JP4448887B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to an improvement in transmission of a command signal from a game control device to a display control device.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, the interest of gaming is enhanced by displaying on a variable display device provided in the gaming machine so as to change in accordance with the progress of the game. Such a variable display device is controlled by a display control device, and display control by the display control device is performed based on a command signal from a game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner.

  8 and 9 are timing charts showing an example of command signal transmission from the game control device to the display control device in a conventional gaming machine.

  As shown in the figure, the transmission data of the command signal is a predetermined communication interruption cycle (for example, 16 millisecond cycle), mode data, left figure data, left figure data, middle figure data, middle figure data, The right figure data and the right figure data are sequentially transmitted in synchronization with the strobe signal.

  The mode data indicates the display mode of the variable display device, that is, the background display (for example, the color of the background screen), the color of the symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol to be described later), and character display. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, if the mode data is 01H, the display control device displays the background screen in white, the design in blue, and the character does not appear. When the mode data is switched to 02H, the display control device switches the background screen to red and the design to black, and causes the character to appear and move for a predetermined time. Further, in this case, in order to increase the reliability of display control, the display control device uses the mode data when the mode data that has been switched is received twice (when 02H is received for the second time in FIG. 9). Therefore, the screen is switched to the display.

  The background display and the character display are displayed as animation animation according to a program stored in advance in the display control device, and the display control device selects (switches) the animation animation display mode according to the mode data of the command signal. To do.

  The symbol number data and symbol data indicate the symbol numbers and symbol positions of the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol displayed in the three display areas of the variable display device. These symbols are displayed in a state of being superimposed on the background display and character display described above.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, each display area has a hexadecimal number indicated by symbol number data (indicated as symbol number in the diagram) as symbol data (indicated by symbol position in the diagram). ) Is displayed at the scroll position indicated. In this case, the scroll position of the symbol indicated by the broken line corresponds to the symbol data associated by the arrow from the right side.

  Then, the display is performed so that the scroll position of the symbol comes to the reference position of the variable display device indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. For example, when the figure data is 05H and the figure data is 00H, the display as shown in FIG. When the figure data is 05H and the figure data is 02H, a display as shown in FIG. 45B is made. When the figure data is 06H and the figure data is 00H, a display as shown in FIG. 11C is made.

  Thus, in the conventional gaming machine, the image display on the variable display device is made in one-to-one correspondence with the data content of the command signal transmitted from the game control device to the display control device at a predetermined cycle. For each signal, the mode (background display, symbol color, character display), symbol number, and symbol position of image one frame are determined.

  However, if the display on the variable display device and the command signal are made to correspond one-to-one, the command signal is displayed for each frame and one frame for the screen display of one frame on the variable display device. Data for determining each screen display must be transmitted, and the types of command signals to be transmitted become enormous. For example, if there are L types of modes, M types of symbols, and N types of symbol positions, the number S of command signals is a huge number L × M3 × N3.

  For this reason, when inspecting the display on the variable display device by an inspection organization, or when developing a gaming machine by a manufacturer, it is necessary to check this huge number of command signals in correspondence with the screen display. A great deal of effort has been required. Further, as described above, the display on the variable display device combines the animation operation of the background screen and the character display and the variation of each symbol, so it is extremely difficult to visually check these.

  In recent years, complicated and diverse display patterns have been adopted for display in variable display devices. That is, in recent gaming machines, there are cases where the types of symbols exceed the conventional three types (left, middle and right symbols), and the background and character action patterns tend to increase. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recognize what kind of display the command signal specifically corresponds to.

  On the other hand, in pachinko machines and the like, a large number of metal game balls are used, and due to this, the game machines are in an environment where noise due to static electricity is likely to occur. Therefore, the game control by the game control device is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, It is executed in units of 2 milliseconds), and runaway due to noise is prevented. Therefore, the command signal transmission process from the game control device to the display control device also needs to be within one cycle of this game control. However, if the command signal becomes complicated and the data length becomes longer as described above, the transmission process may not fit in one cycle of game control.

  In addition, since each symbol, background, and character must be synchronized with each other so that the entire screen must be kept in harmony, it is necessary to ensure good synchronization in the transmission of command signals related to each symbol, background, and character. .

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and in a gaming machine in which a display control device controls variable display of a display device based on a display command signal transmitted from the game control device, the game control device An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of reducing the burden of the inspection and the labor of inspection and development, and capable of appropriately harmonizing the display of the display device and the operations of various rendering devices.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device that displays symbols in a plurality of display areas. In a gaming machine in which a final stop mode of a symbol that is displayed in a variable manner is determined, and when a jackpot state occurs corresponding to the final stop mode, the variable winning device is opened to give a player many opportunities for winning a prize ball A game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner and transmits a display control signal for controlling display on the display device; and a display control signal from the game control device is read, and based on the read display control signal A display control device that controls display on the display device, and a sound output device that outputs sound effects, wherein the game control device starts the variable display of symbols in the display area. The time specifying information for specifying the symbol variation time and the stop mode determination information for specifying whether or not the jackpot state occurs are transmitted to the display control device as the display control signal, and the time specifying information is transmitted. At the time, the symbol variation time specified by the time identification information is set in a timer, and when the timer expires, a variation stop command for stopping the variation display of all symbols in each display area is used as the display control signal. When the jackpot state is transmitted to the display control device, control is performed to release the variable winning device after transmission of the variable stop command, and the display control device has a predetermined margin time in the final phase. a plurality of variation patterns provided is set by reception of said time specifying information at the display area by selecting a variation pattern corresponding to the time specifying information Starts variable display of the handle, by the reception of the stop mode determination information, the corresponding occurrence of jackpot state determines the final stop mode by selecting the stop symbols, when it reaches the margin time is Timing at which the symbol that is the final stop mode is oscillated at the stop position of the display area, the variable stop command is received from the game control device, and the variable stop command is received. In response to the timing of the sound effect output from the sound output device after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the symbol variation, in which the symbol variation display is completely stopped at the stop position in the final stop mode. Then, a predetermined character is displayed on the display device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the variation patterns are assigned to one symbol variation time specified by the time specifying information, and the game control device is configured to start symbol variation display in the display area. When the time specifying information at which the symbol variation time becomes T1 is transmitted to the display control device, and the display control device receives the time specification information at which the symbol variation time becomes T1, the margin time of T2 is reached in the final phase. The provided variation pattern is selected, and the variation display of the symbol is started in the display area. When the time (T1-T2) has elapsed from the start of the variation display of the symbol, the display region is stopped. It is characterized in that a display is performed in which the symbol which is the final stop mode swings.

  According to the present invention, the configuration of the display control signal is simplified. For example, the display control signal includes stop mode determination information for specifying whether or not a big hit state occurs, the command length can be shortened, and the display control signal Therefore, the processing load of the game control device can be greatly reduced, and the labor in inspection and development related to the display control signal of the gaming machine can be reduced.

In addition, since the display control signal includes time specifying information, the display control device selects a variation pattern suitable for the symbol variation time simultaneously with the reception of the display control signal, and starts symbol variation based on this variation pattern. can do. Therefore, the processing in the display control device can be rationalized.

  In addition, since the display control signal has a command to stop the variable display, even if there is a transmission error of the symbol variation time or some error in the display control device, the symbol variation display is a command to stop the variation display. Will be stopped at the timing of receiving. Therefore, even if an error occurs, the progress of the game and the content of the display on the screen can be roughly matched.

  In addition, a predetermined character can be displayed on the display device in accordance with the timing of the sound effect output from the sound output device.

In addition, since the time for the symbol to swing is provided in the final phase of the variation display, various variation patterns can be applied to the symbol variation time without a sense of incongruity. Therefore, it is possible to give diversity to the image display, enhance the interest of the game, and increase the efficiency of game machine development.

It is a front view which shows the game board of the ball game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which similarly shows the control system of a ball game machine. It is a block diagram which similarly shows the structure of a display control apparatus. It is a chart which similarly shows the specific structure of a display command signal. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence of game control and display control. It is a timing chart which similarly shows the correlation with a command signal and the display mode of a display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a display in a display apparatus similarly. It is a timing chart which shows transmission of the command signal in the conventional game machine. It is a timing chart which similarly shows transmission of mode data and the fluctuation | variation of the background display, symbol color, and character display accompanying this. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the relationship between the display of a variable display apparatus, and the data content of a command signal. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the display of a variable display apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 10 of a ball game machine.

  On the surface of the game board 10, a part surrounded by the guide rail 9 becomes a game area 11. In a ball game, game balls (pachinko balls) are launched one by one toward the game area 11 by operating a hitting ball launcher (not shown).

  Near the lower part of the game area 11, a special variable winning device 12 having a large winning opening inside is arranged. This special variable winning device 12 is opened and closed by energizing a special winning opening solenoid 12A (see FIG. 2). In addition, a general winning opening 13 is provided at various locations in the game area 11 and a starting opening 14 having an electric gate (ordinary variable winning apparatus) 15 is disposed immediately above the special variable winning apparatus 12. The electric gate 15 operates by energizing the electric gate solenoid 15A (see FIG. 2), and changes the size of the entrance to the start port 14. Furthermore, a discharge port 16 is provided at the lowermost end of the game area 11. As a result, the game balls driven into the game area 11 flow down the surface of the game area 11 while changing the rolling direction by the rolling guide members 17 such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area 11. The variable winning device 12, the general winning port 13, the start port 14, and the discharge port 16 are entered.

  Winnings to each winning device (special variable winning device 12, general winning port 13, start port 14) are detected by a safe sensor 51 (see FIG. 2). Then, the ball discharge device (discharge unit) is controlled by the discharge control device 200 (see FIG. 2) so that the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning device won is discharged from the prize ball port 6A. It has become.

  A display device (special symbol display device) 20 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11 above the special variable winning device 12. The display device 20 is controlled by the display control device 150 (see FIG. 2) and displays an image corresponding to the progress of the game. Specifically, in the display device 20, as a main display, a special symbol as identification information is variably displayed in each of a plurality of display areas (for example, three display areas on the left, middle, and right) of the display screen. . As these special symbols, for example, 16 numbers ("0" to "F") expressed in hexadecimal notation are displayed, and the band made up of these numbers can be displayed while being scrolled. It has become. The display screen portion of the display device 20 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Brown Tube) or the like.

  The start opening 14 is provided with a special symbol start sensor 52 (see FIG. 2) for detecting a winning ball. The winning timing of the game ball to the start opening 14 is a special symbol winning memory, a predetermined storage area of the game control device 100 (see FIG. 2) (first to fourth special symbol storage areas of the RAM 113 (see FIG. 2)). ) Is stored for a maximum of 4 times. The number of special symbol winning memories is displayed on a special symbol memory display 21 provided in the upper part of the display device 20. The game control device 100 performs a lottery for generating a big jackpot (related to the special symbol) based on the special symbol winning memory.

  The image display on the display device 20 is in a variable state each time the big hit lottery. Specifically, the special symbol of each display area fluctuates (eg, scrolls). When the game becomes a big hit state by lottery, each of the changed identification information stops in a predetermined combination, and the special variable winning device 12 does not accept a ball for a predetermined period (a state disadvantageous to the player). Is converted to an open state in which the ball can be easily received (a state advantageous to the player), and the player is given more chances to win a prize ball.

  In the special variable prize winning device 12, a count sensor 55 (see FIG. 2) for counting the number of winning balls to the special variable prize winning device 12 and a winning ball in a continuous winning opening provided in the special variable prize winning device 12 are detected. A continuation sensor 54 (see FIG. 2) is provided.

  In the above open state, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special variable winning device 12 detected by the count sensor 55 is executed as one unit (one round). The As long as there is a predetermined number of winnings in the special variable winning device 12 in each round and there is a winning in the continuous winning opening detected by the continuation sensor 54, the round reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 rounds). It is supposed to be repeated.

  A normal symbol start gate 18 is disposed at a predetermined position in the game area 11. The passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 18 is detected by a normal symbol start gate sensor 53 (see FIG. 2), and this passing timing (normal symbol start memory) is stored in the game control device 100. The game control device 100 performs a lottery on the normal symbol based on the normal symbol start memory. When a hit with respect to the normal symbol occurs, the electric gate 15 of the start port 14 is opened for a predetermined time so that a winning to the start port 14 is facilitated. The number of stored normal symbol starting memories is displayed on the normal symbol storage displays 31 disposed on both sides of the normal symbol display 30 described later.

  A normal symbol display 31 for displaying a normal symbol (for example, a single digit number) is disposed at the base of the start port 14. The variable display on the normal symbol display 31 starts to fluctuate when there is a normal symbol start memory, and stops at a predetermined hit symbol when a lottery regarding the normal symbol is won.

  In addition, the ball game machine is provided with various decoration display devices (side lamps 41 and the like) controlled by the decoration display control device 300 (see FIG. 2), and displays decorative displays such as lamp lighting as the game progresses. To be done. Furthermore, the ball game machine is provided with a sound output device (not shown) controlled by the sound control device 250 (see FIG. 2), and outputs a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state. In the following description, the decoration display device and the sound output device are collectively referred to as an effect device, and the sound control device 250 and the decoration display control device 300 are collectively referred to as an effect control device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ball game machine.

  As shown in the figure, the game control device 100 includes a game microcomputer 101, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, a distribution circuit 104, an oscillator 105, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113.

  The CPU 111 is an IC that governs control (game control) by the game control device 100.

  The ROM 112 stores invariant information for game control, and stores various programs and constants such as probability of jackpot in game control.

  The RAM 113 is used as a work area during game control by the CPU 111, and special symbol random number counter, special symbol random number storage, ordinary symbol random number counter, ordinary symbol random number memory, jackpot determination flag, etc. are stored in the corresponding storage area. The Here, the special symbol random number counter and the normal symbol random number counter are counters used for determining the jackpot (with respect to the special symbol) and the bonus with respect to the ordinary symbol, respectively, and are updated within a predetermined numerical range. The jackpot determination flag is a flag indicating whether or not a jackpot has occurred.

  The CPU 111 receives detection signals from various detection devices, that is, the safe sensor 51, the special symbol start sensor 52, the normal symbol start gate sensor 53, the count sensor 54, and the continuation sensor 54 via the input interface 102. Based on these detection signals, the CPU 111 performs overall control (game control) of the game by a program (game program) stored in the ROM 112.

  More specifically, the gaming microcomputer 101 determines the jackpot (for the special symbol) based on the special symbol winning memory (the value of the special symbol random number counter at the timing of detecting the winning to the start port 14 by the special symbol start sensor 52). Make a lottery. Further, based on the normal symbol winning memory (the value of the normal symbol random number counter at the timing of detection of passage of the normal symbol start gate 18 by the normal symbol start sensor 52), a winning lottery regarding the normal symbol is performed.

  In addition, the CPU 111 transmits a display control signal to the display control device 150 to control display on the display device 20. Similarly, a control signal is transmitted to the special symbol storage display 21, the normal symbol display 30, and the normal symbol storage display 31 to control the display of each display.

  Further, the CPU 111 transmits control signals to the large winning opening solenoid 12A that is a drive solenoid of the special variable winning device 12 and the electric gate solenoid 15A that is a drive solenoid of the electric gate 15, and controls energization to these solenoids. As a result, the opening / closing of the special variable winning device 12 and the electric gate 15 is controlled.

  Further, the CPU 111 transmits a discharge control signal (prize ball number control information) including prize ball number data and the like to the discharge control device 200, and controls the discharge of prize balls (and rental balls) from a discharge device (not shown). . Note that the detection signal from the safe sensor 51 is input to the discharge control device 50 via the distribution circuit 104.

  In addition, the CPU 111 transmits a sound control signal and a decoration display control signal to the decoration display control device 250 and the sound control device 300, respectively, and blinking operation of various decoration display devices (side lamps 41 and the like) and sound from the sound output device. Control output etc.

  In these cases, communication between the game control device 100 and various control devices (the display control device 150, the discharge control device 200, the sound control device 250, and the decoration display control device 300) that are comprehensively controlled by the game control device 100. Is unidirectional communication from the game control device 100 to various control devices. That is, no information is transmitted from the various control devices to the game control device 100 (however, an element not related to information communication such as power supply may be transmitted).

  Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent an illegal act of disturbing the control by the game control device 100 by transmitting an illegal signal from the various control devices to the game control device 100. In addition, since the inspection of the gaming machine can be performed on the assumption that no communication is performed from the various control devices to the game control device 100, the labor of the inspection can be reduced.

  The oscillator 105 generates a reset interrupt signal having a constant period (for example, 2 msec) and inputs the reset interrupt signal to the reset input terminal of the CPU 111. The CPU 111 executes the game program from a predetermined address every time the reset interrupt signal is input. Game control is executed in units of interrupt time (signal period) of the reset interrupt signal. The resetting of the CPU 111 can also be performed by software in the CPU 111.

  The game control device 100 is connected via an external information terminal board 60 to a hall computer (central management device) of a game store (not shown). The hall computer receives a jackpot signal when a jackpot occurs, a probability variation signal indicating transition to a probability variation state, a symbol stop signal indicating symbol stop in the display device 20, an abnormal signal, and the like, and a plurality of bullet games The machine is managed centrally.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the display control device 150.

  As illustrated, the display control device 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a DMAC (direct memory access controller) 154, an interface 155, a VDP (video display processor) 156, and a display device (LCD) 20. It comprises a font ROM 157 storing image data, a clock 158 and the like.

  When the CPU 151 receives a communication interrupt from the game control device 100 via the interface 155, the CPU 151 reads a display control signal (display control data) from the game control device 100, and screen information (display control data) based on the display control data. Symbol display information, background screen information, moving image character screen information, etc.) are created and stored in the RAM 153.

  This screen information is transferred to the VDP 156 by the DMAC 154 that has received a transfer command from the VDP 156 at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt from the VDP 156 to the CPU 151. Based on this image information, the VDP 156 takes in the corresponding image data in the font ROM 157, performs horizontal scanning and vertical scanning on the screen of the display device 20, and performs predetermined image display.

  As described above, the communication between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150 is unidirectional communication from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 4 is a chart showing a specific configuration of a display command signal transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150.

  As shown in the figure, the display command signal is composed of first frame data and second frame data. The first frame data and the second frame data are transmitted together, and the type (content) of the display command signal is specified by the combination of the numerical values of the first frame data and the second frame data.

  As the display command signal, a variation start command, a symbol-specific stop symbol notification, and a variation stop command are provided.

  The variation start command is a command signal that instructs the variation start of all symbols of left, middle, and right. This change start command includes information (time specifying information) for specifying the symbol change time (the time from when all the symbols start to change until all the symbols stop changing). Information (production pattern selection data) for specifying (for example, sound output from a sound output device) is provided. For example, each variation start command in the chart is a signal having time specifying information for commanding the number of seconds indicated in parentheses in the command signal name column as a symbol variation time. Also, in the chart, each variation start command with a symbol variation time of 20 seconds has a command to output two types of sounds (sound A and sound B) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of symbol variation as effect pattern selection data. Signal.

  The symbol-by-symbol stop symbol notification has information (stop mode determination information) for designating a stop symbol to be displayed when the symbol is stopped after symbol variation for each of the left, middle, and right symbols (display areas). This is a command signal. This symbol-by-symbol stop symbol notification corresponds to the stop symbol on a one-to-one basis for each of the left, middle, and right symbols.

  The variable stop command is a command signal that instructs complete stop of all symbols. As will be described later, this variation stop command is transmitted at the timing of the symbol variation time instructed by the variation start command.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a game control processing procedure in the game control device 100 and a display control processing procedure in the display control device 150.

  In the game control device 100, first, in step S1, initialization processing such as clearing of the RAM 113 is performed. In the following step S2, it is determined whether or not there is a special symbol start memory. If there is no start memory, the process waits until a start memory is generated, and if there is a start memory, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, symbol stop information setting processing is performed.

  Specifically, first, the jackpot determination is performed based on the oldest special symbol start memory. Subsequently, stop symbols for the left, middle, and right symbols are determined based on the determination result. Also, the symbol variation time is determined. Further, depending on the case, the operation of the effect device during the varying operation (the output of the sound effect from the sound output device, the decorative operation of various decorative display devices (side lamp 41, etc.)) is also determined. Then, the display command signal (variation start command and symbol-specific stop symbol notification) is edited based on the thus determined variation time, the operating device operation pattern, and the stop symbol. Finally, when these processes are completed, the oldest special symbol start memory is erased, and a time corresponding to the symbol variation time is set in the control timer.

  In step S4, the display command signal edited in step S3 is transmitted. Specifically, a symbol variation command is transmitted first, and then a stop symbol notification for each symbol of left, middle, and right is transmitted at intervals of 2 milliseconds.

  In step S5, the control timer set in step S3 is subtracted and updated, and this subtraction update process is continued until the control timer expires in step S6. During the control timer update process, a sound command signal and a decoration command signal are transmitted to the sound control device 250 and the decoration display control device 300, respectively. Note that these command signals naturally correspond to the operation pattern of the effect device selected in step S3.

  If it is confirmed in step S6 that the control timer has expired, the process proceeds to step S7, and a variable stop command is transmitted to the display control device 150. In this way, the change stop command is transmitted after the timing of the symbol change time set in step S3.

  In subsequent step S8, jackpot related processing is performed. Specifically, when a big hit occurs, processing for a big hit such as opening of the special variable prize-winning device 12 is performed, and when the big win state is finished, the process returns to step S2. If no big hit has occurred, the process directly returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, in the display control device 150, first, in step S11, initialization processing such as clearing of the RAM 153 is performed.

  In step S12, a variation start command reception process is performed. Specifically, a variation start command transmitted from the game control device 100 (see step S4) is received, and this information is based on information (time specifying information, effect pattern selection data) included in the variation start command. Is selected from the ROM 152 and stored in the RAM 153.

  In step S13, the variation of all of the left, middle and right symbols is started.

  In step S14, a symbol-by-symbol stop symbol notification (stop mode determination information) for each of the left, middle, and right symbols subjected to transmission processing (see step S4) is sequentially received from the game control device 100, and the control corresponding to this notification is performed. Data is selected from the ROM 152 and stored in the RAM 153.

  In step S15, a specific variation pattern is determined based on the control data corresponding to the time specifying information, the effect pattern selection data, and the stop mode determination information stored in the RAM 153 in steps S12 and S14. And the display in the display apparatus 20 is controlled based on this fluctuation pattern. Thereby, the display on the display device 20 including the symbol variation is consistent with the operation of the effect device.

  In the final phase of this symbol variation, the left, middle, and right symbols stop changing while swinging up and down slightly while the stop symbol specified by the symbol-specific stop symbol data is displayed near the stop position. Wait for a command.

  In step S16, the variable stop command received from the game control apparatus 100 is transmitted (see step S7).

  In step S17, the left, middle, and right symbols are completely stopped at the symbols designated by the symbol-by-design stop symbol notification.

  In step S18, jackpot related display processing is performed. Specifically, when a jackpot occurs and a display command signal related to the jackpot is received from the game control device 100, a screen display for jackpot time is displayed on the display device 20 based on the display command signal, After the big hit state ends, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if no jackpot is generated and no display command signal related to the jackpot is received, the process directly returns to step S12.

  Next, an example of display on the display device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between various command signal transmissions from the game control device 100 and display on the display device 20. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific screen display state of the display device 20 at each moment of the timing chart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when a change start command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150, the left, middle, and right symbols change from the symbol stop state (FIG. 7A). Transition to the state (FIG. 7B). This variation start command instructs time T1 as the symbol variation time, and also instructs sound output after the time TS has elapsed since the symbol variation start.

  Thereafter, a stop symbol notification regarding the left symbol, a stop symbol notification regarding the middle symbol, and a stop symbol notification regarding the right symbol are sequentially transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 at intervals of 2 milliseconds.

  Subsequently, under the control of the display control device 150, a predetermined character display (shooting star) appears on the display screen for a predetermined time (FIG. 7C). In addition, a sound command signal is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the sound control device 250 at the timing when the time TS has elapsed from the start of fluctuation, and sound output is performed from the sound output device over a predetermined time. In this case, the display control device 150 selects an appropriate character display according to the information regarding the sound output included in the change start command so that the appearance of the character on the display screen and the sound output are consistent.

  After that, the left, middle, and right symbols sequentially end the scroll fluctuation, and shift to a swinging motion that swings up and down while displaying the stop symbol specified by the symbol-specific stop symbol data near the stop position (see FIG. 7 (d), (e), (f)). In this case, when the stop symbols of the left and middle symbols are aligned with the same symbol, the screen shifts to reach screen display for changing the color of the background screen as shown in FIG.

  After that, at the timing of the symbol variation time T1 instructed by the variation start command, a variation stop command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150, and all the symbols on the left, right, and middle perform a swinging motion. It completes and stops completely (FIG. 7 (g)).

  In this case, the state in which all symbols swing (FIG. 7 (f)) is continued over time T2 until the complete stop of all symbols. In this way, by providing a margin time for all the symbols to swing at the end of the symbol variation, various variation patterns can be applied to one symbol variation time without a sense of incongruity. It is possible to enhance the efficiency of game machine development as well as to enhance the interest of the game.

  As described above, in the present invention, the display command signal mainly includes a change start command having information (time specifying information) for specifying the symbol change time and information (stop) for specifying the stop symbol of each display area. It consists of a symbol-specific stop symbol notification having mode determination information). Therefore, the game control device 100 can perform the control of the display control device 150 based on the change start command and the symbol-specific stop symbol notification even under the restriction that only one-way communication from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed. Control can be performed accurately. Therefore, the structure of the display command signal is simplified, the command length can be shortened, and the number of display command signal transmissions can be reduced. Therefore, the processing load of the game control device 100 can be greatly reduced, and labor in inspection and development related to the display control signal of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Since the variation start command includes the symbol variation time as information, the display control device 150 selects a variation pattern suitable for the symbol variation time simultaneously with the reception of the variation start command, and the symbol based on the variation pattern is displayed. Variations can be started. Therefore, the processing in the display control device 150 can be rationalized.

  Moreover, the display control device 150 matches the operation pattern of the effect device by providing the change start command with information (effect pattern selection data) for specifying the operation pattern of the effect device (sound output device, decoration display device). The displayed display (design variation and character display) can be selected appropriately and efficiently.

  In addition, since the stop symbol notification is provided for each of the left, middle, and right symbols (display areas), it is possible to easily check each display area when developing a gaming machine, Development and inspection work of game machines can be streamlined.

  Further, since the display command signal is provided with a variable stop command, even if there is a transmission error of the time specifying information in the variable start command or some error in the display control device 150, the symbol variation in the display device 20 is a variable stop command. Will be stopped at the appropriate time. Therefore, even if an error occurs, the progress of the game and the content displayed on the display device 20 can be roughly matched.

  In the above embodiment, by including the stop symbol in the stop symbol notification for each symbol as stop mode determination information, the stop symbol of each display area is uniquely specified for the stop symbol notification for each symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, by including in the stop symbol notification information that can specify the game state after the symbol stop (such as jackpot occurrence, loss, probability fluctuation occurrence, etc.) as the stop mode determination information, so that it matches the game state after the symbol stop Alternatively, the display control device 150 may select a stop symbol of three display areas. In short, if the stop symbol notification (stop mode determination information) can specify the stop mode of the symbol (the range of combinations that can be taken by the stop symbol of each display area) so as to harmonize with the progress of the game, The form is not limited.

  The following are typical examples of aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims.

  (1) In the case where a lottery for generating a big hit is performed based on the winning of a game ball at the start opening, and the lottery result is a big hit, while the symbols are variably displayed in a plurality of display areas for each lottery. In the gaming machine that generates a big hit state by stopping the symbols in each display area in a predetermined combination and gives the player the opportunity to acquire many prize balls, the game is comprehensively controlled and the display on the display screen A game control device that transmits a display control signal for controlling the display, and a display control device that reads the display control signal from the game control device and controls the display on the display screen based on the read display control signal. The game control device, when starting the variation display of the symbol in each display area of the display screen, the time specifying information for identifying the symbol variation time, and the final of the symbol Stop mode determination information for specifying a stop mode is transmitted to the display control device as the display control signal, and when the display control device receives the time specifying information from the game control device, each display area of the display screen When the symbol variation display specified by the time specification information has elapsed, all symbols in each display area stop in the final stop mode specified by the stop mode determination information. In addition, a predetermined margin time is set in the final phase of the symbol variation time, and during the margin time, all symbols in each display area swing in the same manner as the final stop mode. Control is performed so that all symbols in the display areas are completely stopped in the final stop mode at the end of the margin time.

  (2) When transmitting the time specifying information, the game control device sets a symbol variation time specified by the time specifying information in a timer, and when the timer expires, A variable stop command for stopping the variable display of symbols is transmitted to the display control device as the display control signal, and the display control device changes all symbols at the timing when the variable stop command is received from the game control device. The display is completely stopped.

  (3) The game control device transmits a communication interrupt signal for reading the transmitted signal to the display control device in accordance with the transmission of each display control signal, and the display control device A CPU that generates a screen information based on the display control signal in response to a communication interrupt signal from the game control device, and a VDP that displays an image on the display screen based on the screen information. The image display is performed at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt.

  In the invention described in (1), the configuration of the display control signal is simplified, the command length can be shortened, and the number of display control signal transmissions can be reduced, thereby greatly reducing the processing burden on the game control device. In addition, it is possible to reduce labor in inspection and development related to display control signals of gaming machines.

  In addition, since the display control signal includes the variation time of the symbol as information, the display control device selects a variation pattern suitable for the variation time simultaneously with the reception of the display control signal, and the symbol based on the variation pattern is displayed. Variations can be started. Therefore, processing in the display control device can be rationalized.

  In addition, since a time for the symbol to swing is provided in the final phase of the fluctuation display, various fluctuation patterns can be applied to the one fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation time information included in the display control signal without a sense of incongruity. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to give diversity to the image display, enhance the interest of the game, and increase the efficiency of game machine development.

  In the invention described in (2), since the display control signal includes a command to stop the fluctuation display, even if there is a transmission error of the fluctuation time or some error in the display control device, the fluctuation display of the symbol is It stops when it receives a command to stop the fluctuation display. Therefore, even if an error occurs, the progress of the game and the content of the display on the screen can be roughly matched.

  In the invention described in (3), the display control signal can be transmitted from the game control device to the display control device using the communication interrupt signal, and the display control device can perform image display by the CPU and the VDP.

20 display device 100 game control device 150 display control device

Claims (2)

A display device for variably displaying symbols in a plurality of display areas is provided, and a lottery for generating a big hit is performed based on winning of a game ball at a start opening, and variably displayed in the display area corresponding to the lottery result In a gaming machine in which a final stop mode of a symbol is determined, and when a jackpot state occurs corresponding to the final stop mode, the variable winning device is opened to give a player many opportunities to win prize balls.
A game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner and transmits a display control signal for controlling display on the display device;
A display control device that reads a display control signal from the game control device and controls display on the display device based on the read display control signal;
A sound output device for outputting sound effects,
The game control device includes:
When starting the variation display of the symbol in the display area, the time specifying information for specifying the symbol variation time and the stop mode determination information for specifying whether or not the jackpot state occurs as the display control signal To the display controller,
At the time of transmission of the time specifying information, the symbol variation time specified by the time specifying information is set in a timer,
When the timer expires, a change stop command for stopping change display of all symbols in each display area is sent to the display control device as the display control signal,
When the jackpot state occurs, control is performed to open the variable winning device after transmission of the variable stop command,
The display control device includes:
A plurality of fluctuation patterns with predetermined margins are set in the final phase,
Upon reception of the time specifying information, a change pattern corresponding to the time specifying information is selected to start displaying a change in the design in the display area.
By receiving the stop mode determination information, the final stop mode is determined by selecting a stop symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the jackpot state,
When the margin time is reached, a display that swings the symbol that is the final stop mode is performed at the stop position of the display area, and the variable stop command reception standby state from the game control device is set. Then, at the timing when the fluctuation stop command is received, a process of completely stopping the symbol fluctuation display at the stop position in the final stop mode is performed,
A gaming machine, wherein a predetermined character is displayed on the display device in correspondence with a timing of a sound effect output from the sound output device after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the symbol variation.   A plurality of fluctuation patterns are assigned to one symbol fluctuation time specified by the time specification information,
  The game control device, when starting the variation display of the symbol in the display area, transmits time specifying information at which the symbol variation time becomes T1, to the display control device,
  The display control device includes:
  When the time specifying information at which the symbol variation time becomes T1 is received, a variation pattern in which a margin time of T2 is provided in the final phase is selected, and symbol variation display is started in the display area,
  The display in which the symbol which becomes the final stop mode swings at the stop position of the display area when the time of (T1-T2) has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the symbol. The gaming machine described in 1.

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