JP2015062829A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that enables drawing control processing to be speedily performed.SOLUTION: In a VDP 2000, a frame buffer (1) 153na is an image storage area corresponding to a display list developing work area (1) 154ma, for storing image data on a performance image subjected to drawing control using the display list developing work area (1) 154ma. A frame buffer (2) 153nb is an image storage area corresponding to a display list developing work area (2) 154mb, for storing image data on a performance image subjected to drawing control using the display list developing work area (2) 154mb.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine that uses a game ball to play a game, when the game ball enters (wins) at the start opening, the special symbol display device starts to display the variation of the special symbol, and a predetermined special symbol (big win symbol) When it is stopped and displayed, the special game (big hit) is controlled. In the special game, a prize ball corresponding to the game ball won in the opened big prize opening is paid out to the player.

  In addition, the gaming machine displays various effect images on the liquid crystal display device in accordance with the change display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device in order to increase the expectation of the player for the special game.

  The gaming machine performs drawing control of the image data of the effect image by drawing control based on the specified effect content. Some of these gaming machines include a VDP (Video Display Processor) together with a liquid crystal control CPU, and perform rendering control of an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device.

  A gaming machine that performs rendering control of an effect image by using such a liquid crystal control CPU and VDP usually includes a group of commands (drawing control commands) related to drawing, on which the liquid crystal control CPU is a basis for the image instruction of the effect image. Output image forming information to VDP. As a result, the VDP performs rendering control of the effect image based on the image forming information.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 describes that a design CPU that generates a command list as the above-described image forming information and a VDP that performs image drawing control based on the command list transmitted from the design CPU are described. Yes.

  The VDP described in Patent Document 1 receives a command list transmitted from the symbol CPU and stores it in a data storage memory. The drawing circuit included in the VDP performs drawing processing using the material image data stored in the data storage memory based on each command included in the command list transmitted from the symbol CPU, and the video data for each frame. Are sequentially stored in the frame buffer memory.

JP 2010-22748 A

  However, such a conventional gaming machine transfers the command list for the predetermined unit of image data and stores the image data in the frame buffer, and then transfers the command list for the next predetermined unit of image data. Stores image data in the frame buffer. Therefore, it has been difficult to realize a quick drawing control process.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a quick drawing control process.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes: a receiving unit that receives an instruction to display an effect image based on image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed in the case of an effect using a game medium; A drawing control unit configured to perform drawing control of the effect image based on the received image forming information; and an output unit configured to output the effect image controlled by the drawing control unit. Image forming information received by the means, first storage means for storing the image forming information used for rendering control of the effect image displayed in the effect, and image forming information stored in the first storage means. And second storage means for storing the effect image drawn by the drawing control used, wherein the first storage means displays the effect image in the effect. The first drawing work area used for rendering control of the effect image to be used and the rendering control of another effect image different from the effect image displayed following the effect image controlled to be drawn using the first drawing work area A second drawing work area, wherein the second storage means stores a first image saving area corresponding to the first drawing work area for saving an effect image controlled to be drawn using the first drawing work area. A plurality of image storage areas including a second image storage area corresponding to the second drawing work area for storing the other effect image controlled to be drawn using the second drawing work area; Is a gaming machine that outputs the effect image stored in the first image storage area, and subsequently outputs the other effect image stored in the second image storage area.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the drawing control means receives the image shaping information used for the rendering control of the effect image received by the receiving means. The image forming information stored in the first drawing work area and received by the receiving means and used for drawing control of the other effect image is stored in the second drawing work area.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a quick drawing control process.

It is a front view of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the state where the glass frame provided in the front of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention was opened. It is a perspective view of the back surface side of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination table which performs the hit determination for every special symbol and normal symbol performed in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol determination table which determines the stop symbol of the special symbol in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit game completion setting data table for determining the game state after the big hit game performed with the game machine in embodiment of this invention is complete | finished. It is a figure which shows an example of the special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining a big prize opening opening mode table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the special winning opening opening | release aspect table determined using the special electric accessory operation | movement determination table. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern determination table which determines the fluctuation pattern of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation pattern determination table for determining the fluctuation | variation aspect of the production | presentation symbol displayed in a 1st liquid crystal display device and a 2nd liquid crystal display device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the frame buffer used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the animation information used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the animation pattern determination table which determines the animation pattern which comprises animation information based on a production pattern designation | designated command. It is an example of a display list that is image forming information that is a group of commands (drawing control commands) related to drawing, which is a basis for drawing instructions for effect images. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure at the time of performing drawing control of the effect image based on the display list of the image control board with which the game machine in embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special figure special electricity control process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special symbol memory | storage determination processing performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the continuation of the 1st flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the drawing control process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the interruption process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the time flow of the drawing control process performed with the game machine in this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment (this embodiment) of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a device configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which the glass frame provided on the front surface of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which the game ball 200 flows down is formed. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by pressing operation and a cross key 36 capable of pressing operation in at least two directions (usually four directions) are provided.

  Further, the glass frame 50 is provided with a tray 40 for storing a plurality of game balls 200, and the tray 40 has a downward slope so that the game balls flow down toward the operation handle 3. (See FIG. 2). A receiving opening for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 40, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, so that the glass frame 50 One game ball is sent to the ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface one by one.

  Then, the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having a downward slope toward the launching member 4c. A stopper 43 for stopping and stopping the game ball is provided above the end of the firing rail 42 that is inclined downward, and the game ball sent out from the ball feed opening 41 is the end of the downward inclination of the launch rail 42. One game ball is stopped at the section (see FIG. 2).

  Then, when the player rotates the operation handle 3, the launch volume 3b directly connected to the operation handle 3 also rotates, and the launch intensity of the game ball is adjusted by the launch volume 3b, and the launch is performed with the adjusted launch intensity. The launch member 4c directly connected to the solenoid 4a for rotation rotates. As the launch member 4c rotates, the launch ball 4c launches the game ball stored at the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42, and the game ball is launched into the game area 6.

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

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12.

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

  Also, in the area below the center of the game area 6, there are a first start port 14 and a second start port 15 that constitute a start area where game balls can enter, and a second grand prize that allows game balls to enter. A mouth 17 is provided.

  The second start port 15 includes a pair of second start port movable pieces 15b, and the pair of second start port movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state. The pair of second start opening movable pieces 15b are controlled to move to the “second mode” in which the pair is opened.

  At this time, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of second start port movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and a game ball wins the second start port 15. It becomes easy. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased as compared to the first mode.

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is provided with a second start port detection switch for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 15a is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a special symbol determination random number value is acquired, and a right acquisition lottery (to be described later) Hereinafter, “Lottery for jackpot” is performed.

  In addition, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, the predetermined start port detection switch 12a has a predetermined value in the same manner as when the general winning port detection switch 12a detects the winning of a game ball. Prize balls (for example, three game balls) are paid out.

  In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2.

  A movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is provided at the right end of the second big prize opening 17, and the second big prize prize is moved by moving one of the movable pieces 17b for the second big prize opening as a fulcrum. An open state that makes it easy to win the mouth 17 and a closed state that cannot win a prize are controlled.

  When the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is opened, the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, and the game ball is the second. It is possible to enter the big winning opening 17. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a. When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball ( For example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

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

  For this reason, if the operation handle 3 is rotated largely and a game ball is not launched with a greater force than the game ball is launched in the left area of the game area 6, the game will be displayed in the normal symbol gate 13 and the first big prize opening 16. The ball is configured not to pass or win.

  In particular, even if the short game state, which will be described later, is entered, if the game ball flows down to the left side of the game area 6, the game ball will not normally pass through the symbol gate 13, so that it is at the second start port 15. The pair of second start opening movable pieces 15b are not opened, and it is difficult for a game ball to win the second start opening 15.

The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, which will be described later. “Normal lottery” is performed. This normal symbol gate 13 is also provided in the area on the right side of the game area.
The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first grand prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 Game balls).

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

  In addition, a decoration member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided in the center of the game area 6. A first liquid crystal display device 31 (hereinafter also referred to as “main liquid crystal”) configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the decorative member 7, and the first liquid crystal display device. An effect driving device 33 having a mask shape is provided above 31. A second liquid crystal display device 37 (hereinafter also referred to as “sub liquid crystal”) having a size smaller than that of the first liquid crystal display device 31 is provided below the first liquid crystal display device 31.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the second liquid crystal display device 37 having a size (4.3 inches) smaller than the size (19 inches) of the first liquid crystal display device 31 as an example. The second liquid crystal display device 37 may be larger in size than the first liquid crystal display device 31.

  The first liquid crystal display device 31 displays a demo image during standby when no effects are being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 38 for informing a lottery lottery result to be described later are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 38 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a result of the jackpot lottery. A big hit is announced.

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 38 are displayed in a variable manner by scroll display (rotation display), and a predetermined time has elapsed. Later, the scrolling is stopped, and the effect design 38 is stopped and displayed. Further, by displaying an effect image composed of characters or the like to be displayed during the effect display during the effect symbol 38 display, it is possible to give the player a high expectation that the player may win a jackpot. Yes.

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation by an operation mode using the effect image.

  The effect driving device 33 can move in the vertical direction (of course, not limited to the vertical direction but can be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions), and moves in the vertical direction to the front surface of the first liquid crystal display device 31. Will be. In addition, the effect driving device 33 is equipped with an effect lighting device 34 and lights up in conjunction with the movement of the effect driving device 33 or independently.

The second liquid crystal display device 37 can also be moved by being driven in the same manner as the effect driving device 33. The second liquid crystal display device 37 shown in FIG. The state stored in the mode is shown. From this state, the second liquid crystal display device 37 is spirally rotated, so that it is possible to adopt a vertical orientation in which the long side is in the left-right direction and the short side is in the up-down direction.
The second liquid crystal display device 37 moves to the front surface of the first liquid crystal display device when the vertical orientation is achieved.

  Further, the relationship between the position of the second liquid crystal display device 37 in the vertical orientation and the position when the effect driving device 33 moves downward is determined by placing the second liquid crystal display device 37 on the front surface of the effect driving device 33. The relationship may be an arrangement relationship, or conversely, an effect drive device 33 may be arranged on the front surface of the second liquid crystal display device 37.

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

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

  The first special symbol display device 20 informs the result of the jackpot lottery performed when a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and is a plurality of lighting composed of LEDs or the like. It is comprised by the member. One or more predetermined lighting members blink according to the result of the lottery lottery, and the lighting members in the blinking state are lit simultaneously with the stop display of the effect symbol 38.

  The first special symbol display device 20 can also be configured by a 7-segment LED. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

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

  The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  In the present embodiment, “big hit” means the right to execute a big hit game in the big win lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. Say that you have won. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). A predetermined time is set for the maximum opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed.

  In other words, the “big hit game” is a game in which a game ball can enter the first grand prize winning opening 16 or the second big winning prize opening 17 and the player can acquire a winning ball according to the winning prize.

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

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

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld.

  More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.

  For both of these holds (first hold and second hold), the upper limit hold number is set to four, and the hold numbers are respectively set to the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Is displayed.

  When there is one first hold, the leftmost LED of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the leftmost end of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 The two LEDs turn on. When there are three first holds, three LEDs blink from the leftmost end of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first Four LEDs blink from the leftmost end of the special symbol hold indicator 23.

  The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.

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

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

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1), and the left-right direction with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum. The other end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 52, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2.

  On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 that detects whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The main CPU 110a can perform a jackpot lottery on the holding ball before the lottery process on the holding ball and pre-acquire (pre-read) the lottery result. The image is sent to the image control board 150 via the control board 120.

  The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games. For example, (1) a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, (2) a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery, (3) a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and (4) a jackpot end Big hit game end setting data table for determining the subsequent gaming state, (5) Special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the opening / closing doors of the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17 , (6) a big prize opening opening mode table for designating an opening mode of the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17, (6) a variation pattern determining table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols, and the like. Yes.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

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

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table for performing a hit determination for each special symbol and normal symbol performed in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 (a-1) and FIG. 5 (a-2) are diagrams showing a jackpot determination table used for the “big winner lottery”.

  FIG. 5A-1 is a jackpot determination table (a jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device) referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. It is a jackpot determination table (a jackpot determination table for the second special symbol display device) referred to in the special symbol display device 21. In the tables of FIG. 5 (a-1) and FIG. 5 (a-2), although the winning probabilities for small hits are different, the jackpot probabilities are the same.

  Specifically, the big hit determination table is for determining “big hit”, “small hit”, or “losing” based on the current probability gaming state and the acquired random numbers for determining special symbols.

  For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5 (a-1), in the low probability gaming state, all the special symbol determinations “7” and “8” are performed. On the other hand, when the random number value is determined to be a jackpot, all the 20 special symbol determination random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be a jackpot when the gaming state is a high probability game state.

  Further, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5 (a-1), the special symbol determination for either the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state. When the random number values are all four special symbol determination random values of “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”, it is determined as “small hit”. Although not shown, when the random number is other than the special symbol determination random number shown above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is “0” to “598”, the probability of being determined as “big hit” in the low-probability gaming state is “1 / 299.5” and high The probability of being determined as “big hit” in the probability gaming state is “1 / 29.9”, which is approximately 10 times.

  Further, in the first special symbol display device 20, the probability of being determined as “small hit” is “1 / 149.75” regardless of whether the gaming state is the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state.

  Next, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a hit determination table used for “ordinary symbol lottery”.

  Specifically, the winning determination table is for determining “winning” or “losing” based on the presence / absence of the short-time gaming state and the acquired random number for normal symbol determination.

  For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 5B, in the non-short-time gaming state, one normal symbol determination random value of “0” is determined to be a win, while in the short-time gaming state. In some cases, it is determined that all 65535 normal symbol determining random numbers from “0” to “65534” are hits. Although not shown, if the random number is other than the normal symbol determining random number shown above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the normal symbol determination random number value is “0” to “65535”, the probability of being determined as “winning” in the non-time saving gaming state is “1/65536”, and the time saving gaming state The probability of being determined as “winning” at the time of is “65535/65536”.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 6B is a symbol that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit. FIG. 6C is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a symbol to be stopped when a loss occurs.

  Specifically, according to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6, a special ball display device type (a type of a start opening in which a game ball has won) and a game ball at the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number value or the small bonus symbol random number value acquired when the ball is entered.

  For example, the first special symbol display device 20 refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6A in the case of “big hit”, and if the acquired big hit symbol random number value is “55”, the stopped symbol data As “03” (special symbol 3 (first probability variation 3)).

  Further, in the first special symbol display device 20, when “small hit”, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6B is referred to, and if the acquired random number value for small hit symbol is “50”, it is stopped. The symbol data is determined as “08” (special symbol B (small hit B)).

  In the case of “losing”, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6C is referred to, and “00” (special symbol 0 (losing)) is determined as stop symbol data. That is, in the case of “losing”, any random number value is determined as stop symbol data of “00”.

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

  As will be described later, the game state after the jackpot game (see FIG. 7) and the type of jackpot game (see FIG. 8) are determined by the type of special symbol (stop symbol data). It can be said that the type determines the gaming state after the jackpot game ends and the type of jackpot game.

  FIG. 7 is a jackpot game end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot game ends.

  Based on the special symbol type (stop symbol data) and the state stored in the game state buffer, the high probability game flag setting, the number of high probability games (X ), A short-time game flag, and a short-time count (J) are set.

  Here, the “gaming state buffer” is information indicating the gaming state at the time of winning the big hit. The gaming state includes a combination of a short-time gaming state (or a non-short-time gaming state) and a high probability gaming state (or low probability gaming state).

  Specifically, if the gaming state buffer is “00H”, it indicates the gaming state information of the low-probability gaming state and the non-short-time gaming state in which both the short-time gaming flag and the high-probability gaming flag are not set. If the gaming state buffer is “01H”, the short-time gaming flag is not set, but the high-probability gaming flag indicates gaming state information of the high-probability gaming state and the non-short-time gaming state that are set. If the gaming state buffer is “02H”, it indicates gaming state information of a low-probability gaming state and a short-time gaming state in which the short-time gaming flag is set but the high-probability gaming flag is not set. If the game state buffer is “03H”, it indicates the game state information of the high-probability gaming state and the short-time gaming state in which both the short-time gaming flag and the high-probability gaming flag are set.

  In the jackpot game end setting data table shown in FIG. 7, even if the type of the same special symbol, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games (J) are made different based on the information stored in the game state buffer. Is possible.

  Specifically, when the type of the special symbol is special symbol 3 (corresponding to stop symbol data 03, first probability variation jackpot “3”), regarding the high probability game flag and the high probability game number (X), Regardless of the information stored in the state buffer, the high probability game flag is set after the jackpot game ends, and the high probability game count (X) is set to “10000 times”.

  On the other hand, regarding the short-time game flag and the short-time number of times (J), if information (“00H” or “01H”) indicating a game state in which the short-time game flag is not set is stored in the game state buffer, Does not set the short-time game flag, and sets the short-time number (J) to “0”. On the other hand, if information (“02H” or “03H”) indicating the gaming state in which the short-time gaming flag is set is stored in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming flag is set after the big hit game is finished. , The number of time reduction (J) is set to “10000 times”.

  Thereby, the number of time reductions (J) can be changed according to the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot, and the player can be interested in the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot.

  FIG. 8 is a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the special winning opening opening mode table.

  With reference to the special electric accessory operating mode determination table shown in FIG. 8, the special winning opening opening mode table is determined based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

  As will be described later, since the jackpot game is executed on the basis of the big prize opening manner table, it can be said that the big prize opening manner table indicates the type of the big prize game.

  Further, the special electric accessory actuating mode determination table shown in FIG. 8 is characterized in that, in the second special symbol display device 21 that is actuated when a game ball enters the second starting port 15, the “short hit table” is used. "Is not determined.

  This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no gaming ball enters the second starting port 15, but “short hit” is determined when a gaming ball enters the second starting port 15. This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the second special symbol display device 21 is configured not to determine the “short hit table”. Of course, the second special symbol display device 21 also determines the “short hit table”. You may comprise. However, in the case of determining the “short hit table” in the second special symbol display device 21, compared with the first special symbol display device 20 that is activated when a game ball enters the first start port 14, By configuring the “short hit table” to be difficult to determine for the reasons described above, it is possible to prevent a decrease in game motivation.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of the big prize opening opening mode table determined in FIG. 8, and the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b or the movable piece for the second big winning opening is determined by this big winning opening opening mode table. The open / close condition of 17b is determined.

  FIG. 9A shows a big winning opening opening determination table group for jackpots that is referred to in the jackpot game, and is composed of a long winning table, a short winning table, and an advanced winning table.

  FIG. 9B shows a big winning opening releasing mode determination table group for small hits determined at the small hit game.

  Then, a long hit game is executed based on the long hit table, a short hit game is executed based on the short hit table, a development game as described later is executed based on the developed hit table, The small hit game is executed based on the winning opening opening mode determination table.

  In the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9 (a), the type of the big winning opening to be opened (the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17) and the one big win game The maximum number of round games (R), the specified number indicating the maximum number of winnings in the big winning opening in one round, the start interval time from the start of the big hit game to the execution of the first round game, and in each round game Maximum number of times of opening of the grand prize opening (K), opening time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game, and closing time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game And the closing interval time of the big prize opening from the end of one round game to the execution of the next round game, and the end interval time from the end of the last round game to the end of the jackpot game Are 憶.

  On the other hand, in the large winning opening opening determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 9B, the type of the large winning opening to be opened (the first large winning opening 16 or the second large winning opening 17), The maximum number of times of opening (K) in a single small hit game, a specified number indicating the maximum number of winning points in a single winning game, and the first large winning opening is opened from the start of the small hit game Until the end of the small hit game from the end of the closing time of the last prize winning opening and the closing time of the last prize winning opening The interval time is stored.

  Here, according to the long winning table of the big winning prize opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9A, the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b is operated, and the first winning prize opening / closing door 16b is located on the right side of the game area 6. The grand prize winning opening 16 can be opened up to a maximum of “approximately 29 seconds” per round.

  However, when the specified number (9) of game balls have won the first grand prize opening 16 before the opening time has passed “approximately 29 seconds”, the operation of the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is terminated. The game for one round will end.

  Here, the short win table of the big winning prize opening manner determination table for jackpots shown in FIG. 9A and the big winning opening release mode determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 9B are the maximum number of round games ( R), the maximum number of times of opening (K), the closing interval time, and the closing time of the big winning opening at each opening number, there are data differences, but the same second big winning opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (second large) The winning opening 17 repeats “opening for 0.052 seconds” and closing for “2.0 seconds” for “15 times”), and the player is “short win game” or “small hit game” from the appearance. Cannot be determined.

  Thereby, it is possible to cause the player to guess whether the game is “short hit game” or “small hit game”.

  In this embodiment, the opening time in the “short hit game” and the opening time in the “small hit game” are set to the same opening time (“0.052 seconds”), and the closing time in the “short hit game” An example is shown in which the closing time in the “small hit game” is set to the same closing time (“2 seconds”).

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a time difference that the player cannot discriminate between “short win game” and “small hit game” may be provided.

  In addition, the per-development table of the big winning prize opening mode determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9A is also the above-described short winning game and small winning game until the third big winning opening is opened (K = 3). The second grand prize opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (the second big prize opening 17 repeats an opening time of “0.052 seconds” and a closing time of “2.0 seconds”), and the player looks Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the game is “game per development, game per short, or game per short”.

  However, from the opening of the fourth grand prize opening (maximum number of round games (R) = "2", maximum number of big winning openings (K) = "1"), the opening of the big prize opening for games per development The time becomes longer ("approximately 29 seconds"), and the game per development can be discriminated from the short win game and the small hit game.

  For this reason, a game that first causes the player to recognize that the game is a short hit game or a small hit game, and then causes the player to recognize that the game ball is a jackpot game that can be acquired (this game is referred to as “game per development”). It can be performed.

  In this embodiment, until the opening of the big prize opening where the game per development becomes indistinguishable from the short hit game and the small hit game, the opening time of the big prize opening of the game per development is reduced to the short win game and the small hit game. The opening time is set to the same opening time ("0.052 seconds") and the closing time of the big winning opening for games per development is the closing time of the big winning opening for short win games and small hit games And the same closing time ("2 seconds"). However, even if the game is not set at the same time, a difference in time in which the player cannot determine whether the game per development, the game per short hit, or the game per small hit may be provided.

  In addition, the short opening time (“0.052 seconds”) of “short win game” and “small hit game” and the short opening time (“0.052 seconds”) of the first half of “game per development” are as described above. Thus, even if the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is actuated, it is necessary to win the second big prize opening 17 because it is shorter than the time for which one game ball is fired ("approximately 0.6 seconds"). Is difficult.

  For this reason, it can be said that the opening mode of “short hit game” and “small hit game” and the opening mode of the first half of “game per development” are “unfavorable opening mode” for the player.

  On the other hand, the long release time of “game per long” (“approximately 29 seconds”) and the long release time of the latter half of “game per development” (“approximately 29 seconds”) are the time (one game ball is fired) ( It is longer than “approximately 0.6 seconds”), and can be said to be an “advantageous release mode” for the player.

  Further, according to the jackpot big winning opening opening determination table shown in FIG. 9A, the maximum number of round games (R) at the time of all jackpots regardless of the long win game, the short win game, or the development game. ) Is set to the same number of times. For this reason, there is no need to provide a display device for identifying the number of round games as in the prior art.

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

  Specifically, according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, the special symbol display device that operates (the type of the starting opening that the game ball won), the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to stop, and the short-time gaming state Based on the presence / absence, the number of special symbol hold (U1 or U2), the reach determination random number value, and the special symbol variation random value, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined.

  Then, based on the determined special symbol variation pattern, the special symbol variation time is determined, and the special symbol variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 120 is specified. An example of this variation pattern designation command is shown in FIG.

  Therefore, it can be said that the “special symbol variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the special symbol variation time. In addition, since a reach is always performed when a big hit or a small hit, the reach determination random number value is not referred to when a big hit or a small win. The reach determination random number value and the special figure variation random value are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).

  Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is composed of “1 byte” of MODE data for identifying the command classification and “1 byte” of DATA data indicating the content (function) of the command. Yes.

  When the MODE data is “E6H”, a special symbol variation pattern designation command (of the first special symbol display device 20) corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first start port 14 is shown. "E7H" indicates a special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the winning of a game ball in the second start port 15 (second special symbol display device 21).

  Further, the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10 is set so that the variation time of the special symbol is shortened when the jackpot determination result is lost and the game is in the short-time gaming state. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is “2”, if the game is in the short-time game state, the variation time is “3000 ms” with a probability of “95%” based on the reach determination random value. Pattern “9” (shortening variation) is determined. On the other hand, when in the non-time saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds “3000 ms” is determined.

  In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

  The table as described above is stored in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 110.

  Subsequently, the main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a and has a plurality of storage areas.

  As an example of the storage area at this time, for example, in the main RAM 110c, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, the normal symbol hold storage area, the normal symbol data storage area, the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area, first special symbol random value storage area, second special symbol random value storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of times released (K) storage area, first large Number of balls (C) storage area, game state storage area (high probability game flag storage area and time-short game flag storage area), high probability game number (X) counter of the winning opening 16 and the second grand prize opening 17 Various timer counters are provided, such as a short time (J) counter, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a transmission data storage area for effects, a special symbol time counter, and a special game timer counter. That. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

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

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

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby.

  The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .

  The sub CPU 120a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 110 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 35a, the cross key detection switch 36a, and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. And corresponding data (such as an effect pattern designation command to be described later) is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150 based on the processing.

  The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command indicating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the contents of the received fluctuation pattern designation command are analyzed and the first liquid crystal display device 31 is analyzed. The voice output device 32, the effect drive device 33, the effect illumination device 34, and data for causing the second liquid crystal display device 37 to execute a predetermined effect (such as an effect pattern designation command to be described later) are specified. Then, the specified data (effect pattern designation command or the like) is transmitted to the image control board 150 or the lamp control board 140.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a table used when an effect pattern designation command is specified based on the variation pattern designation command at this time.

  The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.

  For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 38 to be stopped and displayed, etc. are stored in the sub ROM 120b. It is remembered.

  In the production pattern determination table at this time, after the jackpot lottery is in the reach state, and the reach performance in the reach state suggests that the jackpot lottery result is “losing”, the revival and the jackpot lottery result is “ In addition to storing the effect pattern (revival jackpot effect pattern) for effecting “big hit”, the effect pattern for effecting switching the game state (game mode) is stored. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The effect control board 120 creates an effect pattern designation command using an effect pattern determination table as shown in FIG. 11 and sends it to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150.

  The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 120a performs arithmetic processing, and has a plurality of storage areas.

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

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an effect pattern determination table for determining a variation mode of the effect symbol 38 displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37.

  The variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1 (0 to 99) shown in FIG. 11 are information received from the main control board 110, and the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on this information. is there.

  In FIG. 11, even when the sub CPU 120a receives the variation pattern designation command of the same special symbol, the variation control pattern can be determined based on the random number value 1 for the effect. The number of special pattern variation pattern designation commands stored in the main control board 110 is reduced compared to the variation effect pattern stored in 120.

  As a result, the storage capacity of the main control board 110 can be reduced, and a variety of effects can be achieved.

  The “variation effect pattern” refers to the effect contents (first liquid crystal display device 31, sound output device 32, effect drive device 33, effect illumination device 34, second liquid crystal display device 37) performed during the change of the special symbol. ) In a specific production mode. For example, in the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, the display mode of the background, the display mode of the character, and the variation mode of the production symbol 38 are determined by this variation effect pattern.

  In addition, the “reach” in the present embodiment refers to a state in which a part of the combination of the effect symbols 38 that informs the transition to the special game is stopped and the other effect symbols 38 are performing the variable display. . For example, when a combination of three effect symbols 38 of “777” is set as a combination of the effect symbols 38 informing that a transition to a jackpot game is made, the two effect symbols 38 are stopped and displayed at “7”. The state in which the remaining effect symbols 38 are variably displayed is called “reach”.

  In this way, when the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on the variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1, the sub CPU 120a specifies the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the variation effect pattern and performs image control. This is transmitted to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a of the substrate 150.

  Specifically, in the effect pattern designation command, “1 command” is composed of 2 bytes of data, and “1 byte” of MODE data for identifying the control command classification and the control command to be executed. It consists of “1 byte” of DATA data indicating the contents.

  Further, as the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the change effect pattern, “MODE” is set to “A1H” in the case of the change effect pattern based on the change pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, and the second special When the variation effect pattern is based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the symbol display device 21, “MODE” is set as “B1H”, and “DATA” is set according to the identification number of the variation effect pattern.

  Although illustration is omitted, in addition to the effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the variable effect pattern, the MODE setting value is changed, and “effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the demo effect pattern (MODE = 01H)”, "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit start effect pattern (MODE = 0H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to jackpot effect pattern (MODE = 03H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit end effect pattern ( MODE = 04H) ”and the like, and the sub CPU 120a transmits the various effect pattern designation commands to the image control board 150.

  Subsequently, the payout control board 130 shown in FIG. 4 performs payout control of the game ball. The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 132, the door opening switch 133, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110.

  Further, a payout motor 131 of a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the game ball storage unit is connected to the output side of the payout control board 130. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device to give a predetermined game ball. Pay out.

  At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a firing control board 160 that inputs signals from the touch sensor 3a and the firing volume 3b and outputs signals to the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b is connected to the payout control board 130. ing. When the power is supplied from the power supply board 170 to the launch control board 160, the launch control of the game ball is performed.

  The image control board 150 is connected to the first liquid crystal display device 31, the second liquid crystal display device 37, and the audio output device 32, and based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120, the first liquid crystal display device. 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 and the sound output device 32 perform sound output control.

  At this time, the image control board 150 and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 have a general purpose bridge function for converting the image data into a predetermined image format and outputting it when displaying the image data. A substrate 39 is provided.

  The general-purpose board 39 has a bridge function for converting to an image format corresponding to the performance of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 for displaying image data. For example, SXGA (1280 dots × 1080) Dot) 19-inch main liquid crystal connected as the first liquid crystal display device 31, and XGA (1024 dots × 768 dots) 17-inch main liquid crystal connected as the first liquid crystal display device 31. Absorb differences.

  The image control board 150 includes a liquid crystal control CPU 150a for instructing image drawing, a liquid crystal control RAM 150b, and a liquid crystal display in order to perform image display control of effect images displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. From the control ROM 150c, the CGROM 151, the crystal oscillator 152, the VRAM 153, an image control unit (VDP (Video Display Processor)) 2000 (hereinafter referred to as “VDP2000”) that controls rendering of the effect image, and the audio output device 32 And a sound control circuit 3000 that performs control to output sound information.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150 a generates a display list, which will be described later, based on the “effect pattern designation command” received from the effect control board 120, and transfers this display list to the VDP 2000. The VDP 2000 performs drawing control processing on the image data stored in the CGROM 151 based on the display list transferred from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, and displays the drawing-controlled images in the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device. Control to display on at least one of 37 is performed.

  Further, upon receiving a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 2000, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a appropriately performs an interrupt process.

  Further, the liquid crystal control CPU 150 a also instructs the sound control circuit 3000 to output predetermined sound data to the sound output device 32 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.

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

  The liquid crystal control ROM 150c is configured by a mask ROM or the like, and includes a control processing program for the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, a display list generation program for generating a display list, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of an effect pattern, which will be described later. Anime scene information etc. are stored.

  This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. In the animation scene information, a wait frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, and effect image are displayed. Information such as information specifying a display device is stored.

  An example of this animation information will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the CGROM 151 is composed of a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like, and compresses image data (sprite, movie), etc. composed of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 pixels × 32 pixels). And remember. The pixel information is composed of color number information for designating a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image.

  The CGROM 151 is read by the image control unit 2000 in units of image data, and image processing is performed in units of image data of this frame.

  Further, the CGROM 151 stores palette data in which color number information for designating color numbers and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other without being compressed.

  Note that the CGROM 151 may have a configuration in which only a part of the image data is compressed without being compressed. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal to the VDP 2000 and divides the pulse signal to synchronize with the system clock for the VDP 2000 to control and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A synchronization signal or the like is generated.

  The VRAM 153 is composed of an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed. The VRAM 153 is configured by a memory map as shown in FIG. 12, for example.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a frame buffer used in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12A shows a case in which image data is displayed using one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, and in particular, only the first liquid crystal display device 31 has an image control board. When the image data received from 150 is displayed, that is, the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are not connected as shown in FIG. 4 is a memory map in a configuration in the case where the liquid crystal display device 37 is not provided.

  The memory map shown in FIG. 12A includes an image data development area 153b consisting of arbitrary areas, a display list storage area 153a, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) area 1531c, and a main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12). A region 1532c, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) region 1531d, a main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532d, and other regions are included.

  The image data development area 153b is an area for storing image data expanded by an expansion circuit (described later) included in the VDP 2000. The display list storage area 153a temporarily stores the display list output from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. This is the area to be stored in

  Also, the first main liquid crystal frame buffer (11) region 1531c, the second main liquid crystal frame buffer (12) region 1532c, the first main liquid crystal frame buffer (21) region 1531d, the second main liquid crystal frame buffer (22) ) Area 1532d is a work area for drawing an effect image to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 based on the first display list stored in the display list storage area 153a.

  Incidentally, pallet data etc. are memorize | stored in other area | regions, for example.

  The main liquid crystal first and second frame buffer areas (main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) area 1531c and main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) area 1532c, or main liquid crystal first frame buffer ( 21) The area 1531d and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) area 1532d are alternately switched to a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” each time drawing is started. When this frame buffer functions as a drawing frame buffer, the other frame buffer functions as a display frame buffer.

  The main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) region 1531c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer region (12) 1532c are regions of a frame buffer (1) 153na of FIG. The buffer (21) 1531d and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) 1532d are areas of a frame buffer (2) 153nb described later.

  FIG. 12B shows a case where the image data received from the image control board 150 is displayed on both the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, that is, as shown in FIG. As shown, the memory map in the configuration in which the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are connected.

  Also in FIG. 12B, similar to the memory map shown in FIG. 12A, the image data expansion area 153b, the display list storage area 153a, the main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) area 1531c, A main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) region 1532c, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) region 1531d, a main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532d, and other regions are provided. Further, the memory map of FIG. 12B shows a sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) region 1531e, a sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) region 1532e, and a sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) region 1531f. The sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532f and other regions.

  Image data development area 153b, display list storage area 153a, main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) area 1531c, main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) area 1532c, main liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) area 1531d The main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532d and other regions are the same as those in FIG. Also, the first sub-liquid crystal frame buffer (11) region 1531e, the second sub-liquid crystal frame buffer (12) region 1532e, the first sub-liquid crystal frame buffer (21) region 1531f, and the second sub-liquid crystal frame buffer (22) ) Area 1532f is a work area for drawing an effect image to be displayed on the second liquid crystal display device (sub liquid crystal) 37 based on the display list stored in the display list storage area 153a.

  The first and second frame buffer areas for the sub liquid crystal (the first frame buffer area (11) 1531e for the sub liquid crystal and the second frame buffer area (12) 1532e for the sub liquid crystal, or the first frame for the sub liquid crystal. The buffer area (21) 1531f and the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer area (22) 1532f) are alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” each time drawing is started. That is, when one frame buffer functions as a drawing frame buffer, the other frame buffer functions as a display frame buffer.

  In addition to the above, the first liquid crystal display device 31 as shown in FIG. 12B may be configured without the second liquid crystal display device 37, that is, with only the first liquid crystal display device 31. It is also possible to use a memory map having a frame buffer of the second liquid crystal display device 37.

  In this case, the sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer area (11) 1531e, the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer area (12) 1532e, the sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer area (21) 1531f, the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer area. (22) 1532f is not used as a work area.

  The VDP 2000 is a so-called image processor, and performs image drawing processing based on an instruction from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. For the first liquid crystal display device 31, the VDP 2000 is either the main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) region 1531c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) region 1532c, or the main liquid crystal first frame buffer. (21) Image data is read out from the “display frame buffer” which is one of the area 1531d and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) area 1532d.

  The VDP 2000 generates a video signal (such as an LVDS signal or an RGB signal) based on the image data read from the “display frame buffer”, and the VDP 2000 includes the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. It is output and displayed on at least one side.

  The VDP 2000 includes a transmission / reception control unit 155, a control register (not shown), a CG bus I / F, a clock generation circuit, an expansion circuit, a drawing circuit, a display circuit, and a memory controller, which are connected by a bus.

  The control register is a register for the VDP 2000 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register. The liquid crystal control CPU 150 a can write and read data to and from the control register via the transmission / reception control unit 155.

  This control register is a "system control register" that performs basic settings necessary for the operation of the VDP2000, a "data transfer register" that performs settings necessary for data transfer, and a setting for controlling drawing A “drawing register” (drawing register 154) for performing a setting, a “bus interface register” for performing settings necessary for bus access, a “decompression register” for performing settings necessary for decompressing a compressed image, and display control There are six types of registers, “display registers”, which are used for setting.

  The CG bus I / F is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 151, and image data from the CGROM 151 is input to the VDP 2000 via the CG bus I / F.

  The transmission / reception control unit 155 is an interface circuit for communication with the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. The liquid crystal control CPU 150a transmits (transfers) the display list to the VDP 2000 via the transmission / reception control unit 155, or accesses the control register. Also, data such as various interrupt signals from the VDP 2000 is input to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a via the transmission / reception control unit 155.

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

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

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

  The drawing circuit is a circuit that performs sequence control based on a display list composed of drawing control commands.

  The display circuit converts color data of an image as a video signal from image data (digital signal) stored in a frame buffer functioning as a “display frame buffer” among the main liquid crystal and sub liquid crystal frame buffers in the VRAM 153. The video signal shown is generated.

  The display circuit is a circuit that outputs the generated video signal to the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. Further, the display circuit also outputs a synchronizing signal (vertical synchronizing signal, horizontal synchronizing signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the first liquid crystal display device 31, and synchronizing signal (for synchronizing with the second liquid crystal display device 37). Vertical sync signals, horizontal sync signals, etc.) are also output.

  The memory controller performs control to switch between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when an instruction to switch the frame buffer is given from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  The sound control circuit 3000 is provided with an audio ROM (not shown) in which a large number of audio data is stored. The sound control circuit 3000 is based on an audio output instruction command transmitted from the effect control board 120. While reading a predetermined program, the audio output control in the audio output device 32 is performed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing animation information used on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The animation pattern shown in FIG. 13 (a) includes the timing of displaying the effect image in addition to the object that is the configuration information constituting the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. This is information specifying a scene as a scene, and is image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed at the time of effect.

  A group (hereinafter also referred to as “animation group”) is formed by bundling one or a plurality of the animation patterns. For example, in FIG. 13A, a background group for displaying a background animation, a notice A notice group A for displaying the animation of the character used for A, a notice group B for displaying the animation of the character used for notice B, a reach group for displaying the animation of the reach character, and an animation of the big hit effect are displayed. The effect symbol group for displaying the animation of the big hit effect group for the effect symbol 38 is shown.

  Of course, these are merely examples of groups, and many other groups are provided.

  This animation group is stored in the liquid crystal control ROM 150c.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives the effect pattern designation command from the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120, determines one or more animation groups to be executed based on the effect pattern designation command, and determines the animation pattern from each animation group. To decide.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an animation pattern determination table for determining an animation pattern constituting animation information based on the effect pattern designation command.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines one animation pattern from a plurality of animation patterns in each animation group as shown in FIG. 13A based on the effect pattern designation command received from the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120.

  For example, when the liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives an effect pattern designation command (A1H05H), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines an animation pattern of each animation group constituting animation information based on the effect pattern designation command (A1H05H).

  For example, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, for the animation information of the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 based on the effect pattern designation command (A1H05H), “animation pattern 2” in the background group and “animation pattern” in the reach group. 33 ”and“ animation pattern 502 ”are determined in the production symbol group. For the animation information of the effect image displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37, the “animation pattern 34” is determined in the reach group.

  Further, for example, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, for the animation information of the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 based on the effect pattern designation command (A1H06H), “animation pattern 1” in the background group and in the notice A group “Anime pattern 11” and “anime pattern 21” are determined in the notice B group. For the animation information of the effect image displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37, “animation pattern 501” is determined in the effect symbol group.

  13 (b) to 13 (d) and 13 (e), when the effect pattern designation command “A1H07H” is received among the effect pattern designation commands designated in the effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. An example of the determined animation pattern is shown in FIG.

  This effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) is a command for instructing to perform a normal variation effect by the variation effect pattern of “variation effect pattern 7”, and includes, for example, components used when performing the normal variation effect. It is an animation group, and specifies at least one of the animation groups separated for each role used for variable production.

  That is, the liquid crystal control ROM 150c stores an animation group correspondence table (not shown) in which an effect pattern designation command and an animation group used for the effect pattern of the effect pattern designation command are associated with each other. The animation group to be used for the production pattern designation command is determined using this animation group correspondence table.

  For example, when receiving the effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the variable effect pattern “7”, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines four groups of “background group, notice A group, notice B group, effect symbol group”. The animation pattern can be determined from each of these anime groups.

  As an example, “animation pattern 1” is determined from the background group, “anime pattern 11” is determined from the notice A group, “anime pattern 21” is determined from the notice B group, and “anime pattern 501” is determined from the directing design group. To decide.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 (b) to 13 (d) and 13 (e), the animation pattern includes a combination of animation scene information, a display order of each animation scene information, information specifying a display device to be displayed, and the like. Is remembered.

  For example, in the animation pattern of the effect symbol group shown in FIG. 13E, “sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37)” is designated in the information designating the display device to be displayed. The scene 501 is executed, the animation scene 511 is executed second after the animation scene 501, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37).

  The liquid crystal control RAM 150 b has a “scene switching counter” that counts and updates every frame, and this “scene switching counter” counts 540 while the first animation scene 501 is being executed. As a result, the animation scene is switched to the second animation scene 511.

  When “60” (for 60 frames) is counted by the “scene switching counter” while the second animation scene 511 is being executed, the animation scene of the animation pattern of the effect symbol group ends.

  Note that “one frame” is the update timing of the display device (update timing of the vertical synchronization signal). For example, when the first liquid crystal display device 31 displays 60 frames per second, “1/60”. One frame is updated every second (about 16.6 ms).

  In the above example, one frame is updated every "1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms)". However, the present invention is not limited to this, and "1/30 seconds (about 33. The configuration may be such that one frame is updated every 3 ms). In this case, the display device displays 30 frames per second.

  Each animation scene stores animation scene information. As animation information, a weight frame (display time) updated for each frame, target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters, and the like. (Sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, information for designating a display device for displaying the effect image, and the like are stored.

  For example, in the animation scene shown in FIG. 13 (e), first, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol are given coordinates (the first symbol is coordinates (x30, y30), the second symbol. Is displayed at coordinates (x40, y40), the third symbol at coordinates (x50, y50), and the fourth symbol at coordinates (x60, y60) for 20 frames (approximately 0.33 seconds).

  Then, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol are different coordinates (the first symbol is coordinates (x31, y31), the second symbol is coordinates (x41, y41), the third symbol is coordinates ( x51, y51), the 4th symbol continues to be displayed for 15 frames (about 0.25 seconds) at coordinates (x61, y61)).

  Similarly, when the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol continue to be displayed at the designated coordinates for the predetermined frame, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, The animation is such that the symbol and the fourth symbol are moved and displayed.

  In addition, in each of the “background group, notice A group, notice B group” animation patterns shown in FIGS. 13B to 13D, “main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display) in the information designating the display device to be displayed. Device 31) ”is designated, and in the background group,“ 600 ”frames of the animation scene 1 are executed as shown in FIG. 13B, and in the notice group A, the animation scene 0 is shown in FIG. 13C. After the “120” frame is executed, the animation scene 11 is executed for the “180” frame. In the notice B group, as shown in FIG. 13D, after the animation scene 0 is executed for the “180” frame, the animation scene 21 is “240”. The frame is executed, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31).

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 13B to 13D, “animation pattern 1 in the background group, animation pattern 11 from the notice A group, and animation pattern 21 from the notice B group”. A plurality of animation patterns are determined and the animations of these animation patterns are executed in parallel in time series, whereby an effect image based on the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31). As shown in FIG. 13 (e), the animation pattern “animation pattern 501 from the production pattern group” is determined, and the animation pattern is executed to execute the animation pattern on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37). An effect image based on is displayed.

  As a result, images of BG1 (mountains) and BG2 (clouds) continue to be displayed in the display area of the first liquid crystal display device 31 from the start to the end of the animation pattern, and 2 seconds from the start of the animation pattern. An image that performs animation for displaying the notice of character A after (120 frames) is displayed for 3 seconds (180 frames), and 4 images that perform animation for displaying the notice of character B after 3 seconds (180 frames) from the start of the animation pattern. Seconds (240 frames) are displayed.

  These images are displayed in an overlapping manner in the display area of the first liquid crystal display device 31, and the first drawn image is overwritten by an image drawn later and cannot be visually recognized as an image. Become.

  Furthermore, in the display area of the second liquid crystal display device 37, an image for performing the animation of the normal variation display of the effect symbol is performed for 9 seconds (540 frames), and then temporarily stopped for 1 second (60 frames) (stop time). The image that performs the animation is displayed. In addition, although the example which displays only an effect design is shown on the 2nd liquid crystal display device 37, it does not limit to this, For example, the animation pattern 1 which consists of the background group displayed in the 1st liquid crystal display device 31, and an effect The animation pattern 501 may be displayed in parallel in time series from the symbol group.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a display list that is image forming information including a drawing-related command (drawing control command) group that is a basis of a rendering instruction for an effect image, and shows an example of a display list for each display device to be displayed. ing.

  FIG. 15A is an example of a first display list that is image forming information that is a basis of an instruction to draw an effect image to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, and FIG. 15B is a second liquid crystal display. It is an example of the 2nd display list which is the image shaping information used as the basis of the rendering instruction | indication of the production image displayed in the apparatus 37.

  When the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines an animation pattern based on the animation information as shown in FIG. 13 described above, a rendering instruction for rendering a predetermined number of effect images to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, respectively. Each display list is generated. That is, a display list is generated for every predetermined number of frames according to the number of display devices.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a outputs the generated display list to the VDP 2000.

  Here, the display list generation method is such that the liquid crystal control CPU 150a changes the contents of the animation scene at the current number of frames based on the “frame counter” indicating the current frame and the determined animation pattern (animation scene). The display list for the current number of frames is generated by generating the drawing control command according to the priority (drawing order) of each animation group.

  Below, the example of the display list (1st display list) which comprises the effect image displayed in the 1st liquid crystal display device 31 is shown.

  In FIG. 15 (a), as the priority of the animation group shown in FIG. 13 (a), the background group is associated with the lowest “priority 9” data, and the notice A group has “priority 8”. ”, The priority B data is associated with the notice B group, and the same“ priority 1 ”data is associated with the jackpot effect group in the same manner. It shall be.

  In FIG. 15B, as the priority order of the animation group shown in FIG. 13A, the background group is associated with data of “priority level 2” having a low priority level, and the effect symbol group is assigned to the effect symbol group. It is assumed that “priority 1” data having a high priority is associated. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, the display list (in the case where the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group and the animation pattern 501 from the effect design group are displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37 in chronological order in parallel. An example of a second display list) is shown. Of course, when only the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group is displayed, the display list designating only the animation scene 501 of the effect design group, that is, “background group” in the animation group column of FIG. The display list does not include the specified record.

  In FIG. 15 (a), as shown in FIG. 13 (b) to FIG. 13 (d), the background group anime pattern 1, the notice A group from the anime pattern 11, and the notice B group It is assumed that a plurality of anime patterns with the anime pattern 21 have been determined. In FIG. 15B, as shown in FIG. 13E above, the anime pattern 1 of the background group and the animation pattern from the effect design group are displayed. Assume that a plurality of animation patterns 501 are determined.

  Next, as the first display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, the current frame counter (current number of frames) from the animation pattern 1 of the lowest priority animation group (background group). The drawing control commands are generated in accordance with the contents of the anime scenes in the sequence, and when the drawing control commands up to the highest priority anime group (big hit effect group) among the determined anime groups are generated, A display list as shown in FIG. 15A is completed by generating a drawing end command.

  Next, as the second display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37, the animation pattern 1 of the animation group (background group) with the lower priority and the current frame counter (current number of frames). Drawing control commands are generated in accordance with the contents of the anime scene, and when a drawing control command for an animation group with high priority (direction design group) is generated among the determined anime groups, the drawing end command is finally given. To complete the display list as shown in FIG.

  Display lists as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B are generated while the liquid crystal control CPU 150a refers to necessary data.

  That is, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a displays a display list (first display list and second display list) in which drawing control command groups as image forming information of the effect image are collected based on the effect pattern designation command transmitted from the effect control board 120. At least one of them). As will be described later, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a transfers the generated display list to the VDP 2000.

  The VDP 2000 performs rendering control of the effect image based on the display list rendering control command transferred from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, and outputs and displays the rendering image on the corresponding display device.

  Hereinafter, an example of the rendering control process of the effect image using the display list performed by the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the image control board 150 that performs rendering control of the effect image based on the display list in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the image control board 150 when rendering the effect image on the first liquid crystal display device 31 based on the first display list. For the sake of simplicity, the configuration of the image control board 150 in the case where an effect image is displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 based on both the display lists of the first display list and the second display list will be described. Is omitted.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a includes an image drawing instruction unit 150d.

  The VDP 2000 includes a transmission / reception control unit 155, an image drawing control unit 2001, a VRAM 153, and a drawing register 154.

  The VRAM 153 has a display list storage area (1) 153ma and a display list storage area (2) 153mb.

  The transmission / reception control unit 155 receives the first display list transmitted from the image drawing instruction unit 150d of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. Then, the transmission / reception control unit 155 supplies the received first display list to the display list storage area (display list storage area (1) 153ma or display list storage area (2) 153mb) of the VRAM 153.

  The VRAM 153 has a plurality of image storage areas including a frame buffer (1) 153na and a frame buffer (2) 153nb. The frame buffer (1) 153na is an image storage area corresponding to the display list development work area (1) 154ma that stores the image data of the effect image that is rendered and controlled using the display list development work area (1) 154ma. The frame buffer (2) 153nb is an image storage area corresponding to the display list development work area (2) 154mb, which stores the image data of the effect image drawn and controlled using the display list development work area (2) 154mb. is there.

  The frame buffer (1) 153na includes the main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) region 1531c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) region 1532c of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the main liquid crystal first frame buffer (11) region 1531c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (12) region 1532c constituting the frame buffer (1) 153na include a predetermined number of frames of image data. Each time drawing is started, the display is alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer”. Therefore, in these two frame buffer areas constituting the frame buffer (1) 153na, when one frame buffer functions as a “drawing frame buffer”, the other frame buffer serves as a “display frame buffer”. Function.

  Similarly, the frame buffer (2) 153nb is composed of the first liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) region 1531d and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532d of FIG.

  As described above, the main liquid crystal first frame buffer (21) region 1531d and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer (22) region 1532d constituting the frame buffer (2) 153nb draw image data of a predetermined number of frames. Each time, the “drawing frame buffer” and “display frame buffer” are alternately switched. Therefore, in these two frame buffer areas constituting the frame buffer (2) 153nb, when one frame buffer functions as a “drawing frame buffer”, the other frame buffer serves as a “display frame buffer”. Function.

  Note that the frame buffer switching in the frame buffer 153 (1) na and the frame buffer (2) 153nb is not limited to the start of drawing a predetermined number of frames of image data. For example, every time drawing or outputting of one frame ends, the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” may be switched, and this switching may be performed the number of times corresponding to the predetermined number of frames.

  The drawing register 154 has a display list development work area (1) 154ma and a display list development work area (2) 154mb.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150 d included in the liquid crystal control CPU 150 a forms an effect image to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 when performing the game machine 1 based on the effect pattern designation command transmitted from the effect control board 120. A first display list is generated.

  Specifically, when receiving an effect pattern designation command from the effect control board 120, the image drawing instruction unit 150d reads a program (display list generation program) for generating a display list stored in the liquid crystal control ROM 150c. Then, the image drawing instruction unit 150d executes this display list generation program on the liquid crystal control RAM 150b.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d generates a first display list based on a predetermined effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120, according to a display list generation program executed on the liquid crystal control RAM 150b.

  That is, the image drawing instruction unit 150d follows the priority (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs (for example, the background group, the notice A group, the notice B group, the reach group, the jackpot effect group, the effect symbol group, etc.) A first display list is generated from display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) for a predetermined frame of the animation scene at the updated address.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d sends the generated first display list to one of the display list storage area (1) 153ma and the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153 via the transmission / reception control unit 155. Forward to. The image drawing instruction unit 150d instructs the VDP 2000 to draw an effect image based on the first display list by transmitting the first display list.

  The above-described memory controller included in the VDP 2000 can also be used as a “DMA controller (not shown)” that directly transfers data (DMA (Direct Memory Access)) directly between memories without using a processor (image drawing control unit 2001). Function.

  In the VDP 2000, the DMA controller performs control to directly transfer the first display list from the display list storage area (1) 153ma of the VRAM 153 to the display list development work area (1) 154ma of the drawing register 154.

  The DMA controller also performs control to directly transfer the first display list from the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153 to the display list development work area (2) 154mb of the drawing register 154.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 of the VDP 2000 performs drawing control of the image data of the effect image based on the first display list stored in the display list storage area (1) 153ma or the display list storage area (2) 153mb. Specifically, the image drawing control unit 2001 sets parameters such as a transmission source address, a transmission destination address, an input / output operation to be performed (write or read), a source of transfer data, and the number of transfer bytes to the DMA controller. .

  The DMA controller arbitrates the bus in VDP2000. The DMA controller determines whether the first display list can be read from the display list storage area (1) 153ma or the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153. When the DMA controller determines that the first display list is readable, the DMA controller reads the first display list from the display list storage area (1) 153ma or the display list storage area (2) 153mb.

  Then, the DMA controller transfers the first display list read from the display list storage area 153ma to a predetermined area in the display list expansion work area 154ma of the drawing register 154 according to the set transmission destination address.

  Further, the DMA controller transfers the first display list read from the display list storage area 153mb to a predetermined area in the display list expansion work area 154mb of the drawing register 154 according to the set transmission destination address.

  In this way, the VDP 2000 transfers (directly transfers) the first display list from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 without going through the processor (image drawing control unit 2001).

  When the direct transfer of the first display list is completed, the DMA controller notifies the image drawing control unit 2001 that the direct transfer is completed. Upon receiving the notification, the image drawing control unit 2001 checks the status of the DMA controller, the display list storage area (1) ma, the display list storage area (2) mb, etc. of the VRAM 153, and the operation necessary for direct transfer has been completed normally. It is determined whether or not. If the DMA controller determines that the operation has been normally completed, the DMA controller ends the series of first display list direct transfer processing.

  Under the control of the DMA controller as described above, the first display list stored in the VRA 153 and used when rendering control of the rendering image is directly transferred to the rendering register 154.

  When the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs the drawing control process of the image data of the effect image, the VDP 2000 directly transfers the first display list from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 2003 without using a processor, a cache memory, or the like. . As a result, the gaming machine 1 can realize the transfer of the first display list at a high speed and with a small processing load, so that the rendering control of the effect image can be performed with high accuracy.

  Since the second display list is also directly transferred in the same manner as the first display list, the gaming machine can achieve an effect equivalent to the rendering control of the effect image using the second display list. It becomes possible.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 is directly transferred from the display list storage area (1) 153ma of the VRAM 153 and based on the drawing control command of the first display list stored in the display list development work area (1) 154ma of the drawing register 154. Performs image data drawing control.

  Similarly, the image drawing control unit 2001 receives the drawing control command of the first display list directly transferred from the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153 and stored in the display list development work area (2) 154mb of the drawing register 154. Based on this, image data drawing control is performed.

  In these drawing controls, the image drawing control unit 2001 appropriately sets necessary data in the display list development work area (1) 154ma. The image drawing control unit 2001 has the frame buffer (1) 153na or the frame buffer (2) 153nb with the image data expanded in the image data development area 153b (FIG. 12A) consisting of an arbitrary area of the VRAM 153. Draw in the "drawing frame buffer".

  The image drawing control unit 2001 reads the drawn image data from the “display frame buffer” included in the frame buffer (1) 153na or the frame buffer (2) 153nb.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating image color data as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) read from the “display frame buffer”, and the first liquid crystal display device 31. Output to. Furthermore, the image drawing control unit 2001 also outputs a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the first liquid crystal display device 31 to the first liquid crystal display device 31.

  In the present embodiment, an RGB signal obtained by converting a digital signal into an analog signal is output to the first liquid crystal display device 31 as the video signal. However, the video signal may be output as the digital signal. .

  When the image control board 150 displays the effect image on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 based on both the first display list and the second display list, the VRAM 153 and the drawing register 154 are displayed. Each provides a further storage area.

  That is, in this case, the VRAM 153 is a storage area having the same configuration as the frame buffer (1) 153na and the frame buffer (2) 153nb, and a storage having the same configuration as the display list storage area (1) 153ma and the display list storage area (2) 153mb. A region is further provided. The drawing register 154 further includes a storage area having the same configuration as the display list development work area (1) 154ma and the display list development work area (2) 154mb. Thus, the image control board 150 performs not only the first liquid crystal display device 31 but also the second liquid crystal display device 37 by performing the same processing as the processing performed on the first display list for the second display list. It is possible to perform display control of the effect image.

  An example of the rendering control process of the effect image using the first display list will be described later with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  First, the main CPU 110a performs initialization processing (S1701). In this initialization process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b in response to power-on, and performs a process of initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM 110c.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random number value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol (S1702).

  Then, the main CPU 110a updates the initial symbol value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial value random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination (S1703).

  When such a process is performed, it is determined whether or not the power-off process for shutting off the power supply is performed (S1704), and until the power-off process is performed (NO in S1704), the interrupt process is performed to produce the effect. The random number value update process (S1702) and subsequent steps are repeated. Further, when the power interruption process is performed (YES in S1704), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a timer interrupt process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  First, the main CPU 110a saves information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a in the stack area (S1801).

  The main CPU 110a has various timers such as a special symbol time counter update process, a special game timer counter update process such as a special electric accessory release time, a normal symbol time counter update process, and a general electric release time counter update process. A time control process for updating the counter is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the general electricity open time counter is performed (S1802).

  The main CPU 110a performs random number update processing for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small bonus symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value (S1803).

  Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are incremented (unit number addition) and updated. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value of the random number range (when the random number counter makes one round), the random number counter is returned to “0 (zero)” and the initial random number “0 (zero) at that time” ”To update each random value.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random value update process for updating the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination (S1804). ).

  The main CPU 110a performs input control processing (S1805).

  In this input control process, the main CPU 110a includes the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first large winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input to each switch of the gate detection switch 13a.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special figure special electric power control processing for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state (S1806). Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs a general-purpose normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory (S1807).

  Specifically, it is first determined whether or not 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and 1 or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power transmission control process is terminated.

  If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.

  Then, a process of determining whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win” is performed. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.

  Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

  Then, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process (S1808).

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

  The main CPU 110a includes external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and memory number designation command data. Creation processing is performed (S1809).

  The main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600 (S1810).

  Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed.

  Further, command transmission processing for transmitting the command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control board 120 is also performed.

  The main CPU 110a restores the information saved in S1601 to the register of the main CPU 110a (S1811).

  FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special figure special electric power control process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the special figure special processing data value is loaded (S1901), and the branch address is referenced from the loaded special figure special processing data (S1902).

  At this time, if the special figure special electricity processing data is “0 (zero)”, the special symbol memory determination process is performed (S1903). If the special figure special electric treatment data is “1”, the special symbol variation processing is executed. (S1904), and if the special figure special electricity processing data is "2", special symbol stop processing is carried out (S1905).

  Also, if the special figure special power processing data is “3”, the big hit game processing is performed (S1906), and if the special figure special electric processing data is “4”, the big hit game end processing is executed (S1907). If the process data is “5”, a small hit game process is performed (S1908).

  This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed.

  As the special symbol memory determination process at this time, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process, a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed, a variation time determination process for determining a variation time of the special symbol, and the like. The detailed flow of this special symbol memory determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special symbol memory determination process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 110a determines whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (S2001).

  If one or more data is not set in any storage area of the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area (NO in S2001), the special figure is stored. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while the special electric processing data is kept at “0 (zero)”.

  On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (YES in S2001), the main CPU 110a performs the jackpot determination process. Perform (S2002).

  Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After the subtraction, the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random value storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or a random value corresponding to “small hit” Judgment is made.

  In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or a random value corresponding to “small hit” Judgment is made.

  In the present embodiment, the random number value stored in the second special symbol random value storage area is shifted (digested) with priority over the first special symbol random value storage area.

  Without being limited thereto, the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area may be shifted in the order of winning in the start opening, or the first special symbol storage area may be shifted to the second special symbol storage area. The shift may be performed with priority over.

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed (S2003).

  In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (S2002), the big hit symbol random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is set. The jackpot symbol is determined based on this.

  Also, in the big hit determination process (S2002), when it is determined as “small hit”, the small hit symbol random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is small. The winning symbol is determined.

  Further, in the big hit determination process (S2002), when it is determined “lost”, a lost symbol is determined.

  Stop symbol data corresponding to the special symbol determined as described above is stored in the stop symbol data storage area.

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing (S2004).

  Specifically, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the reach determination random number value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed.

  The main CPU 110a sets variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform variation display of the special symbol (LED blinking) in a predetermined processing area.

  As a result, when variable display data is set in a predetermined processing area, LED lighting or extinguishing data is appropriately created by the above processing, and the created data is output, whereby the first special symbol display The variable display of the device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.

  Furthermore, when the special symbol variation display is started (S2005), the main CPU 110a changes the special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern (the first special symbol variation pattern designation command or The second special symbol variation pattern designation command) is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  The main CPU 110a sets “special symbol special power processing data = 0” to “special symbol special power processing data = 1” (S2006), prepares to move to a special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing. To do.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process (S2101).

  In this initialization process, the sub CPU 120a reads a main processing program from the sub ROM 120b and initializes and sets a flag and the like stored in the sub RAM 120c in response to power-on.

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process (S2102).

  In this effect random number update process, the sub CPU 120a updates the random numbers (the effect random number value 1, the effect random number value 2, the effect design determining random value, the effect mode determining random value, etc.) stored in the sub RAM 120c. Process.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a power interruption process for shutting off the power is performed (S2103). Until the power interruption process is performed (NO in S2103), the effect random number update process and the subsequent processes are performed until a predetermined interrupt process is performed. Repeat. If the power interruption process has been performed (YES in S2103), the process ends.

  FIG. 22 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a timer interrupt process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and the timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a in the stack area (S2201), and updates various timer counters used in the effect control board 120 (S2202).

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing (S2203).

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

  The sub CPU 120a checks the signals of the effect button detection switch 35a and the cross key detection switch 36a, performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 35 (S2204), and receives various commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Data output processing to be transmitted to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150 is performed (S2205).

  Then, the sub CPU 120a restores the information saved in S1810 to the register of the sub CPU 120a (S2206).

  FIG. 23 is an example of a first flowchart showing a detailed flow of command analysis processing performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 shows the command analysis shown in FIG. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the continuation of a process.

  The sub CPU 120a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command is received (S2301).

  If there is no command in the reception buffer (NO in S2301), the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process. If there is a command in the reception buffer (YES in S2301), it is subsequently confirmed whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command (S2302).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demonstration designation command (YES in S2302), the sub CPU 120a performs a demonstration effect pattern determination process for determining a demonstration effect pattern (S2303).

  Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. An effect pattern designation command based on the demo effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a demo designation command (NO in S2302), the sub CPU 120a confirms whether the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command. (S2304).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol memory designation command (YES in S2304), the special symbol memory designation command is analyzed and displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal display device 37. A special symbol memory number determination process for determining the number of special figure reservation images to be displayed and transmitting a special figure display number designation command corresponding to the determined display number of special figure reservation images to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 Is performed (S2305).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special symbol storage designation command (NO in S2304), the sub CPU 120a then determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command. Confirmation is made (S2306).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command (YES in S2306), the sub CPU 120a determines the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal based on the content of the received effect designating command. An effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 38 to be stopped and displayed on the display device 37 is performed (S2307).

  Specifically, the effect symbol determination process analyzes the effect symbol designation command, determines the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 38 according to the presence or absence of the jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect In addition to setting the symbol data in the effect symbol storage area and transmitting the effect symbol data to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, a stop symbol designating command indicating the effect symbol data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. .

  At this time, the sub CPU 120a further acquires one random number value from the effect mode determination random value updated as shown above, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command. Then, an effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed (S2308). Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an effect designating command (NO in S2306), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the receiving buffer is a variation pattern specifying command (S2309). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command (YES in S2309), the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the updated effect random value 1, and the acquired effect random value 1. Based on the received variation pattern designation command and the effect mode set in the effect mode storage area, a variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns is performed (S2310). .

  Thereafter, based on the effect pattern, the first liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive device 33, the effect illumination device 34, and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are controlled. Note that the variation mode of the effect design 38 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a variation pattern designation command (NO in S2309), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command (S2311). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command (YES in S2311), the sub CPU 120a transmits a stop designation command for stopping and displaying the effect symbol to stop the effect symbol 38 to be transmitted to the sub RAM 120c. An effect symbol stop display process to be set in the buffer is performed (S2312).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a symbol determination command (NO in S2311), the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (S2313). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (YES in S2313), the sub CPU 120a stores data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c. Setting is made (S2314).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a gaming state designation command (NO in S2313), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (S2315).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (YES in S2315), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern (S2316).

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an opening command (NO in S2315), the sub CPU 120a determines that the command stored in the reception buffer is the first grand prize port 16 and / or the second grand prize port 17. It is confirmed whether or not it is a special winning opening opening designation command for instructing opening (S2317).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening opening designation command (YES in S2317), the sub CPU 120a performs a big hit effect pattern determination process for determining a big hit effect pattern (S2318).

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special winning opening release designation command (NO in S2317), the sub CPU 120a checks whether the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (S2319). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (YES in S2319), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern (S2320).

  Specifically, the winning end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

  If it is not any command (NO in S2319), the command analysis process is terminated by terminating this process.

  Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a drawing control process (main process) performed in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, and the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs main processing as described below.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a (image drawing instruction unit 150d) performs an initialization process (S2501).

  In this initialization process, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a reads the main processing program from the liquid crystal control ROM 150c and instructs the initial settings of the various modules of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a and the VDP 2000 when the power is turned on.

  Here, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, as an instruction for initial setting of the VDP 2000, (1) instructs the display circuit constituting the VDP 2000 to create and output a video signal, and therefore instructs the display of the video signal (display). (“1” is set to 0 bit of the register), or (2) image data that is frequently used in the decompression circuit constituting the VDP2000 (image data such as production symbol 38) is decompressed to the image data development area 153b of the VRAM 153. In order to set the initial value data in the expansion register, or (3) the initial value image data (such as a character image “power-on”) is drawn in the drawing circuit constituting the VDP 2000. Output value display list.

  Subsequently, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a drawing execution start process (S2502).

  In this drawing execution start process, drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register 154 in order to instruct the VDP 2000 (image drawing control unit 2001) to execute drawing on the display list that has already been output.

  That is, at the start of power-on, execution of drawing is instructed for the initial value display list output in the above step (S2501), and during normal routine processing, the above-described display lists (first display list, second display list) are instructed. The execution of drawing is instructed.

  Next, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs an effect instruction command analysis process for analyzing the effect pattern designation command (command stored in the reception buffer of the liquid crystal control RAM 150b) transmitted from the effect control board 120 (S2503).

  When the image control board 150 receives a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, a command reception interrupt process of the image control board 150 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed.

  The effect pattern designation command analysis process confirms whether or not an effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer. If the effect pattern designation command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process is continued. If the effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer, a process of reading a new effect pattern designation command is performed. Based on the read effect pattern designation command, one or more animation groups to be executed are determined, and an animation pattern is determined from each animation group.

  When the animation pattern is determined, the read effect pattern designation command is deleted from the transmission buffer.

  Next, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs animation control processing (S2504).

  In this animation control process, based on the above-described “scene switching counter”, “weight frame”, “frame counter” to be updated, and the animation pattern determined by the process as described above, Update the scene address.

  Thereby, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority order (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. When the generation of the display list is completed, the display list is output to the VDP 2000 (S2505). The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 153ma or the display list storage area 153mb of the VRAM 153 via the CPU I / F (transmission / reception control unit 155) in VDP2000.

  Then, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01 (S2506).

  Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 26B, the FB switching flag indicates that if the previous display list has been drawn in the V blank interrupt every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). , FB switching flag = 01. That is, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing has been completed.

  If the FB switching flag is “01” (YES in S2506), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets the FB switching flag to “00” (turns the FB switching flag off) (S2507), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the FB switching flag is “00” (NO in S2506), the process waits until the FB switching flag becomes “01”.

  Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of an interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the interrupt processing of the image control board 150, a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal, a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal, and a command are received. And at least a command reception interrupt process performed.

  The drawing end interrupt process and the V blank interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 26, but the command reception interrupt process is the same as described above, and is not illustrated.

  FIG. 26A is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a drawing end interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  VDP2000 (image drawing control unit 2001) outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to liquid crystal control CPU 150a (image drawing instruction unit 150d) when drawing of a predetermined number of frames (predetermined unit) of image data based on the first display list is completed. To do.

  When the drawing end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 2000, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a executes a drawing end interrupt process.

  In the drawing end interrupt process, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag), and ends the current drawing end interrupt process (S2601). That is, the drawing end flag is turned on every time drawing ends.

  FIG. 26B is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the V blank interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The VDP 2000 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms).

  When the liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives a V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a executes a V blank interrupt process.

  Further, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs processing for updating various counters such as “scene switching counter”, “wait frame”, and “frame counter” (S2602), and determines whether or not the drawing end flag = 01 (S2603). ).

  That is, it is determined whether drawing of image data of a predetermined number of frames (predetermined unit) has been completed.

  When determining that the “drawing end flag” is “01” (YES in S2603), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets “00” in the “drawing end flag” (that is, turns off the drawing end flag). ) (S2604).

  If the “drawing end flag” is not “01” (NO in S2603), the current V blank interrupt process is terminated. That is, even if a V blank interrupt signal is input, the subsequent processing is not performed unless drawing is completed.

  Subsequently, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a gives an instruction to switch between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” to the memory controller configuring the VDP 2000 (S2605). In accordance with the switching instruction from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, the memory controller of the VDP 2000 switches between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” every time drawing or outputting of a predetermined number of frames of image data is completed. Alternatively, in accordance with the switching instruction from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, the VDP2000 memory controller switches between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” every time drawing or output of one frame is completed, and this switching is performed in the predetermined frame. It may be performed only a few minutes.

  Specifically, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a process of incrementing to the first bit of the display register (a process of adding “1”).

  Then, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets “01” to the “FB switching flag” (turns on the FB switching flag) (S2606), cancels the standby state, and ends the V blank interrupt processing.

  Here, an example of the rendering control process of the effect image using the first display list will be described using the time chart of FIG.

  In this example, a predetermined effect pattern specifying command transmitted from the sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120 to the image drawing instruction unit 150d of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a is referred to as an “effect pattern specifying command C1”.

  Of the first display list generated based on the “effect pattern designation command C1”, the first liquid crystal display device 31 first displays this (referred to as “display order 1”). The first display list on which (display instruction) is performed is referred to as “first display list L1”.

  Then, following this “display order 1”, the first display list that is displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 (this is referred to as “display order 2”) for instructing the rendering of effect images is referred to as “first display list” L2 ".

  Similarly, the first display list for instructing rendering of the effect images displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 in “display order 3”, “display order 4”,. , “First display list L4”,.

  As illustrated in FIG. 27, for example, at “timing A”, the image drawing instruction unit 150d receives an “effect pattern designation command C1” from the sub CPU 120a.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d generates a first display list (first display lists L1, L2, L3, L4,...) Based on the “effect pattern designation command C1”.

  Specifically, at “timing A”, the image drawing instruction unit 150d displays “first display list L1” for instructing rendering of effect images displayed in “display order 1” and “display order 2”. Generation processing of “first display list L2” for instructing rendering of the effect image is started.

  Generation processing of “first display list L1” and “first display list L2” by the image drawing instruction unit 150d is performed from “timing A” to “timing B”.

  At “timing B”, the image drawing instruction unit 150d ends the generation processing of the “first display list L1” and the “first display list L2”, and the generated “first display list L1” and “first display list”. The process of transferring “L2” to the VDP 2000 is started.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d transfers the “first display list L1” to the display list storage area (1) 153ma of the VRAM 153 via the transmission / reception control unit 155.

  Also, the image drawing instruction unit 150d transfers the “first display list L2” to the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153 via the transmission / reception control unit 155.

  The transfer processing of “first display list L1” and “first display list L2” is performed from “timing B” to “timing D”.

  When the transfer processing of the “first display list L2” is completed at “timing D”, the VDP 2000 transfers the “first display list L1” and “first display” from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 based on control of a memory controller (not shown). The process of directly transferring “list L2” is started.

  The “first display list L1” stored in the display list storage area (1) 153ma of the VRAM 153 is directly transferred to the display list development work area (1) 154ma of the drawing register 154.

  The “first display list L2” stored in the display list storage area (2) 153mb of the VRAM 153 is directly transferred to the display list development work area (2) 154mb of the drawing register 154.

  The direct transfer processing of “first display list L1” and “second display list L2” is performed from “timing D” to “timing F”.

  At this “timing F”, the image drawing control unit 2001 displays the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 1” based on the “first display list L1” stored in the display list development work area (1) 154ma. Start drawing control.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 performs rendering control using the “first display list L1” to display the effect images displayed in the “display order 1” in the frame buffer 153 (1) na as the “drawing frame buffer”. Draw image data frame by frame. Then, the image drawing control unit 2001 generates a video signal from the drawn image data read from the frame buffer 153 (1) na switched to the “display frame buffer”, and the first image via the general-purpose substrate 39. Output to the liquid crystal display device 31.

  The first liquid crystal display device 31 displays an effect image of “display order 1” based on the video signal output from the VDP 2000.

  The drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 1” by the image drawing control unit 2001 and the output processing of the video signal based on the image data after the drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31 are “timing F”. ”To“ timing H ”.

  At this “timing H”, the image drawing control unit 2001 displays the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 2” based on the “first display list L2” stored in the display list development work area (2) 154 mb. Drawing control and output processing of the video signal based on the image data after drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31 are started.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 performs the rendering control using the “first display list L2” to display the effect image displayed in the “display order 2” in the frame buffer (2) 153nb as the “drawing frame buffer”. Draw the data. The image drawing control unit 2001 reads the image data after drawing for each frame from the frame buffer 153 (2) nb switched to the “display frame buffer”, and outputs it to the first liquid crystal display device 31 via the general-purpose substrate 39. To do.

  The rendering control of the image data of “display order 2” by the image rendering controller 2001 and the output processing of the video signal based on the rendered image data to the liquid crystal display device 31 are performed from “timing H” to “timing J”. It is done until.

  In this way, the image drawing control unit 2001 is based on the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 1” read from the frame buffer 153 (1) na from “timing F” to “timing H”. The video signal is output to the first liquid crystal display device 31. The image drawing control unit 2001 displays the display list expansion work area (2) of the drawing register 154 of the “first display list L2” which gives an instruction to draw the effect image to be displayed in the subsequent “display order 2” by “timing H”. The direct transfer process to 154 mb is completed.

  Thereby, the image drawing control unit 2001 reads “display order 2” read from the frame buffer 153 (2) nb at “timing H” when the output of the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 1” ends. The process of outputting the video signal based on the image data of the effect image to be displayed to the first liquid crystal display device 31 can be started.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 outputs a video signal based on the image data read from the frame buffer 153 (2) nb to the first liquid crystal display device 31 from “timing H” to “timing J”.

  Thus, the first liquid crystal display device 31 displays the effect image of “display order 1” from “timing F” to “timing H”, and subsequently continues from “timing H” to “timing J”. In the meantime, the effect image of “display order 2” following “display order 1” is displayed.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d uses the “first display list L3” used for rendering control of the image data of the effect images displayed in “display order 3” and the image data of the effect images displayed in “display order 4”. The “first display list L4” used for the drawing control is generated.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d receives the “first display list L3” and the “first display list L4” at a “timing C” that is a predetermined timing after the generation of the “first display list L1” (timing B). Start the generation process.

  The process of generating the “first display list L3” and the “first display list L4” by the image drawing instruction unit 150d is performed from “timing C” to “timing E”.

  The image drawing instruction unit 150d transfers the generated “first display list L3” to the display list storage area (1) 153ma. This "first display list L3" transfer process is performed by "timing F" after "timing E" ("first display list from the display list storage area (1) 153ma to the display list development work area (1) 154ma"). L1 "direct transfer process ends).

  Similarly, the image drawing instruction unit 150d transfers the generated “first display list L4” to the display list storage area (2) 153mb. This "first display list L4" transfer process is performed by "timing F" after "timing E" ("first display list from the display list storage area (2) 153mb to the display list development work area (2) 154mb"). L2 "direct transfer process ends).

  The transfer process of the “first display list L3” and the “first display list L4” by the image drawing instruction unit 150d is performed from “timing F” to “timing G”.

  After “timing G”, at “timing H” when rendering of the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 1” is completed, the VDP 2000 displays the display list expansion work area (1 ) The process of directly transferring the “first display list L3” to 154ma is started.

  The direct transfer process of the “first display list L3” is performed from “timing H” to “timing I”.

  At “timing J”, after the “timing I”, the rendering control of the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 2” and the output processing of the rendered effect image to the liquid crystal display device 31 are finished. The drawing control unit 2001 starts drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 3” based on the “first display list L3”.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 performs rendering control using the “first display list L3” and the effect image displayed in the “display order 3” in the frame buffer (1) 153na as the “drawing frame buffer”. Draw data frame by frame. Then, the image drawing control unit 2001 generates a video signal from the drawn image data read from the frame buffer (1) 153na switched to the “display frame buffer”, and outputs the first liquid crystal via the general-purpose substrate 39. Output to the display device 31.

  The first liquid crystal display device 31 displays an effect image of “display order 3” based on the video signal output from the VDP 2000.

  The drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 3” by the image drawing control unit 2001 and the output processing of the image data after the drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31 are performed from “timing J” to “timing L”. It is done until.

  As described above, the image drawing control unit 2001 displays the video based on the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 2” read from the frame buffer (2) 153nb from “timing H” to “timing J”. The signal is output to the first liquid crystal display device 31. The image drawing control unit 2001 displays the display list development work area (1) of the drawing register 154 of the “first display list L3” which gives an instruction to draw the effect image to be displayed in the subsequent “display order 3” by “timing J”. The direct transfer process to 154ma is completed.

  As a result, the image drawing control unit 2001 reads “display order 3” read from the frame buffer 153 (1) na at “timing J” when the output of the image data of the effect images displayed in “display order 2” ends. The process of outputting the video signal based on the image data of the effect image to be displayed to the first liquid crystal display device 31 can be started.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 outputs a video signal based on the image data read from the frame buffer (1) 153na to the first liquid crystal display device 31 from “timing J” to “timing L”.

  Thus, the first liquid crystal display device 31 displays the effect image of “display order 2” from “timing H” to “timing J”, and subsequently continues from “timing J” to “timing L”. In the meantime, an effect image of “display order 3” following “display order 2” is displayed.

  The drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 3” by the image drawing control unit 2001 and the output processing of the image data after the drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31 are performed from “timing J” to “timing L”. It is done until.

  At “timing J”, the VDP 2000 starts a process of directly transferring “first display list L4” from the display list storage area (2) 153mb to the display list development work area (2) 154mb.

  The direct transfer process of the “first display list L4” is performed from “timing J” to “timing K”.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 finishes the drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in the “display order 3” after the “timing K” and the output processing of the image data after the drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31. At “timing L”, drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 4” is started based on “first display list L4”.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 performs rendering control using the “first display list L4” to display the effect image displayed in the “display order 4” in the frame buffer 153 (2) nb as the “drawing frame buffer”. Draw image data. The image drawing control unit 2001 reads the image data after drawing for each frame from the frame buffer 153 (2) nb switched to the “display frame buffer”, and outputs it to the first liquid crystal display device 31 via the general-purpose substrate 39. To do.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 performs drawing control of the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 4” and output processing of the image data after drawing to the liquid crystal display device 31 from “timing L” to “timing M”. It is done until.

  As described above, the image drawing control unit 2001 displays the video based on the image data of the effect image displayed in “display order 3” read from the frame buffer (1) 153na from “timing J” to “timing L”. The signal is output to the first liquid crystal display device 31. The image drawing control unit 2001 displays the display list expansion work area (2) of the drawing register 154 of the “first display list L4” that gives an instruction to draw the effect image to be displayed in the subsequent “display order 4” by “timing L”. The direct transfer process to 154 mb is completed.

  As a result, the image rendering control unit 2001 reads “display order 4” read out from the frame buffer 153 (2) nb at “timing L” when the output of the image data of the effect images displayed in “display order 3” ends. The process of outputting the video signal based on the image data of the effect image to be displayed to the first liquid crystal display device 31 can be started.

  The image drawing control unit 2001 outputs a video signal based on the image data read from the frame buffer (2) 153nb to the first liquid crystal display device 31 from “timing L” to “timing M”.

  As a result, the first liquid crystal display device 31 displays the effect image of “display order 3” from “timing J” to “timing L”, and then continues from “timing L” to “timing M”. In the meantime, the effect image of “display order 4” following “display order 3” is displayed.

  In this way, effect images from “display order 1” to “display order 4” are continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31. Similarly, the effect images after “display order 4” (“display order 5”, “display order 6”,...) Are continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31.

  In the example shown in FIG. 27, “first display list L2” starts generation processing, transfer processing to VRAM 153, and direct transfer processing from VRAM 153 to drawing register 154 at the same timing as “first display list L1”. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  For example, the start timing of at least one of the “first display list L2” generation process, the transfer process to the VRAM 153, and the direct transfer process from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 may be later than the example illustrated in FIG. . In this case, the direct transfer processing of the “first display list L2” from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 needs to be completed by “timing H” at the latest.

  Similarly for the “first display list L3” and “first display list L4”, the start timing of the generation process, the transfer process to the VRAM 153, and the direct transfer process from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 is based on the example shown in FIG. May be late. In this case, the process of directly transferring the “first display list L3” from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 needs to be completed by “timing J” at the latest. Further, the direct transfer processing of the “first display list L4” from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 needs to be completed by “timing L” at the latest.

  As described above, as a result, the gaming machine 1 causes the first liquid crystal display device 31 to display “display order 1”, “display order 2”, “display order 3” from “timing F” to “timing M”. The effect images of “display order 4” are continuously displayed. Thereafter, similarly, “display order 5”, “display order 6”, “display order 7”, etc. effect images following “display order 4” are successively displayed.

  Also, the gaming machine 1 transfers the display list from the VRAM 153 to the drawing register 154 at high speed without using the image drawing control unit 2001 as a processor and the cache memory in the VDP 2000. Since the gaming machine 1 can reduce the processing load on the processor (image drawing control unit 2001), it is possible to perform rendering control of the effect image with high accuracy.

  The embodiment described above is one embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

150a LCD control CPU
150d Image drawing instruction unit 153 VRAM
154 Drawing register 2000 VDP
2001 Image drawing instruction unit

Claims (2)

Receiving means for receiving an instruction to display the effect image by image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed in the case of the effect in the game using the game medium;
Drawing control means for performing drawing control of the effect image based on the image forming information received by the receiving means;
Output means for outputting the effect image that has been subjected to drawing control by the drawing control means,
The drawing control means includes
First storage means for storing the image forming information received by the receiving means and used for drawing control of the effect image displayed in the effect;
Second storage means for storing an effect image drawn by drawing control using image forming information stored in the first storage means;
The first storage means is
The first drawing work area used for rendering control of the effect image displayed in the effect, and other effect images different from the effect image displayed following the effect image rendered and controlled using the first drawing work area A second drawing work area used for drawing control,
The second storage means is
A first image storage area corresponding to the first drawing work area for storing the effect image controlled for drawing using the first drawing work area; and the other effect image for which drawing control is performed using the second drawing work area. A plurality of image storage areas including a second image storage area corresponding to the second drawing work area for storing
The output means includes
A gaming machine that outputs the effect image stored in the first image storage area, and subsequently outputs the other effect image stored in the second image storage area. The drawing control means includes
The image shaping information used for rendering control of the effect image received by the accepting means is stored in the first drawing work area, and the image shaping used for drawing control of the other effect image received by the accepting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein information is stored in the second drawing work area.

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