JP2018102397A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of efficiently switching update rates without having extra video memory.SOLUTION: When an FPS switch request is issued when establishing a drawing command, switch processing of the FPS next time onward is performed when drawing of the frame is started, and cycle of a series of processing of "drawing command establishment → drawing command transfer → drawing → display switch" is performed in accordance with the FPS that matches the request. However, while the drawing command is established, there is a possibility for a front frame to be drawn or for display to be switched, so that constancy of the cycle is held by switching the FPS when the drawing is started (when drawing processing is over). By performing such processing, the FPS can be switched without having extra frame buffers and performance in a liquid crystal display, such as performance putting an emphasis on movements of reels and performance layering many images, suiting purposes can coexist.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes an effect as a game progresses.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, variable display of identification information at the start of super reach is performed by controlling display by reading a frame buffer for the first frame rate (60 FPS) in the entire area of the liquid crystal display device. In the case of variable display of identification information in this case, a technique is known in which display control is performed by reading a frame buffer for a second frame rate (30 rPS) lower than the first frame rate using a partial region of a liquid crystal display device ( For example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-160776 A

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, since 30 FPS with a slow drawing process and 60 FPS with a fast drawing process are processed separately from the image memory area (frame buffer), many frame buffers (for 30 FPS, 60 FPS, etc.) are used. Video memory) is required.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of efficiently switching the update rate without having an extra video memory.

  The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this.

  Solution 1: A gaming machine of the present solution includes a display device that displays an image at a low update rate or a high update rate that is higher in update frequency than the low update rate, A memory that is commonly used for displaying an image at a high update rate, a video memory that stores image data for displaying an image on the display device, and when a special performance execution condition is not satisfied An effect executing means for executing a normal effect using the display device and executing a special effect different from the normal effect using the display device when the special effect execution condition is satisfied, and the normal effect Update rate setting process executing means for setting the low update rate during execution of the program and executing update rate setting processing for setting the high update rate during execution of the special effect. It is a technique machine.

The gaming machine of the present solution has the following configuration.
(1) A display device for displaying an image at a low update rate (frame rate = 30 FPS) or a high update rate (frame rate = 60 FPS) having a higher update frequency than the low update rate is provided. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display.
(2) A memory that is used in common when displaying an image at the low update rate of (1) and displaying an image at the high update rate of (1), the display device of (1) A video memory for storing image data for displaying an image is provided. The video memory is, for example, a VRAM (frame buffer) built in the VDP.

(3) When a special performance execution condition is not satisfied (for example, when a special role is not won), a normal performance is executed using the display device of (1), and the special performance execution condition is satisfied. In the case (for example, when a special combination is won), a special effect (special mode effect) different from the normal effect is executed using the display device of (1) above. The special effect may be an effect that ends in one game, but is preferably an effect that is executed over a plurality of games.

(4) Then, a low update rate is set during execution of the normal effect of (3) above, and an update rate setting process for setting a high update rate is executed during execution of the special effect of (3) above.

  According to this solution, since the video memory that is commonly used for displaying an image at a low update rate and displaying an image at a high update rate is employed, only one video memory is required. Thus, the update rate can be switched efficiently without having an extra video memory.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution may be any one of the solutions described above, wherein the update rate setting processing execution means is changed from the low update rate to the high update rate, or from the high update rate to the low update rate. When switching the update rate to the update rate, the game machine is characterized in that the update rate is switched after drawing processing of an image to be displayed on the display device is completed.

  In this solution, when the update rate is switched from the low update rate to the high update rate or from the high update rate to the low update rate, after the drawing process of the image displayed on the display device is completed (the drawing process in the VDP is performed). Toggle the update rate (after being executed).

  According to this solution, since the update rate is switched after the drawing process is completed, the update rate is not switched during the execution of the drawing process, and the image is disturbed based on the switching of the update rate during the execution of the drawing process. It can be avoided.

  Solution 3: The gaming machine of the present solution is a high-order control unit that is activated by a predetermined interrupt and a low-level control unit that is activated by the high-order control unit in any of the above-described solution means. The lower-level control unit determines what type of image is to be displayed on the display device, and executes processing for generating drawing information based on the determined content, and the upper-level control unit Is a gaming machine that executes the update rate setting process and also executes a transfer process for transferring the drawing information generated by the lower-level control unit to a device that controls the display device .

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) Provided with a higher-level control unit (technical task) that is activated in response to a predetermined interrupt (VSYNC interrupt). Since the upper control unit is activated by a predetermined interrupt, it becomes an upper control unit close to hardware.
(2) A lower control unit (planning task) activated by the upper control unit (1) is provided. Since the lower control unit is activated by the upper control unit, it becomes a lower control unit far from the hardware.

(3) The lower-level control unit in (2) determines the type of image to be displayed on the display device, and generates drawing information (drawing command) based on the determined content (drawing command) Build process).
(4) The upper control unit of (1) executes the update rate setting process, and the drawing information generated by the lower control unit of (3) is sent to the device (VDP) that controls the display device. Execute the transfer process to transfer.

According to this solution, the memory area of the video memory can be managed more efficiently by distributing the processing between the higher-level control unit and the lower-level control unit.
In addition, according to this solution, since the lower-level control unit activated by the higher-level control unit executes the process of generating the drawing information, the rendering process depends on the model of the gaming machine (common among a plurality of models). Only drawing processing) can be processed efficiently.
Furthermore, according to this solution, since the higher-level control unit that is activated by a predetermined interrupt executes update rate setting processing, transfer processing, and the like, drawing processing that does not depend on the type of gaming machine (several types) It is possible to efficiently process only the drawing process common to all models.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine of the present solution is an effect in which any one of the above-described solutions is an effect of variably displaying an effect design during execution of the special effect, and more effects than the normal effect. The game machine is characterized in that an effect of displaying a design is executed.

  In the present solution, during the execution of the special effect, an effect (pseudo reel effect) that is an effect that displays the effect symbols in a variable manner and that has more effect symbols than the normal effect is executed. For example, an effect in which the effect design is not displayed in the normal effect, or an effect in which the effect design is displayed in the image display area in the first row and the third column is executed, and in the special effect, in the image display area in the third row and the third column. An effect is displayed in which an effect design is displayed.

  According to this solving means, in the special effect, an effect using more effect symbols than in the normal effect is executed. In that case, since the image is displayed at a high update rate, many effect symbols are displayed. Even if is displayed, it is possible to prevent the display of the effect design from becoming smooth and making it difficult to see the effect design.

  According to the present invention, the update rate can be switched efficiently without having an extra video memory.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 1 which is an example of a spinning cylinder gaming machine. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of an effect control device 124. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a main process. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of a normal effect and a special effect. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of a normal effect. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of a special effect (1/2). It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of a special effect (2/2). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the CPU initialization process performed with an effect control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of various timer interruption processes. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a high-order side control part management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a low-order side control part management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a drawing completion interruption process. It is a figure which shows the flow from drawing command construction to an image display in an effect control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation timing when 30 FPS is set as a frame rate. It is a figure which shows the operation timing when 60 FPS is set as a frame rate. It is a figure which shows the switching timing of FPS.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 1 which is an example of a spinning cylinder type gaming machine.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine 1.
The slot machine 1 is of a type that plays a game using a game medal as a medium, for example, and is a so-called “pachislot machine”.

  The slot machine 1 is provided with a box-shaped housing 2, and the slot machine 1 is installed in the island facility of the game hall (hall) by nailing or the like through the housing 2. In FIG. 1, the diagonally lower left corresponds to the front of the slot machine 1, and the player usually sits in the hall so as to face the slot machine 1 from the front.

  Here, in this specification, the left side when viewed from the player seated so as to face the slot machine 1 is the left, the right side when viewed from the player is the right, the upper side when viewed from the player is the upper side, The lower side is viewed from the player, the front side is viewed from the player, and the back side is viewed from the player.

  The housing 2 is open on the front side, and the opening can be opened and closed by the front door 4. FIG. 1 shows the slot machine 1 with the front door 4 closed, and FIG. 2 shows the slot machine 1 with the front door 4 opened.

The front door 4 is connected to the housing 2 at its left end via a hinge mechanism (not shown).
Further, a locking device is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right end portion of the front door 4, and a locking tool is also provided on the inner wall surface on the right side of the housing 2 correspondingly. As shown in FIG. 1, when the front door 4 is closed, the locking device makes it impossible to open the front door 4 together with the locking tool of the housing 2. On the other hand, a cylinder lock 4a is provided on the right edge of the front door 4. When a store clerk in the game hall twists the cylinder lock 4a clockwise using a dedicated key, the locking device is activated and the front door 4 Opening is possible. Thus, the front door 4 can be opened or closed by using a dedicated key.

A display window 14 is formed in the upper right part of the front door 4, and three reels 6, 8, 10 are installed inside the display window 14.
The three reels 6, 8, and 10 are all formed in an annular shape, and a reel band in which a plurality of symbols (not shown) are arranged in a row at intervals is wound around the reels. Specifically, each of the three reels 6, 8, and 10 has an outer peripheral surface divided into a plurality of regions (each region is also referred to as a “frame”) at regular intervals, and each frame includes a plurality of types of symbols. Any one of them is arranged. The three reels 6, 8, and 10 are connected to stepping motors corresponding to the three reels 6, 8, and 10, respectively, rotate around the axis of the stepping motor, and the number of pulses and the pulse width of the driving pulses of the stepping motor Etc. can be stopped in units of frames (predetermined rotation angle unit, predetermined rotation amount unit).

  For reels 6, 8, and 10, for example, a combination of symbols associated with a big bonus combination, a combination of symbols associated with a regular bonus combination, a combination of symbols associated with a bell combination (small combination), A combination of symbols associated with a cherry role (small role), a combination of symbols associated with a watermelon role (small role), a combination of symbols associated with a “replay role” that is one of the winning roles, etc. May be displayed. The combination of symbols is composed of symbols displayed on each reel. However, in the present embodiment, some of the various symbols constituting the symbol combination are displayed with symbols and graphics that are relatively difficult for the player to recognize the difference between symbols.

  In the three reels 6, 8, and 10, for example, a horizontal effective line and a diagonal effective line are set. The horizontal effective line is a line that is set at each of the upper, middle, and lower positions of the three reels 6, 8, and 10 when viewed by the player through the display window 14. In addition, the effective lines in the diagonal direction are the upper position of the left reel 6, the middle position of the middle reel 8, and the lower position of the right reel 10 for the three reels 6, 8, and 10 when the player looks through the display window 14. Or a line set at the lower position of the left reel 6, the middle position of the middle reel 8, and the upper position of the right reel 10. The effective line may be an irregular line in a direction in which the horizontal direction and the oblique direction are combined. Examples of the irregular line include a line set at the lower position of the left reel 6, the middle position of the middle reel 8, and the middle position of the right reel 10. In the present embodiment, effective lines are set at the upper, middle, and lower positions of the display window 14.

  A medal slot 16 is provided on the right end side of the front door 4. The medals inserted by the player are accepted one by one through the medal slot 16 and counted as the number of games thrown into the game. If medals are inserted exceeding the maximum number (for example, 3) that can be thrown in one game, the amount is stored as credits.

  A credit display unit 12a is provided on the right side of the medal slot 16, and the number of medals stored as credits is numerically displayed on the credit display unit 12a. For example, up to 50 credits can be stored.

  A medal tray 28 is formed at the lower end of the front door 4. If the medal insertion is not accepted, the medal inserted from the medal slot 16 is returned to the medal tray 28.

  A start lever 18 is installed on the left end side of the front door 4. The start lever 18 is operated (pressed) by the player in order to start (start) the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10. When the start lever 18 is operated in a state where a necessary medal is thrown in one game, the reels 6, 8, and 10 start to rotate all at once. In addition, when the start lever 18 is operated, a lottery process described later is executed.

  On the rear side of the medal slot 16, a guide path (not shown) extending from the medal slot 16 to the inside of the housing 2 is arranged, and the inserted medals are placed one by one inside the slot machine 1 by the guide path. Guided. If the medal can be inserted, the inserted medal passes through the guide path and is received by the hopper of the payout control device 94 (see FIG. 2) inside the housing 2. If a medal cannot be accepted (for example, if the number of credits reaches the upper limit), the medal cannot be accepted even if the medal is inserted. Specifically, a switching mechanism (not shown) is provided at an upstream position of the guide path, and this switching mechanism is an operation for switching a medal guide destination to either the guide path or the medal tray 28 using, for example, a solenoid. I do. In a state where the number of credits has not reached the upper limit, the switching mechanism does not operate, and the guidance destination of medals is set to the direction of the payout control device 94 (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, when the number of credits has reached the upper limit, the switching mechanism is activated to switch the medal guidance destination in the direction of the medal tray 28 and no more medals are accepted. When the start lever 18 is operated in one game, the switching mechanism is operated until the reels 6, 8, and 10 are stopped, and further medals cannot be accepted.

  On the front door 4, three stop buttons 20, 22, 24 are arranged side by side on the right side of the start lever 18. These stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 correspond to the left, middle, and right reels 6, 8, and 10, respectively, in order. When the player operates (presses) the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 one by one while the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotating at a constant speed, the rotation of the corresponding reels 6, 8, and 10 is individually stopped. To do.

  When the player operates the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 and all the reels 6, 8, 10 stop rotating, the game result is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line (described later). Result determination processing is executed).

  On the right side of the credit display portion 12a, a payout number display portion 12b is provided, which displays the number of medals paid out at the time of winning each time.

  Further, on the upper side of the credit display unit 12a and the payout number display unit 12b, another display unit 12c is provided, and various lamps indicating the game state of the slot machine 1 and the like are arranged.

  A MAX bet button 32 is installed above the start lever 18, and the player operates the MAX bet button 32 to use the remaining number of credits and use the maximum number (for example, 3) required for this game. Bet). If there is a sufficient remaining number of credits (for example, 3 or more), the player can operate the MAX bet button 32 once, and the maximum number of remaining credits (for example, 3) that can be thrown into that game is the remaining number of credits. Can be used as the number of medals thrown into the game. Although not particularly illustrated, a normal bet button (one bet button) that allows one bet may be arranged. When the normal bet button is pressed once, the number of credits is decreased by one, and the corresponding amount is used as the number of medals thrown into the game. When the bet button is repeatedly pressed until the maximum number is reached, the number of credits is reduced by the number of times the button is pressed, and the bet number is added instead.

  When ending the game by the slot machine 1, the player does not need to determine the number of medals to be thrown in the next game. A settlement button 34 is provided above the start lever 18, and when there is a remaining credit, the player can adjust the remaining number and receive a medal return by operating the settlement button 34. it can. When the settlement button 34 is pressed, medals are returned to the medal tray 28. When the check button 34 is pressed and held down, it functions as a check button, and when the check button 34 is pressed only once, it functions as a normal bet button. ) May also be used.

  A decorative panel 36 is installed in the lower part of the front door 4 and above the medal tray 28. The decoration panel 36 displays the model name of the slot machine 1 and is decorated based on the game concept. The decoration panel 36 may be a liquid crystal display, and may function as the following effect switching button 45.

  An effect switching button 45 is installed in the center of the front door 4. The player can switch the contents of the effect or change the volume and the brightness by pressing the effect switching button 45 (operation input).

  The front door 4 is provided with a top lamp 38, a side lamp 40, and the like at the upper end and the left and right ends. The top lamp 38 and the side lamp 40 can diffuse and emit light emitted from the built-in LEDs, and can execute effects associated with the game. Note that the side lamp 40 may be a movable body that is movable left and right (opens and closes like a blade).

A large liquid crystal display 42 (display device) is installed at the center of the front door 4. The liquid crystal display 42 can display effects associated with the game by displaying images, characters, and the like.
The liquid crystal display 42 can display an image at a low update rate (30 FPS) or a high update rate (60 FPS).

A speaker 54 is installed at the lower end of the back side of the front door 4 (see FIG. 2), and the speaker 54 produces effects associated with the game by outputting sound effects, sounds, BGM, and the like.
Further, a payout control device 94 (see FIG. 2) for paying out medals to the medal tray 28 is provided on the back side of the front door 4.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the slot machine 1.
The slot machine 1 includes a main control device 70, and the main control device 70 mainly controls the progress of the game in the slot machine 1. The main control device 70 is equipped with a circuit board on which a main control CPU 72 which is a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is an LSI package in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 74 and a RAM 76 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured as.

  Although not shown in particular, the main controller 70 is equipped with an input / output driver (interface), a random number generation counter, various ICs, etc. in addition to the main control CPU 72, and these are circuit boards together with the main control CPU 72. Implemented above. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  The start lever 18 and the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 described above are equipped with a start operation sensor 80 and a stop operation sensor 82 that detect respective operations. The operation of the start lever 18 (start operation) and the operation of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 (stop operation) performed by the player are detected using the start operation sensor 80 and the stop operation sensor 82, respectively. The stop operation sensor 82 is provided for each of the three stop buttons 20, 22, and 24. Detection signals from the start operation sensor 80 and the stop operation sensor 82 are input to the main control CPU 72, and the main control CPU 72 accepts a start operation or stop operation by the player based on the input detection signals.

  Similarly, the bet button sensor 86 is also provided in the MAX bet button 32, and the bet button sensor 86 is used for an operation (throwing operation) in which a player throws a medal into the game using the MAX bet button 32. Detected. In addition, a medal guiding path 88 is also provided in a medal guide path disposed behind the medal slot 16, and an operation in which a player throws a medal into a game through the medal slot 16 (throwing operation) is performed. It is detected using a sensor 88. Detection signals from the bet button sensor 86 and the inserted medal sensor 88 are input to the main control CPU 72. Based on the input detection signal, the main control CPU 72 performs a process of accepting an insertion operation by a player and adding / subtracting the number of stored credits.

  The credit display unit 12a, the payout number display unit 12b, the other display unit 12c, and the like are collectively controlled as the game information display device 90. The game information display device 90 is composed of an LED, a 7-segment LED, and a drive circuit thereof. The main control CPU 72 controls the game information display device 90 according to the progress of the game and operates various display units.

  The reels 6, 8 and 10 are rotated and stopped by the reel driving device 92. The reel driving device 92 includes three stepping motors corresponding to the reels 6, 8, and 10, and an index sensor that detects the rotational positions of the reels 6, 8, and 10. The main control CPU 72 outputs a drive pulse to each stepping motor through an output driver, and performs control to rotate the reels 6, 8, and 10 or stop them at predetermined positions.

  A detection signal from the index sensor is output from the reel driving device 92 to the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 can detect the position (for example, the number of steps from the reference position) related to the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10 based on the detection signal of the index sensor.

  The payout control device 94 includes a mechanism (motor and drive circuit) for actually paying out medals, a payout sensor for detecting medals actually paid out, and a function as a hopper for storing inserted medals. . The payout control device 94 is installed inside the housing 2 (see FIG. 2), and a hopper portion for storing medals has a large opening on the upper surface. Is dropped on the hopper portion of the dispensing control device 94.

  Also, the payout control device 94 can continuously eject medals one by one by rotating the motor. The injected medals are paid out to the medal tray 28 from the back side of the front door 4. The main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to the motor of the payout control device 94, and executes the payout of medals and the payment of credits.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 can output signals (a medal-in signal, a medal-out signal, a game status signal, etc.) to the outside of the slot machine 1 (for example, a data lamp or a hall computer) through an external terminal board (not shown).

  Apart from the main control device 70 described above, the slot machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the slot machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 is also configured as an LSI package in which semiconductor memories such as the control ROM 180 and the RAM 130 are integrated. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect based on the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI including a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (RWM) 130 and an eDRAM 131 (see FIG. 4). The effect control device 124 is equipped with various functions necessary for realizing the effect in the slot machine 1. For example, a VDP 152 for drawing an effect screen reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a driver IC 132 for controlling devices such as various lamps 38 and 40 that produce visual effects, and a speaker 54 for outputting sound. An audio IC 134 and the like for control are provided. The functional configuration inside the effect control device 124 will be described later in detail with reference to another drawing.

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via a communication harness (not shown), for example. However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness adopts a parallel format according to the bus widths of various effect commands (hereinafter referred to as “effect commands”) transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124. Alternatively, a serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration of each driver (I / O).

  The effect control device 124 is connected to the sub connection board 136, and drive signals from the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134 are transmitted to the various lamps 38 and 40 and the speaker 54 via the sub connection board 136. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the sub connection board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal of the effect switching button 45 is input to the effect control device 124 through the sub connection board 136. The

  In addition, the effect control device 124 is provided with a driver board 138, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the driver board 138. In this embodiment, when the side lamp 40 is a movable body, the movable body motor 57 drives the movable body via, for example, a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the driver IC 132 is transmitted to the movable body motor 57 via the driver board 138.

  A liquid crystal display 42 is connected to the effect control device 124, and the display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the front door 4. In addition, an inverter board 158 is connected to the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to a backlight (for example, a cold cathode tube) of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In addition, a power supply control unit (not shown) is provided inside the slot machine 1. This power supply control unit has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC100V) is taken from the island facility through a power cord or the like, necessary power (for example, DC + 12V, + 5V, etc.) can be generated therefrom. The power generated by the power control unit is supplied to devices that require power, such as the main control device 70 and the effect control device 124. The power supply unit is also used when changing the setting of the slot machine 1 or resetting the RAM 76 of the main control CPU 72. “Setting” is for changing a predetermined machine allocation of the slot machine 1 into a plurality of stages. For example, “setting” includes stages 1 to 6. Note that details such as “setting”, its change, and reset are omitted here.

[Internal structure of production control device]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the effect control device 124.
As described above, the effect control device 124 has a role as an effect control processor that controls an effect as the game progresses. Therefore, in addition to the effect control CPU 126, the effect control device 124 is equipped with a control ROM 180 and a watchdog timer IC (WDTIC) 188 that are necessary for the effect control device 124 to function as an effect control processor. The control ROM 180 stores a basic program related to production control. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect by accessing the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and executing a program stored in the control ROM 180. The watchdog timer IC 188 is a timer that monitors whether the control executed by the effect control device 124 is normally performed (whether the process is completed within the assumed time), and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU 126. Yes. When the signal (clear pulse) for clearing the monitoring timer of the watchdog timer IC 188 is not input within a predetermined time, the watchdog timer IC 188 outputs a signal (reset pulse) for starting the effect control CPU 126 to be reset. To do. As a result, the production control device 124 is forcibly reset and activated.

  In addition to these functions, the effect control device 124 includes an SRAM 182 that is a storage area for backup data, a crystal oscillator 181 that generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency, and a real-time clock (RTC) 184 that performs time management. A lithium battery 186 for supplying backup power to the SRAM 182 and the real time clock 184, peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver and a counter / timer circuit (not shown), and the like are provided. The lithium battery 186 stores this electric power and charges itself while driving power is supplied from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124. The SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 are connected to the lithium battery 186 and can be driven by the lithium battery 186 when the supply of drive power from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 is cut off. Therefore, the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 continue to operate during a period (for example, about one and a half months) until the lithium battery 186 is charged even when the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off. The SRAM 182 can hold stored information for a while even under a power-off condition.

  Note that the effect control program is configured to save information on security, monitoring, malfunction, and the like that should not be easily deleted in the SRAM 182. Thereby, for example, when some trouble occurs in the production control device 124, the slot machine 1 is collected (or checked in the installed state), and the cause investigation of the trouble is advanced by analyzing the information held in the SRAM 182. It becomes possible.

  By the way, for the control of the effect executed by the effect control CPU 126 according to the program stored in the control ROM 180, as described above, the effect control using the devices such as the liquid crystal display 42, the various lamps 38 and 40, the speaker 54, and the like. Is included. The flow of the production control is roughly divided into two stages of “overall control (reproduction instruction)” and “individual control (reproduction control)”. The effect control CPU 126 first receives an effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and indirectly instructs each device to reproduce the effect according to the content of the effect command (overall control). Next, the production control CPU 126 generates instruction data in which the instruction content is converted into a more specific expression suitable for each device, and each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 relays between the production control CPU 126 and each device. (Individual control). As a result, each device is controlled based on the instruction data by each control device 134, 152, 198, and 199, and effect reproduction using each device in the slot machine 1 (screen display, audio output, lamp emission, movable body displacement) Etc.) is realized.

  In this way, the effect control CPU 126 has different functions depending on the stage of effect control, and these functions are realized by using the resources of the effect control CPU 126 separately. In the stage of overall control, the effect control unit 210 in the effect control CPU 126 becomes the operation subject. In the individual control stage, the display control unit 220, the sound control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, or the sensor control unit 228 in the effect control CPU 126 is operated according to the device to be controlled. It becomes. The production control unit 210 may directly control the control devices 134, 152, 198, and 199.

  The effect control device 124 functions as an effect control processor in the overall control stage, whereas it functions as an effect reproduction processor in the individual control stage. Therefore, in addition to the circuit board (effect display control board) on which the VDP 152 is mounted and the CGROM (image / audio ROM) 190, the effect control device 124 includes an audio IC 134 for controlling various devices used for reproducing the effect, An LED driver 198, an SMC (serial control controller) 199, and a driver IC 132 are provided.

  The CGROM 190 stores the drawing material (moving image data) constituting the effect screen and the sound material (audio data) output with the progress of the effect in a state compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The CGROM 190 is connected to the VDP 152 and the audio IC 134 via a CG bus (not shown).

  The VDP 152 is a processor dedicated to rendering effect images, and is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 in one chip. Further, the VDP 152 incorporates a VRAM 156 (video memory) mainly used when decompressing drawing materials and a drawing material decoder 157 for decompressing (decoding) the drawing material in a compressed state. The VDP 152 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the display control unit 220, reads the necessary drawing material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Then, the drawn drawing material is decoded by the drawing material decoder 157, and the effect image is drawn on the VRAM 156, and the effect image is developed in a frame buffer (video memory) for each frame (still image per unit time). Reproduction of the effect screen is realized by individually driving each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data.

  The VRAM 156 (frame buffer) is a memory commonly used for displaying an image at a low update rate (30 FPS) and displaying an image at a high update rate (60 FPS), and displays the image on the liquid crystal display 42. A video memory for storing image data for display.

  The audio IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sound such as sound effects and BGM reproduced during the performance, and is connected to an amplifier (not shown), an external DRAM, and a CG bus. The audio IC 134 incorporates an audio material decoder 135 that decompresses (decodes) the compressed audio material. The audio IC 134 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the audio control unit 222 and reads the necessary audio material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus. Then, the read audio material is decoded using the audio material decoder 135 on the external DRAM. By outputting the decoded sound to the speaker 54 via the amplifier, stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch sound reproduction (a larger number of channels may be realized) is realized.

  The LED driver 198 controls a lighting pattern and a luminance pattern that accompany execution of effects of the various lamps 38 and 40 provided on the front side of the slot machine 1. The LED driver 198 employs an addressed synchronous serial system. First, the LED driver 198 controls the lighting pattern and the luminance pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the lamp control unit 224, and transfers drive data corresponding thereto to the driver IC 132.

  The SMC 199 controls the drive pattern of the movable body motor 57 serving as a drive source of the movable body when the movable body for production is arranged. In SMC199, the clock synchronous serial system is adopted. First, the SMC 199 generates a drive pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the motor control unit 226, and transfers this to the driver IC 132. Here, the SMC 199 is used only for generating the motor driving pattern, but the SMC 199 can generate not only the motor but also the lamp lighting pattern and the luminance pattern, so the SMC 199 is applied instead of the LED driver 198 described above. However, the SMC 199 may be configured to generate both lamp and motor data patterns.

  The driver IC 132 controls the drive voltage applied to the lamp and the motor based on the drive data transferred from the LED driver 198 and the SMC 199. The driver IC 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown), for example, and switches (or switches duty) the driving voltage applied to the various lamps 38 and 40 to manage its operation. By doing this, it is possible to realize the effect reproduction using the lamp and the movable body.

  In addition, the driver IC 132 transfers a contact signal input when the effect switching button 45 is operated to the effect control unit 210 via the sensor control unit 228. The effect control unit 210 changes the content of the effect to be reproduced as appropriate based on the content of the transferred contact signal.

  The above is a configuration example regarding the control of the slot machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Main processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main processing executed by the main control CPU 72. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S10: In the medal insertion process, the main control CPU 72 confirms a detection signal from the insertion medal sensor 88 or the bet button sensor 86. When any of the detection signals is received, the main control CPU 72 increments a bet number counter on the RAM 76, for example. When the bet number counter reaches an upper limit (for example, 3), the main control CPU 72 invalidates the operation of the MAX bet button 32.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 confirms the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 88, and if the detection signal is received in a state where the bet number counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 3), the credit number counter is incremented on the RAM 76, for example. . Thereby, numerical display according to the credit counter is performed in the credit display unit 12a.

  Each time the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from the insertion medal sensor 88 or the bet button sensor 86, the main control CPU 72 transmits an insertion processing command to the effect control CPU 126. The insertion processing command includes information indicating that a player's insertion operation or credit addition operation has been accepted, and also includes information such as the value of the bet number counter and the value of the credit number counter at that time, for example. ing.

  Step S12: In the start lever processing, when the value of the bet number counter reaches the required number (for example, 3), the main control CPU 72 enables the operation of the start lever 18 to be accepted.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the required number of medals for the current game have been inserted and the start lever 18 has been operated. These conditions can be determined based on the value of the bet number counter and the detection signal from the start operation sensor 80. The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the bet number counter to check whether or not a detection signal from the start operation sensor 80 has been input, and when it is determined that any of the conditions is not satisfied (No), step The processes from S10 to step S14 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the number of medals required for the current game have been inserted and the detection signal from the start operation sensor 80 is received (Yes), the main control CPU 72 cannot accept the operation of the start lever 18. To do. The main control CPU 72 operates the switching mechanism described above to switch the direction of guiding medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 16 to the direction of the medal tray 28.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from the start operation sensor 80, the main control CPU 72 transmits a start operation command to the effect control CPU 126. The start operation command includes information indicating that the operation of the start lever 18 by the player has been accepted. In addition, the main control CPU 102 outputs the medal-in signals for the number of sheets through an external terminal board (not shown).

  Step S16: The main control CPU 72 executes a lottery process. In the lottery process, the main control CPU 72 acquires a random number (for example, any one of 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) from a random number generation counter (random number generator or the like). Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the lottery table read from the ROM 74 and determines whether or not the acquired random number value matches any winning value. In the lottery table, a winning range (winning area) and a non-winning range (non-winning area) for all random numbers (0 to 65535) are defined. In addition, at least one winning combination or a loss is assigned to the winning range.

  In any case, the winning probability (N / 65536) is determined by the number (N) of winning values in the total number of random numbers (65536). The lottery table is prepared for each of “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”. Generally, “Setting 1” has the lowest winning probability and “Setting 6” has the highest winning probability.

  The main control CPU 72 sets a lottery result flag on the RAM 76 based on the lottery result. The lottery result flag is internal information used to determine the result of the lottery in this game. If it is not won, the lottery result flag remains the default, and if it is a win, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set. .

  More specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be won based on the lottery result from the non-winning state (off state) to the winning state (on state). When two or more types of winning combinations are won in duplicate, a winning flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning combinations won in duplicate is set in the winning state.

  When executing the lottery process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a winning number command to the effect control CPU 126. The winning number command includes information on whether the result of the lottery is non-winning or which winning combination if it is a win.

  Step S17: The main control CPU 72 executes a state transition determination process. In the state transition determination process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not to shift to the chance zone (fireworks zone) based on the result of the lottery when staying in the normal gaming state (normal mode) that shifts after the reset. judge.

  Further, when staying in the chance zone, it is determined whether to shift to the AT (assist time) state based on the result of the lottery or whether to end the chance zone and shift to the normal gaming state. . The gaming state transition process based on the determination result is executed in a result determination process described later.

When staying in the normal gaming state (normal mode), for example, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the chance zone at 0.1% of the replay winning combination and shifts to the chance zone at 20% of the cherry winning combination etc. judge.
When staying in the chance zone, the main control CPU 72 determines that, for example, 10% of the replay winning combination is shifted to the AT state and 45% of the cherry winning combination is shifted to the AT state.
Note that the main control CPU 72 determines that the chance zone is terminated by digestion of the prescribed number of games.

  When executing the state transition determination process, the main control CPU 72 transmits an internal state command to the effect control CPU 126. The internal state command includes the normal mode indicating staying in the normal gaming state, the chance zone indicating staying in the chance zone, and the ART state indicating the ART (assist replay time) state. , Normal mode transition indicating transition to the normal gaming state, chance zone transition indicating transition to the chance zone, AT state transition indicating transition to the AT state, ART state transition indicating transition to the ART state, etc. Information is included.

  Step S18: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a rotating cylinder rotation process. If a predetermined rotation start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive pulse to the reel drive device 92. Thereby, the three reels 6, 8, and 10 start to rotate. When the main control CPU 72 executes the rotation process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a rotation process command to the effect control CPU 126.

  When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the rotation speeds of the reels 6, 8, 10 have become constant, the main control CPU 72 enables the function of the stop operation sensor 82 for each of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 reads a reel control table corresponding to the lottery result flag from the ROM 74 and stores it on the RAM 76. In the reel control table, information for individually controlling the stop positions of the reels 6, 8, and 10 is recorded in advance. Specifically, the number of steps (the number of output of drive pulses) from when the main control CPU 72 receives the detection signal from the stop operation sensor 82 until the stepping motors of the reels 6, 8, and 10 are stopped is recorded. ing. As a result, a combination of symbols that should not be displayed on the effective line is expelled, or a combination of symbols that may be displayed on the effective line is pulled back (so-called “slip” occurs).

  Step S20: When the reels 6, 8, and 10 are rotated, the main control CPU 72 next executes a rotation stopping process. This process corresponds to so-called “reel control”. When the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from the stop operation sensor 106 for any one of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24, the main control CPU 72 controls the operation of the reel driving device 92 based on the reel control table. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the first stop flag, the second stop flag, and the third stop flag in the RAM 76 in the order in which the detection signals are received from the stop operation sensor 82, and the reels 6, 8,. For 10, the stopped flag is set for each.

  When the main control CPU 72 executes the rotation stopping process, the main control CPU 72 transmits an operation rotation command, a pressed position command, a stop position command, and a command after the rotation stop to the effect control CPU 126. Among these, the operation spinning command includes information indicating which of the left reel 6, the middle reel 8, and the right reel 10 has been stopped. In addition, the pressed position command includes information indicating which combination of symbols is positioned in the display window 14 for each of the reels 6, 8, and 10 and the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are pressed. In the stop position command, information indicating the stop positions of the reels 6, 8, 10, that is, combinations of symbols displayed at the upper, middle, and lower positions in the display window 14 (so-called “out”). Is included. The command after stopping the spinning is a command indicating that all reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped.

  In the spinning stop processing, the main control CPU 72 individually controls the stop positions of the reels 6, 8, and 10 based on the reel control table. As a result, the combination of symbols associated with the winning combination is on the effective line as much as possible. To stop. For example, when the winning combination is “watermelon combination”, even if the stop button 20, 22, 24 is operated at a timing when the symbol combination associated with “watermelon combination” is not located on the effective line, it is effective. The main control CPU 72 stops the reels 6, 8, and 10 at positions where they have been further rotated by a predetermined number of frames in order to display a combination of symbols associated with "watermelon combination" on the line. Since the range of extra rotation (sliding) by the reel control table is predetermined (for example, up to four frames), depending on the timing at which the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are operated, the "watermelon" The combination of symbols associated with “comb” may not stop.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not all of the three reels 6, 8, and 10 have been stopped. If any of the reels 6, 8, and 10 is still rotating (No), the main control CPU 102 executes the rotation stopping process in step S20. If it is determined that all three reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24.

  Step S24: When all the three reels 6, 8, 10 are stopped, the main control CPU 72 performs a result determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the game result based on the combination of symbols stopped on the active line in the display window 14. For example, if a combination of symbols associated with “watermelon combination” is displayed on the active line, the main control CPU 72 determines that a small combination “watermelon combination” has been won. In addition to this, when the symbol combination associated with the “bell role” is displayed or when the symbol combination associated with the “cherry role” is displayed, the main control CPU 72 respectively displays “bell”. It is determined that a small role of “comb” and “cherry” is won.

  For example, when a combination of symbols associated with “cherry role”, “bell role”, “watermelon role”, etc. is displayed on the active line, “cherry role”, “bell role” or “watermelon role” respectively. It is determined that he won the small role. The combination of symbols associated with a small role includes a combination of symbols of the same type displayed on the active line (for example, "Watermelon design"-"Watermelon design"-"Watermelon design"), for example, on the active line. In some cases, different types of symbols are displayed in combination (for example, “cherry symbol”-“ANY symbol”-“ANY symbol”).

  In addition, if the combination of symbols associated with the “replay combination” is displayed on the active line, the game result is determined to be a re-game. If the game result is a re-game, the next game can be executed without throwing a new medal.

  On the other hand, when a combination of symbols (for example, “7 symbols”-“7 symbols”-“7 symbols”) associated with the “big bonus combination” is displayed on the active line, a so-called “big bonus game” is displayed. Or the like to shift to a special gaming state (processing during special gaming state). Further, when a combination of symbols (for example, “BAR symbol”-“BAR symbol”-“BAR symbol”) associated with “regular bonus combination” is displayed on the active line, a so-called “regular bonus game” is displayed. Or the like to shift to a special gaming state (processing during special gaming state).

  When transitioning to the special game state, the game progresses under conditions that are advantageous to the player, and for example, there is an opportunity to win a small role such as the “bell role” or “watermelon role” more frequently than in the normal game state. It becomes possible to increase the number of payouts for winning, or to win a small role of a kind that does not win in the normal gaming state.

  On the other hand, if the combination of symbols displayed on the active line does not correspond to a predetermined winning combination or replay, the main control CPU 72 determines the result of the game as “other”. It is determined that “other” is a case in which a lottery is not won or even if a lottery has been won, the combination of symbols associated with the winning combination in the rotation stopping process in step S20 can be displayed. This is the case when it was not possible. In the case of non-winning, it corresponds to “missing”, but when the combination of symbols associated with the winning combination cannot be displayed in the spinning stop processing, the player operates the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24. This is because the timing to perform does not meet the conditions of the reel control table, so it corresponds to “losing” of the winning combination or intentional “removal”.

  If it is determined in the result determination process that a small role has been won, the main control CPU 72 writes the value of the corresponding number of payouts (for example, 10, 15, etc.) on the RAM 76. In other cases, the main control CPU 72 keeps the value of the number of payouts at 0 (default).

  Although not particularly illustrated, when the process proceeds to the above-described special game state processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the progress of the game in a special game state such as a “big bonus game” or a “regular bonus game”. In addition, the main control CPU 72 outputs a game status signal through an external terminal board (not shown). In this case, the main control CPU 72 erases the winning flag on the RAM 130 and rewrites basic game information (required number, lottery table, etc.) to that in the special game. Thereby, a game progresses on conditions different from the normal game state before shifting to the special game state. In particular, the lottery table has a higher chance of winning a small role than in the normal gaming state. Therefore, each game has a high probability of winning a small role, and as a result, a chance to receive a medal payout with a high frequency. Is given to the player. Note that the special game state ends with a game when the number of payouts during that time reaches a specified number, or ends with a specified number of games.

  Further, in the case of staying in the chance zone, when the condition for shifting to the AT state is satisfied, the gaming state shifts to the AT state (processing during the AT state). The AT state is a state in which a navigation effect is performed to assist the combination of symbols associated with the winning combination being displayed on the active line, although the winning probability of the small combination or replay has not changed. The condition for shifting to the AT state can be a condition of winning an AT lottery executed when winning a small role, replay, or the like. The AT state is an RT preparation state for shifting to the RT (replay time) state. The RT state is a state in which the winning probability of the replay role is changed (set higher) than the winning probability (about 1 / 7.3) of the replay role in the normal gaming state (non-RT state). The RT preparation state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the replay combination is the same as that in the normal state, but a “RT state entry replay combination” described later can be won. Then, by correctly answering the order of pushing by navigation in the AT state, the combination of symbols associated with the “RT state rush replay role” which is one of the conditions for shifting to the RT state is easily displayed on the effective line. It becomes a state. The AT state may be a state in which the AT state is shifted to the AT state through the AT preparation state.

  When the symbol combination associated with the “RT state entry replay combination” is displayed on the active line, the state shifts to an RT state (RT state processing) different from the normal gaming state and the special gaming state. The RT state is a state in which the “replay role” is won with higher probability than the normal gaming state. One condition may be defined as the condition for shifting to the RT state, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. In the case where a plurality of conditions are defined, the transition to the RT state can be made based on the fact that at least one condition among the plurality of predetermined conditions is established. A plurality of RT states can be set as the RT state.

  Then, when the RT state and the AT state are generated at the same time, the state shifts to an ART (assist replay time) state (art state processing). Note that the AT state, the RT state, and the ART state are terminated when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.

  Step S26: When the game result is determined, the main control CPU 72 next performs a payout process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operation of the payout control device 94 with reference to the value of the payout number recorded in the RAM 102. In the credit mode for storing the payout, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the credit number counter if a value other than 0 is recorded in the expected payout number, and if the maximum number is not reached, the value of the expected payout number Is added to the value of the credit number counter, and the amount is subtracted from the expected payout number. When the value of the credit number counter reaches the maximum number, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to the motor of the payout control device 94 to actually execute the medal payout operation. When the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from the payout sensor of the payout control device 94, the main control CPU 72 subtracts that amount from the payout planned number, and stops the motor of the payout control device 94 when the value becomes zero.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 executes the payout process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a command after the spinning cylinder stop to the effect control CPU 126. The post-rotation stop command includes information indicating that all reels 6, 8, and 10 have stopped. When there is a payout of medals, the main control CPU 72 outputs a medal-out signal for the number of sheets through an external terminal board (not shown).

If it is determined that the game is replayed in the result determination process, the main control CPU 72 holds (or restores) the value of the bet number counter stored in the current game, or sets the bet number counter necessary for the next game. The value is set and the process proceeds to step S10. Further, when the result determination process shifts to the special game state, the main control CPU 72 sets a special game state flag on the RAM 76, and shifts to a special game state process different from the main process, for example, during the special game state. Execute the process. Further, when shifting to the AT state, the RT state, the ART state, etc. in the result determination process, the main control CPU 72 sets the AT state flag, the RT state flag, the ART state flag, etc. on the RAM 76, for example, separately from the main process. The process proceeds to the process in the AT state, the process in the RT state, and the process in the ART state, and executes the process in each state.
In other cases, the main control CPU 72 deletes the winning flag, ends the payout process, and returns to step S10. However, if the winning flag corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state (for example, the one corresponding to the big bonus combination or the regular bonus combination) is set, the result determination process supports the big bonus combination or the regular bonus combination. When it is determined that the attached symbol combination is not displayed, the main control CPU 72 ends the payout process without deleting the winning flag, and returns to step S10.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the slot machine 1 will be described with some examples.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect of the normal effect and the special effect.

[Normal mode]
As shown in FIG. 6A, in the normal mode (normal effect), a background image in which a female character is walking is displayed.
In the normal mode, a normal image display area R1 of 1 row and 3 columns is displayed in the lower part of the screen for variably displaying a design for reproduction imitating the design displayed on the main reel of a general pachislot machine. ing. When the player looks at the display window 14, the area for 3 rows and 3 columns on the three reels 6, 8, and 10 can be confirmed. In this normal mode, the area for 1 row and 3 columns ( For example, it is possible to execute an effect as if looking at an area of the middle position of the display window 14, that is, as if viewing an area corresponding to one row and three columns of a main reel of a general pachislot machine. it can.

In the normal image display region R1, a combination of effects corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed on the three reels 6, 8, and 10 that can be viewed from the display window 14 may be displayed. There may be a case where the combination of effects symbols corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed on the three reels 6, 8, 10 that can be visually recognized from the window 14 is not displayed.
Specifically, when a combination of symbols corresponding to the “replay role” is displayed on the effective lines of the three reels 6, 8, and 10 that can be viewed from the display window 14, the normal image display area R1 is displayed. A combination of effect symbols corresponding to “replay role” may be displayed, or a combination of effect symbols corresponding to “bell role” may be displayed in the normal image display area R1.

In this normal mode, the player plays a game aiming to win the “big bonus game” or the “regular bonus game”.
Further, in this normal mode, when a specific small combination is established, the player may enter a “fireworks zone” shown below. For example, 20% of the time of winning the cherry role enters the “fireworks zone” as a chance zone.

[Fireworks Zone]
As shown in FIG. 6B, in the fireworks zone (special effect), a background image representing a scene in which fireworks are launched in the night sky is displayed.
In the fireworks zone, a special image display region R2 of 3 rows and 3 columns for displaying the above-described effect design in a variable manner is displayed at the center of the screen. When the player looks at the display window 14, the area corresponding to 3 rows and 3 columns in the three reels 6, 8, and 10 can be confirmed. In this fireworks zone, the area corresponding to the 3 rows and 3 columns corresponds to the area. An effect as if viewing an area, that is, an effect as if viewing an area corresponding to 3 rows and 3 columns of a main reel of a general pachislot machine can be executed.

  In the special image display area R2, as in the normal mode, a combination of effects symbols corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed on the three reels 6, 8, and 10 that can be viewed from the display window 14 is displayed. In other cases, the combination of effects symbols corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed on the three reels 6, 8, and 10 that can be visually recognized from the display window 14 may not be displayed.

  Thus, during the execution of the fireworks zone (special effect), a pseudo reel effect (effect that reproduces the movement of the reel) using the special image display area R2 is executed. It is an effect that displays a variety of effects for display that is more variable than the normal mode (normal effect).

Then, the player plays a game in this fireworks zone with the aim of satisfying the transition condition of the “AT state” that leads to the “ART state”. The fireworks zone is, for example, a chance zone limited to 10 games.
In this fireworks zone, when a specific small role is established, an “AT state” (not shown) may be entered. For example, the player enters the “AT state” with 45% of the cherry roles. When entering the “AT state”, a navigation effect is executed. When a game is played according to the navigation effect, the state shifts to the “RT state”, and finally the “AT state” and the “RT state”. ”Is transferred to the“ ART state ”which is occurring at the same time.

  The content of the “ART state” may be a game characteristic based on a game number management in which the ART state is completed with a predetermined number of games from the start of the ART state. The ART state is obtained by paying out a predetermined number of medals from the start of the ART state. If the number of games in one set is predetermined and a continuous lottery is executed at the start or end of one set and the continuous lottery is won, the process proceeds to the next set. It may be game characteristics by managing the number of sets of continuous lotteries. Further, the content of the final game state that enters from the fireworks zone is not limited to the “ART state”, and may be “AT state” or “RT state”.

  Here, an image is displayed at 30 FPS during execution of the normal effect (normal mode), and an image is displayed at 60 FPS during execution of the special effect (fireworks zone).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal effect.
In FIG. 7, (A): The effect is executed in the normal mode which is an example of the normal effect.
The reels 6, 8, and 10 are not rotated, and the effect symbols displayed in the normal image display area R1 are not rotated (not displayed in a variable manner).

  (B) in FIG. 7: Here, it is assumed that the player depresses the start lever 18 and does not win any winning combination. In this case, with the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10, the effect symbols displayed in the normal image display area R1 rotate (variably displayed).

  (C) in FIG. 7: Here, it is assumed that the player presses the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 in order from the left side. In this case, in the normal image display region R1, the effect symbols are displayed in a manner of detachment (“watermelon symbol”-“bell symbol”-“replay symbol”).

  8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of special effects.

In FIG. 8, (A): The effect is executed in the state of the fireworks zone which is an example of the special effect.
The reels 6, 8, and 10 are not rotated, and the effect symbols displayed in the special image display area R2 are not rotated.

  (B) in FIG. 8: Here, it is assumed that the player depresses the start lever 18 and does not win any winning combination. In this case, the effect symbols displayed in the special image display area R2 rotate with the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  (C) in FIG. 8: Here, it is assumed that the player presses the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 in order from the left side. In this case, in the special image display area R2, the effect design is displayed in an off-state (for example, “bell design”-“cherry design”-“watermelon design” is displayed at the upper position, and at the middle position. "Replay symbol"-"Bell symbol"-"Bell symbol" are displayed, and "Bar symbol"-"Replay symbol"-"Replay symbol" are displayed at the lower position).

  (D) in FIG. 8: Here, it is assumed that the player depresses the start lever 18 and wins the replay role, and the chance zone clear condition is satisfied (the condition for shifting to the AT state is satisfied). Suppose). In this case, the effect symbols displayed in the special image display area R2 rotate with the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  In FIG. 9, (E): In this case, information “Aim at the cherry!” Is displayed in the special image display area R2.

  In FIG. 9, (F): Here, with the rotation of the reels 6, 8, and 10, the effect symbols displayed in the special image display area R2 continue to rotate. During execution of the special effect (fireworks zone), the image is displayed at 60 FPS, so that the display of the effect symbol becomes smoother than the normal game state, and the state where the so-called “eye-pressing” is easy (timing to press the stop button) Is easy to remove). The effect symbols displayed in the special image display area R2 can be slid a predetermined number of frames (for example, up to four frames) in the same manner as the reels 6, 8, and 10.

  In FIG. 9 (G): It is assumed that the player presses the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 aiming at the cherry symbol as the effect symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. In the display area of the special image display area R2, a cherry symbol as an effect symbol is displayed at a position corresponding to the lower position of the left reel.

  In FIG. 9, (H): Then, in the display area of the special image display area R2, information “Fantastic!” Is displayed. Thereafter, the state shifts to the “AT state” and finally enters the “ART state”.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. All of the above-described normal effects and special effects are controlled through a control process executed in the effect control device 124.

[CPU initialization process (main) process in effect control device]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the CPU initialization process executed in the effect control device 124. 10A shows the entire CPU initialization process, and FIG. 10B shows the process executed in the main loop in the CPU initialization process.

  The CPU initialization process is a process of clearing various information in the effect control device 124 and adjusting the initial state of the slot machine 1. When the effect control device 124 is activated (more specifically, to the slot machine 1). The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect control device 124 when the power is turned on or when the effect control device 124 is restarted for some reason. By executing the CPU initialization process, a stable performance in the slot machine 1 is guaranteed.

  (A) in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the CPU initialization process executed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

  Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 releases the reset of the CPU. The production control CPU 126 resets the CPU after turning on the power to the production control device 124 in order to guarantee normal operation in the production control device 124, until the output voltage normally rises to the operation guarantee level and the peripheral circuit is stabilized. During this period, the reset state is continued. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the program from operating in a state where the production control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, execution of the control program in the effect control device 124 is started with this as an opportunity.

  Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 executes a system initialization process. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, and the like are performed as initial settings required before various interrupt processes corresponding to the actual effect control. In the system initialization process, for example, the RAM 130 (main memory) and the command buffer are cleared in addition to settings relating to access to each register and I / O port of the effect control CPU 126 and each device connected to the effect control CPU 126. Is called.

  Note that the area of the RAM 130 that is cleared in the system initialization process is not constant, and varies depending on the situation when the effect control device 124 is activated. For example, when power is restored after a temporary power interruption occurs during the execution of a game, the normality of the checksum is confirmed using the checksum value calculated at the time of the power interruption stored in the SRAM 182. If it is confirmed and the checksum is normal (the backup is successful), the checksum target area is not cleared. Since information relating to the game is stored in the checksum target area, the effect is resumed in the same state as when the power is turned off by excluding this area from the RAM 130 clear target. In addition, when the production control device 124 is restarted (reset start) by detecting the runaway of the control program and the watchdog timer is activated, there is a possibility that an incomplete part of the data is generated. The RAM 130 is cleared including the checksum target area. As a result, the effect that has been played before the restart is once cleared, and the effect is constructed from scratch based on the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 after the restart. Furthermore, if it is confirmed that the checksum is not normal (backup has failed), or if data corruption in the RAM 130 is detected, a serious problem may have occurred. A wider area is cleared than in either case.

  Step S320: The effect control CPU 126 executes pre-task execution processing. Here, “task” refers to an individual process executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task execution pre-processing, preparation for executing the task is performed. For example, the effect control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter referred to as “status LEDs”) that are visible from the back side of the slot machine 1, and the effect control device 124 uses these LED lamps. Although the internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, setting of the initial state of the status LED is performed in the task pre-processing. In addition, the setting of the frequency for the command input / output port necessary for receiving the effect command transmitted from the main controller 70, the setup of the RTC 184, the permission of the interrupt, and the like are performed. When the pre-task execution process is completed, the status LED is lit in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization process, and it is possible to receive various effect commands and shift to a state in which various interrupts can occur.

  Note that the effect control device 124 has different types, such as a timer interrupt that is periodically executed at regular intervals and an event interrupt that occurs due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the effect control device 124. Various interrupts can occur. Priorities are preset for individual interrupts, and when an interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 126 executes the corresponding interrupt process while controlling this according to the priority.

  Step S330: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect control main processing. In the effect control main process, other processes that are not executed in various tasks among the controls executed as the game progresses are performed. The contents of the effect control main process will be further described later.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the effect control main process is incorporated in an infinite loop, and the effect control CPU 126 sets a predetermined execution interval after the effect control main process has been executed once. The execution of the next effect control main process is started again. Therefore, unless the power supply to the slot machine 1 is maintained and the effect control device 124 is not restarted, the effect control CPU 126 continues to execute the effect control main process repeatedly. Also, during the execution of the effect control main process, various interrupts are triggered by various factors, and the effect control CPU 126 executes a process according to each generated interrupt. In these processes, image display control to the liquid crystal display 42, sound output control to the speaker 54, drive control of various lamps 38 and 40, and the like are performed, and the effect control device 124 is connected directly or indirectly. By controlling each device, the production contents are constructed and the production is realized.

  Thus, the infinite loop in FIG. 10A corresponds to the main loop in the effect control device 124, and the effect control main process is literally positioned as the main process executed in the effect control device 124.

  (B) in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of effect control main processing executed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

  Step S340: The effect control CPU 126 executes a voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the effect control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process for releasing the interruption of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver in a certain time. If a voltage is simultaneously applied to the lamp, the movable body, etc., there is a possibility that the lamp, the movable body, etc. will generate excessive heat due to an inrush current, leading to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the inrush current is dispersed by shifting the voltage application timing (signal release timing) to protect the lamp and the movable body from heat generation.

  Step S350: The effect control CPU 126 executes watchdog clear processing. The effect control device 124 is equipped with a watchdog timer IC188 connected to the effect control CPU 126 and a watchdog timer using the built-in function of the effect control CPU 126, and a watchdog timer is implemented by a control program. Yes. That is, in the production control device 124, a total of three watchdog timers including two watchdog timers on hardware and one watchdog timer on software are operating, and each watchdog timer has a different monitoring time. Whether the timer interrupt has occurred normally (whether the timer interrupt process executed with the timer interrupt as a trigger is being executed normally) is monitored.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process ((A) in FIG. 10) and executes the effect control main process again. The effect control main process is executed at substantially constant intervals when the effect control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, during normal operation, the effect control main process is called every 33.3 ms (while returning from a separately executed timer interrupt process), and the process of each step is completed during that period. Therefore, when each step S340 and S350 of the production control main process is completed without delay, the production control CPU 126 performs the standby process for the remaining time until the next production control main process is called, and waits for the start process during that time. Transition to the (sleep) state. As the remaining time is consumed, the effect control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next effect control main process.

[Timer interrupt processing in effect control device]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of various timer interrupt processes (VSYNC interrupt process, frame interrupt process, phase interrupt process) periodically executed at regular intervals in the effect control device 124. The effect control unit 210 generates various timer interrupts at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of 512 μs to 33.3 ms) during the execution of the main loop in FIG. Execute the loading process at regular intervals.
Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the VSYNC interrupt process. The VSYNC interrupt is an interrupt of an image signal generated at the timing of switching the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and is generated once every 16.6 ms (60 times per second). The effect control CPU 126 executes the VSYNC interrupt process triggered by the occurrence of the VSYNC interrupt.
The VSYNC interrupt is an interrupt notified from the VDP of the effect control device 124 to the effect control CPU 126.

Step S1300: The effect control CPU 126 sets a VSYNC interrupt monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The VSYNC interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not the VSYNC interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1302: The effect control CPU 126 executes a VSYNC interrupt control process. In the VSYNC interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the VSYNC interrupt are controlled.

Step S1304: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process for waking up the higher-level control unit (a process for calling the higher-level control unit management process). By executing this process, the operation of the higher-level control unit starts (the program for the higher-level control unit management process starts to be executed). Since the VSYNC interrupt is generated every 16.6 ms, the upper control unit is woken up every 16.6 ms. Details of the higher-level control unit management process will be described later.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 10).

  FIG. 11B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of frame interrupt processing. The frame interrupt is an interrupt that occurs twice (60 times per minute) at twice the frequency of the VSYNC interrupt described above, that is, at an interval of 16.6 ms. The effect control CPU 126 executes a frame interrupt process triggered by the occurrence of a frame interrupt.

Step S1310: The effect control CPU 126 sets a frame interrupt monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The frame interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not a frame interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1312: The effect control CPU 126 executes a frame interrupt control process. In the frame interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the frame interrupt process are controlled.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 10).

  FIG. 11C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of phase interruption processing. The phase interruption process is an interruption for controlling the internal device of the effect control device 124, and is generated once at an interval of 512 μs (1920 times per minute). The effect control CPU 126 executes the phase interruption process triggered by the occurrence of the phase interruption.

Step S1320: The effect control CPU 126 sets a phase interruption monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The phase interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not the phase interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1322: The effect control CPU 126 executes a phase interruption control process. In the phase interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the phase interrupt are controlled.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 10).

  As described above, in any timer interrupt processing, first, an interrupt monitoring flag for each timer interrupt is set, and then various tasks executed due to the interrupt are controlled.

[Production control processing]
The effect control device 124 has a function as an effect control processor and a function as an effect display processor as described above, and realizes these two functions by assigning different resources of the effect control CPU 126 to each. . The effect control CPU 126 as the effect control processor receives the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and transmits the effect reproduction command instructing the reproduction of the effect according to the contents. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 as an effect playback processor gives a more specific instruction to each device based on the contents of the effect playback command transmitted from the effect control processor, thereby operating each device (by the liquid crystal display 42). The screen display, the sound output by the speaker 54, the light emission by the various lamps 38 and 40, etc.) are controlled to realize the effect reproduction in the slot machine 1.

  Therefore, for convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, the operation subject when the effect control CPU 126 functions as an effect control processor is expressed as “effect control unit 210”, and the effect control CPU 126 functions as an effect display processor. The operation subject in this case is appropriately expressed as “display control unit 220”, “voice control unit 222”, “lamp control unit 224”, or “motor control unit 226” depending on the content.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect control process. This effect control process is executed, for example, as a part of the VSYNC interrupt control process (step S1302) in FIG.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), a display effect management process (step S402), a lamp effect management process (step S404), an acoustic effect management process (step S406), an effect random number update process (step S408), and others. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of the effect management process (step S410). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control unit 210 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control unit 210 analyzes the received effect commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a closing process command, a start operation command, a winning number command, a spinning cylinder rotation command, an operation spinning cylinder command, a pressed position command, a stop position command, and a command after the spinning cylinder stop. And internal status commands.

  Step S402: In the display effect management process, the effect control unit 210 (effect executing means) controls the content of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 based on the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 transmits an effect reproduction command (for example, an effect pattern number, a background pattern number, etc.) that instructs the contents of the effect to the display control unit 220. In response to this, the display control unit 220 gives a specific drawing instruction to the VDP 152 based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command, and controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42.

For example, when an internal state command indicating “in normal mode” is received, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a display effect corresponding to the normal mode (for example, an effect shown in FIG. 6A). .
When the internal state command indicating “in the chance zone” is received, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a display effect corresponding to the fireworks zone (for example, the effect shown in FIG. 6B). .
Furthermore, when an internal state command indicating “in the ART state” is received, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a display effect corresponding to the ART state.

When the internal state command indicating “transition to normal mode” is received, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a display effect to be shifted from “fireworks zone” to “normal mode”.
Furthermore, when an internal state command indicating “chance zone shift” is received, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a display effect to be transferred from the “normal mode” to the “fireworks zone”.
Then, when the internal state command indicating “AT state transition” is received, the effect control unit 210 causes the display effect to shift from the “fireworks zone” to the “AT state” (for example, (D) in FIG. 8, FIG. 9). The process of selecting the effect shown in FIG.
When an internal state command indicating “ART state transition” is received, the effect control unit 210 performs a process of selecting a display effect (for example, ART state entry effect) to be shifted from the “AT state” to the “ART state”. Run.

  By executing such processing, the effect control unit 210 (effect execution means) is in the normal mode using the liquid crystal display 42 when the effect execution condition (special effect execution condition) of the fireworks zone is not satisfied. When the performance execution condition (special performance execution condition) of the fireworks zone is satisfied and the performance execution condition (special performance execution condition) of the fireworks zone is satisfied, the liquid crystal display 42 is used to produce the performance in the fireworks zone different from the performance in the normal mode. (Special effects) can be executed.

  Step S404: In the lamp effect management process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the lamp control unit 224. In response to this, the lamp controller 224 relays the LED driver 198 based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, outputs a specific drive signal to the driver IC 132, and drives (lights up) the various lamps 38, 40, etc. Or turn off, blink, change luminance gradation, etc.).

  Step S406: In the sound effect management process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the audio control unit 222. In response to this, the audio control unit 222 instructs the audio IC 134 on the specific output content based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, and the sound (sound effect, BGM, etc.) corresponding to the effect content from the speaker 54. Is output.

  Step S408: In the effect random number update process, the effect control unit 210 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, a random number used for effect selection and notice selection, a random number used for normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and the like.

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the motor control unit 226. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 instructs the SMC 199 on specific control contents based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command. Further, the SMC 199 creates an operation pattern of the production movable body based on an instruction from the motor control unit 226, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation pattern to the driver IC to drive the production movable body. The movable body for performance operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and performs the performance in synchronization with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control unit 210 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the slot machine 1.

[High-level control unit management processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the upper-level control unit management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

Here, the upper control unit and the lower control unit will be described.
The higher-level control unit is a part in charge of higher-level processing in the production control CPU 126 (production control unit 210), and is activated by a predetermined interruption (VSYNC interruption).
On the other hand, the lower-level control unit is a part in charge of lower-level processing in the effect control CPU 126 (effect control unit 210), and is activated by the higher-level control unit.

The details of the upper control unit and the lower control unit are as follows.
The upper control unit executes processing for setting the VDP 152 to display the effect image / moving image on the liquid crystal display.
The lower-level control unit determines what kind of effect image / moving image is to be displayed on the liquid crystal display, and executes processing for setting information (drawing command / moving image information) regarding the determined effect image / moving image.

  Step S910: The higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not it is the liquid crystal display update cycle. This process has different determination contents when a process of switching the frame rate (FPS) is adopted. For example, if the frame rate value set in the frame rate switching process (FPS switching process) is 30 FPS, it is determined to be 16.6 ms × 2 (33.3 ms), and the frame rate value is 60 FPS. If there is, it is determined as Yes (16.6 ms × 1). If processing that does not switch the frame rate (FPS) is employed, if the initial value of the frame rate is 30 FPS, for example, 16.6 ms × 2 (33.3 ms) is determined as Yes. .

  As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the liquid crystal display update cycle (Yes), the higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes step S912. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that it is the liquid crystal display update cycle (No), the higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 returns to the VSYNC interrupt process ((A) in FIG. 11).

  Step S912: The host control unit of the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the command construction is completed. Specifically, in this process, it is determined whether or not the command is stored in the command buffer for transmitting (notifying) to the lower-level control unit in the command buffer. When changing the frame rate, if the selected frame rate is 60 FPS, the command is constructed in 16.6 ms, so the command constructed in the previous 16.6 ms is referred to. On the other hand, when the selected frame rate is 30 FPS, since the command is constructed in 33.3 ms, the command constructed in the previous 16.6 ms is referred to.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the command construction is completed (Yes), the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes step S914. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the command construction is completed (No), the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 returns to the VSYNC interrupt process ((A) in FIG. 11).

  Step S914: The higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether drawing has been completed. Specifically, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether drawing by VDP is completed (whether drawing is in progress).

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the drawing is completed, that is, when it is confirmed that the drawing is not being performed (Yes), the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes Step S916. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the drawing has been completed, that is, when it is confirmed that the drawing is being performed (No), the upper control unit of the effect control CPU 126 returns to the VSYNC interrupt process ((A) in FIG. 11). To do.

  Step S916: The higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes display switching processing. Specific contents of the display switching process are as follows.

  The VDP includes a register that determines an address starting from which address in the VRAM is output to the liquid crystal display 42 (liquid crystal panel), and the display switching process here is a process of rewriting the register.

  The frame buffer for storing an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 has two areas for “drawing” and “for display” in the VRAM, and an image that has not been drawn is displayed. Is prevented.

The display switching process is specifically a process for switching between “for drawing” and “for display”.
For example, if the area starting from “address 0” of the VRAM is reserved in the VRAM as the frame buffer “1” and the area starting from “100” is reserved as the frame buffer “2”, first, “1st” "0 address" is set in the register for display, and drawing is performed at "100 address" of "2". When drawing of “No. 2” is completed, “No. 100” of “No. 2” is set in the register for display, and drawing is carried out at “No. 0” of “No. 1”.

  Step S922: The higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of transferring the drawing command to the VDP. The drawing command to be transferred is the drawing command generated in the drawing command construction process (step S932) of the lower-level control unit management process (FIG. 14).

  Step S924: The higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes processing for transmitting a drawing start instruction. In response to this instruction, the VDP starts drawing, and a moving image is reproduced on the liquid crystal display 42.

Step S926: The higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for waking up the lower-level control unit (a process for calling the lower-level control unit management process). By executing this process, the operation of the lower-level control unit starts (the program of the lower-level control unit management process starts to be executed). Details of the lower-level control unit management process will be described later.
When the above procedure is completed, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 transitions to the standby (sleep) state and returns to the VSYNC interrupt process ((A) in FIG. 11).

[Lower-level control unit management processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the lower-level control unit management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S930: The lower control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for determining the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Since the content of the effect has already been determined by the effect control process (FIG. 12), the lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 controls the liquid crystal display 42 based on the content determined by the effect control process (FIG. 12). Determine the contents of the effect to be displayed.

  Here, when the lower control unit of the effect control CPU 126 determines the content to be transferred from the normal mode to the fireworks zone as the effect content, or when the content to be transferred from the fireworks zone to the normal mode or the AT state is determined, It is determined to issue an FPS switching request.

  Step S932: The lower control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for constructing a drawing command. As the drawing command, a drawing command corresponding to the content of the effect determined in step S930 is stored in advance in the control ROM 180 or the like, and the lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 reads out the corresponding drawing command from the control ROM 180 and draws it. Build the command.

  Step S934: The lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not there is an FPS switching request. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not it is decided to issue the FPS switching request in the effect determination in step S930.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that there is an FPS switching request (Yes), the lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes step S936. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that there is an FPS switching request (No), the lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 transitions to a standby (sleep) state.

  Step S936: The lower control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of issuing an FPS switching request to the upper control unit. For example, the lower control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of turning on the FPS switching request flag of the RAM 130.

  When the above procedure is completed, the lower-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 transitions to a standby (sleep) state.

[Drawing completion interrupt processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the drawing completion interrupt process. The drawing completion interrupt process is an interrupt process executed when the drawing process by VDP is completed, and is executed by the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S940: The higher-order control unit of the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether there is an FPS switching request. For example, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 can determine that there is an FPS switching request when the FPS switching request flag of the RAM 130 is ON.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that there is an FPS switching request (Yes), the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes step S942. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that there is an FPS switching request (No), the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 returns to the caller.

  Step S942: The higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes FPS switching processing. Specifically, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 sets the frame rate to 60 FPS when the current frame rate is 30 FPS, and sets the frame rate to 30 FPS when the current frame rate is 60 FPS. Execute the setting process. In this process, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of turning off the FPS switching request flag in the RAM 130.

  When the above procedure is completed, the higher-level control unit of the effect control CPU 126 returns to the caller.

  By executing such processing, the production control CPU 126 (high-order control unit, update rate setting processing execution means) sets 30 FPS (low update rate) during execution of the normal production (in normal mode, etc.) While the special effect is being executed (in the fireworks zone), an update rate setting process for setting 60 FPS (high update rate) can be executed. Then, by executing the update rate setting process, the effect image is displayed at 60 FPS in the fireworks zone, and the effect image is displayed at 30 FPS outside the fireworks zone.

  In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 (higher-order control unit, update rate setting process execution means) switches the update rate from 30 FPS to 60 FPS, or from 60 FPS to 30 FPS, the rendering process of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 is completed. (After the drawing process for one frame is completed), the update rate is switched.

  Furthermore, by executing such processing, the effect control CPU 126 (lower control unit) determines what type of image is to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and a drawing command based on the determined content. A process (drawing command construction process) for generating (drawing information) is executed, and the effect control CPU 126 (upper side control unit) executes an update rate setting process, and at the same time, draws a drawing command generated by the lower side control unit. A transfer process for transferring to the VDP (device for controlling the liquid crystal display 42) is executed.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a flow from drawing command construction to image display in the effect control device.

In response to the VSYNC interrupt, the upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, starts drawing command transfer (drawing start), and switches the display, and the lower control unit constructs the drawing command. The drawing command is constructed by reading out a command corresponding to the production contents from the ROM or the like.
Hereinafter, an example of such a procedure will be described.

  [G1] When the first VSYNC interruption occurs in the production control device 124, [G2] the upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit. [G3] The lower-level control unit constructs a command for the first frame.

  [G4] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the production control device 124, [G5] the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command of the first frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G6 The upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit. [G7] The lower-level control unit constructs a drawing command for the second frame. [G8] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the first frame (during drawing).

  [G9] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the effect control device 124, [G10] the upper control unit executes the display switching process for the first frame, and [G11] the upper control unit performs the effect control device 124. The drawing command for the second frame starts to be transferred to the VDP. [G12] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the second frame (during drawing).

  By executing such drawing processing, the liquid crystal display 42 displays [G13] “-1 frame (the previous frame before the first frame)”, [G14] “0 frame (1 frame). [G15] “first frame” are sequentially displayed.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating operation timing when 30 FPS is set as the frame rate. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the operation timing when 60 FPS is set as the frame rate.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the reels 6, 8, and 10 are downsized and the liquid crystal display 42 is upsized, a pseudo reel effect is executed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42.
And 30 FPS (30 times per second, low update rate for updating the display) makes it difficult to reproduce the smooth reel movement, so it can support 60 FPS (60 times per second, high update rate for updating the display). It is said.

Here, 30 FPS has less burden of image display processing than 60 FPS, and can display a complex image. For this reason, in this embodiment, an image is displayed at 30 FPS during execution of (normal effect), and an image is displayed at 60 FPS only during execution of a fireworks zone (special effect) that is executed less frequently than in the normal mode. Yes.
Hereinafter, the operation timing of 30 FPS and 60 FPS will be described.

[FIG. 17; 30 FPS]
[G21] When the first VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, [G22] the upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a command for the first frame.

  [G23] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit perform no processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  [G24] When the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the effect control device 124, [G25] the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command of the first frame to the VDP of the effect control device 124, and [G26 The upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the second frame. [G27] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the first frame (during drawing).

  [G28] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit do not perform any processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  [G29] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the effect control device 124, [G30] the upper control unit executes display switching processing for the first frame, and [G31] the upper control unit performs the effect control device 124. The drawing command for the second frame starts to be transferred to the VDP. [G32] The upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the third frame. [G33] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the second frame (during drawing).

  [G34] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit do not perform any processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  [G35] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the effect control device 124, [G36] the upper control unit executes the display switching process for the second frame, and [G37] the upper control unit performs the effect control device 124. The drawing command for the third frame is started to be transferred to the VDP. [G38] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the third frame (during drawing).

  [G39] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the effect control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit do not perform any processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  By executing such drawing processing, the liquid crystal display 42 displays [G40] "-1 frame (the previous frame before the first frame)", [G41] "0th frame (1 frame). “G42” “first frame” and [G43] “second frame” are displayed at 30 FPS (low update rate = update rate once every 33.3 ms). It is done sequentially.

[Figure 18; 60 FPS]
[G51] When the first VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, [G52] the upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a command for the first frame.

  [G53] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the production control device 124, [G54] the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command of the first frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G55 The upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the second frame. [G56] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the first frame (during drawing).

  [G57] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the effect control device 124, [G58] the upper control unit executes the display switching process for the first frame, and [G59] the upper control unit performs the effect control device 124. The drawing command for the second frame starts to be transferred to the VDP. [G60] The upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the third frame. [G61] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the second frame (during drawing).

  [G62] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the effect control device 124, [G63] the upper control unit executes the display switching process for the second frame, and [G64] the upper control unit performs the effect control device 124. The drawing command for the third frame is started to be transferred to the VDP. [G65] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the third frame (during drawing).

  By executing such drawing processing, the liquid crystal display 42 displays [G66] “-1 frame (the previous frame before the first frame)”, [G67] “0 frame (1 frame). “G68” “first frame” and [G69] “second frame” are displayed at 60 FPS (high update rate = 1 update rate at 16.6 ms). It is done sequentially.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating FPS switching timing.

In this embodiment, since the FPS is changed depending on whether the normal effect is executed or the special effect is executed, the FPS switching process is dynamically executed during the game. In the present embodiment, the switching timing is set to the end of the drawing process after the FPS switching request is issued so as not to malfunction due to the FPS switching process.
Hereinafter, an example of such a procedure will be described. The following procedure example is a procedure example when switching from 30 FPS to 60 FPS.

[30 FPS]
[G71] When the first VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, [G72] the upper control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a command for the first frame. [G73] The lower control unit issues an FPS switching request to the upper control unit.

  [G74] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the effect control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit do not perform any processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  [G75] When the next VSYNC interruption occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command for the first frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G76] the upper side. The control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the second frame. [G77] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the first frame (during drawing). [G78] When drawing of the first frame is completed in the VDP of the effect control device 124, the upper control unit executes the FPS switching process (30 FPS → 60 FPS).

  [G79] Even if the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the effect control device 124, the upper control unit and the lower control unit perform no processing (ignoring the VSYNC interrupt).

  [G80] When the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command for the second frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G81] the upper side. The control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the third frame. [G82] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the second frame (during drawing).

  [G83] When the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command for the third frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G84] the upper side. The control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the fourth frame. [G85] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the third frame (during drawing).

  [G86] When the next VSYNC interrupt occurs in the production control device 124, the upper control unit starts transferring the drawing command for the fourth frame to the VDP of the production control device 124, and [G84] the upper side. The control unit wakes up the lower control unit, and the lower control unit constructs a drawing command for the fifth frame. [G85] The VDP of the effect control device 124 that has received the drawing command starts drawing the fourth frame (during drawing).

  By executing such drawing processing, the liquid crystal display 42 displays [G89] “-1 frame (the previous frame before the first frame)”, [G90] “0 frame (1 frame). “Frame in front of the eyes” ”is sequentially displayed at 30 FPS (low update rate = update rate once every 33.3 ms), [G91]“ first frame ”, [G92]“ second frame ” And [G93] “third frame” are sequentially displayed at 60 FPS (high update rate = 1 update rate per 16.6 ms).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the video memory (VRAM, frame buffer) used in common when displaying an image at 30 FPS (low update rate) and when displaying an image at 60 FPS (high update rate) is provided. Since it is adopted, only one video memory is required, and the update rate can be switched efficiently without having an extra video memory.

(2) According to the present embodiment, since the FPS update rate is switched after the drawing process in the VDP is completed, the update rate is not switched during the execution of the drawing process, and the update rate is set during the execution of the drawing process. Disturbances in the image based on switching can be avoided.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the memory area of the video memory can be managed more efficiently by distributing the processing between the higher-level control unit and the lower-level control unit.
(4) According to the present embodiment, since the lower-level control unit activated by the higher-level control unit executes the process of generating the drawing information, only the drawing process depending on the model of the gaming machine is efficiently processed. be able to. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the higher-level control unit that does not depend on the gaming machine model and the lower-level control unit that depends on the gaming machine model are controlled separately, it depends on the gaming machine model. When changing the content of the effect to be performed, it is only necessary to change the control content of the lower-level control unit, and the development burden can be reduced.
(5) According to the present embodiment, the higher-level control unit that is activated by the VSYNC interrupt executes the FPS switching process (update rate setting process), the transfer process, etc., and thus does not depend on the model of the gaming machine. Only the drawing process can be processed efficiently.

(6) According to the present embodiment, in the special effect (fireworks zone effect), a pseudo reel effect using more effect symbols than in the normal effect is executed. In this case, 60 FPS (high update rate) Since the effect design is displayed, even if many effect designs are displayed, the display of the effect design becomes smooth and it can be avoided that the effect design becomes difficult to see.

(7) When performing an effect with movement such as a pseudo reel effect on the liquid crystal display 42, a smooth motion effect can be executed by setting a high one-second liquid crystal display update rate (FPS). However, if the FPS is set high, the time required for drawing is reduced. Therefore, when the liquid crystal display 42 displays an image with a plurality of layers, the number of images that can be drawn (image capacity) is reduced. Therefore, for example, when performing a regular performance, the performance is performed with a large number of images at 30 FPS, and by switching to 60 FPS only in the case of a performance that requires a smooth movement such as a reel performance, a liquid crystal display suitable for each application is possible. It is said.

  The effect control CPU 126 of the effect control device 124 that manages the liquid crystal display 42 performs drawing processing of the liquid crystal display 42 using VDP, and triggered by VSYNC interruption from the VDP to the effect control CPU 126, 1 Drawing processing of the liquid crystal display 42 is realized by performing drawing and display processing of a frame (drawing command construction → drawing command transfer → drawing → display switching).

When an FPS switching request is issued at the time of drawing command construction, the next and subsequent FPS switching processing is performed at the start of drawing of the corresponding frame, and a series of the above “drawing command construction → drawing command transfer → drawing → display switching” is performed. The processing cycle is performed in accordance with the FPS that meets the request.
However, while drawing commands are being constructed, there is a possibility that drawing or display switching of the previous frame may be in progress, so switching of FPS is performed at the start of drawing (at the end of drawing processing), so that the periodicity is maintained. .
By executing such processing, the FPS can be switched without having an extra frame buffer, and a liquid crystal suitable for each application such as an effect emphasizing the movement of the reel and an effect in which a large number of images are superimposed. An effect on the display 42 can coexist.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of appearance and various numerical values given in the embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-described contents.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to an example applied to a slot machine, it is applied to a pachinko machine (a gaming machine that executes a predetermined lottery, changes a symbol, and stops and displays the symbol in a manner corresponding to the lottery result) May be.

  Special effects were explained in the fireworks zone (an opportunity zone that aims to shift to the AT state that leads to the ART state). However, during other effects (special mode effects during the bonus warning effect or normal mode) During a special game state, etc.).

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the frame rate is switched from 30 FPS to 60 FPS when executing the pseudo reel effect (special effect) has been described. However, a meter that requests the player to press and hold the timing using a predetermined button. When performing an effect (special effect), a process of switching the frame rate from 30 FPS to 60 FPS may be executed. The meter effect can be an effect of displaying an image of the meter that increases, decreases or increases / decreases, for example, displays an image of the bar graph that increases / decreases, and displays the final display mode (increase / decrease) of the bar graph based on the pressing timing of a predetermined button. A mode) can be determined and displayed. Then, based on the displayed final display mode, it is possible to execute a success or failure effect of a predetermined effect (such as an effect that causes a predetermined character to perform a predetermined operation). In this way, since the meter image used for the meter effect is displayed smoothly, it becomes easier for the player to push the eyes or push the timing.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like of the slot machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

1 Slot machine 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main controller 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU
130 RAM
152 VDP
156 VRAM

Claims (4)

A display device for displaying an image at a low update rate or a high update rate having a higher update frequency than the low update rate;
A memory used in common for displaying an image at the low update rate and displaying an image at the high update rate, and a video memory for storing image data for displaying an image on the display device; ,
When the special performance execution condition is not satisfied, the normal performance is executed using the display device, and when the special performance execution condition is satisfied, the special performance is different from the normal performance using the display device. Production execution means for executing
A game machine comprising: update rate setting process execution means for executing an update rate setting process for setting the low update rate during execution of the normal effect and setting the high update rate during execution of the special effect. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The update rate setting process execution means includes:
When switching the update rate from the low update rate to the high update rate or from the high update rate to the low update rate, the update rate is switched after drawing processing of an image to be displayed on the display device is completed. A gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A higher-level control unit that is activated by a predetermined interrupt; and
A lower control unit activated by the upper control unit,
The lower control unit is
Decide what kind of image to display on the display device, execute a process of generating drawing information based on the determined content,
The upper control unit is
A game machine that executes the update rate setting process and also executes a transfer process for transferring the drawing information generated by the lower-level control unit to a device that controls the display device. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
During the execution of the special production,
A gaming machine characterized in that an effect of displaying an effect design in a variable manner and displaying more of the effect design than the normal effect is executed.