JP4338044B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko machine provided with a symbol display device including, for example, a liquid crystal display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art A symbol display device provided in a pachinko machine is configured by a liquid crystal display device. In the screen display in the liquid crystal display device, dots constituting the pixels of the liquid crystal display screen of the liquid crystal display device are colored, and a plurality of colored dots are collected to display one character on the screen. In addition, dots are colored by combining red, green, and blue colors, and, for example, 256 colors are expressed by the difference in the combination of red, green, and blue colors. Characters are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen by selecting a specific color from a predetermined combination of red, green and blue colors and coloring the dots at the display position with the selected color. Character data is data for designating one specific color from a predetermined combination of red, green, and blue colors. Conventionally, the character data is all stored in a character ROM provided in the liquid crystal display device for each character to be expressed.

  Incidentally, the sharpness and detail of an image expressed on the liquid crystal display screen are, of course, proportional to the number of dots constituting the pixels of the liquid crystal display screen. That is, it is possible to display a clear and detailed image representing the larger display screen size. On the other hand, as the display screen size increases, the number of dots related to the character expressed increases as the number of dots required for screen display increases, and the number of character data itself for representing one character. Will increase. However, the storage capacity of the character ROM is naturally limited, and the character ROM is stored in the character ROM because of the multiple characters appearing on the display screen or moving the characters in a complicated manner depending on the gaming situation of the pachinko gaming machine. The number of character data to be increased may increase, and there has been a difficulty in increasing the number of character data itself for expressing one character. Therefore, the display screen size cannot be increased, and a clear and detailed display pattern cannot be provided to the player.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko machine that can provide a player with a clear and detailed display symbol that cannot be displayed only by symbol data from a character ROM.

A pachinko machine according to claim 1 includes a symbol display device, a main control unit for performing control related to the entire pachinko game of the pachinko machine, and the symbol display device according to a control signal sent from the main control unit. A sub-control unit for controlling display drive, and configured to transmit command data from the main control unit to the sub-control unit.

The main control unit includes a main CPU,
The sub control unit includes a sub CPU, a video display processor, and a character ROM and a character RAM connected to the video display processor,

In the sub-control unit,
Data temporary storage means for temporarily storing the command data transmitted from the main CPU via the communication means within a predetermined data amount range is provided,

In the video display processor,
A plurality of sprite tables having a display priority order when a plurality of sprites are superposed on one background are provided,

In each of the sprite tables, an end flag for setting whether or not to continue the superposition of the sprite having a high display priority, and a storage source of character data constituting the set sprite are the video display processor. the connected character ROM, or a storage source identification flag for identifying whether or stored in any of the storage source of the character RAM connected to said video display processor is provided,

Character data transferred from another storage medium is stored in the character RAM,

The sub CPU is
Display data creating means for creating display data based on command data sent from the main control unit, and when the creation of the display data is completed, the created display data is sent to the video display processor. Display data transmission means,

The display data creating means sets a plurality of character data necessary for image display in a plurality of sprite tables based on the command data transmitted from the main control unit, and for each sprite table in which the character data is set. the write the identification information identifies whether character data is stored in one of said storage source to the storage based on the identification flag Mutotomoni, end flag of the display priority highest sprite table among the plurality of sprites tables Is set to a value indicating termination, and a value indicating continuation is set to the end flag of each sprite table other than the sprite table having the highest display priority,

The video display processor is
In performing image composition processing based on display data created by the sub CPU,

Performing sprite superimposition processing on the sprite table with the higher display priority in order from the sprite table with the lower display priority; and

The character data is read from the storage source based on the identification information stored in the storage source identification flag of each sprite table, and the character data is set on each sprite surface based on each sprite table ,

When the end flag of the sprite table is a value indicating continuation, the sprite overlay processing is performed, and then the sprite overlay processing set to the next sprite table having a higher display priority is executed.
When the end flag is a value indicating the end, after performing the sprite superimposition process in which the end flag is set, the sprite superimposition process is terminated,

An image is displayed on the symbol display device.
It is characterized by that.

  According to the pachinko machine of the present invention, the auxiliary storage means for preliminarily storing the symbol data for creating the symbol to be displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device, the control unit provided in the symbol display device body and the pachinko machine, Since the display control means for selecting the symbol data from the auxiliary storage means and displaying the symbols on the display screen is provided in the symbol display device main body corresponding to the mode of the game that occurs in the pachinko machine, the display screen The design data storage area for creating the symbols to be displayed above is secured to increase the number of symbol data, and the use of a liquid crystal display screen with a large display screen size makes it clear and detailed. Display symbols can be provided to the player.

  Further, the setting of the moving image shown on the display screen can be changed by attaching / detaching the storage medium to / from the auxiliary storage means.

  Furthermore, if a configuration employing an auxiliary storage device via a CD-ROM is adopted, it is possible to set a symbol based on a very high symbol data storage capacity, and to realize display of a moving image close to a real photograph image.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a principal block diagram showing an outline of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a main control unit that controls the entire pachinko gaming machine. The main control unit 1 includes a main CPU 2 as a control processing execution unit, a main ROM 3 in which a game control program executed by the main CPU 2 is stored, The main RAM 4 can be read and written as needed, an input / output interface 5 for data input / output, and a communication means 6.

  The main CPU 2 of the main control unit 1 is communicatively connected to the sub-control unit 8 on the liquid crystal display device 7 side shown in FIG. The main CPU 2 has a start area winning detection switch SW1 provided in the start area 9 provided on the game board surface shown in FIG. 2 and a specific area passing in the specific area 11 provided in the big prize opening 10. Each of the prize winning prize winning detection switch SW3 provided for the detection switch SW2 and the prize winning opening 10 is connected via the input / output interface 5, and a solenoid SOL1 for opening and closing the prize winning opening 10 is a solenoid drive circuit. 12 and the input / output interface 5.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the surface of the gaming board 29 provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1, and a symbol display device integrally provided with a symbol display device comprising a liquid crystal display device 7 at the approximate center of the gaming board 29. A unit 13 is provided, and a normal electric accessory 14 is provided below the symbol display device unit 13. The normal electric accessory 14 is opened and closed by a plunger (not shown) operated by a solenoid SOL 1. A winning device unit 16 having a movable door 15 is provided.

  Note that the winning opening of the ordinary electric accessory 14 is set as a start opening 9 for starting the variation of the symbol matching of the symbol display portion that is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 7. In addition, the winning opening of the movable door 15 of the winning device unit 16 is set to the large winning opening 10 that is opened when the symbol matching stopped and displayed in the symbol display unit is a big hit. The center of the big prize opening 10 is set in a specific area 11 that is separated from the other inside of the big prize opening 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of the liquid crystal display device 7 of the pachinko machine. The liquid crystal display device 7 includes a sub CPU 17 that controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display device 7 based on command data transmitted from the main control unit 1 that performs processing related to the entire pachinko game in accordance with the gaming situation of the pachinko gaming machine. , A sub ROM 18 in which a display control program executed by the sub CPU 17 is stored, a sub RAM 19 that can be read and written as needed, a liquid crystal display unit 20 as an image display means, and a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 Character ROM 21 storing a part of the character data, video display processor 22 (hereinafter referred to as VDP) as an image composition means for displaying moving images on the liquid crystal display unit 5, and digital RGB signals output from the VDP 22 are analog A D / A converter 23 for converting and outputting to the liquid crystal display unit 20; It is more configuration.

  The VDP 22 is a storage area for temporarily storing command data from the main control unit 1, a memory 24 in which various tables are set, and an image processing unit 25 that substantially performs image processing based on data set in the various tables. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a character RAM 26 is connected to the VDP 22 of the liquid crystal display device 7, and the character data transferred to the character RAM 26 between the VDP 22 can be read. Further, the character RAM 26 is connected to a CDROM reading device 28, and a CDROM 27 storing character data for symbols to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 can be attached to and detached from the CDROM reading device 28.

  Further, the CDROM reading device 28 is connected to the sub CPU 17 of the liquid crystal display device 7 by a bus. When a designated address is received from the sub CPU 17, one block of character data stored in the CDROM 27 is read and one block of read character data is read. Is transferred to the character RAM 26.

  Note that the sub control unit 8 on the liquid crystal display device 7 side shown in FIG. 1 includes a sub CPU 17, a sub ROM 18, a sub RAM 19, and a VDP 22. Further, the auxiliary storage means according to claim 1 is constituted by a CDROM 27 and a CDROM reading device 28, and the display control means according to claim 1 is a sub CPU 17, sub ROM 18, sub RAM 19, VDP 22, character RAM 26, CD ROM. It comprises a reading device 28 and a CDROM 27.

  Next, the pachinko game operation on the game board 29 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. As in the prior art, the handle of the launching device (not shown) is rotated to eject the pachinko ball toward the game board 29 surface. As in the prior art, the start of the game is detected by a touch sensor provided on the handle of the launcher. When the game is started, the left symbol display unit 30, the middle symbol display unit 31, and the right symbol display unit 32 are displayed below the liquid crystal display unit 20 of the liquid crystal display device 7, as shown in FIG. The symbols are displayed on the display units 30 to 32.

  The pachinko balls that are bulleted on the game board 29 surface become game balls and flow down the game board 29 surface. When the game ball wins the starting port 9, the winnings to the starting port 9 are stored up to four times. Specifically, the main CPU 2 cyclically updates and switches the value of the big hit determination random number in the range of 0 to N, and when the winning opening is detected by the start opening winning detection switch SW1, the value of the big hit determination random number is a random number. Up to four are stored in the storage register sequentially.

  Further, when there is a memorization of winning in the starting port 9, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the left symbol display unit 30, the middle symbol display unit 31, and the right symbol display unit 32 of the liquid crystal display unit 20 of the liquid crystal display device 7 for a predetermined time. After the lapse, the symbols are stopped in the order of left, middle and right. When the left, middle, and right symbols that are stopped and displayed are combinations as shown in FIG. Whether or not the symbol for which the variation has started is determined to be a big hit is determined based on whether or not the value of the random number for determining the big hit for which the symbol variation is started coincides with a predetermined value for the big hit. The

  When a big hit occurs in the liquid crystal display device 7, the solenoid SOL1 is excited to move the movable door 15 open, and the big prize opening 10 is opened for a predetermined time. When the game ball that has won the big prize opening 10 passes the specific area 11, the continuous condition is satisfied, and after the big prize opening 10 is closed, the big prize opening 10 is opened again. The continuous opening operation of the big prize opening 10 is performed up to 10 times for the big hits by the combinations shown in FIG. 6 including the first time, and up to 16 times for the big wins by other combinations. The number of consecutive times related to the opening of the special winning opening 10 is referred to as the number of rounds. When ten game balls are won in the big prize opening 10, the big prize opening 10 is closed with the tenth detection even within a predetermined time.

  The main control unit 1 creates command data according to the gaming situation in the pachinko gaming machine. The main control unit 1 transmits command data via the communication means 6 when it becomes necessary to display symbol information on the liquid crystal display device 7 due to a change in the gaming state. For example, when a big hit occurs and the necessity of displaying the big hit in the liquid crystal display device 7 arises.

  In addition, although detailed explanation is omitted, the command data is when there is no symbol change for a predetermined time after the power is turned on, at the time of symbol change, at the time of reach at the time of symbol change, at the time of super reach, at the time of special reach, at the time of jackpot occurrence, A block called so-called status that identifies when a big hit is active, when the big hit ends, when a fraud occurs, identification information regarding the normal probability, medium probability, high probability in the probability setting that a big hit occurs, each symbol number of left, middle, right Each block representing the display position of each symbol on the left, middle, and right, the game ball passing through the specific area 11, the number of consecutive open operations (number of rounds) of the special winning opening 10, and the number of winning winning combinations 10 in each round Consists of.

  In FIG. 3, the command data transmitted from the main control unit 1 is temporarily stored in the command data storage area set in the memory 24 in the VDP 22, and a control signal is output from the VDP 22 when reception of the command data is completed. When the sub CPU 17 receives the command data, the command data is read from the command storage area of the memory 24 when the output of the display data to the VDP 22 is completed, and the read command data is transferred to the sub RAM 19 side.

  The sub CPU 17 creates display data according to the command data transferred to the sub RAM 19 and outputs the display data to the VDP 22. The display data output to the VDP 22 is set and stored in various tables in the memory 24 in the VDP 22. Further, the sub CPU 17 determines the contents of the command data, and sets a designated address for the CDROM reading device 28 as required for the determination result.

  When the sub CPU 17 sets a designated address in the CDROM reading device 28, the CDROM reading device 28 reads out one block of character data stored in the CDROM 27 in accordance with the designated address, and stores the read one block of character data in the character RAM 26. Forward.

  The VDP 22 creates screen data based on the display data set in the memory 24 and scans and outputs the horizontal synchronization signal, the vertical synchronization signal, and the RGB signal specified by the screen data, and displays a moving image on the liquid crystal display unit 20. To do.

  The screen data created by the VDP 22 is generated when the character data is read only from the character ROM 21 to create screen data, when the character data is read only from the character RAM 26 to create screen data, and between the character ROM 21 and the character RAM 26. There are cases where character data is read from both to create screen data.

Next, a display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view conceptually showing a virtual screen configuration of a display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20. The final display screen (not shown) that is finally displayed and viewed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 has a display priority lower than that of the background screen 33 and the background screen 33 having the lowest display priority in the screen display. It is composed of a plurality of sprite surfaces 34 that are stacked and displayed so that the display priority is sequentially higher with respect to the background surface 33.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the virtual screen configuration of the sprite surface 34. The sprite surface 34 is configured by a combination of a plurality of tile surfaces 35 arranged in a matrix in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) in the sprite surface 34 and the vertical direction (vertical direction) orthogonal thereto. In addition, the sprite surface 34 can be arranged and combined with up to eight tile surfaces 35 in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The numbers in FIG. 8 are the tile numbers on the sprite surface 34.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a virtual screen configuration of one tile surface 35. The tile surface 35 is configured by a total of 1024 dots arranged in a matrix of 32 rows x 32 columns. The numbers in FIG. 9 are dot numbers assigned to each dot on one tile surface 35.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of character data for the tile surface 35 shown in FIG. The data width of one dot is 4 bits (0 to 15), and in the character ROM 21 and the character RAM 26, an address is given with 4 dots of data (16 bits) as one unit.

  Note that the sprite surface 34 constituted by a combination of a plurality of tile surfaces 35 arranged in rows and columns in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is arranged in accordance with the array combination direction of the tile surfaces 35 shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c). The tile surfaces are ordered. In the character ROM 21 and the character RAM 26, as shown in FIG. 11, one sprite surface data is stored in the order of addresses in the order determined by the array combination direction in the tile surface data constituting the sprite surface 34. Yes.

  In addition, the drawing set and displayed on the sprite surface 34 is performed by coloring each dot shown in FIG. One dot data having a data width of 4 bits designates any one of color data (16 colors) set in a palette table (A) described later.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a virtual screen configuration of the background surface 33. The background surface 33 is configured by a plurality of BG character surfaces 36 arranged in a matrix of 8 rows in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) 16 columns × vertical direction (vertical direction) in the background surface 33.

  One BG character surface 36 is equivalent to the tile surface 35 shown in FIG. 9, and is composed of a total of 1024 dots of 32 rows x 32 columns. The dot number on the BG character surface 36 is also the same as that on the tile surface 35.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of character data for one BG character plane 36 shown in FIG. The data width of 1 dot is 8 bits (0 to 255), and in the character ROM 21, an address is given with 2 dots of data (16 bits) as one unit. The 1-dot data on the background surface 33 has a data width of 8 bits, and therefore designates one of the color data (256 colors) set in the palette table (B) described later. is there.

  Next, the relationship between the sprite surface 34 and the display screen 37 of the liquid crystal display unit 20 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sprite virtual screen 38 and the display screen 37 on which the sprite surface 34 can be set.

  The size of the display screen 37 can be arbitrarily specified in the range of 160 to 320 dots in the horizontal direction and 128 to 255 lines in the vertical direction. For example, when the size of 200 dots in the horizontal direction and 160 dots in the vertical direction is specified, The size of the display screen 37 is set and stored in advance in the program ROM of the memory. In the following description, the size of the display screen 37 is assumed to be 200 dots in the horizontal direction and 160 dots in the vertical direction.

  The sprite virtual screen 38 includes the base point coordinates (0, 0) for the sprite virtual screen 38 determined by the VDP 22 and four points of the coordinates (1023, 0), (0, 1023), (1023, 1023). The rectangular display screen 37 is set to a rectangular area, the upper left corner of the rectangular display screen 37 is set as the base point 39, and the base point 39 of the display screen 37 matches the base point coordinates (0, 0) of the sprite virtual screen 38. Therefore, the display screen 37 is fixedly set with respect to the sprite virtual screen 38.

  Further, the display position of the sprite surface 34 changes with respect to the display screen 37 according to the display start coordinate position of the sprite surface 34 on the sprite virtual screen 38, and can be hidden or partially displayed on the display screen 37.

  Next, the relationship between the background surface 33 and the display screen 37 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the background surface 33 and the display screen 37. The background screen 33 is a rectangular area including the background base point coordinates (0, 0) determined by the VDP 22 and the four points of the coordinates (511, 0), (0, 255), and (511, 255). In the rectangular display screen 37, the base point 39 of the display screen 37 can be arbitrarily specified in the background surface 33. That is, the horizontal display start position of the base point 39 of the display screen 37 is set within the range of 0 to 511 (dots), and the vertical display start position of the base point 39 of the display screen 37 is set within the range of 0 to 255 (dots). The position of the display screen 37 with respect to the surface 33 is set. FIG. 17 shows the relationship among the sprite virtual screen 38, the background surface 33, and the display screen 37.

Next, the configuration of the memory 24 of the VDP 22 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing various tables and storage areas set in the memory 24. The memory 24 includes at least a sprite surface table area, a background table area, a palette table (A) area, and a palette table (B) area. , A common control setting table, a command data storage area, a display synchronization position setting input / output area, a work area, and a program ROM area in which a program for the image processing unit 25 to perform image processing according to display data from the sub CPU 17 is stored Is set.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of each sprite table in the sprite surface table area, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of storage contents of the sprite table. The size of one sprite surface table is 8 bytes.

  Further, the display priority when the sprite surfaces defined by the sprite tables are overlapped with each other is determined so as to increase in order from the largest table number of the sprite table shown in FIG.

  Next, the contents stored in the sprite table shown in FIG. 20 will be described. The end flag is for controlling the continuation and termination of the sprite processing for superimposing and arranging the sprite surfaces 34. When the value is 0, the end flag is displayed rather than this table by the image processing unit 25. This means that sprite processing of the higher priority sprite table is continued. If the value is 1, the sprite processing of the sprite table with higher display priority than this table by the image processing unit 25 is performed. It means that the sprite process is terminated at the table and the process proceeds to the background process.

  The storage source identification flag is a flag for identifying a storage source of a group of character data constituting the sprite surface 34 defined by the sprite table. If the value of the storage source identification flag is 0, it means that a group of character data constituting the sprite surface 34 is stored in the character ROM 21, and if the value of the storage source identification flag is 1, the sprite surface This means that a group of character data composing 34 is stored in the character RAM 26.

  The horizontal direction display start position setting area is an area for designating the horizontal direction start coordinates of the base point of the sprite surface 34 on the sprite virtual screen 38 within a range of 0 to 1023 dots.

  The vertical display start position setting area is an area for designating the vertical start coordinates of the base point of the sprite surface 34 on the sprite virtual screen 38 within a range of 0 to 1023 dots.

  The horizontal arrangement combination size setting area is an area for designating the number of tile surfaces 35 arranged in the horizontal direction within the range of “000” to “111”, that is, tile numbers # 0 to # 7.

  The vertical direction combination size setting area is an area for designating the number of tile surfaces 35 arranged in the vertical direction within the range of “000” to “111”, that is, tile numbers # 0 to # 7.

  The palette select control setting area is an area for setting a palette in which 16 colors (including transparent colors) are set to be used on the sprite surface 34, and a palette number set in a palette table (A) described later. Is specified within the range of 0 to 31.

  In the symbol erasure control setting area, when the value is 0, the sprite surface display of the sprite surface 34 defined in the sprite table is performed. When a plurality of sprite surfaces 34 are superimposed and displayed on the screen, the symbol display of each sprite surface 34 below the display priority order of the sprite surface 34 defined by the sprite data is erased, and the background surface 33 in the erased portion. Only displayed.

  The priority control setting area is an area for setting a priority order with respect to the background surface 33 when the sprite surface 34 defined by the sprite table is displayed on the screen. The priority control setting region is above the background surface 33 or below the background surface 33. However, in this embodiment, each sprite surface 34 is set to have a higher display priority than the background surface 33, and therefore is set above the background surface 33.

  The character number setting area is an area for designating an address of the top tile surface 35 constituting the sprite surface 34 defined by the sprite table, that is, tile number # 0 on the sprite surface 34. The address is the address in the character ROM 21 when the storage source identification flag designates the character ROM 21, and the address in the character RAM 26 when the storage source identification flag designates the character RAM 26. .

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of each background table in the background table area, and FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage contents of the background table. In the present embodiment, the storage number of the BG character plane data setting area for defining the BG character plane 36 in the background table area is 128, and the size of the BG character plane data setting area is 2 bytes. Table numbers 0 to 127 are assigned to the respective background tables in order, and the arrangement positions on the background surface 33 of the BG character surface 36 defined by the respective background tables are as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the head address of the BG character plane data in the character ROM 21 is set in the BG character plane data setting area.

  Next, a palette table for performing color designation will be described. The pallet table (A) is for the sprite surface, and the pallet table (B) is for the background surface.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a storage state of each pallet table in the pallet table (A) area, and FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of storage contents of the pallet table in the pallet table (A) area. In the embodiment, the total number of pallet tables stored in the pallet table (A) area is 512, and each pallet is divided into 32 pallets, each having 16 pallet tables. Yes. Note that the number of colors displayed on one palette is 16 colors because one palette is composed of 16 palette tables. Note that the top of each palette is designated as transparent (no drawing).

  The size of each palette table itself shown in FIG. 24 is 2 bytes, and the brightness selection area can specify brightness of 2 gradations. Each region for designating the three primary colors red, green, and blue is provided with 4 bits.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a storage state of each pallet table in the pallet table (B) area. The size of each pallet table itself is 2 bytes, and its configuration is the same as the stored contents of the pallet table in the pallet table (A) area. In the embodiment, the total number of stored pallet tables in the pallet table (B) area is 256, and the number of color display is 256 colors.

  Next, the common image control setting table will be described. As shown in FIG. 26, the common image control setting table includes at least a sprite surface processing control flag, a background surface processing control flag, a priority control flag, and a background display start position setting area.

  The sprite surface processing control flag is a flag for controlling on / off of the processing on the entire sprite surface, and is off when the value is 0, and is on when the value is 1.

  The background surface processing control flag is a flag for controlling on / off of processing on the entire background. When the value is 0, the flag is off. When the value is 1, the background surface processing control flag is on.

  The priority control flag sets priorities (six ways) among the background surface 33, the window surface, and the superimpose surface. However, the window surface and the superimpose surface are not related to the gist of the invention, so In the embodiment, the description is omitted. In this embodiment, the background surface 33 is set to the lowest level.

  The background display start position setting area is divided into a horizontal display start position setting area and a vertical display start position setting area. As described above, the horizontal display start position of the base point 39 of the display screen 37 is set within the range of 0 to 511 (dots), and the vertical display start position of the base point 39 of the display screen 37 is set within the range of 0 to 255 (dots). Then, the position of the display screen 37 with respect to the background surface 33 is set.

  The command data storage area shown in FIG. 18 is an area for temporarily storing command data transmitted from the main CPU 2.

  The display synchronization position setting input / output area shown in FIG. 18 includes setting registers for setting each period (one dot) related to the period, synchronization width, display start position, and display end position of the horizontal synchronization signal shown in FIG. 27, each setting register for setting each period (one line) related to the period of the vertical synchronizing signal, the synchronizing width, the display start position, and the display end position.

  It should be noted that the dots in the upper leftmost row on the display screen 37 in the 0th row and the 0th column are sequentially scanned in the horizontal direction in accordance with the horizontal synchronization signal, and the uppermost right row on the display screen 37 in the 0th row, nth. When the scanning of the dots in the column is completed, the vertical synchronizing signal is synchronized with the horizontal synchronizing signal, the scanning position shifts to the dots in the first row and the zeroth column, and the subsequent scanning is performed in the same manner. Then, an image is displayed on the display screen 37.

Next, processing means for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, display control processing performed by the sub CPU 17 in FIG. 3 will be described. 28 to 29 are flowcharts showing an outline of the display control process executed by the sub CPU 17. The sub CPU 17 performs initialization processing immediately after power-on, initializes flags and registers necessary for the following processing (step A01), and proceeds to step A02.

  The sub CPU 17 determines the gaming status of the pachinko gaming machine based on the contents of the command data transmitted from the main control unit 1 and transferred to the sub RAM 19 by the determination processing of step A02 to step A07.

  First, in step A02, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming machine is in a state where there is no symbol variation. After the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, there is no symbol variation when the pachinko gaming machine is not playing or when there is no memory of the winning game ball at the starting port 9 even during the game. If there is no symbol variation, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A02 is true, proceeds to step A08 and displays a standby state image (step A08), returns to step A02 again after the process of step A08, The processing loop formed by step A02 and step A08 is repeated.

  For the standby state image, the sub CPU 17 sets necessary data in each setting area shown in FIG. 20 in each sprite table shown in FIG. 19, and the image processing unit 25 of the VDP 22 reads the CDROM according to the contents of each sprite table. The group of character data for the standby state image transferred from the device 28 to the character RAM 26 is sequentially read out from the character RAM 26 and subjected to sprite processing, and the group of character data for background stored in the character ROM 26 is converted into the image processing unit 25. Sequentially reads and performs background processing, combines the sprite surface data created by the sprite processing with the background surface data created by the background processing, and outputs an RGB signal as a synthesis result to the D / A converter 23. By drawing It is displayed.

  When there is a change in the game situation in the pachinko gaming machine, the command data also changes in accordance with the change in the game situation. When the game ball wins the starting port 9, the winning of the game ball is stored in the starting port 9, and the contents of the command data are changing in design.

  The sub CPU 17 determines that step A02 is false and proceeds to step A03. In step A03, it is determined whether or not the symbol is changing. If the symbol is changing, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A03 is true and proceeds to step A09.

  In step A09, a symbol variation image is displayed. Sub CPU17 returns to step A02 again after the process of step A09, and repeats the process loop formed by step A02, step A03, and step A09. In the symbol variation image, each symbol data is set in each sprite table according to each symbol number of the left, middle and right symbols in the command data, and each display position of the left, middle and right symbols. By reading out the character data of each symbol from the character ROM 21 according to the setting contents, creating sprite surface data, combining it with the above-mentioned background surface data, and outputting the RGB signal as the combined result to the D / A converter 23 The image is displayed.

  The left, middle, and right symbols that are fluctuating are stopped and displayed in the order of left, right, and middle when a predetermined time elapses. As shown in FIG. 4, when the left symbol and the right symbol that are displayed in a stopped state coincide with each other, reach occurs, and the content of the command data causes reach.

  When the content of the command data is reached, the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination processes at step A02 and step A03 are false, and proceeds to step A04. In step A04, it is determined whether or not a reach has occurred. If the reach occurs, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A04 is true and proceeds to step A10. In step A10, a reach occurrence image is displayed. Sub CPU17 returns to step A02 again after the process of step A10, and repeats the processing loop formed by step A02, step A03, step A04, and step A10. Note that the reach generation image is performed by the same algorithm as the processing at the time of symbol variation, but only the middle symbol varies, and the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped and displayed.

  When the middle symbol is stopped and displayed, it is determined whether or not the combination of the left, middle and right symbols stopped and displayed on the main control unit 1 side is a big hit. That is, it is determined by whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number is related to the jackpot. If it is not a big hit, if there is a game ball winning memory at the start port 9, the contents of the command data are changing, and if there is no game ball winning memory at the start port 9, a command is issued after a predetermined time. The content of the data becomes no pattern fluctuation.

  When a big hit occurs, that is, when the left, middle and right symbols are one of the combinations of symbols shown in FIG. 5, the content of the command data is a big hit.

  When the content of the command data is a big hit, the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination processes in step A02, step A03, and step A04 are false, and proceeds to step A05. In step A05, it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred. If a big hit has occurred, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A05 is true and proceeds to step A11. In step A11, a big hit occurrence image is displayed. Each setting data relating to the “big hit” character and the display character (for example, ninja, thousand box, monkey, “V”, spear) is set in each sprite table of FIG. 19, and the VDP 22 determines the character ROM 21 according to the setting contents of the sprite table. The character data of each symbol is read out to create sprite surface data, combined with the background surface data, and the RGB signal as the combined result is output to the D / A converter 23, thereby displaying the jackpot occurrence image. .

  Sub CPU17 returns to step A02 again after the process of step A10, and repeats the processing loop formed by step A02, step A03, step A04, step A05, and step A11.

  When a big hit occurs, on the main control unit 1 side, the solenoid SOL1 is excited via the solenoid drive circuit 12 of FIG. 1, the big winning opening 10 shown in FIG. 2 is opened, and the content of the command data is in the big hit operation. It becomes. The number of rounds related to the opening operation of the big winning opening 10, the game ball passing to the specific area 11, the type of the winning symbol (the symbol number of the big winning symbol), and the number of winnings to the big winning slot 10 are the contents of the command data. And transmitted to the sub-control unit 8.

  When the content of the command data is in a big hit operation, the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination processes in step A02, step A03, step A04, and step A05 are false, and proceeds to step A06. In step A06, it is determined whether or not a big hit operation is being performed. If the big hit operation is being performed, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A06 is true and proceeds to step A12. In step A12, the SUB (A) subroutine is executed. The sub CPU 17 returns to step A02 after the processing of the SUB (A) subroutine, and repeats the processing loop formed by the step A02, step A03, step A04, step A05, step A06, and the SUB (A) subroutine.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an outline of the SUB (A) subroutine processing. When the sub CPU 17 starts this subroutine processing, first, in step A20, it is determined whether or not the specific area is passed (step A20). At the time of the opening operation of the big prize opening 10, since the game ball can be seen as not passing through the specific area 11, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A20 is false and shifts to step A21.

  In step A21, images of consecutive times are displayed according to the number of rounds in the contents of command data. 30 to 38 show images of consecutive times corresponding to the number of rounds.

  The number of consecutive images depends on the number of rounds in the command data and the symbol data corresponding to the symbol number of the jackpot symbol, and the display character (for example, Tonosama, Tsuruhime, Ninja) that appears in each consecutive number of images according to the number of rounds Each symbol data is set in each sprite table, and the screen VDP 22 reads out the character data of each symbol from the character RAM 26 according to the setting contents of each sprite table to create sprite surface data. The image is displayed by combining the data and outputting the RGB signal as a combination result to the D / A converter 23.

  On the pachinko gaming machine side, when a game ball wins in the specific area 11 of the open big winning opening 10, the passage of the specific area is stored in the content of the command data and is sent to the sub-control unit 8. When the sub CPU 17 detects passage through the specific area in the SUB (A) subroutine processing (step A20), the sub CPU 17 proceeds to step A22 and displays a specific area passage image as shown in FIG. 39 (step A22).

  When the game ball that has won the big prize opening 10 passes the specific area 11, the continuous condition is established, and after the big prize opening 10 is closed, the big prize opening 10 is opened again. The continuous opening operation of the big prize opening 10 is performed up to 10 times if the big hit symbol including the first time is a big hit by the combination shown in FIG. 6, and up to 16 times if the big win by any other combination. When the big prize opening 10 is opened again, the number of rounds of command data is increased by one. The sub CPU 17 executes a SUB (A) subroutine process, and displays each successive number of images according to the number of rounds.

  When the big hit operation end condition is satisfied, the main controller 1 side demagnetizes the solenoid SOL1 via the solenoid drive circuit 12 of FIG. 1, closes the big winning opening 10, and the content of the command data is the big hit operation. End. Note that the condition for ending the big hit action is satisfied, for example, when a game ball does not win the specific area 11 of the open big winning opening 10 and a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of gaming balls have won the big winning opening. The case where the winning prize opening 10 is closed by winning 10 or the case where the continuous number of opening operations corresponding to the jackpot symbol is achieved.

  When the content of the command data ends the jackpot operation, the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination processes in step A02, step A03, step A04, step A05, and step A06 are false, and proceeds to step A07. In step A07, it is determined whether or not the big hit operation is finished. If the big hit operation is finished, the sub CPU 17 determines that step A07 is true and proceeds to step A13. In step A13, a big hit end image as shown in FIG. 40 is displayed. The sub CPU 17 returns to step A02 again after the process of step A13, and repeats the processing loop formed by steps A02 to A07 and step A13.

  After the big hitting operation, if there is a game ball winning memorization at the start port 9, the contents of the command data are changing, and if there is no game ball winning memorizing at the start port 9, the command data after a predetermined time. The contents of no change in design.

  Next, as a specific example of the SUB (A) subroutine processing, for example, a continuous number image displayed when the number of rounds shown in FIG. 32 is five is taken as an example, and the flowcharts of FIGS. 41 to 45 are referred to. The display control process of the sub CPU 17 will now be described.

  First, the sub CPU 17 searches the status of the command data transferred to the sub RAM 19, and determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine is currently in a big hit (step P01). If the sub CPU 17 determines that it is not a big hit, the sub CPU 17 ends the process without starting the display control process at the fifth consecutive time.

  If it is determined that the pachinko gaming machine is currently a big hit, the sub CPU 17 next determines whether or not the status round number is 5 (step P02). When it is determined that the number of status rounds is not 5, the sub CPU 17 ends the process without starting the display control process at the fifth consecutive time.

  If it is determined in step P02 that the number of status rounds is 5, the sub CPU 17 proceeds to step P03 and determines whether or not the execution start flag F2 is the initial value 0 (step P03). ). Note that the value of the execution start flag F2 is assumed to be an initial value 0 when a display control process is newly started at the fifth consecutive time. The sub CPU 17 stores the execution start by setting the execution start flag F2 to a value 1 that defines the execution in progress (step P04), and transmits a designated address corresponding to the round number 5 to the CDROM reading device 28 (step S04). P05) and the process proceeds to Step P06.

  In FIG. 3, when the CDROM reading device 28 receives the designated address transmitted from the sub CPU 17, it reads out a group of character data of a predetermined block from the address of the CDROM 27 designated by the designated address and transfers it to the character RAM 26. The group of character data of the predetermined block is necessary for image display at the fifth consecutive time.

  The sub CPU 17 that has proceeded to step P06 sets the initial value 0 to the display state identification counter f1 (step P06), sets the initial value 0 to the movement display execution flag f2 (step P07), and proceeds to step P08.

  The sub CPU 17 performs settings related to the initial screen displayed on the display screen 37 by the processing of Step P08 to Step P12.

  First, in step P08, a background surface 33A representing the inside of the castle as shown in FIG. 46 is set in the background table. Each character data related to each BG character surface 36 for constituting the background surface 33A is set in the character ROM 21 of FIG. 3, and each background table shown in FIG. Each address in the ROM 21 is set.

  Next, in step P09, a sprite surface 34A representing numbers as shown in FIG. 47 is set in the sprite table # 0. In FIG. 47, for example, the fifth continuous time is shown. In the sprite table # 0 as shown in FIG. 20, the value 0 (continue) is set in the end flag, the value 0 (character ROM 21) is set in the storage source identification flag, and a number is expressed in the character number setting area. The head address in the character ROM 21 relating to the character data to be set is set.

  Next, in step P10, a sprite surface 34B representing the round “R” as shown in FIG. 48 is set in the sprite table # 1. Note that the value 0 (continue) is set in the end flag of the sprite table # 1, the value 0 (character ROM 21) is set in the storage source identification flag, and the character related to the character data expressing “R” in the character number setting area. The head address in the ROM 21 is set.

  Next, in step P11, the sprite surface 34C representing the big hit symbol is set in the sprite table # 2. The sub CPU 17 selects and sets the jackpot symbol by the jackpot symbol number in the command data. Note that the value 0 (continue) is set in the end flag of the sprite table # 0, the value 0 (character ROM 21) is set in the storage source identification flag, and the character number setting area is a character related to the character data representing the jackpot symbol. The head address in the ROM 21 is set.

  After the process of step P11, a footprint display subroutine is executed (step P12). FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an outline of a footprint display subroutine.

  The sub CPU 17 sets a sprite surface 34D representing a footprint as shown in FIG. 49 in the sprite table # 3 (step P31). Note that the value 0 (continue) is set to the end flag of the sprite table # 3, the value 1 (character RAM 26) is set to the storage source identification flag, and the character representing the footprint shown in FIG. 49 is displayed in the character number setting area. A leading address in the character RAM 26 relating to data is set.

  Next, the sub CPU 17 sets a sprite surface 34E representing a footprint as shown in FIG. 49 in the sprite table # 4 (step P32). Note that the value 0 (continue) is set in the end flag of the sprite table # 4, the value 1 (design erase) is set in the symbol erase control setting area, and the value 1 (character RAM 26) is set in the storage source identification flag. In the character number setting area, the head address in the character RAM 26 relating to the character data expressing the footprint shown in FIG. 49 is set.

  Next, the sub CPU 17 sets a sprite surface 34F representing a footprint as shown in FIG. 49 in the sprite table # 5 (step P33). Note that the value 0 (continue) is set in the end flag of the sprite table # 5, the value 1 (character RAM 26) is set in the storage source identification flag, and the character representing the footprint shown in FIG. 49 is displayed in the character number setting area. A leading address in the character RAM 26 relating to data is set.

  Next, the sub CPU 17 sets a sprite surface 34G representing a footprint as shown in FIG. 49 in the sprite table # 6 (step P34). Note that the value 0 (continue) is set to the end flag of the sprite table # 6, the value 1 (character RAM 26) is set to the storage source identification flag, and the value 1 (design erase) is set to the symbol erase control setting area. In the character number setting area, the head address in the character RAM 26 relating to the character data expressing the footprint shown in FIG. 49 is set. The sub CPU 17 returns to the main routine after the process of step P34.

  After executing the footprint display subroutine in step P12, the sub CPU 17 proceeds to step P13 and sets a sprite surface 34H representing a ninja as shown in FIG. 50 in the sprite table # 7 (step P13). The value 1 (end) is set in the end flag of the sprite table # 7, the value 1 (character RAM 26) is set in the storage source identification flag, and the character representing the ninja shown in FIG. 50 is displayed in the character number setting area. A leading address in the character RAM 26 relating to data is set.

  Sub CPU17 transfers to Step P14 after processing of Step P13, sets a predetermined value to a display counter (Step P14), and finishes display control processing of this cycle. In addition, the setting state of the sprite surfaces 34A to 34H in the sprite tables # 0 to # 7 is shown in FIG.

  Character data for constructing the sprite surface 34A for representing numbers, the sprite surface 34B for representing "R" and the sprite surface 34C for representing the jackpot symbol are stored in the character ROM 21, and the sprite surface 34D for representing footprints and ninjas. Character data for configuring .about.34H is stored in the character RAM 26. FIG. The character data for constituting the sprite surfaces 34D to 34H stored in the character RAM 26 is the character data transferred from the CD ROM reading device 28 to the character RAM 26 by the process of step P05.

  As a result of the execution start flag F2 being set to the value 1 that defines execution, if the determination processing of step P01 and step P02 is determined to be true in the subsequent display control processing, the execution start flag F2 of step P03 is determined. Therefore, the sub CPU 17 shifts to Step P15.

  In step P15, the value of the display counter is subtracted, and in the subsequent step P16, it is determined whether or not the value of the display counter has reached zero. If it is determined that the value of the display counter is not 0, the sub CPU 17 ends the display control process for the current cycle. Hereinafter, the sub CPU 17 is formed by Step P01, Step P02, Step P03, Step P15, and Step P16 until the value of the display counter reaches 0 on the condition that the number of rounds is 5 under a big hit. Repeat the waiting process loop.

  Note that while the sub CPU 17 performs the standby processing loop, the image processing unit 25 performs an image composition process. Since the end flag of sprite table # 7 is 1, sprite tables # 7 to # 0 are sprite processed. Further, since the sprite tables # 4 and # 6 are set for symbol deletion, the background surface 33A is displayed in the display area of the sprite surface 34E and the sprite surface 34G. On the display screen 37, the sprite surface 34A, the sprite surface 34B, the sprite surface 34C, the sprite surfaces 34D to 34G, and the sprite surface 34H are combined with the background surface 33A, and as shown in FIG. A ninja and two footprints are displayed in a composite manner.

  Here, the video screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 will be described in detail.

  First, the background surface 33A representing the inside of the castle shown in FIG. 46 is set in the background table shown in FIG. 21 so that the margin area 33Aa is displayed on the left side of the castle display area on the left side of the display screen 37.

  For example, the configuration of the sprite surface 34H representing a ninja as shown in FIG. 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 52, a total of 16 tile surfaces 35 (0) to 35 (15) of 4 × 4 in width. It is comprised by. Further, the setting state of the sprite surface 34H in the sprite table # 7 will be described. In FIG. 20, the end flag is set to a value 1 which is the end of the sprite processing, and the storage identification flag is set to a value 1 (character RAM 26). The horizontal display start position coordinate and the vertical display start position coordinate of the base point of the sprite surface 34H on the sprite virtual screen 38 in FIG. 15 are set in each setting area, and a value of 4 is set in the horizontal arrangement combination size setting area. Is set, a value of 4 is set in the vertical arrangement combination size setting area, a value of 0 defining normal sprite is set in the symbol erasure control setting area, and the sprite surface 34H is set in the palette select control area. For example, pallet number # 7 is set in the corresponding pallet table (A) of FIG. The character number setting area, the head of the tile surface 35 addresses in the character RAM26 (1) of each tile surfaces 35 (0) to the tile surface 35 (15) of Figure 52 comprising a sprite surface 34H is set.

  For example, in FIG. 50, in the area where the ninja pattern of each tile surface 35 (0) to tile surface 35 (15) is not drawn, 4-bit dot data for determining the color of each dot belonging to the area is displayed. The transparent color in the designated palette number # 7 is designated. Therefore, when the sprite surface 34H is overlaid on the background surface 33A, the pattern on the background surface 33A is displayed on the screen as it is in the area designated as the transparent color.

  In this embodiment, the sprite surfaces that are also used as the erasing sprite surface are the sprite surface 34E that represents the left middle footprint and the sprite surface 34G that represents the right footprint.

  As described above, the sprite surfaces 34A to 34H set in the sprite tables # 0 to # 7 are superimposed on the background surface 33A as shown in FIG. The sprite surface 34H defined by the sprite table # 7 has the highest display priority.

  First, of the background surface 33A defined by the background table, the area where the image is actually displayed on the display screen 37 is the display screen set in the background display start position setting area of the common image control setting table. 37 is determined by the horizontal display start position and the vertical display start position.

  As shown in FIG. 53, the display start position coordinates (X1, Y1) of the sprite surface 34A and the display of the sprite surface 34B are based on the base point coordinates (0, 0) of the sprite virtual screen that coincide with the base point 39 of the display screen 37. The start position coordinates (X1, Y2), the display start position coordinates (X1, Y5) of the sprite surface 34C, and the display start position coordinates (X2, Y4) of the sprite surface 34D, and the display start position coordinates (X3, Y4) of the sprite surface 34E. ), Display start position coordinates (X4, Y4) of the sprite surface 34F, display start position slips (X5, Y4) of the sprite surface 34G, and display start position slips (X2, Y3) of the sprite surface 34H. One screen image is displayed on the screen 37.

  When the sprite surface 34E and the sprite surface 34G are set as the erasing sprite surface, a portion of the sprite surface whose display priority is lower than the erasing sprite surfaces 34E and 34G is overlapped with the sprite surfaces 34E and 34G. Instead of being displayed, the pattern of the background surface 33A is displayed in the erased portion, resulting in a display screen as shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 43, when the value of the display counter reaches 0 while the sub CPU 17 repeatedly performs the standby processing loop, the sub CPU 17 proceeds to step P17 after the determination in step P16, and sets the value of the display state identification counter f1 to 1. (Step P17), and the process proceeds to step P18. The current value of the display state identification counter f1 is 1.

  In step P18, it is determined whether or not the value of the display state identification counter f1 is within a range of 1 ≦ f1 ≦ n (where n> 2). Since the current value of the display state identification counter f1 is 1, the sub CPU 17 proceeds to ninja movement display processing in step P19.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ninja movement display process. When starting the ninja movement display process, the sub CPU 17 first determines whether or not the movement display execution flag f2 is 0 (step P40). When the ninja movement display process is newly started, the movement display execution flag f2 is set to 0 by the process of step P07. The sub CPU 17 determines that step P40 is true, sets 1 to the execution flag for moving display f2, stores it in progress (step P41), sets the erase switch flag to 0 (step P42), and proceeds to step P43. To do.

  The sub CPU 17 that has proceeded to step P43 sets the X coordinate values of the display start positions of the sprite tables # 3 to # 6 that define the four footprints separately and the sprite table # 7 that defines the ninja by ΔX. (X−ΔX) is set as the X coordinate position of each display start position of the sprite tables # 3 to # 7, and the process proceeds to step P44. As a result, the display positions of the ninja and the four footprints move to the left on the display screen 37.

  The sub CPU 17 that has proceeded to Step P44 determines whether or not the erasure switching flag is 0 (Step P44). If the ninja movement display process is newly started, since the erasure switching flag is set to 0, the sub CPU 17 determines that it is true and proceeds to step P45.

  In step P45, the settings in the symbol erasure control setting area of sprite table # 4 and sprite table # 6 are respectively switched to the value 1 (design erase) (step P45), and then in step P46, the value of the erase switching flag is changed from 0. It is switched to 1.

  The sub CPU 17 returns to the main routine after the process of step P46, proceeds to step P14, sets a predetermined value in the display counter (step P14), and ends the display control process of the current cycle.

  After the next period, the sub CPU 17 repeatedly performs the standby processing loop. Note that while the sub CPU 17 is performing the standby processing loop, the image processing unit 25 performs image composition processing. Since the end flag of sprite table # 7 is 1, sprite tables # 7 to # 0 are sprite processed.

  Further, since the sprite tables # 4 and # 6 are set for symbol deletion, the background surface 33A is displayed in the display area of the sprite surface 34E and the sprite surface 34G, and the display screen 37 has a background surface. The sprite surface 34A, sprite surface 34B, sprite surface 34C, sprite surface 34D to sprite surface 34G, and sprite surface 34H are combined with 33A. As shown in FIG. 54, the ninja and two footprints are combined and displayed on the image showing the inside of the castle and 5R. Will be. However, the ninja and the two footprints are shifted to the left side of the display screen 37 from the display position shown in FIG.

  When the value of the display counter reaches 0 while the sub CPU 17 repeats the standby processing loop, the sub CPU 17 proceeds to step P17 after the determination in step P16, and increases the value of the display state identification counter f1 by one (step P17), the process proceeds to step P18. Note that the current value of the display state identification counter f1 is 2, and the sub CPU 17 shifts again to the ninja movement display process of step P19.

  In the ninja movement display process executed this time, as a result of setting 1 to the movement display execution flag f2, the sub CPU 17 shifts to step P43 after determining that step P40 is false, and sets sprite tables # 3 to # 7. (X−ΔX) is set as the X coordinate position of each display start position, and the process proceeds to Step P44.

  In step P44, since the erasure switching flag is set to 1, the sub CPU 17 determines that it is false and proceeds to step P47.

  In step P47, the settings in the symbol erasure control setting area of sprite table # 4 and sprite table # 6 are respectively switched to the value 0 (normal sprite) (step P47), and then the value of the erasure switching flag is changed from 1 in step P48. Switched to zero.

  The sub CPU 17 returns to the main routine after the process of step P48, proceeds to step P14, sets a predetermined value in the display counter (step P14), and ends the display control process of the current cycle.

  After the next period, the sub CPU 17 repeatedly performs the standby processing loop. Note that while the sub CPU 17 is performing the standby processing loop, the image processing unit 25 performs image composition processing. Since the end flag of sprite table # 7 is 1, sprite tables # 7 to # 0 are sprite processed.

  In addition, since the sprite tables # 4 and # 6 are set as normal sprites, the display screen 37 includes a sprite surface 34A, a sprite surface 34B, a sprite surface 34C, sprite surfaces 34D to 34G, a sprite on the background surface 33A. The surface 34H is synthesized, and as shown in FIG. 55, the ninja and the four footprints are synthesized and displayed in the image showing the inside of the castle and 5R. However, the ninja and the four footprints are shifted to the left side of the display screen 37 from the display positions of the previous two ninjas and the footprints.

  As is clear from the flowchart shown in FIG. 43, the switching display between the two footprints and the four footprints is performed until the value of the display state identification counter f1 reaches n. By updating the value of the display state identification counter f1 when the value of the display counter reaches 0, the ninja and the footprint are displayed on the left side of the display screen 37 until the value of the display state identification counter f1 exceeds n. In addition, two footprints and four footprints are alternately displayed every time the display position changes, and it is visually recognized as if a ninja is running.

  When the value of the display state identification counter f1 exceeds n and becomes n + 1, the determination result of step P18 becomes false, and the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination process of step P20 is true and proceeds to step P21, and FIG. ) Is displayed (step P21). Note that the screen 33 image display process in step P21 is the same as the process in steps P08 to P14 except that the type of character data is different and the display coordinate position is different. The process of displaying the image on the screen 33 is performed until the value of the display state identification counter f1 reaches n + 2, and when the value of the display state identification counter f1 reaches n + 2, the sub CPU 17 determines that the determination process of step P20 is false. Then, the process returns to step P06, and the setting relating to the initial screen in FIG. 54 is performed again.

  Note that the display control process at the fifth consecutive time is continued under the condition that a big hit is made and the number of rounds is five. When a change occurs in the gaming state on the pachinko gaming machine side, the status of the sent status is a big hit and the number of rounds is not five, the determination in step P01 or step P02 becomes false, and the execution flag F2 is cleared. (Step P22), the display control process at the fifth consecutive time is completed.

  As described above, as a specific example of the SUB (A) subroutine processing, for example, the continuous number of images displayed when the number of rounds shown in FIG. 32 is 5 has been described as an example. In the control process of symbol display corresponding to the number of rounds of opening, that is, the number of rounds, a group of character data blocks for representing an image related to the number of rounds is transferred between the character RAM 26 and the CDROM reading device 28. Each time the number of rounds is changed, the screen is switched, and display switching of the screen and display control of the moving image are performed.

  In the above example, a group of character data blocks for expressing symbols for the display image during the big hit operation is exchanged between the character RAM 26 and the CDROM reading device 28 every time the number of rounds changes. As described above, the character RAM 26 and the CDROM reading device 28 are exchanged with a group of character data blocks for expressing symbols in response to whether a big hit is lost or a big hit occurs. May be.

  In one embodiment of the invention described above, one block out of a large number of character data stored in the CDROM 27 is transferred to the character RAM 26 based on the command data generated according to the game mode, and the liquid crystal display unit 20 performs a predetermined process. The example of performing the moving image processing is shown, but a number of characters stored in the CDROM 27 according to each of the pachinko game modes (winning establishment, winning to the start port 9, winning big hit, power-on of the pachinko machine, etc.) The data may be directly accessed without using the character RAM 26 to control the image on the liquid crystal display unit 20.

  The CDROM 27 that can be attached to and detached from the CDROM reader 28 is powered on, pachinko machine power is turned on, general winning is established, starting port 9 is won, jackpot is established, whether a winning ball is passed through a specific area, For each of a series of pachinko game steps such as the number of consecutive opening operations of the grand prize opening 10, different types of different video steps (video story development) In addition, it is good also as a structure which can prepare a western play story, a travel route development, etc. previously.

  In one embodiment of the invention described above, the character ROM 21 is provided for setting the basic video, but the character data of the character ROM 21 may be set in the CD ROM 27 as well.

  According to the pachinko machine of the present invention, the auxiliary storage means for preliminarily storing the symbol data for creating the symbol to be displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device, the control unit provided in the symbol display device body and the pachinko machine, Since the display control means for selecting the symbol data from the auxiliary storage means and displaying the symbols on the display screen is provided in the symbol display device main body corresponding to the mode of the game that occurs in the pachinko machine, the display screen The design data storage area for creating the symbols to be displayed above is secured to increase the number of symbol data, and the use of a liquid crystal display screen with a large display screen size makes it clear and detailed. Display symbols can be provided to the player.

  Further, the setting of the moving image shown on the display screen can be changed by attaching / detaching the storage medium to / from the auxiliary storage means.

  Furthermore, if a configuration employing an auxiliary storage device via a CD-ROM is adopted, it is possible to set a symbol based on a very high symbol data storage capacity, and to realize display of a moving image close to a real photograph image.

Main part block diagram which shows the outline of the pachinko game machine which is one Embodiment of this invention Front view of the game board deployed in the pachinko machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows the principal part of the liquid crystal display device arrange | positioned at the pachinko machine of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display image displayed on a liquid crystal display part during a pattern fluctuation A diagram showing combinations of left, middle and right symbols that are big hits on the LCD A diagram showing a combination of left, middle, and right symbols that will be a big hit with 10 consecutive winning mouths The perspective view which shows notionally the virtual screen structure of the display screen displayed on a liquid crystal display part The figure which shows the virtual screen composition of the sprite surface conceptually The figure which shows the virtual screen constitution of the tile surface which forms the sprite surface The figure which shows the structure of the character data with respect to the tile surface The figure which shows notionally the storage state of the tile surface data which comprises one sprite surface in character ROM. The figure which shows the arrangement combination of the tile surface in the sprite surface The figure which shows the virtual screen composition of the background surface conceptually The figure which shows the structure of the character data with respect to the BG character surface which comprises a background surface The figure which shows the relation between the sprite virtual picture where the sprite surface can be set and the display picture Diagram showing the relationship between the background screen and the display screen The figure which shows the relationship between the sprite virtual screen, the background surface and the display screen The figure which shows the various tables and storage area which were set to memory The figure which shows the memory state of each sprite table in a sprite surface table area | region The figure which shows the composition of the memory contents of the sprite table The figure which shows the storage state of each background table in a background table area | region The figure which shows the structure of the memory content of the background table The figure which shows the storage state of each pallet table in a pallet table (A) area | region. The figure which shows the composition of the contents of the palette table The figure which shows the memory state of each pallet table in a pallet table (B) area | region. The figure which shows the structure of the memory content of a common image control setting table Timing chart showing horizontal sync signal and vertical sync signal A flowchart showing an outline of a display control program executed by the sub CPU. The flowchart which shows the outline of the SUB (A) subroutine process which sub CPU performs. The figure which shows the image displayed on the first or second consecutive times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed on the 3rd to 4th consecutive times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed on the 5th to 6th consecutive times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed on the 7th to 8th consecutive times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed on the 9th-10th consecutive times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed at the continuous number of times 11-12 during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed on the 13th to 14th consecutive number of times during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed at the 15th consecutive number during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed at the 16th consecutive number during the big hit operation The figure which shows the image displayed when passing a specific area during the big hit operation The figure which shows the picture which is displayed at the time of big hit operation end The flowchart which shows the outline of the display control program at the time of the continuous times 5th and 6th which a sub CPU performs Continuation of the flowchart in Figure 41 Continuation of the flowchart in Figure 41 Flowchart showing a footprint display processing subroutine executed by the sub CPU The flowchart which shows the ninja movement display process which sub CPU performs The figure which shows the image set to the background surface at the time of the continuous frequency 5th time and 6th time The figure which shows the image set to the 1st sprite surface at the time of the continuous times 5th time and 6th time The figure which shows the image set to the 2nd sprite surface at the time of the continuous times 5th time and 6th time The figure which shows the image each set to the 4th thru | or 7th sprite surface at the time of the continuous times 5th and 6th. The figure which shows the image set to the 8th sprite surface at the time of the continuous times 5th time and 6th time The figure which shows the memory state of each sprite table corresponding to the 1st thru | or 8th sprite surface in a sprite surface table area | region. The figure which shows the structure of an 8th sprite surface. The figure which shows the display start position on the display screen of each 1st thru | or 8th sprite surface. The figure which shows the initial image visually recognized on a display screen at the time of continuous 5th time according to the game state of a pachinko game. The figure which shows the 2nd image visually recognized on a display screen next to an initial image at the time of the 5th continuous.

Explanation of symbols

1 Main control unit 2 Main CPU
3 Main ROM
4 Main RAM
5 I / O interface 6 Communication means 7 Liquid crystal display device (design display device)
8 Sub-control unit 9 Start port 10 Large winning port 11 Specific area 12 Solenoid drive circuit 13 Symbol display device unit 14 Ordinary electric accessory 15 Movable door 16 Winning device unit 17 Sub CPU
18 Sub ROM
19 Sub RAM
20 Liquid crystal display 21 Character ROM
22 VDP (Video Display Processor)
23 D / A converter 24 Memory 25 Image processing unit 26 Character RAM
27 CDROM
28 CDROM Reading Device 29 Game Board 30 Left Symbol Display Unit 31 Middle Symbol Display Unit 32 Right Symbol Display Unit 33 Background Surface 34 Sprite Surface 35 Tile Surface 36 BG Character Surface 37 Display Screen 38 Sprite Virtual Screen 39 Base Point (Display Screen)
SW1 Start opening winning detection switch SW2 Specific area winning detection switch SW3 Large winning opening winning detection switch SOL1 Solenoid

Claims (1)

A symbol display device, a main control unit for performing control related to the entire pachinko game of the pachinko machine, and a sub-control unit for controlling display driving of the symbol display device in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit In a pachinko machine configured to transmit command data from the main control unit to the sub-control unit,

The main control unit includes a main CPU,
The sub control unit includes a sub CPU, a video display processor, and a character ROM and a character RAM connected to the video display processor,

In the sub-control unit,
Data temporary storage means for temporarily storing the command data transmitted from the main CPU via the communication means within a predetermined data amount range is provided,

In the video display processor,
A plurality of sprite tables having a display priority order when a plurality of sprites are superposed on one background are provided,

In each of the sprite tables, an end flag for setting whether or not to continue the superposition of the sprite having a high display priority, and a storage source of character data constituting the set sprite are the video display processor. the connected character ROM, or a storage source identification flag for identifying whether or stored in any of the storage source of the character RAM connected to said video display processor is provided,

Character data transferred from another storage medium is stored in the character RAM,

The sub CPU is
Display data creating means for creating display data based on command data sent from the main control unit, and when the creation of the display data is completed, the created display data is sent to the video display processor. Display data transmission means,

The display data creating means sets a plurality of character data necessary for image display in a plurality of sprite tables based on the command data transmitted from the main control unit, and for each sprite table in which the character data is set. the write the identification information identifies whether character data is stored in one of said storage source to the storage based on the identification flag Mutotomoni, end flag of the display priority highest sprite table among the plurality of sprites tables Is set to a value indicating termination, and a value indicating continuation is set to the end flag of each sprite table other than the sprite table having the highest display priority,

The video display processor is
In performing image composition processing based on display data created by the sub CPU,

Performing sprite superimposition processing on the sprite table with the higher display priority in order from the sprite table with the lower display priority; and

The character data is read from the storage source based on the identification information stored in the storage source identification flag of each sprite table, and the character data is set on each sprite surface based on each sprite table ,

When the end flag of the sprite table is a value indicating continuation, after performing the sprite overlay processing, the next sprite overlay processing set in the sprite table having the higher display priority is executed,
When the end flag is a value indicating the end, after performing the sprite superimposition process for which the end flag is set, the sprite superimposition process is terminated,

An image is displayed on the symbol display device.
A pachinko machine characterized by that.

Images