JP2016096959A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a storage area effectively.SOLUTION: A program management area R01 and a sound data first storage area R11 are provided in a ROM 132. A sound data second storage area R12 and an image data storage area R21 are provided in an image data memory 121. Sound data used for controlling sound output are stored in the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12. Image data used for controlling display of a performance image and image data used for lighting control in a plurality of illuminants are stored in the image data storage area R21. In the image data memory 121, addresses which are continued from the final address of the sound data first storage area R11 in the ROM 132 are imparted to the sound data second storage area R12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine.

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

  In such gaming machines, it has been proposed to share a ROM among a plurality of control CPUs (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-154922 A

  With the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the storage area cannot be effectively used due to the setting of the storage area in the storage means.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of effectively utilizing a storage area.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the claims of the present application is a gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1, slot machine 600, etc.), and at least first control data A first area (for example, sound data first storage area R11 in ROM 132) and a second area (for example, image data memory) in which second control data (for example, image data) are stored. 121 image data storage area R21), and first control means (for example, a processing circuit mounted on the audio control board 13) for executing the first control (for example, sound control) using the first control data; Second control means (for example, the display control unit 122) that executes second control (for example, display control, lighting control, etc.) different from the first control using the second control data. VDP 141, light emitter control circuit 144, etc., and the first control data is an area (for example, a sound data second storage area) corresponding to a specific address range of the second area continuous from the last address of the first area R12 etc.) (see, for example, FIG. 6).
In such a configuration, the storage area can be used effectively.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), variable display means for performing variable display (for example, the first and second special symbol display devices 4A, 4B, and the decorative image display areas 5L and 5C of the main image display device 5MA) 5R) and state control means (for example, the CPU 103 that executes the process of step S132) that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the game entertainment and effectively use the storage area.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), the first control means performs sound control for outputting sound from a sound output device (for example, speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) as the first control. It may be configured to.
According to such a configuration, continuous sound output is possible, and the storage area can be used effectively.

(4) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), the storage means includes the first area or the second area, and a defective area (for example, the first area or the second area) Storage means (for example, ROM 132, image, etc.) including a redundant area (for example, the redundant area shown in FIG. 11) having alternative areas (for example, alternative areas A, B, D, etc.) to be used instead of defective areas A, B, B, etc. Data memory 121, etc.), and the first control or the second control is used to store data in the alternative area used in place of the defective area generated in the first area or the second area. The redundant area of the storage means may be configured to store history information (for example, history information C) of the storage means.
According to such a configuration, the storage unit can be appropriately reused, and the storage area can be used effectively.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where a several movable member will be in the advance state. It is a figure which shows the operation example of an effect movable mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various circuits etc. which were mounted in the production control board. It is a figure which shows an example of an address map and sound data structure. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting divided | segmented into a some block. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection setting of a serial output system and a light-emitting body block. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body driver. It is a schematic diagram which shows the storage area of ROM. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a data writer. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the writing process performed with a data writer. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of log | history information. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of model operation information. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part of a data writer. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example etc. of an effect control pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is a figure which shows the creation example and output example of display data. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a buffer memory area. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an address specific table. It is a figure which shows the number of gradations of display data and lighting data. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a lighting data generation table. It is a figure which shows the example of execution of the display effect by an effect movable mechanism. It is a timing diagram which shows the operation example which reproduces | regenerates music. It is a front view of a slot machine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. In addition, in FIG. 1, the effect movable mechanism 50 mentioned later is shown with the broken line. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined hitting ball launching device and driven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a special winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 28 for the special winning opening door shown in FIG. 4 and changes into an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

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

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

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

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

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

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

  FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of movable members provided in the effect movable mechanism 50 are in an advanced state located in front of the main image display device 5MA. FIG. 3 shows an operation example of the effect moving mechanism 50. The effect movable mechanism 50 includes an upper mechanism including two movable members 51 and 52 positioned on the upper side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state, and 2 positioned on the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state. It can be separated into a lower mechanism having two movable members 53, 54. That is, the effect movable mechanism 50 is configured to include an upper mechanism and a lower mechanism that can be arranged apart from or close to each other. When the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism are separated from each other, the retracted state as the first state is established. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism are close to each other, the advancing state as the second state is obtained. The upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are provided with drive means for changing between a retracted state and an advanced state. Each of the movable members 51 and 52 is pivotally supported by a decoration member 57 at the left end, and is configured to be rotatable with respect to the decoration member 57. The decoration member 57 moves up and down with the operation of the movable member 51 when power from a movable motor (included in the movable motor 60 shown in FIG. 4) is output to the movable member 51. The movable members 53 and 54 are connected to a predetermined link mechanism or the like, and the power from the movable motor is transmitted through a power transmission unit or the like engaged with the link mechanism, so that the left end is centered while moving up and down. Can be rotated.

  In each of the movable members 51 and 52, a plurality of light emitters are arranged in alignment along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 51 constitute a light emitter unit 71 among the light emitter units 71 to 74 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 52 constitute a light emitter unit 72 of the light emitter units 71 to 74 shown in FIG. As described above, each of the movable members 51 and 52 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix.

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

  The movable members 53 and 54 each include a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix in the same manner as the movable members 51 and 52. That is, in each of the movable members 53 and 54, a plurality of light emitters are arranged in alignment along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged by the movable member 53 constitute a light emitter unit 73 among the light emitter units 71 to 74 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 54 constitute a light emitter unit 74 among the light emitter units 71 to 74 shown in FIG.

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

  Note that the plurality of light emitters are not limited to those using full-color LEDs, and for example, single-color or multi-color LEDs may be used, or light emitters other than LEDs may be used. The partition may be configured by a member that is three-dimensionally formed in a lattice shape, or may be configured, for example, by forming a lattice-shaped pattern on a transparent or translucent plate material by printing or cutting. . The partition is not limited to one configured to partition a plurality of light emitters one by one, and may be configured to partition a plurality of light emitters by a predetermined number, or may be configured in a predetermined direction (for example, lateral direction). And the vertical direction). Furthermore, such a partition may not be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in the retracted state in which the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are separated from each other, the movable members 51 to 54 overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Don't be. At this time, each of the movable members 51 and 52 is located above the main image display device 5MA, and the movable member 52 is located behind the movable member 51, so that the player cannot visually recognize or difficult to see the movable member 52. It becomes. In addition, each of the movable members 53 and 54 is located below the main image display device 5MA, and the movable member 53 is located behind the movable member 54, so that the player cannot see the movable member 53 or is difficult to see. Become. Thus, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the retracted state, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA becomes visible.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in the advanced state in which the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are close to each other, the movable members 51 to 54 overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. . When changing from the retracted state to the advanced state, the movable member 52 moves downward with rotation from the back side of the movable member 51, and the movable member 53 moves upward with rotation from the back side of the movable member 54. To do. The movable member 51 moves downward with the movement of the movable member 52, and the movable member 54 moves upward with the movement of the movable member 53. Thus, when the upper side mechanism and the lower side mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the advanced state, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is difficult to view or cannot be viewed.

  When the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 3A, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54 are the same. do not do. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the advanced state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Match. Thus, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the advanced state, the movable members 51 are aligned by aligning the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. A sense of unity can be given to the display effects in each of .about.54. In particular, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the advanced state, it is possible to improve the interest of the effect by executing an integral display effect with the plurality of movable members 51 to 54. Moreover, since the visibility with respect to the display screen of the main image display device 5MA changes depending on the positions of the plurality of movable members 51 to 54, it is possible to prevent the production from becoming monotonous and to improve the interest of the production.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. Each structure in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a normal winning ball device 6A, a normal variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, a frame member arranged at the peripheral edge of the main image display device 5MA, etc.) A decorative LED may be disposed around the periphery. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping the driving of a shooting motor included in the hitting ball shooting device.

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

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

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

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor for detecting the player's operation act on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. Note that the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B change the display effects in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU by the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 4 when the operation by the player is detected. What is necessary is just to use in the production | generation (for example, notice effect or reach production) etc. in which the operation | movement in the movable mechanism 50, the audio | voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the lighting operation (flashing operation | movement) in light emitters, such as the game effect lamp 9, are performed. Instead of the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B, or in addition to the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B, a sensor for detecting the operation of the player may be provided. For example, it may have a configuration for directly detecting the player's movement, such as a jog dial that can be rotated, a touch panel that can be touched or pressed, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a CCD sensor, A configuration may be provided that indirectly (remotely) detects the player's operation, such as a CMOS sensor. An arbitrary action may be detected by analyzing a result of photographing a subject such as a player's hand using a predetermined camera (video motion capture). In other words, any configuration that can detect the operation of an arbitrary object mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically may be provided.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14 and a movable mechanism control board 16 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. Variable display of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol display 20 and controlling the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a function to control. The main board 11 shown in FIG. 4 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100, and a game control microcomputer. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal from the computer 100 to the solenoids 27 and 28 is mounted.

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

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, and based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, the main image display device 5 MA and the sub image display are displayed. Stage operations by various stage electrical parts such as the apparatus 5SU, the light emitter units 71 to 74, the speakers 8L and 8R, the game effect lamp 9, the movable members 51 to 54 connected to the movable motor 60, and other stage apparatuses. Various circuits for control are installed. That is, the effect control board 12 displays images on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, outputs audio from the speakers 8L and 8R, lights on a plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74, Predetermined electrical parts for effects such as lighting on the light emitting members constituting the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED different from the light emitter units 71 to 74, the driving operation of the movable motor 60 for moving the movable members 51 to 54, etc. The function of determining the control content for executing the production operation is provided. An effect control microcomputer 120, an image data memory 121, and a display control unit 122 are mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG.

  The effect control board 12 has a wiring for transmitting a video signal to the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a lighting signal as an information signal indicating lighting data to the light emitter units 71 to 74 Wiring for transmitting sound, wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound data to the sound control board 13, and an electrical decoration signal as an information signal indicating lamp data for the lamp control board 14 Wiring for transmitting the drive mechanism signal for transmitting the drive control signal as an information signal indicating the command or control data for moving the movable members 51 to 54 by driving the movable motor 60 with respect to the movable mechanism control board 16. Wiring etc. are connected. Further, as an information signal indicating that a wiring for receiving an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the stick controller 31A has been detected, or an operation action of the player on the push button 31B has been detected. Wiring for receiving the operation detection signal is also connected.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the speakers 8L and 8R serving as sound output devices. Various circuits are installed to output sound. For example, the voice control board 13 only needs to be equipped with an input / output driver, a voice synthesis IC serving as a processing circuit for executing voice signal processing, an amplifier circuit, a volume, and the like. In such a voice control board 13, the sound data indicated by the sound effect signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the voice synthesis IC via the input / output driver. The voice synthesis IC generates voice and sound effects according to the sound data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit amplifies the output level of the speech synthesis IC to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume. The audio signal amplified by the amplifier circuit is output to the speakers 8L and 8R. The sound data indicated by the sound effect signal may be read from the ROM 132 or the image data memory 121 by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 and transmitted to the sound control board 12. Alternatively, the voice synthesis IC mounted on the voice control board 13 may access the ROM 132 or the image data memory 121 according to the designation by the sound effect signal and read the sound data indicated by the sound effect signal. Alternatively, the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 may have a sound data processing function, and the VDP 141 may access the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121 and read the sound data in accordance with the designation from the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120.

  The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and is turned on / off in the game effect lamp 9 and the like based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. Various circuits for driving are mounted. For example, the lamp control board 14 may be provided with an input / output driver, a lamp driver circuit, and the like. In such a lamp control board 14, the electrical decoration signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the lamp driver circuit via the input / output driver. The lamp driver circuit amplifies the electric decoration signal and supplies it to a light emitting member different from the light emitter units 71 to 74 such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED.

  The movable mechanism control board 16 is a control board for effect movable mechanism control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the movement of the movable members 51 to 54 based on a command or control data from the effect control board 12. A motor driver circuit for controlling operation is installed. For example, in the movable mechanism control board 16, the drive control signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the motor driver circuit. The motor driver circuit sets an output period (pulse width) of the pulse signal in accordance with the drive control signal, and supplies the generated pulse signal to the movable motor 60.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a sound used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. The control command, the lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED, the movable mechanism control command used for controlling the operation of the effect movable mechanism 50, and the like are included. .

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided. The random number circuit 104 is not limited to the one built in the game control microcomputer 100, and may be externally attached to the game control microcomputer 100.

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

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

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the effect control board 12. The presentation control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 5 is configured using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an I / O 134. CPU131 performs control processing according to the program for production control. The ROM 132 stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like that are read for the CPU 131 to execute control processing. The RAM 133 provides a work area for the CPU 131. The I / O 134 includes an input port for capturing various signals transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120. The It should be noted that a random number circuit for updating numerical data indicating various random values used for controlling the rendering operation independently of the CPU 131 may be built in (or externally attached) to the rendering control microcomputer 120. . The random number used for controlling the rendering operation is also referred to as a rendering random number. Alternatively, the numerical data indicating the random number value used as the rendering random number may be updated by software using a rendering random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 or the like. In this case, the random number circuit as the hardware circuit may not be mounted on the effect control board 12.

  In the effect control microcomputer 120, processing for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts is executed in accordance with the effect control program read from the ROM 132 by the CPU 131. At this time, a fixed data reading operation in which the CPU 131 reads fixed data from the ROM 132, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 131 writes various variation data in the RAM 133 and temporarily stored therein, and various variation data in which the CPU 131 is temporarily stored in the RAM 133. The CPU 131 receives the input of various signals from the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120 via the I / O 134, and the CPU 131 goes outside the effect control microcomputer 120 via the I / O 134. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed. Further, the CPU 131 can access the image data memory 121 from the I / O 134 via the bus 12BU common to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122, and read stored data.

  The ROM 132 of the effect control microcomputer 120 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation, in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 132 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the CPU 131 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring the determination table, pattern data configuring various effect control patterns, and the like. Yes. The effect control pattern includes, for example, effect control execution data (display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, etc.) and an end code associated with the effect control process timer determination value. Consists of included process data. Various data used for controlling the rendering operation is stored in the RAM 133 of the rendering control microcomputer 120.

  The image data memory 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores in advance various image data (image element data) indicating display images in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. For example, the image data stored in the image data memory 121 includes a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images such as a plurality of types of decorative symbols variably displayed on the main image display device 5MA. . In addition, the image data memory 121 is character image data or moving image data displayed on the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like, and an image of a background image. Data is stored in advance. In addition, using the image data stored in the image data memory 121, data (lighting data) for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is created. The image data memory 121 may be a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory such as a NAND-ROM, or a non-volatile recording such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. What is necessary is just to be comprised using either of the media.

  Data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 may be added to the image data of the effect image to be displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and stored in the image data memory 121 in advance. Alternatively, the data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is stored in advance in the image data memory 121 as image data separate from the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU. When the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 executes the drawing process, display data used for creating the lighting data may be added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU.

  FIG. 6A shows a setting example of addresses and stored contents in the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121 of the production control microcomputer 120. The ROM 132 is assigned continuous addresses from the address MA00 as the head address to the address MA20 as the final address. The image data memory 121 is given, as a start address, an address MA20 + 1 that is the next address continuous to the final address of the ROM 132 and a continuous address up to the address MA40 that is the final address. In this way, consecutive addresses are given to the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121, and the next address of the last address in the ROM 132 is the head address of the image data memory 121.

  The ROM 132 and the image data memory 121 are provided with a plurality of storage areas corresponding to the stored contents. In the setting example shown in FIG. 6A, the ROM 132 is provided with a program management area R01 and a sound data first storage area R11. The image data memory 121 is provided with a second sound data storage area R12 and an image data storage area R21. The program management area R01 stores a program for effect control and various management data. The table data of the various tables prepared for the CPU 131 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, the pattern data constituting the effect control pattern, and the like may be stored in the management area R01 such as a program as management data. In the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12, sound data used for controlling sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R is stored. In the image data storage area R21, image data used for controlling display of the effect image in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 are arranged. The image data used for lighting control in is stored.

  The ROM 132 is provided with a sound data first storage area R11 and stores at least sound data. Accordingly, the ROM 132 provides a first area for storing sound data as first control data used for sound control for outputting sound from at least the speakers 8L and 8R. The image data memory 121 is provided with an image data storage area R21 to store image data. Therefore, the image data memory 121 is used for display control for displaying an image on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU or lighting control for lighting a plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74. 2 A second area for storing image data as control data is provided.

  In this embodiment, not only the sound data first storage area R11 of the ROM 132 that provides the first area but also the second storage of the sound data of the image data memory 121 that provides the second area as the storage area for storing the sound data. Area R12 is provided. The sound data second storage area R12 is assigned to a portion to which consecutive addresses from the address MA20 + 1 to the address MA30, which are the head addresses of the image data memory 121, are given. As described above, the image data memory 121 that provides the second area stores second sound data corresponding to a continuous specific address range from the next address MA20 + 1 to the address MA30 of the final address MA20 of the ROM 132 that provides the first area. Area R12 is allocated. In the image data memory 121 providing the second area, the sound data as the first control data is stored in the sound data second storage area R12 corresponding to the specific address range continuous from the last address of the ROM 132 providing the first area. It is remembered. That is, the sound data as the first control data is stored not only in the sound data first storage area R11 provided in the ROM 132 that provides the first area, but also in the ROM 132 in the image data memory 121 that provides the second area. Are also stored in an area which is the sound data second storage area R12 to which consecutive addresses from the next address MA20 + 1 to the address MA30 of the final address MA20 are assigned.

  FIG. 6B shows a configuration example of sound data stored in the sound data first storage area R11 provided in the ROM 132 and the sound data second storage area R12 provided in the image data memory 121. . In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the start address and the end address in the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 in which each sound data is stored correspond to a plurality of music pieces. Is set. For example, the sound data corresponding to the music piece A-1 is used to reproduce the normal BGM in which the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal state, and is stored in the section from the start address MA10 + 1 to the end address MA11. Yes. The sound data corresponding to the music piece A-2 is used for reproducing the effect sound at the time of the super reach effect in which the reach effect of the super reach is executed, and is stored in the section from the start address MA11 + 1 to the end address MA14. . All of the sound data corresponding to the music A-1 and the music A-2 may be stored in the sound data first storage area R11.

  The sound data corresponding to the music B-1 in FIG. 6 (B) is used to play the BGM that is in the probability changing state in which the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the probability changing state, and from the start address MA19 + 1 to the end address MA21. It is stored in the section. Here, the start address MA19 + 1 of the music B-1 has an address value smaller than the address MA20 that is the final address of the ROM 132, and is included in the sound data first storage area R11 provided in the ROM 132 that provides the first area. Yes. On the other hand, the end address MA21 of the music B-1 has a larger address value than the address MA20 that is the final address of the ROM 132, and the sound data second storage area R12 provided in the image data memory 121 that provides the second area. Included. As described above, the sound data corresponding to the music B-1 spans both the sound data first storage area R11 provided in the ROM 132 and the sound data second storage area R12 provided in the image data memory 121. It is memorized. The sound data corresponding to the music B-2 is used for playing back the short-time BGM when the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the short-time state, and is stored in the section from the start address MA21 + 1 to the end address MA23. . The sound data corresponding to the music piece X is used for reproducing the production sound during the big hit when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the big hit gaming state, and is stored in the section from the start address MA27 + 1 to the end address MA30. . The sound data corresponding to the music B-2 and the music X only need to be stored in the sound data second storage area R12.

  The sound data corresponding to the music B-1 shown in FIG. 6B includes both the sound data first storage area R11 provided in the ROM 132 and the sound data second storage area R12 provided in the image data memory 121. In addition, it is stored across. Even in this case, since the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 are provided in the ROM 132 and the image data area 121 where consecutive addresses are given, the music B-1 is reproduced. Sometimes, as in the case of playing other music, the start address and the end address of the sound data are designated, the read address is sequentially updated from the start address, and the sound data is read, so that the music B-1 is supported. Sound data to be read can be appropriately read.

  The image data memory 121 originally provides a storage area for storing image data used for display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. On the other hand, because it is necessary to prepare sound data corresponding to various musical pieces, the amount of control information to be stored in the ROM 132 or the like for controlling the effects by various effect devices increases, and the storage capacity becomes insufficient. There is a case. In this case, if a separate new storage device is prepared, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 increases. Therefore, by providing the image data memory 121 with a data storage area used for control different from the image data, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced. When a sound data storage area is provided, a storage area corresponding to a specific address range continuous from the last address assigned to the sound data storage area in the ROM 132 is allocated to the image data memory 121. Thereby, even the sound data stored across both the storage area of the ROM 132 and the storage area of the image data memory 121 is read out while updating (incrementing) the address in the same manner as other sound data. Thus, the sound data can be appropriately read.

  The display control unit 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 4 is based on the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120 and the control contents of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. To decide. For example, the display control unit 122 executes variable display of decorative symbols and various effect displays by determining the switching timing of effect images to be displayed on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. Control for. In this embodiment, the display control unit 123 also performs control for executing display effects according to the lighting modes of the light emitter units 71 to 74 formed by the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment on the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display control unit 122 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 141, a VRAM (Video RAM) 142A, a frame buffer 142B, a main LCD driving circuit 143A, a sub LCD driving circuit 143B, and light emission. A body control circuit 144. Note that the VDP 141 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics controller LSI (GCL), or a microprocessor for image processing, more commonly referred to as a digital signal processor (DSP).

  The VDP 141 has, for example, an image data processing function such as a high-speed drawing function and a moving image decoding function for displaying various images on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. The image processor executes image data processing in accordance with a display control command transmitted from the CPU 131. The VDP 141 can access the image data memory 121 via the bus 12BU common to the effect control microcomputer 120 and read image data. The image data stored in the image data memory 121 may be used when creating data (lighting data) for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74.

  The VRAM 142A temporarily stores the image data read from the image data memory 121, and provides a work area for the VDP 141 to execute image data processing. For example, a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which character image data read from the image data memory 121 is stored, and a CG buffer are allocated to the storage area of the VRAM 142A. The CG buffer temporarily stores palette data in which the display color of the character is defined when the rendering process by the VDP 141 is executed, or temporarily stores the display data of the effect image created by the rendering process. It is used to

  The frame buffer 142B provides a virtual display area in which display data and the like of effect images created by drawing processing by the VDP 141 are developed and stored. The display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer 142B may be pixel data (raster data) created by the VDP 141 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. In the frame buffer 142B, for example, an actual display area for storing display data of various images displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and display of various images that are not displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. A virtual display area for storing data may be included. Alternatively, display data for displaying a screen having the same size as the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is created in the virtual display area of the frame buffer 142B, and the display data of the virtual display area read by the VDP 141 is the main display data. By being supplied to the LCD drive circuit 143A, it may be output to the main image display device 5MA side. The VRAM 142A and the frame buffer 142B may be secured as separate storage areas in the same semiconductor memory (such as SDRAM), or may be configured using separate semiconductor memories.

  An image display area and an image drawing area are allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 142B. In the image display area, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is stored. In the image drawing area, display data of each effect image created by the drawing process is stored. The image display area and the image drawing area may be switched each time a V blank is generated. The V blank is generated at a cycle in which an image displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is updated. Each time a V blank is started, a V blank interrupt signal is output from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120, and various other interrupt signals are output from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131.

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

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer may be allocated to each of the storage areas to which the image display area and the image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 142B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data for creating lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74. In this way, lighting data for controlling lighting of the plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is created using a part of the display data stored in the subframe buffer.

  The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 accesses, for example, a system register and an attribute register built in the VDP 141 via a CPU interface included in the VDP 141. Various commands and data are stored in the system register and the attribute register in accordance with process data such as display control data included in the effect control pattern. Thus, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 indirectly controls the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and the lighting operation in the light emitter units 71 to 74.

  The process data indicates the setting contents that the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 performs on the system register and attribute register of the VDP 141 each time V blank occurs. The setting contents of the system register include drawing and data transfer commands, CG data to be transferred, palette data, and attribute settings. The setting contents of the attribute register only need to indicate an attribute as a parameter used for rendering processing of the effect image. In the process data, attributes are set so that the image is updated every time a V blank occurs. As a result, the image can be updated each time a V blank is generated.

  The main LCD drive circuit 143A creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data output from the VDP 141, and sends a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal (drive control signal) to the main image. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA by outputting it to the display device 5MA. The sub LCD drive circuit 143B creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data transmitted from the VDP 141 via the light emitter control circuit 144, and a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU by outputting (drive control signal) to the sub image display device 5SU.

  The light emitter control circuit 144 is a circuit that controls lighting modes of the light emitter units 71 to 74 using a plurality of light emitters by using a part of data obtained by separating the display data read from the subframe buffer of the frame buffer 142B by the VDP 141. It is. The light emitter control circuit 144 only needs to be configured using a dedicated IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the light emitter control circuit 144 may be configured using a programmable integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Of the display data separated by the light emitter control circuit 144, the remaining display data not used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is output to the sub LCD drive circuit 143B.

  The VDP 141 has two signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as a main display output system and a sub display output system as a data signal output system for outputting display data. The main display output system, which is one of the two data signal output systems, is connected to the main image display device 5MA via the main LCD drive circuit 143A and is used for screen display of the main image display device 5MA. A data signal of display data is transmitted. The sub display output system which is the other output system of the two data signal output systems is connected to the light emitter units 71 to 74 and the sub LCD drive circuit 143B via the light emitter control circuit 144, and the sub LCD drive circuit 143B. Are further connected to the sub image display device 5SU. In such a sub display output system, a display data data signal used for image display on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU is transmitted, and display data data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is transmitted. A signal is transmitted. Display data used for lighting control of the luminous body units 71 to 74 is converted into lighting data in the luminous body control circuit 144. The main LCD drive circuit 143A, the sub LCD drive circuit 143B, and the light emitter control circuit 144 may be mounted on a separate substrate from the effect control substrate 12.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the light emitter control circuit 144. The light emitter control circuit 144 generates a control signal corresponding to the lighting control information based on a part of the display data output from the VDP 141, and the like, thereby a plurality of light emission elements arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 74. Control the lighting of the body. The light emitter control circuit 144 includes a signal separation circuit 150, a buffer memory 151, a lighting data generation circuit 152, a serial output circuit 153, and a light emitter driver 154.

  The signal separation circuit 150 separates part of the display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 from the display data output from the VDP 141 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 152. Of the display data output from the VDP 141, the display data output corresponding to the sub display output system is input to the light emitter control circuit 144. The signal separation circuit 150 further separates some display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 from the display data input to the light emitter control circuit 144. For example, the signal separation circuit 150 specifies display data used for lighting control based on a predetermined synchronization signal (horizontal synchronization signal or vertical synchronization signal) or a clock signal (dot clock signal). The display data specified in this way is written in a predetermined order from the first storage area (buffer memory area) in the buffer memory 151 and temporarily stored.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 reads the display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 151 and executes predetermined conversion processing to generate lighting data that constitutes the lighting control information. A part of display data output from the VDP 141 corresponding to the sub display output system is stored in the buffer memory 151. Therefore, the lighting data generation circuit 152 converts part of the display data created by the VDP 141 into lighting data. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 includes drive control data serving as drive control information that specifies the drive timing of the light emitter, and a floor that specifies the luminance (gradation) corresponding to each light emission color of the light emitter. It is only necessary to include gradation data serving as tone control information.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 divides a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the movable members 51 to 54 into a plurality of blocks, and creates lighting data of the light emitters for each of these blocks. In this embodiment, the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are set in advance as a plurality of blocks. The lighting data generation circuit 153 generates lighting data corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42.

  FIG. 8 shows a setting example in which a region where a plurality of light emitters in the movable member 51 are arranged and arranged is divided into a plurality of blocks. The regions where the plurality of light emitters are arranged on the movable member 51 are light emitter blocks B01 to B06 as shown in FIG. 8A and light emitter blocks B07 to B15 as shown in FIG. 8B. Divided. Similarly to the movable member 51, the movable members 52 to 54 other than the movable member 51 are set so as to divide a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged into a plurality of blocks. Thus, the entire light emitter units 71 to 74 provided in the movable members 51 to 54 are divided into light emitter blocks B01 to B42. The number of divisions of the light emitter block may be arbitrarily set based on the number of movable members constituting the effect movable mechanism 50, the size of a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged, and the like. .

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

  The serial output circuit 153 outputs a control signal including lighting control information corresponding to the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 to the light emitter driving unit 154 by a serial signal method. The control signal corresponding to the lighting data may include a drive control signal corresponding to the drive control data and a gradation data signal corresponding to the gradation data. The serial output circuit 153 has a plurality of signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as 21 systems as a serial output system for outputting a control signal. The serial output circuit 153 is connected to serial signal wirings corresponding to each of the 21 serial output systems K01 to K21, and outputs a control signal including lighting control information to each wiring by a serial signal system. As described above, the serial output circuit 153 outputs the control signal including the lighting control information to the serial signal lines of a plurality of systems by the serial signal method.

  FIG. 9 shows a connection setting example between the serial output system and the light emitter block. In the connection setting example shown in FIG. 9, two light emitter blocks among the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are connected to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21. For example, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of the light emitter block B01 and the light emitter block B02 is connected to the serial output system K01 via a serial signal wiring. The serial output system K02 is connected to a light emitter block B03 and a light emitter driver for controlling the light emitter block B04 through serial signal wiring. Also in the serial output system K03 and later, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of two light emitter blocks is connected to one serial output system. A plurality of light emitter drivers that perform lighting control of light emitters included in a light emitter block assigned to one serial output system may be connected by a serial bus system via serial signal wiring. In addition, it is not limited to what is connected by a serial bus system, A some light emitter driver may be connected in series (connected by a daisy chain system).

  The light emitter driving unit 144 shown in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of light emitter drivers that control lighting of a plurality of light emitters included in regions divided into the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Each light emitter driver performs lighting control of a plurality of light emitters based on lighting control information indicated by a control signal transmitted from the serial output circuit 153 via the serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver is configured to include, for example, a shift register, converts data transmitted by the serial signal system into data of a parallel signal system, and outputs the data to a plurality of signal lines. Each of the plurality of light emitter drivers includes a strobe-side light emitter driver serving as a drive control circuit that performs drive control of the light emitter in accordance with drive control data indicated by the drive control signal, and gradation data indicated by the gradation data signal. The light source driver on the digit side, which is a gradation control circuit for controlling the gradation of the light emitter, is classified into any one of them. In each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42, dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters is performed for each light emitter block using a strobe side light emitter driver and a digit side light emitter driver.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a light emitter driver corresponding to the light emitter block B11 as a specific example. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 10, a strobe-side light emitter driver 411S, a digit upper light emitter driver 411DU, and a digit lower light emitter driver 411DD are provided as a plurality of light emitter drivers corresponding to the light emitter block B11. Is provided. The serial signal wiring of the serial output system K06 shown in FIG. 9 includes the strobe side light emitter driver 411S, the digit upper light emitter driver 411DU, and the digit lower light emitter driver 411DD corresponding to the light emitter block B11 from the serial output circuit 153. And then connected to the light emitter driver provided corresponding to the light emitter block B12.

  Different address information is assigned to each of the light emitter driver 411S, the light emitter driver 411DU, and the light emitter driver 411DD. The serial output circuit 153 outputs a control signal indicating the lighting control information to which the address information is added to the serial signal wiring included in the serial output system K06, so that any of the plurality of light emitter drivers corresponding to the light emitter block B11 is output. Transmit the lighting control information.

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

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

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

  Note that the number of light emitters included in one half block is not limited to 96 in total, and may be an arbitrary number determined in advance based on the specification and design of the light emitter driver. For example, when eight strobe signal lines are configured to drive and control a plurality of light emitters arranged in eight columns, a total of 64 light emitters comprising eight columns on the strobe side and eight rows on the digit side are provided. What is necessary is just to form so that it may be contained in one half block. Further, the number of light emitters that can be controlled to be lighted by one half block and the number of light emitters actually included in one half block do not always have to coincide with each other. For example, while the number of light emitters that can be controlled to light in one half block is 96, the number of light emitters actually included in one half block depends on the arrangement of the light emitters in the light emitter units 71 to 74. There may be fewer than 96. In this way, it is only necessary to control the lighting of a predetermined number of light emitters or less for each half block as a module smaller than a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data for performing dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. For example, as drive control data serving as drive control information for designating the drive timing of the light emitters, control data for time-sharing driving a plurality of light emitters at different timings for each strobe signal line is generated. Also, gradation data serving as gradation control information for designating luminance (gradation) for each emission color is generated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control corresponding to a plurality of light emitters connected to each digit signal line. The light emitter driver on the digit side is not limited to the one that performs gradation control of the light emitter according to the output period of the pulse signal as in the PWM control method. What is necessary is just to perform gradation control of the light emitter according to the physical quantity (pulse quantity) of the pulse signal such as the number of pulses) and the amplitude (drive current value) of the pulse signal.

  The serial output circuit 153 outputs the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 to the serial signal wiring of the serial output system connected to the light emitter block to be controlled by the serial signal method. A strobe-side light emitter driver provided corresponding to each light emitter block drives and controls a plurality of light emitters connected to the strobe signal line by outputting a strobe signal based on the drive control data. The light emitter driver on the digit upper side or the digit lower side provided for each light emitter block outputs a digit signal based on the gradation data, thereby gradation of a plurality of light emitters connected to the digit signal line. Control. Thus, in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74, the plurality of light emitters arranged in a row emit light at a duty ratio corresponding to the digit signal during the light emission drive period in which the strobe signal is turned on, and the plurality of light emitter blocks For each of B01 to B42, the lighting mode can be changed by a dynamic lighting method (also referred to as a pulse lighting method, a duty lighting method, or a time division lighting method). In this way, by configuring the dynamic lighting control to be performed for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42, the light emitter driving unit 154 can perform lighting control using a plurality of light emitter drivers in parallel. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the production control microcomputer 120 mounted on the production control board 12 shown in FIG. 4, a production control program and fixed data are stored in the ROM 132 built in the production control microcomputer 120 as shown in FIG. 5. And may require a large capacity. Since a large-capacity storage device is usually expensive, the manufacturing cost and waste of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced by recycling the ROM 132. Note that the ROM 101 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 and the image data memory 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 may be recycled in the same manner as the ROM 132.

  As the ROM 132, for example, a NAND-ROM is used, and the stored contents can be rewritten by a ROM writer which is a data writing device. In the NAND-ROM, a defective area (defective area) is generated by repeating reading and writing. In order to prevent data loss due to such a defective area, the NAND-ROM is provided with an ECC (Error Correction Code) function to enable correction of data errors. In addition, a redundant area is provided separately from the normal storage area, and an area where a data error has occurred is substituted for the redundant area.

  An example of recycling for the ROM 132 will be described. After the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shipped to the market, when the usage period ends at the store and the used machine is used, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is collected by a collection company and disassembled into parts of a unit required for recycling. The ROM 132 collected by this disassembly is rewritten in order to be stored in a new pachinko gaming machine 1 so that stored programs and data are rewritten. For example, a ROM writer that is a data writing device rewrites a program or data stored in the ROM 132 by executing a predetermined writing process. The ROM 132 that has been rewritten is mounted on a new pachinko gaming machine 1 and shipped to the market.

  The NAND-ROM used in the ROM 132 is deteriorated by repeated reading and writing. If the deteriorated NAND-ROM continues to be used as the ROM 132, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be hindered. In order not to cause such trouble, it is possible to appropriately grasp the operation results of the ROM 132 and determine whether or not it can be recycled. For this reason, when writing processing to the ROM 132 is executed, history information is written in the redundant area of the ROM 132. Since the redundant area of the NAND-ROM is an area used in place of the defective area in the data area, writing cannot be performed with a normal ROM writer. Therefore, it is possible to write data indicating history information to the redundant area of the ROM 132 using a dedicated data writing device. By using the dedicated data writing device, it is possible to prevent a person other than the business related to the recycling of the ROM 132 from using the redundant area unnecessarily. Thus, the reliability of the history information is ensured and appropriate recycling is possible.

  The writing of the history information in the ROM 132 is not limited to the case where the program or data used in the new pachinko gaming machine 1 is written, but the ROM 132 is collected from the used pachinko gaming machine 1. From the time it is installed in the new pachinko gaming machine 1, it may be performed as appropriate.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a storage area in the ROM 132 to be recycled. The storage area of the ROM 132 includes three areas such as a data area, a control area, and a redundant area. The data area is an area used in the ROM 132 so as to be normally accessible. Programs and data for realizing various functions of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are written and stored in the data area if there is no problem in access or the like. The redundant area is an area for replacing an area (defective area) that hinders writing or reading in the data area. A defective area that is determined to have an access problem in the data area is prohibited. Data to be stored in the defective area is stored in the redundant area (alternate area). The control area is an area in which correspondence information indicating the relationship between the defective area of the data area and the alternative area of the redundant area is stored. The correspondence information only needs to include, for example, arrangement information that associates the address of the data area with the address of the redundant area. The data area address and the redundant area address may be specified by a start address and an end address, respectively. Alternatively, the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be specified by pages or blocks. For example, when designated by a page, it is only necessary to designate the position of the defective area and the alternative area by designating the address indicating the start page and the number of pages.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, there are three defective areas A, B, and D in the data area. In order to replace these defective areas A, B, and D, the replacement areas A, B, and D are provided in the redundant area. Arrangement information A, B, and D indicating the relationship between the defective areas A, B, and D and the alternative areas A, B, and D are stored in the control area. In the defective areas A, B, and D, the alternative areas A, B, and D, and the arrangement information A, B, and D, the same alphabet indicates that they are in a correspondence relationship. Each arrangement information A, B, and D is configured to be able to specify the address of the defective area in the data area and the address of the alternative area in the redundant area.

  Reading of data stored in the storage area of the ROM 132 is performed by a control means (for example, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120) provided outside the ROM 132 or a memory control unit provided inside the ROM 132. The CPU 131 refers to the arrangement information stored in the control area, and determines whether to read data stored in the data area or to read data stored in the alternative area in the redundant area. For example, when the data to be read is data indicated by the arrangement information A, the data stored in the defective area A of the data area is read out. However, the arrangement information A determines that reading from the defective area A is inappropriate, and instead of the defective area A, the data stored in the alternative area A of the redundant area is read. Thus, by providing the redundant area in the ROM 132, even when a defective area occurs in the data area, it is possible to read data with high reliability.

  The redundant area of the ROM 132 is an area that is originally used as a substitute area that substitutes for a defective area that has occurred in the data area. On the other hand, history information is written in the redundant area of the ROM 132 according to this embodiment. The history information is information related to the recycling of the ROM 132. For example, the history information includes date information and model identification information such as the used pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, the identification information of the store where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is introduced, or the identification information of the area where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is introduced may be included. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is recycled, it is possible to reuse the ROM 132 (rewrite and use the stored data) by reading and referring to this history information, or it cannot be reused. Can be determined.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, history information C is stored in the redundant area. In the control area, arrangement information C is stored corresponding to the history information C. Unlike other arrangement information indicating the relationship between the defective area and the alternative area, the arrangement information C includes a history flag indicating the arrangement information related to the history information and the address of the redundant area storing the history information. Just go out. The address of the redundant area may be specified by a start address and an end address, may be specified by a start address and the number of pages (or the number of blocks), and various other forms may be employed. When reading the history information, specify the placement information for which the history flag is turned on in the control area, and read the history information from the redundancy area by referring to the address of the redundancy area included in this placement information. Can do.

  Thus, by storing the history information in the redundant area where the alternative area is provided, it is possible to perform the recycling management of the ROM 132 without changing the data area. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform complicated management such as attaching a barcode to the outside of the ROM 132, and it is possible to accurately perform recycling management as history information stored in the ROM 132. Further, since history information is not stored in the data area, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the same model can maintain the identity of programs and data stored in the data area. Thereby, at the time of shipment of the ROM 132 and the pachinko gaming machine 1, it can be confirmed that the product is a fair product by checking the identity of the program and data in the data area for the same model.

  In this embodiment, a control area is provided in the storage area of the ROM 132, and arrangement information is stored in this control area, thereby managing the arrangement relationship between the defective area and the alternative area and the arrangement of history information in the redundant area. . On the other hand, the control area may be managed outside the storage area of the ROM 132. For example, it may be managed by a memory control unit provided separately from the storage area of the ROM 132. Further, the arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the history information stored in the redundant area is not limited to that stored in the control area. For example, the history information may be managed by adding header information. This header information is information indicating history information, and when the history information is read, it is only necessary that the history information can be read by searching the header information in the redundant area.

  FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a data writing device 500 that can write programs and data to the ROM 132. The data writing device 500 writes and stores the history information related to recycling in the ROM 132 together with the program and data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be reused by the ROM 132.

  The data writing device 500 includes a CPU 541, a ROM 542, a RAM 543, a time measuring unit 544, connectors 547 and 548, an operation unit 551, a display processing unit 545, and a display unit 554. The CPU 541 performs overall control of the entire data writing device 500. The ROM 542 stores programs and data necessary for executing various processes such as a writing process. The RAM 543 temporarily stores data when executing various processes. The time measurement unit 544 generates date information based on time measurement. The connector 547 is connected to the ROM 132 to be written. The connector 548 is connected to the external storage medium 552. The operation unit 551 detects an operation for the user to input an instruction to the data writing device 500. The display processing unit 545 executes image processing for forming visual information. Display unit 554 outputs visual information.

  The external storage medium 552 stores a program and data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be newly reused. In addition, model operation information that is market data is stored in the external storage device 552 in order to determine the operation performance of the ROM 132. The model operation information is information obtained by tabulating the operation status of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for each model during a predetermined period (for example, every week), and is information distributed from the business operator who conducts the market research to the store. In the store, based on the model operation information, the number of each model is managed, such as replacement of the model of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The model operating information indicates the number of operating machines in the market for each model of the gaming machine, the operating time during the counting target period, the number of balls struck (also referred to as “out”), sales, and the like. In the store, the popularity degree and the degree of customer attraction of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be determined based on the model operation information, and the number of pachinko gaming machines 1 in the store can be managed. In the example shown in FIG. 12, necessary information (program, data, model operation information, etc.) is acquired from the outside using the external storage medium 552. On the other hand, information may be acquired in various forms, for example, information is acquired through a communication line.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a writing process executed by the data writing device 500. In the data writing device 500, the ROM 132 to be written with the program and data is connected to the connector 547, and the program and data corresponding to the new pachinko gaming machine 1 are selected based on the stored contents of the external storage medium 552. Thus, the writing process to the ROM 132 is executed.

  When the execution of the writing process shown in FIG. 13 is started, the CPU 541 first reads history information stored in the redundant area of the ROM 132 (step ST1). Next, model operation information is read from the external storage medium 552 (step ST2). Based on the history information thus read out and the model operation information, operation result information is calculated (step ST3). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation result information as a calculation result is within an allowable range (step ST4). Thereby, it is determined whether or not the ROM 132 can withstand reuse. When it is determined that the operation result information of the calculation result exceeds the reference operation time and is not within the allowable range (step ST4; No), the display unit 553 does not write a new program or data. It is displayed that it is possible (step ST12).

  When it is determined in step ST4 that the operation result information of the calculation result does not exceed the reference operation time and is within the allowable range (step ST4; Yes), a write instruction by operation to the operation unit 551 It is determined whether or not there has been (step ST5). When a user gives a write instruction by operating the operation unit 551 (step ST5; Yes), a program or data corresponding to a new pachinko gaming machine 1 is written in the data area of the ROM 132 (step ST6). ). At this time, the defective area of the data area is used in place of the alternative area of the redundant area. Thereafter, the new program and data stored in the data area of the ROM 132 are collated with the master program and master data stored in the external storage medium 552 of the data writing device 500 (step ST7). Then, it is determined whether or not the collation results match (step ST8). If they do not match (step ST8; No), an error is displayed on the display unit 553 (step ST11), and the writing process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step ST8 that they match (step ST8; Yes), history information is written in the redundancy area of the ROM 132 (step ST9). Then, after displaying the end of writing on the display unit 553 (step ST10), the writing process is terminated. Thus, by writing the program and data corresponding to the new pachinko gaming machine 1 and writing the history information and then displaying the completion of the writing, the history information can be written to the ROM 132 reliably. Recycling management of the ROM 132 based on information can be performed with high accuracy.

  FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of history information stored in the redundant area of the ROM 132. The history information shown in FIG. 14 includes date information indicating the date on which the writing process was performed, model identification information indicating the model of the pachinko gaming machine 1 used, store identification information in which the pachinko gaming machine 1 was introduced, and Are included. The data writing device 500 can determine to which model of the pachinko gaming machine 1 the ROM 132 is used based on the history information. In addition, the usage period of each model can be specified by the date interval specified from the date information. For example, the history information shown in FIG. 14 indicates that the model A program and data were written on October 1, 2013, and the model B program and data were written on December 15, 2013. . Thereby, it is possible to specify that the period used for the model A is a period from October 1, 2013 to December 15, 2013. Further, it is possible to specify that the period from the most recent date indicated by the date information to the present is the period of use in the model that has been used most recently.

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of model operation information stored in the external storage medium 552. The model operation information shown in FIG. 15 includes model identification information, and indicates a total period and an operation time. The operating time indicates the operating status for each counting period. The operating time may be the national average operating time, or may be the operating time for each region or each store.

  The operation result information calculated in the process of step ST3 shown in FIG. 13 indicates the operation time when the ROM 132 is mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1 and used. The history information shown in FIG. 14 includes model identification information indicating the model used by the ROM 132 so far. Further, the model operation information shown in FIG. 15 indicates the operation time for each counting period for the pachinko gaming machine 1. The CPU 541 of the data writing device 500 can specify the model and usage period of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the ROM 132 is used based on the history information. Further, it is only necessary to calculate the operation time (operation result information) of the target ROM 132 by accumulating the operation time in the use period for each model based on the model operation information. Since the same model of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is often shipped and collected at the same time, it is sufficient that the approximate usage period can be estimated by specifying the model of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Thus, the usage period can be specified by including at least model identification information in the history information.

  After a new program or data is written by the process of step ST6 shown in FIG. 13, a verify process for confirming that the program has been written without fail may be executed. In the collation process in step ST7 shown in FIG. 13, collation with the master program and master data stored in the external storage device 552 is performed for the program and data stored in the data area in the storage area of the ROM 132. By executing this verification process, fair operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is secured. In the collation processing, a portion other than the alternative area in the redundant area is not subjected to collation. For this reason, the history information stored in the redundant area is not subject to the collation process.

  In the process of step ST9 shown in FIG. 13, the history information including the date information may be written using the current date timed by the timekeeping unit 544 of the data writing device 500. Note that the date information is not limited to the date and time, and may include the hour and minute in more detail. The date information is not limited to the date indicating the date when the history information is written, and may be the date actually starting to be used in the store. In this case, for example, a date may be input in accordance with a user operation on the operation unit 551, or date information stored in advance in the external storage medium 552 may be used. By executing the process of step ST9, a program and data corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be newly used are written in the ROM 132, and history information is written. The CPU 541 only needs to be able to automatically select model identification information corresponding to the program or data to be written to the ROM 132 and write it in the history information when it is selected. As described above, when the program or data is written in the ROM 132, the consistency between the two can be maintained by writing the model identification information included in the history information. Note that the model identification information included in the history information may be input in response to a user operation on the operation unit 551.

  The store in which the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be used by the ROM 132 is introduced may be determined in advance before the program or data is written in the ROM 132, and the history includes store identification information indicating the store. Information may be written by the process of step ST9. The store identification information may be input in accordance with, for example, a user operation on the operation unit 551, or may be stored in advance in the external storage medium 552.

  FIG. 16 shows a display example on the display unit 553 of the data writing device 500 according to the execution content of the writing process. When it is determined in step ST4 shown in FIG. 13 that the operation result information of the calculation result is within the allowable range, a writing instruction cursor is displayed on the display unit 553 together with a message as shown in FIG. . At this time, for example, an input of a writing instruction corresponding to a user operation on the operation unit 551 is accepted. In the process of step ST12 shown in FIG. 13, the message “Writing impossible. ROM to be discarded” as shown in FIG. 16B is displayed on the display unit 553, indicating that data writing is impossible. It only needs to be notified. In the process of step ST10 shown in FIG. 13, the message “Write complete. Please remove the ROM” as shown in FIG. 16C is displayed on the display unit 553, indicating that the data writing is completed. It only needs to be notified. By performing the display as shown in FIG. 16C, history information can be reliably written in the ROM 132, and the recycling management of the ROM 132 based on the history information can be performed with high accuracy.

  Note that writing of a new program or data and writing of history information may be executed as separate writing processes. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is recycled, a new program or data may not be written in the ROM 132, for example, when the model version is changed. When the version change of the model is scheduled at the stage where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is newly created, programs and data necessary for the model version change are stored in the ROM 132 in advance. When recycling, a change such as changing the picture of the game board 2 is performed, and a new program or data is not written to the ROM 132. Even when the version of such a model is changed, history information may be written in the redundant area of the ROM 132. When the version of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed, the operating result information may be handled as a different model. In such a case, by including the model identification information whose version has been changed in the history information, it is possible to more accurately grasp the operation results of the ROM 132 and perform appropriate recycling management.

  In the process of step ST3 shown in FIG. 13, the operation result information may be calculated using the store identification information. In this case, the model operation information may also indicate the aggregation period and operation time for each store. By using the store identification information, the operation result information can be calculated with higher accuracy. In addition to calculating the operation result information for each store, the operation result information may be calculated for each region where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is introduced. In this case, the history information may include information related to the region where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is introduced, and the model operation information may indicate the counting period and operation time for each introduction region.

  Instead of the process of step ST3 shown in FIG. 13, for example, history information may be read from the ROM 132 and displayed on the display unit 553. Based on the history information displayed at this time, the user of the data writing device 500 may be able to determine whether or not it can be reused. Alternatively, even if operation result information is calculated by an external device of the data writing device 500 and the operation result information is output so that the user of the data writing device 500 can recognize and determine whether or not it can be reused. Good.

  Thus, in the ROM 132 to be recycled, history information is originally stored using a redundant area for storing data in place of the defective area. As a result, even if history information is stored, the storage contents in the data area of the ROM 132 are not affected, and the storage contents in the data area are maintained identical, and the ROM 132 can be appropriately recycled. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the same program and data stored in the ROM 132 are required between the same models from the viewpoint of keeping the game fair. Therefore, by storing history information that changes according to the usage status of the ROM 132 in a redundant area that is different from the data area, it is possible to prevent changes in the storage contents of the data area that normally stores programs and data. Thus, the recycling of the ROM 132 can be appropriately managed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). As an example, in step S11, an input state (on / off) of a start winning signal as a detection signal transmitted from the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B is checked. What is necessary is just to determine with winning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the value of the game process flag is “1”, a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). FIG. 18 shows a setting example of a variation pattern used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Each variation pattern indicates that the required time (variable display time) from the start of variable display to the display of a fixed symbol that is a variable display result can be specified and the outline of the production mode can be specified. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the main image display device 5MA is “non-reach” and “reach”. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each of the above and the case where the variable display result is “big hit”. For the variation pattern, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each variation time (variable display time) in the variable display of the special figure game or the decorative design. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern, it is possible to determine the variable display time for special symbols and decorative symbols.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. The effect control board 12 is supplied with a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like. In the effect control microcomputer 120 in which the power supply for activation is started, the CPU 131 executes effect control main processing. When the production control main process is started, the CPU 131 first executes a predetermined startup process. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on. The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. Such an interrupt for turning on the timer interrupt flag is a timer interrupt for effect control. The CPU 131 waits until a timer interrupt for effect control occurs.

  When a timer interrupt for effect control occurs and the timer interrupt flag is turned on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off, and a timer interrupt process for effect control is executed. In addition to the timer control process for effect control, the CPU 131 can execute an interrupt process for receiving a command. An effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 is sent to the I / O. What is necessary is just to be able to acquire from the input port of O134. The effect control command acquired at this time may be temporarily stored in a reception command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133, for example. In the timer control process for effect control, the CPU 131 executes a command analysis process. In the command analysis processing, it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received. If there is a reception, setting or control corresponding to the received command is performed. The CPU 131 only needs to check the stored contents of the reception command buffer and determine whether or not a new effect control command has been received. After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process is executed. In the effect control process, for example, the image display for effects on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 are arranged in alignment. Various effects such as lighting on a plurality of light emitters, lighting on various light emitting members such as game effect lamps 9 and decoration LEDs different from the light emitter units 71 to 74, and driving operation of a movable motor that moves the movable members 51 to 54 With respect to the content of operation control using the apparatus, determination, determination, setting, and the like according to an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 are performed. Following the effect control process, an effect random number update process is executed, and numerical data indicating effect random numbers counted as various random values used for effect control is updated by software. It should be noted that the effect random number that is updated by hardware using a random number circuit built in (or externally attached to) the effect control microcomputer 120 may not be updated in the effect random number update process. Alternatively, the rendering random number may be updated by software using numerical data indicating a random value updated by hardware.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 determines whether it is the BGM change timing (step S151). For example, the CPU 131 may determine that it is the BGM change timing when a predetermined BGM change condition is satisfied based on an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like. As an example, the BGM change condition only needs to be set so as to be established when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed to any one of a normal state, a probability change state, and a short-time state.

  When it is determined in step S151 that it is the BGM change timing (step S151; Yes), the start address and the end address of the sound data corresponding to the music to be reproduced as BGM are specified (step S152). For example, in a predetermined area of the ROM 132, for the sound data corresponding to the music to be played back as BGM for each gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the start address and end in the sound data first storage area R11 or the sound data second storage area R12 A BGM setting table including data indicating that an address can be specified may be stored in advance. The CPU 131 may specify the start address and the end address of the sound data by referring to the BGM setting table according to the gaming state specified based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S152, loop reproduction start control for starting loop reproduction in which the music to be BGM is repeatedly reproduced is performed (step S153). For example, the CPU 131 transmits a sound effect signal indicating that loop reproduction is to be performed to the sound control board 13 from the output port in the I / O 134 together with the start address and end address of the sound data specified by the process of step S152. To do. In this case, the voice control board 13 only needs to be able to read the sound data from the section of the start address and the end address indicated by the sound effect signal by the voice synthesis IC accessing the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121. Then, according to the designation to perform loop playback, the music corresponding to the sound data is sequentially played back from the beginning, and when the end of the music is played back, the playback of the music may be repeated by returning to the beginning.

  For example, when the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal state, the music A-1 as the normal BGM shown in FIG. 6B can be repeatedly reproduced by the loop reproduction start control by the processing in step S153. it can. Further, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the probability changing state, the music B-1 as the probability changing BGM shown in FIG. 6 (B) can be repeatedly reproduced. When the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the time-short state, the music B-2 as the time-short-time BGM shown in FIG. 6B can be repeatedly reproduced.

  When it is determined in step S151 that it is not the BGM change timing (step S151; No), after the process of step S153 is executed, a process according to the value of the effect process flag is executed. At this time, the CPU 131 determines the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 133, and selects and executes a process according to the determination value from a plurality of processes described in advance in the effect control program. To do. The processing executed according to the determination value of the effect process flag includes the processing of steps S170 to S176.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. This variable display start waiting process is based on whether the first variation start command or the second variation start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is performed. The process etc. which determine whether to start are included. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. When either the first change start command or the second change start command is received, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”.

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

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In this variable display effect processing, the CPU 131 reads various control data from the effect control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (such as an effect control timer setting unit). Processing for performing various effects control during variable display of decorative symbols is included. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11, the finalized symbol as the final stop symbol resulting in the variable symbol variable display result is displayed as a complete stop. Processing to display (derived display) is included. Note that, in response to the end code being read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the finalized decorative symbol may be displayed in a complete stop (derived display). In this case, when the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, the production control board 12 is autonomous even if it does not depend on the production control command from the main board 11. The fixed display pattern can be derived and displayed on the screen to determine the variable display result. After performing such effect control, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

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

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

  The big hit effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In this jackpot effect processing, the CPU 133 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect contents in the jackpot effect that is executed, for example, in the jackpot game state, and displays an effect image based on the set contents in the main image display device. From the speakers 8L and 8R by displaying on the screen of the 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, executing the display effect by the light emitter units 71 to 74, and outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13. Playing sound and sound effects, turning on / off / flashing the game effect lamp 9 and decoration LED by outputting a command (lighting signal) to the lamp control board 14, and performing other effect control, The effect during the big hit corresponding to the gaming state can be executed. In the jackpot effect processing, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “6” in response to, for example, receiving a jackpot end designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

  The big hit end effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In this jackpot end effect process, for example, the CPU 131 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect contents in the jackpot end effect (ending effect) executed when the jackpot game state ends, and an effect image based on the set contents Display, fruit sound output, lighting / extinguishing / flashing of various light-emitting members, and other effect operations are controlled to enable execution of a jackpot end effect corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. Thereafter, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 131 first determines a final stop symbol or the like that becomes a finalized symbol as a variable symbol display result (step S401). As the processing in step S401, the CPU 131 performs final processing based on the variable display contents such as the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. Determine the stop symbol. As an example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the fluctuation pattern and variable display result include “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (lack)”, “non-probability change (big hit)”, and “probability change (big hit)”. is there.

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

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the CPU 131 determines different (unmatched) decorative symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R as the final stop symbols. . The CPU 131 is a random number circuit for rendering that is updated by a random number circuit built in (or attached to) the rendering control microcomputer 120 or a rendering random counter provided in a predetermined area (such as the rendering control counter setting unit) of the RAM 133. Among them, by extracting numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol and referring to the left determined symbol determining table prepared and stored in advance in the ROM 132, the “left” decorative symbol among the determined decorative symbols. The left fixed decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the display area 5L is determined. Next, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined symbol is extracted from the random numbers for rendering, and by referring to the right determined symbol determining table prepared and stored in advance in the ROM 132, etc. Of these, the right determined decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “right” decorative symbol display area 5R is determined. At this time, the symbol number of the right determined decorative symbol may be determined so as to be different from the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol by setting in the right determined symbol determining table or the like. Subsequently, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol is extracted from the random numbers for production, and by referring to the medium fixed symbol determining table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 132, the fixed decorative symbol is determined. Among them, the medium fixed decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “medium” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined.

  When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, the CPU 131 determines the same (matching) decorative symbols as the final stop symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. . The CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating random numbers for determining the left and right determined symbols from among the random numbers for rendering, and refers to the left and right determined symbol determination table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 132. Among them, the decorative symbols with the same symbol number that are stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R are determined. Further, among the random numbers for production, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol is extracted, and by referring to the medium fixed symbol determining table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 132, etc. The medium fixed decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “medium” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined. Here, for example, when the confirmed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the middle confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (For example, “1”) may be added to or subtracted from the symbol number of the medium-decorated decorative symbol so that the finalized decorative symbol is not the jackpot combination but the reach combination. Alternatively, when determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol, the difference (design difference) between the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol may be determined, and the medium-decorated decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol difference may be set. .

  When the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, the effect control CPU 120 displays the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol. CPU131 extracts the numerical data which show the random number value for jackpot fixed symbol determination among the random numbers for production. Subsequently, by referring to the jackpot fixed symbol determination table prepared and stored in advance in the ROM 132, the display is stopped in alignment with the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The decorative symbol having the same symbol number is determined. At this time, depending on whether the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, whether or not the promotion effect during the big hit is executed, etc. It is only necessary to determine which one of the design symbol to be displayed and the probability variation symbol (for example, a design symbol that represents an odd number) is the final design symbol. In the jackpot promotion promotion, a combination of decorative symbols (non-probable big hit combination) that recalls a big hit but does not recall a probable change state is once stopped and displayed in a promising state during the big hit gaming state or at the end of the big hit gaming state. This is an effect to notify whether or not.

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

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

  Following the determination of the final stop symbol and the like in step S401, a notice effect is determined (step S402). In the process of step S402, for example, the presence / absence of the notice effect or the effect mode when the notice effect is executed is determined using the notice effect determination table prepared by storing in the predetermined area of the ROM 132 in advance. Good. In the notice effect determination table, for example, a numerical value (determined value) to be compared with a random number for determining the notice effect may be assigned to the presence / absence of the notice effect or the determination result of the effect mode according to the variable display content. . The CPU 131 may determine the presence / absence of the notice effect and the effect mode by referring to the notice effect determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the notice effect among the random numbers for effect.

  Subsequent to the process of step S402, the effect control pattern is determined as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S403). For example, the CPU 131 selects one of a plurality of special-figure variation effect control patterns prepared in correspondence with the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command and sets it as a usage pattern. Further, the CPU 131 selects one of a plurality of prepared notice effect control patterns corresponding to the result of determination of the notice effect by the process of step S402, and sets it as a use pattern.

  After executing the processing of step S403, the CPU 131 initializes the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 133 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command, for example. A value is set (step S404). Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like in the main image display device 5MA is performed (step S405). At this time, for example, the main image display device 5MA is transmitted by transmitting a display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined as the use pattern in step S404 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” provided on the screen.

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

  FIG. 21A shows a configuration example of the effect control pattern. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 21A, the effect control pattern includes, for example, an effect control process timer determination value, display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, an end code, and the like. Consists of included process data. The effect control process timer determination value is a value (determination value) to be compared with an effect control process timer value that is a stored value of an effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 133. The determination value corresponding to the execution time (effect time) of each effect operation is set in advance. In place of the effect control process timer determination value, for example, a predetermined effect control command is received from the main board 11, or a predetermined process is performed as a process for controlling the effect operation in the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120. Data indicating the timing of switching the presentation control may be set corresponding to predetermined control contents and processing contents such as being executed. The pattern data constituting such an effect control pattern may be stored in advance in the storage area R01 such as a program assigned to the ROM 132 as management data.

  The display control data includes data indicating the display mode of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, such as data indicating the variation mode of each decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol. It is. That is, the display control data is data that designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, display data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting modes by a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is display data for effect images on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU. Has been added. Therefore, if the display operation data designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU, the lighting mode by the plurality of light emitters arranged so as to form the light emitter units 71 to 74 is also designated. be able to. In addition, it is not limited to what designates the lighting mode in the several light-emitting body which comprises the light-emitting body units 71-74 by display control data, It uses the control data different from display control data, and it lights in several light-emitting body. Aspect may be specified.

  The voice control data includes data indicating the voice output mode from the speakers 8L and 8R, such as data indicating the output mode of sound effects in conjunction with the variable display operation of the decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol, for example. Yes. That is, the audio control data is data that designates an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R. For example, in the sound data first storage area R11 assigned to the ROM 132 and the sound data second storage area R12 assigned to the image data memory 121, the sound control data is the start address and the end address of the sound data corresponding to the music. In addition to the above, any setting may be used as long as it indicates various settings such as whether or not to perform loop reproduction.

  The lamp control data includes data indicating lighting operation modes in various light emitting members other than the light emitter units 71 to 74 such as a game effect lamp 9 and a decoration LED. That is, the lamp control data is data that specifies lighting operations of various light emitting members. The movable member control data includes data indicating an operation mode of the movable members 51 to 54, such as data indicating a driving mode of the movable motor 60 that rotates or moves the movable members 51 to 54, for example. . That is, the movable member control data is data for designating the rotation operation and the movement operation of the movable members 51 to 54. The operation detection control data includes, for example, an operation valid period for effectively detecting an instruction operation (tilting operation) for the operation stick of the stick controller 31A and an instruction operation (push-pull operation) for the trigger button, or an instruction operation (for the push button 31B). Data indicating an effect operation mode according to the player's operation action, such as an operation effective period for effectively detecting (pressing operation) and data for specifying the control content of the effect operation when each operation is detected effectively. include.

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

  FIG. 21B shows various rendering operations that are executed according to the contents of the rendering control pattern. The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 determines the control content of the effect operation according to various control data included in the effect control pattern. For example, when the effect control process timer value matches one of the effect control process timer determination values, the decorative design is displayed in a manner specified by the display control data associated with the effect control process timer determination value, and the character Control is performed to display effect images such as images and background images on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, control is performed to turn on the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 in a manner specified by the display control data and execute a display effect. In addition, control is performed to output sound from the speakers 8L and 8R in a manner specified by the sound control data, and control is performed to blink various light emitting members such as the game effect lamp 9 in a manner specified by the lamp control data. Control is performed to determine the contents of the effect by accepting an operation on the trigger button, operation stick or push button 31B of the stick controller 31A in the operation valid period specified by the operation detection control data. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) may be set as data corresponding to a production component that does not become a control target even though it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value.

  The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 sets the effect control pattern based on the variation pattern indicated in the variation pattern designation command, for example, when starting variable display of decorative symbols. Here, when setting the effect control pattern, the pattern data constituting the corresponding effect control pattern may be read from the ROM 131 and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 133, or the corresponding effect control pattern is configured. The storage address of the pattern data in the ROM 132 may be temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 and the reading position of the storage data in the ROM 132 may be designated. After that, every time the production control process timer value is updated, it is determined whether or not it matches any of the production control process timer judgment values. If they match, the production operation according to the corresponding various control data Control. Thus, the CPU 131 performs the effect devices (main image display device 5MA, sub image display device 5SU, light emitter unit 71) according to the contents of process data # 1 to process data #n (n is an arbitrary integer) included in the effect control pattern. ˜74, speakers 8L and 8R, various light emitting members including game effect lamp 9, movable members 51 to 54, etc.). In each process data # 1 to process data #n, display control data # 1 to display control data #n and voice control data # 1 to voice control associated with production control process timer determination values # 1 to #n are provided. Data #n, lamp control data # 1 to lamp control data #n, movable member control data # 1 to movable member control data #n, and operation detection control data # 1 to operation detection control data #n are effect operations in the effect device. Production control execution data # 1 to production control execution data #n for designating execution of production control are configured.

  A command according to the production control pattern set in this way is output from the CPU 131 of the production control microcomputer 120 to the display control unit 122, the audio control board 13, and the like via the output port of the I / O 134. In the display control unit 122 that has received a command from the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, the VDP 141 reads image data (image element data) indicated by the command from the image data memory 121 and temporarily stores it in the VRAM 142A. Further, the VDP 141 selects image data corresponding to the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU from the image data stored in the VRAM 142A, and converts the selected image data into pixel data. The frame buffer 142B is arranged at a predetermined position (a position indicated by information indicating a display position in a display area such as the main image display device 5MA). As a result, display data for one screen is created in the frame buffer 142B. At this time, display data used to create lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU. In addition, in the voice control board 13 that receives a command from the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, the voice synthesis IC acquires the voice data indicated by the command and temporarily stores it in a voice RAM or the like.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variable display effect processing executed in step S172 of FIG. In the variable display effect processing shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on, for example, an effect control process timer value (step S451). As an example, in the process of step S451, when the production control process timer value is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted) and an end code is read from the production control pattern corresponding to the updated production control process timer value, etc. It may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed in step S451 (step S451; No), it is determined whether or not it is the super reach production start timing (step S452). The super reach production start timing is a timing at which execution of the reach production in the super reach is started, and may be determined in advance in the production control pattern determined in the process of step S403 shown in FIG. If it is the super reach production start timing (step S452; Yes), BGM off setting is performed (step S453). For example, the CPU 131 transmits the sound effect signal from the output port in the I / O 134 to the sound control board 13 and sets the volume of the sound channel for reproducing the BGM to off. In the voice control board 13, for example, the voice synthesis IC may change the BGM volume and turn off the output. In the period in which the BGM is off, the music corresponding to the BGM may be continuously played back by merely setting the BGM volume to off. Alternatively, during the period when the BGM is off, the reproduction of the music corresponding to the BGM may be paused. After performing the BGM off setting in step S453, the music on setting for super reach production is performed (step S454). For example, the CPU 131 transmits a sound effect signal from the output port of the I / O 134 to the sound control board 13 and corresponds to a music for super reach production such as the music A-2 shown in FIG. Notify start and end addresses of sound data. In the voice control board 13, for example, the voice synthesis IC acquires sound data corresponding to the music for super reach production based on the start address and the end address of the sound data notified by the sound effect signal. Then, while setting the volume of the audio channel for reproducing the music for super reach production to ON, the music A-2 or the like corresponding to the sound data may be reproduced sequentially from the top.

  If it is not the super reach production start timing in step S452 (step S452; No), it is determined whether it is the super reach production end timing after executing the processing of step S454 (step S455). The super reach production end timing is a timing at which the execution of the reach production in the super reach is completed, and may be determined in advance in the production control pattern determined in the process of step S403 shown in FIG. When it is the super reach production end timing (step S455; Yes), the music off setting for the super reach production is performed (step S456). For example, the CPU 131 transmits the sound effect signal from the output port of the I / O 134 to the sound control board 13 and turns off the volume of the sound channel for playing the music for super reach production. In the voice control board 13, for example, the voice synthesizing IC may set the volume of the music for super reach production to off, and the reproduction of the music A-2 and the like may be terminated. After performing the music off setting for the super reach production in step S456, the BGM on setting is performed (step S457). For example, the CPU 131 transmits the sound effect signal from the output port of the I / O 134 to the sound control board 13 and turns on the volume of the sound channel for reproducing the BGM. In the voice control board 13, for example, the voice synthesis IC may change the BGM volume and turn on the output.

  If it is not the super reach production end timing in step S455 (step S455; No), after executing the processing of step S457, for example, based on the settings in the production control pattern determined corresponding to the variation pattern, etc. After performing other effect operation control including the variable display operation of the decorative design (step S458), the variable display effect processing is terminated.

  If the variable display time has elapsed in step S451 (step S451; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S459). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S459; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and waits. If the predetermined time has passed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. You may make it do.

  When a symbol confirmation command is received in step S459 (step S459; Yes), for example, display is performed in a variable symbol display such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. A control for deriving and displaying the final stop symbol (definite decorative symbol) as a result is performed (step S460). In addition, a predetermined time is set as a waiting time for receiving a hit start designation command (step S461). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the variable display stop process (step S462), and then the variable display effect process is terminated.

  In the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 22, after setting the music off for the super reach effect in step S456, the BGM on setting is immediately performed in step S457. On the other hand, the BGM on setting may be performed after a predetermined period has elapsed after executing the process of step S456. For example, the BGM on setting may be performed after the control for deriving and displaying the final stop symbol in step S460. Alternatively, the BGM on setting may be performed when the variable display start waiting process in step S170 shown in FIG. 19 is executed. In particular, when the variable display result is “big hit”, following the music off setting for super reach production, the fanfare production music that notifies that the variable display result is “big hit” is played, Then, in response to the gaming state becoming a big hit gaming state, a big hit effect music such as the music X shown in FIG. 6B may be reproduced. Note that the music for the super reach production may be directly played as the music for the big hit production as it is. In this way, when the variable display result is “big hit”, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the BGM on setting is performed corresponding to the execution of the variable display start waiting process of step S170 shown in FIG. Good. Thereby, when the variable display result is “big hit”, it is possible to smoothly start the reproduction of the music to be BGM.

  In the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 22, based on the effect control process timer value from the effect control pattern (for example, the special figure changing effect control pattern, the notice effect control pattern, etc.) determined in the process of step S403 shown in FIG. Using the process data acquired in this way, control for executing the rendering operation by various rendering devices is performed. Also in the big hit effect processing in step S175 shown in FIG. 19 and the big hit end production processing in step S176, the CPU 131 reads out the production control pattern from the ROM 132, and uses various process data acquired based on the production control process timer value. Control for executing the rendering operation by the rendering device may be performed.

  In order to perform such effect control, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect control process timer has timed out, and switches the effect control execution data in the process data when time-out occurs. That is, in the process data # 1 to process data #n as shown in FIG. 21A, the display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU is performed based on the display control data set next. The lighting control of the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 is performed. Further, in the process data # 1 to process data #n, the sound output control of the speakers 8L and 8R is performed based on the next set sound control data. Further, in process data # 1 to process data #n, lighting control of the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED is performed based on the next set lamp control data. In the process data # 1 to process data #n, drive control of the movable motor 60 is performed based on the next set movable member control data. In addition, in the process data # 1 to process data #n, detection control of the instruction operation by the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is performed based on the operation detection control data set next.

  The CPU 131 performs output control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and output ports in the I / O 134 in order to perform lighting control of the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74, respectively. Then, various display control commands are transmitted to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. The display control command transmitted from the CPU 131 to the VDP 141 may include a transfer command, a deployment command, and an output command, for example.

  The transfer command includes a plurality of types of image data (image element data) stored in the image data memory 121, image data used for screen display on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a light emitter unit. It shows that image data used to create lighting data for lighting control 71 to 74 is read out and temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A. For example, the transfer command includes data for notifying the VDP 141 of the read position of the image data in the image data storage area R21 shown in FIG. 6A and the image size when the image data is expanded and stored. It only has to be. Here, the reading position of the image data in the image data storage area R21 may be a reading address in the image data memory 121, or specific information (for example, an image) attached to the image element corresponding to the image data to be read. It may be specified using arbitrary information such as the character number of the character image corresponding to the element data.

  From the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A, a plurality of expansion commands are arranged in each of the image data corresponding to the display areas of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and the light emitter units 71 to 74. The image data corresponding to each of the light emitters is selected, the drawing process based on the selected image data is executed, and the display data is created in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 142B. For example, the expansion command only needs to include data for designating image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A and data for designating the arrangement (setting position) of image elements in the frame buffer 142B. Here, the data for designating the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A may be data for designating a read address in the VRAM 142A or attached to an image element corresponding to the image data to be selected. Data indicating arbitrary information such as specific information may be used.

  The output command switches the image drawing area and the image display area of the frame buffer 142B, supplies the display data stored in the storage area that is the image display area to the main display output system and the sub display output system, and The output to the image display device 5MA, the sub image display device 5SU, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 is shown. Each time an output command is received, the VDP 141 outputs display data for one screen read from the frame buffer 142B, supplies a vertical synchronization signal, and generates a V blank interrupt at the same cycle as the vertical synchronization signal. Also good. In this case, the CPU 131 may execute processing related to drawing in synchronization with the occurrence of the V blank interrupt from the VDP 141.

  The CPU 131 only needs to be able to transmit various display control commands to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 in addition to the transfer command, the deployment command, and the output command. For example, a copy command indicating that the storage contents in the image display area of the frame buffer 142B set to output display data is copied to the VRAM 142A, the contents in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 142B, and the effect image are used. A drawing command indicating that an operation (for example, an operation for adding, subtracting, or translucent processing) is performed on the image data is output from the output port of the I / O 134 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. May be transmitted.

  The VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 executes image data processing using the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120. In this image data processing, the VDP 141 determines whether the display control command transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120 is a transfer command, a deployment command, or an output command. If it is a transfer command, the image data read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121 is written into the VRAM 142A and temporarily stored. In the case of an expansion command, the image data in the designated storage area in the VRAM 142A is selected and written to the image drawing area in the frame buffer 142B. In this way, display data used for display of effect images and generation of lighting data is created by writing image data in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 142B. When selecting image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A, only a part of the image data (image element data) corresponding to one image element is extracted (clipped) and written to the frame buffer 142B. It may be. If it is an output command, the image drawing area and the image display area in the frame buffer 142B are switched, the display data is read from the image display area after the switching, and the main display output system including the main LCD drive circuit 143A or the sub display The read display data is output to a sub display output system including the LCD drive circuit 143B and the light emitter control circuit 144.

  By executing such image data processing, the VDP 141 stores various image data such as character image data necessary for displaying the effect image based on the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. Are read from the image data storage area R21 and arranged in a predetermined area of the VRAM 142A. When the effect image is displayed, the same character image may be repeatedly displayed many times. When the image data stored in the image data memory 121 is compressed, it takes time to decompress it after reading it. Therefore, by placing necessary character image data in the storage area of the VRAM 142A at the stage of starting display of the effect image, drawing is performed as compared with reading from the image data memory 121 corresponding to each frame. Can be shortened.

  The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 sets an attribute in the attribute register of the VDP 141 each time a V blank is generated after the display of the effect image is started, and then instructs to read the attribute. In response to this, the VDP 141 reads the attribute. When this reading is completed, a reading end interrupt signal is output from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131. When the CPU 131 receives the read end interrupt signal, it instructs the execution of the drawing process. In this way, the VDP 141 executes drawing processing by writing display data to the frame buffer 142B according to the read attribute.

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer are allocated to each of a plurality of storage areas to which an image display area and an image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 142B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 800 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 600 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the main frame buffer. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 885 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the subframe buffer.

  FIG. 23 shows a display data creation example and output example by the drawing processing of the VDP 141 and the like. When the effect image is displayed or the display effect is executed, the VDP 141 reads the image data of the sprite image from the VRAM 142A, and executes a drawing process for writing the display data to the main frame buffer and the sub frame buffer. Of the image data of the sprite image that is read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121 and temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A, the image data used to create lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is: For example, as shown in FIG. 23A, the image size corresponds to 320 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 320 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

  The VDP 141 reduces the image data for creating lighting data to an image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The reduced image size corresponds to the resolution of the light emitter units 71 to 74 in which a plurality of light emitters are aligned. Thus, the image data for creating the lighting data has a resolution higher than that of the light emitter units 71 to 74. As an example, anti-aliasing processing such as supersampling is performed. As another example, the RGB value corresponding to the upper left dot is obtained and displayed as the display data for each rectangular range of 4 dots × 4 dots in the vertical and horizontal directions in the image data, so that the vertical and horizontal directions are each 1/4. Display data reduced in size may be created. In this way, display data to be converted into lighting data is created using image data having a resolution higher than the display resolution of the plurality of light emitters. Thereby, for example, jaggy generated in the contour of a character image or the like can be suppressed, and the smoothness of display in the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be enhanced. In particular, when an effect image such as a character image is moved and displayed, the contour portion can be displayed smoothly, and the interest of the display effect in the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be improved. Note that the image size reduction may be performed in the image data deformation processing or display data rendering processing by the VDP 141, or may be performed using a predetermined scaler circuit. The scaler circuit only needs to be able to reduce the image size at a predetermined reduction ratio (for example, ¼) by converting the number of pixels of the display data read from the frame buffer 142B. As described above, the size change of the display data may be realized by a hardware circuit, or may be realized by executing a predetermined program as software.

  The image data read by the VDP 141 from the VRAM 142A is written into a predetermined area (light emitting element lighting data area) in the subframe buffer, and used for creating lighting data. On the other hand, the image data read out from the VRAM 142A by the VDP 141 is written into the main frame buffer and used for image display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. Further, the image data read out from the VRAM 142A by the VDP 141 is used for image display on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU by being written in an area other than the light emitter lighting data area in the sub frame buffer. As described above, even if the same image data is temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A, it is only necessary to be able to change the application according to the writing position in the frame buffer 142B. Thus, the image data read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121 and temporarily stored in the VRAM 142A is used for image display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU or a light emitter. It is only necessary that the units 71 to 74 can be used for creating lighting data for controlling lighting. Therefore, the image data stored in the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121 includes display control of effect images in the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, and lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74. Can be used for at least one of the controls.

  The VDP 141 moves part of the display data according to the block allocation setting of each light emitter by dividing the region where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 into a plurality of light emitter blocks. The deformation process is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23B, it corresponds to the fact that the light emitter included in the surplus area where the light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged is included in the empty area in any one of the light emitter blocks. Then, a part of the display data (the upper end portion of the image indicating “A” in the example shown in FIG. 23B) is cut out and moved to another image position. By executing the display data deformation process using the VDP 141 capable of executing a high-performance drawing process, the processing load of the lighting data in the light emitter control circuit 144 can be reduced.

  For example, display data as shown in FIG. 23C is stored in the sub-frame buffer allocated to the frame buffer 142B. This display data includes sub-image display data and light emitter control data, and corresponds to image display for one frame. The sub-image display data corresponds to an image size of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 800 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) (same as the resolution of the sub-image display device 5SU). It is used for image display on the screen of the display device 5SU. The data for controlling the illuminant is the creation of lighting data for controlling the illuminant units 71 to 74 corresponding to the image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). Used for.

  In the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer, boundary data corresponding to a predetermined number of lines, for example, 5 dots, is provided between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data. The boundary data having such a predetermined data amount is set to separate the sub image display data from the light emitter control data. Thereby, the display data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub-image display device 5SU and the display data converted into the lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be easily separated. The processing burden associated with data generation can be reduced.

  The VDP 141 reads the display data thus stored in the subframe buffer in a predetermined order and outputs it to the sub display output system. As an example, the reading operation of reading from the upper left dot in FIG. 23C to the upper right dot in the horizontal direction and subsequently reading the data one dot lower is repeated until the lower right dot is reached. By outputting the display data to the sub display output system in the read order in this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 23D, first, data for sub image display is output in a predetermined first display output period. The light emitter control data is output in the second display output period after the first display output period. Since boundary data is set between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data, the first display output period during which the sub-image display data is output and the light emitter control data are output. A predetermined interval period is provided between the second display output period.

  For example, the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer is output in 1/60 second (about 16.7 milliseconds) for one frame. As a result, the sub-image display device 5SU can update the display image with a frame period of 1/60 seconds. Since the data for controlling the illuminant is also added to the data for displaying the sub-image, it is output at a period of 1/60 seconds. The light emitter control circuit 144 separates light emitter control data included in the display data output to the sub display output system by the signal separation circuit 150 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 151. Therefore, the buffer memory 151 stores the light emitter control data separated from the display data at a 1/60 second period in which the VDP 141 outputs the display data for one frame.

  As shown in FIG. 23D, among the periods in which the display data stored in the subframe buffer is output, the period in which the light emitter control data is output (second display output period) corresponds to one frame. Is sufficiently shorter than the entire period (1/60 second) in which the display data is output. The lighting data generation circuit 152 uses the data stored in the buffer memory 151 as a remaining period in which data writing to the buffer memory 151 is not performed, such as a period during which sub-screen display data is output (first display output period). In this case, the data may be read out and converted into lighting data.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 controls lighting of a plurality of light emitters at a cycle shorter than a frame cycle (such as 1/60 seconds) of an image display device using an LCD (liquid crystal display device) such as the sub image display device 5SU. The lighting data for generating is generated. As a specific example, the lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter at a period of 1/120 second (about 8.3 milliseconds). In this manner, the lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data of the light emitters with a cycle (1/120 seconds) shorter than the display data output cycle (1/60 seconds) by the VDP 141, and the serial output circuit 153 A control signal based on the lighting data is output. In this case, the buffer memory 151 can store the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame output from the VDP 141, that is, the light emitter control data of 80 dots × 80 dots. It only needs to have a storage data capacity. Further, by turning on the light emitters in a relatively short cycle, flickering in a display effect executed by a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be suppressed and displayed. The interest of the production can be improved. The lighting control of the illuminant is not limited to the one that is performed at a cycle that is 1/2 of the output cycle of the display data. For example, the output cycle of the display data such as a shorter cycle (for example, a cycle of 1/3). What is necessary is just to be performed with an arbitrary cycle shorter than that.

  The serial output circuit 153 emits the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 in a cycle longer than the time required for writing the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame to the buffer memory 151. It may be set to output a control signal corresponding to the data. In this manner, the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 151 in a time shorter than the cycle in which the control signal corresponding to the lighting data is output. As a result, even when the buffer memory 151 having a storage data capacity capable of temporarily storing the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is used, the lighting data can be stored in a time shorter than the output period of the control signal corresponding to the lighting data. Generation can be completed.

  The buffer memory 151 has a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for a plurality of frames, such as display data corresponding to image display for two frames. It may be. In this case, a plurality of buffer areas are allocated to the storage area of the buffer memory 151. Each buffer area only needs to have a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for one frame.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 reads data stored in another buffer area and converts it into lighting data when data is written in one buffer area among the plurality of buffer areas. May be performed. As a specific example, it is assumed that the buffer memory 151 has a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for two frames. In this case, the storage area of the buffer memory 151 is divided into two areas and assigned to the first buffer area and the second buffer area, respectively. In the first frame period in which display data corresponding to the first frame of the plurality of frames is output from the VDP 141, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 150 is written in the first buffer area. To temporarily store. Next, in the second frame period in which the display data corresponding to the second frame following the first frame is output, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 150 is temporarily written in the second buffer area. Remember. In the second frame period, the lighting data generation circuit 152 reads the data stored in the first buffer area in which data writing has been completed in the first period, and converts it into lighting data. Further, in the next frame period, the first buffer area and the second buffer area may be switched to perform data writing and generation (conversion) of lighting data using read data. As described above, the buffer memory 151 may temporarily store the light emission control data by the double buffer method to enable conversion to lighting data. However, in this case, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases as the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 151 increases. On the other hand, the period during which the data for controlling the light emitter is output is set to a time sufficiently shorter than the entire output period of the display data, and the lighting data generating circuit 152 has a light emitter with a period shorter than the output period of the display data by the VDP 141. In the case of generating the lighting data, it is possible to reduce the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 151 and prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 divides the data into a plurality of data ranges according to the storage position (reading address or the like) of the buffer memory 151 storing the light emission control data separated from the display data. For example, the storage area of the buffer memory 151 is divided into a plurality of buffer memory areas according to the storage address. Based on which data stored in which buffer memory area is read out, the lighting data generation circuit 152 converts lighting data of the light emitters included in which light emitter block among the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Specify whether to convert.

  FIG. 24 shows a setting example of the buffer memory area. In the setting example shown in FIG. 24, the storage areas of the buffer memory 151 are divided into eight areas assigned with area indexes BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BYX in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The area is divided into eight areas to which BY7 is assigned. Based on the read address of the buffer memory 151 and the like, the lighting data generation circuit 152 combines area designation information (BXi, BYj) by combining the horizontal area indexes BX0 to BX7 and the vertical area indexes BY0 to BY7 one by one. ) As long as the data stored in the buffer memory 151 can be specified. The subscripts i and j in the area designation information (BXi, BYj) indicate any one of “0” to “7”.

  The display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 151 is assigned to one of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 for each data range divided into a plurality. The lighting data generation circuit 152 can specify the data range assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 by referring to an address specifying table serving as conversion setting information prepared in advance. Based on this identification result, address information of the light emitter driver provided corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 can be designated. The address specification table may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in (or attached to) the lighting data generation circuit 152.

  FIG. 25 shows a configuration example of the address specification table TA1 referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 152. In the address specification table TA1, a buffer memory area specified by one area specification information or two area specification information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 assigned to the serial output systems K01 to K21. For example, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 25, the light emitter blocks B01 to B08 include the light emitter driver on the upper side of the digit, but do not include the light emitter driver on the lower side of the digit. It consists only of blocks. On the other hand, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 25, the light emitter blocks B09 to B12 are provided with both the digit upper and lower digit light emitter drivers. It consists of a combination. Corresponding to the structure of the light emitter block, one buffer memory area specified by one area designation information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B08. One area designation information is composed of a combination of area indexes BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). On the other hand, two buffer memory areas specified by the two area designation information are allocated to each of the light emitter blocks B09 to B12. The area designation information 2 is configured by combining, for example, one type of area index BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction and two types of area index BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction.

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

  One strobe-side light emitter driver is provided for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Therefore, address information for designating one light emitter driver address corresponding to each light emitter block is assigned to the light emitter driver on the strobe side regardless of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. As described above, the same number of address information is assigned to the strobe-side light-emitting driver serving as the drive control circuit regardless of the plurality of light-emitting blocks.

  On the other hand, the light-emitting body driver on the digit side has one light-emitting body driver (only on the upper side of the digit) depending on whether each of the light-emitting body blocks B01 to B42 has one half block or two half blocks. In some cases, two light emitter drivers (upper digit and lower digit) are used. Therefore, for the light-emitting body driver on the digit side, address information for designating one light-emitting body driver address or 2 light-emitting body driver addresses is designated according to which of the plurality of light-emitting body blocks B01 to B42. Address information to be assigned. As described above, a predetermined number of address information corresponding to a plurality of light emitter blocks is assigned to the digit-side light emitter driver serving as the gradation control circuit.

  Thus, address information designating at least one light emitter driver address is assigned to each of the strobe side light emitter driver and the digit side light emitter driver provided corresponding to one light emitter block. . The lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data including address information and causes the serial output circuit 153 to output the lighting data to the light emitter driving unit 154.

  The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 includes gradation data indicating the gradation control amount of each light emitting element constituting each of the plurality of light emitters. For example, the gradation data only needs to indicate the output period (pulse width) of the pulse signal in PWM control as the gradation control amount. The lighting data generation circuit 152 refers to a lighting data generation table serving as color conversion setting information prepared in advance based on the display color levels (RGB values) indicated by the display data read from the buffer memory 151. Thus, gradation data indicating the gradation control amount is generated. The lighting data generation table may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in (or externally attached to) the lighting data generation circuit 152.

  FIG. 26 shows a comparison between the number of gradations of each display color indicated by the display data and the number of gradations of each emission color by gradation control of the light emitter based on the gradation data included in the lighting data. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 corresponds to the number of gradations smaller than the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data used for the conversion. The display data output from the VDP 141 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 151 has a luminance (gradation) of “0” to “255” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The gradation control is made possible in 256 steps so that any one of the levels is achieved. As described above, the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data output from the VDP 141 is “256”. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 is any one of luminance (gradation) from “0” to “63” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Gradation control is made possible in 64 stages so that the level becomes. As described above, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 indicates the number of gradations of “64” which is smaller than “256”.

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

  FIG. 27 shows a configuration example of the lighting data generation table TC1 referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 152. In the lighting data generation table TC1, the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the lighting data is set corresponding to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data. Here, for each of the display colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicated by the display data, the luminance (gradation) is any level from “0” to “10”. In this case, the table data may be configured so that the luminance (gradation) of each display color indicated by the lighting data is at a level of “0”. That is, for each light emitting element of each display color included in one light emitter corresponding to one dot, when the brightness (gradation) indicated in the display data is “10” or less, the brightness of each display color By generating lighting data in which (gradation) is “0”, a restriction is provided so that the light emitter is not lit.

  On the other hand, the lighting data generation table TC1 has at least one luminance (gradation) of “11” or more for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicated by the display data. In this case, the table data may be configured so that lighting data indicating RGB values proportional to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data is generated. For example, when the brightness (gradation) of B (blue) indicated by the display data is “11”, the brightness (gradation) of B (blue) indicated by the lighting data is “2”. If the luminance of R (red) or G (green) indicated by the display data is “0” to “3”, lighting data indicating luminance (gradation) “0” is generated, and “4” is generated. If “7”, lighting data indicating luminance (gradation) “1” is generated, and if “8”-“11”, lighting data indicating luminance (gradation) “2” is generated. Thus, the table data of the lighting data generation table TC1 is configured.

  The image data that the VDP 141 reads from the image data memory 121 in the display control unit 122 is for displaying images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, and lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74. May also be used for the creation of At this time, when the luminance (gradation) of each display color indicated by the display data created from the image data used for image display is less than a predetermined amount, the same proportional relationship as when the luminance is greater than the predetermined amount If the lighting data is generated below, the influence of the non-linear characteristic in the light emitting diode becomes significant, and an unnatural display effect may be performed. Therefore, according to the brightness (gradation) of each display color indicated by the display data, when the light emission amount of the light emitter is less than a predetermined amount, the lighting control is limited so that the light emitter is not turned on. Thus, the lighting control is made different between the light emitters whose light emission amount is less than the predetermined amount and the light emitters whose amount is the predetermined amount or more among the plurality of light emitters. In particular, in this embodiment, a light emitter whose light emission amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount is provided with a restriction so as not to perform lighting control of the light emitter whose light emission amount is less than the predetermined amount according to the RGB value of the display data. The lighting control is performed according to the RGB value of the lighting data that is proportional to the RGB value of the display data. In this way, by varying the lighting control depending on whether or not the light emission amount is less than a predetermined amount, the influence due to the non-linear characteristics of the light emitting element is reduced, so that the player does not feel uncomfortable with the display effect. Thus, it is possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the production.

  A plurality of types of lighting data generation tables may be prepared in advance, and any one of the lighting data generation tables may be selected as a usage table based on a predetermined selection setting. In this case, a different lighting data generation table may be selected for each light emission color of the light emitting element included in each light emitter. For example, in the case of the light emitter blocks B01 to B06, the lighting data generation table TR01 is selected according to the emission color R (red), and the lighting data generation table TG01 is selected according to the emission color G (green). The lighting data generation table TB01 is selected according to the color B (blue). On the other hand, in the case of the light emitter blocks B07, B08, and B15, the lighting data generation table TR02 is selected according to the emission color R (red), and the lighting data generation table according to the emission color G (green). TG02 is selected, and the lighting data generation table TB02 is selected according to the emission color B (blue). In the case of the light emitter blocks B09 to B14, the lighting data generation table TR03 is selected according to the emission color R (red), and the lighting data generation table TG03 is selected according to the emission color G (green). The lighting data generation table TB03 is selected according to the emission color B (blue). Each lighting data generation table indicates the gradation control amount of each light emitting element indicating the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data created by the VDP 141 by the gradation data included in the lighting data of the light emitter. It is only necessary to include table data to be converted into The lighting data generation circuit 152 is designated by the lighting data by referring to the selected lighting data generation table based on the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated in the display data read from the buffer memory 151. The gradation control amount is determined.

  The characteristics of the light emitting element may differ depending on the emission color. Therefore, the display data is converted so that the correspondence with the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data is converted into a gradation control amount depending on the emission color of each light emitting element constituting the light emitter. Setting information for converting from to lighting data may be stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  It is only necessary that the display data can be converted into lighting data by using different lighting data generation tables according to the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block. Each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 emits light at the same gradation according to the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters depending on the size of the region in which the plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged, the front-rear relationship of each light emitter unit, and the like. In some cases, the player may have a different impression. Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of each of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block, the lighting data is converted from the display data so that the light emission amount can give an impression as uniform as possible corresponding to the same display color. Setting information for conversion to is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  Thus, not only the display color levels (RGB values) indicated by the display data, but also the respective light emitters according to the light emission characteristics of each of the plurality of light emitting elements constituting the light emitter, the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters, and the like. Gradation data indicating a gradation control amount corresponding to is generated. Thus, even when light emitters including a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors are aligned in a predetermined region of the light emitter units 71 to 74, the color reproducibility is enhanced and the effect of the production is enhanced. To improve.

  Note that not all lighting data is generated by referring to the lighting data generation table, and at least a part of the lighting data is generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 executing a predetermined data processing program. May be. For example, for each of the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) display colors indicated in the display data, it is determined whether or not the light emission amount is less than a predetermined amount, and any light emission amount is less than the predetermined amount. In such a case, a process of generating lighting data with luminance (gradation) of “0” may be executed so that the light emitter is not turned on.

  As an example, in the lighting data generation process executed by the lighting data generation circuit 152, display data for one dot is acquired, and it is determined whether all the RGB values indicated by the display data are “10” or less. . If all the values are “10” or less, the RGB values in the lighting data are all set to “0”. On the other hand, if at least one of the RGB values indicated by the display data is not “10” or less, the lighting data generation table corresponding to the light emitter block and the light emission color is selected. Subsequently, lighting data corresponding to the display data is generated using the selected lighting data generation table. Then, it is determined whether or not the generation of lighting data corresponding to all dots has been completed. If the generation of lighting data has not yet been completed, display data corresponding to the next one dot is acquired, and the same processing is performed. You only need to repeat it. On the other hand, when the generation of lighting data corresponding to all dots is completed, the lighting data generation process may be terminated.

  The lighting data generation process is not limited to the generation of lighting data by referring to the lighting data generation table, and the lighting data may be generated by executing a predetermined arithmetic processing program. For example, display data that enables gradation control in 256 levels for each display color represents the brightness (gradation) of each display color in 8 bits when binary display is used. On the other hand, in the lighting data that enables gradation control in 64 steps for each display color, the brightness (gradation) of each display color is represented by 6 bits when binary display is used. Therefore, when at least one of the RGB values indicated in the display data is not “10” or less, numerical processing is performed to round down the lower 2 bits of the 8-bit data indicating the luminance (gradation) of each display color in the display data. By performing the above, lighting data may be generated. Alternatively, lighting data corresponding to the display data may be generated according to a preset arithmetic expression. A plurality of types of arithmetic processing programs that can be used for conversion from display data to lighting data are prepared in advance, and the lighting data generation circuit 152 can select either one according to the display color or arrangement (light emitter block, etc.) of the light emitting elements. Display data may be converted into lighting data by selecting and executing the arithmetic processing program.

  The display data is acquired for each dot and is not limited to the setting and generation of lighting data. For example, the setting and generation of lighting data may be performed collectively by using predetermined mask data. In this case, with respect to the display data for one frame temporarily stored in the buffer memory 151, the dots whose RGB values are all “10” or less are detected, and the RGB in the lighting data corresponding to the detected dots are detected. Mask data for setting all values to “0” may be prepared in advance.

  In addition, when all the RGB values indicated by the display data for one dot are “10” or less, the present invention is not limited to the one that sets all the RGB values in the lighting data to “0”. If any of the RGB values indicated by the display data is “10” or less, only the lighting data corresponding to the display color may be set to “0”. As an example, the luminance (gradation) of R (red) indicated by the display data is “100”, the luminance (gradation) of G (green) is “8”, and the luminance (gradation) of B (blue) is In the case of “2”, the luminance (gradation) of R (red) indicated by the lighting data is “25”, while the luminance (gradation) of G (green) and B (blue) is “ The table data of the lighting data generation table may be configured to be “0”, or the lighting data generation circuit 152 may execute a predetermined arithmetic processing program. In this manner, for each light emitting element of each display color in the light emitter, a restriction may be provided so as not to perform lighting control of the light emitter that causes the light emission amount to be less than a predetermined amount according to the RGB value of the display data. However, if there is a display color with an RGB value of “10” or less among the display data for one dot, the color of the emission color is set when the RGB value in the lighting data for only that display color is set to “0”. May change. Therefore, when the RGB values indicated by the display data for one dot are all “10” or less, it is desirable that the RGB values in the lighting data are all set to “0”.

  Alternatively, when the RGB values indicated by the display data for one dot are added and the total value is less than a predetermined value, the RGB values in the lighting data may all be set to “0”. As an example, when the total value obtained by adding the luminance (gradation) of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicated by the display data is “30” or less, the lighting data indicates The table data of the lighting data generation table may be configured such that the brightness (gradation) of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is all “0”, or the lighting data generation circuit 152 may execute a predetermined arithmetic processing program. In this case, even if the luminance (gradation) of R (red) indicated by the display data is “11”, the luminance (gradation) of G (green) and B (blue) is “0”. If so, the luminance (gradation) of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicated by the lighting data is all “0”. In this way, by limiting the lighting of the light emitters so that the total (total amount) of the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting elements constituting one light emitter is less than a predetermined amount, It is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the production without giving a sense of discomfort to the display production.

  In addition, according to the RGB value of the display data, the light emission amount is not limited to the one that does not perform the lighting control of the light emitter that is less than the predetermined amount. For example, the influence due to the non-linear characteristic of the light emitting element is considered. Arbitrary restrictions may be provided. As an example, if the luminance (gradation) of each display color indicated by the display data is “0” to “8”, lighting data indicating the luminance (gradation) “0” is generated, and “9” or The table data of the lighting data generation table may be configured so that lighting data having a luminance (gradation) of “1” if “10” is generated, or the lighting data generation circuit 152 performs a predetermined calculation. A processing program may be executed. As described above, when the luminance (gradation) of each display color indicated by the display data is less than a predetermined amount, the lighting control is limited to be performed with a correspondence relationship different from the proportional relationship when the display color is greater than the predetermined amount. May be provided. Further, the threshold value of whether or not the light emission amount of the light emitter is less than the predetermined amount is not limited to the RGB value in the display data being “10”, and considering the influence of the non-linear characteristics of the light emitting element, etc. Any value may be set. Depending on the light emission color (display color) of the light emitting element, the threshold for determining whether or not the light emission amount is less than a predetermined amount may be set differently.

  The image data stored in the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121 is not limited to that used for both display control and lighting control, and dedicated image data is prepared for creating lighting data, It may be stored in advance in the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121. In this case, the image data is set in advance so that when the lighting data is generated in a proportional relationship with the display data, the illuminant whose light emission amount is less than the predetermined amount is not lit without lighting control. You may make it do.

  The lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data including gradation data to which address information assigned to the light emitter driver above or below the digit is added, and the serial output circuit 153 sends the lighting data to the light emitter driving unit 154. Is output. Further, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 152 includes drive control data for performing dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. The lighting data generation circuit 152 generates lighting data including drive control data to which address information assigned to the strobe-side light emitter driver is added, and causes the serial output circuit 153 to output the light data to the light emitter drive unit 154.

  The serial output circuit 153 outputs a common clock signal to the plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21 as the serial clock SC shown in FIG. The serial clock SC output from the serial output circuit 153 is supplied to each of a plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter driver 154 via a serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver receives serial data SD transmitted in synchronization with the serial clock SC.

  On the other hand, the serial output circuit 153 may output a control signal including drive control data and gradation data at different timings as serial data SD depending on each of the serial output systems K01 to K21. When a control signal is output to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21 at the same timing, lighting control of a large number of light emitters at the same timing is performed by a large number of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter driver 154. May be started. In this case, a large amount of drive current flows as an inrush current in a short period of time, which may cause radio interference due to noise radio waves. In addition, the manufacturing cost may increase as a power supply circuit for generating a large amount of drive current is required. On the other hand, by generating a control signal as serial data SD at different timings according to each of the plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21, generation of inrush current is suppressed, generation of noise radio waves, and production An increase in cost can be prevented.

  In the luminous body drive unit 154, each luminous body driver confirms whether the luminous body driver address indicated by the address information included in the received serial data SD matches the luminous body driver address assigned to itself. To do. At this time, if they match, serial data SD as drive control data and gradation data is taken in and converted into parallel data, and lighting control of the light emitter is performed based on this. For example, the strobe-side light emitter driver drives and controls a plurality of light emitters connected to the strobe signal line by outputting a strobe signal based on the drive control data. In addition, the light emitter driver on the upper side or the lower side of the digit outputs a digit signal based on the gradation data, thereby controlling gradation of a plurality of light emitters connected to the digit signal line. Thus, the dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters is performed for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 included in the movable members 51 to 54 included in the effect movable mechanism 50 are aligned. The display effect by the lighting mode of the several light-emitting body arrange | positioned is performed.

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

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

  FIG. 28 shows an example of execution of a display effect in the form of the number “7” by the effect moving mechanism 50. Thus, when the upper mechanism and the lower mechanism of the effect movable mechanism 50 are in the advanced state (second state), the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters coincide with each other in each of the movable members 51 to 54. . Therefore, when an integral display effect is executed by the movable members 51 to 54, the display effect can be executed while enhancing the smoothness of the display format. As an integral display effect in the movable members 51 to 54, for example, a symbol such as a character, a figure, or a symbol, a character, or a silhouette thereof is used by using all the regions where a plurality of light emitters are arranged in the movable members 51 to 54. Can be displayed.

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

  In this way, the light emitter control circuit 144 uses lighting data for controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 using a part of the display data created by the VDP 141. The dynamic lighting control is performed for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Therefore, the VDP 141 creates and outputs general-purpose display data in the same manner as the display data of the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and thereby the display effect of the effect movable mechanism 50 is displayed. Since the execution content can be set, it is possible to improve the interest by executing various effects while suppressing the complexity of the circuit configuration.

  FIG. 29 is a timing diagram showing an operation example of playing music in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Among these, FIG. 29A shows a period of “execution” during which variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is being executed and “stop” during which it is stopped. FIG. 29B shows a gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 29C shows a music to be reproduced among a plurality of music that can be reproduced using the sound data as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 29C shows a storage area from which sound data is read out of the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 as shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 29, execution of variable display shown in FIG. 29A is started before the timing T01 is reached. At this time, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 29B is a normal state. If the reach effect in the super reach is not executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern in such a normal state, the start address MA10 + 1 so that the music A-1 as the normal BGM shown in FIG. To the end address MA11, the sound data corresponding to the music piece A-1 is read out. A section from the start address MA10 + 1 to the end address MA11 is included in the sound data first storage area R11 shown in FIG. Accordingly, until the timing T01 shown in FIG. 29 is reached, loop reproduction of the music A-1 to be reproduced is performed as shown in FIG. 29C, and the sound data No. 1 is reproduced as shown in FIG. One storage area R11 is a sound data reading target area.

  At timing T01 shown in FIG. 29, the reach effect in super reach is started. At this time, by determining that it is the super reach production start timing in the process of step S452 shown in FIG. 22, the BGM off setting is performed by the process of step S453. And the music ON setting for a super reach production is performed by the process of step S454. In this way, in the period when the reach effect in the super reach is executed, from the section from the start address MA11 + 1 to the end address MA14 so that the music A-2 for the super reach effect shown in FIG. 6B is reproduced. The sound data corresponding to the music piece A-2 is read out. A section from the start address MA11 + 1 to the end address MA14 is included in the sound data first storage area R11 shown in FIG. Therefore, the music A-2 is reproduced as shown in FIG. 29C from the time when the super reach production start timing is reached at the timing T01 shown in FIG. 29 until the time when the super reach production end timing is reached at the timing T02. As shown in FIG. 29D, the sound data first storage area R11 is a sound data reading target area.

  At timing T02 shown in FIG. 29, it is determined in the processing of step S455 shown in FIG. At this time, the music off setting for the super reach effect is performed by the process of step S456, and the BGM on setting is performed by the process of step S457. Thereafter, at timing T03, based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, as shown in FIG. 29B, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state. In the case where the variable display result is “big hit”, for example, a dedicated music for notifying that the variable display result becomes “big hit” may be played during the period from timing T02 to timing T03. . Even when the variable display result is “losing”, a dedicated music corresponding to the execution of the reach effect in the super reach may be played. Alternatively, the music A-2 for super reach production may be continuously played until the timing T03. Or, in order to clearly notify the variable display result, the reproduction of the music may be paused.

  When the jackpot gaming state is reached at timing T03, the sound corresponding to the song X from the section from the start address MA27 + 1 to the end address MA30 is reproduced so that the song X for the big hit medium effect shown in FIG. 6B is reproduced. Data is read out. A section from the start address MA27 + 1 to the end address MA30 is included in the sound data second storage area R12 shown in FIG. Therefore, from the time when the jackpot gaming state is reached at the timing T03 shown in FIG. 29 until the jackpot gaming state is finished at the timing T04, the music X is to be reproduced as shown in FIG. As shown in (D), the sound data second storage area R12 is a sound data read target area.

  At timing T04, the big hit gaming state is ended, and the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the probability changing state. At this time, it is determined in step S151 shown in FIG. 19 that it is the BGM change timing. Then, by the process of steps S152 and S153, the music B-1 from the section from the start address MA19 + 1 to the end address MA21 is reproduced so that the music B-1 as the probability changing BGM shown in FIG. Sound data corresponding to is read out. The section from the start address MA19 + 1 to the end address MA21 is included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 shown in FIG. Therefore, when the music B-1 is loop-reproduced in the probability changing state, the sound data read target area becomes the sound data first storage area R11 of the ROM 132 and the sound data second storage area R12 of the image data memory 121. There is a period. For example, in a period from timing T04 to timing T08 shown in FIG. 29, loop playback of the music B-1 to be played back is performed as shown in FIG. In this period, in the period from timing T04 to timing T05 and in the period from timing T06 to timing T07, as shown in FIG. 29D, the sound data first storage area R11 is the sound data reading target area. . On the other hand, in the period from timing T05 to timing T06 and in the period from timing T07 to timing T08, as shown in FIG. 29D, the sound data second storage area R12 becomes the sound data reading target area. In the period after the timing T08 shown in FIG. 29, the music B-1 as the BGM during the probability variation is loop-reproduced until the probability variation state ends or until the reach effect in the super reach is executed. What should I do?

  As described above, when looping the music B-1 that is the BGM in the probability variation state, the sound data read target area is allocated to the sound data first storage area R11 allocated to the ROM 131 and the image data memory 121. The sound data is switched to the second storage area R12. The sound data second storage area R12 in the image data memory 121 corresponds to a specific address range continuous from the last address of the sound data first storage area R11 in the ROM 132. Therefore, if the start address MA19 + 1 and the end address MA21 of the music B-1 are designated, the CPU 131 can read out the sound data while updating (incrementing) the address as in the case of reproducing other music, and the music B- 1 can be smoothly read out from both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12, and the music B-1 can be reproduced.

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

  As a specific example, in the above-described embodiment, lighting by a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by a plurality of light emitter units 71 to 74 provided on a plurality of movable members 51 to 54 constituting the effect movable mechanism 50. Has been described as being performed using the image data read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 that does not include the light emitter units 71 to 74, the main image display device uses the image data read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121. The display control of the effect image in 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU may be performed. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 that does not include the sub image display device 5SU, the display control of the effect image in the main image display device 5MA is performed using the image data read from the image data storage area R21 of the image data memory 121. It may be.

  In the above embodiment, the sound data first storage area R11 is allocated to the ROM 132, and the sound data second storage area R12 is allocated to the image data memory 121, and the sound data is similar to the sound data corresponding to the music B-1. The description has been given on the assumption that data may be stored across the storage area of the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data used for control different from sound control may be stored across the storage area of the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121. As an example, the image data first storage area is allocated to the ROM 132, the image data second storage area is allocated to the image data memory 121, and the image data is stored across the storage areas of the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121. It may be a thing that there is. In this case, an address is given to the second image data storage area in the image data memory 121 as a storage area corresponding to a specific address range continuous from the last address of the first image data storage area in the ROM 132. Good. In other words, an address may be given to the image data first storage area in the ROM 132 as a storage area corresponding to a specific address range that continues to the start address of the image data second storage area in the image data memory 121.

  In the above embodiment, the ROM 132 provides at least a first area for storing sound data as first control data used for sound control, and the image data memory 121 is used as second control data used for display control and lighting control. As described above, the second area for storing the image data is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to sound control, display control, and lighting control, and the first area for storing the first control data used for one control and the second control used for other controls among a plurality of types of control. 2 What is necessary is just to provide the 2nd area | region which memorize | stores control data. As an example, the first control data stored in the first area is used for drive control of a solenoid or motor that operates a movable member for presentation different from the presentation movable mechanism 50, and is stored in the second area. The data may be used for operation detection control for the trigger button, operation stick or push button 31B of the stick controller 31A.

  In the embodiment described above, the ROM 132 of the effect control microcomputer 120 mounted on the effect control board 12 provides the first area, and the image data memory 121 provides the second area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a storage device mounted on the main board 11 may provide the first area and the second area. More specifically, the ROM 101 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 provides a first area, and a control data memory that provides a second area separately from the ROM 101 is provided. Also good. In this case, for example, the first area provided by the ROM 101 stores table data of an effect control command table used for transmission control of the effect control command to the effect control board 12, and the second data provided by a control data memory different from the ROM 101 is provided. The area may store control data used for variable display control of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. Then, the table data of the effect control command table may be stored in a storage area corresponding to a specific address range of the control data memory continuous from the last address of the first area provided by the ROM 101. Data used for various types of control may be table data or pattern data constituting a table or pattern referred to by a control program, or a module constituting a control program. In a configuration including a plurality of storage devices, such as when a control data memory different from the ROM is built in (or externally attached) to the microcomputer, one storage device provides the first area and another storage device For example, a single storage device built in (or externally attached to) a single-chip microcomputer is provided with a plurality of storage areas corresponding to the storage contents. One region and a second region may be provided. Even in this case, the first control data is stored in the area corresponding to the specific address range continuous from the last address of the first area in the second area where the second control data is stored. You can do it.

  In the above embodiment, the sound data corresponding to the music B-1 as the BGM during probability change shown in FIG. 6B is stored in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12. The music B-1 stored so as to be included and based on the sound data has been described as being continuously reproduced over a plurality of variable displays when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable variation state. On the other hand, for example, the sound data corresponding to the music B-2 as the short-term BGM may be stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12. In this case, based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the short-time state. Thus, it is possible to continuously reproduce the music B-2 as the BGM as a short time medium over a plurality of variable displays. Alternatively, for example, sound data corresponding to the music A-1 as the normal BGM may be stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12. In this case, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the normal state, based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12. Thus, the music A-1 as the normal BGM can be continuously reproduced over a plurality of variable displays. In addition, while the probability variation control is performed and the probability that the variable display result will be “big hit” is higher than the normal state, the time reduction control is not performed and the variable display time is shortened and the game ball passes through the second start winning opening ( So that it is included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 when the game state (chance zone) in which the change of the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B that is easy to enter) is not performed is performed. The music corresponding to the stored sound data may be reproduced continuously over a plurality of variable displays.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the music is continuously reproduced over a plurality of variable displays executed when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a specific gaming state. The music may be continuously reproduced over a plurality of variable displays executed in the production state. For example, the sound data first is used when a continuous effect transitioning to a different effect mode is performed over a plurality of variable displays based on the game random number extracted in the process of step S12 shown in FIG. The music corresponding to the sound data stored so as to be included in both the storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 may be played continuously.

  In addition, the period in which the music based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 is continuously reproduced is a period extending over a plurality of variable displays. For example, it may be a period in which a reach effect is executed, such as a reach effect in super reach, or may be a period in which one variable display that is not limited to a reach effect is executed. Alternatively, even during a period in which variable display is not executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as a period in which the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state or a demonstration display period in which a demonstration display is performed. Good. A loop that is played back based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 returns to the beginning and repeats playback when reaching the end. It is not limited to what is played back, and may be played once when playback ends when reaching the end.

  In addition, the music based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 includes a period during which variable display is performed and a period during which the variable display is not performed. It is not limited to what is continuously reproduced | regenerated only in any one, You may reproduce | regenerate continuously over both periods. For example, a song that started playing as a reach effect in Super Reach during variable display with a variable display result of “big hit” started a big hit gaming state based on the variable display result being “big hit” It may be continuously played back later. Or, music that has started playing in the period controlled by the jackpot game state can be changed once or multiple times even after the jackpot game state ends and the game state becomes a probable change state or a short time state. It may be played continuously over the display.

  Instead of playing music continuously, or while playing music continuously, sound control to output sound different from music such as dialogue and sound effects, effect images including moving images Display control for continuously displaying, lighting control for continuously lighting a plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74, and a movable member for production including the production movable mechanism 50 Various effect controls such as drive control for continuous operation may be performed continuously.

  The plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 are not limited to those arranged on the members that change between the retracted state and the advanced state, such as the movable members 51 to 54, and the gaming area in the pachinko gaming machine 1 It may be fixed and arranged so as to be movable or immovable at a predetermined position inside or outside. For example, a plurality of light emitters may be arranged around or inside the big prize opening in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, or a plurality of lights are emitted around or inside the second starting prize opening in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. A body may be placed. Plural or single light emitters for right-handed notification may be arranged inside or outside the game area. Multiple or single light emitters for displaying the 4th symbol may be arranged inside or outside the game area. A plurality of light emitters may be arranged around or inside the operation rod included in the stick controller 31A or around or inside the push button 31B. Multiple or single light emitters for error notification may be arranged at predetermined positions of the gaming machine frame 3. Multiple or single light emitters may be arranged as all or part of the game effect lamp 9. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a plurality of light emitters may be arranged around or inside the hitting operation handle installed at the lower right of the front surface of the housing.

  Further, a plurality of light emitters may be arranged around or inside the probability variation attacker provided at a predetermined position in the game area. The probability variation attacker includes an opening / closing plate that is opened and closed by a solenoid for the probability variation attacker, and forms a large winning opening (second large winning port) that changes between an open state and a closed state by the opening / closing plate. A probability change for controlling the game state after the end of the big hit gaming state to the probability variation state by detecting the game ball that has won (entered) the grand prize winner (second grand prize mouth) in the probability variation attacker by the probability variation detection switch. Control conditions are met. While the probability winning attacker's big winning mouth (second big winning mouth) changes from a closed state to an open state when the number of round games executed in the big hit gaming state is a predetermined number of times (for example, “16”), the round game When the number of executions is other than the predetermined number, the closed state may be kept from changing to the open state. By controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters arranged around or inside such a probability variation attacker, it is notified that the large winning opening (second large winning port) of the probability variation attacker changes from the closed state to the open state. May be. For example, when a probability variation attacker is provided in the right game area, by controlling lighting of such a plurality of light emitters, the ball is shot so as to launch a game ball toward the probability variation attacker provided in the right game area. It is only necessary to be able to execute a notification that prompts an operation by the player, such as changing the operation amount (rotation amount) of the operation handle. By controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters so that it is possible to recognize that the probability variation attacker is in the open state, a game ball is won in the large winning opening (second large winning port) that has been opened in the probability variation attacker ( The probability variation control condition due to the entry) is easily established, and the disadvantage of the player can be reduced. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can establish the probability variation control condition based on the fact that the game ball has passed the specific area in the attacker that is an example of the special variable winning device provided in the game area. You may be comprised so that it may become.

  A plurality of light emitters may be arranged around or inside a specific pass gate or a specific winning opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area. The specific passing gate and the specific winning opening include an opening / closing plate that is opened and closed by a specific opening / closing solenoid, and the opening and closing plate allows the game ball to pass (enter) through the specific passing gate and the specific winning opening (passing). It may change to a closed state where entry is not possible or passage is difficult. After a specific symbol indicating that the variable display result is a “big hit” (such as a definitive decorative symbol that is a big hit combination) is stopped and displayed, a specific pass gate, a specific winning opening (the position of the sensor corresponding to these), etc. The big hit gaming state may be started when the gaming ball passes (enters) a specific area provided in the gaming area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. According to such a configuration, the start timing of the big hit gaming state can be determined (controlled) based on the player's intention. Even if there are no more game balls (so-called holding balls) that can be launched into the gaming area before the big hit gaming state is started, for example, a ball lending machine (such as a ball lending button) is operated to It can give a margin for replenishment. In order to start such a big hit gaming state, specific areas through which game balls pass (enter) may be provided at a plurality of locations in the gaming area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In this case, the upper limit number of round games executed in the big hit gaming state is different depending on which area the game ball has passed (entered) among the specific areas provided at a plurality of locations in the game area. It may be allowed. Alternatively, when a game ball that passes (enters) a specific area is detected, the upper limit number of round games executed in the big hit gaming state is set to any number of times (for example, “2”, “7” ”Or“ 15 ”) (round lottery processing) may be performed. In addition, the upper limit number of round games is determined as any number of times at different ratios depending on which area the game ball has passed (entered) among the specific areas provided in a plurality of locations in the game area. May be.

  By turning on a plurality of light emitters provided around or inside the specific pass gate and the specific winning opening, it is changed to an open state in which the game ball can pass (enter) through the specific pass gate and the specific winning opening. You may notify. For example, when a specific passing gate or a specific winning opening is provided in the right game area, by controlling lighting of such a plurality of light emitters, a specific passing gate or a specific winning opening provided in the right gaming area. What is necessary is just to make it possible to execute a notification that prompts the player to perform an operation, such as changing the operation amount (rotation amount) of the hitting operation handle so as to launch the game ball. A big hit caused by a game ball passing (entering) through a specific pass gate or a specific winning port by controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters so that it can be recognized that a specific pass gate or a specific winning port is open. The game condition start condition is easily established, and the player can easily recognize an operation necessary for the progress of the game. In addition, when a plurality of specific areas are provided, a plurality of areas such that the upper limit number of round games can be easily determined advantageously for the player, or areas that can be disadvantageously determined for the player can be recognized. The light emitters may be controlled to be turned on. This makes it easier for a game ball to pass (enter) into a region where a decision that is advantageous to the player is easily made among specific regions provided in a plurality of locations in the game region, thereby reducing the disadvantage of the player. be able to.

  The special symbols and decorative symbols are not limited to those variably displayed as a plurality of types of identification information. For example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are configured using a plurality of LEDs, and only a specific (single) LED among the plurality of LEDs is displayed during variable display of the special symbol. Is repeatedly turned on and off, and the other LEDs remain off. And when the variable display result is “losing”, the LED that has been repeatedly turned on and off emits light (lights) in a predetermined emission color, or maintains the light off state, Stop displaying special symbols. At this time, the other LEDs remain off. On the other hand, when the variable display result is “big hit”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed by a predetermined lighting pattern in which some or all of the LEDs are turned on. In this way, during the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols, a specific (single) symbol is switched between display and non-display, while other symbols are maintained in a non-display state. Good. Then, any of a plurality of types of symbols may be derived and displayed (stop display) as a final stop symbol (determined special symbol or definite ornament symbol) resulting in a variable display result of the special symbol or ornament symbol. Further, for example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are configured by using a 7-segment LED, and during the variable display of the special symbol, a symbol indicating “−” (lighting) is displayed. It may be configured such that other numbers and symbols are not displayed by repeating the non-display (off). As a special symbol variable display result, a symbol indicating “−” is not stopped and displayed as a predetermined lighting pattern including numbers indicating “1” to “9” and other symbols. The special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this way, during the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols, as a variable display result, symbols that are not stopped are switched between display and non-display, while other symbols are maintained in a non-display state. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the “ratio” and “probability” at which various decisions are made may be 0% (not decided) or 100% (not necessarily decided), such as 70:30, for example. So that the possibility of at least one of the determination results is 0% (not determined) or 100% (always determined) It may be set. For example, in the case of making various decisions, the ratio of the determination result of any one of the plurality of determination results is higher than the ratio of the determination result of other determination results. It may be included to be 100%, or it may be included that the ratio of other determination results is 0%. When the ratio of the determination result of 1 is 100%, the ratio of the other determination result is 0%. Further, when the ratio as the other determination result is 0%, if the ratio as the determination result of 1 is a predetermined ratio other than 100% and not 0%, the ratio as the determination result of 1 is the other determination result. It will be higher than the ratio.

  In the above embodiment, one change pattern designation command is transmitted when variable display is started in order to notify the effect control board 12 of the change pattern indicating the variable display time, the variable display mode of the decorative design, and the like. Although an example is shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the side of the effect control board 12 by two or more commands. Specifically, when the notification is made by two commands, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command before reaching reach such as presence / absence of quasi-continuous fluctuation, presence / absence of a slip effect, etc. The command indicating the variable display time and variable display mode before the so-called second stop is transmitted, and the second command has reached a reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of a redrawing effect (reach and reach). If not, a command indicating a variable display time or a variable display mode after the so-called second stop may be transmitted. In this case, in the effect control board 12, for example, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable display time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 100 notifies the variable display time by each of two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 120 selects a specific variable display mode executed at each timing. You may make it perform. When sending two commands, the two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, or after the first command is sent, after a predetermined period of time elapses (for example, in the next timer interrupt) ) A second command may be transmitted. The variable display mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. By notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands in this way, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that does not perform variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols. As an example, based on the detection of a game ball that has passed (entered) a start winning opening provided in the game area, the variable winning device provided in the game area is changed from the closed state (second state) to the open state ( When the game ball that has entered the variable winning device enters the specific area (V winning opening) of the plurality of areas, it is controlled to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player. It may be a thing. In this case, it is controlled to the big hit gaming state when the variable winning device is changed from the closed state (second state) to the open state (first state) or when the game ball enters the specific area (V winning port). The music based on the sound data stored so as to be included in both the sound data first storage area R11 and the sound data second storage area R12 may be continuously played back during the period in which the notification is made. .

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

  FIG. 30 is a front view showing a slot machine 600 including an effect moving mechanism 650 similar to the effect moving mechanism 50 in the above embodiment, as an example of the slot machine. The slot machine 600 includes a housing whose front surface is open, and a front door pivotally supported on a side end of the housing. Inside the casing of the slot machine 600, a variable display device 601 is installed in which reels RL, RC, and RR having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. For example, "black 7", "net 7", "white 7", "white BAR", "black BAR", "replay", "bell", "orange" A plurality of types of symbols such as “watermelon” and “cherry” that can be distinguished from each other are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels RL, RC, and RR are displayed in upper, middle, and lower three stages.

  On the left side of the variable display device 601, a one-bet lamp 621 that displays “1” corresponding to one-bet, a two-bet lamp 622 that displays “2” corresponding to a two-bet, and three bets A three-wager lamp 623 that displays “3” corresponding to the “win” and a win display lamp 624 that displays “WIN” corresponding to the winning of the special role are provided. On the right side of the variable display device 602, an insertion instruction lamp 631 that displays “Insert Medal” in response to an instruction to insert a medal, a start display lamp 632 that displays “Start” in response to the start of the game, A weight display lamp 633 that displays “Wait” in response to a weight being applied, and a replay display lamp 634 that displays “Replay” in response to a re-game winning (replay winning) are provided.

  Each reel RL, RC, RR is displayed by changing the symbols of each reel RL, RC, RR continuously by rotating by a reel motor provided corresponding to each reel RL, RC, RR. By stopping the rotation of RR, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed as display results. Further, an image display device 610 having a display function similar to that of the main image display device 5MA of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided on the front door of the slot machine 600. An operation table 620 on which various input switches and the like for the player to perform various operations is provided at the lower part of the variable display device 601 on the front door of the slot machine 600. On the upper surface of the operation table, a medal slot 602, a BET switch 603, a MAXBET switch 604, a settlement switch 608, and the like are provided. For example, a start lever 605 and stop switches 606L, 606C, and 606R are provided at predetermined positions on the front door, which are performed on the front side of the operation table. At the bottom of the operation table 620, a medal payout outlet 607 for paying out medals is provided. Two speakers 611L and 611R that emit sound effects are provided on the upper left and right of the slot machine 600. In addition, a game effect lamp 612 is provided above the image display device 610, and game effect lamps 613 and 614 are provided on the left and right sides of the image display device 610 and the variable display device 601. An effect movable mechanism 650 is provided on the front side of the image display device 610. The effect movable mechanism 650 has a plurality of movable members, and each movable member is provided with a light emitter unit having a plurality of light emitters, so that a display effect according to the lighting mode of the plurality of light emitters can be executed. .

  The gaming state in the slot machine 600 includes, for example, a regular bonus, a big bonus, and a normal gaming state. In the regular bonus game state, for example, small roles such as JAC, cherry, watermelon, and bell are defined as winning combinations and are subject to lottery in the internal lottery. In the big bonus, special small roles such as cherry, watermelon, and bell, and special bonuses such as regular bonus (or JACIN) are determined as winning roles in a predetermined small role game. It is a lottery target in the internal lottery. In the normal gaming state, for example, small roles such as cherry, watermelon and bell, replay roles such as replay, special roles such as big bonus, regular bonus, etc. are predetermined as winning roles, It is a lottery target in the lottery. When a special role winning that becomes a big bonus occurs in the normal gaming state, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. With the big bonus, a predetermined game called a small role game can be played. The big bonus is ended when the total number of medals given to the player in the big bonus becomes equal to or more than a prescribed number (eg, 466). When a special role winning that becomes a regular bonus occurs in a small role game in a normal gaming state or a big bonus, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games have been consumed or when 8 games have been won (any kind of combination can be used), whichever comes first. In the regular bonus in the normal gaming state, the regular bonus may be terminated when the total number of medals given to the player exceeds a specified number. If the total number of medals awarded to the player during the big bonus exceeds the specified number with the regular bonus in the big bonus, the regular bonus is terminated together with the big bonus.

  In the slot machine 600, when the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state such as a regular bonus or a big bonus, the player can acquire more medals than the normal gaming state, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. It becomes a game state. Note that the special gaming state is not limited to the regular bonus or big bonus, but the player can expect to win more medals than the normal gaming state, and the gaming state has a higher advantage for the player than the normal gaming state. If it is.

  As a gaming state having a higher advantage for the player than the normal gaming state, for example, a notification target winning derivation condition that occurs on condition that a reel derivation condition (for example, stop order or stop timing) is satisfied is used. Displayed when the stop switches 606L, 606C, and 606R are operated by limiting the assist time (AT), which is a gaming state in which the operation procedure to be satisfied is informed, and the pull-in range of at least one of the reels. Challenge time (CT) and specific winnings (for example, replay winnings, single bonus winnings, etc.) that allow the combination of winning symbols to be derived by controlling the symbols to be easily stopped and the player pushing forward Gaming state (so-called replay time or concentration state) where the probability of occurrence of It is sufficient, such as Align was a game state. In addition, after the replay time is reached, when the predetermined symbol combination is won and the end symbol combination corresponding to the falling symbol is derived to end the replay time, the symbol combination after the replay time is reached On the condition that a predetermined number of games have been digested without being derived, control may be performed in a notification period (ART) for notifying information for avoiding the falling combination when winning the falling combination. Alternatively, the ART control may be started immediately after the big bonus or the regular bonus ends.

  In the slot machine 600, a ROM mounted on the production control board provides at least a first area for storing first control data used for the first control, and a control data memory different from the ROM is used for the second control data. What is necessary is just to provide the 2nd area | region which memorize | stores 2nd control data. In this case, the first control data may be stored in an area corresponding to the specific address range of the second area that is continuous with the final address of the first area. For example, a sound data first storage area is assigned to the ROM, a sound data second storage area is assigned to the control data memory, and specific sound data is stored across the storage areas of the ROM and the control data memory. There may be things. The music based on the sound data stored in both the sound data first storage area and the sound data second storage area may be continuously reproduced over a plurality of variable displays executed at the assist time (AT), for example. Good. Alternatively, when a special role winning that becomes a big bonus or a regular bonus occurs, music based on the sound data stored in both the sound data first storage area and the sound data second storage area is continuously played back. Also good. Alternatively, the music based on the sound data stored in both the sound data first storage area and the sound data second storage area is once or a plurality of times from when the special role is won internally until the special role is won. May be continuously played over the variable display, and may be continuously played even after the gaming state becomes a big bonus or a regular bonus due to the winning of a special role. Or, for example, a music piece that has been played during a period when the gaming state is a big bonus continues for one or more variable displays even after the big bonus has ended and ART control has started. May be played back.

  Instead of playing music continuously, or while playing music continuously, sound control to output sound different from music such as dialogue and sound effects, effect images including moving images Display control for continuously displaying, lighting control for continuously lighting various light emitting members, etc., drive control for continuously operating the movable members for production including the production movable mechanism 650, etc. Various production controls may be performed continuously.

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

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

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

  As described above, in the above embodiment, for example, sound data used for sound control is stored in the sound data first storage area R11 of the ROM 132 as shown in FIG. The image data used for display control and lighting control is stored in the data storage area R21. The sound data second corresponding to the specific address range of the image data memory 121 continuous from the last address of the sound data first storage area R11 is stored. Sound data is also stored in the storage area R12. In this way, the first control data such as sound data is also stored in the area corresponding to the specific address range of the second area that is continuous from the last address of the first area, thereby effectively using the storage area and reducing the manufacturing cost. In addition to the reduction, the control data can be read smoothly and appropriate control can be performed.

  In the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, special symbols are variably displayed. Correspondingly, in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the main image display device 5MA, the decorative symbols are displayed. Variable display is performed. The CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the big hit gaming state based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, for example, It is possible to control the game state that is advantageous to the player. In this way, it is possible to improve the game entertainment and effectively use the storage area.

  The sound data read from the sound data first storage area R11 of the ROM 132 providing the first area is used for sound control for outputting sound from the speakers 8L, 8R and the like. Since the sound data second storage area R12 is assigned a continuous address from the final address of the sound data first storage area R11, continuous sound output is possible and the storage area is effectively used. be able to.

  For example, like the ROM 132 shown in FIG. 11, by storing the history information of the ROM 132 in the redundant area, there is no need to attach a barcode or the like for recycling management outside the ROM 132, and the history information stored in the ROM 132 is stored. Recycling management can be performed accurately based on this. In addition, by writing history information in the redundant area, it is possible to ensure the identity of programs and data stored in a normally used data area and the like, and to ensure the fairness of the game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5MA ... Main image display device 5SU ... Sub image display device 6A ... Ordinary winning ball device 6B ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball devices 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Audio control board 14 ... Lamp control board 15 ... Relay board 16 ... Movable mechanism control board 20 ... Normal symbol display DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Gate switch 22A, 22B ... Start-up switch 23 ... Count switch 50 ... Production | movement movable mechanism 51-54 ... Movable member 71-74 ... Light-emitting-body unit 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 132 for game control ROM
102, 133 ... RAM
103, 131 ... CPU
104 ... random number circuit 105, 134 ... I / O
120 ... Production control microcomputer 121 ... Image data memory 122 ... Display control unit 141 ... VDP
142A ... VRAM
142B ... Frame buffer 143A ... Main LCD drive circuit 143B ... Sub LCD drive circuit 144 ... Light emitter control circuit 150 ... Signal separation circuit 151 ... Buffer memory 152 ... Lighting data generation circuit 153 ... Serial output circuit 154 ... Light emitter drive unit B01- B42 ... Light emitter block

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A first area in which at least first control data is stored;
A second area in which second control data is stored;
First control means for executing first control using the first control data;
Second control means for executing a second control different from the first control using the second control data,
The first control data is also stored in an area corresponding to a specific address range of the second area that is continuous from the last address of the first area.
A gaming machine characterized by that. Variable display means for performing variable display;
State control means that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
The gaming machine according to claim 1.