JP5996064B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game is provided with an effect member called an accessory used in the effect of the game. As a production member provided in a general gaming machine, there are a production button and a cross key, a lamp, various gimmicks, and the like. These effect members are associated with a predetermined operation for the effect, and perform an operation associated with the effect when the effect is executed.

  By using these effect members for effects, the interest of the player is improved by increasing variations of effects performed in the game. In other words, the player expects whether the lottery result of the bonus lottery will be a big hit or another lottery result depending on the operation mode of these effect members.

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, in order to give an impact to the player, an effect button configured to jump out to a position that greatly protrudes from the main body of the gaming machine regardless of the player's operation in the effect. Is disclosed.

JP 2007-307281 A

  As shown in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, in general, a player in a state (changed state) in which a production member such as a production button projects greatly from the state (initial state) stored in the main body. When a predetermined operation is performed on the effect member, the operation returns the original state from the changed state to the original state.

  This indicates that the player returns to the original state when the player performs a predetermined operation with respect to the state in which the effect member such as the button protrudes. In other words, since the player performs a predetermined operation and returns to the initial state, the player only impacts the performance based on the predetermined operation.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to expect a special game that is advantageous by a pre-determination process.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is characterized in that an operation means operable by a player, a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information upon establishment of a start condition, and a determination acquired by the determination information acquisition means Based on the information, the special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player, and the determination by the special game determination means by changing a predetermined symbol in the symbol display means and then stopping Based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means, the operation display means capable of performing an operation effect by operating the operation means by the player, and the special game Based on a prior determination result by the prior determination means and a prior determination effect by the operation means based on the prior determination result. A pre-decision effect control means capable of controlling the operation means in a first effect mode and a second effect mode different from the first effect mode. And based on the result of the prior determination by the prior determination means, the object of the prior determination is made from any change before the change of the predetermined symbol that is the object of the prior determination. The operation means is controlled in the second effect mode over the predetermined symbol variation, and even if the operation means is operated by the player, the operation means is used in the second effect mode until the predetermined symbol variation. Is set to a releasable timing at which the control for continuing the operation means to the second effect mode can be canceled in the variation of the predetermined symbol that has been subject to the prior determination. The above Even if the operation means is operated by the engineer, the control for continuing the operation means to the second effect mode is canceled after the elapse of the releaseable timing until the predetermined symbol changes, and the player after the release releases the control. When the operation means is operated, control is performed to change the operation means from the second effect mode to the first effect mode, and the operation effect unit is controlled by the player before the releaseable timing elapses. Even if the operation means is operated, the operation effect is not performed, and the operation effect is performed when the player operates the operation means after the cancelable timing has elapsed. .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to expect a special game advantageous to the player by the preliminary determination process.

The front view of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the state which open | released the glass frame provided in the front surface of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the determination table which performs the hit determination for every special symbol and normal symbol performed in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the symbol determination table which determines the stop symbol of the special symbol in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the big hit game completion | finish setting data table for determining the game state after the big hit game performed with the game machine in embodiment of this invention is complete | finished. The figure which shows an example of the special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining the big winning opening opening mode determination table. The figure which shows the structure of the special winning opening release mode determination table determined using the special electric accessory operation mode determination table shown in FIG. The figure which shows the fluctuation pattern determination table which determines the fluctuation pattern of a special symbol. The figure which shows an example of the effect pattern determination table for determining the fluctuation | variation aspect of the effect symbol displayed in a 1st liquid crystal display device and a 2nd liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the holding | maintenance display mode change table used in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the button aspect determination table used for the coin which determines a button aspect in the button aspect control process performed in the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the frame buffer used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the animation information used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. An example of a display list including drawing control commands used on an image control board of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special figure special electric control process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special symbol memory | storage determination process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the button aspect control process performed in the presentation control board which comprises the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the interruption process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the timing chart of the button mode control process performed in the presentation control board which the gaming machine in embodiment of this invention comprises.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a device configuration diagram of a gaming machine 1 configured by applying the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the gaming machine 1 in a state where the glass frame of the present invention is opened. FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which game balls flow down is formed. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by pressing operation and a cross key 36 capable of pressing operation in at least two directions (usually four directions) are provided.

  Further, the glass frame 50 is provided with a tray 40 for storing a plurality of game balls, and the tray 40 has a downward slope so that the game balls flow down toward the operation handle 3. (See FIG. 2). A receiving opening for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 40, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, so that the glass frame 50 One game ball is sent to the ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface one by one.

  Then, the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having a downward slope toward the launching member 4c. A stopper 43 for stopping and stopping the game ball is provided above the downwardly inclined end portion of the launch rail 42. One game ball is stopped at the section (see FIG. 2).

  Then, when the player rotates the operation handle 3, the launch volume 3b directly connected to the operation handle 3 also rotates, and the launch intensity of the game ball is adjusted by the launch volume 3b, and the launch is performed with the adjusted launch intensity. The launch member 4c directly connected to the solenoid 4a for rotation rotates. As the launch member 4c rotates, the launch ball 4c launches the game ball stored at the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42, and the game ball is launched into the game area 6.

  When the game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5a and 5b from the launch rail 42 and exceeds the ball return prevention piece 5c, the game ball reaches the game area 6 and then freely falls within the game area 6. . At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12.

  Each of these general winning ports 12 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 12a. When the general winning port detecting switch 12a detects a winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, ten game balls) is provided. To be paid out.

  Further, in the area below the center of the game area 6, there are a first start port 14 and a second start port 15 that constitute a start area into which game balls can enter, and a second large area in which game balls can enter. A winning opening 17 is provided.

  The second start port 15 includes a pair of second start port movable pieces 15b, and the pair of second start port movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state. The pair of second start opening movable pieces 15b are controlled to move to the “second mode” in which the pair is opened.

  At this time, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of second start port movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and a game ball wins the second start port 15. It becomes easy. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased as compared to the first mode.

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is provided with a second start port detection switch for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 15a is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a special symbol determination random number value is acquired, and a right acquisition lottery (to be described later) Hereinafter, “Lottery for jackpot” is performed.

  In addition, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, the predetermined start port detection switch 12a has a predetermined value in the same manner as when the general winning port detection switch 12a detects the winning of a game ball Prize balls (for example, three game balls) are paid out.

  In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2.

  A movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is provided at the right end of the second big prize opening 17, and the second big prize prize is moved by moving one of the movable pieces 17b for the second big prize opening as a fulcrum. An open state that makes it easy to win the mouth 17 and a closed state that cannot win a prize are controlled.

  When the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is opened, the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, and the game ball is the second. It is possible to enter the big winning opening 17. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a. When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball ( For example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

  Furthermore, in the area on the right side of the game area 6, there are provided a normal symbol gate 13 constituting a normal area through which game balls can pass and a first grand prize opening 16 through which game balls can enter.

  For this reason, if the operation handle 3 is rotated largely and a game ball is not launched with a greater force than the game ball is launched in the left area of the game area 6, the game will be displayed in the normal symbol gate 13 and the first big prize opening 16. The ball is configured not to pass or win.

  In particular, even if the short game state, which will be described later, is entered, if the game ball flows down to the left side of the game area 6, the game ball will not normally pass through the symbol gate 13, so that it is at the second start port 15. The pair of second start opening movable pieces 15b are not opened, and it is difficult for a game ball to win the second start opening 15.

  The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, which will be described later. “Normal lottery” is performed. This normal symbol gate 13 is also provided in the area on the right side of the game area.

  The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first grand prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 Game balls).

  Furthermore, at the bottom of the game area 6, the player does not enter any of the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first major winning opening 16, and the second major winning opening 17. An out port 11 is provided for discharging the game balls.

  In addition, a decoration member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided in the center of the game area 6. A first liquid crystal display device 31 (hereinafter also referred to as “main liquid crystal”) configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the decorative member 7, and the first liquid crystal display device. A decoration device 33 a is provided above 31. A second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) (hereinafter also referred to as “sub liquid crystal”) having a size smaller than that of the first liquid crystal display device 31 is provided above the first liquid crystal display device 31.

  The decoration device 33a and the second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) are driven by the effect drive device 33. That is, the second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) has a function and a drive for displaying the effect image. It has the function to do. The second liquid crystal display device 37 (33 b) displays an effect image by a signal from the image control board 150 and is driven by the effect driving device 33.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 1, an example of the second liquid crystal display device 37 having a size (4.3 inches) smaller than the size (19 inches) of the first liquid crystal display device 31 is shown as an example. The second liquid crystal display device 37 may be larger in size than the first liquid crystal display device 31.

  The first liquid crystal display device 31 displays a demo image during standby when no effects are being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 38 for informing a lottery lottery result to be described later are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 38 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a result of the jackpot lottery. A big hit is announced.

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 38 are displayed in a variable manner by scroll display (rotation display), and a predetermined time has elapsed. Later, the scrolling is stopped, and the effect design 38 is stopped and displayed. Further, by displaying an effect image composed of characters or the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 38, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  The decoration device 33a or the like driven by the effect drive device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation by an operation mode using the effect image.

  The decoration device 33a driven by the effect drive device 33 can move in the vertical direction simultaneously with the second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) (of course, it is not limited to the vertical direction and can be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions). Thus, the movement in the vertical direction moves to the front surface of the first liquid crystal display device 31. The decoration device 33a is equipped with an effect lighting device 34 and lights up in conjunction with the movement of the decoration device 33a or independently.

  Similarly to the decoration device 33a, the second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) can be moved by being driven by the effect drive device 33, and the second liquid crystal display device 37 shown in FIG. Is shown in a state of being stored in a horizontally-oriented manner with the up and down direction.

  In the state of this horizontal orientation, the second liquid crystal display device 37 moves to the front surface of the substantially central portion of the first liquid crystal display device by the lowering operation.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described various production devices, the audio output device 32 outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), etc., and produces productions using sound. The illumination direction and the emission color of the light are changed to produce effects by illumination, and are provided at a plurality of positions.

  In the lower right of the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, a normal A symbol hold indicator 25 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 notifies a result of a jackpot lottery performed when a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and a plurality of lightings constituted by LEDs or the like. It is comprised by the member. One or more predetermined lighting members blink according to the result of the lottery lottery, and the lighting members in the blinking state are lit simultaneously with the stop display of the effect symbol 38.

  The first special symbol display device 20 can also be configured by a 7-segment LED. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  Here, the “successful lottery” means that when a game ball enters the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, a special symbol determining random number value is acquired, and the acquired special symbol determining random value is acquired. Is a random number value corresponding to “big hit” or a random number value corresponding to “small hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the first special symbol display device 20 displays a variation such as blinking of the special symbol, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, the jackpot lottery result The special symbol corresponding to is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

  The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, “big hit” means that a right to win a big hit game is obtained in a big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 Say what you did. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). A predetermined time is set for the maximum opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed.

  In other words, the “big hit game” is a game in which a game ball can enter the first grand prize winning opening 16 or the second big winning prize opening 17 and the player can acquire a winning ball according to the winning prize.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Here, “normal symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random value corresponds to “winning”. This is a process for determining whether or not a random value. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not always notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, but the normal symbol display device 22 displays a variation such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld.

  More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.

  For both of these holds (first hold and second hold), the upper limit hold number is set to four, and the hold numbers are respectively set to the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Is displayed.

  When there is one first hold, the leftmost LED of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the leftmost end of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 The two LEDs turn on. When there are three first holds, three LEDs blink from the leftmost end of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first Four LEDs blink from the leftmost end of the special symbol hold indicator 23.

  The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

  The glass frame 50 supports a glass plate 52 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 52 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50.

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1). The end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 52, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2.

  On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 that detects whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back side of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

  Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the entire gaming machine 1 in FIG.

  The main control board 110 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and receives various detection signals from the first start port detection switch 14a, etc., and the first special symbol display device 20 and the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid. The game is controlled by driving 16c and the like.

  The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 110m including a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c, an input port for main control, and an output port (not shown).

  The main control input port includes a payout control board 130, a general winning port detection switch 12a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 12, and a game ball having entered the normal symbol gate 13. Gate detection switch 13a to detect, first start port detection switch 14a to detect that a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and second start to detect that a game ball has entered the second start port 15 The mouth detection switch 15a, the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a that detects that a game ball has entered the first grand prize opening 16, and the second that detects that a game ball has entered the second grand prize opening 17 A big prize opening detection switch 17a is connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 110 through the main control input port.

  The output port for main control includes a payout control board 130, a start port opening / closing solenoid 15c for opening / closing the pair of second start port movable pieces 15b of the second start port 15, and a first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b. The first large winning opening / closing solenoid 16c for operating the second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c for operating the movable piece 17b for the second large winning opening, the first special symbol display device 20 for displaying special symbols, and the second special symbol. Display device 21, normal symbol display device 22 for displaying normal symbols, first special symbol hold indicator 23 and second special symbol hold indicator 24 for displaying the number of reserved symbols for special symbols, and the number of reserved balls for normal symbols The normal symbol hold display 25 and the game information output terminal board 30 for outputting an external information signal are connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The main CPU 110a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board.

  The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games. For example, (1) a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, (2) a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery, (3) a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and (4) a jackpot end Big hit game end setting data table for determining the subsequent gaming state, (5) Special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the opening / closing doors of the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17 , (6) a big winning opening opening mode determination table for specifying the opening mode of the first big winning port 16 and the second big winning port 17, (7) a variation pattern determining table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols, and the like. ing.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 101b will be described.

  FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams showing a big hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the special symbol variation stop result is a big hit. FIG. 4A is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. 4B is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 21. In the tables of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the big hit probability is the same although the winning probability for the small hit is different.

  Specifically, the jackpot determination table is composed of a low-probability random number determination table and a high-probability random number determination table, and refers to the gaming state, and the low-probability random-number determination table or the high-probability random-number determination table is selected. Based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for determining the special symbol, it is determined whether it is “big hit”, “small hit” or “lost”.

  For example, according to the low probability random number determination table in the first special symbol display device 20 shown in FIG. 4A, two special symbol determination random numbers “7” and “317” are determined to be big hits. . On the other hand, according to the high probability random number determination table, “7”, “37”, “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247”, “277” ”,“ 317 ”,“ 337 ”,“ 367 ”,“ 397 ”,“ 427 ”,“ 457 ”,“ 487 ”,“ 517 ”,“ 547 ”,“ 577 ” The number is determined to be a big hit. Further, regardless of whether the low probability random number determination table or the high probability random number determination table is used, the special symbol determination random number values are “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”. If it is a random number value for symbol determination, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a low probability is “1 / 299.5”, and the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a high probability is 10 Double up to 1 / 29.95. In addition, the probability determined to be a small hit is “1 / 149.75” for both low and high probabilities.

  FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the stop result of the normal symbol variation is determined to be a win.

  Specifically, the hit determination table is composed of a random time determination table in the non-short gaming state and a random number determination table in the short time gaming state, and refers to the gaming state, and in the non-short gaming state random number determination table or in the short time gaming state A random number determination table is selected, and based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for winning determination, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “losing”.

  For example, according to the non-time-short game state random number determination table shown in FIG. 4C, it is determined that one hit determination random number value “0” is a hit. On the other hand, according to the short game state random number determination table at this time, ten hit determination random numbers from “0” to “9” are determined to be winning. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the winning determination random value is “0 to 10”, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at the time of non-short game state is “1/11”, and it is determined to be a big hit at the time of short time gaming state. The probability is increased by 10 times to “10/11”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.

  FIG. 5A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 5B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at a small hit, FIG. Is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of losing. More specifically, the symbol determination table is also configured for each special symbol display device, and includes a symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device and a symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device.

  The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined by the symbol determination table on the basis of the extracted jackpot symbol random value or small symbol random number value. For example, in the case of jackpot, the jackpot symbol random number value is referred to, and if the jackpot symbol random number value is “50”, “01” (first special special symbol) is determined as stop symbol data. Further, the random number value for the small hit symbol is referred to at the time of the small hit, and if the random number value for the small hit symbol is “50”, “08” (special symbol B for small bonus) is determined as the stop symbol data. Furthermore, when it is lost, “00” (special symbol 0) is determined as stop symbol data without referring to the random number value.

  Then, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, an effect designating command is generated as special symbol information based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data). Here, the effect designating command is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE for identifying the control command classification and 1-byte indicating the content (function) of the executed control command. DATA. The same applies to a variation pattern designation command and a start winning designation command described later.

  As will be described later, the game state after the jackpot end (see FIG. 6) and the jackpot mode (see FIG. 7) are determined according to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data), so the type of special symbol ends the jackpot It can be said that the game state and the big hit mode are determined later.

  FIG. 6 is a jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot ends. According to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6, based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) and the gaming state at the time of jackpot winning stored in the gaming state buffer, the setting of the high probability gaming flag, the number of high probability games Setting of (X), setting of a short-time game flag, setting of the number of short-time games (J), and setting of a specific period number counter (T) are performed.

  It should be noted that “00H” in the gaming state buffer indicating the gaming state at the time of winning the big win indicates gaming state information in which neither the short-time gaming flag nor the high probability gaming flag is set, and “01H” indicates that the short-time gaming flag is set. Although the high probability game flag is not set, the game state information is set. “02H” is the game state information in which the short-time game flag is set but the high probability game flag is not set. "" Indicates game state information in which both the short-time game flag and the high probability game flag are set.

  The features of the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6 are as follows. In the first special symbol display device 20, the first special symbol 2 (stop symbol data 02, corresponding to the short symbol), the first special symbol 3 ( When the stop symbol data 03 (corresponding to short winning) is determined, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games are varied based on the winning game state stored in the game state buffer.

  Specifically, in the case of the first special design symbol 2 (stop symbol data 02), if at least the game state buffer data (00H, 02H) in which the high probability game flag is not set, after the jackpot is over Although the high probability game flag is set and the remaining fluctuation count (X) of the probability game state is set to 75 times, the short-time game flag is not set and the short-time game count (J) is also set to 0. On the other hand, if the game state buffer data (01H, 03H) has at least the high-probability game flag set, the high-probability game flag is set after the jackpot is over, and the remaining variation count (X) of the probability game state is set. Set to 75 times, set the short-time game flag, and set the short-time game frequency (J) to 70 times.

  Thereby, the number of short-time games (J) can be changed, and the player can enjoy what the gaming state is when the big win is won.

  Furthermore, in the jackpot end-time setting data table shown in FIG. 6 of the present embodiment, even when the jackpot of the short hit (the first special special symbol 2 and the first special special symbol 3) is won, If the state is a high-probability gaming state, the state is surely shifted to the short-time gaming state.

  In addition, in the specific game period after the end of the small hit, in order to perform a specific effect, the number of specific periods is set so that a dedicated variation pattern determination table is determined. Specifically, when the game state buffer is 00H, that is, when a small win is won in the low-probability gaming state and the non-short-time gaming state, until the special symbol variation display is performed 50 times after the small hit is completed. “50 times” is set in the number of specific periods (T) so that the specific game period is reached.

  At this time, the variation pattern determination table corresponding to the gaming state is determined. FIG. 9 shows a variation pattern determination table for the normal gaming state (for low probability gaming state) as an example. In addition, although not shown, a variation pattern determination table for a specific game period after a small hit (for low probability gaming state) used during a small hit specific game period (when the number of specific periods (T)> 0), There is a variation pattern determination table for the high probability gaming state.

  FIG. 7 is a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the special prize opening opening / closing door 11b. Based on the special symbol type (stop symbol data), the table of FIG. 7 determines the number of operations to be performed in the jackpot game and the open state table of the big prize opening.

  As a feature of the special electric accessory operation mode determination table shown in FIG. 7, “short hit” is determined in the second special symbol display device 21 that is operated when a game ball enters the second start port 15. It is configured not to be.

  This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no game ball enters the second start opening 15 but if a short hit is determined when a game ball enters the second start opening 15, This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced. In order to prevent such a decrease in motivation for the game, the special electric accessory operating mode determination table shown in FIG. 7 is configured not to determine “short hit”.

  Furthermore, if it is a big win, whether it is a long win or a short win, all are configured to have the same number of round games (15).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of the big prize opening opening mode determination table determined in FIG. 7, and the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b or the second big winning hole is used according to the big winning hole opening mode determination table. The opening / closing conditions of the movable piece 17b are determined.

  FIG. 8A shows a big winning opening opening determination table group for jackpots that is referred to in the jackpot game, and is composed of a long winning table, a short winning table, and an advanced winning table. In addition, although FIG. 7 does not show an example in which the development unit table is set as the big winning opening opening determination table, it is only an example, and this development unit table can be set.

  FIG. 8B shows a big winning opening opening determination table group for small hits determined at the small hit game.

  Then, a long hit game is executed based on the long hit table, a short hit game is executed based on the short hit table, a development game as described later is executed based on the developed hit table, The small hit game is executed based on the winning opening opening mode determination table.

  In the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 8 (a), the type of the big winning opening to be opened (the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17) and the one big winning game are shown. The maximum number of round games (R), the specified number indicating the maximum number of winnings in the big winning opening in one round, the start interval time from the start of the big hit game to the execution of the first round game, and in each round game Maximum number of times of opening of the grand prize opening (K), opening time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game, and closing time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game And the closing interval time of the big prize opening from the end of one round game to the execution of the next round game, and the end interval time from the end of the last round game to the end of the jackpot game Are 憶.

  On the other hand, in the big winning opening opening determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 8B, the type of the large winning opening to be opened (the first large winning opening 16 or the second large winning opening 17), The maximum number of times of opening (K) in a single small hit game, a specified number indicating the maximum number of winning points in a single winning game, and the first large winning opening is opened from the start of the small hit game Until the end of the small hit game from the end of the closing time of the last prize winning opening and the closing time of the last prize winning opening The interval time is stored.

  Here, according to the long winning table of the big winning prize opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 8A, the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b is operated, and the first winning prize opening / closing door 16b is located on the right side of the game area 6. The grand prize winning opening 16 can be opened up to a maximum of “approximately 29 seconds” per round.

  However, when the specified number (9) of game balls have won the first grand prize opening 16 before the opening time has passed “approximately 29 seconds”, the operation of the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is terminated. The game for one round will end.

  Here, the short winning table of the big winning prize opening manner determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 8A and the big winning opening release manner determination table for small winning in FIG. 8B are the maximum number of round games. (R), the maximum number of times of opening (K), the closing interval time, and the closing time of the big winning opening at each opening number, there is a difference in data, but the same second big winning opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (second The winning prize opening 17 repeats “opening for 0.052 seconds” and closing for “2.0 seconds” “15 times”), and whether the player is “short win game” or “small hit game” Cannot be determined.

  In this embodiment, the opening time in the “short hit game” and the opening time in the “small hit game” are set to the same opening time (“0.052 seconds”), and the closing time in the “short hit game” An example is shown in which the closing time in the “small hit game” is set to the same closing time (“2 seconds”).

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a time difference that the player cannot discriminate between “short win game” and “small hit game” may be provided.

(The paragraph number will be corrected at the time of application)
Thereby, it is possible to cause the player to guess whether the game is “short hit game” or “small hit game”.

  In addition, the per-development table of the big winning prize opening mode determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 8A is also the above-described short winning game and small winning game until the third big winning opening is opened (K = 3). The second grand prize opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (the second big prize opening 17 repeats an opening time of “0.052 seconds” and a closing time of “2.0 seconds”), and the player looks Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the game is “game per development, game per short, or game per short”.

  However, from the opening of the fourth grand prize opening (maximum number of round games (R) = "2", maximum number of big winning openings (K) = "1"), the opening of the big prize opening for games per development The time becomes longer ("approximately 29 seconds"), and the game per development can be discriminated from the short win game and the small hit game.

  For this reason, a game that first causes the player to recognize that the game is a short hit game or a small hit game, and then causes the player to recognize that the game ball is a jackpot game that can be acquired (this game is referred to as “game per development”). It can be performed.

  In this embodiment, until the opening of the big prize opening where the game per development becomes indistinguishable from the short hit game and the small hit game, the opening time of the big prize opening of the game per development is reduced to the short win game and the small hit game. The opening time is set to the same opening time ("0.052 seconds") and the closing time of the big winning opening for games per development is the closing time of the big winning opening for short win games and small hit games And the same closing time ("2 seconds"). However, even if the game is not set at the same time, a difference in time in which the player cannot determine whether the game per development, the game per short hit, or the game per small hit may be provided.

  In addition, the short opening time (“0.052 seconds”) of “short win game” and “small hit game” and the short opening time (“0.052 seconds”) of the first half of “game per development” are as described above. Thus, even if the movable piece 17b for the second big prize opening is actuated, it is necessary to win the second big prize opening 17 because it is shorter than the time for which one game ball is fired ("approximately 0.6 seconds"). Is difficult.

  For this reason, it can be said that the opening mode of “short hit game” and “small hit game” and the opening mode of the first half of “game per development” are “unfavorable opening mode” for the player.

  On the other hand, the long release time of “game per long” (“approximately 29 seconds”) and the long release time of the latter half of “game per development” (“approximately 29 seconds”) are the time (one game ball is fired) ( It is longer than “approximately 0.6 seconds”), and can be said to be an “advantageous release mode” for the player.

  Further, according to the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpots shown in FIG. 8A, the maximum number of round games (R) at the time of all jackpots, regardless of the long hit games, short win games, and development games. ) Is set to the same number of times. For this reason, there is no need to provide a display device for identifying the number of round games as in the prior art.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol on the main control board 110.

  This variation pattern determination table is a variation pattern determination table for the normal gaming state (for the low probability gaming state) that is referred to for the normal gaming state (for the low probability gaming state). It is also possible to provide a variation pattern determination table for a high probability gaming state to be played and a variation pattern determination table for a specific gaming period (for low probability gaming state) after a small hit referred to in a specific gaming period after the end of a small hit Of course it is possible. It should be noted that the specific game period after the end of the small hit is determined only when the small hit is won and the low probability game state and the non-time-short game state.

  More specifically, the variation pattern is determined by using the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG.

  Information used to determine this variation pattern includes “special symbol display device type”, “random number for special symbol determination (winning winning or defeating jackpot)”, “random number for jackpot symbol (bonus symbol)”, “short-time game” There are “state presence / absence”, “number of special symbol hold”, “random number for reach determination”, and “random number for variation pattern”, which are information acquired by the main CPU 110a in the main control board 110.

  This variation pattern is determined on the main control board 110 when a game ball is won at the start opening and when the variation of the special symbol starts.

  Among these, when the variation pattern is determined when the game ball is won at the starting opening, the main control board 110 generates a “start winning designation command” based on the variation pattern. On the other hand, when the variation pattern is determined at the start of variation of the special symbol, a “variation pattern designation command” is generated based on the variation pattern, and the variation time of the special symbol is determined. .

  Thereafter, the main control board 110 transmits the “start winning designation command” and the “variation pattern designation command” to the effect control board 120.

  Therefore, the “variation pattern” indicates at least the jackpot determination result and the variation pattern of the special symbol. In addition, when the variation of the special symbol starts, the variation time of the special symbol is designated. . In addition, since it is configured to always reach when a big hit or a small hit, it is configured not to refer to the reach determination random value for a big hit or a small hit.

  The “start winning designation command” generated based on the fluctuation pattern is stored in any storage area of the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit provided as the storage area of the first special symbol or the storage area of the second special symbol. The stored variation pattern is shown.

  That is, the start winning designation command is command information that can specify a storage area (any one of the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit) and a variation pattern stored in the storage area.

  More specifically, the start winning designation command is composed of MODE data and DATA data. When the MODE data is “A1H”, it is stored in the first storage unit of the first special symbol storage area. When the MODE data is “A2H”, the data stored in the second storage unit of the first special symbol storage area is shown. Similarly, when the MODE data is “A3H”, it indicates data stored in the third storage unit of the first special symbol storage area, and when the MODE data is “A4H”, the data of the first special symbol storage area is displayed. The data memorize | stored in the 4th memory | storage part are shown.

  In addition, when the MODE data is “B1H”, it indicates the data stored in the first storage unit of the second special symbol storage area, and when the MODE data is “B2H”, the second special symbol storage area The data memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage part is shown. Similarly, when the MODE data is “B3H”, it indicates data stored in the third storage unit of the second special symbol storage area, and when the MODE data is “B4H”, the data of the second special symbol storage area is displayed. The data memorize | stored in the 4th memory | storage part are shown.

  The DATA data of the start winning designation command indicates the variation pattern number or blank data determined when the game ball wins the start opening. Here, “blank data” indicates that no variation pattern is stored. However, this “start winning designation command” is generated only when a game ball wins at the start opening.

  As will be described in detail later, the main control board 110 includes all of the first special symbol storage area corresponding to the first storage section to the fourth storage section, and the second special symbol storage area corresponding to the first storage section to the fourth storage section. A start winning designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when a game ball wins at the start opening. From this, the effect control board 120 can acquire the big hit lottery in the reserved ball that has been subjected to the preliminary determination process in the main CPU 110a in the main control board 110 before the lottery process in the reserved ball. Production control for performing various productions (pre-judgment production) based on the lottery result (pre-judgment result) is performed.

  As a pre-decision effect performed based on the pre-determination result performed on the effect control board 120, for example, a player such as the effect button 35 intervenes in the pre-decision effect by using the button mode determination table shown in FIG. There is an effect in which the effect member used for the purpose is changed from the initial aspect (first effect aspect) to a predetermined aspect (second effect aspect).

  In this effect, the effect control board 120 can control the change of the effect member such as the effect button 35 from the first effect mode to the second effect mode different from the first effect mode. As described above, the control process in the aspect change from the first effect aspect to the second effect aspect is performed.

  This pre-decision effect is a variation based on the jackpot lottery in the reserved ball that has been subjected to the preliminary determination process in the main CPU 110a, from other variations before the variation based on the jackpot lottery in the reserved ball that has been subjected to the preliminary determination process in the main CPU 110a. This is an effect that continues (changes) until it is performed, and changes the effect members such as the effect button 35 from the first effect mode to the second effect mode.

  For this purpose, the effect control board 120 sends a signal (button protrusion signal described later) that continues to be changed to the second effect mode to the effect button 35. In addition, even if the effect button 35 receives the button operation by the player while receiving this signal and changes from the second effect mode to the first effect mode, the effect button 35 changes to the second effect mode again. Perform the undo process.

  Although FIG. 9 shows one variation pattern determination table, the variation pattern determination table for the normal gaming state, the variation pattern determination table for the high probability gaming state, and the variation pattern determination for the specific gaming period. The table may be provided separately, and in such a case, different variation patterns may be determined even if the same random number or the like is referred to.

  Furthermore, as a feature of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9, when the jackpot determination result is lost, the variation time of the special symbol is set to be short when the gaming state is the short-time gaming state. For example, in the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9, when the number of reserved balls is “2” when the jackpot determination result is a loss, if the game is in the short-time game state, “95%” is determined based on the reach determination random value. The fluctuation pattern 9 (shortening fluctuation) having a fluctuation time of “5000 ms” is determined by the probability, but in the non-time-short gaming state, a fluctuation pattern having a fluctuation time exceeding “5000 ms” is determined. In this way, when the time-short game state is entered, the variation time is set to be short.

  The table as described above is stored in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 110.

  Subsequently, the main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a and has a plurality of storage areas.

  As an example of the storage area at this time, for example, in the main RAM 110c, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, the normal symbol hold storage area, the normal symbol data storage area, the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area, first special symbol random value storage area, second special symbol random value storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of times released (K) storage area, first large Number of balls (C) storage area, game state storage area (high probability game flag storage area and time-short game flag storage area), high probability game number (X) counter of the winning opening 16 and the second grand prize opening 17 Various timer counters are provided, such as a short time (J) counter, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a transmission data storage area for effects, a special symbol time counter, and a special game timer counter. That. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 30 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 30 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply board 170 includes a backup power supply made of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 110. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 110a enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 110a enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and for example, a battery may be used, and a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby.

  The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .

  The sub CPU 120a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 110 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 35a, the cross key detection switch 36a, and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. And corresponding data (such as an effect pattern designation command to be described later) is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on this processing.

  The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a. The sub RAM 102c has a plurality of storage areas, for example, a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and a determination storage area (0th storage area). A first reserved storage area, a second reserved storage area, and the like are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command indicating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the contents of the received fluctuation pattern designation command are analyzed and the first liquid crystal display device 31 is analyzed. The voice output device 32, the effect drive device 33, the effect illumination device 34, and data for causing the second liquid crystal display device 37 to execute a predetermined effect (such as an effect pattern designation command to be described later) are specified. Then, the specified data (effect pattern designation command or the like) is transmitted to the image control board 150 or the lamp control board 140.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a table used when specifying an effect pattern designation command based on the variation pattern designation command at this time.

  The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.

  For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 38 to be stopped and displayed, etc. are stored in the sub ROM 120b. It is remembered.

  In the production pattern determination table at this time, after the jackpot lottery is in the reach state, and the reach performance in the reach state suggests that the jackpot lottery result is “losing”, the revival and the jackpot lottery result is “ In addition to storing the effect pattern (revival jackpot effect pattern) for effecting “big hit”, the effect pattern for effecting switching the game state (game mode) is stored. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The effect control board 120 creates an effect pattern designation command using an effect pattern determination table as shown in FIG. 10 and sends it to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150.

  The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 120a performs arithmetic processing, and has a plurality of storage areas.

  The sub RAM 120c is provided with a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an effect pattern determination table for determining a variation mode of the effect symbol 38 displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37.

  The variation pattern designation command shown in FIG. 10 is information received from the main control board 110, and the production random number value 1 (random value designated in the range from 0 to 99) is a random number generator (FIG. 10). The sub CPU 120a determines a variation effect pattern (and an effect pattern designation command in the variation effect pattern) based on such information.

  In FIG. 10, even when the sub CPU 120a receives the variation pattern designation command of the same special symbol, the variation control pattern can be determined based on the random number for performance 1, so that the effect control board The number of special pattern variation pattern designation commands stored in the main control board 110 is reduced compared to the variation effect pattern stored in 120.

  As a result, the storage capacity of the main control board 110 can be reduced, and a variety of effects can be achieved.

  The “variation effect pattern” refers to the effect contents (first liquid crystal display device 31, sound output device 32, effect drive device 33, effect illumination device 34, effect button 35, second effect performed during the change of the special symbol. This refers to a specific effect mode in the liquid crystal display device 37). For example, in the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, the display mode of the background, the display mode of the character, and the variation mode of the production symbol 38 are determined by this variation effect pattern.

  There is an effect mode using the effect button 35 as an effect mode in this variation effect pattern, and in this effect mode, the effect content is switched between before and after the pressing operation by the pressing operation of the effect button 35 by the player. .

  In addition, the “reach” in the present embodiment refers to a state in which a part of the combination of the effect symbols 38 that informs the transition to the special game is stopped and the other effect symbols 38 are performing the variable display. . For example, when a combination of three effect symbols 38 of “777” is set as a combination of the effect symbols 38 informing that a transition to a jackpot game is made, the two effect symbols 38 are stopped and displayed at “7”. The state in which the remaining effect symbols 38 are variably displayed is called “reach”.

  In this way, when the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on the variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1, the sub CPU 120a specifies the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the variation effect pattern and performs image control. This is transmitted to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a of the substrate 150.

  Specifically, in the effect pattern designation command, “1 command” is composed of 2 bytes of data, and “1 byte” of MODE data for identifying the control command classification and the control command to be executed. It consists of “1 byte” of DATA data indicating the contents.

  In addition, as an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the change effect pattern shown in FIG. 10, “MODE” is set to “A1H” in the case of a change effect pattern based on the change pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20. Furthermore, in the case of the variation effect pattern based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21, “MODE” is set as “B1H”, and “DATA” is set according to the identification number of the variation effect pattern. The

  Although illustration is omitted, in addition to the effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the variable effect pattern, the MODE setting value is changed, and “effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the demo effect pattern (MODE = 01H)”, "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit start effect pattern (MODE = 0H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to jackpot effect pattern (MODE = 03H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit end effect pattern ( MODE = 04H) ”and the like, and the sub CPU 120a transmits the various effect pattern designation commands to the image control board 150.

  The sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120 receives the start winning designation command from the main control board 110, and stores this starting winning designation command in the first reserved storage area or the second reserved storage area provided in the sub RAM 120c.

  The first reserved storage area is an area for storing a start winning designation command determined by the main control board 110 acquiring a special symbol determining random number value by winning a game ball at the first starting opening. The 2 reserved storage area is an area for storing a start winning designation command determined by the main control board 110 acquiring a special symbol determination random number value when a game ball wins at the first starting opening.

  Each of the first reserved storage area and the second reserved storage area has a storage unit corresponding to the maximum number of reservations, and ranks to be digested as fluctuations (holding digestion ranks) are respectively set in the storage units. .

  For example, the first reserved storage area has a total of four storage units, a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a third storage unit, and a fourth storage unit. Is set in the second storage unit, the second storage unit is set in the second storage unit, the third storage unit is set in the third storage unit, and the second storage unit is stored in the fourth storage unit. A fourth pending digest rank is set.

  When receiving the start winning designation command from the main control board 110, the sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120 sends the start winning designation command to these storage units (first storage unit) in the first reserved storage area or the second reserved storage area. Thru | or 4th memory | storage part). The storage unit that stores the start winning designation command is stored in the storage unit that has the highest suspension rank among the storage units (initialized storage units) that do not store the start winning designation command.

  When the sub CPU 120a receives the variation pattern designation command in the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110, the sub CPU 120a registers the variation pattern designation command in the determination storage area (0th storage area) provided in the sub RAM 120c. At this time, the sub CPU 120a stores the start winning designation command stored in the storage unit of the first reserved storage area or the second reserved storage area in the storage unit (the first storage unit in the above example) having the highest reservation rank. Initialize the start winning designation command.

  In other words, when the change pattern designation command corresponding to the start winning designation command stored in the storage unit (the first storage unit in the above example) having the highest hold rank is received, the hold is consumed. .

  Further, the sub CPU 120a stores in the first storage unit after initialization the start winning designation stored in the storage unit (in the above example, the second storage unit) having a higher retention rank following the first storage unit. The command is stored and the second storage unit is initialized. That is, the start winning designation command stored in the second storage unit is moved to the first storage unit. As a result, the second storage unit is initialized and can store a new start winning designation command.

  In the same manner, the sub CPU 120a moves to the storage unit (the third storage unit in the above example) having a high retention rank following the storage unit (the second storage unit in the above example) that has moved the start winning designation command. The start winning designation command in which the start winning designation command is stored is stored in the storage unit (second storage unit in the above example) that is initialized by moving the start winning designation command, and the third storage unit is initialized. Turn into. That is, the start winning designation command stored in the third storage unit is moved to the second storage unit. As a result, the third storage unit is initialized and can store a new start winning designation command.

  Further, by repeating the same processing, the start winning designation command stored in the fourth storage unit is moved to the third storage unit.

  By performing the processing as described above, the sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120 can update the hold state by receiving the variation pattern designation command from the main control board 110. When the start winning designation command is received from the main control board 110 in a state in which the start winning designation command is stored in the fourth storage unit and is held for the maximum number of reserves, the effect control board 120 is received. The sub CPU 120a discards the start winning designation command.

  From the above, the sub CPU 120a of the production control board 120 can use the number of storage units storing the start winning designation command in the storage unit of the first reserved storage area or the second reserved storage area as the reserved number. When the start winning designation command is stored in all the storage units, the number of holds can be specified as “4”, which is the same as the number of storage units.

  As a result, the sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120 pre-determines a jackpot based on the start winning designation command stored in the storage unit, and performs an effect based on the determination result in the pre-determination process according to the number of holds. It will be.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hold display mode determination table.

  The hold display mode determination table shown in FIG. 11 is able to make a jackpot determination when a game ball wins the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15 in a “state where the jackpot determination cannot be performed”. It is notified that the acquired special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit symbol random number value, reach determination random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value are stored and held until ready. It is a figure which shows the table for determining each hold | maintenance display mode of "1st hold image" or "2nd hold image." As the hold display mode determination table, a hold display mode determination table for the non-short game state and a hold display mode determination table for the short time game state may be separately provided and stored.

  The “first hold image” corresponds to the first hold as a jackpot lottery right where the game ball enters the first start port 14 and is held, and the “second hold image” is the second hold image. This corresponds to the second hold as a jackpot lottery right where a game ball enters the start opening 15 and is held. Note that “a state where the jackpot determination cannot be performed” means that the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performing a special symbol variable display or performing a jackpot game process. The state that is.

  By using the hold display mode determination table shown in FIG. 11, the presentation control board 120 receives all “start winning designation commands” from the main control board 110 and then determines a newly updated starting winning designation command. To do.

  Here, in the first storage area to the fourth storage area in the first reserved storage area of the sub-RAM 102b and in the fifth storage area to the eighth storage area in the second reserved storage area, the reserved display data and the start winning designation are respectively specified. Command data is set.

  Then, after comparing the DATA of the start winning designation command already stored in the respective storage areas of the first reserved storage area and the second reserved storage area with the DATA of all “start winning prize specifying commands” received this time The start winning designation command changed from “blank data” to data indicating “variation pattern number” is determined. After that, based on the determined “start winning designation command” and the random number value of the effect random number obtained by the sub CPU 102, the display data for determining the display mode is determined.

  As described above, the “start winning designation command” has a variation pattern based on a random number value for special symbol determination, a random number value for jackpot symbol, a random number value for small hit symbol, a random number value for reach determination, and a random number value for variation pattern. It is determined and generated based on the variation pattern. As a result, the “special symbol display device type” and “variation pattern” can be identified by the start winning designation command, and the “big hit type”, “reach occurrence”, “current game state” can be identified from the variation pattern ”And“ variation display of effect design ”can be discriminated, and the hold display data is configured so as to suggest the information in advance according to the hold display mode, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, six types of hold display data 1 to hold display data 6 are stored as the hold display mode, and the start winning designation command MODE is “A1H to A4H”. If there is any one of the three types of hold display data of hold display data 1 to hold display data 3, and if the MODE of the start winning designation command is “B1H to B4H”, hold display data 0 or hold display data One of the four types of hold display data is determined.

  Then, the first hold image is displayed based on the three types of data of the hold display data 1 to the hold display data 3, and the second hold image is displayed based on the two types of data of the hold display data 0 or the hold display data 4. Is done. The hold display data 0 is data indicating that the hold display is not performed, and is determined when a start winning designation command indicating “blank data” is received.

  For example, a predetermined character image of “red” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 as the first reserved image based on three types of data, ie, the held display data 1 to the held display data 3.

  Furthermore, the present embodiment is configured such that the display mode before the process of holding memory and the display mode during the process of holding memory (while changing special symbols) are changed based on the hold display data.

  Specifically, if it is the first hold image, based on the hold display data, if it is before the process of hold storage, one of “first standby hold display 1” or “first standby hold display 2”. One display is performed. On the other hand, if the hold storage is being processed (the special symbol is changing), the “first start hold display 1”, “first start hold display 2” or “first start hold” based on the hold display data. Any one of “Display 3” is displayed.

  Here, if the “first standby hold display 2” is displayed before the hold storage process, the “first start hold display 2” or the “first start” during the hold storage process (while the special symbol is changing). Since the display changes to “start hold display 3”, the player waits for how the hold display mode changes if “first standby hold display 2” is displayed before the process of hold storage. Can improve the interest of the game.

  The hold display data 1 for displaying the “first standby hold display 1” can be determined when all start winning designation commands (MODE data is “A1H to A4H”) indicating the first start port 14 are received. However, the hold display data 2 and the hold display data 3 for displaying the “first standby hold display 2” are determined only when the start winning designation command indicating the variation pattern for executing the reach effect is received.

  As a result, if the “first standby hold display 2” is displayed before the hold storage process, it is possible to notify in advance that at least a reach will occur.

  Further, the hold display data 2 for displaying the “first start hold display 2” is determined only when the start winning designation command indicating the variation pattern corresponding to the long hit is received, and “the first start hold display 3”. The hold display data 3 for displaying is determined only when a start winning designation command indicating a variation pattern corresponding to short win, small hit, or loss is received.

  Thereby, the winning type can be notified in advance by “first start hold display 2” or “first start hold display 3”.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the button mode determination table.

  The button mode determination table shown in FIG. 12 is a table used when the effect control board 120 determines whether or not to perform a pre-decision effect on the start winning designation command received from the main control board 110. The table information in which the effect mode of the effect button performed as the prior determination effect when the determination effect is performed is shown.

  More specifically, when the start winning designation command is received from the main control board 110, the effect control board 120 is an effect performed as a prior determination effect, and the effect button 35 is changed from the initial mode (first effect mode) to the effect. A random value (button protrusion effect random value) used for a button protrusion effect obtained by changing to a predetermined mode (second effect mode) different from the initial mode is acquired. FIG. 12 also shows a case where the random number value for button protrusion effect cannot be acquired (when “−” is specified for the random number value for button protrusion effect in FIG. 12), and this random value cannot be acquired. In this case, it is indicated that no projecting effect is performed.

  The initial mode of the effect button at this time (first effect mode) is an initial mode specified in advance in the gaming machine, and indicates a mode in which the effect button is buried in a state that can be pressed by the player. .

  This initial mode (first effect mode) is a mode in which the effect button is depressed in a state where it can be pressed, and a mode (0th effect mode) that is further depressed by a player pressing from that mode. )including. In other words, the state in a mode other than the second production mode is indicated as the first production mode.

  On the other hand, the 2nd production | presentation aspect of a production | presentation button is the aspect protruded (lifted) in the state which can be pressed down by the player. That is, the first effect mode of the effect button indicates a mode other than the state in which the effect button protrudes in a state where it can be pressed by the player.

  Then, the effect control board 120 determines whether or not the button protrusion effect is set for the button protrusion effect random value, and the button protrusion effect is set for the button protrusion effect random value shown in FIG. Judgment by whether or not. Then, when the button protrusion effect is set, the effect control board 120 subsequently receives the button protrusion start timing information set as the button protrusion effect detailed information and the release timing information for releasing the button protrusion. Identify.

  The button protrusion start timing information is information that specifies the timing at which the button protrusion effect is started as the prior determination effect, and the button protrusion release timing information is information that specifies the timing at which the button protrusion effect is canceled.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the start winning designation command received by the effect control board 120 from the main control board 110 is “MODE = A3H, DATA = 03H”, and the acquired random number value for button protrusion effect is “ It is set that the button protrusion effect is not performed when the number is any one of 20 from “0 to 19”. Further, it is indicated that the button protrusion effect is performed when the acquired button protrusion effect random value is any one of “20 to 29”, and “start timing 1” is indicated as the protrusion start timing at that time. Is specified, and “release timing 1” is set as the protrusion release timing. Further, it is shown that the button protrusion effect is performed when the acquired button protrusion effect random value is any one of “30 to 99”, and “start timing 2” is indicated as the protrusion start timing at that time. Is specified, and “release timing 1” is set as the protrusion release timing.

  As an example of “start timing 1” at this time, there are other changes before the change determined to perform the button protrusion effect as the predetermination effect by the start winning designation command generated in the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110. Thus, the timing when the effect control board 120 receives the start winning designation command can be set. In addition, as an example of “start timing 2”, the start timing of other fluctuations before the fluctuation determined to perform the button protrusion effect that is the pre-decision effect by the start winning designation command generated in the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 It can be.

  Furthermore, as an example of “cancellation timing 1”, it is possible to set a timing at which the change determined to perform the button protrusion effect as the predetermination effect by the start winning designation command generated in the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 ends.

  Further, as an example of “release timing 2”, the player can select an effect button by the player during the change of the change determined to perform the button protrusion effect as the pre-determined effect by the start winning designation command generated in the main CPU 110 a of the main control board 110. It is possible to set the timing when is pressed. The timing at which the effect button is pressed by the player can be, for example, the following timing.

  This “release timing 2” can be a timing at which the effect driving device 33 drives the decoration device 33a and the like in accordance with the lottery result of the privilege lottery by the player's pressing operation of the effect button 35.

  This will be described in more detail. When the player depresses the effect button 35 when the lottery result of the privilege lottery is “winning”, the effect control board 120 outputs a drive signal to the effect drive device 33, and the effect drive device 33 is decorated. When the device 33a and the second liquid crystal display device 37 (33b) are driven to notify that the lottery result is “winning” and the lottery result of the privilege lottery is “losing”, the player When the effect button 35 is pressed, the effect control board 120 performs an effect notifying that the lottery result is “losing” without outputting a drive signal to the effect driving device 33.

  The pressing timing of the effect button 35 in this effect can be set to “release timing 2”.

  The variation state when it is determined that the button projection effect is performed as the prior determination effect when the effect control board 120 receives the start winning designation command and the effect determination board 120 shown in FIG. FIG. 27 shows a timing chart showing the start timing and release timing of the button protrusion effect. The timing chart shown in FIG. 27 will be described later.

  As shown in the timing chart shown in FIG. 27, the effect control board 120 controls the effect button to the second effect mode from the start timing to the release timing. That is, it shows that the button continuously protrudes (lifts) from the start timing to the release timing.

  As described above, after the start timing is timed on the effect control board 120 and before the release timing is timed (that is, when the button protrusion effect of the pre-determination effect is performed), the player When the button 35 is pressed to change to the first effect mode, the initial mode (first mode) is maintained as the process of maintaining the second effect mode regardless of whether the screen for pressing the effect button 35 is displayed. Processing to change from the production mode) to the second production mode is performed.

  Moreover, in the effect control board 120, the button protrusion effect performed by changing the effect button 35 from the initial mode (first effect mode) to a predetermined mode (second effect mode) different from the initial mode as a prior determination effect. When performing the performance, it is also possible to perform an effect using the effect button 35 in a change before the change, unlike the change in the prior determination effect.

  In the effect control board 120, as a prior determination effect, when performing the button protrusion effect, the change pattern designation command from the main control board 110, and the effect random number value 1 obtained when this change pattern designation command is received, When the effect content in the variation effect pattern determined based on the effect is an effect using the effect button 35, a screen for instructing the player to press the effect button 35 is displayed and the operation by the player is accepted. Make it possible.

  That is, even when a prior determination effect is performed, an effect using the effect button 35 in the variation is also valid.

  An effect using the effect button 35 is performed based on the change pattern specifying command and the effect random number 1 acquired when the change pattern specifying command is received. In this effect, an instruction to press the effect button 35 is given. When the player performs a pressing operation while the screen to be displayed is displayed, the effect control board 120 switches the contents of the effect before and after the pressing operation of the effect button 35 as described above.

  At this time, in the effect control board 120, when the effect content is switched using the effect button 35, it is confirmed that it is not the release timing in the prior determination effect.

  Then, in the production control board 120, when it is before the release timing (that is, when it is determined that the advance determination production is being performed), the initial mode (first production mode) in which the production button 35 is pressed is changed to the second production mode. And change (revert).

  Subsequently, the payout control board 130 shown in FIG. 3 performs payout control of the game ball.

  The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 132, the door opening switch 133, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110.

  Further, a payout motor 131 of a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the game ball storage unit is connected to the output side of the payout control board 130. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device to give a predetermined game ball. Pay out.

  At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

  The lamp control board 140 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 34 provided on the game board 2 and controls the driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. Further, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the decoration device 33a. The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 and performs the above-described controls based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120.

  The image control board 150 is connected to the first liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the second liquid crystal display device 37, and the first liquid crystal display is based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120. Image display control in the device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 and audio output control in the audio output device 32 are performed.

  The image control board 150 performs liquid crystal control CPU 150 a, liquid crystal control RAM 150 b, liquid crystal control ROM 150 c, CGROM 151, crystal oscillator 152, in order to perform image display control of effect images displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A VRAM 153, an image control unit (VDP (Video Display Processor)) 2000 (hereinafter referred to as “VDP2000”), and a sound control circuit 3000 that performs control to output sound information from the sound output device 32 are provided.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a creates a display list, which will be described later, based on the “effect pattern designation command” received from the effect control board 120, and transmits the display list to the VDP 2000 to thereby store the image data stored in the CGROM 151. An instruction to display on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal display device 37 is given.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150 a further instructs the sound control circuit 3000 to output predetermined sound data to the sound output device 32 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.

  The liquid crystal control RAM 150b is built in the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, functions as a data work area when the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the liquid crystal control ROM 150c.

  Information stored in the liquid crystal control RAM 150b at this time includes “effect time information” used for executing a specific effect performed by measuring a predetermined time.

  The liquid crystal control ROM 150c is configured by a mask ROM or the like, and includes a control processing program of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, a display list generation program for generating a display list, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of an effect pattern, an animation The scene information, the specific effect information related to the specific effect, and the like are stored.

  This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. In the animation scene information, a wait frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, and effect image are displayed. Information such as information specifying a display device is stored.

  An example of this animation information is shown in FIG. 14 and will be described below.

  The general-purpose board 39 is provided between the image control board 150 and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, and converts the image data into a predetermined image format and outputs it when displaying the image data. have.

  The general-purpose board 39 has a bridge function for converting to an image format corresponding to the performance of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 for displaying image data. For example, SXGA (1280 dots × 1080) Dot) 19-inch main liquid crystal connected as the first liquid crystal display device 31, and XGA (1024 dots × 768 dots) 17-inch main liquid crystal connected as the first liquid crystal display device 31. Absorb differences.

  Subsequently, the CGROM 151 is composed of a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like, and compresses image data (sprite, movie), etc., consisting of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 pixels × 32 pixels). And remember. The pixel information is composed of color number information for designating a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image.

  The CGROM 151 is read out in units of image data by the VDP 2000, and image processing is performed in units of image data of this frame.

  Further, the CGROM 151 stores palette data in which color number information for designating color numbers and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other without being compressed.

  Note that the CGROM 151 may have a configuration in which only a part of the image data is compressed without being compressed. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal (V blank interrupt signal) to the VDP 2000 approximately every 16.6 milliseconds. The VDP 2000 divides this pulse signal to control the system clock. A synchronization signal or the like for generating synchronization with the liquid crystal display device 31 or the second liquid crystal display device 37 is generated.

  The VRAM 153 is composed of an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed. The VRAM 153 is configured by a memory map as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a frame buffer used in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 13A shows a case where image data is displayed using either the first liquid crystal display device 31 or the second liquid crystal display device 37, and in particular, only the first liquid crystal display device 31 has the image control board 150. 3 is displayed, that is, the second liquid crystal display device 31 is not connected to the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 as shown in FIG. It is a memory map in the structure when not having the display device 37.

  The memory map shown in FIG. 13A includes an image data development area 153b consisting of arbitrary areas, a display list storage area 153a, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c, a main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d, and other areas. It is configured.

  The image data development area 153b is an area for storing image data expanded by an expansion circuit (described later) included in the VDP 2000. The display list storage area 153a temporarily stores the display list output from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. This is the area to be stored in

  The main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d display effect images to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 based on the display list stored in the display list storage area 153a. This is a work area for drawing.

  Incidentally, pallet data etc. are memorize | stored in other area | regions, for example.

  The two frame buffers, the first liquid crystal frame buffer area 153c and the main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d, are divided into a "drawing frame buffer" and a "display frame buffer" each time drawing is started. It switches alternately. That is, when one frame buffer functions as a drawing frame buffer, the other frame buffer functions as a display frame buffer.

  FIG. 13B shows a case where the image data received from the image control board 150 is displayed on both the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, that is, as shown in FIG. As shown, the memory map in the configuration in which the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are connected.

  Also in FIG. 13B, similar to the memory map shown in FIG. 13A, the image data development area 153b consisting of arbitrary areas, the display list storage area 153a, the first frame buffer area 153c for main liquid crystal, and the main liquid crystal display A second frame buffer area 153d and other areas are provided, and a sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer 153e and a sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f are further provided.

  The image data development area 153b, the display list storage area 153a, the main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c, the main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d, and the other areas are the same as described above. The frame buffer 153e and the second sub-liquid crystal frame buffer 153f are work areas for drawing effect images to be displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37 based on the display list stored in the display list storage area 153a.

  The two frame buffers, the first sub-liquid crystal frame buffer 153e and the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f, alternate between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” every time drawing is started. It will be switched. That is, when one frame buffer functions as a drawing frame buffer, the other frame buffer functions as a display frame buffer.

  In addition to the above, the first liquid crystal display device 31 as shown in FIG. 13B may be used even if the second liquid crystal display device 37 is not provided, that is, only the first liquid crystal display device 31 is provided. It is also possible to use a memory map having a frame buffer of the second liquid crystal display device 37.

  In this case, the frame buffers of the sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer 153e and the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f are not used as work areas.

  Subsequently, the VDP 2000 is a so-called image processor. Based on an instruction from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, for the first liquid crystal display device 31, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c and a main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d For the second liquid crystal display device 37, the image data is read from the “display frame buffer” in the frame buffer of either the sub-liquid crystal first frame buffer 153e or the sub-liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f.

  Based on the read image data, a video signal (LVDS signal, RGB signal, etc.) is generated and output to the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal display device 37 for display.

  The VDP 2000 includes a control register (not shown), a CG bus I / F, a CPU I / F, a clock generation circuit, an expansion circuit, a drawing circuit, a display circuit, and a memory controller, which are connected by a bus.

  The control register is a register for the VDP 2000 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register. The liquid crystal control CPU 150a can write and read data to and from the control register via the CPU I / F.

  This control register is a "system control register" that performs basic settings necessary for the operation of the VDP2000, a "data transfer register" that performs settings necessary for data transfer, and a setting for controlling drawing "Drawing register" for performing the settings, "Bus interface register" for performing settings necessary for bus access, "Decompression register" for performing settings necessary for decompressing compressed images, and settings for controlling display There are six types of registers, “display registers”.

  The CG bus I / F is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 151, and image data from the CGROM 151 is input to the VDP 2000 via the CG bus I / F.

  The CPU I / F is an interface circuit for communication with the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. The liquid crystal control CPU 150a outputs a display list to the VDP 2000, accesses a control register, and accesses the VDP 2000 via the CPU I / F. Various interrupt signals from are input to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  The data transfer circuit performs data transfer between various devices. Specifically, data transfer between the liquid crystal control CPU 150a and the VRAM 153, data transfer between the CGROM 151 and the VRAM 153, and data transfer between various storage areas (including the frame buffer) of the VRAM 153 are performed.

  The clock generation circuit receives a pulse signal (V blank interrupt signal) from the crystal oscillator 152 and generates a system clock that determines the operation processing speed of the VDP2000. Also, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the first liquid crystal display device 31 via the display circuit.

  The decompression circuit is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed in the CGROM 151, and stores the decompressed image data in the image data development area 153b.

  The drawing circuit is a circuit that performs sequence control based on a display list composed of drawing control commands.

  The display circuit includes a main display liquid crystal first frame buffer region 153c, a main liquid crystal second frame buffer region 153d, a sub liquid crystal first frame buffer 153e, and a sub liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f in the VRAM 153. From the image data (digital signal) stored in the frame buffer functioning as a “frame buffer”, a video signal indicating the color data of the image is generated as a video signal.

  The display circuit is a circuit that outputs the generated video signal to the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. Further, the display circuit also outputs a synchronizing signal (vertical synchronizing signal, horizontal synchronizing signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the first liquid crystal display device 31, and synchronizing signal (for synchronizing with the second liquid crystal display device 37). Vertical sync signals, horizontal sync signals, etc.) are also output.

  When there is an instruction to switch the frame buffer from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, the memory controller performs control to switch roles between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer”.

  The sound control circuit 3000 is provided with an audio ROM (not shown) in which a large number of audio data is stored. The sound control circuit 3000 is based on an audio output instruction command transmitted from the effect control board 120. While reading a predetermined program, the audio output control in the audio output device 32 is performed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing animation information used on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The animation pattern shown in FIG. 14 (a) is not only the object that is the configuration information constituting the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, but also the timing for displaying the effect image, This is information specifying a scene as a scene, and is image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed at the time of effect.

  A group (hereinafter also referred to as “animation group”) is formed by bundling one or more of these animation patterns. For example, in FIG. 14A, a background group for displaying a background animation, a notice A notice group A for displaying the animation of the character used for A, a notice group B for displaying the animation of the character used for notice B, a reach group for displaying the animation of the reach character, and an animation of the big hit effect are displayed. The effect symbol group for displaying the animation of the big hit effect group for the effect symbol 38 is shown.

  Of course, these are merely examples of groups, and many other groups are provided.

  This animation group is stored in the liquid crystal control ROM 150c.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives the effect pattern designation command from the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120, determines one or more animation groups to be executed based on the effect pattern designation command, and determines the animation pattern from each animation group. To decide.

  14 (b) to 14 (d) and 14 (e), when the effect pattern designation command “A1H07H” is received among the effect pattern designation commands designated in the effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. An example of the determined animation pattern is shown in FIG.

  This effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) is a command for instructing to perform a normal variation effect with a variation effect pattern of “variation effect pattern 7” as shown in the variation pattern designation command table of FIG. It is an animation group to which the constituent elements used when performing the normal variation effect belong, and specifies at least one of the animation groups separated for each role used for the variation effect.

  That is, the liquid crystal control ROM 150c stores an animation group correspondence table (not shown) in which an effect pattern designation command and an animation group used for the effect pattern of the effect pattern designation command are associated with each other. The animation group to be used for the production pattern designation command is determined using this animation group correspondence table.

  For example, when receiving the effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) corresponding to the variable effect pattern “7”, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines four groups of “background group, notice A group, notice B group, effect symbol group”. The animation pattern can be determined from each of these anime groups.

  As an example, “animation pattern 1” is determined from the background group, “anime pattern 11” is determined from the notice A group, “anime pattern 21” is determined from the notice B group, and “anime pattern 501” is determined from the directing design group. To decide.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 (b) to 14 (d) and 14 (e), the animation pattern includes a combination of anime scene information, a display order of each animation scene information, information specifying a display device to be displayed, and the like. Is remembered.

  For example, in the animation pattern of the effect symbol group shown in FIG. 14E, “sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37)” is designated in the information designating the display device to be displayed. The scene 501 is executed, the animation scene 511 is executed second after the animation scene 501, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37).

  The liquid crystal control RAM 150 b has a “scene switching counter” that counts and updates every frame, and this “scene switching counter” counts 540 while the first animation scene 501 is being executed. As a result, the animation scene is switched to the second animation scene 511.

When “60” (for 60 frames) is counted by the “scene switching counter” while the second animation scene 511 is being executed, the animation scene of the animation pattern of the effect symbol group ends.

  Note that “one frame” is the update timing of the display device (update timing of the vertical synchronization signal). For example, when the first liquid crystal display device 31 displays 60 frames per second, “1/60”. One frame is updated every second (about 16.6 ms).

  In the above example, one frame is updated every "1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms)". However, the present invention is not limited to this, and "1/30 seconds (about 33. The configuration may be such that one frame is updated every 3 ms). In this case, the display device displays 30 frames per second.

  Each animation scene stores animation scene information. As animation information, a weight frame (display time) updated for each frame, target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters, and the like. (Sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), a drawing method, information for designating a display device for displaying the effect image, and the like are stored.

  For example, in the animation scene shown in FIG. 14 (e), first, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol are predetermined coordinates (the first symbol is coordinates (x30, y30), the second symbol. Is displayed at coordinates (x40, y40), the third symbol at coordinates (x50, y50), and the fourth symbol at coordinates (x60, y60) for 20 frames (approximately 0.33 seconds).

  Then, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol are different coordinates (the first symbol is coordinates (x31, y31), the second symbol is coordinates (x41, y41), the third symbol is coordinates ( x51, y51), the 4th symbol continues to be displayed for 15 frames (about 0.25 seconds) at coordinates (x61, y61)).

  Similarly, when the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol continue to be displayed at the designated coordinates for the predetermined frame, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, The animation is such that the symbol and the fourth symbol are moved and displayed.

  In addition, in each of the animation patterns “background group, notice A group, notice B group” shown in FIG. 14B to FIG. 14D, “main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display) Device 31) "is designated, and in the background group, animation scene 1 is executed for" 600 "frames as shown in FIG. 14 (b), and in the notice A group, animation-scene 0 is shown in FIG. 14 (c). After the “120” frame is executed, the animation scene 11 is executed for the “180” frame. In the notice group B, as shown in FIG. 14D, the animation scene 21 is executed after the “180” frame is executed. The 240 "frame is executed, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31).

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 14B to 14D, “animation pattern 1 of the background group, animation pattern 11 from the notice A group, animation pattern 21 from the notice B group, and Are determined and the animations of these animation patterns are executed in parallel in time series, whereby an effect image based on the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31). As shown in FIG. 14 (e), an animation pattern of “animation pattern 501 from the production pattern group” is determined, and the animation pattern is executed to execute the animation pattern on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37). An effect image based on is displayed.

  As a result, images of BG1 (mountains) and BG2 (clouds) continue to be displayed in the display area of the first liquid crystal display device 31 from the start to the end of the animation pattern, and 2 seconds from the start of the animation pattern. An image that performs animation for displaying the notice of character A after (120 frames) is displayed for 3 seconds (180 frames), and 4 images that perform animation for displaying the notice of character B after 3 seconds (180 frames) from the start of the animation pattern. Seconds (240 frames) are displayed.

  These images are displayed in an overlapping manner in the display area of the first liquid crystal display device 31, and the first drawn image is overwritten by an image drawn later and cannot be visually recognized as an image. Become.

  Furthermore, in the display area of the second liquid crystal display device 37, an image for performing the animation of the normal variation display of the effect symbol is performed for 9 seconds (540 frames), and then temporarily stopped for 1 second (60 frames) (stop time). The image that performs the animation is displayed. In addition, although the example which displays only an effect design is shown on the 2nd liquid crystal display device 37, it does not limit to this, For example, the animation pattern 1 which consists of the background group displayed in the 1st liquid crystal display device 31, and an effect The animation pattern 501 may be displayed in parallel in time series from the symbol group.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a display list composed of a group of drawing control commands, and shows an example of a display list for each display device to be displayed.

  FIG. 15A is an example of a first display list that is image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating the second liquid crystal display device 37. It is an example of the 2nd display list which is the image formation information for forming the production image displayed in.

  When the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines the animation pattern based on the animation information as shown in FIG. 14 described above, every predetermined frame (1) displayed on each of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A display list is generated for each frame). That is, a display list is generated for each unit frame according to the number of display devices.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a outputs each display list generated in this way to the VDP 2000.

  Here, the display list generation method is such that the liquid crystal control CPU 150a changes the contents of the animation scene at the current number of frames based on the “frame counter” indicating the current frame and the determined animation pattern (animation scene). The display list for the current number of frames is generated by generating the drawing control command according to the priority (drawing order) of each animation group.

  Below, the example of the display list which comprises the effect image displayed in the 1st liquid crystal display device 31 is shown.

  In FIG. 15A, as the priority of the animation group shown in FIG. 14A, the background group is associated with the lowest “priority 9” data, and the notice A group has “priority 8”. ”Data,“ priority 7 ”data is associated with the notice B group, and… (omitted)…. The highest priority data is associated with the jackpot presentation group It is assumed that

  In FIG. 15 (b), as the priority order of the animation group shown in FIG. 14 (a), data of “priority order 2” having a low priority order is associated with the background group, It is assumed that “priority 1” data having a high priority is associated. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, in the above case, the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group and the animation pattern 501 from the effect design group are displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37 in chronological order in parallel. An example of a display list is shown. Of course, when only the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group is displayed, the display list designating only the animation scene 501 of the effect design group, that is, “background group” in the animation group column of FIG. The display list does not include the specified record.

  In FIG. 15 (a), as shown in FIGS. 14 (b) to 14 (d), the background group anime pattern 1, the notice A group from the anime pattern 11, and the notice B group It is assumed that a plurality of anime patterns with the anime pattern 21 have been determined, and in FIG. 15B, as shown in FIG. 14E, the anime pattern 1 of the background group and the animation pattern from the effect design group are displayed. Assume that a plurality of animation patterns 501 are determined.

  Next, as a display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, the animation in the current frame counter (current number of frames) is selected from the animation pattern 1 of the lowest priority animation group (background group). Drawing control commands are generated sequentially according to the contents of the scene, and when drawing control commands are generated up to the highest priority anime group (big hit effect group) among the determined anime groups, drawing ends at the end. A display list as shown in FIG. 15A is completed by generating a command.

  Next, as a display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37, the animation pattern 1 of the animation group (background group) with the lower priority and the animation scene in the current frame counter (current number of frames). When the drawing control command for the animation group with higher priority (direction design group) is generated among the determined anime groups, the drawing end command is finally sent. By generating, a display list as shown in FIG. 15B is completed.

  Display lists as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B are generated while the liquid crystal control CPU 150a refers to necessary data.

  In this way, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a outputs to the VDP 2000 the display lists (first display list and second display list) for each display device in which the drawing control command group is grouped for each predetermined frame (one frame). The drawing circuit constituting the VDP 2000 performs a drawing process for drawing the effect image for each display list, and displays the effect image subjected to the drawing process on the corresponding display device (the first liquid crystal display device 31 or the second liquid crystal display device 37). To do.

  Hereinafter, various processes performed in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 110a, and the main CPU 110a performs the following main processing.

  First, the main CPU 110a performs an initialization process (S1601). In this initialization process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b in response to power-on, and performs a process of initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM 110c.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random number value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol (S1602).

  Then, the main CPU 110a updates the initial symbol value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination (S1603).

  When such a process is performed, it is determined whether or not a power-off process for shutting off the power supply is performed (S1604). Until the power-off process is performed (NO in S1604), an interrupt process is performed, thereby producing an effect. The random number value update process (S1602) and subsequent steps are repeated. If the power interruption process is performed (YES in S1604), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a timer interrupt process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, the main CPU 110a saves information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a in the stack area (S1701).

  The main CPU 110a has various timers such as a special symbol time counter update process, a special game timer counter update process such as a special electric accessory release time, a normal symbol time counter update process, and a general electric release time counter update process. A time control process for updating the counter is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the general electricity open time counter is performed (S1702).

  The main CPU 110a performs random number update processing for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small bonus symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value (S1703).

  Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are incremented (unit number addition) and updated. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value of the random number range (when the random number counter makes one round), the random number counter is returned to “0 (zero)” and the initial random number “0 (zero) at that time” ”To update each random value.

  Subsequently, as in S1503, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for updating the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Processing is performed (S1704).

  The main CPU 110a performs input control processing (S1705).

  In this input control process, the main CPU 110a includes the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first large winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input to each switch of the gate detection switch 13a.

  Specifically, various detection signals from the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first big winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Is inputted, predetermined data is added to the prize ball counter used for the prize ball provided for each winning opening and updated.

  Furthermore, when a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, if the data set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is less than 4, the first special symbol hold number ( U1) Add 1 to the storage area to obtain special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit symbol random number value, reach determination random value, and special symbol variation random value The random number value is stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the first special symbol random value storage area.

  Similarly, when a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a, if the data set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area is less than 4, the second special symbol hold number (U2) 1 is added to the storage area, and a special symbol determination random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, a small hit symbol random number value, a reach determination random number value, and a special symbol variation random value are acquired. Various random values are stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the second special symbol random number storage region.

  When a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, if the data set in the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is less than 4, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is set to 1. It adds, acquires the random number value for normal symbol determination, and memorize | stores the acquired random number value for normal symbol determination in the predetermined memory | storage part (0th memory | storage part-4th memory | storage part) in a normal symbol holding | maintenance storage area.

  Further, when a detection signal is input from the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, the number of game balls won in the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is counted. 1 is added to the number of entries (C) storage area for the big winning opening to update.

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special figure special electric power control processing for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state (S1706). Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs a general-purpose normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory (S1707).

  Specifically, it is first determined whether or not 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and 1 or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power control process is terminated.

  If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.

  Then, a process of determining whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win” is performed. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.

  Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

  Then, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process (S1708).

  In this payout control process, the main CPU 110a refers to the respective prize ball counters, generates payout number designation commands corresponding to various winning ports, and transmits the generated payout number designation commands to the payout control board 130.

  The main CPU 110a includes external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and memory number designation command data. Creation processing is performed (S1709).

  The main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600 (S1710).

  Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed.

  Further, command transmission processing for transmitting the command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control board 120 is also performed.

  The main CPU 110a restores the information saved in S1701 to the register of the main CPU 110a (S1711).

  FIG. 18 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special figure special power control process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the value of special figure special processing data is loaded (S1801), and the branch address is referenced from the loaded special figure special processing data (S1802).

  At this time, if the special figure special electricity processing data is “0 (zero)”, the special symbol memory determination process is performed (S1803). If the special figure special electric treatment data is “1”, the special symbol variation processing is executed. (S1804), and if the special figure special electricity processing data is “2”, special symbol stop processing is carried out (S1805).

  Also, if the special figure special power processing data is “3”, the big hit game processing is performed (S1806), and if the special figure special electric processing data is “4”, the big hit game end processing is performed (S1807). If the process data is “5”, a small hit game process is performed (S1808).

  This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed.

  As the special symbol memory determination process at this time, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process, a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed, a variation time determination process for determining a variation time of the special symbol, and the like. The detailed flow of this special symbol memory determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special symbol memory determination process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (S1901).

  If one or more data is not set in any storage area of the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area (NO in S1901), the special figure is stored. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while the special electric processing data is kept at “0 (zero)”.

  On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (YES in S1901), the main CPU 110a performs the jackpot determination process. This is performed (S1902).

  Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After the subtraction, the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random value storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or a random value corresponding to “small hit” Judgment is made.

  In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or a random value corresponding to “small hit” Judgment is made.

  In the present embodiment, the random number value stored in the second special symbol random value storage area is shifted (digested) with priority over the first special symbol random value storage area.

  Without being limited thereto, the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area may be shifted in the order of winning in the start opening, or the first special symbol storage area may be shifted to the second special symbol storage area. The shift may be performed with priority over.

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed (S1903).

  In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (S1902), the big hit symbol random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is set. The jackpot symbol is determined based on this.

  Also, in the big hit determination process (S1902), when it is determined as “small hit”, the small hit symbol design random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is small. The winning symbol is determined.

  Furthermore, in the big hit determination process (S1902), when it is determined as “lost”, a lost symbol is determined.

  Stop symbol data corresponding to the special symbol determined as described above is stored in the stop symbol data storage area.

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing (S1904).

  Specifically, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the reach determination random number value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed.

  The main CPU 110a sets variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform variation display of the special symbol (LED blinking) in a predetermined processing area.

  As a result, when variable display data is set in a predetermined processing area, LED lighting or extinguishing data is appropriately created by the above processing, and the created data is output, whereby the first special symbol display The variable display of the device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.

  Furthermore, when the special symbol variation display is started (S1905), the main CPU 110a changes the special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern (the first special symbol variation pattern designation command or The second special symbol variation pattern designation command) is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  The main CPU 110a sets “special symbol special power processing data = 0” to “special symbol special power processing data = 1” (S1906), prepares to move to a special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing. To do.

  FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the sub CPU 120a performs initialization processing (S2001).

  In this initialization process, the sub CPU 120a reads a main processing program from the sub ROM 120b and initializes and sets a flag and the like stored in the sub RAM 120c in response to power-on.

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process (S2002).

  In this effect random number update process, the sub CPU 120a updates the random numbers (the effect random number value 1, the effect random number value 2, the effect design determining random value, the effect mode determining random value, etc.) stored in the sub RAM 120c. Process.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a power interruption process for shutting off the power is performed (S2003). Until the power interruption process is performed (NO in S2003), the effect random number update process and the subsequent processes are performed until a predetermined interrupt process is performed. Repeat. Further, when the power interruption process is performed (YES in S2003), the process ends.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a timer interrupt process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and the timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a in the stack area (S2101), and updates various timer counters used in the effect control board 120 (S2102).

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing (S2103).

  In this command analysis processing, the sub CPU 120a performs processing for analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed.

  The sub CPU 120a checks the signals of the effect button detection switch 35a and the cross key detection switch 36a, performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 35 (S2104), and receives various commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Data output processing to be transmitted to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150 is performed (S2105).

  Then, the sub CPU 120a restores the information saved in S1810 to the register of the sub CPU 120a (S2106).

  FIG. 22 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of command analysis processing performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a continuation of the command analysis processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The sub CPU 120a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command is received (S2201).

  If there is no command in the reception buffer (NO in S2201), the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process. If there is a command in the reception buffer (YES in S2201), it is then confirmed whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command (S2202).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demonstration designation command (YES in S2202), the sub CPU 120a performs a demonstration effect pattern determination process for determining a demonstration effect pattern (S2203).

  Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. An effect pattern designation command based on the demo effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a demo designation command (NO in S2202), the sub CPU 120a confirms whether the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command. (S2204).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol memory designation command (YES in S2204), the special symbol memory designation command is analyzed and displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal display device 37. A special symbol memory number determination process for determining the number of special figure reservation images to be displayed and transmitting a special figure display number designation command corresponding to the determined display number of special figure reservation images to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 Is performed (S2205).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special symbol storage designation command (NO in S2204), then, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command. Confirmation is made (S2206).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is the start winning designation command (YES in S2206), the sub CPU 102a analyzes the starting winning designation command and determines the hold display mode of the hold display in the liquid crystal display device 31. Then, a hold display mode determination process for transmitting hold display data corresponding to the determined hold display mode to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 is performed (S2207).

  When the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command, a button mode control process is performed following the hold mode determination process (S2208). A detailed flow of this button mode control processing is shown in FIG. 24 and will be described later.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not the start winning designation command (NO in S2206), then the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command. (S2209).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command (YES in S2209), the sub CPU 120a determines the first liquid crystal display device 31 and / or the second liquid crystal based on the content of the received effect designating command. An effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 38 to be stopped and displayed on the display device 37 is performed (S2210).

  Specifically, the effect symbol determination process analyzes the effect symbol designation command, determines the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 38 according to the presence or absence of the jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect In addition to setting the symbol data in the effect symbol storage area and transmitting the effect symbol data to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, a stop symbol designating command indicating the effect symbol data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. .

  At this time, the sub CPU 120a further acquires one random number value from the effect mode determination random value updated as shown above, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command. Then, an effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed (S2211). Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an effect designating command (NO in S2209), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the receiving buffer is a variation pattern specifying command (S2212). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command (YES in S2212), the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the updated effect random value 1, and the acquired effect random value 1. Based on the received variation pattern designation command and the effect mode set in the effect mode storage area, a variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns is performed (S2213). .

  Thereafter, based on the effect pattern, the first liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the decoration device 33a, the effect lighting device 34, and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are controlled. Note that the variation mode of the effect design 38 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a variation pattern designation command (NO in S2212), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command (S2214). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol confirmation command (YES in S2214), the sub CPU 120a transmits a stop designation command for stopping and displaying the effect symbol to stop the effect symbol 38 to be transmitted to the sub RAM 120c. An effect symbol stop display process to be set in the buffer is performed (S2215).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a symbol determination command (NO in S2214), the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (S2216). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (YES in S2216), the sub CPU 120a stores data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c. The setting is made (S2217).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a gaming state designation command (NO in S2216), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (S2218).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (YES in S2218), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern (S2219).

  Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an opening command (NO in S2218), the sub CPU 120a determines that the command stored in the reception buffer is the first grand prize port 16 and / or the second grand prize port 17. It is confirmed whether or not it is a special winning opening opening designation command for instructing opening (S2220).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening opening designation command (YES in S2220), the sub CPU 120a performs a jackpot effect pattern determination process for determining a jackpot effect pattern (S2221).

  Specifically, the jackpot effect pattern is determined based on the big prize opening opening designation command, the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined jackpot effect pattern is stored in the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special winning opening opening designation command (NO in S2220), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (S2222). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (YES in S2222), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern (S2223).

  Specifically, the winning end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

  If it is not any command (NO in S2222), the command analysis process is terminated by terminating the present process.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a button mode control process performed on the effect control board constituting the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 24, the effect control board 120 determines whether or not the “start winning designation command” is received from the main control board 110 (S2401). The processing shown in S2401 is similar to the processing shown in S2206 in FIG. 22 and is described for convenience of explanation.

  The effect control board 120 does not perform a process as described later until it receives a start winning designation command from the main control board 110 (NO in S2401). On the contrary, it receives a variation pattern designation command from the main control board 110. Then (YES in S2401), first, an effect (button protrusion effect) is performed in which the effect button is continuously changed to a mode (second effect mode) different from the initial mode (first effect mode) for a certain period. “Random value for button protrusion effect” used for determination of whether or not is acquired (S2402).

  The initial mode of the effect button at this time (first effect mode) is an initial mode specified in advance in the gaming machine, and indicates a mode in which the effect button is buried in a state that can be pressed by the player. .

  On the other hand, the 2nd production | presentation aspect of a production | presentation button is the aspect protruded (lifted) in the state which can be pressed down by the player. That is, the first effect mode of the effect button indicates a mode other than the state in which the effect button protrudes in a state where it can be pressed by the player.

  Then, when the effect control board 120 acquires the “button protrusion effect random value”, it determines whether or not to perform the button protrusion effect using the effect button based on the button protrusion effect random value. (S2403).

  As shown in the hold display mode determination table 2, the effect control board 120 has a button protrusion effect specified in the button protrusion effect random number for the start winning specification command received from the main control board 110, It is determined that a button protrusion effect is to be performed (YES in S2403).

  In this case (YES in S2403), the effect control board 120 specifies timing information including the button protrusion timing and the button protrusion release timing specified in the hold display mode determination table 2 as detailed information on the button protrusion effect. This timing information is set in a storage area (such as a RAM) in the control board 120 (S2404).

  Further, the effect control board 120 determines that the button protrusion is not specified in the button display effect random number for the button protrusion effect corresponding to the start winning designation command received from the main control board 110 in the hold display mode determination table 2. It is determined that no production is performed (NO in S2403).

  In this case (NO in S2403), the effect control board 120 ends the button mode control process in this flowchart.

  Subsequently, in the effect control board 120 in which the timing information is set in the storage area, the button protrusion effect flag indicating that the button protrusion effect is performed is set (validated) while the timing information is stored in the storage area. (S2405).

  With this button protrusion effect flag set, the effect control board 120 determines whether or not the button protrusion timing included in the timing information set in the storage area has come (S2406).

  The effect control board 120 does not start the button protrusion effect until the button protrusion timing is reached (NO in S2406), and when this button protrusion effect timing is reached (YES in S2406), the effect button is initialized. The button protrusion signal for changing from the mode (first effect mode) to the second effect mode is output to the effect button (S2407).

  The button protrusion timing at this time has a plurality of timings as shown in the timing chart. For example, the timing at which the start winning designation command is received and the button protrusion effect random value is acquired (the state in which other fluctuations are performed) ), And the start timing of the subsequent change after the end of the change made at the timing at which the button protrusion effect random value is acquired.

  Then, the effect control board 120 determines whether or not the player has received an operation of pressing the effect button in a state where the button protrusion signal is output to the effect button (S2408).

  If it is determined that the operation of the effect button has been received by receiving the detection signal from the effect button (YES in S2408), the effect control board 120 subsequently determines whether or not the button protrusion flag is set (S2409). .

  When it is determined that the button protrusion flag is set (validated) (YES in S2409), the effect control board 120 causes the player to press the second effect mode to the first effect mode (the 0th effect shown above). The button protrusion signal for changing the mode of the button changed to (including the mode) to the second effect mode (returning to the original) is output to the effect button (S2407).

  As a result, the effect button returns to the original state (second effect mode) even if the player presses the button. That is, the second effect mode of the effect button is continued.

  On the other hand, when the detection signal is not received from the effect button and it is not determined that the operation of the effect button has been received (NO in S2408), the effect control board 120 subsequently cancels the button protrusion included in the timing information. It is determined whether or not it is time (S2410).

  Until it is determined that the button protrusion release timing has been reached (NO in S2410), the effect control board 120 indicates that it is in a state in which it is possible to accept the operation of pressing the effect button in the button protrusion effect. A determination process (S2408) is performed to determine whether or not an operation button pressing operation has been performed.

  If it is determined that the button protrusion release timing is reached (YES in S2410), the effect control board 120 sends a button protrusion release signal for releasing the effect button from continuing in the second effect mode to the effect button (S2411). .

  As a result, after the player presses down on the effect button, the second effect mode is canceled.

  Then, the effect control board 120 invalidates (initializes) the button protrusion flag set (enabled) in the processing in S2405 (S2412).

  Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a main process performed in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, and the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs main processing as described below.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs an initialization process (S2501).

  In this initialization process, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a reads the main processing program from the liquid crystal control ROM 150c and instructs the initial settings of the various modules of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a and the VDP 2000 when the power is turned on.

  Here, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, as an instruction for initial setting of the VDP 2000, (1) instructs the display circuit constituting the VDP 2000 to create and output a video signal, and therefore instructs the display of the video signal (display). (“1” is set to 0 bit of the register), or (2) image data that is frequently used in the decompression circuit constituting the VDP2000 (image data such as production symbol 38) is decompressed to the image data development area 153b of the VRAM 153. In order to set the initial value data in the expansion register, or (3) the initial value image data (such as a character image “power-on”) is drawn in the drawing circuit constituting the VDP 2000. Output value display list.

  Subsequently, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a drawing execution start process (S2502).

  In this drawing execution start process, drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register in order to instruct VDP 2000 to execute drawing on the display list that has already been output.

  That is, at the start of power-on, execution of drawing is instructed for the initial value display list output in the above step (S2501), and execution of drawing is instructed for display list output in SS2505 described later during normal routine processing. It will be.

  Next, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs effect pattern designation command analysis processing for analyzing the effect pattern designation command (command stored in the reception buffer of the liquid crystal control RAM 150b) transmitted from the effect control board 120 (S2503).

  When the image control board 150 receives a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, a command reception interrupt process of the image control board 150 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed.

  The effect pattern designation command analysis process confirms whether or not an effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer. If the effect pattern designation command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process is continued. If the effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer, a process of reading a new effect pattern designation command is performed. Based on the read effect pattern designation command, one or more animation groups to be executed are determined, and an animation pattern is determined from each animation group.

  When the animation pattern is determined, the read effect pattern designation command is deleted from the transmission buffer.

  Next, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs animation control processing (S2504).

  In this animation control process, based on the above-described “scene switching counter”, “weight frame”, “frame counter” to be updated, and the animation pattern determined by the process as described above, Update the scene address.

  Thereby, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority order (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. When the generation of the display list is completed, the display list is output to the VDP 2000 (S2505). The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 153a of the VRAM 153 via the CPU I / F 2030 in the VDP 2000.

  Then, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01 (S2506).

  Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 26B, the FB switching flag indicates that if the previous display list has been drawn in the V blank interrupt every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). , FB switching flag = 01. That is, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing has been completed.

  If the FB switching flag is “01” (YES in S2506), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets the FB switching flag to “00” (S2507) (turns off the FB switching flag) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the FB switching flag is “00” (NO in S2506), the process waits until the FB switching flag becomes “01”.

  Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of an interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the interrupt processing of the image control board 150, a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal, a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal, and a command are received. And at least a command reception interrupt process performed.

  Note that the drawing end interrupt process and the V blank interrupt process are described with reference to FIG. 26, but the command reception interrupt process is as described above, and is not illustrated.

  FIG. 26A is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a drawing end interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the drawing of a predetermined unit frame (one frame) is completed, the VDP 2000 outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  When the liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives a drawing end interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a executes a drawing end interrupt process.

  In the drawing end interrupt process, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag), and ends the current drawing end interrupt process (S2601). That is, the drawing end flag is turned on every time drawing ends.

  FIG. 26B is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the V blank interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The crystal oscillator 152 constituting the image control board 150 generates a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) having a pulse waveform every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms), and this V blank interrupt signal is generated. The detected VDP 2000 outputs an “effect processing timing notification signal” based on the V blank interrupt signal to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a at a predetermined timing.

  Thereby, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a receives an “effect process timing notification signal” based on the V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 2000, and performs an interrupt process to perform an effect by receiving the effect process timing notification signal. The effect process is performed at the interrupt timing by the interrupt process.

  The predetermined timing at which the VDP 2000 outputs the “production process timing notification signal” to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a is determined based on the generated V blank interrupt signal.

  As an interrupt process performed by the image control board 150, first, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a process of updating various counters of “scene switching counter”, “wait frame”, and “frame counter” from existing values by a unit quantity ( S2602).

  Subsequently, when the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a process of updating these various counters, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines whether or not “01” is set in the “drawing end flag” (S2603). This “drawing end flag” is flag information for determining whether or not the rendering process of the effect image in the immediately preceding frame has ended.

  If the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines that the “drawing end flag” is “01” (YES in step S2603), that is, determines that drawing of the effect image in the frame has ended, the “drawing end flag” "00" is set to "" (S2604).

  On the other hand, when “01” is not set in the “drawing end flag” (NO in S2603), that is, when it is determined that drawing of the effect image in the frame is not finished, the current V blank assignment Finish the process. Even if an effect processing timing notification signal based on the V blank interrupt signal is received from the VDP 2000, the subsequent interrupt processing is not performed unless the effect image drawing processing in the immediately preceding frame is completed in the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. It is shown that.

  Then, the rendering of the effect image in the immediately preceding frame has been completed, and when “00” is set in the “rendering end flag” (S2604), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a continues to the memory controller configuring the VDP2000. Then, together with an instruction to switch between “display frame buffer” and “drawing frame buffer”, an “effect processing timing notification signal” is output (S2605).

  This “effect process timing notification signal” is a signal for notifying the effect process timing in the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  Then, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets “01” to the “FB switching flag” (turns on the FB switching flag) (S2606), cancels the standby state, and ends the V blank interrupt processing.

  Thus, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a instructs the VDP2000 memory controller to generate an effect image in units of frames corresponding to the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120 in the drawing frame buffer after switching.

  As a result, the VDP 2000 reads the image information constituting the effect image stored in the CGROM 151 and stores the effect image composed of the frames in the drawing frame buffer on the VRAM 153.

  In addition to this, in the VDP 2000, even if the V blank interrupt signal generated by the crystal oscillator 152 is detected, when the V blank interrupt signal is detected immediately before, an effect processing timing notification signal is notified to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. If the V blank interrupt signal is present, the effect processing timing notification signal is not notified. Conversely, when the V blank interrupt signal is detected immediately before, the effect processing timing notification is sent to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. When the signal is not notified, the presentation process timing notification signal may be notified in the case of the V blank interrupt signal.

  This is because, for example, when the V blank interrupt signal is detected in VDP2000, the interrupt flag is “valid (ON)”, so that the effect processing timing notification signal is notified to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, and then the interrupt is performed. Set the flag from “valid (ON)” to “invalid (OFF)”. Subsequently, when the next V blank interrupt signal is received, since the interrupt flag is set to “invalid (OFF)”, the interrupt flag is not notified to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a without notifying the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. Is set to “valid (ON)”, an effect processing timing notification signal can be notified every other time (at intervals).

  FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a timing chart of button mode control processing performed on the effect control board formed by the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 27, the timing chart showing the winning state of the first starting opening, the timing chart showing the variation state of the winning lottery according to the winning state, and the game ball entering the first starting opening. A timing chart showing a start timing and an end timing of the button protrusion effect performed as a predetermination effect by the predetermination process and a timing chart showing a protruding state of the effect button with respect to the button protrusion effect It shows.

  The timing chart showing the winning state of the first starting port shows the state where four game media have won the first starting port (winning state A, winning state B, winning state C, winning state D). That is, the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 acquires a special symbol determination random number value and determines a start winning designation command and a variation pattern designation command for the special symbol determination random value. In addition, although the state at the time of winning a prize to the 1st starting opening is shown, it is also possible to set it as the state at the time of winning a prize to the 2nd starting opening, without being limited to this.

  Subsequently, in the timing chart showing the variation state, each variation state corresponding to the four winning states is shown.

  The example shown in FIG. 27 shows a state in which the other three game media have won the first start opening when the winning state A is in the variation state. From this, the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 acquires three special symbol determination random numbers during the change of the winning state A, and the start winning designation command and the variation pattern designation command for each special symbol determination random value. It is shown that each is determined.

  The start winning designation command determined by the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 is sent to the effect control board 120. Upon receiving this, the effect control board 120 obtains a random number value for button protrusion effect and performs the button protrusion effect. Judge whether or not. This determination process determines that a button protrusion effect is to be performed, and specifies information on the start timing and end timing of this button protrusion effect.

  In the example shown in FIG. 27, the main CPU 110a sets the winning state B as the first hold, the winning state C as the second hold, and the winning state D as the third hold during the change in the winning state A. The detected state is shown. As a result, the main CPU 110a acquires a random number value for special symbol determination, sends a start winning designation command for the special symbol determination random number value to the effect control board 120, and the effect control board 120 that has received the command receives the button protrusion. Processing for determining whether or not to perform the button protrusion effect by acquiring the effect random number value is performed.

  As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 27, the effect control board 120 determines that the button protruding effect is not performed in the winning state B and the winning state C, and is determined to perform the button protruding effect in the winning state D. It is shown.

  In FIG. 27, a timing chart showing the effect state of the button protrusion effect according to the combination of the start timing and the end timing of the button protrusion effect is shown as “No. 1” and “No. 2”.

  First, the timing chart showing the effect state of the button protrusion effect indicated by “No. 1” shows an example in which the start timing (button protrusion timing 1) is determined as the timing at which the button control effect is determined in the effect control board 120. . That is, when the timing at which the button control effect is determined on the effect control board 120 is in the variation state of the winning state A, that timing is set as the start timing (button protrusion timing 1).

  There are two end timings with respect to the start timing (button protrusion timing 1), and the end timing is determined based on the variation state of the winning state D determined that the effect control board 120 performs the button protrusion effect. .

  In the button projecting state 1-1 in FIG. 27, the start timing is the timing at which it is determined that the button projecting effect is performed on the effect control board 120, and the end timing is the winning state D that is determined to be performed at the effect control board 120. An example is shown in which the timing at which the player first performs a button press operation during fluctuation is shown.

  In the button protruding state 1-2 in FIG. 27, the start timing is set to the timing at which the button control effect is determined to be performed on the effect control board 120, while the end timing is set to the effect as in the button protruding state 1-1. An example is shown in which the timing of ending the variation of the winning state D determined to perform the button protrusion effect on the control board 120 is shown.

  Next, in the timing chart showing the effect state of the button protrusion effect indicated by “No. 2”, the start timing (button protrusion timing 2) is the fluctuation that is performed when it is determined that the button control effect is performed on the effect control board 120. The example which made the timing which starts the fluctuation | variation performed subsequently is shown. That is, when the timing at which the effect control board 120 determines that the button protrusion effect is to be performed is in the variation state of the winning state A, the timing of starting the variation of the winning state B that follows the winning state A is determined as the button protrusion effect. Start timing (button protrusion timing 2).

  There are two end timings with respect to this start timing (button protrusion timing 2), and these end timings are determined based on the variation state of the winning state D determined to perform the button protrusion effect on the effect control board 120. .

  In the button projecting state 2-1 in FIG. 27, the start timing is set as the timing for starting the variation performed following the variation performed when it is determined that the button projecting effect is performed on the effect control board 120, and the end timing is performed as the effect control. An example is shown in which the timing at which the player first performs the button pressing operation during the change of the winning state D in which it is determined to perform the button protrusion effect on the board 120 is shown.

  Further, in the button protruding state 1-2 in FIG. 27, similarly to the button protruding state 1-1, the start timing is performed following the variation performed when it is determined that the button control effect is performed on the effect control board 120. While the timing for starting the change is shown, the end timing is shown as an example of the timing for ending the change in the winning state D determined that the effect control board 120 performs the button protrusion effect.

  As described above, the button protrusion effect is continuously performed from the start timing to the end timing, and the effect button is in the initial state while the button protrusion effect is performed on the effect control board 120. A control process for continuously changing from the (first effect mode) to the predetermined effect mode (second effect mode) is performed. In this process, the effect control board 120 outputs a button protrusion signal to the effect button, so that even if the effect button is pressed by the player and enters the initial state (first effect mode), the predetermined effect mode ( The second production mode) can be continued.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control process is continued to change the mode of the effect button from the first effect mode to the second effect mode. It is also possible to perform control processing that keeps changing to the mode.

  In the control process of continuously changing the lamp to a predetermined mode, for example, a state where the lamp is not lit (non-lighting state) is set as the first effect mode, and a state where the lamp is lit (lighted state) is set as the second effect mode. This is a process of performing an effect of continuously lighting the second effect mode from the start timing to the end timing shown above.

  The embodiment described above is an embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within a range not changing the gist thereof.

1 gaming machine 110 main control board 120 production control board 150 image control board 150a liquid crystal control CPU
150b Liquid crystal control RAM
150c LCD control ROM
151 CGROM
152 Crystal Oscillator 153 VRAM

Claims (1)

Operation means that can be operated by the player;
Determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information upon establishment of a start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means;
A symbol display control means for notifying a determination result by the special game determination means by stopping after changing a predetermined symbol in the symbol display means;
An operation effect means capable of performing an operation effect by an operation of the operation means by a player;
Based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means, prior determination means for determining in advance whether or not to perform the special game;
Based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination means, the pre-decision effect control means capable of causing a pre-decision effect to be performed according to the effect mode of the operation means, and
The pre-decision effect control means is
The operation means can be controlled in a first effect mode and a second effect mode different from the first effect mode,
Based on the prior determination result by the prior determination unit, the predetermined determination subject to the prior determination from any variation before the predetermined symbol variation that has been subject to the prior determination. The operation means is controlled in the second effect mode over the variation of symbols, and even if the operation means is operated by the player, the operation means is continued in the second effect mode until the predetermined symbol variation. Control
A releasable timing is set so that the control for continuing the operation means to the second effect mode can be canceled in the variation of the predetermined symbol that is the object of the prior determination, and the operation is performed by the player. Even if the means is operated, the control for continuing the operation means to the second effect mode until the predetermined symbol changes is released after the releaseable timing has elapsed, and the operation means is operated by the player after the release. When the control means changes the operation means from the second effect mode to the first effect mode,
The operation effect means is
Even if the player operates the operation means before the releaseable timing, the operation effect is not performed, and the player operates the operation means after the releaseable time has passed. A gaming machine characterized in that the operation effect is performed when

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