JP2017077248A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a screen of a liquid crystal display device displaying still pictures from burn-in effect in a game machine equipped with the liquid crystal display device showing motion pictures related to performance and the liquid crystal display device displaying still pictures related to the performance.SOLUTION: There is provided a game machine comprising: a dot image data generating holding part which generates or holds dot image data for emitting light from one or more dots to be a minimum display unit of a liquid crystal display device; a drawing position generating part generating information about a position where to write the dot image data in an image memory with the dot as a unit; and a drawing erasure part writing the dot image data and erasing the dot image data after a predetermined first time elapses on the basis of the information of the position generated by the drawing position generating part. Within a predetermined second time, all the dots of the liquid crystal display device are written in the way that they are covered with the dot image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  A variety of presentation devices such as liquid crystal display devices (liquid crystal panels), production display lamps (electric decorations), and sound generators (sound devices, speakers) are provided in gaming machines as devices that play a role in enhancing the interest of players. It has been. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part.

In order to suppress the occurrence of the image sticking (afterimage) phenomenon of the liquid crystal display device of the pachinko machine, the liquid crystal display device is controlled to display in units of each divided display surface with a predetermined number of divisions. When the same display contents are continuously displayed for a predetermined time so as not to be continuously stopped and displayed for a predetermined time in the display area, the position of the display area is moved. In order to suppress the occurrence of a burn-in (afterimage) phenomenon in a liquid crystal display device of a pachinko machine, an LCD color panel that is a variable display device is displayed in units of a predetermined number of divisions. A video circuit for display control is provided, and when the same display information is stopped and displayed in the same display area for a certain period of time, the display information is moved to another display area and displayed, thereby causing a burn-in (afterimage) phenomenon Preventing the occurrence of

  The effect liquid crystal display device displays an effect screen according to the game situation during the game, and a so-called demonstration screen when no game is played. These are all moving images or frequently switched still images, and change with time.

  Recently, however, a large number of large-sized liquid crystal display devices are provided, and one of them displays a moving image similar to the conventional one. On the other hand, a design (photograph, illustration, character, etc.) applied to the casing is displayed. A gaming machine has been introduced in which such still images are continuously displayed. The latter liquid crystal display device may continue to display the same image for a long time.

  When the same image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device for a long time without any change, the previous image may still be displayed slightly even when switching to another screen. This is called a ghost image. This is caused by the charging of the liquid crystal panel, and the quality of the screen is deteriorated.

  In Patent Document 1, the same display content is not continuously stopped and displayed in the same display area for a predetermined time. In Patent Document 2, the same display information is stopped and displayed in the same display area for a certain time. In this case, the display information is moved to another display area and displayed, and it is premised on screen division or screen change. Therefore, it is applied to a gaming machine in which still images are continuously displayed. I can't. The techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are provided with a plurality of large liquid crystal display devices, one of which is a burn-in (ghost image) in a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image such as a design applied to a housing. It cannot be applied to the use for preventing the above.

  When predetermined conditions are satisfied (for example, when no operation is performed for 2 hours), it may be possible to prevent burn-in by instantly whitening the entire surface of the liquid crystal display device displaying a still image. In a so-called simple notification machine, this may be misunderstood by the player as a notification effect and cannot be adopted.

  Therefore, the present invention is not misunderstood as a notification effect to the player, and the liquid crystal display that can be adopted in a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image such as a design applied to the housing on the liquid crystal display device. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing burn-in of an apparatus.

The present invention includes a liquid crystal display device that displays an image relating to a game effect, an image memory that stores image data of the liquid crystal display device, an image generation unit that writes a predetermined image in the image memory, and the liquid crystal A dot image data generation / holding unit that generates or holds dot image data for causing one or more dots that are the minimum display unit of the display device to emit white light; and information on a position where the dot image data is written in the image memory. The dot image data is written on the basis of the drawing position generation unit that is generated in units and the position information generated by the drawing position generation unit, and the dot image is output after a predetermined first time (for example, 1 second). A drawing erasing unit for erasing data,
The drawing position generator is configured to provide position information so as to cover all the dots (hereinafter, “all dots”) of the liquid crystal display device with the dot image data within a predetermined second time (for example, two hours). Is something that occurs.

The drawing position generator is
A counter that counts a number corresponding to the total number of dots of the liquid crystal display device within a predetermined time;
A bit replacement unit for switching output bits of the counter,
The drawing and erasing unit may perform writing and erasing of the dot image data based on the output of the bit replacement unit.

  When the counter counts the number corresponding to the total number of dots, the bit replacement unit may change the replacement of the output bits of the counter.

The drawing position generator is
A random number generator for generating random numbers,
Prepare an array of positional information of all dots of the liquid crystal display device,
Reordering the array based on random numbers generated by the random number generator;
The drawing erasing unit may perform writing and erasing of the dot image data based on the rearranged arrangement.

The screen of the liquid crystal display device is divided into a plurality of areas in advance,
The drawing position generation unit generates a position for writing the dot image data for each of the plurality of regions,
The drawing / erasing unit may write and erase the dot image data at a position generated by the drawing position generation unit for each of the regions.

  The dot image data includes, for example, data for causing one or more center dots to emit white light, and data for causing a plurality of dots arranged in a star shape or a cross shape around the center dot to emit white light. Including.

  According to the present invention, since all the dots of the liquid crystal display device are written so as to be covered with the dot image data within a predetermined second time, burn-in of the liquid crystal display device can be prevented.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the image generation system of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the liquid crystal sticking prevention process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the dot image which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drawing position generation part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the drawing position generation process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other drawing position generation part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the other drawing position generation process which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a dot image display mode in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of region division in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other drawing position generation | occurrence | production part which concerns on embodiment of invention (an example at the time of performing area division). It is explanatory drawing of the other drawing position generation part which concerns on embodiment of invention (example which used ROM as a drawing position generation part).

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display device) LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display device) LCD2 is provided over the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  The liquid crystal panel LCD1 displays moving images, frequently updated still images, and the like. On the liquid crystal panel LCD2, still images such as designs (photos, illustrations, characters, etc.) applied to the housing are continuously displayed. The same image continues to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD2 for a long time.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game processing) such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are attached to the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit (insertion accepting means) 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when a big bonus is won by internal lottery, A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation, from the reference position of the spinning cylinder (the frame detected by the reel index). By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, the liquid crystal display device or the like can notify that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LEDs (LED boards) 202B and 202L, a speaker SP, a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and a switch SW. The LEDs 202B and 202L incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the substrate). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  The sub-board 20 drives a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, a speaker SP, a sound controller for generating sound by driving a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML. It has a built-in drive circuit.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes the solenoid SN and the LED 202B, the upper door block BU includes the liquid crystal panel LCD1, the motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body thereby, and the lower door block BL is , A liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, a suggestion for obtaining a ball is displayed on a liquid crystal display device so as to provide (assist) the player with the convenience of operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the liquid crystal panel of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  The liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display device) LCD1 displays a moving image related to the game during the game, and displays a moving image such as a demo screen when the game is not being played.

  The liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display device) LCD2 continuously displays a still image such as a design (photograph, illustration, character, etc.) applied to the housing for a long time. As described above, when the same image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device without changing at all for a long time, the previous image may be slightly displayed even when the screen is switched to another screen. This is called a ghost image. This is due to the charging of the liquid crystal panel. Since the quality of the screen is deteriorated, it is removed by the procedure described later.

  A moving image generation unit 20a generates a moving image for the liquid crystal panel LCD1.

  An image memory 20b stores a moving image generated by the moving image generation unit 20a. In the case of a moving image, the contents of the image memory 20b are frequently rewritten.

  Reference numeral 20c denotes a still image generation unit that generates a still image (design such as a photograph, an illustration, or a character) for the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

  An image memory 20d stores a still image generated by the still image generation unit 20c. Since the still image continues in the same state, rewriting is not performed unless the design is switched.

  The image memories 20b and 20d have a memory capacity (equal to or greater than the display capability) corresponding to the display capability of the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2. The liquid crystal display device includes a large number of dots that are the minimum display unit (pixel), and includes, for example, a display unit (dot) of 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal). The image memories 20b and 20d have a capacity corresponding to the number of dots of the liquid crystal display device, for example, 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal) × 24 bits (each RGB has 8 bits).

  Reference numeral 20e denotes a dot image data generation / holding unit that generates or holds dot image data for causing one or more dots that are the minimum display unit (pixel) of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 to emit white light. To “light” “dots” means that the dots are brightest (or similar) so that the ghost image is removed, that is, the backlight transmittance is maximized (or similar). Is to adjust the liquid crystal of the dot. For example, R = FF (hexadecimal), G = FF (hexadecimal), and B = FF (hexadecimal) data (or data corresponding thereto) are provided at the position corresponding to the dot in the image memory 20d. This corresponds to writing (data is 24 bits). The dot image data will be described later (see FIG. 7).

  Reference numeral 20f denotes a drawing position generating unit that generates information (address of the image memory 20d) of the position where the dot image data is written in the image memory 20d in units of dots. The drawing position generator 20f generates position information so as to cover all dots (hereinafter, “all dots”) of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 with dot image data within a predetermined second time (for example, two hours). . When the number of dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal) and the dot image data is data for emitting only one dot in white, the drawing position generating unit 20f is within a predetermined time. Addresses of all dots of 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal), that is, 1,310,720 (0 to 1,310,719) addresses are generated. The mode of occurrence is not regular. For example, white dots are displayed at discrete positions as shown in FIG. In the drawing, the circled numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,... Indicate the display order of dots. The display after 7 is omitted. A procedure for generating such irregular light emission positions (addresses) will be described later.

  When the dot image data includes a plurality of dots, the number of addresses that need to be generated is reduced. For example, when the dot image data includes four dots (such as FIG. 7D), 1,310,720 addresses / 4 = 327,680 addresses are generated.

  Reference numeral 20g denotes a dot image data written in the address of the image memory 20d based on an address (position information) generated by the drawing position generator 20f, and an image memory after a predetermined first time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed. A drawing erasing unit that erases dot image data from 20d.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the liquid crystal burn-in prevention process according to the embodiment of the invention.

ST10: The still image generation unit 20c generates the above-described still image and writes it in the image memory 20d. While the image memory 20d holds a still image, the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is in the same state (except for the dot image).

ST11: The drawing position generation unit 20f generates the position information (address of the image memory 20d) for writing the dot image data in units of dots.

ST12: The drawing erasing unit 20g writes the dot image data in the image memory 20d according to the address received from the drawing position generation unit 20f.

ST13: The drawing erasing unit 20g waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) to elapse.

ST14: The drawing erasing unit 20g erases the dot image data written after a predetermined time has elapsed. After erasing, the original data before writing is written so that the still image is maintained. For example, before writing the dot image data in ST12, the drawing erasing unit 20g reads the data of the dot and temporarily holds the data, and writes the data held at the time of erasing to the dot image. Erase the data. Alternatively, the address of the drawing position generation unit 20f may be sent to the still image generation unit 20c so that writing is performed on the address.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a dot image according to the embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 7B to 7D show dot images that look like stars or crosses. This is an example.

  FIG. 7A shows a dot image composed of one dot (center dot) SD, and FIG. 7B shows a plurality (16) of dots PD arranged in a cross shape around one center dot SD. FIG. 7 (c) shows a dot image composed of a plurality of (ten) dots PD arranged in a star around one central dot SD, and FIG. 7 (d) shows four centers. It is a dot image composed of a plurality of branch-like (3 × 4) dots PD arranged radially around the dot SD.

  Such a dot image is irregularly displayed and erased (flashed) for all the dots on the liquid crystal panel LCD2 as shown in FIG. By displaying the dot image for all the dots, it is possible to prevent burn-in (ghost image) of the liquid crystal panel LCD2. By displaying the dot image irregularly and erasing (flashing), the display of the dot image for preventing burn-in can be regarded as a decoration like flashing a star. A special image display for preventing burn-in can be prevented from being mistaken for a meaningful display such as a notice effect for the player.

  The dot image generation / holding unit 20e generates or stores any or all of FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (d).

  When the dot image data includes a plurality of dots, the number of addresses generated by the drawing position generator 20f can be reduced. In FIG. 7D, since the dot image data includes four dots, the number of addresses can be reduced to a quarter. Although the number of center dots SD in FIG. 7B is one, there are nine dots fixed in the center, so the number of addresses can be reduced to one-ninth. Further reduction is possible by including the dot PD in the branch portion. The drawing position generator 20f covers all the dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 with the center dot SD of the dot image or with the center dot SD and the surrounding dots PD within a predetermined second time (for example, 2 hours). Generate location information.

  In the following description, a case where white display is performed for all the dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 using a dot image having one central dot SD in FIG. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to FIGS. 7B to 7D or other dot images. When reducing the number of addresses to be generated according to the size of the dot image, for example, the output bits of the drawing position generator 20f may be thinned out.

  The generation of an address (position) for writing a dot image by the drawing position generator 20f will be described. Addresses are generated without omission so that all the dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 are covered with the central dot SD and / or the peripheral dots PD. When random addresses are used to generate random addresses, irregular display can be realized. However, since random numbers appear repeatedly, all dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 are covered within a predetermined second time (for example, 2 hours). There is no guarantee.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the drawing position generator 20f according to the embodiment of the invention.

  20f11 is a counter that performs a counting operation (counting) based on a predetermined clock. The counter 20f11 outputs a value of 1,310,720 (0 to 1,310,719) from 0 to the total number of dots, for example, when the liquid crystal panel LCD2 has 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal) dots, and corresponding output bits It has a number, for example 21 bits.

  Reference numeral 20f12 denotes a bit replacement unit that appropriately outputs the output bits of the counter 20f11. Even if the counter 20f11 performs a regular counting operation, 0, 1, 2, 3,... By bit replacement, the output of the bit replacement unit 20f12 does not appear to be regular at first glance. . The bit replacement is, for example, as follows.

(1) Part (2 bits or more) or all replacement (exchange) of the output of the counter 20f11
Assuming that the output bits of the counter 20f11 are 4 bits, D3, D2, D1, and D0, the order of the lower 3 bits is exchanged so as to be D3, D0, D2, and D1 (an example). At this time, even if the counter 20f11 counts in order as 0 (0000), 1 (0001), 2 (0010), 3 (0011), 4 (0100),..., The output of the bit replacement unit 20f12 Are separated as 0 (0000), 4 (0100), 1 (0001), 5 (0101), 2 (0010),.

  The replacement pattern is fixed, but may be changed as appropriate. For example, the replacement pattern is changed when the counter 20f11 completes counting the total number of dots.

(2) Shift of output of counter 20f11 (bit shift)
The output bits D3, D2, D1, and D0 of the counter 20f11 are shifted to D0, D3, D2, and D1 (an example). At this time, even if the counter 20f11 counts in order as 0 (0000), 1 (0001), 2 (0010), 3 (0011), 4 (0100),..., The output of the bit replacement unit 20f12 Are separated like 0 (0000), 8 (1000), 1 (0001), 9 (1001), 2 (0010),.

(3) An exclusive OR between the output of the counter 20f11 and predetermined data is obtained.
For example, if the predetermined data is 0110, the counter 20f11 may count in order as 0 (0000), 1 (0001), 2 (0010), 3 (0011), 4 (0100),. , The output of the bit replacement unit 20f12 varies as 6 (0110), 7 (0111), 4 (0100), 5 (0101), 2 (0010),.

  Note that the counting operation and the bit replacement may be performed for each of the vertical and horizontal sides of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 (the same applies to the following examples). For example, when the liquid crystal panel LCD2 has 1280 (vertical) × 1024 (horizontal) dots, 11-bit counting operation and bit replacement are performed in the vertical direction, and 10-bit counting operation and bit replacement are performed in the horizontal direction. To do.

  FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of the drawing position generator 20f of FIG.

ST20: An initial value of the counter 20f11 is set. Set the first and last values and cycle the counts between them. The clock cycle is set so that the cycle of the cycle is within a predetermined second time (2 hours).

ST21: Counting is performed by the counter 20f11.

ST22: The bit replacement unit 20f12 replaces the output bits of the counter 20f11. The method has been described above.

ST23: It is determined whether a carry has occurred in the counter 20f11, that is, whether or not the last set value has been reached. When a carry occurs (YES), the process proceeds to ST24.

ST24: Change the bit replacement pattern of the bit replacement unit 20f12.

  (1) If the output of the counter 20f11 is a part (2 bits or more) or the entire replacement (exchange), the replacement pattern is changed. (2) If the output of the counter 20f11 is shifted (bit shift), the shift amount and / or the shift direction is changed. 3) If an exclusive OR between the output of the counter 20f11 and predetermined data is to be obtained, the data is changed.

  By generating an address for writing dot image data based on the counter 20f11,

  When the address is generated using the counter 20f11, since there is no duplication of the address, it is possible to surely process all dots within a predetermined time. Since the bit replacement unit 20f12 is provided, the dot image can be irregularly displayed and erased (flashed). A special display for preventing burn-in (ghost image) can be prevented from being misunderstood as a meaningful display such as a notice effect for the player.

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of another drawing position generator according to the embodiment of the invention.

  Reference numeral 20f21 denotes an arrangement generating unit that generates an arrangement of addresses (position information) of all dots of the liquid crystal panel LCD2. For example, an array of 1-1,310,720 is generated.

  Reference numeral 20f22 denotes an array storage unit that stores the generated array.

  20f23 is a random number generator for generating random numbers. For the random number generation, for example, a hardware random number generation method using a counter and a latch, or a software random number generation method for generating a random number sequence by a predetermined algorithm based on a random number type obtained from the counter or the like can be adopted.

  20f24 is an array replacement unit that rearranges the array in the array storage unit 20f22 based on the random number generated by the random number generator 20f23.

  The drawing erasing unit 20g writes and erases dot image data based on the array rearranged by the array replacement unit 20f24.

  FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of array rearrangement. It is assumed that N pieces of data (addresses where dot images are to be written) are arranged in order from the left, such as 1, 2, 3,. This sequence is regular. This is rearranged randomly based on random numbers. The data is output to the drawing erasing unit 20g as the position where the dot image is to be written in the rearranged order. In the example of FIG. 10B, the sorted addresses are output in the order of 64, 4, 98, 18, 33,.

  The rearrangement is performed as follows, for example.

  The data position is i (for example, the position when counted from the left), and the data is D (i). In the example before rearrangement in FIG. 10B, D (1) = 1, D (2) = 2, D (3) = 3,.

  The following processing is performed in order with i = 1, 2, 3,.

  A random number is acquired from the random number generator 20f23 and added to i. Let this result be j. At this time, the acquired random number is divided by the number (N−i) of the array on the right side of i so that j does not exceed the upper limit (= N) of the array, and the remainder is added to i.

  D (i) and D (j) are interchanged.

  For example, when i = 1 and the random number value = 63, j = 64. Therefore, the data is exchanged such that D (1) = 64 and D (64) = 1. In addition, since replacement is performed also when i = 64, D (64) = 1 is not fixed.

  By the above procedure, a randomly rearranged array is obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a processing flowchart of the drawing position generator 20f of FIG.

S30: The array generation unit 20f21 prepares an array of addresses of all dots and stores it in the array storage unit 20f22.

S31: The array replacement unit 20f24 acquires a random number value from the random number generator 20f23.

S32: The array replacement unit 20f24 replaces the array in the array storage unit 20f22 based on the acquired random value. For example, the above procedure is performed.

ST33: The array in which the array storage unit 20f22 is rearranged is output in order. In the example of FIG. 10B, the sorted addresses are output in the order of 64, 4, 98, 18, 33,.

ST34: Until the array storage unit 20f22 outputs all the arrays (addresses, dots), ST33 is continued (NO). When all the arrays have been output (NO), the process returns to ST30 and the above processing is repeated.

  According to FIGS. 10 and 11, since there is no duplication of addresses, it is possible to reliably process all dots within a predetermined time. Since the arrangement is changed at random, dot images can be irregularly displayed and erased (flashed). A special display for preventing burn-in (ghost image) can be prevented from being misunderstood as a meaningful display such as a notice effect for the player.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, the dot image can be irregularly displayed on the liquid crystal display device as shown in FIG. 12A, and all the dots are processed within a predetermined time, so that the burn-in of the liquid crystal display device can be prevented. .

  In the above description, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device is treated as one area and a dot image is displayed. The liquid crystal display device may be divided into a plurality of regions (FIG. 12B), and the above processing may be applied to each.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, if the drawing position generating units 20f1 to 20f4 and the drawing erasing units 20g1 to 20g4 are provided for each divided area, the dot image is irregularly independent for each area, that is, unrelated to each other. Can be displayed. When making the dot image common to all the regions, the dot image generation holding unit 20e may be one. In FIG. 13, the image memories 20d1 to 20d4 are displayed separately and independently. However, the image memories 20d1 to 20d4 are not limited to this, and the image memories 20d1 to 20d4 can be separated by dividing the addresses into one image memory (memory plane).

  In the above description, the writing position (address) of the dot image is generated in the gaming machine, but a storage unit (ROM) in which the writing position (address) is stored in advance can also be used. The above-described procedure can be used for generating data to be stored in the storage unit (ROM). FIG. 14 shows an example in which a drawing position storage unit (ROM) 20h is used as the drawing position generation unit.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

20 sub-board 20a moving image generation unit 20b image memory 20c still image generation unit 20d image memory 20e dot image data generation holding unit 20f drawing position generation unit 20f11 counter 20f12 bit replacement unit 20f21 array generation unit 20f22 array storage unit 20f23 random number generation unit 20f24 Array replacement unit 20g Drawing erasure unit 20h Drawing position storage unit (ROM)
LCD1 Liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display device)
LCD2 Liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display device)

Claims (6)

A liquid crystal display device that displays an image related to a game effect, an image memory that stores image data of the liquid crystal display device, an image generation unit that writes a predetermined image in the image memory, and a minimum of the liquid crystal display device A dot image data generation / holding unit that generates or holds dot image data for causing one or more dots, which are display units, to emit white light, and information on a position where the dot image data is written in the image memory are generated in units of the dots. A drawing position generation unit that writes the dot image data based on the position information generated by the drawing position generation unit, and erases the dot image data after a predetermined first time; With
The drawing position generator generates position information so as to cover all the dots (hereinafter, “all dots”) of the liquid crystal display device with the dot image data within a predetermined second time. A featured gaming machine. The drawing position generator is
A counter that counts a number corresponding to the total number of dots of the liquid crystal display device within a predetermined time;
A bit replacement unit for switching output bits of the counter,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the drawing / erasing unit writes and erases the dot image data based on an output of the bit replacement unit.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the counter counts a number corresponding to the number of all dots, the bit replacement unit changes the replacement of the output bits of the counter. The drawing position generator is
A random number generator for generating random numbers,
Prepare an array of positional information of all dots of the liquid crystal display device,
Reordering the array based on random numbers generated by the random number generator;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the drawing erasing unit performs writing and erasing of the dot image data based on the rearranged arrangement. The screen of the liquid crystal display device is divided into a plurality of areas in advance,
The drawing position generation unit generates a position for writing the dot image data for each of the plurality of regions,
5. The drawing erasure unit writes and erases the dot image data at a position generated by the drawing position generation unit for each of the regions. Game machines.   The dot image data includes data for causing one or more center dots to emit white light and data for causing a plurality of dots arranged in a star shape or a cross shape around the center dot to emit white light. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

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