JP4961401B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is provided on a gaming board surface of a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and controls lighting of a lamp that performs effects and the like.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board enters a specific start winning opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the display unit move from top to bottom. A game machine is widely used in which, when the same or related symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line), the game becomes a big win, the big winning opening is opened, and the big win game can be played.

  In such a gaming machine, not only the effect by the display unit, but also the fun of the game is improved by lighting the lamps composed of LEDs etc. provided on the game board around the display unit. ing. The lamp control is configured to be executed by a lamp control unit that is different from the main control unit that controls the jackpot (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  In gaming machines, etc., ramps are provided on the game board and frame, and are divided into a plurality of areas (such as an accessory, center, and side) on the game board, and the frame is similarly divided into areas and provided for each area. The plurality of lamps are used as one lamp group, and a table is provided for each lamp group, and the CPU controls light emission with reference to the table. A method for controlling lighting in units of lamp groups will be considered below.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the group table and the table. A plurality of tables A to C respectively corresponding to the lamp groups are provided. These tables A to C belong to one group table G. The group table G indicates a reference place where the tables are registered together so that they can be easily called when the contents of the effects displayed on the display unit of the gaming machine and the effects of the lamp group are linked. The ramp pattern is first output by referring to the pattern table registered in the group table. With this two-stage configuration, the patterns of each table can be linked.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a group table and table setting information. As illustrated, tables A to C are registered in the setting of the group table G. The LEDs A1 to A3 in Table A are lit because the values are all “1” for a predetermined time of t1. Further, since the values are all “1” during the time t2 after the lapse of the time t1 and during the time t3, the lighting state is maintained. The LEDs B1 to B3 in the table B are in the extinguished state because the values are all “0” for a predetermined time of t1. During the time t2 after the elapse of the time t1, the values are all turned on because they are “1”. After that, the values are turned on because the values are all “1” even during the time t3. . The LEDs C1 to C3 in the table C are in the extinguished state during the predetermined time of t1 and during the predetermined time of t2, because all values are “0”. During the time t3 after the elapse of the time t2, all the values are “1”, so that the light is turned on.

  According to the above setting, it is possible to generate a lamp pattern that lights up in the order of the tables A to C. As an example of a gaming machine, if the lamp group A is arranged at the center of the game board and the lamp groups B and C are arranged outside the game board, Since the lamp group B is sequentially turned on and finally the lamp group C is turned on, it is possible to perform lamp lighting control so that the lighting state of the lamp spreads outward from the center of the game board as time passes.

  If such lamp control is applied to the above-described gaming machine, it can be used, for example, to enhance the effect of the reach. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be applied to a general lighting device, for example, a stage lighting device, for use in enhancing the stage effect.

JP 2001-62116 A

  However, it takes time to set and adjust the ramp pattern that links the plurality of tables A to C in this way. When the lamp pattern is adjusted, it takes a lot of work because the tables A to C are changed. Specifically, since the values of the plurality of LEDs 1 to 3 must be set or adjusted every time t, for example, to change the lamp group B from lighting to extinguishing at the time t2, The set value of each of the LEDs B1 to B3 in the time t2 portion of the table B must be changed from 1 to 0.

  In the above example, the number of lamps in each of the lamp groups A to C has been described as being only three, that is, LEDs 1 to 3. However, in reality, a larger number of LEDs are provided, and that number is one by one. It is necessary to set or change the set value. At the same time, it is necessary to provide the number of tables A to C corresponding to the number of lamp groups, and the set value increases by the number of lamps included in the lamp group, so that the amount of data necessary for the tables A to C increases. Have a problem.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily setting and changing a table for performing lighting control of a plurality of lamps in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a plurality of light-emitting lamps arranged in the gaming machine and lamp control for sequentially lighting the plurality of lamps at a predetermined timing. A lamp storage unit that stores lamp data for controlling the lighting of the plurality of lamps, and reads the lamp data from the data storage unit to turn on the plurality of lamps. The lamp data stored in the data storage unit is set to be common to the plurality of lamps, and includes information on a time interval and lamp designation for controlling lighting with the time interval. And a group table in which the reference time of the table is set differently for each of the plurality of lamps. By reading the table reference time set in the table, and performs the ramp control at different timings for each said lamp with a single table.

  Further, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a plurality of light-emitting lamps arranged in the gaming machine, and a lamp control unit that sequentially controls lighting of the plurality of lamps at a predetermined timing. A data storage unit for storing lamp data for controlling the lighting of the plurality of lamps; and a control unit for controlling the lighting of the plurality of lamps by reading the lamp data from the data storage unit, The lamp data stored in the unit includes one table in which lamp designation information for lighting control common to the plurality of lamps is set, a group table in which the table is set to be referred to a plurality of times, A pattern table in which a reference time of the table for each lamp is set, and the control unit refers to the group table by referring to the group table. Each time a table is referenced, the setting of the reference time of the table for each lamp set in the pattern table is obtained, and lamp control is performed at different timings in units of lamps using one table. .

  According to the above configuration, since different lamp control is performed by changing the reference time for the table, it is possible to control lighting of a plurality of lamps using one table. This makes it easy to set and change the lamp pattern control for causing the lamp group to emit light.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set and change the lighting of a plurality of lamps, to control various lamps on the game board with simple settings, and to effectively perform an effect using the lamps. Play. In particular, it is possible to perform control with a simple setting using a single table to light a plurality of lamps at different timings.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lamp control device of the present invention. The lamp control device 100 includes an input unit 101, a control unit 102, a timer 103, a data storage unit 104, and an output unit 105. Data for lamp lighting control is input to the input unit 101 as a command or the like, and this command is output to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, analyzes the command, and outputs lamp control data corresponding to the command to the lamp group 108 via the output unit 105.

  At the time of this command analysis, the control unit 102 refers to the timing information of the timer 103 and the lamp data 111 stored in the data storage unit 104, generates lamp control data corresponding to the command, and outputs it to the output unit 105. To do. As illustrated, the lamp group 108 includes a plurality of lamp groups 1 to 5, and lighting control is individually performed for each lamp group. One lamp group is composed of a plurality of full-color LEDs, and can emit light in an arbitrary emission color. The lamp data 111 includes a group table 111a and a table 111b.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data for lighting control according to the first embodiment. In the lamp data 111, a group table 111a and a table 111b are set. The lamp data 111 is used to perform independent lamp control for the three lamp groups LEDA1 to A3, LEDB1 to B3, and LEDs C1 to C3, similarly to the lamp pattern described with reference to FIG.

  In the present invention, only one table (table D) 111b is used. In this table 111b, information on a time interval t and lamps (LEDs) that are controlled to be lit at each time interval t is set. Further, information for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamp groups using one table 111b is set in the group table 111a.

  In the group table 111a, a plurality of reference timings for the table D (111b) to be referred to are set. In the example of the group table 111a shown in FIG. A table D for controlling the lamp group A; 2. 2. tables D and t1 for controlling the lamp group B; Three tables D, t1 + t2 for controlling the lamp group C are set. The comma (,) is set when setting the delay time. If a comma is added to the table in the group table, the time until the time (delay time) set after the comma elapses. The interval means that the corresponding table (table D) is not referred to.

  1. Since there is no comma in the setting of the table D, the contents of the table D are executed as they are. That is, as in the table A shown in FIG. 11, the values are all “1” during the predetermined time t1, t2, and t3, and all the three LEDs A1 to A3 of the lamp group A are all displayed. Light up.

  2. In the setting of the tables D and t1, a comma is added and t1 is set. According to this setting, the contents of the table D are executed after the elapse of time t1 (after time t2). That is, like the table B shown in FIG. 11, during the predetermined time t1, the LEDs B1 to B3 of the lamp group B are not turned on, and the value during the time t2 and the value “1” during the time t3 All the three LEDs B1 to B3 are turned on during the period of time t2 to t3.

  3. In the setting of the tables D and t1 + t2, a comma is added and t1 + t2 is set. According to this setting, the contents of the table D are executed after time t1 and t2 have elapsed (after time t3). That is, similarly to the table C shown in FIG. 11, the LEDs C1 to C3 of the lamp group C are not lit during the predetermined time t1 to t2, and the three LEDs C1 to C3 are set with the value “1” for the period of the time t3. Turn on all the lights.

  According to the setting of the group table 111a as described above, information for three tables (corresponding to the tables A to C in FIG. 11) can be set only by referring to one table 111b. The amount of data for two tables can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the lamp control executed by the lamp control device of the first embodiment. The following processing is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 msec) when the control unit 102 shown in FIG. 1 executes a predetermined lamp control program stored in a ROM or the like. First, the control unit 102 refers to the group table 111a in the lamp data 111 read this time from the data storage unit 104 (step S301). At the same time, the timer 103 starts timing.

  More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, for the first time period t <b> 1 measured by the timer 103, first, the first stage setting of the group table 111 a is referred to (step S <b> 301). If a delay time is set in the table set in the first stage (table D), it is detected whether or not the current time is within the delay time (step S302). Since the delay time is not set in the first-stage table D (step S302: No), the table D is read as it is during the period of time t1 (step S304). During time t1 in the corresponding table D (111b), the lamp lighting values set in the table are read (step S305), and since all the values are “1”, all three lamps are used as lamp control data. Control data to be lit is set (step S306).

  Within the time t1, the above process is executed again, and the tables D and t1 set at the second level of the group table 111a are referred to (step S301). The table set in the second row (table D, t1) has a delay time setting, and the current time is within the corresponding delay time (step S302: Yes), so the delay time is waited (step S302). S303), the table D is not referred to during the corresponding period of time t1. That is, step S304 and step S305 are not executed during time t1. Alternatively, even if the processing of step S304 and step S305 is executed, the read value is not used. Thereby, in the tables D and t1, control data in a state where all the three lamps are turned off is set (step S306).

  When the above processing is executed for the third time within the time t1, the table D, t1 + t2 set at the third level of the group table 111a is referred to (step S301). The table set in the third row (table D, t1 + t2) has a delay time setting, and the current time is within the corresponding delay time (step S302: Yes). S303), the table D is not referred to during the corresponding time t1 + t2. That is, step S304 and step S305 are not executed during the time t1 + t2. Alternatively, even if the processing of step S304 and step S305 is executed, the read value is not used. Thereby, in the tables D and t1 + t2, control data in a state where all the three lamps are turned off is set (step S306).

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the control state of the lamp group according to the first embodiment. By the above processing, only the lamp group indicated by the table D is turned on until the time t1 elapses, and the lamp groups of the other tables D and t1 and the lamp groups of the tables D and t1 + t2 are turned off.

  Next, returning to FIG. 3, the processing in the period of time t2 after the elapse of time t1 will be described. In the period of time t2, the setting of the first level of the group table 111a is referred to (step S301). Since there is no delay time setting in the table (table D) set at the first level (step S302: No), the table D is read as it is during the period of time t2 (step S304). During time t2 in the corresponding table D (111b), the lamp lighting values set in the table are read (step S305), and since all the values are “1”, all three lamps are used as lamp control data. Control data to be lit is set (step S306).

  Within the time t2, when the above process is executed again, the tables D and t1 set at the second level of the group table 111a are referred to (step S301). The table (table D, t1) set at the second level has a delay time, but the delay time is set at t1, and the current time is outside the delay time (step S302: No). ) During the period of time t2, the table D is read as it is (step S304). During time t2 in the corresponding table D (111b), the lamp lighting values set in the table are read (step S305), and since all the values are “1”, all three lamps are used as lamp control data. Control data to be lit is set (step S306).

  When the above process is executed for the third time within the time t2, the table D, t1 + t2 set at the third level of the group table 111a is referred to (step S301). The table set in the third row (table D, t1 + t2) has a delay time setting, and the current time is within the delay time (step S302: Yes), so the delay time is waited (step S303). The table D is not referred to during the corresponding time t1 + t2. That is, step S304 and step S305 are not executed during the time t1 + t2. Alternatively, even if the processing of step S304 and step S305 is executed, the read value is not used. Thereby, in the tables D and t1 + t2, control data in a state where all the three lamps are turned off is set (step S306).

  As a result of the above processing, as shown in FIG. 4, the table D and the lamp group indicated by the tables D and t1 are lit during the period until the time t2 elapses after the time t1 elapses, and the other tables D and t1 + t2 The lamp group is turned off.

  Next, returning to FIG. 3, the processing in the period of time t3 after the elapse of time t2 will be described. When the table (table D) set at the first stage in the period of time t3 is referred to (step S301), since there is no delay time setting (step S302: No), the table D is displayed in the period of time t3. Read as it is (step S304), read the value of lamp lighting at time t3 in the corresponding table D (111b) (step S305), and since all the values are "1", all three lamps are turned on as lamp control data Control data to be set is set (step S306).

  When the above process is executed again within the time t3, the tables D and t1 set at the second level of the group table 111a are referred to (step S301). The table (table D, t1) set at the second level has a delay time, but the delay time is set at t1, and the current time is outside the delay time (step S302: No). ) During the period of time t2, the table D is read as it is (step S304). During time t2 in the corresponding table D (111b), the lamp lighting values set in the table are read (step S305), and since all the values are “1”, all three lamps are used as lamp control data. Control data to be lit is set (step S306).

  When the above processing is executed for the third time within the time t3, the table D, t1 + t2 set at the third level of the group table 111a is referred to (step S301). The table (table D, t1 + t2) set at the third level has a delay time, but the delay time is set at t1 + t2, and the current time is outside the delay time (step S302: No), during the period of time t3, the table D is read as it is (step S304). During the time t3 in the corresponding table D (111b), the lamp lighting values set in the table are read (step S305), and since all the values are “1”, all three lamps are used as lamp control data. Control data to be lit is set (step S306).

  As a result of the above processing, as shown in FIG. 4, all the lamp groups indicated by the table D, the tables D and t1, and the tables D and t1 + t2 are in the lighting state until the time t3 elapses after the time t2 elapses. Become.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the ramp data includes one table and the group table, and a plurality of table reference timings are set in the group table, thereby increasing the number of tables. Instead, the lighting control of the lamp group can be performed at different timings corresponding to a plurality of tables. This is particularly effective for controlling the lighting timing for each lamp group. Thereby, it is possible to easily set and change the lamp pattern using a plurality of lamp groups, that is, the lighting timing for each lamp group. When changing the lighting timing for each lamp group, it is only necessary to change the setting of the group table. Even if the lamp pattern is changed, the trouble of changing the setting contents of the table individually for each lamp group is saved. In addition, it can be set easily at the same time.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the ramp data 111. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data for lighting control according to the second embodiment. As illustrated, in the ramp data 111 of the second embodiment, a group table 111a, a table 111b, and a pattern table 111c are set.

  The configuration of the table (table E) 111b is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2). The group table 111a is set to refer to the pattern table (pattern table A), and the delay time is not set in any of the three tables E set in the group table 111a. Different from Form 1.

  In the pattern table 111c, delay times for the respective lamps LEDA1 to A3, LEDB1 to B3, and LEDs C1 to C3 of the lamp groups A to C corresponding to the three tables (table E) are set. In the upper row, delay times 0, t3, and t6 for the LEDs A1, A2, and A3 are set. In the middle row, delay times t1, t4, and t7 for the LEDs B1, B2, and B3 are set. In the lower row, delay times t2, t5, and t8 for the LEDs C1, C2, and C3 are set.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the delay time of each lamp is set in the pattern table 111c, and independent lamp control is performed for each lamp of the lamp groups LEDA1 to A3, LEDB1 to B3, and LEDC1 to C3.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the lamp control process executed by the lamp control apparatus according to the second embodiment. The following processing is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 msec) when the control unit 102 shown in FIG. 1 executes a predetermined lamp control program stored in a ROM or the like. First, the control unit 102 refers to the group table 111a in the lamp data 111 read this time from the data storage unit 104 (step S601). At the same time, the timer 103 starts timing.

  In the group table 111a, a pattern table 111c and three tables 111b are set, and the pattern table 111c and the three tables 111b are referred to (step S602). The three tables 111b correspond to different lamp groups LEDA, B, and C as described above. First, the first stage setting of the table 111b is referred to.

  Next, the delay time corresponding to each lamp in the first-stage table 111b is obtained by referring to the pattern table 111c (step S603). The delay time of the corresponding lamp group LEDA1 is 0 (no delay time), the delay time of LEDA2 is t3, and the delay time of LEDA3 is t6.

  Next, the delay time set in the referenced lamp group (LEDA1 to A3) is compared with the current time (step S604), and if the current time is within the delay time (step S604: Yes), the delay time is waited. If it is performed (step S605), the process proceeds to step S606, and if the current time is outside the delay time (step S604: No), the process proceeds to step S606 without performing the delay time waiting process. In step S606, lamp control data for the corresponding lamp group (LEDs A1 to A3) is set, and lamp lighting control is performed.

  For example, while the current time has not reached t1, the lamp LEDA1 whose delay time value is set to “0” is turned on. The lamps LEDA2 and A3 have the delay times t3 and t6, respectively, so that the lamps are turned off until the time reaches t3 and t6, respectively, and the lighting is controlled when the time reaches t3 and t6. .

  Similarly, when the process of FIG. 6 is performed again, a delay time corresponding to each lamp of the second-stage table 111b is obtained by referring to the pattern table 111c (step S603). The delay time of the corresponding lamp group LEDB1 is t1, the delay time of LEDB2 is t4, and the delay time of LEDB3 is t7. Accordingly, the lamps LEDB1, B2, and B3 are turned off until the times become t1, t4, and t7, respectively, and are turned on when the times become t1, t4, and t7.

  Similarly, when the process of FIG. 6 is executed for the third time, the delay time corresponding to each lamp in the third-stage table 111b is obtained by referring to the pattern table 111c (step S603). The delay time of the corresponding lamp group LEDC1 is t2, the delay time of LEDC2 is t5, and the delay time of LEDC3 is t8. Accordingly, the lamps LEDC1, C2, and C3 are turned off until the time reaches t2, t5, and t8, respectively, and are turned on when the time reaches t2, t5, and t8.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the control state of the lamp group according to the second embodiment. The lamp LEDA1 of the lamp group A is first turned on by executing the process of FIG. Thereafter, the lamp LEDB1 of the lamp group B is turned on at time t1, and the lamp LEDC1 of the lamp group C is turned on at time t2. Thereafter, the LEDA2 of the lamp group A is turned on at time t3, the lamp LEDB2 of the lamp group B is turned on at time t4, and the lamp LEDC2 of the lamp group C is turned on at time t5. Thereafter, the LED A3 of the lamp group A is turned on at time t6, the lamp LED B3 of the lamp group B is turned on at time t7, and the lamp LED C3 of the lamp group C is turned on at time t8.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the lamp lighting can be controlled more finely than in the first embodiment. In the above description, each of the lamps A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 has been described as a single lamp. However, the lamp A1 may be a lamp group including a plurality of lamps.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the lamp data includes one table, a group table, and a pattern table, and the lighting timing for each lamp is set in the pattern table. Without increasing the number, lighting control can be performed at different timings for each lamp of the lamp group. Accordingly, it is possible to easily set and change the lighting timing in units of lamps constituting a plurality of lamp groups. When changing the lighting timing of each lamp group, it is only necessary to change the setting of the pattern table. Even if the lamp pattern is changed, the time and effort for changing the setting contents of the table can be saved. Can be set easily as well.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
The lamp control device of the present invention can be applied to various devices, but can be applied to a gaming machine described below. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. This gaming machine includes a game board 801. At a lower position of the game board 801, an operation handle 813 which is a part of the launching unit is arranged. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 802a and 802b and reaches the upper position of the game board 801, and then falls within the game area 803. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 803, and the game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill that changes the fall direction of the game ball or a prize opening is provided in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  An image display unit 804 is disposed at the center of the game area 803 of the game board 801. As the image display unit 804, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the image display unit 804, a start winning opening 805a for starting winning is arranged. In addition, an electric tulip (electric Chu) 805b is disposed below the start winning opening 805a. A winning gate 806 is disposed below the image display unit 804. The start winning opening 805a and the electric chew 805b can both be changed in design by winning.

  The winning gate 806 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and perform a lottery to open the electric chew 805b for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 807 is disposed on the side of the image display unit 804 or below. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 807, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 803, there is provided a collection port 808 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports. In addition, although not shown, the game area 803 may be provided with an accessory or a movable movable accessory.

  The above-described image display unit 804 starts a change in the display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins the start winning opening 805a and the electric chew 805b, and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the predetermined winning opening 809 positioned below is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning game balls is paid out. On the upper part of the image display unit 804, a reserved ball display unit 820 (820a to 820d) is provided.

  A frame member 810 is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 803 of the game board 801. The frame member 810 has a shape surrounding the game area 803 on the four sides of the game board 801 on the upper, lower, left and right sides. In the frame member 810, an effect light portion (frame lamp) 811 is provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 803. Each effect light unit 811 includes a plurality of lights 812.

  An operation handle 813 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 810. The operation handle 813 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 810 described above, the operation handle 813 has a shape that protrudes from the board surface of the game board 801 toward the player. The frame member 810 incorporates a speaker that outputs sound.

  In the frame member 810, an effect button (chance button) 817 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 803. The operation of the effect button 817 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the effect button 817 is displayed for a specific reach effect during a game, for example.

  A plurality of lamps are provided in the game area 803 and the frame member 810 of the game board 801. As the lamp, for example, a full-color LED capable of emitting multicolor light is used, which is divided into a plurality of areas as shown in the figure, and constitutes a lamp group 108 having a plurality of LEDs for each area. The plurality of LEDs provided in the lamp group 108 are controlled in lighting color by the lamp control described above, and brightness control at ON is performed by gradation control. For example, at the time of reach, lighting control that repeats ON / OFF for a certain lamp group 108 is performed, and the luminance is changed by gradation control, so that the effect at the time of reach can be enhanced.

(Internal configuration of control unit)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 900 includes a plurality of control units. In the illustrated example, a main control unit 901, an effect control unit 902, a prize ball control unit 903, and a lamp control unit 951 are provided. The main control unit 901 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The effect control unit 902 controls the effect operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 903 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out. The lamp control unit 951 performs lamp control for the lamp group 108 described above.

  The control unit 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 is executed by a CPU (not shown) inside the lamp control unit 951 or a CPU 941 provided in the effect control unit 902. The data storage unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 can be configured by a ROM (not shown) inside the lamp control unit 951 or a ROM 942 provided in the effect control unit 902. 1 is provided by a CPU (for example, a CPU of the lamp control unit 951) provided in the control unit 900, a CPU 941 of the effect control unit 902, and a timer (not shown) connected to the CPU 911 of the main control unit 901. Can be configured.

  The main control unit 901 includes a CPU 911 that executes basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 913 that functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 911, and the like based on a program stored in the ROM 912. . The main control unit 901 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board. Various commands set in the RAM 913 are sent to the effect control unit 902 and the prize ball control unit 903 at a predetermined timing.

  The main control unit 901 includes a start winning port detection unit (start port SW) 921a for detecting a winning ball won in the starting winning port 805a, and an electric chew winning port detection unit for detecting a winning ball won in the electric chew 805b. (Electric Chu SW) 921b, a gate detection unit (gate SW) 922 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 806, and a normal winning port detection unit that detects a gaming ball that has won a normal winning port 807 (ordinary winning port) SW) 923 and a big prize opening detection unit (large prize opening SW) 924 for detecting a winning ball won in the big prize opening 809 are connected. A plurality of the regular winning openings SW923 may be provided, such as SW1 and SW2 for each arrangement position of the normal winning openings 807. These detection units can be configured using proximity switches or the like.

  Detection results by the start winning port detecting unit 921a, the electric chew winning port detecting unit 921b, the gate detecting unit 922, the normal winning port detecting unit 923, and the big winning port detecting unit 924 are input to the main control unit 901.

  The main control unit 901 controls driving of the electric chew solenoid 925 that opens the electric chew 805b for a certain period of time and the big prize opening solenoid 931 that opens and closes the big prize opening 809. The big prize opening solenoid 931 performs an operation of opening the big prize opening 809 for a certain period at the time of a big hit. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  The main control unit 901 is connected to a reserved ball display unit 820. A game ball is detected by the start winning opening detection section (start opening SW) 921a or the electric chew winning opening detection section (electric chew SW) 921b. Output to.

  Next, the effect control unit 902 controls the contents of the effect during the game. The effect control unit 902 controls the image and sound related to the effect based on the command sent from the main control unit 901. Therefore, the CPU 941 that executes the rendering process, the ROM 942 that stores the rendering program, various image data such as background images, design images, and character images and various sounds, and the data work area when the CPU 941 performs arithmetic processing. A RAM 943 and a VRAM 944 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 804 are provided. The effect button 817 is connected to the effect control unit 902, and the operation of the effect button 817 is input to the effect control unit 902.

  On the basis of the command sent from the main control unit 901, the effect control unit 902 reads the program stored in the ROM 942, determines the effect contents, background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, character image Various image processing such as display processing and sound processing are executed. At this time, necessary image data and audio data are read from the ROM 942 and written to the VRAM 944. The background image, the design image, and the character image written in the VRAM 944 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 804 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  In this case, when the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 943 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. . The effect control unit 902 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board.

  For the image display unit 804, the effect control unit 902 displays the contents of the effect during the game, for example, movement display of symbols, reach (a state where two of the three symbols are aligned), and various display information at the time of big hit Is generated and output. When the game is interrupted for a certain time, a screen waiting for the customer is displayed and output. In addition, the effect control unit 902 outputs data for outputting sound from the speaker 977. In addition, although not shown, when a movable accessory is provided on the game board 801, control is performed to move the movable accessory as part of the performance.

  The lamp control unit 951 corresponds to the lamp control device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and has the functional units shown in FIG. The lamp control unit 951 executes processing for lighting the lamp and outputs data for controlling lighting of the lamp group 108 and the effect light unit 811 provided in the game board 801, the frame member 810, and the like.

  Next, the prize ball control unit 903 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 982. The prize ball control unit 903 includes a CPU 981 that executes prize ball control processing, and a RAM 983 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 981 performs arithmetic processing. The prize ball control unit 903 realizes its function by a prize ball substrate, for example.

  The prize ball control unit 903 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of winning a prize to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 991. The payout unit 991 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. In addition, an operation for launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 992 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The winning ball control unit 903 gives the paying unit 991 the number of winning balls corresponding to the game balls won in each winning port (start winning port 805a, electric chew 805b, normal winning port 807, large winning port 809). Control payout. The launching unit 992 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 903 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 992, the prize ball control unit 903 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, thereby playing the game area 803 of the game board 801. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 903 is connected to a detection unit (not shown) that detects the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a payout ball detection SW, a ball presence detection SW, a full tank detection SW, and the like.

  The main control unit 901, the effect control unit 902, the prize ball control unit 903, and the lamp control unit 951 configured as described above are provided on different printed circuit boards (main control board, effect control board, prize ball board, lamp board). It is done. For example, the prize ball control unit 903 can also be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 901.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
An example of the basic operation of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 911 of the main control unit 901, and the winning status of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 903. The winning ball control unit 903 has the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning status. Make a withdrawal.

  In addition, every time a game ball wins at the start winning opening 805a or the electric chew 805b, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 902, and the effect control unit 902 variably displays the design of the image display unit 804, Repeat to stop. When the big hit occurrence has been determined, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 902, and the effect control unit 902 aligns and stops with a predetermined symbol. At the same time, control for opening the special winning opening 809 is performed. In addition, the display data of the number of reserved symbols of the symbol variation is output to the reserved ball display unit 820.

  The effect control unit 902 displays various effect displays in addition to the symbol variation display on the image display unit 804 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, at the time of reach notice, etc. . In addition, a specific drive is performed on the movable accessory, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the lamp group 108 are performed on the lamp control unit 951.

  When a big hit occurs, the big prize opening 809 is opened a plurality of times. For example, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the winning ball control unit 903 pays out with 15 winning balls per winning game ball with respect to the big winning opening 809. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is canceled and the normal gaming state is restored.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, lamp control for performing an effect using a lamp provided in a gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each lamp has a certain lighting pattern and is transferred at a different timing. If it is a structure, it can be applied to other lamp control. For example, it can be similarly applied to various attractions and lighting control devices for stage lighting.

  According to each embodiment described above, it is possible to cause a lamp group to emit light at an individual timing with a delay time, and it is not necessary to set a value for lighting control for each lamp group. In addition, since it is possible to change the lighting timing of the corresponding lamp group simply by changing the delay time value, it is not necessary to change the setting of the lamp group table, and the lamp pattern can be easily set and changed. It becomes like this. In the above description, the example in which the lamps are sequentially turned on has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the control in which the lamps in the lit state are sequentially turned off.

  Note that the lamp control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer provided in the gaming machine. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for control for shifting the lighting timing of a plurality of lamps, and can be applied to devices that perform various effects using the lamps, for example, lamps of lighting devices and game machines.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the lamp | ramp control apparatus of this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data for lighting control according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of lamp control processing executed by the lamp control apparatus of the first embodiment. 3 is a timing chart showing a control state of a lamp group according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data for lighting control according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the lamp control which the lamp control apparatus of Embodiment 2 performs. 6 is a timing chart showing a control state of a lamp group according to a second embodiment. It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a group table and a table. It is a figure which shows the setting information of a group table and a table.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Input part 102 Control part 103 Timer 104 Data storage part 105 Output part 108 Lamp group 111 Lamp data 111a Group table 111b Table 111c Pattern table 801 Game board 804 Image display part 901 Main control part 902 Effect control part 903 Prize ball control part

Claims (2)

A plurality of light-emitting lamps arranged in the gaming machine;
And a lamp control unit for sequential lighting control of the plurality of lamps at a predetermined timing,
The lamp control unit
A data storage unit in which the lamp data for lighting control of the plurality of lamp is stored,
And a control unit which controls lighting of the plurality of lamps by reading the lamp data from the data storage unit,
The lamp data stored in the data storage unit is set to be common to the plurality of lamps, and includes a table including time intervals and lamp designation information for lighting control with the time intervals , reference period of the table is made from a multiple-set group table differs for each of the plurality of lamps,
The control unit, by reading the table in the timing reference that is set in the group table, the gaming machine which is characterized in that a ramp control at different timings by the lamp by using a single table. A plurality of light-emitting lamps arranged in the gaming machine;
And a lamp control unit for sequential lighting control of the plurality of lamps at a predetermined timing,
The lamp control unit
A data storage unit in which the lamp data for lighting control of the plurality of lamps are stored,
And a control unit which controls lighting of the plurality of lamps by reading the lamp data from the data storage unit,
The lamp data stored in the data storage unit includes one table in which lamp designation information for lighting control common to the plurality of lamps is set, and a group in which the table is set to be referred to a plurality of times . A table and a pattern table in which the reference time of the table for each lamp is set,
Wherein, each time referring to the table by reference to the group table to obtain a set of reference timing of the pattern table to set the lamp by the table, in the lamp unit by using a single table A gaming machine characterized by lamp control at different timings.

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