JP4528730B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine that allows a player to play a predetermined game.

  As a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, a game is performed when predetermined identification information (also referred to as a display pattern) is variably displayed and the display result is a predetermined specific display result. Some are configured to be controllable to a game state advantageous to the player (for example, a specific game state such as a big hit game state, a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus).

  In such a gaming machine, a predetermined character appears on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) according to the progress of the game, the character is changed, a live-action image, etc. In some cases, various game effects are performed by displaying a multicolor image of the above, outputting sound from a speaker, or blinking a light emitter such as a lamp or LED.

In such a gaming machine, image data for generating a predetermined image is read in advance from a storage device (for example, CGROM or the like) that stores various image data used for display effects. It has been proposed to reduce the control burden for display effects by storing the image data in a region and making the image data available as frame data (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-201859 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when image data stored in a storage device is read and stored in a predetermined area of the image memory, a read address serving as a read position in the storage device, a write position in the image memory, and It is necessary to specify a write address. When image data stored in a predetermined area of the image memory is used as frame data, the frame data indicated by the write address is read out by designating the read address as the read position in the image memory. It is necessary to write to the writing position. Thus, conventionally, in order to use the image data read from the storage device as frame data, all addresses to be read and write positions in the storage device, the image memory, the frame buffer, etc. must be specified. It was. Therefore, there is a problem that the address management of the image data becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, only the read address that becomes the read position in the storage device and the write address that becomes the write position in the frame buffer are specified, and the address in the image memory is automatically set according to the use state of the image memory. It is possible to make it possible. However, when all the address settings in the image memory are automated, the storage position of the image data in the image memory changes variously. For this reason, it becomes difficult to reuse the image data once stored in the image memory, and the image data necessary for the display effect must be read from the storage device and written to the image memory every time. As a result, frequently used image data is frequently read out from the storage device, resulting in a problem that the control burden on display effects increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that facilitates address management of image data and can prevent an increase in control burden in display effects.

  In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or a slot machine 500) in which a player can perform a predetermined game, Image display means (for example, image display devices 5, 510, etc.) for displaying various types of images including a plurality of types of effect images (for example, images showing decorative designs, images showing characters CH1 to CH4, background images, etc.); Game control means for controlling the progress (for example, the game control microcomputers 100 and 610) and display control means for controlling the display operation of the image display means (for example, the effect control microcomputers 120 and 630, and the display control unit 121) 631, etc.), and the display control means displays the display content of the image display means based on the display information from the game control means Display content determining means to be determined (for example, CPU 131, ROM 132, RAM 133, etc. provided in the production control microcomputer 120) and image display control means for controlling image display in the image display means based on the determination result of the display content determining means ( The image display control means includes image element data storage means (for example, CGROM 142) for storing a plurality of types of image element data including image element data corresponding to the effect image. Temporary storage means for temporarily storing image element data read from the image element data storage means (for example, the image element temporary storage memory 155), and display data for storing image display data in the image display means Storage means (for example, frame buffer memory 156) The data processing means (for example, the transfer control circuit 152 and the drawing circuit 154) that executes processing for creating display data based on the image element data, and the display data read from the display data storage means Display data output means (for example, a display circuit 157) that outputs to the image display means, and the display content determination means performs various setting operations in the image display control means in response to activation of the display control means. Start-up setting control means (for example, a portion where the CPU 131 executes the storage area setting command processing in step S52 and the pre-transfer command processing in step S53) for performing control, and the reading position of the image element data (for example, the CGROM 142 and the image element temporary storage The read address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A of the memory 155 and the image required Identification information attached to the effect image indicated by the raw data) and a writing position (for example, a writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 and a display coordinate of the image element on the screen of the image display device 5). Including display image update command means for notifying the image display control means and instructing update of the display image in the image display means (for example, a portion where the CPU 131 executes display update command processing in step S275), and the data The processing means reads the image element data from the read position in the temporary storage means and stores the display data storage when the read position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is included in the temporary storage means. First image element data processing means (for example, the drawing circuit 15) to be written and stored at the writing position in the means And the image element data storage means include the image element data reading position notified from the display image update command means. After the image element data is read from the reading position in the storage means and transferred to a predetermined area (for example, automatic transfer area 155B) in the temporary storage means, the image element data is read from the predetermined area and written in the display data storage means. Second image element data processing means for writing and storing in the embedded position (for example, the part where the transfer control circuit 152 executes the automatic transfer control process of step S407, the part where the drawing circuit 154 executes the automatic transfer display process of step S505, etc.) And the startup setting control means includes the temporary storage means. The startup area setting control means (for example, the CPU 131 executes the storage area setting command processing in step S52) for setting the storage area in the plurality of areas including the predetermined area (for example, the fixed address area 155A and the automatic transfer area 155B) And the effect by the effect image corresponding to the image element data among a plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means following the setting by the startup area setting control means The image element data (for example, the image element data registered in the advance transfer setting table 211A) is higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data. Start-up transfer setting control means for transferring to a storage area other than the predetermined area and storing it (for example, CP U131 includes a part for executing the pre-transfer command process in step S53). Here, the required image element data is a predetermined part of image element data (for example, among a plurality of types of notice effects) among a plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means. Image element data indicating a character image used in the notice effect with the highest hit reliability, image element data indicating an effect image in the reach effect having the highest hit reliability among a plurality of types of reach effects, or a gaming machine All or part of image element data not to be transferred to a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means, such as image element data indicating an effect image that is not displayed in the current effect state That's fine. The temporary storage means only needs to have a faster reading speed of stored data than the image element data storage means.

  3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display content determining means determines a transfer condition (for example, a demonstration screen is displayed or the number of executions of the special-purpose game is predetermined) corresponding to the progress of the game. The number of times, the display result was a big hit, etc.), among the plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means, Image element data (for example, image element data registered in any one of the advance transfer setting tables 211A and 211B) is higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data. Etc.) when the condition is satisfied, the transfer setting control means (for example, the CPU 131) is transferred. In step S206, S280 includes a portion, and so on) that perform the pre-transfer instruction processing.

  4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the image display control means includes transfer completion data indicating that data transfer from the image element data storage means to the temporary storage means has been completed (for example, data indicating a transfer completion flag). ) Is set in a storage management table (for example, index table 251 or the like) that can specify image element data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit (for example, the transfer control circuit 152 performs steps S446 and S466). The data processing means includes image element data read from the temporary storage means for the display corresponding to whether transfer completion data is set in the storage management table. A creation decision that determines whether to create display data by writing to the data storage means Means (e.g. drawing circuit 154 and a portion that executes the processing in steps S522, S542).

  5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the display content determination means is an effect state determination means (for example, an effect control flag setting unit in the RAM 133) for determining which of the effect states in the gaming machine is a plurality of kinds of effect states. In the image element data storage means corresponding to the effect mode flag determined in the effect state determination means and the effect state determined by the effect state determination means. Of the plurality of types of stored image element data, the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the image element data in the effect state is the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data. Image element data specifying means for specifying higher image element data (for example, the CPU 131 executes the process of step S311). And the like, and the image element data specified by the image element data specifying means are transferred from the image element data storage means to a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means for storage. Transfer setting control means (for example, the part where the CPU 131 executes the pre-transfer command process in step S211).

  The gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising gaming parts (for example, special symbol display device 4, variable display device 501, decorative members 31, 32, 33, etc.) disposed on the front or back of the image display means. The image display means includes a display area in which various images are displayed (for example, display areas 5A and 510A) and a non-display area in which display of various images is restricted in accordance with the arrangement position of the gaming parts (for example, Non-display areas 5B, 510B, etc.), and the display control means determines whether or not an image element to be displayed is arranged in the non-display area (for example, the drawing circuit 154 has step S524, A portion that executes the processing of S544, a portion that the CPU 131 executes the processing of step S601, and the like, and the placement determining means determines that the portion is placed in the non-display area. With respect to image element data indicating an image element, display data write restriction means for restricting writing to the display data storage means (for example, the processing of steps S525 and S545 is skipped in response to the determination of Yes in steps S524 and S544). And a portion where the process of step S602 is not executed in response to the determination of Yes in step S601).

  7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the arrangement determination unit determines whether or not the writing position of the image element data notified from the display image update command unit is a writing position corresponding to the non-display area. Writing position determining means for determining (for example, a part where the drawing circuit 154 executes the processing of steps S524 and S544), and the display data writing restricting means is added to the non-display area by the writing position determining means. Restricting writing of image element data by the first and second image element data processing means to the writing position determined to correspond (for example, the drawing circuit 154 performs a step corresponding to the determination of Yes in steps S524 and S544). (S525, S545, etc.)

  8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the display data write restriction unit is configured to display the display image update command for image element data indicating an image element determined to be arranged in the non-display area by the arrangement determination unit. It is restricted that the writing to the display data storage means is commanded by the means (for example, the part where the CPU 131 does not execute the process of step S602 in response to the determination of Yes in step S601).

  The present invention has the following effects.

According to the gaming machine according to claim 1, the execution frequency of the effect image by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data is the execution frequency of the effect image corresponding to the image element data among the plurality of types of image element data. The image element data higher than the frequency is transferred and stored in the storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means by the activation transfer setting control means in response to the activation of the display control means. When the read position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is included in the temporary storage means, the first image element data processing means reads the image element data from the read position in the temporary storage means and displays it. The data is written and stored in the writing position in the data storage means. On the other hand, when the image element data reading position notified from the display image update command means is included in the image element data storage means, the second image element data processing means starts from the reading position in the image element data storage means. After reading and transferring to a predetermined area in the temporary storage means, the image element data is read from the predetermined area and written and stored in the writing position in the display data storage means.
Thus, for the image element data transferred to the predetermined area in the temporary storage means, if the read position in the image element data storage means and the write position in the display data storage means are designated, the storage position of the temporary storage means It can be used to create display data without specifying the address, address management becomes easy, and the burden of program design can be reduced. On the other hand, for image element data that is set to be higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data, the reading position in the temporary storage means is designated. By doing so, the data already stored in the temporary storage means can be easily reused, and it is not necessary to read out from the image element data storage means every time, so that the control burden in the display effect can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2, when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the transfer setting control means when the condition is satisfied among the plural types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means. Image element data in which the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the image element data is higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data is stored in a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means. Transfer and memorize.
As a result, an error due to noise or the like occurs in the storage contents of the temporary storage means for image element data whose execution frequency by the corresponding effect image is higher than the execution frequency by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data. Even in such a case, the stored contents can be automatically restored.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, the image element data read out from the temporary storage means by the creation determination means in the display data storage means in correspondence with whether or not transfer completion data is set in the storage management table. It is determined whether or not to create display data by writing.
This makes it possible to match the image element data transferred from the image element data storage means to the temporary storage means and the image element data read from the temporary storage means and used to create display data. A display effect using image element data can be performed.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the image element data specifying means produces an effect by an effect image corresponding to the image element data in the effect state determined by the effect state determination means among the plurality of types of image element data. The image element data having a higher execution frequency than the effect execution frequency by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data is specified, and the transfer setting control means at the effect state determination is specified by the image element data specifying means. Element data is transferred from the image element data storage means to a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means and stored.
Thereby, the image element data to be transferred and stored from the image element data storage means to the storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means can be changed corresponding to the effect state, and the display effect can be effectively used by the temporary storage means. Can further reduce the control burden.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, the display data writing restricting means writes the display data storage means with respect to the image element data indicating the image elements determined to be arranged in the non-display area by the arrangement determining means. Restrict.
Thereby, compared with the case where the image element data arrange | positioned at a non-display area | region is written in the display data storage means, the control burden in a display effect can be reduced. In addition, it is not necessary to give consideration to prevent an image from being displayed in the non-display area at the stage of designing the gaming machine, and the design burden on the gaming machine can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the writing position determination determines whether or not the writing position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is a writing position corresponding to the non-display area. To do. Then, the display data writing restricting means restricts the writing of the image element data by the first and second image element data processing means to the writing position determined to correspond to the non-display area.
As a result, the display content determining means does not need to determine whether or not it is a non-display area, so that the control burden on the display effect can be reduced with the same configuration as when there is no non-display area. it can.

In the gaming machine according to claim 7, with respect to the image element data indicating the image element determined to be arranged in the non-display area by the arrangement determination means, the display image update instruction means writes to the display data storage means. This is restricted by the display data writing restriction means.
Thereby, since it is not necessary to determine whether or not the image display control means is a non-display area, it is possible to reduce the control burden in the display effect with the same configuration as when there is no non-display area. it can.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. Above the central position of the game area, a special symbol display device 4 is provided that displays (variably displays) a special symbol as identifiable identification information in a variable manner.

  Below the special symbol display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6 that forms a start winning opening is arranged. Below the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6, a special variable winning ball apparatus 7 that forms a large winning opening and an ordinary symbol display apparatus 20 are provided. The normal symbol display device 20 is configured to include a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, and an execution condition is that a game ball that has passed through a passing gate 41 provided in the gaming area is detected by the gate switch 21 (FIG. 3). In the normal view game, lighting, blinking, coloring, etc. are controlled. When a display with a predetermined hit pattern is performed in this normal figure game, the display result in the normal figure game is "win" (normal hit), and the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is set for a predetermined time. Tilt is controlled until elapses.

  The special symbol display device 4 includes, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs. The special symbol display device 4 is, for example, “0” in a special game as a variable display game that is performed based on the fact that a start condition is established by winning a game ball in a start winning opening formed by the normal variable pay ball device 6. ”To“ 9 ”, special symbols composed of numbers and the like are variably displayed. Each special symbol is assigned a symbol number corresponding to each special symbol, for example, the same number as the number indicated by each symbol. The special symbol display device 4 variably displays more types of symbols such as numbers indicating “00” to “99” in order to make it difficult for the player to grasp a specific stop symbol. It may be configured as follows.

  In the special symbol game performed by the special symbol display device 4, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the variation of the special symbol, the fixed special symbol which is the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game on the special symbol display device 4, it becomes a “big hit” as a specific display result, and a special symbol other than the big bonus symbol is displayed. If it is stopped, it will be “lost”. When the variable display result in the special figure game becomes “big hit”, it is controlled to the big hit gaming state as the specific gaming state by opening and closing the opening / closing plate provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, as a specific example, a special symbol indicating “7” is a jackpot symbol, and a special symbol indicating other numerical values is a lost symbol.

  In the jackpot gaming state based on the special symbol indicating “7” which is a jackpot symbol as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball device 7 is A game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 during a predetermined opening period (for example, 29 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated and the large winning opening is opened. Is received, and it becomes possible to win a prize winning opening, and after that, the round is closed by closing the winning prize opening. The round as the open / close cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 15 rounds). The game balls that have won the big prize opening are detected by the count switch 24 (FIG. 3), and a predetermined number (for example, “15”) of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. Thus, the big hit gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state other than the big hit gaming state, such as an initial setting state immediately after power-on of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example.

  An image display device 5 is disposed on the front surface of the game board 2 so as to cover almost the entire game area. Here, “substantially the entire surface” refers to a region that is at least inside the decorative members 31, 32, 33, etc. provided at the peripheral edge of the game region. The image display device 5 may be any device that is configured using, for example, an LCD panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like, and performs screen display by a dot matrix method using a large number of pixels (pixels). For example, on the display screen of the image display device 5, each is identified by a variable display unit as a display area divided into three corresponding to the special symbol variable display in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4. A variable display that displays a variety of possible decorative patterns in a variable manner is performed. In this example, variable display portions “left”, “middle”, and “right” are arranged on the image display device 5, and decorative symbols are variably displayed on the variable display portions. Then, when the change of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 4 is started, the change of the decorative symbol (for example, the change of the symbol) is made on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions in the image display device 5 When the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 4, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” on the image display device 5 are started. By stopping the display of the decorative pattern that becomes the confirmed decorative pattern in each variable display section, the combination of the decorative pattern that is the variable display result is stopped and displayed (derived display).

  On the screen of the image display device 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, there are provided a display area 5A where various images are displayed and a non-display area 5B where no image is displayed. For example, on the front part of the special symbol display device 4, the back part of the decorative members 31, 32, 33 provided at the peripheral part of the game area, the back part of the gaming machine frame 3 outside the game area, etc. A non-display area 5B which is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying the image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (for example, a polarizing plate), a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and the like and does not physically display an image. It has become. On the other hand, on the back surface of the display area 5A, for example, a backlight that irradiates the display area 5A from behind, a concealing member that conceals the interior of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like are provided.

  In this embodiment, the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be set to either the first effect mode # 1 or the second effect mode # 2. In the first effect mode # 1 and the second effect mode # 2, the display mode of the effect image on the image display device 5, the sound output mode from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation mode of the game effect lamp 9, etc. Various production states are different. The selection of the first and second effect modes # 1 and # 2 is performed by, for example, a predetermined operation (for example, pressing down) of the operation switch 40 within a predetermined period in which a predetermined demonstration screen (demonstration screen) is displayed on the image display device 5, for example. The operation can be switched in response to the detected operation.

  For example, when the first effect mode # 1 is set, “1” is displayed on each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions provided on the display screen of the image display device 5. Symbols indicating Arabic numerals from "" to "8" are displayed in a variable manner. In contrast, when the second effect mode # 2 is set, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions provided on the display screen of the image display device 5 are used. , “1” to “8” are displayed in a variable manner. A corresponding symbol number is attached to each of the decorative symbols. In each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions, the decorative symbols are variably displayed by displaying or deleting the symbols indicating the numbers in a predetermined order. As a specific example, when the first effect mode # 1 is set, symbols indicating numbers “1” to “8” are displayed in order, and the symbol indicating the number “8” is followed. Display a symbol indicating the number “1”. When the second effect mode # 2 is set, symbols indicating “1” to “8” are displayed in order, followed by “1” following the symbol indicating “8”. A symbol indicating the number is displayed.

  In the case where a big hit with a big hit symbol derived and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 occurs, the variable display results of the decorative symbols on the image display device 5 include “left”, “middle”, The same decorative design is stopped and displayed on each “right” variable display section. Therefore, as a variable display result of the decorative symbols on the image display device 5, after the same decorative symbols are stopped and displayed on the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a big hit The game state will be controlled.

  The image display device 5 is provided with a special symbol start memory display area for displaying the number of reserved memories (the number of special figure reserved memories) as the number of effective winning balls won in the start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6. It may be. In the special symbol start memory display area, a winning display is performed in response to an effective start winning when the special figure reservation storage number is less than a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). As a specific example, when 1 is added to the special figure reservation storage number, one of the display parts that is normally blue (for example, the leftmost display part among the display parts that are blue) is displayed in red. Change. Further, when 1 is subtracted from the special figure reserved storage number, one of the display parts displayed in red (for example, the display part at the right end of the display part in red) is returned to blue display. Alternatively, in the special symbol start storage display area, a number indicating the special figure reserved memory number may be displayed so that the player or the like can recognize the special figure reserved memory number. Further, a display (special symbol start memory display) for displaying the number of special symbol hold memories may be provided separately from the special symbol start memory display area arranged in the display area of the image display device 5.

  The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 includes an electric tulip-type accessory (a normal tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces which are controlled to move between a vertical (normally open) position and a tilt (enlarged open) position by a solenoid 81 (FIG. 3). It has an electric accessory) and forms a start winning opening. The game ball that has entered the start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is detected by the start opening switch 22 (FIG. 3), and an execution condition (starting condition) for executing the special-purpose game based on the detection. ) Holds. Based on the detection of the game ball by the start port switch 22, a predetermined number (for example, four) of prize balls are paid out.

  The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes an opening / closing plate that opens and closes a large winning opening serving as a winning area by a solenoid 82 (FIG. 3). The opening / closing plate is in a state in which the big prize opening is closed at a normal time, for example, before the big hit gaming state occurs after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. On the other hand, when a big hit gaming state is achieved based on the variable display result in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4, the big winning opening is opened by the solenoid 82 for a predetermined period or until a predetermined number of winning balls are generated. After closing. Here, out of the game balls led to the back of the game board 2 after winning the big winning opening and entering one area (V winning area; special area) is detected by the V winning switch 23 (FIG. 3). A game ball that is detected by the count switch 24 and enters the other area may be detected by the count switch 24 as it is. In this case, a solenoid for switching the route in the special winning opening may be provided on the back of the game board 2. Then, in each round other than the final round in the big hit gaming state, the detection of the game ball by the V winning switch 23 may be a condition for shifting to the next round. Alternatively, without providing the V winning area, it is possible to always shift to the next round in each round other than the final round in the big hit gaming state.

  In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill with a built-in lamp, an out port, and the like. Speakers 8L and 8R as sound effect generators for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3. Further, a game effect lamp 9 as an electric decoration member is provided in the periphery of the game area. A decorative LED included in the electric decoration member may be installed around each structure (for example, the normal variable winning ball device 6 and the special variable winning ball device 7) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. An operation switch 40 that is operated by a player or the like is provided at the lower left position of the gaming machine frame 3 in order to change the mode of effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like. A hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball is provided at a lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3.

  Various control boards such as a power supply board 10, a main board 11, and an effect control board 12 as shown in FIG. 3 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. Between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12, a signal relay board 13 for relaying various control signals transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is also provided. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be provided with various boards such as a payout control board, a launch control board, and an interface board.

  The power supply board 10 is installed independently of each control board such as the main board 11 and the effect control board 12, and generates a voltage used by each control board and mechanism components in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the power supply board 10 generates AC24V, VLP (DC + 24V), VSL (DC + 30V), VDD (DC + 12V), VCC (DC + 5V), and VBB (DC + 5V). The power supply board 10 includes, for example, a transformer circuit, a DC voltage generation circuit, and a power supply monitoring circuit. Further, the power supply substrate 10 may be provided with a clear switch that outputs a clear signal in response to a predetermined operation such as a pressing operation, or a capacitor that serves as a backup power supply. In addition, the power supply board 10 may be provided with a power switch for executing or shutting off power supply to each control board and the mechanical components in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Alternatively, the power switch may be provided outside the power supply board 10 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A main board 11 shown in FIG. 3 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal and a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer are provided. Also, the main board 11 controls the special symbol display on the special symbol display device 4 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing of each segment constituting the special symbol display device 4, while the normal symbol display device 20 is turned on. By controlling the blinking / coloring control, the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display device 20 is controlled. The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 101 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 102 that outputs a drive signal for each of the solenoids 81 and 82 according to the command is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, wiring for receiving detection signals from the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the V winning switch 23, and the count switch 24 is connected to the main board 11. Note that the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the V winning switch 23, and the count switch 24 have any configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. That's fine. In addition, the main board 11 is provided with wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 to the solenoid 81 and opening / closing control of the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. A wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing the operation to the solenoid 82 is connected. Further, the main board 11 is connected to a wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control of the special symbol display device 4 and the normal symbol display device 20.

  A control signal output from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the signal relay board 13. The main board 11 is provided with a main board side connector corresponding to, for example, the signal relay board 13, and an output buffer circuit is connected between the main board side connector and the game control microcomputer 100. The output buffer circuit can pass a signal only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13 and prevents the signal from being input from the signal relay board 13 to the main board 11. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 or the signal relay board 13 side to the main board 11 side.

  For example, the signal relay board 13 may be provided with a transmission direction regulating circuit for each wiring for transmitting a control signal output from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Each transmission direction regulating circuit includes a diode having an anode connected to the main board connector corresponding to the main board 11 and a cathode connected to the presentation control board connector corresponding to the presentation control board 12, and one end connected to the cathode of the diode. And a resistor having the other end connected to the ground (GND). With this configuration, each transmission direction regulation circuit can prevent signals from being input from the effect control board 12 to the signal relay board 13 and pass signals only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. . Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 side to the main board 11 side. In order to prevent unauthorized input of signals to the main board, a one-way data transfer means that restricts only the signal output from the main board to the sub board between the main board and the sub board has already been proposed. (See, for example, JP-A-8-224339). However, since there is nothing that regulates signal input to the main board between the main board and the one-way data transfer means, it is possible to input illegal signals to the main board by modifying the one-way data transfer means. Was possible. In this embodiment, a transmission direction regulating circuit is provided for each wiring for transmitting a control signal in the signal relay board 13, and an output buffer is provided between the game control microcomputer 100 and the main board side connector on the main board 11. By providing the circuit, it is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal signal input from the outside to the main board 11.

  The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13 is an effect control command transmitted as an electric signal, for example. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And a lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the decoration LED and the like. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command used in this embodiment. The effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The leading bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the leading bit of the EXT data is “0”. Note that the command form shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and other command forms may be used. In this example, the control command is composed of two control signals. However, the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one or a plurality of three or more.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the command 80XXh is a variable display start command that is transmitted when the special symbol display device 4 starts the variable symbol special symbol display in the special symbol game. XXh indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number and may be a value arbitrarily set according to the instruction content by the effect control command. In the variable display start command, for example, different EXT data is set corresponding to a variable display pattern of a special symbol or a decorative symbol. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of normal losing patterns are prepared as variable display patterns for deriving and displaying a definitive decorative symbol of a losing combination without the decorative symbol variable display mode becoming reach. A plurality of types of reach patterns are prepared as variable display patterns for deriving and displaying a definite decorative combination of a big hit combination or a lost combination after setting the variable display mode of the decorative design as reach.

  Here, the reach means that a decorative display (referred to as a reach variation pattern) that has not yet been derived and displayed when the decorative pattern derived and displayed by the image display device 5 forms a part of the jackpot combination is a variable display. It is a display mode that is being performed, or a display mode in which all or some of the decorative symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, on the combination effective line that has not been stopped yet when the symbols constituting the predetermined jackpot combination are stopped and displayed on some of the variable display portions on the predetermined combination effective line. Display mode in which variable display is performed in the variable display section (for example, “left”, “right” variable display sections among the “left”, “middle”, “right” variable display sections provided in the display area Is a display mode in which a variable display part of “medium” is still in a variable display state while a part of the jackpot symbol (for example, a decorative symbol indicating the number “7”) is stopped and displayed, or A display mode in which all or part of the decorative symbols on the variable display portion on the effective line are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol (for example, “left” provided in the display area) , Fluctuate in all of the “middle” and “right” variable display sections It shows a display manner in variable display is being performed manner which state is performed have all the same decoration pattern be displayed). In addition, during the reach, unusual effects may be performed with lamps or sounds. This production is called reach production. Further, during the reach, the image display device 5 displays a character (an effect display imitating a person or the like, which is different from the decorative design), changes the display mode of the background, or changes the decorative design. The display mode may be changed. This change in character display, background display mode, and decorative pattern variation mode is referred to as reach effect display.

  The command 90XXh is a display result notification command indicating the type of variable display result of special symbols and decorative symbols. In the display result notification command, for example, the display result of the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed as an execution result of the variable display of the decorative symbol, for example, is a normal loss that is lost instead of reaching, or is lost after reaching reach Different EXT data is set corresponding to the type of display result, such as whether it is reach lose or whether it is a big hit after reaching reach.

  The command A000h is a big hit start command indicating that the big hit gaming state is started by the big win in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 or the variable display of the decorative symbols in the image display device 5. The command A1XXh is a jackpot round number notification command indicating the number of rounds started in the jackpot gaming state. The command B000h is a jackpot end command indicating that the jackpot gaming state is ended.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11. A game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, and a random number circuit 114. And an input / output port 115. The CPU 111 reads the user program and data stored in the ROM 112, and uses the RAM 113 as a work area to perform a control operation according to the program.

  In the main board 11, all or part of various random numbers used on the main board 11 side is generated by the random number circuit 114. For example, on the main board 11 side, a random number value for jackpot determination, a random number value for normal hit, a random value for reach determination, a random value for variable display pattern determination, or the like is used. In order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers other than these may be used on the main board 11 side. All or some of the numerical data indicating these random numbers may be counted by the random number circuit 114. Further, numerical data indicating a part of these random number values may be counted by updating by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 114 by the CPU 111.

  The random number value for jackpot determination is a random value used for determining whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the jackpot gaming state due to occurrence of the jackpot. That is, the random number value for determining the big hit is used to determine whether the type of display result in the special display game by the special symbol display device 4 or the variable display of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5 is a big hit or a loss. Used for. The random number value for determining the normal hit is a random value used for determining whether or not the display result of the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device 20 is “win”. The reach determination random number value is a random value used for determining whether or not the variable display mode of decorative symbols is to be reached. The random number value for determining the variable display pattern is a random number value for display used for determining the variable display pattern of the special symbol or the decorative symbol as one of a plurality of types prepared in advance.

  In addition to the game control user program, the ROM 112 stores various data tables used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 112 stores table data constituting a plurality of determination tables and determination tables prepared for the CPU 111 to make various determinations and determinations. As a determination table, a big hit determination table referred to for determining whether or not a variable display result is a big hit with a confirmed special symbol in a special figure game as a big hit symbol, or a display result in a normal figure game is set to “win”. Ordinary hit determination table referred to determine whether or not the variable symbol display mode of the special symbol or decorative symbol is lost when the variable symbol display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is lost. The reach determination table to be used is included.

  The big hit determination table is a loss determination value indicating that the random number for determining the big hit matches the big hit determination value data indicating that the display result of the special figure game is a big hit or the display result of the special figure game is lost. What is necessary is just to be comprised from the setting data etc. which can determine whether it corresponds with data. In the normal hit determination table, the random number for determining the normal hit matches the normal hit determination value data indicating that the display result of the normal game is “win”, or the display result of the normal game is “lost”. What is necessary is just to be comprised from the setting data etc. which can determine whether it corresponds with the loss determination value data which show doing. The reach determination table can determine whether the reach determination random number value matches the reach determination value data indicating that the variable display mode of the decorative design is reached, or the normal loss determination value data that is not reached It only has to be configured from setting data to be set.

  In the determination table stored in the ROM 112, a fixed special symbol determination table for determining a fixed special symbol to be derived and displayed as a variable display result in a special symbol game, and a variable display pattern of special symbols and decorative symbols are determined. The variable display pattern determination table is included.

  The variable display pattern determination table is, for example, selection data that enables selection of a variable display pattern based on a random value for variable display pattern determination by associating each variable display pattern with a random value for variable display pattern determination. And so on. The data indicating each variable display pattern in the variable display pattern determination table is, for example, in the variable display pattern determination table or in a variable display pattern setting table different from the variable display pattern determination table. It only needs to be associated with data indicating the total variable display time, control data set as EXT data by the variable display start command, and the like.

  The RAM 113 is provided with an area for holding various data used for controlling the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, in the RAM 113, as a special figure holding storage unit, a normal figure holding storage unit, a confirmed special symbol storage unit, a game control flag setting unit, a game control timer setting unit, a game control counter setting unit, a game control buffer setting unit, etc. It is only necessary to provide an area for holding various data.

  Although the special figure holding storage unit has an execution condition for executing the special figure game by the special symbol display device 4 when the game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6, On-hold information relating to a special figure game in which a start condition for starting variable display is not satisfied due to reasons such as executing a conventional special figure game is stored. For example, the special figure holding storage unit associates with the holding number in the order of winning to the start winning opening, and shows the random value for jackpot determination extracted from the random number circuit 114 or the like by the CPU 111 based on the establishment of the execution condition by the winning. Numerical data is stored as pending data, and stored until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit (eg, “4”).

  The normal diagram holding storage unit stores the previous normal diagram game although the execution condition for the normal symbol display device 20 to execute the normal diagram game is satisfied when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 provided in the game area. On-hold information relating to a normal game in which a start condition for starting variable display is not satisfied due to reasons such as being executed is stored. For example, the normal diagram hold storage unit associates with the hold numbers in the order in which the game balls have passed through the passing gate 41, and for normal hit determination extracted from the random number circuit 114 or the like by the CPU 111 based on the establishment of the execution condition by the passing Is stored as pending data, and the number is stored until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit (eg, “4”).

  The confirmed special symbol storage unit stores data indicating a confirmed special symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result in a special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4. The game control flag setting unit sets data for setting a plurality of types of flags to be set or cleared in accordance with the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1, signals transmitted from various switches via the switch circuit 101, and the like. Remember. The game control timer setting unit stores data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for game control in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game control counter setting unit stores data indicating a plurality of types of count values used for game control in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game control buffer setting unit temporarily stores various data used for game control in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The circuit used for flag setting and counter / timer may be constituted by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 113.

  The input / output port 115 includes an input port for taking in various signals transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100. Has been.

  The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 3 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives a control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, and receives the image display device 5. In addition, various circuits for controlling electric parts for production such as the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 are mounted. In other words, the effect control board 12 has predetermined electrical components for effects such as display operation in the image display device 5, sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, lamp lighting operation and extinguishing operation in the game effect lamp 9. It has a function of determining the control content for executing the rendering operation.

  The effect control board 12 is connected to wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5 and wiring for transmitting a driving signal to the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9. In addition, wiring from the operation switch 40 is also connected to the effect control board 12. As shown in FIG. 3, an effect control microcomputer 120, a display control unit 121, a sound control unit 122, and a lamp control unit 123 are mounted on the effect control board 12.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 120 mounted on the effect control board 12. The presentation control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 6 is configured using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a random number circuit 134, and an input / output port 135. The CPU 131 reads the user program and data stored in the ROM 132, and uses the RAM 133 as a work area to perform a control operation according to the program.

  In the effect control board 12, the random number circuit 134 generates all or a part of various random numbers used on the effect control board 12 side. For example, on the side of the production control board 12, a random number SR1 for determining a notice as shown in FIG. 7 is used. In order to enhance the effect, other random values such as a random value for determining a definite symbol may be used on the effect control board 12 side. The random number value for determining the fixed decorative design is a random value used for determining the fixed decorative design to be derived and displayed as the display result in the variable display of the decorative design. All or part of the numerical data indicating such random numbers may be counted by the random number circuit 134. Further, a part of numerical data indicating such random number values may be counted by updating by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 134 by the CPU 131.

  The random number SR1 for determining a notice shown in FIG. 7 executes a notice effect for notifying that a variable symbol display result of a special symbol or a decorative symbol will be a big hit or that a variable symbol display mode of a decorative symbol will be reached. This is a random value used to determine the mode of the notice effect when it is determined whether or not to execute and when it is determined to execute.

  The ROM 132 stores, for example, data constituting a plurality of types of decorative design determination tables, a preliminary determination determination table, a pre-transfer setting table, and an effect control pattern table as data for determining the control operation by the CPU 131. The decorative symbol determination table is a table used to determine a fixed decorative symbol that is derived and displayed as a variable display result of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5 based on a random value for determining the fixed decorative symbol. The notice determination table is a table used for determining whether or not a notice effect is to be executed, a notice pattern indicating a form of the notice effect when it is executed, and the like based on a random number value for determining a notice.

  As a specific example of the notice determination table, in this embodiment, the loss notice notice determination table 201 shown in FIG. 8A and the big hit notice decision table 202 shown in FIG. Has been. In this embodiment, notice A to notice D are used as the notice patterns for notifying that there is a possibility that a definite decorative combination of the jackpot combination may be derived and displayed as a variable display result in a predetermined period in which the decorative symbols are variably displayed. It is assumed that a pattern is prepared. When one of the notice patterns from notice A to notice D is selected, for example, a decorative pattern such as a period from when the decorative display variable display mode reaches reach until the confirmed decorative pattern is stopped and displayed is displayed. In a predetermined period during which the variable display is performed, a notice effect display is performed in which the display of the effect character and the background image on the screen of the image display device 5 changes with the elapsed time, and the variable display result is a big hit. The Here, the effect character may be a character or an animal, an object other than these, a symbol such as a character or a number, or any other figure. When the variable display pattern is a normal loss pattern, the notice effect display may be executed in a predetermined period in which the decorative symbol is variably displayed without the variable symbol display mode of the decorative symbol being reached.

  9A to 9C show the image display device 5 corresponding to the fact that the notice pattern of the notice A is selected when the effect operation mode in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the first effect mode # 1. An image display example is shown. As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, when the notice pattern of the notice A is selected in the first effect mode # 1, the person is selected in a predetermined period in which the decorative symbols are variably displayed. It can be predicted that the variable display result will be a big hit by changing the display of the effect character so that the character CH1 to be displayed moves from the right end to the left end in the display area in the image display device 5 as time passes. .

  FIGS. 9D to 9F show the image display device 5 corresponding to the fact that the notice pattern of the notice B is selected when the effect operation mode in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the first effect mode # 1. An image display example is shown. As shown in FIGS. 9D to 9F, when the notice pattern of the notice B is selected in the first production mode # 1, the car is moved in the predetermined period in which the decorative symbols are variably displayed. It can be predicted that the variable display result will be a big hit by changing the display of the effect character so that the character CH2 to be displayed moves from the right end to the left end in the display area in the image display device 5 as time passes. .

  FIGS. 10A to 10C show the image display device 5 corresponding to the fact that the notice pattern of the notice C is selected when the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the first effect mode # 1. An image display example is shown. As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, when the notice pattern of notice C is selected in the first production mode # 1, stars are displayed in a predetermined period during which the decorative symbols are variably displayed. It can be predicted that the variable display result will be a big hit by changing the display of the effect character so that the character CH3 to be displayed moves from the right end to the left end in the display area in the image display device 5 as time passes. .

  FIGS. 10D to 10F show the image display device 5 corresponding to the fact that the notice pattern of the notice D is selected when the effect operation mode in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the first effect mode # 1. An image display example is shown. As shown in FIGS. 10D to 10F, when the notice pattern of the notice D is selected in the first effect mode # 1, a predetermined pattern is displayed for a predetermined period during which the decorative symbols are variably displayed. As the display of the effect character changes so that the character CH4 moves from the right end to the left end in the display area of the image display device 5 as time passes, it can be predicted that the variable display result will be a big hit.

  FIG. 11A shows a display example of a background image on the image display device 5 corresponding to the fact that no notice is selected when the mode of the performance operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the second performance mode # 2. Show. FIG. 11B shows a background image in the image display device 5 corresponding to the selection of the notice pattern of the notice A when the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the second effect mode # 2. A display example is shown. FIG. 11C shows a background image in the image display device 5 corresponding to the selection of the notice pattern of the notice B when the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the second effect mode # 2. A display example is shown. FIG. 11D shows the background image in the image display device 5 corresponding to the selection of the notice pattern of the notice C when the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the second effect mode # 2. A display example is shown. FIG. 11E shows the background image in the image display device 5 corresponding to the selection of the notice pattern of the notice D when the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the second effect mode # 2. A display example is shown. As described above, when the effect operation mode is set to the second effect mode # 2, no notice is selected, or any one of the notice patterns from notice A to notice D is selected. Correspondingly, different background images are displayed.

  Loss time notice determination table 201 shown in FIG. 8 (A) and jackpot notice determination table 202 shown in FIG. 8 (B) are respectively a random number SR1 for notice determination and a determination result or notice that no notice is executed. A determination result indicating that a notice according to any one of the notice patterns A to D is executed is made up of setting data and the like to be associated with each other. In the notice-of-losing notice determination table 201, “1” to “50” of the random number SR1 for determining notice are determined to not execute the notice, and “51” to “85” are notices according to the notice pattern of the notice A. “86” to “95” are executed in accordance with the result of the notice of the notice B, and “96” to “99” are executed in the notice of the notice pattern of the notice C. “100” is associated with the determination result indicating that the advance notice by the advance notice pattern of the advance notice D is executed. On the other hand, in the jackpot notice determination table 202, “1” to “5” of the random number SR1 for notice determination are “6” to “15” as the notice A for the decision result that the notice is not executed. “16” to “30” are determined to execute the notice according to the notice pattern of the notice B, and “31” to “50” are the notice of the notice C. “51” to “100” are associated with the determination result of executing the notice by the notice pattern of the notice D, respectively, with the decision result of executing the notice by the pattern.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative pattern is lost, the notice pattern is determined with reference to the notice determination table 201 at the time of loss shown in FIG. 8A, while the variable display result is a big hit. In this case, by referring to the big hit time notice determination table 202 shown in FIG. 8B, the notice pattern is determined, and the notice according to each notice pattern is selected with a probability as shown in FIG. 8C. Will be executed. That is, in this embodiment, when the variable display result is lost, the notification is not executed with the probability of 50/100, while the notification A with the probability of 35/100 and the notification B with the probability of 10/100, 4 / The notices according to the respective notice patterns, ie, notice C with a probability of 100 and notice D with a probability of 1/100, are executed. On the other hand, when the variable display result is a big hit, the announcement is not executed with a probability of 5/100, while the announcement A with a probability of 10/100, the announcement B with a probability of 15/100, the probability of 20/100 Thus, the advance notice C, the advance notice D with a probability of 50/100, is executed according to the respective advance notice patterns.

  Based on the selection probability of the notice by each notice pattern, the expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit when the notice effect display by each notice pattern is performed (that is, the probability that the notice hits when the notice appears) ) As a big hit reliability (prediction big hit reliability). For example, the jackpot reliability of the notice according to each notice pattern is ((selection probability of the notice pattern at the time of big hit) × (probability of big hit)) / ((selection probability of the notice pattern at the time of loss) × (loss probability) + (Selection probability of the notice pattern at the time of big hit) × (big hit probability)).

  In the pachinko machine 1, the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is made so that the number of executions of variable display in which the display result is lost is sufficiently larger than the number of executions of variable display in which the display result is a big hit. The probability that the result will be a big hit (hit probability) is determined. For example, when the jackpot probability is 1/300 as shown in FIG. 8C, the display result is a jackpot while the variable display that causes the display result to be lost on average is executed 299 times. The variable display is designed to be executed at a rate of once. Therefore, an image used in a notice that is executed with a high probability when the variable display result of a special symbol or decorative design is lost is more frequently compared with an image used in a notice that is executed with a low probability. It is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5.

  The advance transfer setting table stores image element data indicating image elements set so as to increase the display frequency in the image display device 5 among a plurality of types of image element data including image element data indicating various effect images. Before the image element is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, the image element is transferred from the CGROM 142 (FIG. 15) provided in the display control unit 121 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 (FIG. 15) in the VDP 141 in advance. It is a table used to command to do. As a specific example of the advance transfer setting table, the advance transfer setting table 211 as shown in FIG. 12A is used in this embodiment. The advance transfer setting table 211 shown in FIG. 12A is composed of 3N + 1 (N is an arbitrary natural number) table data, and the table data read from the advance transfer setting table 211 is a count value in the advance transfer counter. It is determined by a certain advance transfer count value.

  In the advance transfer setting table 211, as table data for specifying image element data to be transferred from the CGROM 142 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 in advance, the number of processes, read addresses # 1 to #N (N is an arbitrary number) (Natural number), data indicating write addresses # 1 to #N, image element data amounts # 1 to #N, and the like are stored. Here, the frequency with which each image element is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 is the effect mode # 1 of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the second effect mode # 2. Differences occur. For example, in the first effect mode # 1, symbols indicating Arabic numerals “1” to “8” are used as decorative symbols, while in the second effect mode # 2, “one” to “eight” are used as decorative symbols. The symbol showing the Chinese numerals is used. Accordingly, Arabic numerals “1” to “8” that are set so as to increase the display frequency in the case of the first effect mode # 1 despite being set to the second effect mode # 2. Even if the image element data corresponding to the design indicating is temporarily stored in the image element temporary storage memory 155, there is no opportunity to use these image element data, and the use efficiency of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the advance transfer setting table 211A corresponding to the first effect mode # 1 and the advance transfer setting table 211B corresponding to the second effect mode # 2. And registering image element data corresponding to the image element set so as to increase the display frequency corresponding to the effect state, and thereby corresponding to other image element data not registered The image element data having a higher execution frequency of the corresponding image element than the execution frequency of the element is transferred from the CGROM 142 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 in advance.

  As a specific example of the effect control pattern table, an effect control pattern table 221 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 13A is used in this embodiment. This effect control pattern table 221 shows the contents of various effect controls such as the contents of display operations in the image display device 5, the contents of audio output control of the speakers 8L, 8R, etc., the contents of effects by the game effect lamp 9, etc. A plurality of types of data are stored as production control patterns. The plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 221 are, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, effect control timer setting values, effect control timer determination values # 1 to #n (n is an arbitrary natural number), The image display device 5 is composed of various data for controlling the production operation, such as display control data # 1 to #n, audio control data # 1 to #n, and lamp control data # 1 to #n. The contents of various effects control, such as the contents displayed on the screen, the contents of audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the contents of effects by the game effect lamp 9, and the switching timing of the effects control are set.

  In the effect control pattern table 221, for example, a plurality of types of effect control patterns corresponding to the effect operation within a period in which the decorative display variable display is executed on the image display device 5 are stored. In addition, the effect control pattern corresponding to the effect operation within the period in which the probability variation re-lottery effect and the advantageous opening re-lottery effect are executed is also stored in the effect control pattern table 221. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13B, an effect control pattern table 221A corresponding to the first effect mode # 1 and an effect control pattern table 221B corresponding to the second effect mode # 2 are provided. Data prepared in advance and constituting each of the effect control pattern tables 221A and 221B is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 132.

  The RAM 133 provided in the effect control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with an area for holding various data used for controlling the effect operation. For example, in the RAM 133, a confirmed decorative symbol storage unit, an effect control flag setting unit, an effect control timer setting unit, an effect control counter setting unit, an effect control buffer setting unit, a variable display pattern storage unit, a display result storage unit, a special figure hold An area for holding various data may be provided as a storage number storage unit, a round number storage unit, a notice pattern storage unit, and the like.

  Here, the determined decorative symbol storage unit stores data indicating the fixed decorative symbol that is derived and displayed as a variable display result in the variable display of decorative symbols in the image display device 5. The effect control flag setting unit sets a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the effect operation state such as the display state of the image display device 5, the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11, and the like. Store the data. The effect control timer setting unit stores data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for effect control such as display control on the image display device 5, for example. The effect control counter setting unit stores data indicating a plurality of types of count values used for effect control such as display control on the image display device 5, for example. The circuit used for flag setting and counter / timer may be configured by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 133.

  The effect control buffer setting unit is provided with an effect side reception command buffer for temporarily storing commands from the main board 11 received by the effect control board 12. The variable display pattern storage unit stores data that can specify the variable display pattern notified from the main board 11 by storing, for example, EXT data in the variable display start command. The display result storage unit stores data that can specify the type of the display result notified from the main board 11 by storing, for example, EXT data in the display result notification command. The special figure reserved memory number storage unit stores data that can specify the special figure reserved memory number notified from the main board 11. The round number storage unit stores data that can specify the round number in the big hit gaming state notified from the main board 11 by storing, for example, EXT data in the big hit round number notification command. The notice pattern storage unit stores data that can specify the notice pattern determined to execute the notice effect display.

  The input / output port 135 included in the effect control microcomputer 120 is an input port for taking in various signals transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 and to transmit various signals to the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120. Output port. For example, from the output port of the input / output port 135, a display control command transmitted to the display control unit 121, a voice control command transmitted to the sound control unit 122, and a lamp control transmitted to the lamp control unit 123. Commands are output. The input port of the input / output port 135 includes an input terminal for a detection signal (switch operation detection signal) transmitted from the operation switch 40.

  The display control unit 121 shown in FIG. 3 controls the display operation in the image display device 5 based on a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. For example, the display control unit 121 performs control for executing decorative display variable display and various effects display by causing the image display device 5 to perform switching display of images.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the display control unit 121. As shown in FIG. 15, the display control unit 121 includes a VDP 141 (Video Display Processor) and a CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 142. The VDP 141 has, for example, a high-speed drawing function and a display output function for displaying an image on the image display device 5, and executes image processing according to a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. The CGROM 142 stores various image data used for displaying an image on the image display device 5. The image data stored in the CGROM 142 includes a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images indicating a plurality of types of decorative symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the VDP 141 includes a host interface 151, a transfer control circuit 152, a CGROM interface 153, a drawing circuit 154, an image element temporary storage memory 155, a frame buffer memory 156, and a display circuit 157. I have.

  The host interface 151 includes an address input terminal and a data input / output terminal for exchanging various data with the production control microcomputer 120. The transfer control circuit 152 controls the transfer of the image element data read from the CGROM 142 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 based on a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. For example, the transfer control circuit 152 includes a DMA device for transferring data from the CGROM 142 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 using DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer.

  The CGROM interface 153 includes an address output terminal and a data input terminal for reading image element data stored in the CGROM 142. The drawing circuit 154 executes a drawing process for creating image display data in the image display device 5 based on the image element data temporarily stored in the image element temporary storage memory 155.

  The image element temporary storage memory 155 is configured using, for example, a VRAM (Video RAM) or the like, and temporarily stores image element data read from the CGROM 142. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an address map in the image element temporary storage memory 155. As shown in FIG. 16, the image element temporary storage memory 155 is provided with a fixed address area 155A and an automatic transfer area 155B.

  Fixed address area 155A indicates an image element that is set to have a higher display frequency among a plurality of types of image elements such as decorative designs, effect characters, and background images displayed on the screen of image display device 5. This is a storage area for temporarily storing image element data. For example, the decorative symbols that are variably displayed corresponding to the set effect mode are displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 at least once during the period in which the variable display is executed each time. On the other hand, the effect character used for notifying that the variable display result will be a big hit is displayed only when it is determined to execute the corresponding notice effect at the start of variable display. It is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 within a predetermined period of execution. That is, the image element that becomes the decorative design is set so that the display frequency on the image display device 5 is higher than the image element that becomes the effect character for the notice effect. In addition, among the effect characters for the notice effect, the effect character used in the notice effect with a low jackpot reliability is displayed on the image display device 5 as compared with the effect character used in the notice effect with a high jackpot reliability. The frequency is set to be high.

  The automatic transfer area 155B is a storage area for temporarily storing image element data indicating an image element whose display frequency is lower in the image display device 5 than the image element in which the image element data is stored in the fixed address area 155A. The automatic transfer area 155B may temporarily store various data such as moving image data that is not stored in the fixed address area 155A. In this embodiment, the storage area from the address STADD to the address ENADD in the image element temporary storage memory 155 is set in the automatic transfer area 155B. The address STADD and the address ENADD are notified from the CPU 131 to the VDP 141 by a storage area setting command (FIG. 19) described later.

  The frame buffer memory 156 is configured using, for example, a VRAM or the like different from the image element temporary storage memory 155, and stores image display data created by a drawing process or the like by the drawing circuit 154. For example, the frame buffer memory 156 has a storage capacity larger than the capacity of the image data used for displaying an image in the display area for one screen in the image display device 5. In the frame buffer memory 156, in order to facilitate address management, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, in the display data area for storing the display data, not only the display area 5A on the screen of the image display device 5 but also the non-display area. An address is also assigned to the display area 5B.

  The display circuit 157 shown in FIG. 15 uses the display data read from the frame buffer memory 156 as gradation data, generates a scanning signal based on a predetermined clock signal, and outputs it to the image display device 5. This is a circuit for displaying an image on the screen of the display device 5.

  Further, the VDP 141 has a table that can specify the image element data read from the CGROM 142 and temporarily stored in the fixed address area 155A or the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155, as shown in FIG. An index table 251 is provided. In the index table 251 illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, data indicating “start address”, “horizontal size”, “reading completion flag”, and the like are stored in association with data indicating “index number”. Here, “start address” indicates the head address of the image element data stored in the CGROM 142. The “horizontal size” indicates the horizontal size of the effect image indicated by the image element data. The “reading completion flag” indicates “ON” when the transfer of the image element data read from the CGROM 142 to the image element temporary storage memory 155 is completed, and when the transfer is not completed or read from the automatic transfer area 155B. When the writing to the frame buffer memory 156 is completed, “OFF” is indicated.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating specific examples of various commands serving as display control commands transmitted from the CPU 131 included in the effect control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141. As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, commands such as a storage area setting command, advance transfer command, automatic transfer display command, and fixed address designation display command are transmitted from the CPU 131 to the VDP 141 as a display control command. .

  The storage area setting command is a command for instructing setting of a storage area in the image element temporary storage memory 155. For example, the storage area setting command includes data for notifying the VDP 141 of the address STADD that is the head of the automatic transfer area 155B, the address ENADD that is the end of the automatic transfer area 155B, and the like.

  The pre-transfer command is a pre-image element temporary storage memory 155 for image element data indicating image elements set to increase the display frequency in the image display device 5 among the image element data stored in the CGROM 142. This is a command for instructing transfer to the fixed address area 155A. For example, the advance transfer command includes a read address of image element data in the CGROM 142, a write address of image element data in the fixed address area 155A, a data amount of image element data to be read from the CGROM 142 and transferred to the fixed address area 155A, and the like. , Data for notifying the VDP 141 is included.

  The automatic transfer display command is an automatic transfer setting in the VDP 141 for image element data stored in the CGROM 142 that has not been transferred to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 in advance. This is a command for instructing to display the image element indicated by the image element data on the screen of the image display device 5 by writing to the frame buffer memory 156 based on the above. Here, the automatic transfer setting in the VDP 141 is automatically set in the VDP 141 without specifying the storage address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 from the CPU 131. It is included. For example, the automatic transfer display command is data for notifying the VDP 141 of the read address of the image element data in the CGROM 142, the write address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156, the data amount of the image element data read from the CGROM 142, and the like. Is included.

  The fixed address designation display command causes the image element data transferred in advance from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 to be written in the frame buffer memory 156, and the image element indicated by the image element data is displayed. This is a command for instructing display on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the fixed address designation display command indicates the read address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A, the write address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156, the data amount of the image element data read from the fixed address area 155A, etc. Data for notifying the VDP 141 is included.

  In place of the read address of the image element data in the CGROM 142, for example, identification information attached to the effect image indicated by the image element data to be read (for example, the character number of the effect character indicated by the image element data), etc. Arbitrary information that makes it possible to specify the reading position of the image element data to be read may be used. Further, instead of the writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156, for example, the display coordinates of the image element on the screen of the image display device 5 (for example, the upper left display coordinates in the image element), etc. Arbitrary information that makes it possible to specify the writing position of the image element data in may be used. Further, instead of the writing address or reading address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A, for example, an image element in the fixed address area 155A such as an index number associated with the image element data in the index table 251 shown in FIG. Arbitrary information that makes it possible to specify a data writing position and a reading position may be used.

  The CGROM 142 is used to store various image element data used for displaying various effect images including decorative designs on the image display device 5. In the CGROM 142, image element data and the like indicating each of the effect characters including the decorative design are stored at a predetermined address as shown in FIG. 20, for example. In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 can read out image element data stored in the CGROM 142 by designating the read address of the CGROM 142 via the CGROM interface 153 and turning on the read control signal.

  The sound control unit 122 shown in FIG. 3 controls the sound output operation in the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. For example, the sound control unit 122 includes an audio output circuit that generates an audio signal corresponding to an audio control command from the production control microcomputer 120 and outputs the audio signal to the speakers 8L and 8R, and the like.

  The lamp control unit 123 controls the lighting operation, the extinguishing operation, the blinking operation, and the like in the game effect lamp 9 and the like based on a lamp control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. For example, the lamp control unit 123 generates a lamp drive signal corresponding to the lamp control command from the effect control microcomputer 120 and supplies the lamp drive signal to the game effect lamp 9, various decorative lamps, and an electric decoration member such as an LED. Includes a lamp driver circuit that performs lighting operation, extinguishing operation, blinking operation, and the like.

  The sound control unit 122 and the lamp control unit 123 may be mounted on a predetermined control board installed outside the effect control board 12.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when power supply from the power supply board 10 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 111 executes a game control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control main process shown in FIG. 21 is started, first, interruption is prohibited (step S1), and interruption mode is set (step S2). For example, in step S2, the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 100 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: the least significant bit is “0”) output by the built-in device are synthesized. Sets the interrupt mode for maskable interrupts that generate interrupt addresses. When a maskable interrupt is generated, the game control microcomputer 100 is automatically set to be in an interrupt disabled state, and the contents of the program counter may be saved in the stack.

  Subsequently, settings relating to the stack pointer such as setting of a stack pointer designation address are performed (step S3). Further, the internal device register in the game control microcomputer 100 is set (initialized) (step S4). Then, CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in peripheral circuits in the game control microcomputer 100 are set (initialized) (step S5). Thereafter, the RAM 113 is set to be accessible (step S6).

  Following the process of step S6, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a clear switch provided on, for example, the power supply board 10 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in an on state (step S7). At this time, the CPU 111 may confirm the state of the clear switch only once, but may confirm it a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed once that the clear switch is in the OFF state, the state of the clear switch is confirmed once after a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second) has elapsed. At this time, if the clear switch is in an off state, it is determined that the clear switch is in an off state. On the other hand, if the clear switch is on at this time, the state of the clear switch may be confirmed again after a predetermined time has elapsed. It should be noted that the number of times of reconfirming the state of the clear switch may be one time or a plurality of times. In addition, it is possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  When the clear switch is OFF in step S7 (step S7; No), it is determined whether or not there is predetermined backup data in the backup area of the RAM 113 (step S8). For example, in the process of step S8, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a backup flag provided in a game control flag setting unit of the RAM 113 is on. At this time, if the backup flag is on, it is determined whether or not the stored data is normal by calculating a checksum of the stored data in a predetermined area of the RAM 113. Determine that there is backup data. On the other hand, if the backup flag is off or the stored data is not normal, it is determined that there is no backup data.

  If it is determined in step S8 that there is backup data (step S8; Yes), the CPU 111 restores the game state for returning the internal state of the game control microcomputer 100 to the state when the power supply is stopped. Is performed (step S9). Then, for example, by setting the saved value of the program counter stored in the backup area of the RAM 113 in the program counter, the process returns to the process corresponding to the address.

  If the clear switch is on in step S7 (step S7; Yes), or if it is determined in step S8 that there is no backup data (step S8; No), the RAM 113 is cleared and initialized. At the same time (step S10), the sub-board such as the effect control board 12 is initialized (step S11). At this time, the internal state of the game control microcomputer 100 is also cleared and set to the initial state.

  Thereafter, the CPU 111 sets an interrupt (step S12). For example, in the process of step S12, the CPU 111 controls the progress of the game every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) by setting the CTC register based on the interrupt initial setting data stored in the ROM 112. To generate a timer interrupt. Further, in the process of step S12, priority may be set in a plurality of types of interrupt processing corresponding to a plurality of types of interrupt factors by performing predetermined register settings.

  After executing the process of step S12, the interrupt is prohibited (step S13), the main random number value update process is executed (step S14), and the interrupt is permitted (step S15), and a series of processes are repeatedly executed. To do. The main random number update process executed in step S14 is a process for updating all or part of the random values used on the main board 11 side by software.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control interrupt process executed by the CPU 111 each time a timer interrupt for controlling the progress of a game is generated in the game control microcomputer 100. When a maskable interrupt such as a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 111 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack. When the game control interrupt process shown in FIG. 22 is started, the CPU 111 first saves the internal register (step S20), and then executes a predetermined switch process to input from each switch via the switch circuit 101. The state of the detection signal is determined (step S21). Subsequently, a main random number update process similar to step S14 in FIG. 21 is executed (step S22). Next, for example, a start winning process is executed based on the execution result of the switch process in step S21 (step S23). In the start winning process, a big hit determination is made in response to the detection of a game ball winning at the start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6 when the start winning signal from the start opening switch 22 is turned on. The numerical data indicating the random number value for use is extracted from the random number circuit 114 or the like and stored in the special figure holding storage unit of the RAM 113.

  Following the start winning process, the CPU 111 executes a special symbol process (step S24). In the special symbol process, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit of the RAM 113 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 to control the display operation in the special symbol display device 4. Various processes are selected and executed in order to set the special winning opening / closing operation in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure. Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S25). The CPU 111 executes normal symbol process processing to control display operations (for example, lighting and extinguishing of LEDs) in the normal symbol display device 20, and to perform variable display of normal symbols (for example, lighting and blinking) and the like. It is possible to set the tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6.

  Furthermore, the CPU 111 transmits a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-board such as the effect control board 12 by executing a command control process (step S26). For example, in the command control process, it is determined whether or not a transmission command is stored in various transmission command buffers provided in the game control buffer setting unit of the RAM 113, and when stored, the storage corresponding to the transmission command is stored. Read data. Then, transmission of a control command to the sub-board is controlled by setting read data to a predetermined output port provided in the input / output port 115, for example. After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output (step S27). ).

  Subsequently, the CPU 111 executes predetermined solenoid output processing to control the tilting of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and open / close the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Control is performed (step S28). Thereafter, by executing predetermined prize ball processing, the number of prize balls is set based on the detection signal input from each switch, and the payout control command can be output to the payout control board (step S29). ). Then, the contents of the register saved in step S20 are restored (step S30), the interrupt is permitted (step S31), and the game control interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S24 shown in FIG. 22 as special symbol process processing. In the special symbol process shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 111 executes the following steps S100 to S106 according to the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit of the RAM 113.

  The special symbol normal process in step S100 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. This special symbol normal process is a process for determining whether or not to start a special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 based on numerical data indicating a random number for jackpot determination stored in the special symbol holding storage unit of the RAM 113. Etc. The variable display start process in step S101 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “1”. In the variable display start process, a process for setting a fixed special symbol to be stopped and displayed as a variable symbol display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 and a variable display pattern for the special symbol and the decorative symbol are determined. Includes processing. Further, in the variable display start process, for example, the control data corresponding to the confirmed special symbol is set in the effect transmission command buffer received by the game control buffer setting unit of the RAM 113, etc. Configure settings for sending display result notification commands. In addition, in the variable display start process, for example, a variable display start command is sent to the effect control board 12 by setting control data corresponding to the variable display pattern of special symbols and decorative symbols in the effect transmission command buffer. Configure settings for sending.

  The variable display control process of step S102 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. This variable display control process includes a process of measuring the remaining variable display time in the special figure game by the special symbol display device 4 based on the timer value in the variable display timer provided in the game control timer setting unit of the RAM 113. It is out. The variable display stop process in step S103 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In the variable display stop process, the special symbol display device 4 derives and displays the confirmed special symbol and ends the variable symbol variable display.

  The pre-opening process for the special winning opening in step S104 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “4”. In the big winning opening opening pre-processing, for example, setting for transmitting a big hit start command to the production control board 12 is performed by setting predetermined control data in the production transmission command buffer. Further, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening includes an initialization process in the big hit operation such as opening and closing the big winning opening by the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. The special winning opening opening process in step S105 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “5”. This process during opening of the big prize opening is performed in various processes related to the big hit operation such as opening and closing of the big prize opening by the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, and once in the big prize opening formed by the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. It includes processing to check the opening time. Further, in the special winning opening opening process, it is determined whether or not the big hit operation by the special variable winning ball device 7 is finished, and if it is finished, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “6”. The big hit end process of step S106 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “6”. The jackpot end process includes a process of setting for transmitting a jackpot end command to the effect control board 12 by setting predetermined control data in the effect transmission command buffer, for example.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board 10, the effect control microcomputer 120 is activated, and the CPU 131 executes an effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the production control main process shown in FIG. 24 is started, the CPU 131 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S51), clears the RAM 133, sets various initial values, and is mounted on the production control board 12. Register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) (not shown) is performed. Here, in the initialization process of step S51, the effect mode flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is cleared and the value thereof is initialized to “0”. Subsequently, the CPU 131 performs storage area setting command processing for issuing a command for setting the storage area in the image element temporary storage memory 155 provided in the VDP 141 to the fixed address area 155A and the automatic transfer area 155B as shown in FIG. Execute (Step S52).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage area setting command process executed in step S52 of FIG. In this storage area setting command processing, the CPU 131 reads out the STADD setting data and the ENADD setting data from the ROM 132 as data for setting the storage area to be the automatic transfer area 155B as shown in FIG. Steps S301 and S302). Then, based on the setting data read out in steps S301 and S302, a display control command serving as a storage area setting command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 included in the display control unit 121 (step S303).

  After executing the storage area setting command processing as described above, the image element data set so that the display frequency in the image display device 5 is increased in the storage area serving as the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155. Pre-transfer command processing for giving a command for temporarily storing the data is executed (step S53 in FIG. 24).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-transfer command process executed in step S53 of FIG. In this advance transfer command process, the CPU 131 first sets the advance transfer setting table 211 corresponding to the effect mode flag (step S311). For example, when the value of the effect mode flag is “0”, the advance operation shown in FIG. 12B corresponds to the effect operation mode in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being the first effect mode # 1. The transfer setting table 211A is determined as a table used for transmitting a pre-transfer command to the VDP 141 included in the display control unit 121. On the other hand, when the value of the effect mode flag is “1”, the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the second effect mode # 2, and FIG. Is determined as a table used for transmitting a pre-transfer command to the VDP 141.

  Subsequently, the CPU 131 clears the advance transfer counter provided in the effect control counter setting unit of the RAM 133, and initializes the advance transfer count value that is the count value to “0” (step S312). Then, the number of processes is set by reading the table data of the advance transfer setting table 211 corresponding to the advance transfer count value being “0” (step S313).

  Thereafter, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value, for example, by adding 1 (step S314). Then, by reading the table data in the advance transfer setting table 211 corresponding to the advance transfer count value updated in step S314, a read address indicating the read position of the image element data in the CGROM 142 is specified (step S315).

  Further, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value by, for example, adding 1 (step S316), and reads the table data of the advance transfer setting table 211 corresponding to the updated count value, thereby temporarily storing the image elements. A write address indicating a write position in which image element data is temporarily stored in the storage area serving as the fixed address area 155A of the memory 155 is specified (step S317).

  Further, the CPU 131 updates the advance transfer count value, for example, by adding 1 (step S318), and reads the table data of the advance transfer setting table 211 corresponding to the updated count value, thereby reducing the transfer data amount. It identifies (step S319). Based on the read address, write address, and transfer data amount thus specified, the CPU 131 creates a pre-transfer command and transmits it to the VDP 141 included in the display control unit 121 (step S320). At this time, the number of processes is updated by subtracting, for example, 1 (step S321).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of processes updated in step S321 has reached a predetermined end determination value (for example, “0”) (step S322). At this time, if the number of processes does not reach the end determination value (step S322; No), the process returns to the process of step S314. On the other hand, if the number of processes reaches the end determination value (step S322; Yes), the pre-transfer counter is cleared, the count value is initialized to “0” (step S323), and the pre-transfer command process Exit.

  As described above, after the pre-transfer command process is executed in step S53 of FIG. 24, the timer interrupt flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is monitored, and whether or not the flag is turned on. Is determined (step S54). If no timer interrupt occurs and the timer interrupt flag is off (step S54; No), loop processing is executed until a timer interrupt occurs. On the other hand, when the timer interrupt flag is turned on due to the occurrence of the timer interrupt (step S54; Yes), the flag is cleared and turned off (step S55), and then the effect control transmitted from the main board 11 is performed. Command analysis processing for analyzing the command is executed (step S56).

  Following the command analysis process in step S56, the CPU 131 executes an effect control process process (step S57). In this effect control process, various effects are produced by the display of the image display device 5, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9, etc. Settings for execution are made. Then, by performing the effect-side random value update process (step S58), various random values counted by the random number circuit 134 and the like are updated on the effect control board 12 side. After performing the effect random number update process in step S58, the process returns to step S54.

  In addition, in the effect control microcomputer 120, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interruption is generated when, for example, an effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal is generated, the CPU 131 automatically sets the interrupt prohibited state. It is preferable to issue (DI command).

  In response to the interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on, the CPU 131 executes a predetermined command reception interrupt process, for example. In this command reception interrupt process, a predetermined input for receiving a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13 among the input ports included in the input / output port 135 provided in the production control microcomputer 120. A control signal as an effect control command is taken from the port. The effect control command captured at this time is stored, for example, in an effect side reception command buffer provided in the effect control buffer setting unit of the RAM 133. As an example, when the production control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) are sequentially received and stored in the production side reception command buffer. Thereafter, the CPU 131 sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process executed in step S57 of FIG. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 27, for example, the following processes of steps S150 to S155 are executed according to the value of the effect control process flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133.

  The variable display start command reception waiting process in step S150 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “0”. The variable display start command reception waiting process includes a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a variable display start command is received from the main board 11. Contains.

  The variable display control setting process in step S151 is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “1”. This variable display control setting process performs various effect operations including variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5 in response to the special symbols being variably displayed in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4. In order to perform the process, for example, a process of selecting a variable display pattern or a display result corresponding to the type of display result from among a plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 221 as shown in FIG. Etc.

  The variable symbol display process in step S152 is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “2”. In this process, the CPU 131 generates presentation control data such as display control data, audio control data, and lamp control data from the presentation control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the presentation control timer provided in the presentation control timer setting unit of the RAM 133. read out. Various effects during variable display of decorative symbols, such as display control of the image display device 5, audio output control of the speakers 8L and 8R, lighting control of the game effect lamp 9, etc., according to the effect control data read at this time. Control is performed. Then, when the effect control data corresponding to the end of the variable display of the decorative design is read from the effect control pattern, a timer initial value determined in advance corresponding to the jackpot start command reception waiting time is set in the effect control timer. Thereafter, the countdown operation of the effect control timer is started, and the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the big hit start waiting process.

  The big hit start waiting process in step S153 is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “3”. In this process, the CPU 131 determines whether or not a jackpot start command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received. Then, when the jackpot start command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “4”, which is a value corresponding to the jackpot effect process, based on the determination that the decorative symbol variable display result is a jackpot. . On the other hand, if the effect control timer times out without receiving the jackpot start command from the main board 11, the effect control process flag of the effect control process flag is determined based on the determination that the decorative symbol variable display result is lost. The value is updated to “0” which is an initial value.

  The big hit effect process of step S154 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “4”. In this process, for example, the CPU 131 controls the display operation in the image display device 5 to display an image corresponding to the jackpot gaming state, or controls the sound output operation in the speakers 8L and 8R to play the sound corresponding to the jackpot gaming state. Various effects control in the big hit gaming state is performed such that the lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9 is controlled to turn on / off / blink in accordance with the big hit gaming state. Then, in response to the fact that the round game executed in the big hit game state has reached the end of the final round (for example, the fifteenth round), the big hit end command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received, etc. The value of the process flag is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the big hit end effect process. The big hit end effect process in step S155 is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “5”. In the jackpot end effect process, for example, the end of the jackpot gaming state is notified by displaying an image on the image display device 5, outputting sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, or lighting the game effect lamp 9. The process which controls the production | presentation operation | movement for this is included.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of variable display start command reception waiting processing executed in step S150 of FIG. In this variable display start command reception waiting process, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not a variable display start command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S201).

  If no variable display start command is received in step S201 (step S201; No), it is determined whether or not the demonstration display flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit of the RAM 133 is on (step S202). Here, the demonstration display flag is set to an on state by executing a process of step S205 described later, while being cleared to an off state by executing one of the processes of steps S214 and S217. It becomes.

  If the demonstration display flag is off in step S202 (step S202; No), it is determined whether a predetermined demonstration display waiting time has elapsed (step S203). Here, the demonstration display waiting time is a demonstration screen composed of demonstration images from the timing when the variable display of the decorative symbol that results in the display result being lost is completed or the timing that the presentation operation for notifying the end of the big hit gaming state is completed. Is a predetermined time set in advance as a standby time until the image display device 5 starts the display. At this time, if the demonstration display waiting time has not elapsed (step S203; No), the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S203 that the demonstration display waiting time has elapsed (step S203; Yes), the CPU 131 transmits a predetermined display control command to the VDP 141 and starts the demonstration screen display. The setting for making this is performed (step S204). For example, the CPU 131 uses the start address in the image data for displaying the demo screen stored in the CGROM 142 as the read address, and the address of the frame buffer memory 156 corresponding to the upper left coordinate on the screen of the image display device 5 as the write address. The fixed address designation display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141. By such a start setting of the demonstration screen display, the image display device 5 displays a demonstration screen as shown in FIG. 29, for example, and can notify the player to operate the operation switch 40.

  In response to the demonstration screen display being started by the setting in step S204, the demonstration display flag is set to the on state (step S205). At this time, the advance transfer command process is executed in the same manner as in step S53 of FIG. 24 (step S206). Thereby, the image element set to increase the display frequency in response to the establishment of a transfer condition that is predetermined in accordance with the progress of the game, that is, display start of the demonstration screen in the image display device 5 Data can be commanded to be transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155.

  When the demonstration display flag is on in step S202 (step S202; Yes), or after the processing of step S206 is executed, is the operation switch signal that is a detection signal from the operation switch 40 turned on? It is determined whether or not (step S207). Here, the operation switch signal is turned on when the operation switch 40 detects a predetermined operation (for example, a pressing operation). If the operation switch signal is on in step S207 (step S207; Yes), a setting for switching the production mode is performed. That is, it is determined whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S208). If the value of the effect mode flag is “0” (step S208; “0”). While updating to “1” (step S209), if “1” (step S208; “1”), updating to “0” (step S210).

  After executing the process of step S209 or step S210, the advance transfer command process is executed in the same manner as in step S53 of FIG. 24 (step S211). Thereby, the image element data set so as to increase the display frequency in response to the determination of a new effect operation mode in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by switching the effect mode, is temporarily stored from the CGROM 142 to the image element data. A transfer can be commanded to the fixed address area 155A of the memory 155.

  When the operation switch signal is OFF in step S207 (step S207; No), after executing the process of step S211, it is determined whether or not a predetermined demonstration display period has ended (step S212). At this time, if the demonstration display period has ended (step S212; Yes), the setting for ending the demonstration screen display is performed (step S213), and the demonstration display flag is cleared and turned off (step S213). S214). In step S213, for example, the CPU 131 may transmit a display control command for initializing display on the image display device 5 to the VDP 141. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S212 that the demonstration display period has not ended (step S212; No), the processes in steps S213 and S214 are skipped, and the variable display start command reception waiting process is ended.

  If it is determined in step S201 that a variable display start command has been received (step S201; Yes), it is determined whether the demonstration display flag is on (step S215). At this time, if the demo display flag is on (step S215; Yes), the setting for ending the demo screen display is performed (step S216), and the demo display flag is cleared to an off state (step S216). S217). On the other hand, when the demonstration display flag is OFF in step S215 (step S215; No), the processing of steps S216 and S217 is skipped. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “1” which is a value corresponding to the variable display control setting process (step S218), and the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display control setting process executed in step S151 of FIG. In this variable display control setting process, the CPU 131 first identifies the type of display result from, for example, stored data in a display result storage unit provided in the RAM 133, and the type of the identified display result is a big hit or lost. It is determined whether or not there is (step S241).

  If the type of the display result is a big hit in step S241 (step S241; Yes), a determined decorative symbol for the big hit combination is determined (step S242). For example, in the process of step S242, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating random numbers for determining the big hit symbol that is updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and uses the big hit symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. By referring to this, the same fixed decorative symbol is determined in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” variable display portions in the image display device 5.

  If the type of display result is not big hit in step S241 (step S241; No), for example, the variable display pattern is specified from the stored data in the variable display pattern storage unit provided in the RAM 133, and the specified variable display is specified. It is determined whether or not the pattern is a reach pattern (step S243). At this time, if the specified variable display pattern is a reach pattern (step S243; Yes), a definite decorative symbol for a reach-losing combination is determined (step S244).

  For example, in the process of step S244, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the left determined decorative design that is updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and the left determined decorative that is stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. By referring to the symbol determination table or the like, the left fixed decorative symbol that is the fixed decorative symbol to be derived and displayed on the “left” variable display unit in the image display device 5 is determined. Further, it is determined that the decorative symbol having the same symbol number as the left fixed decorative symbol is set as the right fixed decorative symbol which is the fixed decorative symbol derived and displayed on the “right” variable display unit in the image display device 5, and left A decorative symbol having a symbol number different from that of the right fixed decorative symbol is determined as a medium fixed decorative symbol that is a fixed decorative symbol that is derived and displayed on the “medium” variable display unit in the image display device 5. As a specific example of the process of determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the medium-decorative decorative symbol updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and stores it in the ROM 132 or the like in advance. The added value for the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol is specified by referring to the stored medium determined decorative symbol determination table. Then, if the added value specified at this time is a value other than “0”, the specified added value is added to the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol to determine the medium determined decorative symbol. On the other hand, when the specified added value is “0”, an arbitrary value (for example, “1”) is added to the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol, thereby determining the medium determined decorative symbol.

  When the variable display pattern specified in step S243 is not a reach pattern (step S243; No), based on the determination that the variable display pattern is a normal loss pattern, the variable display result of the decorative design in the image display device 5 As a result, a fixed decorative symbol of the normal lose combination is determined (step S245). For example, in the process of step S245, the CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the left determined decorative design that is updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and the left determined decorative that is stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. The left determined decorative design is determined by referring to the design determination table. Further, by extracting numerical data indicating the random value for determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and referring to the medium-decorated decorative symbol determining table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like The addition value for the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol is specified. By adding the added value specified at this time to the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol, the medium determined decorative symbol is determined. Further, by extracting numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined decorative design that is updated on the side of the effect control board 12, and referring to a right determined decorative design determining table stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like. The addition value for the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol is specified. The right determined decorative symbol is determined by adding the added value specified at this time to the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol. When the added value specified by referring to the right determined decorative symbol determination table is “0”, an arbitrary value (for example, “1”) is added to the symbol number of the left fixed decorative symbol, so that the right What is necessary is just to determine a fixed decoration design. Alternatively, the right determined decorative design determination table may be configured such that the added value specified by referring to the right determined decorative design determination table does not include “0”. For example, the right determined decorative design determination table only needs to be configured from numerical data indicating random values for determining the right determined decorative design and setting data that associates the added values “1” to “7”.

  After executing any of the processes of steps S242, S244, and S245, for example, by storing data that can specify the determined decorative pattern in the fixed decorative symbol storage unit provided in the RAM 133, the fixed decorative symbol is stored. Is saved (step S246). Subsequently, as in step S241, it is determined whether the type of display result is a big hit or a loss (step S247). And if it is determined that it is a big hit (step S247; Yes), the big hit time notice determination shown in FIG. The table 202 is set (step S248). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is a loss (step S247; No), FIG. 8A shows a table for determining the presence / absence of the advance notice and the form of the notice effect when it is executed. The lost notice notice determination table 201 is set (step S249).

  After executing one of the processes in steps S248 and S249, numerical data indicating the random number value SR1 for notice determination updated by the random number circuit 134 or the like is extracted (step S250). Based on the random value SR1 extracted in step S250, the notice pattern is determined by referring to the notice determination table set in either step S248 or S249 (step S251).

  After performing the process of step S251, the effect control pattern is determined (step S251). For example, in step S <b> 251, the CPU 131 displays the display specified from the variable display pattern specified from the storage data in the variable display pattern storage unit provided in the RAM 133 and the storage data from the display result storage provided in the RAM 133. An effect control pattern corresponding to the type of result and the notice pattern determined in step S251 is selected from a plurality of types of effect control patterns stored in the effect control pattern table 221 as shown in FIG. Thus, the pattern for controlling the rendering operation during the variable display of the decorative design is determined. At this time, the CPU 131 determines whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1”. If it is “0”, the CPU 131 corresponds to the first effect mode # 1 in FIG. The effect control pattern is selected using the effect control pattern table 221A shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the value of the effect mode flag is “1”, the effect control pattern is selected using the effect control pattern table 221B shown in FIG. 13B corresponding to the second effect mode # 2. I do. And the timer initial value corresponding to an effect control pattern is set to an effect control timer (step S253). For example, in the process of step S253, the CPU 131 specifies the effect control timer setting value shown in the head area of the effect control pattern as shown in FIG. 14, and sets the specified timer setting value as the timer initial value in the effect control timer. do it. Subsequently, for example, the CPU 131 sends a control signal serving as a predetermined display control command from the output port included in the input / output port 135 to the display control unit 121 based on the effect control data read from the effect control pattern. The image display device 5 is set to start variable display of decorative symbols (step S254). At this time, by outputting a voice control command to the sound control unit 122 or sending a lamp control command to the lamp control unit 123, a voice output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, or a game effect lamp Control of various effects such as lighting / extinguishing operation at 9 is also performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the process during variable symbol display (step S255), and the variable display control setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable symbol display process executed in step S152 of FIG. In this symbol variable display process, the CPU 131 first updates the effect control timer value, which is a value in the effect control timer, by subtracting, for example, 1 (step S271). Then, whether or not the effect control timer value updated in step S271 matches any of the effect control timer determination values # 1, # 2,..., #N included in the effect control pattern as shown in FIG. Is determined (step S272). At this time, if it matches any of the timer determination values (step S272; Yes), display control data, sound control data, lamp control data stored in the production control pattern corresponding to the determination value determined to match. Are read out (step S273). Then, based on the display control data read in step S273, it is determined whether it is the display update timing in the image display device 5 (step S274).

  If it is the display update timing in step S274 (step S274; Yes), a predetermined display update command process is executed (step S275). On the other hand, when it is not the display update timing (step S274; No), the process of step S275 is skipped. Subsequently, a voice or lamp control command corresponding to the read data in step S273 is sent (step S276).

  When it is determined in step S272 that the production control timer determination values # 1, # 2,..., #N do not match (step S272; No), after the process of step S276 is executed, It is determined whether or not the read data in step S273 is a predetermined end code, or whether or not the effect control timer value updated in step S271 has reached a predetermined value (eg, “0”). As a result of the determination, it is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5 (step S277). At this time, if it is not the end timing of variable display (step S277; No), the symbol variable display processing is ended.

  If it is determined in step S277 that the variable display end timing is reached (step S277; Yes), for example, the variable display count value that is the value of the variable display counter provided in the effect control counter setting unit of the RAM 133. Is updated by adding 1 or the like. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variable display count value updated in step S278 has reached a predetermined advance transfer execution determination value (eg, “100”) (step S279).

  If the advance transfer execution determination value has been reached in step S279 (step S279; Yes), the advance transfer command process is executed in the same manner as in step S53 of FIG. 24 (step S280). As a result, the display frequency corresponds to the fact that the predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress of the game that the variable display count of the decorative symbols on the image display device 5 has reached the advance transfer determination value is satisfied. The image element data set to be high can be instructed to be transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155. At this time, initialization such as clearing the variable display number counter and setting the count value to “0” is performed (step S281). If the advance transfer execution determination value has not been reached in step S279 (step S279; No), the processes in steps S280 and S281 are skipped.

  Thereafter, a predetermined initial value for waiting for receiving the big hit start command is set in the effect control timer (step S282), and the effect control process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the big hit start waiting process (step S282). S283), the symbol variable display in-process is terminated.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the display update command process executed in step S275 of FIG. In this display update command process, the CPU 131 first specifies an image element whose display is to be updated from, for example, display control data read from the effect control pattern corresponding to the effect control timer value (step S341). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image element specified in step S341 is an image element for which image element data is to be transferred in advance to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 (step S342). ).

  If it is determined in step S342 that the image element is the target of advance transfer (step S342; Yes), for example, the fixed address of the image element temporary storage memory 155 from the display control data read from the effect control pattern The reading address of the image element data in the area 155A is specified (step S343). Also, for example, the writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 corresponding to the display position (display coordinates) of the image element is specified from the display control data read from the effect control pattern (step S344). Further, the data amount of the image element data indicating the image element to be updated is specified (step S345). Thereafter, based on the read address in the fixed address area 155A identified in steps S343 to S345, the write address in the frame buffer memory 156, and the data amount of the image element data, a fixed address designation display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 ( Step S346).

  If it is determined in step S342 that the image element is not an object to be transferred in advance (step S342; No), for example, the display address of the image element data in the CGROM 142 is read from the display control data read from the effect control pattern. It identifies (step S347). Further, for example, the writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 corresponding to the display position (display coordinates) of the image element is specified from the display control data read from the effect control pattern (step S348). Further, the data amount of the image data indicating the image element to be updated is specified (step S349). Thereafter, an automatic transfer display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 based on the read address in the CGROM 142, the write address in the frame buffer memory 156, and the data amount of the image element data specified in steps S347 to S349 (step S350).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the command for all image elements to be updated has been completed (step S351). If the command is not completed (step S351; No), the process returns to step S341. On the other hand, if the command for all the image elements to be updated is completed (step S351; Yes), the display update command process is terminated.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transfer control process executed by the transfer control circuit 152 included in the VDP 141. In this transfer control process, the transfer control circuit 152 first determines whether there is a command serving as a display control command received from the effect control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151 (step S401). If there is no command received from the effect control microcomputer 120 (step S401; No), the process of step S401 is repeatedly executed and awaits.

  If there is a reception command in step S401 (step S401; Yes), it is determined whether or not the reception command is a storage area setting command (step S402). If it is a storage area setting command (step S402; Yes), a predetermined storage area setting process is executed (step S403). If it is not a storage area setting command (step S402; No), the received command is pre-transferred. It is determined whether it is a command (step S404).

  If the received command is a pre-transfer command in step S404 (step S404; Yes), a predetermined pre-transfer process is executed (step S405), but if it is not a pre-transfer command (step S404; No), the received command is It is determined whether the command is an automatic transfer display command (step S406). If the received command is an automatic transfer display command in step S406 (step S406; Yes), a predetermined automatic transfer control process is executed (step S407). When the received command is not an automatic transfer display command in step S406 (step S406; No), after executing the process of step S407, the process returns to the process of step S401.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage area setting process executed in step S403 of FIG. In this storage area setting process, the transfer control circuit 152 first clears the image element temporary storage memory 155 and initializes the stored contents (step S421). Subsequently, the address STADD serving as the start address of the automatic transfer area 155B is specified from the data included in the storage area setting command (step S422). Then, the address STADD specified at this time is set and stored in the internal register of the VDP 141 (step S423). Further, the transfer control circuit 152 specifies the address ENADD that is the final address of the automatic transfer area 155B from the data included in the storage area setting command (step S424). Then, the address ENADD specified at this time is set and stored in the internal register of the VDP 141 (step S425), and the storage area setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the advance transfer process executed in step S405 of FIG. In this advance transfer process, the transfer control circuit 152 first specifies the read address of the image element data in the CGROM 142 from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S441). Subsequently, the writing address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is specified from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S442). Further, the data amount of the image element data to be transferred is specified from the data included in the advance transfer command (step S443). Then, based on the read address, write address, and data amount of the image element data specified in steps S441 to S443, data transfer start setting is performed to transfer the image element data read from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A. (Step S444). For example, in step S444, the transfer control circuit 152 sets the read address of the CGROM 142, the write address of the image element temporary storage memory 155, and the data amount of the image element data as the transfer data amount in a predetermined DMA device. Instructs start of transfer of image element data by transfer.

  Thereafter, the transfer control circuit 152 determines whether or not the transfer of the image element data has been completed (step S445), and if not completed (step S445; No), the process of step S445 is repeated and waits. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S445 that the transfer of the image element data has been completed based on, for example, a predetermined transfer completion signal output from the DMA device (step S445; Yes), the index table 251 provided in the VDP 141 is provided. After the completion of the transfer of the image element data is registered (step S446), the advance transfer process is terminated. In the processing of step S446, the transfer control circuit 152 writes data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can identify the image element data transferred to the fixed address area 155A to the index table 251 and corresponds. Set “Reading completion flag” to “On”.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic transfer control process executed in step S407 of FIG. In this automatic transfer control process, the transfer control circuit 152 first specifies the read address of the image element data in the CGROM 142 from the data included in the automatic transfer display command (step S461). Subsequently, the writing address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is specified (step S462). For example, in the process of step S462, the transfer control circuit 152 refers to the index table 251 and stores valid image element data with the “transfer completion flag” set to “on” in the automatic transfer area 155B. Identify a free area other than the current area. Of the vacant areas thus identified, an area for storing the image element data to be transferred this time is determined, and the head address thereof may be specified as the write address.

  Subsequently, the transfer control circuit 152 specifies the amount of image element data to be transferred from the data included in the automatic transfer display command (step S463). Then, based on the read address, write address, and data amount of the image element data specified in steps S461 to S463, data transfer start setting is performed to transfer the image element data read from the CGROM 142 to the automatic transfer area 155B. (Step S464). For example, in step S464, the transfer control circuit 152 sets the data amount of the image element data as the read address of the CGROM 142, the write address of the image element temporary storage memory 155, and the amount of transfer data in a predetermined DMA device. Instructs start of transfer of image element data by transfer.

  Thereafter, the transfer control circuit 152 determines whether or not the transfer of the image element data has been completed (step S465), and if not completed (step S465; No), the process of step S465 is repeated and waits. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S465 that the transfer of the image element data has been completed based on, for example, a predetermined transfer completion signal output from the DMA device (step S465; Yes), the index table 251 provided in the VDP 141 is provided. After the completion of the transfer of the image element data is registered in (Step S466), the automatic transfer control process is terminated. In the process of step S466, the transfer control circuit 152 writes data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can identify the image element data transferred to the automatic transfer area 155B to the index table 251 to cope with it. Set “Reading completion flag” to “On”. When image element data is transferred by this automatic transfer processing, the drawing circuit 154 is notified of the transfer destination address (write address) of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155. The image element data may be read by the drawing circuit 154.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drawing process executed by the drawing circuit 154 included in the VDP 141. In this drawing process, the drawing circuit 154 first determines whether or not there is a command serving as a display control command received from the effect control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151 (step S501). If there is no reception command from the production control microcomputer 120 (step S501; No), the process of step S501 is repeatedly executed and awaits.

  If there is a reception command in step S501 (step S501; Yes), it is determined whether or not the reception command is a fixed address designation display command (step S502). If it is a fixed address designation display command (step S502; Yes), a predetermined fixed address designation display process is executed (step S503), but if it is not a fixed address designation display command (step S502; No), a received command Is an automatic transfer display command (step S504).

  If the received command is an automatic transfer display command in step S504 (step S504; Yes), a predetermined automatic transfer display process is executed (step S505). When the received command is not an automatic transfer display command in step S504 (step S504; No), after executing the process of step S505, the process returns to the process of step S501.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the fixed address designation display process executed in step S503 of FIG. In this fixed address designation display process, the drawing circuit 154 first specifies the read address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 from the data included in the fixed address designation display command (step S521). ). Subsequently, the index table 251 is referred to based on the read address specified in step S521, and it is determined whether or not the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image element data to be read is “ON”. (Step S522).

  If the “transfer completion flag” is “ON” in step S522 (step S522; Yes), the image element data write address in the frame buffer memory 156 is identified from the data included in the fixed address designation display command. (Step S523). Then, for example, based on the write address specified in step S523, it is determined whether or not the image element data write destination in the frame buffer memory 156 is a non-display area (step S524). For example, in the processing in step S524, the drawing circuit 154 matches the address assigned in the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5 in the frame buffer memory 156 with the writing address specified in step S523. If it matches, it is determined that the writing destination is a non-display area.

  If it is determined in step S524 that the write destination is not a non-display area (step S524; No), the image element data is read from the read address specified in step S521, and the write specified in step S523. Write to the address (step S525). In this way, display data is created by writing the image element data to the frame buffer memory 156 in step S525.

  If it is determined in step S524 that the writing destination is a non-display area (step S524; Yes), the process of step S525 is skipped. Therefore, even if the fixed address designation display command is received from the production control microcomputer 120, the image element data write destination in the frame buffer memory 156 corresponds to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5. When the writing position is reached, the drawing circuit 154 restricts the image element data from being read from the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 and written to the frame buffer memory 156.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not drawing (creation of display data) by writing image element data to the frame buffer memory 156 is completed (step S526). If not completed (step S526; No), reading is performed. After updating the address and the write address (step S527), the process returns to step S524. On the other hand, if the drawing is completed in step S526 (step S526; Yes), the fixed address designation display process is terminated.

  If the “transfer completion flag” is “OFF” in step S522 (step S522; No), it is determined whether or not a predetermined transfer completion waiting time has elapsed (step S528). At this time, if the transfer completion waiting time has not elapsed (step S528; No), the process returns to step S522 and waits. On the other hand, when the transfer completion waiting time has elapsed in step S528 (step S528; Yes), for example, predetermined error information is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151. After notifying that an error has occurred (step S529), the fixed address designation display process is terminated.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic transfer display process executed in step S505 of FIG. In this automatic transfer display process, the drawing circuit 154 first specifies the read address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 based on, for example, a notification from the transfer control circuit 152 (step). S541). Subsequently, the index table 251 is referred based on the read address specified in step S541, and it is determined whether or not the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image element data to be read is “ON”. (Step S542).

  When the “transfer completion flag” is “ON” in step S542 (step S542; Yes), the writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 is specified from the data included in the automatic transfer display command. (Step S543). Then, for example, based on the write address specified in step S543, it is determined whether or not the image element data write destination in the frame buffer memory 156 is a non-display area (step S544). For example, in the process of step S544, the drawing circuit 154 matches the address assigned to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5 in the frame buffer memory 156 by the writing address specified in step S543. If it matches, it is determined that the writing destination is a non-display area.

  If it is determined in step S544 that the write destination is not a non-display area (step S544; No), the image element data is read from the read address specified in step S541 and the write specified in step S543. Write to the address (step S545). In this way, display element data is created by writing image element data to the frame buffer memory 156 in step S545.

  If it is determined in step S544 that the writing destination is a non-display area (step S544; Yes), the process of step S545 is skipped. Therefore, even if the automatic transfer display command is received from the production control microcomputer 120, the writing destination of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 is a document corresponding to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5. In the case of the insertion position, the drawing circuit 154 is restricted from reading the image element data from the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 and writing it to the frame buffer memory 156.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not drawing (creation of display data) by writing image element data to the frame buffer memory 156 is completed (step S546). If not completed (step S546; No), reading is performed. After updating the address and the write address (step S547), the process returns to step S544. On the other hand, when drawing is completed in step S546 (step S546; Yes), the “transfer completion flag” registered in the index table 251 in association with the image element data used for drawing is cleared to “off”. After (step S548), the automatic transfer display process is terminated.

  If the “transfer completion flag” is “off” in step S542 (step S542; No), it is determined whether a predetermined transfer completion waiting time has elapsed (step S549). At this time, if the transfer completion waiting time has not elapsed (step S549; No), the process returns to step S542 and waits. On the other hand, when the transfer completion waiting time has elapsed in step S549 (step S549; Yes), for example, predetermined error information is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 120 via the host interface 151. After notifying that an error has occurred (step S550), the automatic transfer display process is terminated.

  Next, an example of a specific operation in the present embodiment will be described. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on and the supply of the power supply voltage from the power supply board 10 is started, the effect control microcomputer 120 starts up the effect control microcomputer 120 and the CPU 131 executes the initialization process ( In step S51 of FIG. 24, a storage area setting command process is executed (step S52). In this storage area setting command processing, a storage area setting command is transmitted from the production control microcomputer 120 to the VDP 141 (step S303 in FIG. 25).

  In the VDP 141, for example, in response to receiving the storage area setting command (step S402; Yes in FIG. 33), the transfer control circuit 152 executes a storage area setting process (step S403). In this storage area setting process, the address STADD and the address ENADD notified by the storage area setting command are stored in the internal register of the VDP 141 (steps S423 and S425 in FIG. 34), thereby storing the storage area in the image element temporary storage memory 155. Are set in the fixed address area 155A and the automatic transfer area 155B.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the image data processing operation in the display control unit 121 mounted on the effect control board 12. In the effect control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process in response to the activation of the effect control microcomputer 120 (step S53 in FIG. 24). In the advance transfer command process, for example, the advance transfer setting tables 211A and 211B shown in FIG. 12B corresponding to the value of the effect mode flag are set (step S311 in FIG. 26). Subsequently, based on the read address, write address, and data amount of the image element data specified from the table data read according to the processing number and the pre-transfer count value, a pre-transfer command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 (step S314 to S320).

  For example, in the advance transfer setting table 211A prepared in correspondence with the first presentation mode # 1, image element data corresponding to decorative symbols indicating numbers “1” to “8”, notice A, notice B, etc. The image element data corresponding to the characters CH1 and CH2 used in the notice effect with a relatively high selection probability at the time of the loss (compared to the notice C and the notice D) is set so that the display frequency on the image display device 5 is high. Table data indicating the read address, write address, data amount, and the like is stored as image element data indicating the image element that has been read. Further, in the advance transfer setting table 211B prepared for the second presentation mode # 2, the image element data corresponding to the decorative pattern indicating the numbers “1” to “8”, the notice A, the notice B, etc. Image element data corresponding to a background image used in a notice effect with a relatively high selection probability at the time of losing is used as image element data indicating an image element set so that the display frequency in the image display device 5 is increased. Table data indicating a read address, a write address, a data amount, and the like is stored.

  When the CPU 131 executes the pre-transfer command process in step S53 in FIG. 24, the pre-transfer setting table 211A is based on clearing the effect mode flag and updating it to “0” in the initialization process in step S51. The transfer of image element data corresponding to the table data is instructed. In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in response to receiving the pre-transfer command (step S404 in FIG. 33; Yes) (step S405). In this advance transfer process, the image element data is read from the CGROM 142 based on the read address, the write address, the data amount, etc. of the image element data notified by the advance transfer command, and the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is read. (Steps S441 to S445 in FIG. 35).

  Thereafter, in response to the game ball that has been driven into the game area having won a start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6, the special symbol game by the special symbol display device 4 and the decorative symbols in the image display device 5 are displayed. The execution condition for executing the variable display is established. Based on the establishment of such execution conditions, for example, the image display device 5 starts variable display of decorative symbols. At this time, in the effect control microcomputer 120, for example, based on display control data read from the effect control pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern by the CPU 131, it is the display update timing in the image display device 5 (step S274 in FIG. 31). ; Yes), display update command processing is executed (step S275). In this display update command process, it is determined whether or not the image element to be updated is an image element to be transferred in advance to the fixed address area 155A (step S342 in FIG. 32).

  For example, when data indicating the read address, the write address, the data amount, etc. of the image element data corresponding to the image element to be updated is stored as table data in any of the pre-transfer setting tables 211A and 211B, The image element is determined to be an image element for which image element data is to be transferred in advance to the fixed address area 155A (step S342; Yes). More specifically, when the first effect mode # 1 is set, it is used for any of the decorative symbols indicating the numbers “1” to “8”, or for the notice effects of the notice A and the notice B. If either of the characters CH1 and CH2 is an update target, it is determined that the image element is a target to be transferred in advance. Based on the determination result, the CPU 131 determines, for example, the display address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A, the write address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156, and the update target based on the display control data read from the effect control pattern. The data amount of the image element data indicating the image element is specified, and a fixed address designation display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 (steps S343 to S346).

  In the VDP 141, for example, in response to receiving the fixed address designation display command (step S502; Yes in FIG. 37), the drawing circuit 154 executes a fixed address designation display process (step S503). In this fixed address designation display process, the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image element data to be read from the fixed address area 155A in the index table 251 is “ON” (step S522 in FIG. 38; Yes). When the image element data write destination in the frame buffer memory 156 is not a non-display area (step S524; No), the read address, the write address, and the data amount of the image element data notified by the fixed address designation display command Based on the above, the image element data read from the fixed address area 155A is written and stored in the frame buffer memory 156 (steps S521 to S527).

  Further, when data indicating the read address, write address, data amount, etc. of the image element data corresponding to the image element to be updated is not stored in any of the advance transfer setting tables 211A and 211B, the image It is determined that the element is not an image element for which image element data is to be transferred in advance to the fixed address area 155A (step S342 in FIG. 32; No). More specifically, when the first effect mode # 1 is set, if the characters CH3, CH4, etc. used in the notice effect of the notice C and notice D are to be updated, the character is transferred in advance. Is determined not to be an image element. Based on the determination result, the CPU 131 determines the image element data read address in the CGROM 142, the image element data write address in the frame buffer memory 156, and the image element to be updated based on, for example, display control data read from the effect control pattern. Is specified, and an automatic transfer display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 (steps S347 to S350).

  In the VDP 141, first, for example, in response to the reception of the automatic transfer display command (step S406 in FIG. 33; Yes), the transfer control circuit 152 executes an automatic transfer control process (step S407). In this automatic transfer control process, the reading address of the image element data in the CGROM 142 is specified from the data included in the automatic transfer display command (step S461 in FIG. 36). On the other hand, the write address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is for storing the image element data from the empty area specified by referring to the index table 251, for example. Is automatically specified by the transfer control circuit 152 as the head address of the selected area (step S462). Based on the data amount of the image element data notified by the automatic transfer display command (step S463), the image element data read from the CGROM 142 is written and stored in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 (step S463). S464, S465).

  Subsequently, in the VDP 141, for example, in response to the reception of the automatic transfer display command (step S504 in FIG. 37; Yes), the drawing circuit 154 executes automatic transfer display processing (step S505). In this automatic transfer display process, the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image element data to be read from the automatic transfer area 155B in the index table 251 is “ON” (step S542 in FIG. 39; Yes). When the image element data write destination in the frame buffer memory 156 is not a non-display area (step S544; No), for example, the read address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B notified from the transfer control circuit 152, or the automatic Based on the writing address and data amount of the image element data notified by the transfer display command, the image element data read from the automatic transfer area 155A is written and stored in the frame buffer memory 156 (steps S541 to S547).

  The display circuit 157 reads the data stored in the frame buffer memory 156 as display data at the display image update cycle in the image display device 5, generates a scanning signal based on a predetermined clock signal, and outputs the scan signal to the image display device 5. As a result, an image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5.

  After the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative design that causes the display result to be lost, or after the big hit gaming state is completed, the start condition of the variable display is not satisfied, so the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 When the demonstration display waiting time elapses without the variable display start command being transmitted (step S203 in FIG. 28; Yes), the setting for starting the demonstration screen display as illustrated in FIG. 29 on the image display device 5 is performed. (Step S204). In response to the start of such a demonstration screen display, the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process (step S206). By this pre-transfer command process, a pre-transfer command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 based on the table data read from the pre-transfer setting tables 211A and 211B corresponding to the value of the effect mode flag.

  In this way, an image set to have a high display frequency in response to the establishment of a transfer condition determined in advance corresponding to the progress of the game, that is, display start of the demo screen in the image display device 5. For the element data, a transfer from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is instructed. In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in response to receiving the pre-transfer command (step S404; Yes in FIG. 33) and notifies the image notified by the pre-transfer command. Based on the read address, write address, data amount, etc. of the element data, the image element data is read from the CGROM 142 and transferred to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 (steps S441 to S445 in FIG. 35).

  Further, when the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is finished, the CPU 131 updates the variable display count value (step S278 in FIG. 31), and the variable display count value has reached the pre-transfer execution determination value. In such a case (step S279; Yes), the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process (step S280). Also in this pre-transfer command process, a pre-transfer command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 based on the table data read from the pre-transfer setting tables 211A and 211B corresponding to the value of the effect mode flag.

  In this way, the display frequency corresponds to the fact that the predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress of the game that the variable display count of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 has reached the advance transfer determination value is satisfied. Is transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 for the image element data set so as to increase. In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in response to receiving the pre-transfer command (step S404; Yes in FIG. 33) and notifies the image notified by the pre-transfer command. Based on the read address, write address, data amount, etc. of the element data, the image element data is read from the CGROM 142 and transferred to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 (steps S441 to S445 in FIG. 35).

  In addition, the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process in response to the establishment of a predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress of the game, for example, control to the big hit game state is started. As a result, the image element data set so as to increase the display frequency may be instructed to be transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155.

  The transfer control circuit 152 is provided in the VDP 141 when the transfer of the image element data by writing the image element data read from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A or the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is completed. The index table 251 is updated.

  For example, when the data transfer from the CGROM 142 according to the advance transfer command to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is completed (step S445 in FIG. 35; Yes), the data is transferred to the fixed address area 155A. Data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can specify image element data is written in the index table 251 and the corresponding “reading completion flag” is set to “on”. The completion of the transfer of the image element data is registered (step S446).

  For example, when the data transfer from the CGROM 142 according to the automatic transfer display command to the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 is completed (step S465 in FIG. 36; Yes), the automatic transfer area 155B is entered. The data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” that can identify the transferred image element data is written in the index table 251 and the corresponding “read completion flag” is set to “on”. The image element data transfer completion is registered in the table 251 (step S466). Based on the registered contents of the index table 251, the drawing circuit 154 can determine whether or not the image element data can be read out from the image element temporary storage memory 155 and display data can be created.

  For example, in response to receiving the fixed address designation display command, the drawing circuit 154 displays the “transfer completion flag” associated with the image element data to be read from the fixed address area 155A in the index table 251 as “ It is determined whether or not it is “ON” (step S522 in FIG. 38). At this time, if the “reading completion flag” is “ON” (step S522; Yes), the drawing circuit 154 reads the image element data from the fixed address area 155A and determines that display data can be created. Then, the image element data read from the fixed address area 155A is written into the frame buffer memory 156 and stored therein, thereby executing processing for creating display data (steps S523 to S527). On the other hand, if the “reading completion flag” is “off” (step S522; No), the drawing circuit 154 cannot read the image element data from the fixed address area 155A and create display data. Based on the determination, until the transfer completion waiting time elapses (step S528; No), the process of step S522 is repeatedly executed and waits. During this standby, display data creation using the image element data read from the fixed address area 155A is not executed.

  For example, in response to receiving the automatic transfer display command, the drawing circuit 154 displays a “transfer completion flag” associated with image element data to be read from the automatic transfer area 155B in the index table 251. It is determined whether or not it is “ON” (step S542 in FIG. 39). At this time, if the “reading completion flag” is “ON” (step S542; Yes), the drawing circuit 154 reads image element data from the automatic transfer area 155B and determines that display data can be created. The image element data read from the automatic transfer area 155B is written and stored in the frame buffer memory 156, and processing for creating display data is executed (steps S543 to S548). On the other hand, if the “reading completion flag” is “off” (step S542; No), the drawing circuit 154 cannot read the image element data from the automatic transfer area 155B and create display data. Based on the determination, until the transfer completion waiting time elapses (step S549; No), the process of step S542 is repeatedly executed and waits. During this standby, display data creation using the image element data read from the automatic transfer area 155B is not executed.

  For example, after the display of the demonstration screen as shown in FIG. 29 is started in the image display device 5, in response to detection of a predetermined switch operation (for example, a pressing operation) in the operation switch 40, the effect control board 12 is operated from the operation switch 40. When the operation switch signal transmitted to is turned on (step S207 in FIG. 28; Yes), the value of the effect mode flag is switched between “0” and “1” (steps S208 to S210). Based on the value of the effect mode flag that can be switched in this manner, for example, the CPU 131 executes the process of step S252 in FIG. 30, and the content of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is determined. In the process of step S252, one of the effect control pattern tables 221A and 221B shown in FIG. 13B is used in accordance with whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1”. Thus, the production control pattern is selected. Thus, by switching the value of the effect mode flag, the aspect of the effect operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be determined.

  Then, when the CPU 131 switches the value of the effect mode flag by the processing of steps S208 to S210 shown in FIG. 28, the advance transfer command processing is executed in step S211. In this pre-transfer command process, a pre-transfer command is created based on the table data read from either of the pre-transfer setting tables 211A and 211B corresponding to the value of the effect mode flag switched by the processes of steps S208 to S210. And transmitted to the VDP 141. For example, when the value of the effect mode flag is switched from “1” to “0”, advance transfer prepared in correspondence with the first effect mode # 1 specified by the effect mode flag after switching. The advance transfer command is created using the setting table 211A. On the other hand, when the value of the effect mode flag is switched from “0” to “1”, advance transfer prepared in correspondence with the second effect mode # 2 specified by the effect mode flag after switching. The advance transfer command is created using the setting table 211B.

  Thus, when the mode of the presentation operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed by switching the value of the presentation mode flag, the advance transfer setting table corresponding to the presentation mode determined as the mode of the presentation operation after the change. By using either 211A or 211B, the image element data set to increase the display frequency in the image display device 5 is specified. A pre-transfer command for instructing transfer of the image element data specified in this way is generated by the CPU 131 and transmitted to the VDP 141. In the VDP 141, for example, the transfer control circuit 152 executes the pre-transfer process in response to receiving the pre-transfer command (step S404; Yes in FIG. 33) and notifies the image notified by the pre-transfer command. Based on the read address, write address, data amount, etc. of the element data, the image element data is read from the CGROM 142 and transferred to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 (steps S441 to S445 in FIG. 35).

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment, among the plural types of image element data stored in the CGROM 142, the image elements set so that the display frequency on the image display device 5 is increased. As for data, for example, table data indicating a read address, a write address, and a data amount is stored in the advance transfer setting table 211A, and the CPU 131 executes the advance transfer instruction process in step S53 in FIG. Command to transfer to fixed address area 155A of element temporary storage memory 155. In response to this command, in the VDP 141, the transfer control circuit 152 reads out the image element data from the CGROM 142 and transfers it to the fixed address area 155A by executing pre-transfer processing in step S405 of FIG. Then, the CPU 131 executes display update command processing in step S275 in FIG. 31, and in accordance with the determination result that the image element is the object of advance transfer in step S342 in FIG. A display command is created and sent to the VDP 141. In the VDP 141, in response to the reception of the fixed address designation display command, the drawing circuit 154 executes the fixed address designation display process in step S503 in FIG. 37, whereby the image element read from the read address in the fixed address area 155A. Data is written and stored at a write address in the frame buffer memory 156. Thereby, for the image element data set so that the display frequency in the image display device 5 is increased, the data stored in advance in the image element temporary storage memory 155 by designating the read address in the fixed address area 155A. Can be easily reused and there is no need to read from the CGROM 142 every time, so the control burden on the display effect can be reduced.

  On the other hand, among the plural types of image element data stored in the CGROM 142, for image element data set so that the display frequency on the image display device 5 is low, the CPU 131 proceeds to step S275 in FIG. The display update command process is executed, and an automatic transfer display command is created in step S350 and transmitted to the VDP 141 in accordance with the determination result that the image element is not the target of advance transfer in step S342 in FIG. As a result, a command to transfer from the CGROM 142 to the frame buffer memory 156 is issued. In the VDP 141 that has received the automatic transfer display command, the transfer control circuit 152 reads the image element data from the CGROM 142 and executes the automatic transfer of the image element temporary storage memory 155 by executing the automatic transfer control process in step S407 of FIG. Transfer to area 155B. In response to the reception of the automatic transfer display command, the drawing circuit 154 executes automatic transfer display processing in step S505 in FIG. 37, whereby the image element data read from the automatic transfer area 155B is stored in the frame buffer memory. Write to the write address at 156 and store. As a result, for the image element data set so that the display frequency in the image display device 5 is lowered, if the read address in the CGROM 142 and the write address in the frame buffer memory 156 are designated, the image element data is stored in the automatic transfer area 155B. Even if an address is not specified, it can be used to create display data, address management becomes easy, and the burden of program design can be reduced.

  For example, a game such as the start of display of a demo screen on the image display device 5, the display of the decorative symbols on the image display device 5 has reached the pre-transfer determination value, or the control to the big hit gaming state has started. In response to the establishment of a predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress status of the CPU 131, the CPU 131 executes a pre-transfer command process in step S206 of FIG. 28, step S280 of FIG. Is transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 for the image element data set so as to increase. In response to this command, in the VDP 141, the transfer control circuit 152 reads out the image element data from the CGROM 142 and transfers it to the fixed address area 155A by executing pre-transfer processing in step S405 of FIG. As a result, even if an error due to noise or the like occurs in the stored content of the fixed address area 155A, the stored content can be automatically restored.

  Further, when the drawing circuit 154 of the VDP 141 reads the image element data from the fixed address area 155A or the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155, the corresponding “transfer completion flag” in the index table 251 is “ON”. In response to whether or not the image data is set, whether to create display data by writing the read image element data into the frame buffer memory 156 is determined. As a result, the image element data transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A and the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155 and the display data are read out from the fixed address area 155A and the automatic transfer area 155B. It becomes possible to match the image element data to be used, and a display effect using appropriate image element data can be performed.

  When the CPU 131 switches the value of the effect mode flag by the processing of steps S208 to S210 shown in FIG. 28, the pre-transfer command process is executed in step S211 to display the display frequency corresponding to the changed effect mode. Is transferred from the CGROM 142 to the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 for the image element data set so as to increase. In response to this command, in the VDP 141, the transfer control circuit 152 reads out the image element data from the CGROM 142 and transfers it to the fixed address area 155A by executing pre-transfer processing in step S405 of FIG. Thereby, it becomes possible to change the image element data set so as to increase the display frequency corresponding to the effect state in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the control load in the display effect can be further increased by effectively using the fixed address area 155A. Can be reduced.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, for example, a non-display area 5 </ b> B in which image display is restricted is provided in the arrangement portion on the front surface of the special symbol display device 4, the arrangement portion on the back surface of the decorative members 31, 32, and 33. ing. The drawing circuit 154 provided in the VDP 141 executes a fixed address designation display process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 38 in response to receiving the fixed address designation display command from the effect control microcomputer 120, and in step S524. It is determined whether or not the image element data write destination is a non-display area. When the writing destination is a non-display area, even if a fixed address designation display command is received from the production control microcomputer 120, the processing in step S525 is skipped, whereby the image for the frame buffer memory 156 is displayed. Restrict writing element data. In addition, the drawing circuit 154 executes automatic transfer display processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 39 in response to receiving the automatic transfer display command from the effect control microcomputer 120, and in step S544, the image element data is displayed. It is determined whether or not the writing destination is a non-display area. If the writing destination is a non-display area, the image element corresponding to the frame buffer memory 156 is skipped by skipping the process of step S545 even if the automatic transfer display command is received from the effect control microcomputer 120. Restrict data writing. Thereby, the control in the display effect is performed as compared with the case where the display element is created by writing the image element data to the address of the frame buffer memory 156 allocated corresponding to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5. The burden can be reduced.

  Further, in the VDP 141, the drawing circuit 154 automatically restricts writing when the writing destination is a non-display area. It is no longer necessary to take care to prevent the display of, and the design burden of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, the rendering circuit 154 provided in the VDP 141 executes processing such as step S524 shown in FIG. 38 and step S544 shown in FIG. It is not necessary to determine whether or not it is included in the non-display area 5B on the screen of the display device 5, and an increase in the control burden in the display effect can be prevented by the same processing as when the non-display area 5B does not exist.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the drawing circuit 154 provided in the VDP 141 executes processing such as step S524 shown in FIG. 38 or step S544 shown in FIG. In the case described above, it has been described that the writing to the frame buffer memory 156 is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the side of the production control microcomputer 120, a process for restricting writing to the frame buffer memory 156 when the writing destination is a non-display area is executed. It may be.

  In this case, the CPU 131 included in the effect control microcomputer 120 replaces the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32 as the display update command process executed in step S275 of FIG. 31, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Execute the process. In the display update command process shown in FIG. 41, first, in the same manner as in steps S341 and S342 in FIG. 32, an image element to be updated is specified (step S361). It is determined whether or not the data is to be transferred (step S362). If the data is to be transferred in advance (step S362; Yes), the readout address of the image element data in the fixed address area 155A is specified in the same manner as in step S343 in FIG. 32 (step S363). . If it is not the target to be transferred in advance (step S362; No), the readout address of the image element data in the CGROM 142 is specified in the same manner as in step S347 in FIG. 32 (step S367). After executing the processes of steps S363 and S367, in the display update command process shown in FIG. 41, the write address setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42 is executed (steps S364 and S368).

  In the write address setting process shown in FIG. 42, first, the arrangement of the image elements to be updated in the display specified in step S361 in FIG. 41 corresponds to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5. It is determined whether or not the arrangement is included (step S601). For example, the CPU 131 specifies the display position (for example, display coordinates) of the image element on the screen of the image display device 5 from the display control data read from the effect control pattern, and the size (for example, the width or height) of the image element to be displayed. From this, it is determined whether or not at least a part of the image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B. If at least a part of the image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B, it is determined that the image element includes an arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 5B.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 5B is not included (step S601; No), the image element data write address in the frame buffer memory 156 is used as the image element data to be displayed. After setting an address for displaying the entire image on the screen of the image display device 5 (step S602), the write address setting process is terminated, and the process proceeds to steps S365 and S369 shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 131 displays the entire image element on the screen of the image display device 5 by designating the write address in the frame buffer memory 156 for all pixels constituting the image element to be displayed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S601 that the arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 5B is included (step S601; Yes), the entire image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B. Or whether a part is arranged in the non-display area 5B (step S603). At this time, when it is determined that a part is arranged in the non-display area 5B (step S603; No), the writing corresponding to the non-display area 5B is used as the image element data write address in the frame buffer memory 156. After setting the address excluding the insertion destination (step S604), the write address setting process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the process of step S365 or step S369 shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 131 specifies the write address in the frame buffer memory 156 for each pixel constituting the image element to be displayed, and excludes the address assigned to the non-display area 5B from the write address. Only the address assigned to the display area 5A is set to be notified to the VDP 141.

  If it is determined in step S603 that the entire image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B (step S603; Yes), the process proceeds to step S371 shown in FIG. Thereby, when the entire image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B, the write address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156 is not set, and the transfer display command is not transmitted to the VDP 141. become.

  When the process proceeds to step S365 after the write address setting process is executed in step S364 shown in FIG. 41, the write data amount that is the data amount of the image element data written to the frame buffer memory 156 is specified. (Step S365). Thereafter, a fixed address designation display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 based on the read address, write address, and write data amount of the image element data specified in steps S363 to S365 (step S366). If the process proceeds to step S369 after executing the write address setting process in step S368, the amount of write data that is the amount of image element data written to the frame buffer memory 156 is specified (step S369). S369). Thereafter, an automatic transfer display command is created and transmitted to the VDP 141 based on the read address, write address, and write data amount of the image element data specified in steps S367 to S369 (step S370).

  After executing any of the processes of steps S366 and S370, or when it is determined in step S603 of FIG. 42 that the entire image element is arranged in the non-display area 5B, all the image elements to be displayed are displayed. It is determined whether or not the command has been completed (step S371). If the command is not completed (step S371; No), the process returns to step S361. On the other hand, if the command for all the image elements to be updated is completed (step S371; Yes), the display update command process is terminated.

  In this manner, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the image element arrangement includes an arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 5B in step S601 of FIG. If an arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 5B is included, a write address excluding a write destination corresponding to the non-display area 5B is set, or a write address is not set. This restricts the writing of image element data to the frame buffer memory 156. Thereby, the control in the display effect is performed as compared with the case where the display element is created by writing the image element data to the address of the frame buffer memory 156 allocated corresponding to the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5. The burden can be reduced.

  Since the CPU 131 automatically restricts writing when the writing destination is a non-display area, an image is not displayed in the non-display area 5B at the stage of designing a gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1. This eliminates the need for consideration for the game machine and can reduce the design burden of the gaming machine. In addition, the CPU 131 provided in the effect control microcomputer 120 executes a write address setting process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42, so that the display position of the image element is on the screen of the image display device 5 on the VDP 141 side. It is not necessary to determine whether or not it is included in the non-display area 5B, and an increase in the control burden in the display effect can be prevented by the same processing as when the non-display area 5B does not exist.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the gaming machine, the description has been given using the pachinko gaming machine 1 having a function of variably displaying special symbols and decorative symbols and a function of displaying various effect images. However, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a front view of a slot machine 500 as an example of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied, and shows a layout of main members. The slot machine 500 is roughly composed of a housing whose front surface is open and a front door pivotally supported at a side end of the housing.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 500, there is installed a variable display device 501 in which reels DL, DC, DR having a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. An image display device 510 having a display function is provided on the front door of the slot machine 500. The image display device 510 is provided with one transparent see-through window. For example, three consecutive symbols arranged on the reels DL, DC, and DR are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window. Yes. On the screen of the image display device 510, for example, as shown in FIG. 44, a display area 510A where various images are displayed and a non-display area 510B where image display is restricted are provided. In the image display device 510, the portion of the see-through window arranged in front of the variable display device 501 is limited in image display, like the non-display area 5B on the screen of the image display device 5 in the above embodiment. It is a non-display area 510B. That is, the non-display area 510 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (for example, a polarizing plate), a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and the like, and does not physically display an image. It remains transparent. On the other hand, on the back surface of the display area 510A, for example, a backlight that irradiates the display area 510A from behind, a concealing member that conceals the inside of the slot machine 500, and the like are provided.

  On the outer periphery of the reels DL, DC, DR, for example, “Red 7”, “White 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, “Bell”, which can be distinguished from each other Are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels DL, DC, and DR are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower three stages through the perspective windows of the image display device 510, respectively.

  Each reel DL, DC, DR is rotated by reel motors 651L, 651C, 651R (FIG. 45) provided in correspondence with each other, so that the symbols of the reels DL, DC, DR are displayed in the see-through window of the image display device 510. Display continuously changing, and by stopping the rotation of each of the reels DL, DC, DR, three consecutive symbols are displayed as a display result so as to be visible through the viewing window of the image display device 510. It has come to be.

  Below the image display device 510 at the front door of the slot machine 500 is provided an operation table 520 on which various input switches and the like for the player to perform various operations are arranged. On the far side of the operation table 520, there are a medal insertion slot 502 into which medals can be inserted, a BET switch 503 for setting (BET) the number of bets for one medal, and the maximum number of cards that can be placed in one game (books). In the example, a MAXBET switch 504 for setting the number of bets (for 3 sheets), medals stored as credits (medal numbers stored as game values owned by the player), and medals used for setting the number of bets A settlement switch 508 is provided for the settlement. The medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 502 is detected by a predetermined insertion medal sensor.

  On the front side of the operation table 520, a start lever 505 that is operated when the game is started in the slot machine 500, and stop switches 506L and 506C that are operated when the rotations of the reels DL, DC, and DR are respectively stopped. 506R is provided. A medal payout exit 507 through which medals are paid out is provided at the bottom of the operation table 520.

  In the upper part of the image display device 510 in the front door of the slot machine 500, a game information display unit for displaying various information related to games in the slot machine 500 is provided. For example, the game information display unit displays a credit indicator that displays the number of medals stored as credits, an auxiliary display that displays the number of medals acquired in the big bonus, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and the like And a payout display for displaying the number of medals paid out when a prize is generated. Two speakers 511L and 511R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right sides of the game information display section. In addition, game effect lamps 512 are provided on the upper part of the image display device 510, and game effect lamps 513 and 514 are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 500, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 502, or credits are used to set the number of bets. To use the credit, the BET switch 503 or the MAXBET switch 504 is operated. When the number of bets is set in this way, the pay lines L1 to L5 are valid, and the operation of the start lever 505 is valid, that is, the game can be started.

  When the start lever 505 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels DL, DC, DR rotate based on the detection of the operation by the start lever switch 505A (FIG. 45), and the reels DL, The DC and DR symbols vary continuously. If any one of the stop switches 506L, 506C, and 506R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels DL, DC, and DR is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed through the see-through window of the image display device 510 so as to be visible. The

  Then, when the rotation of all the reels DL, DC, and DR is stopped, one game is finished, and each combination of symbols called predetermined roles on each of the activated pay lines L1 to L5 is displayed. When the display results of the reels DL, DC, DR are stopped, a winning is generated. The types of winning combinations are roughly divided into small roles with medals, re-players that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets, and special cases that have a transition in gaming state. There is a role, and the winning combination is determined according to the gaming state. In the slot machine 500, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state is allowed based on the random number value extracted at the timing when the start lever 505 is operated. The fact that winning in the internal lottery and winning is permitted is also referred to as “internal winning”. Of the winning of each role, the winning of the small role and the replaying role is valid only in the game for which the winning is determined, but the winning of the special role has the roles allowed to be generated by the internal lottery. It is effective until. In other words, once the occurrence of a special winning combination is allowed, even if the special winning combination cannot be generated in each game, the winning is carried over to the next game.

  The gaming state in the slot machine 500 includes, for example, a regular bonus, a big bonus, and a normal gaming state. In the regular bonus game state, for example, small roles such as JAC, cherry, watermelon and bell are determined as winning combinations and are subject to lottery in the internal lottery. In the big bonus, small roles such as cherries, watermelons and bells, and special roles such as regular bonus and JACIN are defined as winning roles in a given small role game. It is a lottery target. In the normal gaming state, for example, small roles such as cherry, watermelon and bell, replay roles such as replay, special roles such as big bonus, regular bonus, etc. are predetermined as winning roles, It is a lottery target in the lottery.

  When a special role winning that becomes a big bonus occurs in the normal gaming state, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. With the big bonus, a predetermined game called a small role game can be played. The big bonus is ended when the total number of medals given to the player in the big bonus becomes equal to or more than a prescribed number (eg, 466). When a special role winning that becomes a regular bonus occurs in a small role game in a normal gaming state or a big bonus, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. In addition, when a special role winning that becomes JACIN occurs in the small role game in the big bonus, the gaming state shifts to the regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games have been consumed or when 8 games have been won (any kind of combination can be used), whichever comes first. If the total number of medals awarded to the player during the big bonus exceeds the specified number with the regular bonus in the big bonus, the regular bonus is terminated together with the big bonus.

  In the slot machine 500, when the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state such as a regular bonus or a big bonus, the player can acquire more medals than the normal gaming state, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. It becomes a game state. Note that the special gaming state is not limited to a regular bonus or a big bonus, and it can be expected that the player will win more medals than the normal gaming state, and the gaming state may be more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. That's fine. As a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than such a normal gaming state, for example, an operation that satisfies the conditions for deriving notification target winnings that occur on condition that reel deriving conditions (for example, stop order and stop timing) are satisfied By restricting the gaming state (so-called assist time) in which the procedure is notified and the pull-in range of at least one of the reels, the symbols displayed when the stop switches 506L, 506C, 506R are operated are stopped. Challenge time (CT) that allows the combination of winning symbols to be derived when the player controls to make it easy to control, and specific winnings (for example, replay winnings, single bonus winnings, etc.) are allowed Gaming state (so-called replay time and concentration state) that increases the probability of being played, and also a combination of these It may be any such tricks state.

  In the slot machine 500, for example, a main board 600, an effect control board 620, a reel unit 650 and the like as shown in FIG. 45 are mounted. In addition, other boards such as a power supply board and a relay board connected to the main board 650 are mounted on the slot machine 500. The main board 600 is provided with a game control microcomputer 610. Similar to the game control microcomputer 100 in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 610 is a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And so on.

  The reel unit 650 includes reel motors 651L, 651C, 651R, a reel lamp 652, a reel sensor 653, and the like. The reel motors 651L, 651C, and 651R are motors for rotating the reels DL, DC, and DR. The reel lamp 652 is provided inside each reel DL, DC, DR, and irradiates a symbol that can be visually recognized by the variable display device 501 among the symbols drawn on each reel DL, DC, DR from the inside of the reel. It is a lamp to do. The reel sensor 653 is a sensor for detecting the rotation state and the rotation speed of each reel DL, DC, DR.

  On the effect control board 620, an effect control microcomputer 630, a display control unit 631, a sound control unit 632, a lamp control unit 633, and the like are mounted. The effect control microcomputer 630 is similar to the effect control microcomputer 120 in the above embodiment, a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And so on. The display control unit 631 controls the display operation in the image display device 510. Similar to the display control unit 121 in the above embodiment, the image processing according to the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 630 is performed. And a CGROM that stores various image data used for displaying an image on the image display device 510.

  The VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is provided with a host interface, a transfer control circuit, a CGROM interface, a drawing circuit, an image element temporary storage memory, a frame buffer memory, a display circuit, and the like, as in the above embodiment. The VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is provided with a table similar to the index table 251 in the above embodiment. Similar to the image element temporary storage memory 155 in the above-described embodiment, the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is provided with a fixed address area and an automatic transfer area. In the frame buffer memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, in order to facilitate address management, in the display data area for storing display data, as in the frame buffer memory 156 in the above embodiment, Addresses are assigned not only to the display area 510A on the screen of the image display device 510 but also to the non-display area 510B.

  In the effect control microcomputer 630, processing for controlling the effect operation by the image display device 510, the speakers 511L and 511R, the game effect lamps 512 to 514, and the like is performed according to the effect control pattern based on the effect control command received from the main board 600. Executed by the CPU.

  The CGROM provided in the display control unit 631 constitutes an image element data storage unit by storing a plurality of types of image element data. Among the image element data stored in the CGROM, the image element data set so that the display frequency on the image display device 510 is increased, for example, the same configuration as the advance transfer setting table 211A in the above embodiment Table data indicating a read address, a write address, and a data amount is stored in a table having. Then, the CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the advance transfer command process in the same manner as step S53 in FIG. 24 in the above embodiment, so that the effect control microcomputer 630 is activated in advance. The display control unit 631 is instructed to transfer image element data to a fixed address area of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP, and the VDP transfer control circuit provided in the display control unit 631 By performing the pre-transfer process in the same manner as in step S405 in step 33, the image element data is read from the CGROM included in the display control unit 631, transferred to the fixed address area, and stored, so that the start-up transfer setting control unit is Constitute. Further, the CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630 executes the display update command process in the same manner as in step S275 in FIG. 31 in the above embodiment, and pre-transfers in the same manner as in step S342 in FIG. 32 in the above embodiment. The fixed address designation display command is generated and transmitted to the VDP 141 provided in the display control unit 631 in the same manner as in step S346 in the above-described embodiment according to the determination result that the image element is the target of the image. In the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, in response to the reception of the fixed address designation display command, the drawing circuit executes the fixed address designation display process in the same manner as in step S503 in FIG. The first image element data processing means is configured by writing and storing the image element data read from the read address in the address area at the write address in the frame buffer memory.

  With such a configuration, for the image element data set so that the display frequency in the image display device 510 is increased, the read address in the fixed address area of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 By designating, the data stored in advance in the image element temporary storage memory can be easily reused, and it becomes unnecessary to read from the CGROM provided in the display control unit 631 every time. Can be reduced.

  On the other hand, among the plural types of image element data stored in the CGROM included in the display control unit 631, the image element data set so that the display frequency in the image display device 510 is lowered is effect control. The display update command process is executed by the CPU included in the microcomputer 630 in the same manner as in step S275 in FIG. 31 in the above embodiment, and the image to be pre-transferred as in step S342 in FIG. 32 in the above embodiment. In accordance with the determination result that it is not an element, an automatic transfer display command is created and transmitted to the VDP included in the display control unit 631 in the same manner as in step S350 in the above embodiment, so that the CGROM included in the display control unit 631 Command to transfer to frame buffer memory provided in VDPIn the VDP of the display control unit 631 that has received the automatic transfer display command, the transfer control circuit includes the display control unit 631 by executing the automatic transfer control process in the same manner as in step S407 of FIG. 33 in the above embodiment. The image element data is read from the CGROM and transferred to the automatic transfer area of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP. In addition, the drawing circuit provided in the VDP included in the display control unit 631 executes the automatic transfer display process in the same manner as step S505 in FIG. 37 in the above embodiment in response to receiving the automatic transfer display command. Thus, the image element data read from the automatic transfer area is written and stored at the write address in the frame buffer memory. A transfer control circuit, a drawing circuit, and the like included in the VDP of the display control unit 631 execute predetermined processing, thereby configuring second image element data processing means.

  With such a configuration, for image element data set so that the display frequency on the image display device 510 is low, the read address in the CGROM provided in the display control unit 631 and the write in the frame buffer memory provided in the VDP If the address is specified, it can be used to create display data without specifying the storage address in the automatic transfer area of the image element temporary storage memory, which facilitates address management and reduces the burden of program design. Can be reduced.

  For example, a game such as the start of display of a demo screen on the image display device 510, the fact that the variable display count of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 has reached the pre-transfer determination value, or the start of control to the big hit gaming state has started. In response to the establishment of a predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress status of the event, as in the processing in step S206 in FIG. 28 and step S280 in FIG. The fixed address of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP from the CGROM included in the display control unit 631 for the image element data set so that the display frequency is increased by the CPU 630 executing the pre-transfer command process. Command transfer to area. In the VDP included in the display control unit 631, the transfer control circuit executes the pre-transfer process in the same manner as in step S405 in FIG. The image element data is read from the CGROM included in the unit 631 and transferred to the fixed address area. By executing such processing, a transfer setting control means when the condition is established is configured. With such a configuration, even if an error due to noise or the like occurs in the stored content in the fixed address area of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, the stored content is automatically restored. Can do.

  The transfer control circuit provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 executes the same processing as in step S446 in FIG. 35 or step S466 in FIG. 36 in the above embodiment, and the data transfer to the image element temporary storage memory is performed. When the transfer is completed, the transfer completion data setting means is configured by setting the “transfer completion flag” to “on” in the index table that allows the image element data temporarily stored in the image element temporary storage memory to be specified. The drawing circuit provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 corresponds to the index table provided in the VDP when reading the image element data from the fixed address area or automatic transfer area of the image element temporary storage memory. Deciding whether or not to create display data by writing the read image element data to the frame buffer memory according to whether or not the “transfer completion flag” is set to “on” Thus, the creation determination means is configured.

  With such a configuration, the image element data transferred from the CGROM included in the display control unit 631 to the fixed address area or the automatic transfer area of the image element temporary storage memory provided in the VDP, and these fixed address area and automatic transfer area It is possible to match the image element data read out from the image data and used to create display data, and display effects using appropriate image element data can be performed.

  The CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630 is similar to step S211 in the above embodiment when the value of the effect mode flag is switched in the same manner as in steps S208 to S210 shown in FIG. 28 in the above embodiment. The advance transfer command process is executed, and the advance transfer setting table corresponding to the effect mode flag is set in the same manner as in step S311 of FIG. 26 in the above embodiment, and the image display device 510 according to the value of the effect mode flag. The image element data specifying means is configured by specifying the image element data set so as to increase the display frequency. Display control is performed by causing the VDP transfer control circuit included in the display control unit 631 to execute the pre-transfer process in the same manner as step S405 in FIG. The effect state determination time transfer setting control means for reading the image element data from the CGROM included in the unit 631 and transferring it to the fixed address area for storage. With such a configuration, it is possible to identify image element data set so as to increase the display frequency in the current presentation state in the gaming machine and transfer it to the fixed address area, effectively enabling the image element temporary storage memory. This can be used to further reduce the control burden on the display effect.

  On the screen of the image display device 510, for example, a non-display area 510 </ b> B in which image display is restricted is provided, for example, on the arrangement portion on the front surface of the variable display device 501. The drawing circuit provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 responds to the reception of the fixed address designation display command from the effect control microcomputer 630, and the fixed address designation display process shown in FIG. 38 in the above embodiment. In the same manner as in step S524 in the above-described embodiment, a determination is made as to whether or not the image element data write destination is a non-display area, thereby including a writing position determination means. An arrangement determining unit is configured. When the writing destination is a non-display area, even if a fixed address designation display command is received from the production control microcomputer 630, the same processing as step S525 in the above embodiment is skipped. The display data writing restricting means for restricting the writing of the image element data to the frame buffer memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is configured. Alternatively, the drawing circuit provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 can perform the automatic transfer display process shown in FIG. 39 in the above embodiment in response to receiving the automatic transfer display command from the effect control microcomputer 630. The same processing is executed, and the arrangement including the writing position determining means is performed by determining whether or not the writing destination of the image element data is a non-display area in the same manner as in step S544 in the above embodiment. A determination unit is configured. When the writing destination is a non-display area, even if the automatic transfer display command is received from the production control microcomputer 630, the same process as step S545 in the above embodiment is skipped, A display data write restricting means for restricting the writing of image element data to the frame buffer memory provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is configured.

  As a result, compared to the case where image element data is written to the address of the frame buffer memory allocated corresponding to the non-display area 510B on the screen of the image display device 510 and display data is created, the control burden in the display effect is reduced. Can be reduced. Further, in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, the drawing circuit automatically restricts writing when the writing destination is a non-display area, so at the stage of designing a gaming machine such as the slot machine 500 There is no need to take care to prevent an image from being displayed in the non-display area, and the design burden of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, the rendering control microcomputer performs the same processing as step S524 shown in FIG. 38 and step S544 shown in FIG. 39 in the above embodiment by the drawing circuit provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631. On the 630 side, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the display position of the image element is included in the non-display area 510B on the screen of the image display device 510, and the display is performed by the same processing as when the non-display area 510B does not exist. It is possible to prevent an increase in control burden in the production.

  The CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630 may execute processing similar to the display update command processing shown in FIG. 41 and the write address setting processing shown in FIG. In this case, the arrangement determination unit is configured by determining whether or not the arrangement of the image elements includes an arrangement corresponding to the non-display area 510B in the same manner as in step S601 in FIG. To do. If the layout corresponding to the non-display area 510B is included, a write address excluding the write destination corresponding to the non-display area 510B is set in the same manner as in step S604 of FIG. The frame buffer provided in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631 is set not to set the write address in the same manner as in the case where it is determined Yes in step S603 of FIG. Display data writing restriction means for restricting writing of image element data to the memory is configured.

  With such a configuration, a display effect is produced as compared with the case where image element data is written to the address of the frame buffer memory allocated corresponding to the non-display area 510B on the screen of the image display device 510 to create display data. Can reduce the control burden. In addition, by restricting writing when the writing destination is a non-display area by the CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630, an image is displayed in the non-display area at the stage of designing a gaming machine such as the slot machine 500. This eliminates the need to take care to prevent the display of the game machine, thereby reducing the design burden of the gaming machine. In addition, by executing the same processing as the write address setting processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42 in the above embodiment by the CPU provided in the effect control microcomputer 630, in the VDP provided in the display control unit 631, It is not necessary to determine whether or not the display position of the image element is included in the non-display area 510B on the screen of the image display device 510, and the control burden on the display effect is similar to the case where the non-display area 510B does not exist. Increase can be prevented.

  Note that the CPU included in the effect control microcomputer 630 is based on the display control data read from the effect control pattern, for example, during a normal game period in which no prize is awarded, or in a regular bonus or big bonus game state due to the occurrence of a prize. During the period of transition or during the period of displaying the demo screen, the same processing as the display update command processing executed in step S275 shown in FIG. You may make it perform the production | presentation by the image corresponding to the data for a display produced using the image element data on the screen of the display apparatus 510. FIG.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine, and even when applied to a slot machine, the same effects as those applied to a pachinko gaming machine can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the fixed address designation display command and the automatic transfer display command are separately transmitted from the presentation control microcomputer to the VDP provided in the display control unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the instruction control microcomputer can send an arbitrary command for instructing display of the image element by writing the image element data to the frame buffer memory to the VDP. Good. For example, the VDP 141 includes a display control command register indicating that there has been a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120, and an image element to be read from the fixed address area 155 A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 or the CGROM 142. A read address register for storing a data read address is provided. Then, the CPU 131 provided in the effect control microcomputer 120 turns on the storage data of the display control command register provided in the VDP 141 in the processes in steps S346 and S350 shown in FIG. 32 and the processes in steps S366 and S370 shown in FIG. And the read address of the fixed address area 155A of the image element temporary storage memory 155 or the CGROM 142 is written to the read address register included in the VDP 141. In these processes, the VDP 141 may also be notified of the writing address of the image element data in the frame buffer memory 156, the data amount of the image element data, and the like.

  In this case, VDP 141 reads the stored data in the read address register in response to the rewrite of the data stored in the display control command register to the data indicating the ON state, and the address indicated by the read data is the image. It is determined whether or not the address is included in the fixed address area 155A of the element temporary storage memory 155. At this time, if the address is included in the fixed address area 155A, the fixed address designation display process in step S503 is executed when it is determined that the drawing circuit 154 has received the fixed address designation display command in step S502 of FIG. By executing the same processing as, image element data specified based on the read data from the read address register can be read from the fixed address area 155A and written to the frame buffer memory 156. If the address indicated by the read data from the read address register is an address other than the fixed address area 155A, it is determined that the transfer control circuit 152 has received the automatic transfer display command in step S406 of FIG. The same process as the automatic transfer control process of step S407 executed in this case is executed, and if it is determined that the drawing circuit 154 has received the automatic transfer display command in step S504 of FIG. 37, the process of step S505 executed A process similar to the automatic transfer display process may be executed. By executing these processes, the transfer control circuit 152 reads the image element data specified based on the read data from the read address register from the CGROM 142 and writes it in the automatic transfer area 155B of the image element temporary storage memory 155. The drawing circuit 154 can read out the image element data from the automatic transfer area 155B and write it in the frame buffer memory 156.

  As described above, when the VDP 141 determines whether to read the image element data from the fixed address area 155A or the CGROM 142 based on the address indicated by the read data from the read address register, the effect control microcomputer On the side of the CPU 131 included in 120, for example, an effect control pattern is determined without determining whether or not the image element is a target of advance transfer as in the process of step S342 of FIG. 32 or step S362 of FIG. The read address specified based on the display control data read from can be written in the read address register provided in the VDP 141. That is, on the CPU 131 side provided in the effect control microcomputer 120, without distinguishing whether to transmit a display control command corresponding to a fixed address designation display command or a display control command corresponding to an automatic transfer display command, It is only necessary to execute the same type of processing that writes a read address specified based on display control data or the like to a read address register included in the VDP 141.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined in step S546 shown in FIG. 39 that the drawing is completed, the transfer completion flag is cleared in step S548, whereby the image element data temporarily stored in the automatic transfer area 155B. It was explained that the reuse of was not done. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image element data temporarily stored in the automatic transfer area 155B may be reused. For example, the VDP 141 is provided with a use count counter for specifying the use frequency of each image element data temporarily stored in the automatic transfer area 155B.

  In this case, the transfer control circuit 152 performs, for example, the process of step S461 shown in FIG. 36 in the automatic transfer control process executed in step S407 when it is determined that the automatic transfer display command is received in step S406 of FIG. , The image element data read address in the CGROM 142 is specified, and it is verified whether the image element data read from this address is registered in the index table 251. If registered in the index table 251, the storage address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155 </ b> B specified from the index table 251 is not executed without executing the processing in steps S <b> 462 to S <b> 446 shown in FIG. 36. The drawing circuit 154 may be notified. At this time, the value of the corresponding use number counter is updated by adding 1 for example.

  On the other hand, if the image element data whose read address is specified in step S461 is not registered in the index table 251, the write address of the image element data in the automatic transfer area 155B is specified as in step S462. To do. At this time, if there is no free area in the automatic transfer area 155B, for example, a storage area of image element data whose count value of the usage counter is equal to or less than a predetermined value is specified, and the image element data is overwritten in the storage area. The write address may be specified. Then, the “transfer completion flag” stored in the index table 251 corresponding to the image element data erased by overwriting is set to “off”, and data such as “start address” and “horizontal size” is erased. do it. Further, the usage counter corresponding to the image element data erased by overwriting may be initialized.

  Note that the method of specifying the image element data to be erased by overwriting is not limited to the method of specifying that the value of the use counter is equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, specifying the old timing written in the automatic transfer area 155B. Any method can be used, such as a method to do so. Further, the timing of updating the value of the usage counter is not limited to the timing at which the transfer control circuit 152 specifies that the image element data is registered in the index table 251, and for example, the drawing circuit 154 supplies the frame buffer memory 156. It may be the timing when the writing is completed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as a transfer condition determined in advance corresponding to the progress of the game, when the display of the demo screen is started in the image display devices 5 and 510, or the decorative symbols in the image display device 5 Pre-transfer command processing when the variable display count or the variable display count of the symbol on the variable display device 501 reaches the pre-transfer determination value, or when the transition to the big hit gaming state, big bonus, regular bonus, or the like is started. In the above description, the image element data set so that the display frequency is increased by executing the advance transfer process is transferred in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image element data set so that the display frequency is increased when an arbitrary transfer condition determined in advance corresponding to the progress of the game is satisfied. Anything that can be transferred in advance is acceptable. Alternatively, for example, when the drawing circuit 154 included in the VDP 141 executes the process of step S529 shown in FIG. 38 and an error is notified, an arbitrary predetermined value corresponding to the progress of the image processing operation in the VDP 141 or the like is set. If the transfer condition is satisfied, the image element data set to increase the display frequency may be transferred in advance.

  In addition, if the gaming machine of the present invention has an image display device in a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, for example, a general electric machine or a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a Pachi-Con It does not matter. In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of winning balls, and encloses game balls and gives points in response to detection of winning balls. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a slot machine that can play a game using medals and credits, for example, a slot machine that plays a game using pachinko balls, or credits without medals being discharged to the outside. The present invention can also be applied to a complete credit type slot machine that can be played using the game, an image type slot machine in which a variable display device is displayed as an image, and the like.

  The present invention can also be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the slot machine 500. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

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

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display area and non-display area on the screen of an image display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for game control. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for production control. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the random number value for the notice determination counted on the side of the production control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of a notice determination table, and an example of the selection probability of a notice. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display with the image display apparatus corresponding to having selected the notice pattern of the notice A and the notice B in the 1st production mode. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display with the image display apparatus corresponding to having selected the notice pattern of the notice C and the notice D in the 1st production mode. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display with the image display apparatus corresponding to not having performed a notice in the case of 2nd production mode, or having selected each notice pattern. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a prior transfer setting table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect control pattern table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect control pattern. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a display control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the address map in an image element temporary storage memory. It is a figure which shows an example of the data area for a display in a frame buffer memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an index table. It is a figure which shows an example of the display control command transmitted to VDP from the microcomputer for production control. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content in CGROM. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control main process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory area setting command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prior transfer command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start command reception waiting process. It is a figure which shows an example of a demonstration screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display control setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during symbol variable display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a display update command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a transfer control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a storage area setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a pre-transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an automatic transfer control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fixed address designation | designated display process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an automatic transfer display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the image data processing operation | movement in a display control part. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of a display update command process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a write address setting process. It is a front view of the slot machine to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the display area and non-display area on the screen of the image display apparatus with which a slot machine is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4 ... Special symbol display device 5, 510 ... Image display device 6 ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R, 511L, 511R ... Speakers 9, 512, 513, 514 ... Game effect lamps 10 ... Power supply board 11, 600 ... Main board 12, 620 ... Production control board 13 ... Signal relay board 20 ... Normal symbol display device 21 ... Gate switch 22 ... Start-up switch 23 … V winning switch 24… Count switch 40… Operation switch 41… Passing gate 81, 82… Solenoid 100, 610… Game control microcomputer 111, 131… CPU
112, 132 ... ROM
113, 133 ... RAM
114, 134 ... Random number circuits 115, 135 ... Input / output ports 120, 630 ... Production control microcomputers 121, 631 ... Display controllers 122, 632 ... Sound controllers 123, 633 ... Lamp controllers 141 ... VDP
142 ... CGROM
151 ... Host interface 152 ... Transfer control circuit 153 ... CGROM interface 154 ... Drawing circuit 155 ... Image element temporary storage memory 155A ... Fixed address area 155B ... Automatic transfer area 156 ... Frame buffer memory 157 ... Display circuit 201, 202 ... Notice determination table 211, 211A, 211B ... Advance transfer setting tables 221, 221A, 221B ... Production control pattern table 251 ... Index table

Claims (7)

A gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game,
Image display means for displaying various images including a plurality of types of effect images;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display control means for controlling the display operation of the image display means,
The display control means includes
Display content determining means for determining the display content of the image display means based on display information from the game control means;
Image display control means for controlling image display in the image display means based on the determination result of the display content determination means,
The image display control means includes
Image element data storage means for storing a plurality of types of image element data including image element data corresponding to the effect image;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing image element data read from the image element data storage means;
Display data storage means for storing image display data in the image display means;
Data processing means for executing processing for creating display data based on image element data;
Display data output means for outputting the display data read from the display data storage means to the image display means,
The display content determination means includes
In response to the activation of the display control means, a startup setting control means for controlling various setting operations in the image display control means;
A display image update command means for notifying the image display control means of the reading position and the writing position of the image element data, and for commanding an update of the display image in the image display means,
The data processing means includes
When the read position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is included in the temporary storage means, the image element data is read from the read position in the temporary storage means and written in the display data storage means First image element data processing means for writing and storing the position;
When the read position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is included in the image element data storage means, the image element data is read from the read position in the image element data storage means and the temporary storage means Second image element data processing means for reading out image element data from the predetermined area and transferring it to the writing position in the display data storage means and storing it after transferring to the predetermined area;
The startup setting control means includes:
A startup area setting control means for setting a storage area in the temporary storage means to a plurality of areas including the predetermined area;
Subsequent to the setting by the startup area setting control means, it is necessary to execute the effect by the effect image corresponding to the image element data among a plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means. And a transfer setting control unit at start-up for transferring and storing image element data higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the image element data in a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means ,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The display content determination unit is configured to display the image among a plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage unit when a predetermined transfer condition corresponding to the progress of the game is satisfied. Image element data having a higher execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the element data than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data is stored in a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means. Including transfer setting control means when conditions are established for transfer and storage,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The image display control means can specify transfer completion data indicating completion of data transfer from the image element data storage means to the temporary storage means and image element data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means. Including transfer completion data setting means for setting in the storage management table,
The data processing means displays the display data by writing the image element data read from the temporary storage means into the display data storage means in accordance with whether transfer completion data is set in the storage management table. Including a creation determining means for determining whether to execute creation of
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The display content determination means includes
Effect state determining means for determining which of the plurality of types of effect states is the effect state in the gaming machine;
Corresponding to the effect state determined by the effect state determining means, the effect corresponding to the image element data in the effect state among a plurality of types of image element data stored in the image element data storage means. Image element data specifying means for specifying image element data whose execution frequency by the image is higher than the execution frequency of the effect by the effect image corresponding to the required image element data;
Transfer setting control means at the time of effect state determination for transferring and storing the image element data specified by the image element data specifying means from the image element data storage means to a storage area other than the predetermined area in the temporary storage means; Including,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3. A game component disposed on the front or back of the image display means,
The image display means includes
A display area where various images are displayed;
A non-display area in which display of various images is restricted corresponding to the arrangement position of the gaming parts,
The display control means includes
Arrangement determining means for determining whether or not an image element to be displayed is arranged in the non-display area;
Display data write restriction means for restricting writing to the display data storage means for image element data indicating image elements determined to be arranged in the non-display area by the arrangement determination means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The arrangement determining means includes writing position determining means for determining whether or not the writing position of the image element data notified from the display image update command means is a writing position corresponding to the non-display area,
The display data writing restricting means writes image element data by the first and second image element data processing means at a writing position determined to correspond to the non-display area by the writing position determining means. Limit,
The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein: The display data writing restricting unit is configured to store the image element data indicating the image element determined to be arranged in the non-display area by the arrangement determining unit to the display data storage unit by the display image update command unit. Restrict writing to be commanded,
The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein:

Images