are controlled to be lighted. The illuminant blocks are each constituted by a combination of half blocks each as a module smaller than the illuminant block. The half blocks each include the same number of illuminant bodies. In addition, the illuminant body in the game machine frame 3 and a main image display device 5MA can execute an integrated performance.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a predetermined game, such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  As an example of a gaming machine, a gaming medium such as a game ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and a predetermined gaming value is determined based on the winning of a gaming medium in a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area. There is a pachinko machine that can be granted. As another example of the gaming machine, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium such as a medal, a coin, or a game ball similar to a pachinko gaming machine, the player operates the start lever. Thus, there is a slot machine that starts variable display of display symbols by the variable display device, and can give a predetermined game value based on the derived display result.

  As a display element for assisting variable display in such a gaming machine, it has been proposed to perform predetermined display by causing a display device in which a plurality of light sources (light emitters) are arranged in a dot matrix to emit light (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2004-97587 A

  With the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the processing burden increases when lighting control of a large number of light emitters is performed collectively.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that reduces the processing load.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that performs a predetermined game, and a gaming frame to which a gaming board (for example, gaming board 2) is attached. (E.g., gaming machine frame 3), display means (e.g., light emitter units 75 to 78, etc.) for executing display effects according to lighting states of a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment in the game frame, and a plurality of light emitters are arranged Control information generating means (for example, lighting data generation circuit 142) for controlling the divided area into a plurality of blocks (for example, light emitter blocks B01 to B84) and generating lighting control information for the light emitter for each block; Lighting control means (for example, the light emitter driving unit 144) that performs lighting control of the light emitter based on the lighting control information created by the information creating means, and the lighting control means includes: An integrated effect (for example, the intense heat reach effect executed as the integrated effect shown in FIG. 20) can be executed with the effect means (for example, the main image display device 5MA) provided on the technical board (for example, for effect control) The part that executes step S453 in the CPU 120).
According to such a configuration, the processing load can be reduced by creating lighting control information of the light emitters for each block obtained by dividing the region where the plurality of light emitters are arranged.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, each of the plurality of blocks may be configured by a combination of modules smaller than the blocks (for example, half blocks B11U and B11D shown in FIG. 13).
In such a configuration, the plurality of blocks are configured by a combination of smaller modules, thereby increasing the flexibility of arranging the light emitters.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2) above, the number of light emitters is the same for each module (for example, a total of 96 light sources including 12 columns on the strobe side and 8 rows on the digit side). Also good.
In such a configuration, it is possible to create control information for performing lighting control in a unified format, thereby reducing the processing load.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), a surplus area where a light emitter less than one block is arranged is included in an empty area in any block (for example, FIG. )).
In such a configuration, by including the surplus area in the free area in any block, it is possible to efficiently create control information and reduce the processing load.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4), a region including a plurality of movable members (for example, movable members 51 to 54), and a plurality of light emitters arranged on the plurality of movable members. May be divided into a plurality of blocks (see, for example, FIG. 10).
In such a configuration, the processing load can be reduced by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged by a plurality of movable members into a plurality of blocks.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where a several movable member will be in the advance state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect movable mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of an upper side mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of a lower side mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of a production | presentation movable mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display control part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting divided | segmented into the some block in a movable member. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting divided | segmented into the some block in the frame for gaming machines. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection setting of a serial output system and a light-emitting body block. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body driver. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example etc. of an effect control pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of intense heat reach production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of an operation promotion effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a right-handed promotion effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image data process which VDP performs. It is a figure which shows the creation example and output example of display data. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a buffer memory area. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an address specific table. It is a figure which shows the example of selection setting of a lighting data generation table. It is a figure which shows the output operation example of a serial signal. It is a figure which shows the example of execution of the display effect by an effect movable mechanism.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. In addition, in FIG. 1, the effect movable mechanism 50 mentioned later is shown with the broken line. The pachinko gaming machine (game machine) 1 is roughly divided into an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting a game board surface, and opened and closed inside the outer frame. A gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that can be attached and supports and fixes the gaming board 2 is configured. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge, and is provided with various rendering means such as a main image display device 5MA described later. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined hitting ball launching device and driven.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right side of the game area). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be displayed, are variably displayed (variable display). For example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B each variably display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  A main image display device 5MA is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The main image display device 5MA is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. On the screen of the main image display device 5MA, it corresponds to variable display of the first special figure by the first special symbol display apparatus 4A and variable display of the second special figure by the second special symbol display apparatus 4B in the special figure game. Thus, for example, decorative symbols which are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can be individually identified are variably displayed in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions such as three. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R arranged in the display area of the main image display device 5MA, the decorative symbols corresponding to each are variably displayed. In this case, in response to the start of one of the variation of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variation of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game. , Variation of the decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. After that, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game, the decorative symbols can be changed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The confirmed decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the display result is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, the special game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B is used. In synchronism with the special game, a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be distinguished from each other are variably displayed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol means that identification information such as a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display) and the variable display is ended. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative pattern until the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the variation speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The symbol may be displayed in a stationary state, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not displayed deterministically, the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbols completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are, for example, eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese numerals). Or a combination of English characters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, numbers, letters or symbols and character images, and character images are, for example, people, animals, other objects, or It may be configured to include a symbol such as a character or a decorative image showing any other figure). A corresponding symbol number is assigned to each of the decorative symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. Note that the number of decorative symbols is not limited to eight, and may be any number as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured (for example, seven types or nine types).

  After the decorative symbol variable display is started, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed until the fixed decorative symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed. In FIG. 5, for example, scroll display is performed such that the symbol number sequentially flows from the top to the bottom from the smallest to the largest, and when the decorative symbol having the largest symbol number (for example, “8”) is displayed, The decorative symbol having the smallest symbol number (for example, “1”) is displayed. Alternatively, in at least one of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L), the symbols are scrolled from the largest symbol number to the smallest symbol symbol. When the decorative design having the smallest number is displayed, the decorative design having the largest design number may be displayed.

  On the screen of the main image display device 5MA, a start winning storage area 5H is arranged. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold memory display for displaying the variable display hold number corresponding to the special figure game (special figure hold memory number) is specified. Here, the variable display suspension corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Occurs based on starting prizes by entering. In other words, a start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  For example, a special game start condition (first start condition) using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A due to the occurrence of the first start prize that the game ball passes (enters) through the first start prize opening. ) Is satisfied, if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure holding storage number is 1 Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, when the second start winning that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening is generated, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (second start condition) ) Is satisfied, if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not satisfied, the second special figure holding memory number is 1 Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure holding memory number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1 (decremented).

  The variable display hold memory number obtained by adding the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number is also referred to as a total hold memory number. When simply referring to the “number of special figure hold memory”, it usually refers to a concept including any of the first special figure hold memory number, the second special figure hold memory number, and the total hold memory number. It may refer to a concept that includes the first special figure reserved memory number and the second special figure reserved memory number but excludes the total reserved memory number).

  A display for displaying the number of reserved special figure memories may be provided together with the start winning memory display area 5H or instead of the start winning memory display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the start winning memory display area 5H, a first hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories in an identifiable manner on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. Each of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B has a number (for example, 4) corresponding to an upper limit value (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number, for example. LED).

  On the right side of the main image display device 5MA, a sub image display device 5SU for displaying various images including a plurality of types of effect images is provided separately from the main image display device 5MA. The installation location of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the game area on the game board 2, for example, the main image display apparatus 5MA is installed near the center of the game area, The sub image display device 5SU may be installed at an arbitrary position in the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as outside the gaming area or at the upper front, lower front, and front side of the gaming machine frame 3.

  Below the main image display device 5MA, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state in a vertical position and an expanded open state in a tilt position by a solenoid 27 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided, and a start area (second start area) and a second start winning opening are formed.

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 27 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) through the second starting winning opening. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, when the solenoid 27 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilted position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning hole. ) Make it open. The normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 27 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) through the second start winning opening, while the expansion when the solenoid 27 is in the on state. You may comprise so that a game ball may enter (pass) more easily than an open state. As described above, the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has the first variable state such as the open state or the expanded open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) the second start winning port, and the game ball cannot pass (enters). It is configured to be able to change to a second variable state such as a closed state or a normally open state that is difficult to pass (enter).

  The game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. A game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, a second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the second start condition is satisfied.

  The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 28 for the large winning opening shown in FIG. 7, and a specific area that is changed between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 28 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big prize opening, and the game ball passes through (enters) the big prize opening. become unable. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 28 for the special prize opening door is in the ON state, the special prize opening door opens the big prize opening, and the game ball passes through the big prize opening (entrance). ). In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the game balls detected by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special prize winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 26.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball, a number of obstacle nails, and the like. As a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. Also good. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  The game board 2 is provided with an effect moving mechanism 50 as a movable member capable of executing a display effect in a lighting manner of a plurality of light emitters arranged in an aligned manner. The effect movable mechanism 50 has a plurality of (for example, four) movable members. The effect movable mechanism 50 changes between a retracted state in which a plurality of movable members are located separately on the top and bottom of the screen of the main image display device 5MA and an advanced state in which the plurality of movable members are located in front of the screen of the main image display device 5MA. be able to. In the following description, the up / down / left / right and front / rear directions will be described with reference to the state of facing the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The effect movable mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 1 is for the retracted state. In this embodiment, the game area of the game board 2 is constituted by a transparent plate (not shown) made of, for example, resin, and the effect movable mechanism 50 is arranged behind the transparent plate, and the game ball is produced by the effect. It flows down in front of the movable mechanism 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of the plurality of movable members of the effect movable mechanism 50 may be disposed in front of the transparent plate forming the game area.

  FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of movable members provided in the effect movable mechanism 50 are in an advanced state located in front of the main image display device 5MA. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the effect movable mechanism 50. The effect moving mechanism 50 is positioned on the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state and the upper mechanism 50T including the two movable members 51 and 52 positioned on the upper side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state. It can be separated into a lower mechanism 50B including two movable members 53 and 54. That is, the effect movable mechanism 50 is configured to include an upper mechanism 50T and a lower mechanism 50B that can be arranged apart from or close to each other. When the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the retracted state as the first state is established. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other, the advancing state as the second state is obtained.

  The upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are provided with drive means for changing between a retracted state and an advanced state. The upper mechanism 50 </ b> T includes an upper support unit 55 and a decoration member 57 in addition to the two movable members 51 and 52. The lower mechanism 50 </ b> B includes a lower support unit 56 in addition to the two movable members 53 and 54.

  The upper support unit 55 includes a U-shaped frame so as to cover the upper screen of the main image display device 5MA, and this frame is fixed to the main body of the game board 2 so that each component of the upper mechanism 50T is configured. Support the member. The upper support unit 55 includes a power transmission unit engaged with the movable member 51, and transmits power from a movable motor (included in the movable motor 60 shown in FIG. 7) to the movable member 51. In the frame of the upper support unit 55, a rotation support shaft that pivotally supports the movable member 51 and a guide hole that guides the rotation operation of the movable member 51 are formed, and the movement of the decoration member 57 is assisted. A guide slit is formed along the vertical direction. The decorative member 57 pivotally supports the left ends of the two movable members 51 and 52, and the movable members 51 and 52 rotate with respect to the decorative member 57. The decoration member 57 moves up and down in accordance with the operation of the movable member 51 by outputting power from the movable motor to the movable member 51. The upper support unit 55 only needs to include a position detection sensor that directly or indirectly grasps the position of the movable member 51.

  The lower support unit 56 includes a frame configured to cover the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA. By fixing the frame to the main body of the game board 2, each component of the lower mechanism 50B is fixed. To support. The lower support unit 56 includes a link mechanism coupled to the movable member 53 and engaged with the movable member 54, and the movable member 53 is connected via a power transmission unit in which power from the movable motor is engaged with the link mechanism. , 54 to move the movable members 53, 54. On the frame of the lower support unit 56, protrusions and guide holes for supporting the link mechanism are formed.

  In the upper mechanism 50T, each of the movable members 51 and 52 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix. That is, each of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 has a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 51 constitute a light emitter unit 71 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 52 constitute a light emitter unit 72 shown in FIG.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to form the light emitter units 71 and 72 each include a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. For example, as each light emitter, a full color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 emit light from the light emitting unit 71 such as rainbow color display by displaying various colors in a single color as well as displaying a plurality of colors separately in the region. It is possible to execute a display effect in a lighting manner of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 72. Thus, the light emitter unit 73 and the light emitter unit 74 can change the color or pattern of display (light emission) using a plurality of light emitters over time, and can execute a display effect. In front of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the light emitter units 71 and 72 included in the movable members 51 and 52, a partition body formed in a lattice shape so as to partition each of the plurality of light emitters is provided. ing. A front plate for decorating the movable members 51 and 52 is provided on the front surface of the partition of the movable members 51 and 52.

  In the lower mechanism 50B, each of the movable members 53 and 54 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix in the same manner as the movable members 51 and 52 of the upper mechanism 50T. That is, on each of the movable member 53 and the movable member 54, a plurality of light emitters are aligned and arranged along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 53 constitute a light emitter unit 73 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 54 constitute a light emitter unit 74 shown in FIG.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 73 and 74 each include a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. For example, as each light emitter, a full color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 emit light from the light-emitting unit 73, such as rainbow color display by displaying various colors in a single color in addition to displaying a plurality of colors in a single region. A display effect can be executed by the lighting mode of the plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 74. Thus, the light emitter unit 73 and the light emitter unit 74 can change the color or pattern of display (light emission) using a plurality of light emitters over time, and can execute a display effect. In front of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the light emitter units 73 and 74 included in the movable members 53 and 54, a partition body formed in a lattice shape so as to partition each of the plurality of light emitters is provided. ing. A front plate for decorating the movable members 53 and 54 is provided on the front surface of the partition of the movable members 53 and 54.

  The partitions provided in the movable members 51 to 54 are formed of a material having low translucency, such as a resin (synthetic resin), or a material having no translucency. Such partition bodies are provided corresponding to the light emitter units 71 to 74 provided in the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Thereby, in each of the movable members 51-54, each of the some light-emitting body arranged and arranged so that the light-emitting body units 71-74 may be comprised can be divided easily. Further, by changing the material of the partitioning body, the thickness of the section that partitions each light emitting body, and the like, the amount of light from the light emitting body can be reduced (adjusted) and the light from the light emitting body can be irregularly reflected. The partition body may be formed by, for example, forming a plurality of holes in a lattice shape on a plate material such as resin, or by injection molding a resin material or the like on a mold. Note that the plurality of light emitters are not limited to those using full-color LEDs, and for example, single-color or multi-color LEDs may be used, or light emitters other than LEDs may be used. The partition body is not limited to a member that is three-dimensionally formed in a lattice shape, and may be configured, for example, by forming a lattice-shaped pattern on a transparent or translucent plate material by printing or cutting. The partition is not limited to one configured to partition a plurality of light emitters one by one, and may be configured to partition a plurality of light emitters by a predetermined number, or may be configured in a predetermined direction (for example, lateral direction). And the vertical direction). Furthermore, such a partition may not be provided.

  The front plate provided on the movable members 51 to 54 has a metal thin film layer formed on the surface of aluminum or the like, for example, and is configured to be translucent to reflect light from the outside and transmit light from the inside. Thereby, when the several light-emitting body does not light-emit, the appearance (appearance) of the movable members 51-54 can be improved. The decorative member 57 may also be formed with such a metal thin film layer and a light emitter inside. The movable members 51 to 54 are not limited to those having a metal thin film layer formed on the surface, and may be configured to be decorated with a transparent or translucent paint.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation example of the upper mechanism 50 </ b> T as viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The movable members 51 and 52 included in the upper mechanism 50T are pivotally supported by the decoration member 57, and the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 have different rotation ranges. That is, the movable member 52 can be rotated between the retracted position and the advanced position with respect to the movable member 51. The movable member 51 is configured by arranging a base body behind a front surface portion on which a plurality of light emitters are provided, and holds the movable member 52 between the front surface portion and the base body. When the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the longitudinal direction of the movable member 51 is positioned on the upper side in a state along the substantially horizontal direction. When the upper mechanism 50T changes from the retracted state to the advanced state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the movable member 51, with the downward movement of the decorative member 57 by the power from the movable motor, 52 rotates. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T changes from the advanced state to the retracted state, the movable members 51 and 52 rotate with the upward movement of the decorative member 57 by the power from the movable motor.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, when the rotation amounts of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are approximately the same, a plurality of light emitters disposed on the movable member 51 and the movable member 52, respectively. The arrangement directions of these do not match and the arrangement is not aligned. That is, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, the movable members 51 and the movable members 52 are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the arrangement directions of the movable members 51 and the movable members 52 do not match. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D, when the difference in the rotation amount between the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 is the maximum, each of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 The arrangement directions of the plurality of arranged light emitters coincide with each other, and the arrangement is aligned. That is, when the upper mechanism 50 </ b> T is in the advanced state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are arranged in the same direction in the movable member 51 and the movable member 52.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where both the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are positioned upward, the display screen (in the main image display device 5MA) corresponds to the upper mechanism 50T being in the retracted state. The player can visually recognize the display screen of the main image display device 5MA and the movable member 51 without disturbing the visual recognition with respect to the broken line). Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 do not overlap the display screen of the main image display device 5MA. As shown in FIG. 4D, when the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are rotated farthest away, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA corresponds to the upper mechanism 50T being in the advanced state. Visibility against is obstructed. Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the advanced state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 overlap the display screen of the main image display device 5MA. Thereby, the player can make the movable members 51 and 52 noticeable, and the display effect is improved by executing a display effect using a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged on each of the movable members 51 and 52. be able to. Further, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment on the movable members 51 and 52 coincide with each other. Thereby, a sense of unity can be given to the display effect in the movable members 51 and 52, and the effect can be improved.

  FIG. 5 shows an operation example of the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B as viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The movable members 53 and 54 included in the lower mechanism 50B are connected to the frame of the lower support unit 56 via a predetermined link mechanism, and the power of the movable motor 60C (included in the movable motor 60 shown in FIG. 7). Can move within a predetermined range. The link mechanism includes, for example, link members 642a and 642b and link members 645a and 645b shown in FIG. One end of each of the link members 645a and 645b is pivotally supported by the frame, and the other end is pivotally supported near the lower end of the movable member 54 to guide the movement of the movable member 54.

  When the lower mechanism 50B is in the retracted state, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), each of the movable members 53 and 54 is located below, and the movable member 53 is located behind the movable member 54. The player can hardly see the movable member 53. When the lower mechanism 50B changes from the retracted state to the advanced state, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the movable member 53 moves upward with a slight rotation from the back side of the movable member 54. . When the power from the movable motor 60C is further output, the movable member 54 moves upward with the movement of the movable member 53, for example, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the lower mechanism 50B changes from the advanced state to the retracted state, each of the movable members 53 and 54 is moved downward by the power from the movable motor 60C, and then the movable member 53 is behind the movable member 54. Move to.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B is in the retracted state, the movable members 53 and the movable members 54 have a plurality of light emitters arranged vertically and horizontally in the movable member 53 and the movable member 54. The array direction does not match. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the lower mechanism 50B is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged on the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 coincide with each other. , The arrangement becomes complete. That is, when the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in a plurality of rows in the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 are the same in the movable member 53 and the movable member 54.

  FIG. 6 shows an operation example of the effect moving mechanism 50. In FIG. 6, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment on the surfaces of the movable members 51 to 54 is indicated by a solid line. In the retracted state in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the movable members 51 to 54 do not overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Therefore, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA becomes visible. On the other hand, in the advanced state in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other, the movable members 51 to 54 overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Therefore, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is difficult to view or cannot be viewed.

  Further, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54 do not coincide with each other. . On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54 are the same. . In this way, when the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with each of the movable members 51 to 54 is aligned in the advanced state, the display effects in each of the movable members 51 to 54 are given a sense of unity. Can do. In particular, by performing an integrated display effect with the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 when in the advanced state, the interest of the effect can be improved. In addition, since the visibility of the main image display device 5MA with respect to the display screen changes depending on the positions of the plurality of movable members 51 to 54, it is possible to prevent the production from becoming monotonous and improve the interest of the production.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at lower left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping the driving of a shooting motor included in the hitting ball shooting device.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine is held (stored) so as to be supplied to a ball hitting device. )) Is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  For example, a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate). Yes. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) in a state where the player holds the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. A trigger sensor that detects a predetermined instruction operation such as a push / pull operation on the trigger button may be incorporated in the operation rod.

  A controller sensor unit including a tilt direction sensor unit that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the main body of the lower plate below the stick controller 31A. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation pole when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including the photo sensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor for detecting the player's operation act on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. When the player's operation is detected, the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B are changed in the display effect on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU by the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to use in the effects (for example, a notice effect or a reach effect) etc. in which the operation | movement in the movable mechanism 50, the audio | voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation (flashing operation) in a light-emitting body, etc. are performed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine frame 3 includes a plurality of arranged in a matrix except for a portion where the gaming board 2 is mounted and a portion of the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B. A light emitter is provided. That is, in the gaming machine frame 3, a plurality of light emitters are arranged in alignment along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right direction). The plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 constitute light emitter units 75 to 78 shown in FIG.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 75 to 78 each include a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. For example, as each light emitter, a full color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the gaming machine frame 3 allows the light emitting units 75 to 78 to display various colors lit in a single color throughout the entire area or to display rainbow colors by distinguishing and displaying a plurality of colors within the area. A display effect can be executed by lighting the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment. Thus, the light emitter units 75 to 78 can change the color or pattern of display (light emission) using a plurality of light emitters with the passage of time, and can execute a display effect. In front of the plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged by the light emitter units 75 to 78 included in the gaming machine frame 3, a partition body formed in a lattice shape so as to partition each of the plurality of light emitters is provided. ing.

  The partition provided in the gaming machine frame 3 is formed of a material having low translucency, such as a resin (synthetic resin), or a material having no translucency. Such partition bodies are provided corresponding to the light emitter units 75 to 78 provided in the gaming machine frame 3. Thereby, in the frame 3 for game machines, each of the some light-emitting body arranged and arranged so that the light-emitting unit 75-78 may be comprised can be divided easily. Further, by changing the material of the partitioning body, the thickness of the section that partitions each light emitting body, and the like, the amount of light from the light emitting body can be reduced (adjusted) and the light from the light emitting body can be irregularly reflected. The partition body may be formed by, for example, forming a plurality of holes in a lattice shape on a plate material such as resin, or by injection molding a resin material or the like on a mold. Note that the plurality of light emitters are not limited to those using full-color LEDs, and for example, single-color or multi-color LEDs may be used, or light emitters other than LEDs may be used. The partition body is not limited to a member that is three-dimensionally formed in a lattice shape, and may be configured, for example, by forming a lattice-shaped pattern on a transparent or translucent plate material by printing or cutting. The partition is not limited to one configured to partition a plurality of light emitters one by one, and may be configured to partition a plurality of light emitters by a predetermined number, or may be configured in a predetermined direction (for example, lateral direction). And the vertical direction). Furthermore, such a partition may not be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the gaming machine frame 3 has an upper plate except for a portion where the gaming board 2 is mounted, a stick controller 31A, and a push button 31B. The light emitters are arranged in a line from the bottom plate to the ball hitting operation handle. In this embodiment, a light emitter is not arranged in a portion of the gaming machine frame 3 where the gaming board 2 is mounted. For example, the gaming board 2 is made of a transparent material such as an acrylic board or a translucent material. If the light from the light emitter from behind is visible, the light emitter may be arranged over the portion where the game board 2 is mounted.

  Further, in this embodiment, “the light emitters are aligned” means that the light emitters are not limited to the case where the light emitters are arranged in a matrix in the gaming machine frame 3 or the effect movable mechanism 50. May be arranged according to some regularity. For example, the light emitters may be arranged in a row, or may be arranged in a plurality of rows such as two rows. Further, for example, the light emitters may be arranged linearly or may be arranged curvedly. Furthermore, the light emitters may be arranged in a staggered manner.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, and a movable mechanism control board 16 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board, and various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. Variable display of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinction / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a function to control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 27 and 28 is mounted.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11 and receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 to receive the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display. Various circuits for controlling the production operation by the electrical parts for production such as the device 5SU, the speakers 8L and 8R, the light emitter units 71 to 78, and the production movable mechanism 50 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 performs all of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, all or part of the lighting modes in the light emitter units 71 to 78, and all the sound output operations from the speakers 8L and 8R. Alternatively, a function for determining control contents for causing a production electrical component to execute a predetermined production operation, such as all or part of the lighting / extinguishing operation in part or the like, or all or part of the operation of the production movable mechanism 50. I have.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted. The movable mechanism control board 16 is a control board for controlling the effect movable mechanism that is provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the movable members 51 to 54 are moved based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. A motor driver circuit for controlling operation is installed.

  In addition, an operation detection signal from the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B is also input to the effect control board 12.

  As shown in FIG. 7, wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 have an arbitrary configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. What is necessary is just to have. In addition, the main board 11 includes a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, a normal symbol display device 20, a first hold display device 25A, a second hold display device 25B, and a general drawing hold display device 25C. A wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control is connected.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a sound used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. A control command, a movable mechanism control command used to control the operation of the effect movable mechanism 50, and the like are included.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed. The random number circuit 104 only needs to count numerical data indicating some or all of the various random number values used for controlling the progress of the game.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data and table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 includes table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a variation pattern table storing a plurality of types of variation patterns. Table data to be stored is stored.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation in accordance with a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, a RAM 122 that provides a work area for the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation in FIG. 5, a random number circuit 124 that updates the numerical data indicating the random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and the I / O 125. And are installed.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric component is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the effect control CPU 120 writes the various data to the RAM 122 and temporarily stores the data, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the effect data in the RAM 122. Fluctuation data reading operation for reading out various fluctuation data temporarily stored, the reception control CPU 120 for receiving the input of various signals from the outside of the presentation control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the presentation control CPU 120 for I / O A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via O125 is also performed. The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12.

  In the effect control board 12, wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5, wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound number data to the sound control board 13, Wiring and the like for transmitting a drive control signal as an information signal indicating an instruction or control data for moving the movable members 51 to 54 by driving the movable motor 60 to the movable mechanism control board 16 are connected. . Further, the effect control board 12 detects wiring for receiving an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the stick controller 31A has been detected, and the player's operation action on the push button 31B. Wiring for receiving an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the operation has been performed is also connected.

  In addition to the effect control program, the ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 7 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation. For example, the ROM 121 includes a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring the determination table, pattern data configuring various effect control patterns, and the like. It is remembered. The effect control pattern includes, for example, effect control execution data (display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, etc.) and an end code associated with the effect control process timer determination value. Consists of included process data. The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data used for controlling the effect operation.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 120 and the like. For example, the display control unit 123 executes a variable display of decorative symbols and various effects display by determining a switching timing of effect images to be displayed on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. Control for. In this embodiment, the display control unit 123 performs display effects by lighting modes of the light emitter units 71 to 78 formed by a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 and the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Control to make it run.

  As an example, FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the display control unit 123. The display control unit 123 shown in FIG. 8 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 130, an image data memory 131, a VRAM (Video RAM) 132A, a frame buffer 132B, a main LCD drive circuit 133A, and a sub LCD drive circuit 133B. And a light emitter control circuit 134. Note that the VDP 130 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics controller LSI (GCL), or a microprocessor for image processing, more commonly referred to as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The image data memory 131 may be a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory, for example. It is sufficient if it is configured using

  The VDP 130 has, for example, an image data processing function such as a high-speed drawing function and a moving image decoding function for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. An image processor that executes image data processing according to a control command. The image data memory 131 stores in advance various image data (image element data) indicating display images on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. For example, the image data stored in the image data memory 131 includes a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of decorative symbols variably displayed on the main image display device 5MA. . In addition, the image data memory 131 stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, and background image images. Data is stored in advance. In this embodiment, using the image data stored in the image data memory 131, data (lighting data) is generated for lighting control of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 78.

  Data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 78 may be added to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and stored in the image data memory 131 in advance. Alternatively, the data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is stored in advance in the image data memory 131 as image data different from the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU. When the VDP 130 performs the drawing process, display data used for creating the lighting data may be added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU.

  When the light emitter units 71 to 78 are controlled, the light emitters such as LEDs are controlled and not the display control of the liquid crystal display. Therefore, the effect control CPU 120 does not go through the VDP 130 but the light emitters. You may comprise so that the lighting data of the units 71-78 may be produced and the light emitter units 71-78 may be directly controlled.

  The VRAM 132A temporarily stores the image data read from the image data memory 131, and provides a work area for the VDP 130 to execute image data processing. For example, a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which character image data read from the image data memory 131 is stored, and a CG buffer are allocated to the storage area of the VRAM 132A. The CG buffer temporarily stores palette data in which the display color of the character is defined when the rendering process by the VDP 130 is executed, or temporarily stores the display data of the effect image created by the rendering process. It is used to

  The frame buffer 132B provides a virtual display area in which display data of effect images created by drawing processing by the VDP 130 is developed and stored. The display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer 132B may be pixel data (raster data) created by the VDP 130 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. In the frame buffer 132B, for example, an actual display area for storing display data of various images displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and display of various images that are not displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. A virtual display area for storing data may be included. Alternatively, display data for displaying a screen having the same size as the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is created in the virtual display area of the frame buffer 132B, and the display data of the virtual display area read by the VDP 130 is the main display data. By being supplied to the LCD drive circuit 133A, it may be output to the main image display device 5MA side. The VRAM 132A and the frame buffer 132B may be secured as separate storage areas in the same semiconductor memory (SDRAM or the like), or may be configured using separate semiconductor memories.

  An image display area and an image drawing area are allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 132B. In the image display area, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is stored. In the image drawing area, display data of each effect image created by the drawing process is stored. The image display area and the image drawing area may be switched each time a V blank is generated. The V blank is generated at a cycle in which an image displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is updated. Each time V blanking is started, a V blank interrupt signal is output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120, and various other interrupt signals are output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120.

  By switching between the image display area and the image drawing area each time a V blank occurs, display data for each effect image is created in the storage area allocated as the image drawing area in a certain V blank period (first drawing display period). In the next V blank period (second drawing display period), the storage area is switched to the image display area. Accordingly, the display data created by the drawing process in the first drawing display period is output to the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU in the second drawing display period, and in the second drawing display period. In the storage area to which the image drawing area is assigned, display data created by the drawing process is stored.

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer may be allocated to each of the storage areas to which the image display area and the image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 132B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data for creating lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 78. In this manner, lighting data for controlling lighting of the plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 78 is created using a part of the display data stored in the subframe buffer.

  The effect control CPU 120 accesses, for example, a system register and an attribute register built in the VDP 130 via a CPU interface included in the VDP 130. Various commands and data are stored in the system register and the attribute register in accordance with process data such as display control data included in the effect control pattern. Thus, the effect control CPU 120 indirectly controls display operations in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and lighting operations in the light emitter units 71 to 78.

  The process data indicates the setting contents that the effect control CPU 120 performs on the system register and attribute register of the VDP 130 every time V blank occurs. The setting contents of the system register include drawing and data transfer commands, CG data to be transferred, palette data, and attribute settings. The setting contents of the attribute register only need to indicate an attribute as a parameter used for rendering processing of the effect image. In the process data, attributes are set so that the image is updated every time a V blank occurs. As a result, the image can be updated each time a V blank is generated.

  The main LCD drive circuit 133A creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data output from the VDP 130, and sends a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal (drive control signal) to the main image. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA by outputting it to the display device 5MA. The sub LCD drive circuit 133B creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data transmitted from the VDP 130 via the light emitter control circuit 134, and a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU by outputting (drive control signal) to the sub image display device 5SU.

  The light emitter control circuit 134 is a circuit that controls the lighting mode by the plurality of light emitters in the light emitter units 71 to 78 using a part of the data obtained by separating the display data read from the subframe buffer of the frame buffer 132B by the VDP 130. It is. The light emitter control circuit 134 may be configured using a dedicated IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the light emitter control circuit 134 may be configured using a programmable integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Of the display data separated by the light emitter control circuit 134, the remaining display data that is not used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is output to the sub LCD drive circuit 133B.

  The VDP 130 has two signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as a main display output system and a sub display output system as a data signal output system for outputting display data. The main display output system which is one of the two data signal output systems is connected to the main image display device 5MA via the main LCD drive circuit 133A and is used for screen display of the main image display device 5MA. A data signal of display data is transmitted. The sub display output system which is the other output system of the two data signal output systems is connected to the light emitter units 71 to 78 and the sub LCD drive circuit 133B via the light emitter control circuit 134, and the sub LCD drive circuit 133B. Are further connected to the sub image display device 5SU. In such a sub display output system, a display data data signal used for image display on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU is transmitted and display data data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is transmitted. A signal is transmitted. Display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is converted into lighting data in the light emitter control circuit 134. The main LCD drive circuit 133A, the sub LCD drive circuit 133B, and the light emitter control circuit 134 may be mounted on a separate board different from the effect control board 12.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the light emitter control circuit 134. The light emitter control circuit 134 generates a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 78 by, for example, generating a control signal corresponding to the lighting control information based on a part of the display data output from the VDP 130. Control the lighting of the body. The light emitter control circuit 134 includes a signal separation circuit 140, a buffer memory 141, a lighting data generation circuit 142, a serial output circuit 143, and a light emitter drive unit 144.

  The signal separation circuit 140 separates part of the display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 78 from the display data output from the VDP 130 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 142. Of the display data output from the VDP 130, the display data output corresponding to the sub display output system is input to the light emitter control circuit 134. The signal separation circuit 140 further separates some of the display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 78 from the display data input to the light emitter control circuit 134. For example, the signal separation circuit 140 specifies display data used for lighting control based on a predetermined synchronization signal (horizontal synchronization signal or vertical synchronization signal) or a clock signal (dot clock signal). The display data specified in this way is written in a predetermined order from the first storage area (buffer memory area) in the buffer memory 141 and temporarily stored.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads the display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141, and executes predetermined conversion processing to generate lighting data constituting the lighting control information. A part of display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system is stored in the buffer memory 141. Accordingly, the lighting data generation circuit 142 converts part of the display data created by the VDP 130 into lighting data. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 includes drive control data serving as drive control information that specifies the drive timing of the light emitter, and a floor that specifies the luminance (gradation) corresponding to each light emission color of the light emitter. It is only necessary to include gradation data serving as tone control information.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 divides a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the gaming machine frame 3 and the movable members 51 to 54 into a plurality of blocks, and creates lighting data of the light emitters for each of those blocks. To do. In this embodiment, the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 are set in advance as a plurality of blocks. The lighting data generation circuit 143 generates lighting data corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84.

  FIG. 10 shows a setting example in which a region where a plurality of light emitters in the movable member 51 are arranged and arranged is divided into a plurality of blocks. The regions where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in the movable member 51 are light emitter blocks B01 to B06 as shown in FIG. 10A and light emitter blocks B07 to B15 as shown in FIG. 10B. Divided. Similarly to the movable member 51, the movable members 52 to 54 other than the movable member 51 are set so as to divide a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged into a plurality of blocks. Thus, the entire light emitter units 71 to 74 provided in the movable members 51 to 54 are divided into light emitter blocks B01 to B42. It should be noted that the number of divisions of the light emitter block may be arbitrarily set based on the number of movable members constituting the effect movable mechanism 50, the size of a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged, and the like. .

  Each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 has a rectangular shape such as a rectangle or a square as a basic shape. Therefore, due to the shape of the movable members 51 to 54, the area where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 cannot be accommodated in the square light emitter block, and one light emission There may be a surplus area where light emitters less than the body block are arranged. In addition, among the plurality of light emitter blocks, there may be an empty area where the light emitter is not disposed in a part of the square shape. Therefore, by including a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged in an empty area in any one of the light emitter blocks, the processing load of the lighting control for a plurality of light emitters is reduced.

  FIG. 11 shows a setting example in which an area in which a plurality of light emitters in the gaming machine frame 3 are arranged and arranged is divided into a plurality of blocks. In this embodiment, the area where a plurality of light emitters are arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 is divided into blocks B43 to B84 as a whole, and in the example shown in FIG. An example is shown. It should be noted that the number of divisions of the light emitter blocks may be arbitrarily set based on the size of an area where a plurality of light emitters are arranged.

  Each of the light emitter blocks B43 to B84 has a rectangular shape such as a rectangle or a square as a basic shape. Therefore, depending on the shape of the area where the light emitters of the gaming machine frame 3 are arranged, the light emitter units 75 to 78 include square light emitter blocks in the areas where the plurality of light emitters are arranged. There may be a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged. In addition, among the plurality of light emitter blocks, there may be an empty area where the light emitter is not disposed in a part of the square shape. Therefore, by including a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged in an empty area in any one of the light emitter blocks, the processing load of the lighting control for a plurality of light emitters is reduced.

  In this embodiment, the gaming machine frame 3 is divided into four areas, upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right, and the light emitters arranged in the upper left area are controlled by the light emitter unit 75, and the lower left area The light emitters arranged in the upper right region are controlled by the light emitter unit 76, the light emitters arranged in the upper right region are controlled by the light emitter unit 77, and the light emitters arranged in the lower right region are controlled by the light emitter unit 78. Like to do.

  Not limited to the control mode as described above, for example, the gaming machine frame 3 is divided into two upper and lower regions, and only two light emitter units are used, and the light emitters and lower sides provided in the upper regions respectively. You may make it control the light-emitting body provided in the area | region. In addition, for example, the gaming machine frame 3 is divided into two left and right regions, and only two light emitter units are used to control the light emitters provided in the left region and the light emitters provided in the right region, respectively. You may make it do. Further, the light emitters provided in the entire gaming machine frame 3 may be controlled using only one light emitter unit without dividing the gaming machine frame 3 into a plurality of regions.

  Further, in this embodiment, the “light emitter block” means each divided region when a region where a plurality of light emitters such as the gaming machine frame 3 and the effect movable mechanism 50 are arranged is divided into a plurality of regions. . Note that the “light emitter block” is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may have various shapes such as a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, or a shape including a curve. Further, the “light emitter block” may be different in size, shape, and number of light emitters included in each block.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs a control signal including lighting control information corresponding to the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 to the light emitter driving unit 144 by a serial signal method. The control signal corresponding to the lighting data may include a drive control signal corresponding to the drive control data and a gradation data signal corresponding to the gradation data. The serial output circuit 143 has a plurality of signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as 21 systems as a serial output system for outputting a control signal. The serial output circuit 143 is connected to serial signal wirings corresponding to the 21 serial output systems K01 to K42, and outputs a control signal including lighting control information to each wiring by a serial signal system. As described above, the serial output circuit 143 outputs the control signal including the lighting control information to the serial signal lines of a plurality of systems by the serial signal method.

  FIG. 12 shows a connection setting example between the serial output system and the light emitter block. In the connection setting example shown in FIG. 12, the connection is made so that two light emitter blocks among the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 are assigned to each of the serial output systems K01 to K42. For example, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of the light emitter block B01 and the light emitter block B02 is connected to the serial output system K01 via a serial signal wiring. The serial output system K02 is connected to a light emitter block B03 and a light emitter driver for controlling the light emitter block B04 through serial signal wiring. Also in the serial output system K03 and later, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of two light emitter blocks is connected to one serial output system. A plurality of light emitter drivers that perform lighting control of light emitters included in a light emitter block assigned to one serial output system may be connected by a serial bus system via serial signal wiring. In addition, it is not limited to what is connected by a serial bus system, A some light emitter driver may be connected in series (connected by a daisy chain system).

  The light emitter drive unit 144 shown in FIG. 9 includes a plurality of light emitter drivers that control lighting of a plurality of light emitters included in the regions divided into the light emitter blocks B01 to B84. Each light emitter driver performs lighting control of a plurality of light emitters based on the lighting control information indicated by the control signal transmitted from the serial output circuit 143 via the serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver is configured to include, for example, a shift register, converts data transmitted by the serial signal system into data of a parallel signal system, and outputs the data to a plurality of signal lines. Each of the plurality of light emitter drivers includes a strobe-side light emitter driver serving as a drive control circuit that performs drive control of the light emitter in accordance with drive control data indicated by the drive control signal, and gradation data indicated by the gradation data signal. The light source driver on the digit side, which is a gradation control circuit for controlling the gradation of the light emitter, is classified into any one of them. In each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84, dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters is performed for each light emitter block using a strobe side light emitter driver and a digit side light emitter driver.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of a light emitter driver corresponding to the light emitter block B11 as a specific example. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 13, a strobe-side light emitter driver 411S, a digit upper light emitter driver 411DU, and a digit lower light emitter driver 411DD are used as a plurality of light emitter drivers corresponding to the light emitter block B11. Is provided. The serial signal wiring of the serial output system K06 shown in FIG. 12 includes the strobe side light emitter driver 411S, the digit upper light emitter driver 411DU, and the digit lower light emitter driver 411DD corresponding to the light emitter block B11 from the serial output circuit 143. And then connected to the light emitter driver provided corresponding to the light emitter block B12.

  Different address information is assigned to each of the light emitter driver 411S, the light emitter driver 411DU, and the light emitter driver 411DD. The serial output circuit 143 outputs a control signal indicating the lighting control information to which the address information is added to the serial signal wiring included in the serial output system K06, so that any of the plurality of light emitter drivers corresponding to the light emitter block B11 is output. Transmit the lighting control information.

  The serial signal wiring may include a serial clock wiring for transmitting the serial clock SC and a serial data wiring for transmitting serial data SD synchronized with the serial clock SC. The light emitter driver connected to the serial signal wiring takes in drive control data or gradation data transmitted as serial data SD synchronized with the serial clock SC, and performs lighting control of the plurality of light emitters.

  The light emitter block B11 includes a half block B11U composed of a plurality of light emitters whose gradation is controlled by an upper digit emitter driver 411DU, and a plurality of light emitters whose gradation is controlled by a digit lower emitter driver 411DD. It is comprised with the combination with half block B11D comprised from these. Thus, each light emitter block only needs to be configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than the light emitter block. Note that the plurality of light emitter blocks is not limited to a combination of two half blocks. For example, among the plurality of light emitter blocks, a light emitter block constituted by only one half block may be included in addition to a light emitter block constituted by combining two half blocks. When the light emitter block B11 is composed of only one half block, the light emitter driver 411S on the strobe side and the light emitter driver 411DU on the upper digit side are provided, but the light emitter driver 411DD on the lower digit side is not provided. What is necessary is just composition. Thus, each light emitter block may be configured to include one strobe side light emitter driver and one or two digit side light emitter drivers.

  Half block B11U and half block B11D should just be comprised so that the number of light-emitting bodies may become the same number, respectively. For example, the strobe-side light emitter driver 411S is connected to 12 strobe signal lines, and outputs a strobe signal as a drive control signal for driving and controlling a plurality of light emitters arranged in 12 columns. The digit upper light emitter driver 411DU and the digit lower light emitter driver 411DD are each connected to eight digit signal lines, and gradation data for controlling gradation of a plurality of light emitters arranged in eight rows. The digit signal that becomes the signal is output. Therefore, both the half block B11U corresponding to the digit upper side and the half block B11D corresponding to the digit lower side are formed so as to include a total of 96 light emitters composed of 12 columns on the strobe side and 8 rows on the digit side. Yes. Similarly, the half blocks constituting the light emitter blocks other than the light emitter block B11 may be formed so as to include a total of 96 light emitters. Thus, the half blocks as modules constituting the light emitter block only need to be configured so that the same number of light emitters can be controlled to be turned on.

  Note that the number of light emitters included in one half block is not limited to 96 in total, and may be an arbitrary number determined in advance based on the specification and design of the light emitter driver. For example, when eight strobe signal lines are configured to drive and control a plurality of light emitters arranged in eight columns, a total of 64 light emitters comprising eight columns on the strobe side and eight rows on the digit side are provided. What is necessary is just to form so that it may be contained in one half block. Further, the number of light emitters that can be controlled to be lighted by one half block and the number of light emitters actually included in one half block do not always have to coincide with each other. For example, while the number of light emitters that can be controlled to light in one half block is 96, the number of light emitters actually included in one half block depends on the arrangement of the light emitters in the light emitter units 71 to 78. There may be fewer than 96. In this way, it is only necessary to control the lighting of a predetermined number of light emitters or less for each half block as a module smaller than a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data for performing dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. For example, as drive control data serving as drive control information for designating the drive timing of the light emitters, control data for time-sharing driving a plurality of light emitters at different timings for each strobe signal line is generated. Also, gradation data serving as gradation control information for designating luminance (gradation) for each emission color is generated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control corresponding to a plurality of light emitters connected to each digit signal line. The light emitter driver on the digit side is not limited to the one that performs gradation control of the light emitter according to the output period of the pulse signal as in the PWM control method. For example, the number of pulse signals output within a certain period ( What is necessary is just to perform gradation control of the light emitter according to the physical quantity (pulse quantity) of the pulse signal, such as the number of pulses) and the amplitude (drive current value) of the pulse signal.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 to the serial signal wiring of the serial output system to which the light emitter block to be controlled for lighting is connected in the serial signal system. A strobe-side light emitter driver provided corresponding to each light emitter block drives and controls a plurality of light emitters connected to the strobe signal line by outputting a strobe signal based on the drive control data. The light emitter driver at the upper or lower digit provided for each light emitter block outputs a digit signal based on the grayscale data, so that multiple light emitters connected to the digit signal line can be grayscaled. Control. Thus, in each of the light emitter units 71 to 78, the plurality of light emitters arranged in a row emit light at a duty ratio corresponding to the digit signal during the light emission drive period in which the strobe signal is turned on, and the plurality of light emitter blocks. For each of B01 to B84, the lighting mode can be changed by a dynamic lighting method (also referred to as a pulse lighting method, a duty lighting method, or a time division lighting method). In this way, by configuring the dynamic lighting control to be performed for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84, the light emitter drive unit 144 can perform lighting control using a plurality of light emitter drivers in parallel. .

  The random number circuit 124 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 7 counts numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the effect operation in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling such a performance operation is also called a game random number. The I / O 125 includes, for example, an input port for capturing an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a predetermined game using a game ball as a game medium is performed, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined hitting ball is fired based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle installed on the lower right side of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A game ball as a game medium is launched toward a game area by a launch motor provided in the apparatus. When this game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, the first is based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The start condition is met. Thereafter, the first start condition is established based on, for example, the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state. In this way, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

  When the game ball launched toward the game area passes (enters) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Is done. The second start condition is established based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 22B. Thereafter, the second start condition is satisfied based on, for example, the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit game state. In this way, the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is executed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the normally open state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second starting winning opening.

  In the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, based on the fact that the normal symbol variable display result by the normal symbol display device 20 is "per normal figure", the opening control or the expansion opening where the movable wing piece of the electric tulip is in the tilting position is performed. Control is performed, and closing control and normal opening control for returning to the vertical position when a predetermined time elapses are performed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the expanded opening state as the first variable state by the opening control or the expanding opening control, the game ball can easily pass or can pass through the second start winning opening. The normal figure starting condition for executing the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 is established based on the fact that the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. After the normal chart start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol display 20 uses the normal symbol display unit 20 based on the fact that the general map start condition for starting variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, for example, that the previous general chart game has ended. The figure game is started. In this ordinary game, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the change of the normal symbol, the fixed normal symbol that is the variable display result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable symbol display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbols per regular symbol is stopped and displayed as the fixed regular symbol, the variable symbol display result of the regular symbol becomes “ordinary symbol losing”.

  When a special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is started or when a special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started, a special game is started. It is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed whether or not the variable display result of the symbol is set to “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result. Then, the variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and an effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is displayed on the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. To the effect control board 12.

  After the special game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol as a variable display result is derived. Is displayed. Corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, "left", "middle", "right" arranged on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, variable display of decorative symbols (effect symbols) different from the special symbols is performed. The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are also referred to as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively.

  In the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, a fixed special that results in variable display of the special symbol When the symbol is derived and displayed, a finalized decorative symbol that is a variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the main image display device 5MA. As a special symbol variable display result, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “big hit” (specific display result), and when a predetermined lose symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “Lose” (non-specific display result). Based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. That is, whether or not the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”, and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special game is “big hit”, a definite decorative symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. As an example, a combination of big hits is determined by stopping and displaying the same decorative symbols all together on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It is only necessary that the decorative design is derived and displayed.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening is in an open state, and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in a first state advantageous to the player. Then, in a predetermined period (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the grand prize opening and a winning ball is generated, the grand prize opening is continuously opened. The round game (also simply referred to as “round”) is executed. During periods other than the execution period of such round games, the big prize opening is closed, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a winning ball. When a game ball enters the big prize opening, the prize winning ball is detected by the big prize opening switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (for example, “16”) is reached. Therefore, in the big hit gaming state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls very easily, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  After the big hit gaming state ends, the gaming state becomes a probable state based on the fact that the predetermined probability variation control condition is satisfied, and the probability that the variable display result will be a “big hit” (big hit probability) is higher than the normal state. Control may take place. In the probability change state, a predetermined probability change end condition is satisfied, for example, a variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or a big hit gaming state is started before the variable display execution number reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until The probability variation end condition may be satisfied when the next big hit gaming state is started regardless of the number of executions of variable display. After the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state becomes a short time state, and the short time control may be performed in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state. In the short-time state, a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied, for example, the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or the big hit gaming state is started before the variable display execution number reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until

  In the probable change state and the short time state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the first variable state (open state or expanded open state) in an advantageous change mode in which the game ball easily passes (enters) through the second start winning opening than in the normal state. And a second variable state (closed state or normally open state). For example, the normal symbol display unit 20 controls the normal symbol change time (normal diagram change time) in the normal symbol game to be shorter than that in the normal state, or the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol in each normal symbol game is “general”. Tilt control time for controlling the tilt of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on the fact that the probability of “per figure” is higher than in the normal state and the variable display result is “per figure”. By making the control longer than that in the normal state and increasing the number of tilts more than in the normal state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is changed to the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode. Just do it. Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination. In this way, the control for changing the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode is referred to as high opening control (also referred to as “high base control”). By controlling to such a probable change state and a short time state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes “big hit” is shortened, and a special game state (“advantageous game state”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. Also called). Even when the probability variation control is performed in the probability variation state, the high opening control may not be performed.

  In this embodiment, when the gaming state is not the high base state (when the base state is the low base state), the movable variable wing piece is less frequently opened in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the first start winning prize is obtained. It is assumed that the mouth is easier to start and win than the second start winning opening, and it is advantageous for the player to aim at the left side of the game area and launch the game ball. Further, in this embodiment, the game ball that has entered the right side of the game area is more easily guided to the second start winning opening than the first starting winning opening, and nails are arranged, so that the gaming state is in a high base state. In some cases, the frequency of the movable wing pieces being opened in the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6B is increased, and the second starting winning port becomes easier to start winning than the first starting winning port. It is advantageous that the game ball is shot and operated toward the right side of the game area. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is a high base state, as will be described later, a right-handed promotion effect is executed so that the player performs a launch operation aiming to the right of the gaming area. To encourage.

  In the main image display device 5MA, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol) are stopped in a state in which they match the jackpot combination continuously for a predetermined time. A big hit occurs before the final result is displayed due to fluctuation, enlargement / reduction, or deformation, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol changes. An effect performed in a state where the possibility continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called reach variable display. A plurality of types of reach modes are prepared in advance corresponding to the decorative pattern variation pattern, etc., and the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” (a big hit expectation) differs depending on the reach mode. That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed. In the reach production, it is only necessary to include a normal reach production and a super reach reach production with a higher degree of expectation of jackpot than the normal reach production. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is not a big hit combination, it becomes “lost”, and the variability display state ends.

  As an effect of liquid crystal display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, variable display of decorative symbols is performed. In addition, on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, for example, an effect using a character image or an effect of displaying a notification image based on the determination result of the big hit determination and the variation pattern is executed. The Various effects executed during variable display in which variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is performed are also referred to as “variable display effects”. As an example of effects during variable display, there is a possibility that the decorative display variable display state will reach a reach state due to an effect operation different from the decorative display variable display operation, the possibility that a super reach reach effect will be executed, variable display A notice effect may be executed to suggest to the player in advance that the result may be a “hit”.

  The effect operation that becomes the notice effect is the variable display state of the decorative symbol after the decorative symbol variable display is started in all of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. May be executed (started) prior to the reaching state (before the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R). In addition, the notice effect that notifies that the variable display result may be a “big hit” may include one that is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state. In this way, the notice effect can be a big hit gaming state at a predetermined timing from the start of variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols until the fixed special symbols and fixed decorative symbols that result in variable display are derived. Anything that can give notice of sex is acceptable. A plurality of notice effect patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to the contents of the effect operation (effect mode) when such a notice effect is executed.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) on the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B and the variable display result is “lost”, the variable display mode is “non-reach” (“normal reach” A case where the variable display mode is “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”). When the variable display mode is “non-reach”, the variable display state of the decorative design is not reached after the variable display of the decorative design is started. Reach combination) is stopped (derived). When the variable display mode is “reach”, the reach presentation is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state after the decorative symbol variable display is started, and finally the jackpot combination is A predetermined combination of decorative symbols (reach-miss combination) that is not to be displayed is stopped (derived).

  The game ball used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the recorded information of the score given corresponding to the number thereof have value that can be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes according to the quantity, for example. That's fine. Alternatively, these game balls and score recording information may not be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes, but may have valuable value that can be used for a second game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Further, the game value that can be given in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to paying out a game ball as a prize ball or giving a score. Control, the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state becomes the first round number (for example, “15”) larger than the second round number (for example, “7”), can be executed in a short time state The upper limit number of variable display becomes a first number (for example, “100”) larger than the second number (for example, “50”), and the big hit probability in the probability variation state is higher than the second probability (for example, 1/50). The first probability (for example, 1/20), the number of consecutive chunks, which is the number of times of repeated control to the big hit gaming state without being controlled to the normal state, is greater than the second consecutive number of chunks (for example, “5”) First Communicating Chang number (e.g. "10") and such part or all of becoming, it may include be a more favorable game situation for the player.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs the necessary initial setting after setting the interrupt prohibition. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 101 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process.

  When the CPU 103 executing such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state and executes a predetermined game control timer interrupt process. Game control timer interrupt processing includes, for example, switch processing, main-side error processing, information output processing, gaming random number update processing, game control process processing, normal symbol process processing, command control processing, and the like in pachinko gaming machine 1 Processing for controlling the progress of the process is included.

  The switch processing is processing for determining the state of detection signals input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. The main-side error process is a process for making an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and generating a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result. The information output process is a process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software.

  In the game control process included in the game control timer interrupt process, the value of the game process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A or Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform control of the display operation in the second special symbol display device 4B, setting of the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure. The normal symbol process process controls the display operation (for example, turning on / off the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20 to variably display the normal symbol, set the tilting operation of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the like. It is a process that enables.

  The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in the command control process, the output control board 12 among the output ports included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time and then turned off. This makes it possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, after setting the interrupt enabled state, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). As an example, in step S11, an input state (on / off) of a start winning signal as a detection signal transmitted from the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B is checked. What is necessary is just to determine with winning.

  If a start winning is generated in step S11 (step S11; Yes), a winning random number is stored (step S12). As an example, in the process of step S12, a random number circuit 104 built in (or externally attached to) the game control microcomputer 100, a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100, or a game control microcomputer A gaming random number (random number for determining a variable display result, gaming state determining random number, etc.) updated by at least a part of a random counter configured using an internal register provided separately from the RAM 102 in the computer 100 A part or all of the numerical data indicating the random number and the random number for determining the variation pattern) is extracted. The random number value extracted at this time may be stored as hold data associated with the hold number, for example, in a hold random number storage unit provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S12, various control commands corresponding to the start winning prize are transmitted (step S13). As an example, in the process of step S <b> 13, it is only necessary to make a setting for transmitting a start winning designation command for notifying the occurrence of a start winning to the effect control board 12. When no start winning has occurred in step S11 (step S11; No), after executing the process of step S13, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). Then, a process corresponding to the determination value is selected from a plurality of processes previously described in the game control computer program and executed.

  For example, when the value of the game process flag is “0”, it is determined whether or not variable symbol display (variable display game) can be started (step S101). As an example, in the process of step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of holds of the variable display game is “0” by checking the stored contents of the random number storage unit for holding. At this time, if the number of hold is other than “0”, the variable display is started because the start of the variable display has been satisfied and the variable display has not been started yet. Determine that it is possible. On the other hand, when the hold number is “0”, it is determined that variable display cannot be started. When the variable display cannot be started (step S101; No), the game control process is terminated.

  When variable display can be started in step S101 (step S101; Yes), a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result is determined (step S102). The variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is referred to as a special figure display result. In the process of step S102, the game random number (random number for determining the variable display result, random number for determining the game state, fluctuation, etc.) stored at the head (the storage area with the smallest hold number) in the hold random value storage Read random number for pattern determination). The game random number read from the holding random value storage unit may be temporarily stored in a variable display random number buffer or the like provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100. Then, using a random value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table, it is determined at a predetermined ratio whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”. Here, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable variation state, the variable display result determination table is determined so that the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” at a higher rate than in the normal state or the short time state. It is sufficient that the determination value is set.

  When the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” in the process of step S102, the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is further changed using the random number value for gaming state determination and the gaming state determination table. Decide whether or not to enter the special gaming state. Corresponding to these determination results, a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result may be determined.

  Following the processing in step S102, an internal flag and the like are set (step S103). As an example, in the process of step S103, when the variable display result is determined as “big hit” in the process of step S102, the big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. set. Further, when it is determined that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probability variation state, a probability variation confirmation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is set to an on state. In addition, it may be stored in such a way that it can be specified that the state is likely to change. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “1” (step S104), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “1”, a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). FIG. 15 shows a setting example of a variation pattern used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Each variation pattern indicates that the required time (variable display time) from the start of variable display to the display of a fixed symbol that is a variable display result can be specified and the outline of the production mode can be specified. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 is “non-reach” and “reach”. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each case and when the variable display result is “big hit”. For the variation pattern, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each variation time (variable display time) in the variable display of the special figure game or the decorative design. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern, it is possible to determine the variable display time for special symbols and decorative symbols.

  In the process of step S111, the variation pattern to be used is determined at a predetermined ratio using the variation pattern determination random value temporarily stored in the variable display random number buffer and the variation pattern determination table. At this time, the variable display result may become “big hit” corresponding to each fluctuation pattern by changing the determination ratio of each fluctuation pattern depending on whether or not the variable display result is decided as “big hit” (Big hit reliability) can be varied.

  Further, in the process of step S111, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by determining a variation pattern when the variable display result is determined to be “losing”. . Alternatively, prior to determining the variation pattern, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by using the reach determination random number value and the reach determination table. That is, in the process of step S111, it is sufficient that the variation pattern can be determined as any one of a plurality of types based on the variable display result and the determination result of reach.

  Subsequent to the process of step S111, various control commands corresponding to the start of variable display are transmitted (step S112). As an example, in the process of step S112, as a variable display start command for designating the start of variable display, a variable display result notification command for notifying a variable display result, a variable display such as a variable display time of a decorative symbol and a type of reach effect, etc. A setting for transmitting a variation pattern designation command for notifying a variation pattern indicating a mode may be performed. Further, in response to the decrease in the hold count due to the start of variable display, a setting for transmitting a hold count notification command for notifying the hold count after the decrease may be performed.

  The variable display time is set in response to the change pattern being determined by the process of step S112. Moreover, the setting for starting the variable display of the special symbol by either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B may be performed. As an example, variable display of symbols may be started by transmitting a predetermined drive signal to either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. Which special symbol display device using the special symbol on which special symbol display device is to be executed is a special symbol game based on whether the game ball has passed through the first start winning port or the second starting winning port It may be set accordingly. More specifically, a special game is played by the first special symbol display device 4A based on the game ball passing through the first start winning opening. On the other hand, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the second start winning opening, a special game is played by the second special symbol display device 4B. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “2” (step S113), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “2”, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). And when variable display time has not passed (step S121; No), after performing variable display control of a special symbol (step S122), game control process processing is ended. On the other hand, when the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), the variable symbol special display is stopped, and the final symbol is controlled to be derived and displayed (step S123).

  Subsequent to the processing in step S123, various control commands corresponding to the end of variable display are transmitted (step S124). As an example, in the process of step S124, a variable display end command for instructing the end (stop) of variable display or a big hit start specifying command (fanfare command for specifying the start of a big hit gaming state when the variable display result is “big hit”. ) And the like may be set for transmission.

  After the process of step S124 is executed, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125). If the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to “3” (step S126), and the game control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the variable display result is not “big hit” but “losing” (step S125; No), the game process flag is cleared and the value is initialized to “0” (step S125). S127), the game control process is terminated. When the process of step S127 is executed, it is determined whether or not the probability variation state or the time-saving state is to be ended. Settings for controlling to a normal state may be performed.

  When the value of the game process flag is “3”, it is determined whether or not to end the big hit gaming state depending on whether or not a predetermined big hit end condition is satisfied (step S131). The jackpot end condition may be, for example, that all rounds executed in the jackpot gaming state have ended. When the big hit game state is not ended (step S131; No), the game operation control at the time of the big hit is performed (step 132), and the game control process is ended. On the other hand, when ending the big hit gaming state (step S131; Yes), the setting for controlling the gaming state after the big hit ending is performed (step S133).

  As an example, in the process of step S133, it is determined whether or not the probability variation confirmation flag is on. If it is on, the probability variation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. Set to. Thus, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, and it is decided that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probable change state, a game corresponding to this decision result is made. It is possible to control the state to a certain change state. Even in the case of controlling to the short time state, a setting corresponding to this may be performed. Thereafter, the game process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0” (step S134), and the game control process is terminated.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. The effect control board 12 is supplied with a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like. In the effect control CPU 120 in which the power supply for activation is started, a predetermined effect control main process is executed. When the production control main process is started, the production control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined startup process. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on. The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. Such an interrupt for turning on the timer interrupt flag is a timer interrupt for effect control. The effect control CPU 120 waits until an effect control timer interrupt occurs.

  When a timer interrupt for effect control occurs and the timer interrupt flag is turned on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off, and a timer interrupt process for effect control is executed. In addition to the timer control process for effect control, the CPU 120 for effect control can execute an interrupt process for receiving a command, and can receive an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. It only needs to be received. In the timer control process for effect control, the effect control CPU 120 executes command analysis processing. In the command analysis processing, it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received. If there is a reception, setting or control corresponding to the received command is performed. After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process is executed. In the effect control process, for example, an effect image display operation on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, lighting operations in a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the light emitter units 71 to 78, and speakers. With regard to operation control contents using various effect devices such as sound output operations from 8L and 8R and drive operations for effect models, determination, determination, setting, etc. according to effect control commands transmitted from the main board 11 are performed. Done. Following the effect control process, an effect random number update process is executed, and numerical data indicating effect random numbers counted as various random values used for effect control is updated by software.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 16, the effect control CPU 120 determines the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area or the like of the RAM 122, and from a plurality of processes described in advance in the effect control computer program, A process corresponding to the judgment value is selected and executed. The processing executed according to the determination value of the effect process flag includes the processing of steps S170 to S176.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. This variable display start waiting process is based on whether or not the first variation start command or the second variation start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is performed. The process etc. which determine whether to start are included. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. When either the first change start command or the second change start command is received, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. This variable display start setting process corresponds to the start of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the above and other various presentation operations, it includes processing to determine fixed decorative symbols and various presentation control patterns according to the variation pattern of special symbols and the type of display result, etc. Yes. When the variable display start setting process is executed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”.

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the effect processing during variable display, the effect control CPU 120 performs various control data from the effect control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (such as an effect control timer setting unit). And displaying an effect image based on the set content on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, or executing a display effect by the light emitter units 71 to 78, the sound control board 13 A process for outputting voice and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to, and performing other effect controls to perform various effect controls during variable display of decorative symbols. include. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, the finalized symbol as the final stop symbol that is the variable symbol display result corresponding to the reception of the symbol determination command transmitted from the main board 11 is displayed as a complete stop. Processing to display (derived display) is included. Note that, in response to the end code being read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the finalized decorative symbol may be displayed in a complete stop (derived display). In this case, when the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, it is autonomous on the side of the production control board 12 without using the production control command from the main board 11. The fixed display pattern can be derived and displayed on the screen to determine the variable display result. After performing such effect control, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

  The variable display stop process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In the variable display stop process, the jackpot gaming state starts based on the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command, the determination result of whether or not the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the like. The process which determines whether it is performed is included. When the variable display result corresponds to “big hit” and the big hit gaming state is started, the value of the production process flag is updated to “4”, while the variable display result corresponds to “lost”. If the big hit gaming state is not started, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  The jackpot display process of step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. The jackpot display processing includes processing for executing a jackpot notification effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of the jackpot gaming state based on the reception of the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like. Yes. Then, when the execution of the big hit notification effect ends, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In the jackpot effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot effect executed in the big hit game state, and the effect image based on the set content is set as the main. The speaker 8L is displayed by displaying on the screen of the image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, executing the display effect by the light emitter units 71 to 78, or outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13. , Outputting sound and sound effect from 8R, and performing other effect control, enabling the effect during the big hit corresponding to the big hit gaming state to be executed. In the jackpot effect processing, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “6” in response to, for example, receiving a jackpot end designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

  The big hit end effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In this jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot end effect (ending effect) executed when the jackpot game state ends, and the setting contents By controlling the display of the effect image based on it, the output of fruit sounds, the lighting / extinguishing / flashing of various light emitting members, and other effect operations, the jackpot end effect corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state can be executed. Thereafter, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 17, the effect control CPU 120 first determines a final stop symbol or the like to be a finalized symbol as a variable symbol display result (step S401). As the processing of step S401, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on the variable display contents such as the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. To determine the final stop symbol. As an example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the fluctuation pattern and variable display result include “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (loss)”, “non-probability change (big hit)”, and “probability change (big hit)”. is there.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is not changed to the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the non-reach combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result is “lost”. " When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the reach lose combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result becomes “losing”. . When the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big hit”, and the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is the short-time state. When the variable display content is “probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big win”, and the gaming state after the big hit gaming state is changed to the probable state.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the production control CPU 120 uses the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R to display different (unmatched) decorative symbols as the final stop symbols. To decide. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol updated by an effect random counter or the like provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control counter setting unit) of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122. Then, by referring to the left determined symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the left determined symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L is determined among the determined decorative symbols. Next, numerical value data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter is extracted, and the right determined symbol determining table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. For example, the right determined decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “right” decorative symbol display area 5R is determined among the determined decorative symbols. At this time, the symbol number of the right determined decorative symbol may be determined so as to be different from the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol by setting in the right determined symbol determining table or the like. Subsequently, the numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the production random counter is extracted, and the medium fixed symbol determination table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. From the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “middle” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined.

  When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, the effect control CPU 120 displays the same (matching) decorative symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R as the final stop symbols. To decide. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating random values for determining the left and right determined symbols that are updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, and stores the left and right determined symbol determination table that is stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared. By referencing or the like, among the determined decorative symbols, the decorative symbols having the same symbol numbers that are stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R are determined. Further, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or a random counter for production is extracted, and a medium fixed symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121 is referred to. Thus, among the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “middle” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined. Here, for example, in the case where the confirmed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the middle confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (For example, “1”) may be added to or subtracted from the symbol number of the medium-decorated decorative symbol so that the finalized decorative symbol is not the jackpot combination but the reach combination. Alternatively, when determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol, the difference (design difference) between the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol may be determined, and the medium-decorated decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol difference may be set. .

  When the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, the effect control CPU 120 displays the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the jackpot determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. Subsequently, by referring to the jackpot fixed symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the display is stopped in alignment with the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The decorative symbol having the same symbol number is determined. At this time, depending on whether the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, whether or not the promotion effect during the big hit is executed, etc. It is only necessary to determine which one of the design symbol to be displayed and the probability variation symbol (for example, a design symbol that represents an odd number) is the final design symbol. In the jackpot promotion promotion, a combination of decorative symbols (non-probable big hit combination) that recalls a big hit but does not recall a probable change state is once stopped and displayed in a promising state during the big hit gaming state or at the end of the big hit gaming state. This is an effect to notify whether or not.

  As a specific example, when the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)”, a symbol to be a definite decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Further, when the variable display content is “probability change (big hit)” and it is determined not to execute the jackpot promotion effect, the one that becomes the confirmed decorative design is determined from a plurality of types of probability change designs. On the other hand, when the variable display content is “probable change (big hit)”, when it is decided to execute the promotion effect during the big hit, the one that becomes the confirmed decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Accordingly, it is only necessary to prevent the promotion effect during the big hit from being executed despite the fact that the probability variation symbols are all derived and displayed as the confirmed decorative symbols, so that the player is not distrusted.

  In the process of step S401, when the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, it is determined whether or not to execute the probability change promotion effect such as the re-lottery effect or the jackpot promotion effect. May be. In the redrawing effect, once the decorative symbol of the non-probable variable big hit combination consisting of the same normal symbol is displayed during variable display of the decorative symbol, it is once difficult to recognize or impossible to recognize that it is controlled to the probabilistic state, It is possible to notify that the control is changed to the probability variation state by variably displaying (revariing) the decoration symbol again and stopping and displaying the decorative symbol of the probability variation big hit combination comprising the same probability variation symbol. Note that there is a case in which the control of the probability variation state is not notified when the decoration symbol of the non-probable variation big hit combination is stopped and displayed after the decoration symbol is re-variable in the re-lottery effect. If it is determined in step S401 that the re-lottery effect is to be executed, a combination of decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped and displayed may be determined before the re-lottery effect is executed.

  Following the determination of the final stop symbol and the like in step S401, a notice effect is determined (step S402). In the process of step S402, for example, the presence / absence of the notice effect or the effect mode when the notice effect is executed is determined using the notice effect determination table prepared by storing in the predetermined area of the ROM 121 in advance. Good. In the notice effect determination table, for example, a numerical value (determined value) to be compared with a random number for determining the notice effect may be assigned to the presence / absence of the notice effect or the determination result of the effect mode according to the variable display content. . The effect control CPU 120 refers to the notice effect determination table by referring to the notice effect determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number for determining the notice effect updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. What is necessary is just to determine an aspect.

  In this embodiment, in step S402, the effect control CPU 120 can determine whether or not to execute a button notice effect that is executed based on at least the operation of the push button 31B as the notice effect. is there.

  Following the process of step S402, the reach control pattern corresponding to the reach effect specified by the variation pattern and the notice effect determined in step S402 is determined as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S403). For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects one of a plurality of special-figure variation effect control patterns prepared in correspondence with the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command and sets it as a usage pattern. In this case, for example, when the reach effect (for example, intense heat reach effect) is specified by the variation pattern, the reach effect control pattern corresponding to the reach effect is determined. Further, the effect control CPU 120 selects one of a plurality of prepared notice effect control patterns corresponding to the determination result of the notice effect (for example, button notice effect) by the process of step S402, and sets it as a use pattern. .

  FIG. 18A shows a configuration example of the effect control pattern. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 18A, the effect control pattern includes, for example, an effect control process timer determination value, display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, an end code, and the like. Consists of included process data. The effect control process timer determination value is a value (determination value) to be compared with an effect control process timer value that is a stored value of an effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122. The determination value corresponding to the execution time (effect time) of each effect operation is set in advance. In place of the effect control process timer determination value, for example, a predetermined effect control command is received from the main board 11, or a predetermined process is executed as a process for controlling the effect operation in the effect control CPU 120. The data indicating the switching timing of the presentation control may be set corresponding to the predetermined control content and processing content.

  The display control data includes data indicating the display mode of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, such as data indicating the variation mode of each decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol. It is. That is, the display control data is data that designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, the display data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting modes by the plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 78 is the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU. Has been added. Therefore, if the display operation data designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU, the lighting mode by the plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 71 to 78 is also designated. be able to. In addition, it is not limited to what designates the lighting mode in the some light-emitting body which comprises the light-emitting body units 71-78 by display control data, It uses the control data different from display control data, and it lights in the some light-emitting body. Aspect may be specified.

  The voice control data includes data indicating the voice output mode from the speakers 8L and 8R, such as data indicating the output mode of sound effects in conjunction with the variable display operation of the decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol, for example. Yes. That is, the audio control data is data that designates an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  The movable member control data includes data indicating the operation mode of the movable members 51 to 54, such as data indicating the driving mode of the movable motor 60 that rotates or moves the movable members 51 to 54, for example. . That is, the movable member control data is data that designates the rotation operation and the movement operation of the movable members 51 to 54. The operation detection control data includes, for example, an operation valid period for effectively detecting an instruction operation (tilting operation) for the operation stick of the stick controller 31A and an instruction operation (push-pull operation) for the trigger button, or an instruction operation (for the push button 31B). Data indicating an effect operation mode according to the player's operation action, such as an operation effective period for effectively detecting (pressing operation) and data for specifying the control content of the effect operation when each operation is detected effectively. include.

  Note that these control data do not have to be included in all the effect control patterns, but an effect control pattern including a part of the control data according to the contents of the effect operation by each effect control pattern. There may be. Further, in the plural types of process data included in the effect control pattern, the types of control data constituting each process data may be different according to the contents of the effect operation executed at each timing. That is, some process data includes all of display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, and operation detection control data, and some process data includes a part thereof. It may be. Furthermore, other various control data such as, for example, production model control data indicating an operation mode in the movable member included in the production model may be included.

  FIG. 18B shows various effect operations executed according to the contents of the effect control pattern. The production control CPU 120 determines the control content of the production operation according to various control data included in the production control pattern. For example, when the effect control process timer value matches one of the effect control process timer determination values, the decorative design is displayed in a manner specified by the display control data associated with the effect control process timer determination value, and the character Control is performed to display effect images such as images and background images on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, control is performed to turn on the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 78 in a manner specified by the display control data and execute a display effect. In addition, control is performed to output sound from the speakers 8L and 8R in a manner specified by the sound control data, and the trigger button, operation stick, or push button of the stick controller 31A is operated in the operation valid period specified by the operation detection control data. The control which receives operation with respect to 31B and determines production content is performed. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) may be set as data corresponding to a production component that does not become a control target even though it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value.

  The effect control CPU 120 sets the effect control pattern based on the variation pattern indicated in the variation pattern designation command, for example, when starting variable display of decorative symbols. Here, when setting the effect control pattern, the pattern data constituting the corresponding effect control pattern may be read from the ROM 121 and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, or the corresponding effect control pattern is configured. The storage address of the pattern data in the ROM 121 may be temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 and the reading position of the storage data in the ROM 121 may be designated. After that, every time the production control process timer value is updated, it is determined whether or not it matches any of the production control process timer determination values. Control. In this way, the effect control CPU 120 performs the effect devices (main image display device 5MA, sub image display device 5SU, light emission) according to the contents of process data # 1 to process data #n (n is an arbitrary integer) included in the effect control pattern. Control of the body units 71 to 78, the speakers 8L and 8R, the movable members 51 to 54, etc.). In each process data # 1 to process data #n, display control data # 1 to display control data #n and voice control data # 1 to voice control associated with production control process timer determination values # 1 to #n are provided. Data #n, lamp control data # 1 to lamp control data #n, movable member control data # 1 to movable member control data #n, and operation detection control data # 1 to operation detection control data #n are effect operations in the effect device. Production control execution data # 1 to production control execution data #n for designating execution of production control are configured.

  A command according to the effect control pattern set in this way is output from the effect control CPU 120 to the display control unit 123, the sound control board 13, and the like. In the display control unit 123 that has received a command from the effect control CPU 120, for example, the VDP 130 reads image data (image element data) indicated by the command from the image data memory 131 and temporarily stores it in the VRAM 132A. The VDP 130 selects image data corresponding to the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU from the image data stored in the VRAM 132A, and converts the selected image data into pixel data. The frame buffer 132B is arranged at a predetermined position (a position indicated by information indicating a display position in the display area of the image display device 5). As a result, display data for one screen is created in the frame buffer 132B. At this time, display data used to create lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU. In addition, in the voice control board 13 that receives a command from the effect control CPU 120, for example, the voice synthesis IC reads the voice data indicated by the command from the voice data ROM and temporarily stores it in the voice RAM or the like. .

  After performing the process of step S403 shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 120 for effect control is provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command, for example. The initial value of the production control process timer is set (step S404). Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like in the main image display device 5MA is performed (step S405). At this time, for example, the main image display device 5MA is transmitted by transmitting a display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined as the use pattern in step S404 to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” provided on the screen.

  Following the process of step S405, in response to the start of variable display of decorative symbols, settings are made to update the hold storage display in the start winning storage display area 5H (step S406). For example, the display part corresponding to the hold number “1” in the start winning memory display area 5H may be deleted and the entire display part may be moved to the left one by one. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S407), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display effect process executed in step S172 of FIG. In the effect processing during variable display shown in FIG. 19, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on, for example, the effect control process timer value (step S451). ). As an example, in the process of step S451, when the production control process timer value is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted) and an end code is read from the production control pattern corresponding to the updated production control process timer value, etc. It may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed.

  When the variable display time has not elapsed in step S451 (step S451; No), the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not it is determined to execute the button notice effect ( Step S451A). Whether or not it is decided to execute the button notice effect is, for example, a flag indicating that the button notice effect is executed when the execution of the button notice effect is decided in step S402 of the variable display start setting process. May be set, and in step S451A, it may be confirmed whether or not the flag is set. If it is not determined to execute the button notice effect (step S451A; No), the process proceeds to step S452.

  If it is determined to execute the button notice effect (step S451A; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not an operation detection signal from the push button 31B has been input (step S451B). . If the operation detection signal is not input (step S451B; No), the effect control CPU 120 prompts the player to operate the push button 31B for executing the button notice effect according to the effect control pattern. The effect control process corresponding to the is executed (step S451C). In this embodiment, as will be described later, by controlling the lighting of the light emitters aligned with the gaming machine frame 3 in step S451C, a display such as “push a button” is displayed on the gaming machine frame 3. The operation promotion effect is executed in a manner to be performed.

  If the operation detection signal is input (step S451B; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 executes effect control processing corresponding to the button notice effect according to the effect control pattern (step S451D). In this case, for example, the button notice effect is executed in such a manner that a predetermined character or item appears on the main image display device 5MA to suggest the possibility of a big hit or reach.

  In this embodiment, the operation means is the push button 31B, and the case where the button notice effect is executed based on the detection of the pressing operation by the push button 31B is shown. However, the operation means used in the button notice effect is shown. Is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the button notice effect may be executed based on the detection of the tilt operation by the stick controller 31A as the operation means.

  In addition, for example, not only when a player's positive operation is detected by using an operation means and a presentation is performed, but a player's operation can be detected using a device such as an optical sensor. An effect may be executed based on the detection of a person's action. In this case, in step S451C, any promotion effect may be executed in a manner that encourages the player's action to execute the effect.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not it is the execution period of other various effects (for example, a notice effect other than the reach effect or the button notice effect) (step S452). For example, the execution period of various effects may be determined in advance in the effect control pattern determined in the process of step S403 illustrated in FIG. If it is not the execution period of other various effects (step S452; No), the process proceeds to step S453A. When it is the execution period of other various effects (step S452; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 executes effect control processing corresponding to the various effects according to the effect control pattern (step S453). In this embodiment, as will be described later, in the case of executing an intense heat reach effect (an effect that has a particularly high expectation level (reliability) for the big hit among reach effects), the gaming machine frame 3 in step S452. And the main image display device 5MA are controlled to be turned on and the main image display device 5MA is controlled so that the light emitters arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 are integrated with the main image display device 5MA. Intense heat reach production is performed as production.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the current gaming state is the high base state (step S453A). Whether or not it is in the high base state is determined by, for example, transmitting a gaming state designation command indicating the current gaming state from the gaming control microcomputer 100, and providing a rendering control microcomputer (specifically, rendering control). The CPU 120) may set a flag indicating a certain change state or a short time state based on the received game state designation command. In step S453A, the high base state may be determined based on the fact that the flag indicating the probability variation state or the time reduction state is set. If not in the high base state (step S453A; No), the process proceeds to step S453C.

  If it is in the high base state (step S453A; Yes), the production control CPU 120 produces an effect corresponding to the right-handed promotion effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball aiming at the right side of the game area according to the production control pattern. A control process is executed (step S453B). In this embodiment, as will be described later, lighting control is performed on the light emitters arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 in step S453B, thereby lighting the light emitters arranged in the gaming machine frame 3. A right-handed promotion effect is executed by turning on a plurality of light emitters in such a manner that the portion being moved moves.

  Note that FIG. 19 shows the case where the right-handed promotion effect is executed during the decorative symbol variation display. However, the right-handed promotion effect is displayed during the customer waiting demonstration display or during the big hit game that is not in the decorative symbol variation display. Is also executed. For example, when the customer waiting demonstration is being displayed, in the variable display start waiting process (see step S170), if it is in the high base state, an effect control pattern including a right-handed acceleration effect is set and the same as step S453B. The right-handed promotion effect may be executed using a plurality of light emitters aligned in the gaming machine frame 3. Further, when the game is in a big hit game, in the big hit display process (see step S174), the big hit effect production process (see step S175), or the big hit end production process (see step S176), If an effect control pattern including a right-handed promotion effect is set and processing similar to that in step S453B is performed, the right-handed promotion effect is executed using a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the gaming machine frame 3. Good.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes effect control processing according to the decorative display variation display according to the effect control pattern (step S453C).

  If the variable display time has elapsed in step S451 (step S451; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S454). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S454; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and awaits. If the predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to successfully receive the symbol confirmation command. You may make it do.

  When a symbol confirmation command is received in step S454 (step S454; Yes), for example, display is performed in a variable symbol display such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. A control for deriving and displaying the final stop symbol (definite decorative symbol) as a result is performed (step S455). In addition, a predetermined time is set as the waiting start designation command reception waiting time (step S456). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the variable display stop process (step S457), and then the variable display effect process is ended.

  In the effect control process of steps S451C, S451D, S453, S453B, and S453C shown in FIG. 19, the effect control pattern determined by the process of step S403 shown in FIG. ) Is used to perform the rendering operations by various rendering devices using the process data read based on the rendering control process timer value. For example, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the effect control process timer has timed out, and switches the effect control execution data in the process data when time-out occurs. That is, in the process data # 1 to process data #n as shown in FIG. 18A, the display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU is performed based on the display control data set next. The lighting control of the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 78 is performed. Further, in the process data # 1 to process data #n, the sound output control of the speakers 8L and 8R is performed based on the next set sound control data. Furthermore, in process data # 1 to process data #n, drive control of the movable motor 60 is performed based on the movable member control data set next. In addition, in process data # 1 to process data #n, detection control of an instruction operation by the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is performed based on the operation detection control data set next.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the intense heat reach effect executed in step S453. As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, as the intense heat reach effect, a large “×” display 200 is displayed on the main image display device 5MA, and the light emitters aligned in the gaming machine frame 3 are controlled to be lit. As a result, a line segment display 201 is displayed on the gaming machine frame 3 so that the line appears to be connected to the extension of each line segment constituting the “×” display 200. According to such an embodiment, in this embodiment, the intense heat reach effect is executed as an integrated effect using the plurality of light emitters arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 and the main image display device 5MA.

  It should be noted that the “integrated effect” is at least an effect that makes the player feel integral in some sense, and the aspect of the integrated effect is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the display is not limited to the effects displayed at the same timing as shown in FIG. 20, but may be alternately displayed, or may be an effect that causes the player to feel integrated. Good. Further, for example, in this embodiment, the case where an integrated effect is executed using the light emitter provided in the gaming machine frame 3 and the main image display device 5MA is shown, but the gaming board 2 also has an LED or the like. When the light emitter is provided, the integrated effect using the light emitter provided in the game board 2 may be executed, and the integrated effect using the sub image display device 5SU is also executed. You may make it do.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where “x” display is performed from the gaming machine frame 3 to the main image display device 5MA as an integrated effect is shown, but the effect is not limited to this. For example, as an integrated effect, a display in which one character is displayed over the main image display device 5MA from the gaming machine frame 3 or the character moves from the main image display device 5MA toward the gaming machine frame 3 is displayed. You may do.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the light emitter is not arranged in the portion of the gaming machine frame 3 where the game board 2 is mounted, even if it is an integrated production, as shown in FIG. However, for example, the gaming board 2 is configured using a transparent material or a translucent material such as an acrylic board, and the gaming board 2 is mounted in the gaming machine frame 3. If it is configured so that the light emitters can be placed across the part (the light emission from the back of the game board 2 is visible), the integrated effect is made so that the display is completely “x”. It may be configured to execute. In particular, when displaying a character as an integrated effect, the entire character may be displayed across the gaming machine frame 3 and the main image display device 5MA.

  In addition, for example, as an integrated effect, a changing figure number is displayed over the main image display device 5MA from the gaming machine frame 3 or is changing from the main image display device 5MA toward the gaming machine frame 3. Display may be performed such that the number of the symbol moves. In this case, for example, during the variable display of the decorative symbols, display is performed such that the numbers of the symbols fly from the main image display device 5MA to the gaming machine frame 3 side, or from the gaming machine frames 3 to the main image display device. A display may be made such that a number of symbols jumps to the 5MA side. Further, for example, in association with the reach effect, a plurality of symbols displayed on the side of the gaming machine frame 3 disappears one by one, and the last stop symbol in the main image display device 5MA is the last remaining symbol number. May be configured to stop display. In addition, when the gaming machine is equipped with an accessory such as a movable member, an effect that moves the accessory in association with such an integrated effect may be executed.

  Further, for example, some effect display may be performed on the gaming machine frame 3 in accordance with the movable movement of the accessory provided in the gaming machine. In this case, for example, a display in which a ripple spreads as an effect in accordance with the movable movement of the accessory or a display in which a light beam is inserted may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the integrated effect is executed as the intense heat reach effect is shown, but the execution timing of the integrated effect is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the integrated effect may be executed as a reach effect (for example, a super reach effect) other than the intense heat reach effect, or the integrated effect may be executed as an effect during the big hit game.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the operation promotion effect executed in step S451C. As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, lighting 202 arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 is controlled to be turned on, so that a display 202 such as “push button” is displayed on the gaming machine frame 3. An operation promotion effect is executed in a manner.

  In the example shown in FIG. 21, the case where the display 202 such as “Press the button” is performed at two places on the gaming machine frame 3 is shown, but the mode of the operation promotion effect is shown in this embodiment. It cannot be limited to things. For example, in the gaming machine frame 3, the display 202 such as “Press the button” may be performed at only one place to execute the operation promotion effect, or the operation promotion effect may be performed at three or more locations. It may be executed. In this case, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit when the button notice effect is executed may be varied according to the number of displays 202 such as “Press the button”.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the light emitter of the gaming machine frame 3 is configured using full-color LEDs, for example, the display color of the display 202 such as “Press the button” is made different, and the display Depending on the color, the expectation level (reliability) for the jackpot when the button notice effect is executed may be varied.

  Further, for example, an effective period of button operation may be suggested by executing an effect of turning on or off the light emitters of the gaming machine frame 3 step by step as an operation promotion effect. For example, the remaining time until the effective period of the button operation ends may be suggested by gradually erasing the light emitters of the gaming machine frame 3 from the state in which they are all lit. .

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the right-handed promotion effect executed in step S453B. As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the lighting 203 arranged in the gaming machine frame 3 is turned on, so that the “right-handed” display 203 is displayed on the gaming machine frame 3 from the left side. A right-handed promotion effect is executed in such a manner as to move to the right.

  In this embodiment, as a right-handed promotion effect, a case has been shown in which an effect in which the “right-handed” display 203 moves from the left to the right on the gaming machine frame 3 is executed. The mode of the right-handed promotion effect is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect may be executed such that the display of “right-handed” moves clockwise on the gaming machine frame 3 as the right-handed promotion effect, or the display of “right-handed” is displayed on the gaming machine frame. 3 You may perform the effect of the aspect which reciprocates right and left or up and down. Further, for example, instead of displaying characters such as “right-handed”, an arrow indicating the right side may be displayed as a right-handed promotion effect.

  Further, not only when the right-handed promotion effect as shown in this embodiment is executed, for example, when the high base state is finished, “return to left-handed” is displayed in the gaming machine frame 3. Or, when the game shifts to a big hit game, a display such as “Aim at an attacker” may be performed.

  Also, if it is the execution period of intense heat reach effect and operation promotion effect during the high base state, for example, execute the intense heat reach effect and operation promotion effect with priority over the right-handed promotion effect It is possible to control so as to return to the right-handed promotion effect after finishing the intense heat reach effect and the operation promotion effect. Further, for example, the intense heat reach effect, the operation promotion effect, and the right-handed promotion effect may be executed in parallel at the same time. For example, when it is in the high base state and also during the execution period of the intense heat reach effect, the intense heat reach effect is executed as an integrated effect in the mode shown in FIG. A right-handed promotion effect may also be executed by displaying “right-handed” or the like in a portion where the line segment display 201 is not displayed. For example, when it is in the high base state and during the execution period of the operation promotion effect, a display such as “Press the button” is displayed in the gaming machine frame 3 and the operation promotion effect in the gaming machine frame 3 is displayed. The right-handed promotion effect may also be executed by displaying “right-handed” or the like in a portion where the right-handed button is not executed.

  In this embodiment, examples of an integrated effect, an operation promotion effect, and a right-handed promotion effect as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 are shown as effects using the gaming machine frame 3, but the effects are limited to these effects. Not. For example, during a customer waiting demonstration display that is not in the decorative symbol variation display, a display such as “during demonstration” may also be performed in the gaming machine frame 3 in accordance with the customer waiting demonstration display performed by the main image display device 5MA. Good. In addition, for example, when the decorative symbol is not being displayed for the purpose of power saving, the brightness of the main image display device 5MA is lowered, and the customer waiting demonstration display is performed only on the gaming machine frame 3. Good.

  Further, for example, when the gaming machine is equipped with a timekeeping means such as a real time clock (RTC), the light emission of the gaming machine frame 3 is performed at a predetermined time among a plurality of gaming machines installed in the gaming store. You may make it perform a simultaneous production by controlling a body. In this case, for example, a plurality of gaming machines may perform exactly the same display as a simultaneous performance, or a predetermined display may be performed so that a predetermined display moves to an adjacent gaming machine. Good. Further, for example, it is possible to execute an effect in such a manner that a predetermined character sequentially moves to adjacent game machines, and an effect such that the game machine in which the character stops last becomes a big hit. In this case, for example, it may be configured to be able to perform some kind of communication between gaming machines such as infrared communication so that the gaming machines that are big hits can be mutually recognized. If the light emitters provided in the gaming machine frame 3 are used in such a simultaneous effect, the simultaneous effect is achieved without changing the effect on the liquid crystal display side performed using the main image display device 5MA. Can be configured to be executable.

  Further, for example, in a gaming machine having a so-called portable interlocking function that can register a player's game history (for example, the number of games, game experience value, number of jackpots) in a server or the like using a portable terminal owned by the player. The gaming machine frame 3 may be configured to display a player's game history display. In this case, for example, a display such as “number of big hits XX times” or “achievement of missions XX times” may be displayed in the gaming machine frame 3.

Further, for example, in accordance with the gaming state during the game, display indicating the gaming state such as “probably changing”, “shorter in time”, “50 times shorter in remaining time”, “during five consecutive times”, etc. in the gaming machine frame 3 is performed. You may do it. In addition, in the case of a gaming machine that can be shifted to a so-called probability variation latent state, a display such as “Probability is being changed !?” may be displayed in the gaming machine frame 3.

  Further, for example, in a gaming machine configured so as to be able to execute a so-called pre-reading notice effect (a notice effect executed before the start of the subject change display), the main image display device 5MA has a so-called notice effect (currently). While performing a change display during execution, a pre-notification effect may be executed by performing a display such as “may be a big hit soon” in the gaming machine frame 3.

  Further, for example, in a gaming machine configured so as to be able to execute a so-called mission effect, the main image display device 5MA performs an effect in accordance with a display change of a decorative pattern such as a notice effect or a reach effect, while in the gaming machine frame 3, You may make it display the mission achievement conditions, such as “reach within XX times” or “make a big hit within XX times”.

  In this embodiment, since various effects such as an integrated effect, an operation promotion effect, and a right-handed promotion effect can be performed using the gaming machine frame 3 as described above, the player is allowed to pay attention to the effect. Can do. That is, the gaming machine frame 3 in which a plurality of light emitters are arranged has a larger total area than the main image display device 5MA and is visually conspicuous, so that the presentation is executed using only the main image display device 5MA. Compared to the case, if the effect is executed using the gaming machine frame 3, the player can be more focused on the effect.

  The effect control CPU 120 performs display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and lighting control of a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the light emitter units 71 to 78, respectively. Various display control commands are transmitted to 123 VDPs 130. The display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP 130 may include, for example, a transfer command, a deployment command, and an output command.

  The transfer command includes a plurality of types of image data (image element data) stored in the image data memory 131, image data used for screen display on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a light emitter unit. It shows that image data used to create lighting data for lighting control 71 to 78 is read out and temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A. For example, the transfer command may include data for notifying the VDP 130 of the read position of the image data in the image data memory 131, the image size when the image data is expanded and stored, and the like. Here, the reading position of the image data in the image data memory 131 may be a reading address in the image data memory 131 or specific information (for example, an image element) attached to the image element corresponding to the image data to be read. It may be specified using arbitrary information such as the character number of the character image corresponding to the data.

  From the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, the expansion command includes a plurality of image data corresponding to the display areas of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and a plurality of light emitting units 71 to 78 arranged in alignment. The image data corresponding to each of the light emitters is selected, the drawing process based on the selected image data is executed, and the display data is created in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B. For example, the expansion command may include data for designating image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A and data for designating the arrangement (setting position) of image elements in the frame buffer 132B. Here, the data for designating the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A may be data for designating a read address in the VRAM 132A or attached to an image element corresponding to the image data to be selected. Data indicating arbitrary information such as specific information may be used.

  The output command switches between the image drawing area and the image display area of the frame buffer 132B, supplies the display data stored in the storage area serving as the image display area to the main display output system and the sub display output system, and Output to the image display device 5MA, the sub image display device 5SU, and the light emitter units 71 to 78 side is shown. Each time an output command is received, the VDP 130 outputs display data for one screen read from the frame buffer 132B, supplies a vertical synchronization signal, and generates a V blank interrupt at the same cycle as the vertical synchronization signal. Also good. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 may execute processing related to drawing in synchronization with the occurrence of the V blank interrupt from the VDP 130.

  The effect control CPU 120 may transmit various display control commands to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123 in addition to the transfer command, the deployment command, and the output command. For example, a copy command indicating that the storage contents in the image display area of the frame buffer 132B set for outputting display data is copied to the VRAM 132A, the contents in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B, and the effect image are used. A drawing command or the like indicating that an operation (for example, an operation for adding, subtracting, or translucent processing) is performed with the image data is transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. May be.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image data processing executed by the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. In the image data processing shown in FIG. 23, the VDP 130 determines whether the display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 is a transfer command (step S701). If it is a transfer command (step S701; Yes), the image data read from the image data memory 131 is written into the VRAM 132A and temporarily stored (step S702).

  When it is not a transfer command in step S701 (step S701; No), after executing the process of step S702, it is determined whether or not the display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 is a deployment command ( Step S703). If it is an expansion command (step S703; Yes), the image data in the designated storage area in the VRAM 132A is selected and written in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B (step S704). Thus, the display data used for displaying the effect image and generating the lighting data is created by writing the selected image data in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B. When selecting image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, only a part of the image data (image element data) corresponding to one image element is extracted (clipped) and written to the frame buffer 132B. It may be.

  If it is not a deployment command in step S703 (step S703; No), or after executing the processing of step S704, it is determined whether or not the display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 is an output command ( Step S705). At this time, if it is not an output command (step S705; No), the image data processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is an output command (step S705; Yes), the image drawing area and the image display area in the frame buffer 132B are switched, display data is read from the image display area after switching, and the main LCD drive circuit 133A is The read display data is output to the main display output system including the sub display output system including the sub LCD drive circuit 133B and the light emitter control circuit 134 (step S706).

  By executing such image data processing, the VDP 130 reads various image data such as character image data necessary for displaying the effect image from the image data memory 131 based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 120. And placed in a predetermined area of the VRAM 132A. When the effect image is displayed, the same character image may be repeatedly displayed many times. When the image data stored in the image data memory 131 is compressed, it takes time to decompress it after reading it. Therefore, when the display of the effect image is started, the necessary character image data and the like are arranged in the storage area of the VRAM 132A, so that the drawing is performed as compared with reading from the image data memory 131 corresponding to each frame. Can be shortened.

  The effect control CPU 120 sets an attribute in the attribute register of the VDP 130 each time V blank occurs after the display of the effect image is started, and then instructs execution of reading of the attribute. In response to this, the VDP 130 reads the attribute. When this reading is completed, a reading end interrupt signal is output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120. When receiving the read end interrupt signal, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the execution of the drawing process. In this way, the VDP 130 executes a drawing process by writing display data to the frame buffer 132B according to the read attribute.

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer are allocated to each of a plurality of storage areas to which an image display area and an image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 132B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 800 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 600 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the main frame buffer. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data used for creating lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 78. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 885 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the subframe buffer.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of creation and output of display data by drawing processing of the VDP 130 and the like. When the display of the effect image or the display effect is executed, the VDP 130 reads the image data of the sprite image from the VRAM 132A, and executes a drawing process for writing the display data to the main frame buffer and the sub frame buffer. Of the image data of the sprite image read out from the image data memory 131 and temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, the image data used to create lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the image size corresponds to 320 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 320 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

  The VDP 130 reduces the image data for creating lighting data to an image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The reduced image size corresponds to the resolution of the light emitter units 71 to 78 in which a plurality of light emitters are aligned. Thus, the image data for creating the lighting data has a resolution higher than the resolution of the light emitter units 71 to 78. Thus, anti-aliasing processing such as supersampling is performed, and display data to be converted into lighting data is created using image data having a resolution higher than the display resolution of the plurality of light emitters. Thereby, for example, jaggy generated in the contour of a character image or the like can be suppressed, and the smoothness of display in the light emitter units 71 to 78 can be enhanced. In particular, when an effect image such as a character image is moved and displayed, the contour portion can be displayed smoothly, and the interest of the display effect in the light emitter units 71 to 78 can be improved. Note that the image size reduction may be performed in the image data transformation processing or display data rendering processing by the VDP 130, or may be performed using a predetermined scaler circuit. The scaler circuit only needs to be able to reduce the image size at a predetermined reduction ratio (for example, ¼) by converting the number of pixels of the display data read from the frame buffer 132B. As described above, the size change of the display data may be realized by a hardware circuit, or may be realized by executing a predetermined program as software.

  The VDP 130 moves part of the display data according to the block allocation setting of each light emitter by dividing the region where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 78 into a plurality of light emitter blocks. The deformation process is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), it corresponds to the fact that a light emitter included in a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block is arranged is included in an empty area in any light emitter block. Then, a part of the display data (the upper end portion of the image indicating “A” in the example shown in FIG. 24B) is cut out and moved to another image position. By executing the display data deformation process using the VDP 130 capable of performing a high-performance drawing process, the processing load of the lighting data in the light emitter control circuit 134 can be reduced.

  For example, display data as shown in FIG. 24C is stored in the sub-frame buffer allocated to the frame buffer 132B. This display data includes sub-image display data and light emitter control data, and corresponds to image display for one frame. The sub-image display data corresponds to an image size of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 800 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) (same as the resolution of the sub-image display device 5SU). It is used for image display on the screen of the display device 5SU. The data for controlling the light emitters is the creation of lighting data for controlling the light emitter units 71 to 78 corresponding to the image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). Used for.

  In the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer, boundary data corresponding to a predetermined number of lines, for example, 5 dots, is provided between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data. The boundary data having such a predetermined data amount is set to separate the sub image display data from the light emitter control data. Thereby, the display data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub-image display device 5SU and the display data converted into the lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 78 can be easily separated. The processing burden associated with data generation can be reduced.

  The VDP 130 reads the display data thus stored in the subframe buffer in a predetermined order and outputs it to the sub display output system. As an example, the reading operation of reading from the upper left dot in the horizontal direction to the upper right dot in the horizontal direction in FIG. 24C and subsequently reading the data one dot lower is repeated until the lower right dot is reached. By outputting the display data to the sub display output system in the order in which the display data is read out, as shown in FIG. 24D, for example, first, data for displaying a sub image is output in a predetermined first display output period. The light emitter control data is output in the second display output period after the first display output period. Since boundary data is set between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data, the first display output period during which the sub-image display data is output and the light emitter control data are output. A predetermined interval period is provided between the second display output period.

  For example, the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer is output in 1/60 second (about 16.7 milliseconds) for one frame. As a result, the sub-image display device 5SU can update the display image with a frame period of 1/60 seconds. Since the data for controlling the illuminant is also added to the data for displaying the sub-image, it is output at a period of 1/60 seconds. The light emitter control circuit 134 separates the light emitter control data included in the display data output to the sub display output system by the signal separation circuit 140 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 141. Therefore, the data for controlling the light emitter separated from the display data is stored in the buffer memory 141 at a 1/60 second period in which the VDP 130 outputs display data for one frame.

  As shown in FIG. 24D, among the periods in which the display data stored in the subframe buffer is output, the period in which the light emitter control data is output (second display output period) corresponds to one frame. Is sufficiently shorter than the entire period (1/60 second) in which the display data is output. The lighting data generation circuit 142 is a remaining period during which data stored in the buffer memory 141 is not written to the buffer memory 141, such as a period during which sub-screen display data is output (first display output period). In this case, the data may be read out and converted into lighting data.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 controls lighting of a plurality of light emitters with a cycle shorter than a frame cycle (such as 1/60 seconds) of an image display device using an LCD (liquid crystal display device) such as the sub image display device 5SU. The lighting data for generating is generated. As a specific example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter at a period of 1/120 seconds (about 8.3 milliseconds). As described above, the lighting data generation circuit 130 generates lighting data of the light emitter in a cycle (1/120 seconds) shorter than the display data output cycle (1/60 seconds) by the VDP 130, and the serial output circuit 143 generates the lighting data. A control signal based on the lighting data is output. In this case, the buffer memory 141 can store the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame output from the VDP 130, that is, the light emitter control data of 80 dots × 80 dots. It only needs to have a storage data capacity. In addition, by turning on the light emitters in a relatively short cycle, flicker (flickering) in a display effect executed by a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 78 is suppressed, and display is performed. The interest of the production can be improved. The lighting control of the illuminant is not limited to the one that is performed at a cycle that is 1/2 of the output cycle of the display data. For example, the output cycle of the display data such as a shorter cycle (for example, a cycle of 1/3). What is necessary is just to be performed with an arbitrary cycle shorter than that.

  The serial output circuit 143 has the lighting generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 in a cycle longer than the time required for the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame to be written in the buffer memory 141. It may be set to output a control signal corresponding to the data. Thus, the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 in a time shorter than the cycle in which the control signal corresponding to the lighting data is output. As a result, even when the buffer memory 141 having a storage data capacity capable of temporarily storing the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is used, the lighting data can be stored in a time shorter than the output period of the control signal corresponding to the lighting data. Generation can be completed.

  The buffer memory 141 has a storage data capacity capable of storing data for light emission control included in display data corresponding to image display for a plurality of frames, such as display data corresponding to image display for two frames. It may be. In this case, a plurality of buffer areas are allocated to the storage area of the buffer memory 141. Each buffer area only needs to have a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for one frame.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads out data stored in another buffer area and converts it into lighting data when data is written in one buffer area among the plurality of buffer areas. May be performed. As a specific example, it is assumed that the buffer memory 141 has a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for two frames. In this case, the storage area of the buffer memory 141 is divided into two areas and assigned to the first buffer area and the second buffer area, respectively. In the first frame period in which display data corresponding to the first frame of the plurality of frames is output from the VDP 130, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is written in the first buffer area. To temporarily store. Next, in the second frame period in which display data corresponding to the second frame following the first frame is output, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is temporarily written in the second buffer area. Remember. In the second frame period, the lighting data generation circuit 142 reads out data stored in the first buffer area where data writing has been completed in the first period, and converts the data into lighting data. Further, in the next frame period, the first buffer area and the second buffer area may be switched to perform data writing and generation (conversion) of lighting data using read data. As described above, the buffer memory 142 may temporarily store the light emission control data by the double buffer method to enable conversion into lighting data. However, in this case, as the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 142 increases, the manufacturing cost also increases. On the other hand, the period during which the light emitter control data is output is set to a time sufficiently shorter than the entire display data output period, and the lighting data generation circuit 142 has a light emitter that is shorter than the display data output period of the VDP 130. In the case of generating the lighting data, it is possible to reduce the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 141 and prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 divides the data into a plurality of data ranges according to the storage position (reading address or the like) of the buffer memory 141 storing the light emission control data separated from the display data. For example, the storage area of the buffer memory 141 is divided into a plurality of buffer memory areas according to the storage address. Based on which data stored in which buffer memory area is read out, the lighting data generation circuit 142 converts the lighting data of the light emitters included in which light emitter block among the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. Specify whether to convert.

  FIG. 25 shows a setting example of the buffer memory area. In the setting example shown in FIG. 25, the storage areas of the buffer memory 141 are divided into eight areas to which area indexes BX0 to BX7 are assigned in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BYX in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The area is divided into eight areas to which BY7 is assigned. Based on the read address of the buffer memory 141 and the like, the lighting data generation circuit 142 combines the area designation information (BXi, BYj) by combining the horizontal area indexes BX0 to BX7 and the vertical area indexes BY0 to BY7 one by one. ) As long as the data stored in the buffer memory 141 can be specified. The subscripts i and j in the area designation information (BXi, BYj) indicate any one of “0” to “7”.

  The display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 is assigned to one of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 for each data range divided into a plurality. The lighting data generation circuit 142 can specify the data range assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 by referring to an address specification table serving as conversion setting information prepared in advance. Based on this identification result, address information of the light emitter driver provided corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 can be designated. The address specifying table may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in or externally attached to the lighting data generation circuit 142.

  FIG. 26 shows a configuration example of the address specification table TA1 referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 142. In the address specifying table TA1, a buffer memory area specified by one area specifying information or two area specifying information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 assigned to the serial output systems K01 to K42. For example, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 26, the light emitter blocks B01 to B08 include the light emitter driver on the upper side of the digit, but do not include the light emitter driver on the lower side of the digit. It consists only of blocks. On the other hand, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 26, the light emitter blocks B09 to B12 include both the light emitter drivers on the upper side of the digit and the lower side of the digit. It consists of a combination. Corresponding to the structure of the light emitter block, one buffer memory area specified by one area designation information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B08. One area designation information is composed of a combination of area indexes BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). On the other hand, two buffer memory areas specified by the two area designation information are allocated to each of the light emitter blocks B09 to B12. The area designation information 2 is configured by combining, for example, one type of area index BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction and two types of area index BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction.

  In the address specification table TA1, the light emitter driver address uniquely determined for each serial output system is assigned to the strobe light emitter driver and the digit light emitter driver provided corresponding to each light emitter block. It has been. As an example, among the light emitter blocks B01 and B02 assigned to the serial output system K01, the light emitter driver address AD1 is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side corresponding to one of the light emitter blocks B01, and the light emission on the digit upper side. The body driver is assigned a light emitter driver address AD2. Of the light emitter blocks B01 and B02 assigned to the serial output system K01, the light emitter driver address AD4 is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side corresponding to the other light emitter block B02, and the light emitter on the upper side of the digit. The driver is assigned the light emitter driver address AD5. As another example, among the light emitter blocks B09 and B10 assigned to the serial output system K05, the light emitter driver address AD1 is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side corresponding to one light emitter block B09, and the digit upper side The light emitter driver address AD2 is assigned to the light emitter driver, and the light emitter driver address AD3 is assigned to the light emitter driver below the digit. Of the light emitter blocks B09 and B10 assigned to the serial output system K05, the light emitter driver address AD4 is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side corresponding to the other light emitter block B10, and the light emitter on the upper side of the digit. The driver is assigned the light emitter driver address AD5, and the light emitter driver below the digit is assigned the light emitter driver address AD6.

  One strobe-side light emitter driver is provided for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84. Therefore, address information for designating one light emitter driver address corresponding to each light emitter block is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side regardless of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. As described above, the same number of address information is assigned to the strobe-side light-emitting driver serving as the drive control circuit regardless of the plurality of light-emitting blocks.

  On the other hand, the light-emitting body driver on the digit side has one light-emitting body driver (only on the upper side of the digit) depending on whether each of the light-emitting body blocks B01 to B84 has one half block or two half blocks. In some cases, two light emitter drivers (upper digit and lower digit) are used. Accordingly, for the light-emitting body driver on the digit side, address information for designating one light-emitting body driver address or 2 light-emitting body driver addresses is designated according to which of the plurality of light-emitting body blocks B01 to B84. Address information to be assigned. As described above, a predetermined number of address information corresponding to a plurality of light emitter blocks is assigned to the digit-side light emitter driver serving as the gradation control circuit.

  Thus, address information designating at least one light emitter driver address is assigned to each of the strobe side light emitter driver and the digit side light emitter driver provided corresponding to one light emitter block. . The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including address information and causes the serial output circuit 143 to output the lighting data to the light emitter driving unit 144.

  The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 includes gradation data indicating the gradation control amount of each light emitting element constituting each of the plurality of light emitters. For example, the gradation data only needs to indicate the output period (pulse width) of the pulse signal in PWM control as the gradation control amount. The lighting data generation circuit 142 refers to a lighting data generation table serving as color conversion setting information prepared in advance based on the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data read from the buffer memory 141. Thus, gradation data indicating the gradation control amount is generated. A plurality of types of lighting data generation tables are prepared in advance, and any one of the lighting data generation tables is selected as a usage table based on a predetermined selection setting.

  FIG. 27A shows a selection setting example of the lighting data generation table. In this setting example, a different lighting data generation table is selected for each emission color of the light emitting elements included in each light emitter. For example, in the case of the light emitter blocks B01 to B06, the lighting data generation table TR01 is selected according to the emission color R (red), and the lighting data generation table TG01 is selected according to the emission color G (green). The lighting data generation table TB01 is selected according to the color B (blue). Each lighting data generation table indicates the gradation control amount of each light emitting element indicating the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data created by the VDP 130 by the gradation data included in the lighting data of the light emitter. It is only necessary to include table data to be converted into The lighting data generation circuit 142 is designated by the lighting data by referring to the selected lighting data generation table based on the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated in the display data read from the buffer memory 141. The gradation control amount is determined.

  The lighting data generation table referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 142 for generating the lighting data may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in or externally attached to the lighting data generation circuit 142. The correspondence relationship between the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated in the display data and the gradation control amount of each light emitting element indicated by the gradation data included in the lighting data of the light emitter is the light emission corresponding to each emission color. It may be determined in advance in consideration of element characteristics (for example, light emission efficiency) and white balance. As an example, a light-emitting diode serving as a light-emitting element constituting each light-emitting body has nonlinear characteristics in which the amount of current increases rapidly when the applied voltage reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, if converted to a gradation control amount proportional to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data, there is a risk that display inconveniences caused by a plurality of light emitters such as overexposure and blackout may occur. is there. Therefore, the lighting data is converted from the display data so that the light emitting elements corresponding to the respective light emission colors constituting each of the plurality of light emitters have a light emission amount equivalent to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data. Setting information for conversion to is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table. In addition, the characteristics of the light emitting element may differ depending on the emission color. Therefore, the display data is converted so that the correspondence with the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data is converted into a gradation control amount depending on the emission color of each light emitting element constituting the light emitter. Setting information for converting from to lighting data is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  In the setting example shown in FIG. 27A, a different lighting data generation table may be selected depending on the light emitter block. For example, in the case of the light emitter blocks B01 to B06, the lighting data generation tables TR01, TG01, and TB01 are selected according to the light emission color. On the other hand, in the case of the light emitter blocks B07, B08, and B15, the lighting data generation tables TR02, TG02, and TB02 are selected according to the emission color.

  In this way, the display data is converted into lighting data using the lighting data generation table that differs depending on the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block. Each of the light emitter units 71 to 78 emits light at the same gradation in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters depending on the size of the region in which the plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged, the order of the light emitter units, and the like. In some cases, the player may have a different impression. Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of each of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block, the lighting data is converted from the display data so that the light emission amount can give an impression as uniform as possible corresponding to the same display color. Setting information for conversion to is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  FIG. 27B shows a comparison between the number of gradations of each display color indicated by the display data and the number of gradations of each emission color by the gradation control of the light emitter based on the gradation data included in the lighting data. ing. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 corresponds to the number of gradations smaller than the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data used for the conversion. The display data output from the VDP 130 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 has a luminance (gradation) of “0” to “255” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The gradation control is made possible in 256 steps so that any one of the levels is achieved. As described above, the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data output from the VDP 130 is “256”. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 is any one of luminance (gradation) from “0” to “63” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Gradation control is made possible in 64 stages so that the level becomes. Thus, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 indicates the number of gradations of “64” which is smaller than “256”.

  Thus, not only the display color levels (RGB values) indicated by the display data, but also the respective light emitters according to the light emission characteristics of each of the plurality of light emitting elements constituting the light emitter, the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters, and the like. Gradation data indicating a gradation control amount corresponding to is generated. Thus, even when light emitters including a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors are aligned in a predetermined region of the light emitter units 71 to 78, the color reproducibility is enhanced and the effect of the production is enhanced. To improve. The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including gradation data to which address information assigned to the light emitter driver above or below the digit is added, and the serial output circuit 143 sends the lighting data to the light emitter driving unit 144. Is output.

  Furthermore, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 includes drive control data for performing dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including drive control data to which address information assigned to the strobe-side light emitter driver is added, and causes the serial output circuit 143 to output the light data to the light emitter drive unit 144.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the display data (image data) having 256 gradations is converted into 64-stage lighting data. It is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the same 256-step lighting data may be generated from the display data having 256 gradations. Further, the lighting data may be converted so that one light emitter corresponds to one pixel of display data (image data), or a plurality of light emitters correspond to one pixel of display data. The lighting data may be converted. Further, the lighting data may be converted so that one light emitter corresponds to a plurality of pixels of the display data.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of the serial signal output operation by the serial output circuit 143. The serial output circuit 143 outputs a clock signal common to each of the serial output systems K01 to K42 as the serial clock SC, for example, as shown in FIG. The serial clock SC output from the serial output circuit 143 is supplied to each of the plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter driver 144 via the serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver receives serial data SD transmitted in synchronization with the serial clock SC.

  On the other hand, the serial output circuit 143, as serial data SD, for example, as shown in FIG. 28B, controls including drive control data and gradation data at different timings depending on each of the serial output systems K01 to K42. Output a signal. When a control signal is output at the same timing to each of the serial output systems K01 to K42, lighting control of a large number of light emitters at the same timing is performed by a large number of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144. May be started. In this case, a large amount of drive current flows as an inrush current in a short period of time, which may cause radio interference due to noise radio waves. In addition, the manufacturing cost may increase as a power supply circuit for generating a large amount of drive current is required. On the other hand, by generating a control signal serving as serial data SD at different timings according to each of the plurality of serial output systems K01 to K42, generation of inrush current is suppressed, generation of noise radio waves, and production. An increase in cost can be prevented.

  In the luminous body drive unit 144, each luminous body driver confirms whether the luminous body driver address indicated by the address information included in the received serial data SD matches the luminous body driver address assigned to itself. To do. At this time, if they match, serial data SD as drive control data and gradation data is taken in and converted into parallel data, and lighting control of the light emitter is performed based on this. For example, the strobe-side light emitter driver drives and controls a plurality of light emitters connected to the strobe signal line by outputting a strobe signal based on the drive control data. Further, the light emitter driver on the upper side or the lower side of the digit outputs a digit signal based on the gradation data, thereby controlling the gradation of the plurality of light emitters connected to the digit signal line. Thus, for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84, dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters is performed, and the light emitter units 71 to 78 included in the movable members 51 to 54 constituting the gaming machine frame 3 and the effect movable mechanism 50. In each of the above, a display effect is performed by lighting the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment.

  20 to 22, specific examples of display effects using the gaming machine frame 3 have been described. Hereinafter, specific examples of display effects by the effect movable mechanism 50 will be described. As an example of a specific display effect by the effect moving mechanism 50, in the retracted state (first state) in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated and the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is visible, the player A display effect using a plurality of light emitters arranged on the movable members 51 to 54 that can be visually recognized is executed in conjunction with the display effect by the main image display device 5MA. In the retracted state, the movable members 51 and 52 are positioned above, and the movable members 53 and 54 of the lower mechanism 50B are positioned below. Thus, when the movable members 51 to 54 are in the retracted state where they are not rotating (when stopped), only the light emitters that are visible from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 among the plurality of light emitters. Control the lighting. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced. As the display effect by the lighting control of the light emitter, for example, characters and symbols are displayed, or blinking and light emission colors in a plurality of light emitters are moved in a predetermined order, so that the display can be adjusted according to the variable display by the main image display device 5MA. A display effect or the like may be executed. Further, when the reach effect is executed, at least one of the movable members 51 to 54 can be moved (vibrated, advanced, etc.), or a character or symbol such as “reach” can be displayed using a plurality of light emitters. Good.

  On the other hand, in the advanced state (second state) in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other and the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is difficult to view or cannot be viewed, the plurality of members disposed on the movable members 51 to 54 are arranged. The display effect using all of the light emitters is executed in conjunction with the display effect by the main image display device 5MA or independently of the display effect by the main image display device 5MA. In the advanced state, the movable members 51 and 52 rotate as the decorative member 57 moves downward in the upper mechanism 50T, and the movable members 53 and 54 of the lower mechanism 50B are positioned above. When the movable members 51 to 54 are in the advanced state in which the movable members 51 to 54 are rotating as described above (when the movable members 51 to 54 are operating), the lighting of all the plurality of light emitters is controlled.

  FIG. 29 shows an example of execution of a display effect in the form of the number “7” by the effect movable mechanism 50. Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state (second state), the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters coincide with each other in the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Therefore, when an integral display effect is executed by the movable members 51 to 54, the display effect can be executed while enhancing the smoothness of the display format. As an integral display effect in the movable members 51 to 54, for example, a symbol such as a character, a figure, or a symbol, a character, or a silhouette thereof is used by using all the regions where a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged on the movable members 51 to 54. Can be displayed.

  The integrated display effect in the movable members 51 to 54 may be started before or while the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B change from the retracted state to the advanced state. As described above, when the movable members 51 to 54 are rotating, regardless of whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is visible from the front, all the plurality of light emitters may be turned on to execute the display effect. Thereby, the effect of the rotation operation of the movable members 51 to 54 can be increased. In addition, by lighting all of the plurality of light emitters regardless of whether or not they can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a player can visually recognize a light emitter that has not been subjected to lighting control by simple control. Can be suppressed.

  As described above, the light emitter control circuit 134 uses the part of the display data created by the VDP 130 to generate lighting data for controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 78. The dynamic lighting control is performed for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84. Therefore, the VDP 130 creates and outputs general-purpose display data in the same manner as the display data of the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, so that the gaming machine frame 3 and the effect movable Since the execution content of the display effect by the mechanism 50 can be set, it is possible to improve the interest by executing various effects while suppressing the circuit configuration from becoming complicated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not have all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and the one described in the above embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. The structure of the part may be provided.

  As a specific example, in the above embodiment, a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 provided on the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 included in the effect movable mechanism 50. explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of light emitters may be arranged and arranged on a light emitter unit provided on one movable member, or a light emitter unit as a fixed display means. A plurality of light emitters may be aligned.

  In the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84 has been described as being configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than each light emitter block. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and among the plurality of light emitter blocks, a single light emitter block is constituted by a combination of a plurality of half blocks and a single light emitter block that is not divided into half blocks. Things may be included. As an example, a region in which 12 (12 columns) light emitters are arranged in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 16 light emitters (16 rows) are arranged in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is a half block. You may set so that the whole may be allocated to one light-emitting body block, without dividing | segmenting into. As described above, a large area where a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged is controlled to light a large number of light emitters without being divided into half blocks. Thereby, the circuit configuration can be simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost, and the processing burden associated with the lighting control can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, a different lighting data generation table is selected depending on the light emitter block by setting as shown in FIG. In this case, for the light emitters corresponding to the same light emitter block, conversion from display data to lighting data is performed using a common lighting data generation table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different lighting data generation tables may be selected in accordance with the arrangement of light emitters corresponding to the same light emitter block. As a specific example, a different lighting data generation table may be selected according to the storage address from which the display data is read from the buffer memory 141. As described above, the setting information for converting the display data into the lighting data may be varied depending on the more detailed arrangement of the light emitters.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 may convert display data into lighting data by a predetermined calculation process instead of the lighting data generation table. A plurality of types of arithmetic processing programs that can be used for conversion from display data to lighting data are prepared in advance, and the lighting data generation circuit 142 is selected according to the emission color or arrangement (such as a light emitter block) of the light emitters. Display data may be converted into lighting data by selecting and executing the arithmetic processing program.

  The present invention is applicable not only to the pachinko gaming machine 1 but also to a slot machine or the like. The slot machine is an arbitrary gaming machine that performs a predetermined game such as variable display of symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information, and can give a predetermined game value based on the game result, more specifically, The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets (the number of medals or the number of credits) for one game, and a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be distinguished from each other ( The display result of a plurality of reels, for example, is derived and displayed, and one game is completed, and a prize is awarded according to the display result (for example, cherry prize, watermelon prize, bell prize, replay prize, BB prize, RB prize, etc.) Is a gaming machine that can be generated. In such a slot machine, the hardware resources including the effect movable mechanism provided on the front side of the slot machine and the software for performing a predetermined process cooperate with each other to display the pachinko shown in the above embodiment. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that all or one part of the characteristics which the gaming machine 1 has may be provided. Specifically, it is only necessary to divide a region in which a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged into a plurality of light emitter blocks, and to perform lighting control using lighting data generated for each light emitter block. .

  The gaming machine frame 3 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to a front door in the slot machine. Therefore, when the characteristic configuration of the above embodiment is applied to a slot machine, for example, a plurality of light emitters are aligned on the front door of the slot machine, and a plurality of regions where the plurality of light emitters are aligned are arranged. It is sufficient that the lighting control is performed using the lighting data generated for each of the light emitter blocks.

  In addition, various presentation operations including the device configuration and data configuration of the gaming machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, the image display operation in the image display device, the sound output operation in the speaker, and the lighting operation in the light emitter unit, etc. Changes and modifications can be arbitrarily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout-type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, but is scored based on the occurrence of winnings by enclosing gaming media It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives Slot machines are not limited to those where bets are set using medals and credits as gaming values, but only slot machines that set betting numbers using gaming balls as gaming values, or only credits as gaming values. It may be a full credit type slot machine that sets the number of bets using. When game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls. For example, when 3 is set as the bet number, the number of bets using 15 game balls is used. Is equivalent to setting The pachinko gaming machine 1 and the slot machine are not limited to those using only one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, but for example, a plurality of types of medals and gaming balls. The game value may be used together. For example, a slot machine can play a game by setting the number of bets using any one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of medals and game balls can be played by winning. Any of the types of gaming value may be paid out.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 or a slot machine. Instead of this, a form distributed by preinstalling in a storage device such as a computer device may be adopted. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, a plurality of light emitters are provided by the plurality of light emitter units 71 to 78 provided on the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 constituting the gaming machine frame 3 and the effect movable mechanism 50. Is divided into a plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. Lighting data used for lighting control of the plurality of light emitters is created for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84. The plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144 controls lighting of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to the respective light emitter blocks B01 to B84 based on the control signal corresponding to the lighting data. In this way, by creating lighting data for each of a plurality of light emitter blocks and controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters, the processing load is distributed by, for example, parallel execution of lighting control, etc. The processing load of lighting control can be reduced.

  In addition, when there is a light emitter block that is not subjected to lighting control of the light emitter in the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 in the effect during the game, the light emitter block of the portion where the lighting control of the light emitter is not performed. The lighting data may not be created, or the lighting data may be created as clear data.

  In the above-described embodiment, various effects such as an integrated effect, an operation promotion effect, and a right-handed promotion effect can be performed using the gaming machine frame 3, so that the player can be focused on the effect. That is, the gaming machine frame 3 in which a plurality of light emitters are arranged has a larger total area than the main image display device 5MA and is visually conspicuous, so that the presentation is executed using only the main image display device 5MA. Compared to the case, if the effect is executed using the gaming machine frame 3, the player can be more focused on the effect.

  Each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 is configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than the light emitter block, such as the half block B11U and the half block B11D illustrated in FIG. Thus, by configuring the light emitter block with a combination of smaller modules, the light emitter block can be assigned flexibly, and the flexibility of arranging a plurality of light emitters can be increased accordingly.

  Half blocks such as the half block B11U and the half block B11D are configured to include the same number of light emitters, for example, a total of 96 light emitters. This makes it possible to create control information for controlling the lighting of light emitters, such as lighting data, in a unified format for a plurality of light emitter blocks, thereby reducing the processing burden of lighting data creation and lighting control. It can be reduced.

  The remaining area where the light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged is assigned a light emitter block so as to be included in a free area in any one of the light emitter blocks. For example, as shown in FIG. Then, a part of display data corresponding to the allocation of the remaining area is moved. Thereby, control information for performing lighting control of the light emitter such as lighting data can be efficiently created, and the processing load for lighting data creation and the processing load for lighting control can be reduced.

  The effect movable mechanism 50 includes a plurality of movable members 51 to 54, and a region where a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 are arranged in each of the movable members 51 to 54 includes a plurality of light emitter blocks. Divide into B01 to B42. In this way, by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged by a plurality of movable members into a plurality of light emitter blocks, creating lighting data for each of the plurality of blocks and controlling the lighting of the plurality of light emitters In addition to improving the interest of production using a plurality of movable members, it is possible to reduce the processing load of lighting data creation and the processing load of lighting control.

  The serial output circuit 143 has a plurality of serial output systems K01 to K42, and outputs a control signal to the corresponding serial signal wiring by a serial signal system. The light emitter drivers provided corresponding to the light emitter blocks B01 to B84 are connected via serial signal wiring corresponding to one serial output system. As a result, lighting control of a plurality of light emitters for each light emitter block assigned to each serial output system distributes processing load by, for example, parallel execution of lighting control, and processing load and lighting of lighting data creation The control processing load can be reduced.

  In each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84, for example, a strobe-side light emitter driver such as the light emitter driver 411S shown in FIG. 13 and a digit-side light emitter driver such as the light emitter drivers 411DU and 411DD shown in FIG. Are used for dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters for each light emitter block. At least one light emitter driver address for each of the strobe side light emitter driver that performs drive control of the light emitters included in the one light emitter block and the digit side light emitter driver that performs gradation control of the light emitters. Is assigned address information. Thereby, drive control and gradation control of the light emitter can be appropriately realized.

  For example, due to the setting of the address specification table TA1 as shown in FIG. 26, for the strobe side light emitter driver, the same number (for example, corresponding to each light emitter block, regardless of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84). Address information for designating the light emitter driver address of “1”) is assigned. Also, address information for designating a predetermined number (for example, “1” or “2”) of light emitter driver addresses corresponding to the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84 is assigned to the light emitter driver on the digit side. Yes. Thereby, according to arrangement | positioning of the several light-emitting body contained in each light-emitting body block, a control signal can be flexibly output by comprising so that the light-emitting body driver on the digit side can be increased / decreased, for example.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs a clock signal common to each of the serial output systems K01 to K42 as the serial clock SC, for example, as shown in FIG. Therefore, even when a plurality of serial output systems K01 to K42 are provided, it is not necessary to provide individual clock generation circuits, clock delay circuits, etc., and the circuit configuration can be simplified to prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 28B, the serial output circuit 143 receives a control signal including drive control data and gradation data at different timings according to each of the serial output systems K01 to K42. Output. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of an inrush current can be suppressed and generation | occurrence | production of a noise electromagnetic wave and an increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented.

  The buffer memory 141 temporarily stores display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system. The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads the display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141, and executes predetermined conversion processing to generate lighting data constituting the lighting control information. In this way, since the display data is converted into lighting data, a plurality of image data similar to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of a general display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) is created. It can be used for lighting control of the light emitter, and can reduce the development load of the gaming machine, the processing load of creating lighting data, and the processing load of lighting control.

  When a plurality of buffer areas are allocated to the storage area of the buffer memory 141 and display data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is temporarily stored in one buffer area, the display data read from other buffer areas is turned on. May be converted to Display data can be temporarily stored by such a double buffer method, and conversion to lighting data can be performed appropriately.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data for controlling the lighting of a light emitter that is applied in a cycle shorter than the frame cycle of the image display device, and causes the serial output circuit 143 to output a control signal based on the lighting data. . Thereby, the flicker in a display effect can be suppressed and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  For example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 is based on which one of the buffer memory areas obtained by dividing the storage area of the buffer memory 141 shown in FIG. By referring to the address specifying table TA as shown in FIG. 26, it is specified which of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B84 is to be converted into lighting data of the light emitter included in which light emitter block. By converting to lighting data using such an address specifying table TA, it is possible to prevent the data processing from becoming complicated, and to reduce the processing load for lighting data creation and the processing load for lighting control.

  The signal separation circuit 140 separates a part of the display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 141. The lighting data generation circuit 142 can convert display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 into lighting data and use it for lighting control of a plurality of light emitters. It is possible to reduce the burden and processing load of lighting control.

  Of the display data created by the VDP 130, the display data stored in the subframe buffer allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 132B and the sub image display data and the light emitter control as shown in FIG. Boundary data having a predetermined data amount, such as 5 dots, is provided between the data and the other data. By separating data having different uses depending on the boundary data, display data converted into lighting data can be easily separated, and the processing load for lighting data creation and the processing load for lighting control can be reduced.

  The VDP 130 creates display data for controlling the light emitter by using image data having a resolution higher than the resolution of display by a plurality of light emitters as the image data used for creating the lighting data. Thus, for example, when the effect image is moved and displayed, the smoothness of the display such as the smoothness of the contour display can be improved, and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 71 to 78 are configured using full-color LEDs each including a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. The lighting data generation circuit 142 selects a different lighting data generation table for each emission color of the light emitting elements based on, for example, the selection setting of the lighting data generation table as shown in FIG. Then, based on the level of each display color indicated in the display data read from the buffer memory 141, the gradation control amount specified by the lighting data is determined by referring to the selected lighting data generation table. Thereby, in consideration of the characteristic of the light emitting element corresponding to each luminescent color, etc., the reproducibility of the color in the display effect using a plurality of illuminants can be improved, and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 corresponds to the number of gradations smaller than the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data used for conversion, for example, as shown in FIG. ing. Thereby, image data similar to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of a general display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) can be created and used for lighting control of a plurality of light emitters. It is possible to reduce the development load of the gaming machine, the processing load for creating lighting data, and the processing load for lighting control.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 27A, a different lighting data generation table may be selected depending on which of the light emitter blocks B01 to B84. In this way, conversion to lighting data using a different lighting data generation table according to the arrangement of a plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block supports the same display color regardless of the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters. By giving a nearly uniform impression, the reproducibility of the color in the display effect using a plurality of light emitters can be improved and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, lighting data creation processing and lighting control processing burden can be reduced by creating lighting data for each of a plurality of light emitter blocks and controlling lighting of the plurality of light emitters. Although the case where it was possible was shown, it does not necessarily need to be able to reduce both the processing load of lighting data creation and the processing load of lighting control, and may be one that can reduce the processing load of either one.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the fluctuation time, the type of reach production, and the presence / absence of pseudo-continuity (the production in which at least one temporary stop and re-fluctuation of a symbol is executed during one variable display). In order to notify the fluctuation pattern indicating the mode to the production control microcomputer, an example of transmitting one fluctuation pattern designation command when the fluctuation is started has been shown, but the fluctuation pattern is produced with two or more commands. You may make it notify to a microcomputer for operation. Specifically, in the case of notifying with two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 is the first command, such as the presence or absence of a pseudo-ream, the presence or absence of a sliding effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reaching) A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command is a so-called “reach” when the reach is reached, such as the type of reach and the presence / absence of a redrawing effect. You may make it transmit the command which shows the variation time after a 2nd stop) and a variation aspect. In that case, the effect control microcomputer may perform effect control in variable display (variable display) based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. Note that the game control microcomputer 100 may notify the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer may select a specific change mode executed at each timing. When two commands are transmitted, the two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is transmitted, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer A second command may be sent (in interrupt). Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to such an example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern with two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  Further, in this specification, “the ratio is different” is not limited to A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%, but the ratio is different from A: B = 70%: 30%. B = 100%: One with a different ratio due to a relationship such as 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation) is also included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5MA ... Main image display device 5SU ... Sub image display device 6A ... Ordinary winning ball device 6B ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball devices 8L, 8R ... Speaker 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Audio control board 15 ... Relay board 16 ... Movable mechanism control board 20 ... Normal symbol display 21 ... Gate switch 22A, 22B ... Start port Switch 23 ... Count switch 50 ... Production movable mechanisms 51-54 ... Movable members 71-78 ... Light emitter unit 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 121 for game control ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104, 124 ... random number circuit 105, 125 ... I / O
120 ... CPU for effect control
123 ... Display control unit 130 ... VDP
131 ... Image data memory 132A ... VRAM
132B ... Frame buffer 133A ... Main LCD drive circuit 133B ... Sub LCD drive circuit 134 ... Light emitter control circuit 140 ... Signal separation circuit 141 ... Buffer memory 142 ... Lighting data generation circuit 143 ... Serial output circuit 144 ... Light emitter drive unit B01- B84 ... Light emitter block K01 to K42 ... Serial output system

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a predetermined game,
A game frame to which a game board can be attached;
Display means for performing a display effect by lighting modes of a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment in the game frame;
Control information creating means for dividing a region where a plurality of the light emitters are arranged into a plurality of blocks, and creating lighting control information of the light emitters for each block;
Lighting control means for performing lighting control of the light emitter based on the lighting control information created by the control information creating means,
The lighting control means can execute an integrated effect by the light emitter and the effect means provided on the game board.

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