JP6086456B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  A variety of presentation devices such as liquid crystal display devices (liquid crystal panels), production display lamps (electric decorations), and sound generators (sound devices, speakers) are provided in gaming machines as devices that play a role in enhancing the interest of players. It has been. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part.

When a state in which a game has not been performed for a predetermined time is detected, demonstration display and screen clear are continuously performed on the liquid crystal display device to prevent the liquid crystal display device from being burned. In order to suppress the occurrence of the image sticking (afterimage) phenomenon of the liquid crystal display device of the pachinko machine, the liquid crystal display device is controlled to display in units of a predetermined number of divided display units, and the same When the same display contents are continuously displayed for a predetermined time so as not to be continuously stopped and displayed for a predetermined time in the display area, the position of the display area is moved.

  The effect liquid crystal display device displays an effect screen according to the game situation during the game, and a so-called demonstration screen when no game is played. These are all moving images or frequently switched still images, and change with time.

  Recently, however, a large number of large-sized liquid crystal display devices are provided, and one of them displays a moving image similar to the conventional one. On the other hand, a design (photograph, illustration, character, etc.) applied to the casing is displayed. A gaming machine has been introduced in which such still images are continuously displayed. The latter liquid crystal display device may continue to display the same image for a long time.

  When the same image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device for a long time without any change, the previous image may still be displayed slightly even when switching to another screen. This is called a ghost image. This is caused by the charging of the liquid crystal panel, and the quality of the screen is deteriorated.

  Patent Document 1 includes a game state detection unit that detects a state in which a game has not been performed for a predetermined time, and continuously performs a predetermined game display when a state in which a game has not been performed for a predetermined time is detected. For example, even if there are pachinko machines that are not used for gaming for a certain period of time even during the business hours of pachinko parlors, the display screen is continuously operated (characters) so that it can be determined that the player can play (does not erase the screen). Etc.) to prevent image sticking and maintain good image quality (Patent Document 1, Paragraph 0023).

  However, Patent Document 1 relates to a gaming machine including a special liquid crystal display device called “ferroelectric liquid crystal” (paragraph 0035) and cannot be applied to a general liquid crystal display device. In addition, since a predetermined game display is continuously performed when it is detected that a game has not been performed for a predetermined time, a plurality of large liquid crystal display devices are provided, one of which is a still image as a design of the housing. Cannot be applied to a gaming machine that continuously displays (the screen must not change).

  Patent Document 2 discloses a game machine including a video control circuit that controls display of a variable display device in units of a predetermined number of divisions, and continuously stops the same display contents over a predetermined time in the same display area. It is not displayed. This replacement is repeated every 5 minutes, so that the identification information and the general display are not stopped and displayed only at a specific location for a relatively long time, and any one of the identification information and the general display is displayed on the liquid crystal display device. These areas are hard to be burned (Patent Document 2, paragraph 0062).

  However, Patent Document 2 cannot be applied to a gaming machine in which a screen is divided and display control is not performed. In addition, since the display position in the divided display area is exchanged, the screen inevitably changes, and it is applied to a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image as a housing design (the screen must not change). I can't.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 provide a plurality of large liquid crystal display devices, one of which prevents burn-in (ghost image) in a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image such as a design applied to a housing. It cannot be applied to usage.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent image sticking of a liquid crystal display device in a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image such as a design applied to a housing on the liquid crystal display device.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a liquid crystal display device that displays an image related to an effect, and a processing unit that controls the liquid crystal display device.
An image generating unit for generating a predetermined image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device;
A determination unit that monitors the state of the gaming machine and determines a change in the screen of the liquid crystal display device based on the monitoring result;
A first timer for measuring a duration of a state in which the screen of the liquid crystal display device is not changed based on a determination result of the determination unit;
A white image generating unit that generates a white image covering the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device when the time measured by the first timer has passed a predetermined time;
A second timer for measuring a time during which the white image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device;
An erasing unit for erasing the white image when the time measured by the second timer has elapsed,
The image generation unit generates the predetermined image again after erasure by the erasure unit.

The present invention controls a first liquid crystal display device that displays a moving image related to an effect, a second liquid crystal display device that displays a still image related to the effect, the first liquid crystal display device, and the second liquid crystal display device. In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit,
An image generator for generating a predetermined image to be displayed on the second liquid crystal display device;
A determination unit that monitors the state of the gaming machine and determines a change in the screen of the second liquid crystal display device based on the monitoring result;
A first timer for measuring a duration of a state in which the screen of the second liquid crystal display device is not changed based on a determination result of the determination unit;
A white image generating unit that generates a white image covering the entire screen of the second liquid crystal display device when the time measured by the first timer has passed a predetermined time;
A second timer for measuring a time during which the white image is displayed on the second liquid crystal display device;
An erasing unit for erasing the white image when the time measured by the second timer has elapsed,
The image generation unit generates the predetermined image again after erasure by the erasure unit.

  By generating a white image that covers the entire screen of the second liquid crystal display device and then erasing the white image, charging of the second liquid crystal display device is eliminated.

And a third timer for measuring a time during which the white image is erased.
The image generation unit may generate the predetermined image again when a time determined by the third timer elapses.

  By sufficiently securing the erasing time, charging is surely eliminated.

  For example, the determination unit and the first timer perform one of the following processes.

(1) The determination unit monitors a bet button, a start switch, and a stop button of the gaming machine. When none of these buttons / switches is operated (when no signal is output), the predetermined image is displayed. Judge that it has not changed. The first timer starts timing when it is determined that it has not changed, and stops counting and resets the timer when it is determined that it has changed (when any of the buttons and switches is operated).

(2) The determination unit monitors the output of the sensor of the medal selector, and when the medal is inserted into the gaming machine, but the number of the medal has not reached the specified number (the game cannot be performed), the predetermined image is Judge that it has not changed. The first timer starts counting when it is determined that it has not changed, and stops counting and resets the timer when it is determined that it has changed (when the number of medals reaches a specified number).

(3) The determination unit directly monitors the predetermined image (for example, monitors a writing state in an image memory and a change state of image data), and determines whether the predetermined image has changed. The first timer starts timing when it has been determined that it has not changed, and stops timing when it has been determined that it has changed (when data has been written to the image memory or when image data has changed). Reset the timer.

  According to the present invention, in a gaming machine that continuously displays a still image such as a design applied to a housing on a liquid crystal display device, the state of the gaming machine is monitored, and the liquid crystal display device is based on the monitoring result. The change of the screen is determined, the duration of the state in which the screen of the liquid crystal display device is not changed is measured based on the determination result, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device A white image covering the image is generated, the time during which the white image is displayed is measured, and when the time counted has elapsed, the white image is deleted, and after the deletion, the predetermined image is generated again. Therefore, image sticking of the liquid crystal display device can be prevented.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the image generation system of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the liquid crystal sticking prevention process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing (timing chart) of the liquid crystal sticking prevention process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display device) LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display device) LCD2 is provided over the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  The liquid crystal panel LCD1 displays moving images, frequently updated still images, and the like. On the liquid crystal panel LCD2, still images such as designs (photos, illustrations, characters, etc.) applied to the housing are continuously displayed. The same image continues to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD2 for a long time.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game processing) such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are attached to the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit (insertion accepting means) 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when a big bonus is won by internal lottery, A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation, from the reference position of the spinning cylinder (the frame detected by the reel index). By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, the liquid crystal display device or the like can notify that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LEDs (LED boards) 202B and 202L, a speaker SP, a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and a switch SW. The LEDs 202B and 202L incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the substrate). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  The sub-board 20 drives a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, a speaker SP, a sound controller for generating sound by driving a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML. It has a built-in drive circuit.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes the solenoid SN and the LED 202B, the upper door block BU includes the liquid crystal panel LCD1, the motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body thereby, and the lower door block BL is , A liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, a suggestion for obtaining a ball is displayed on a liquid crystal display device so as to provide (assist) the player with the convenience of operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the liquid crystal panel of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  The liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display device) LCD1 displays a moving image related to the game during the game, and displays a moving image such as a demo screen when the game is not being played.

  On the liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display device) LCD2, still images such as designs (photos, illustrations, characters, etc.) applied to the housing are continuously displayed for a long time. As described above, when the same image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device without changing at all for a long time, the previous image may be slightly displayed even when the screen is switched to another screen. This is called a ghost image. This is due to the charging of the liquid crystal panel. Since the quality of the screen is deteriorated, it is removed by the procedure described later.

  A moving image generation unit 20a generates a moving image for the liquid crystal panel LCD1.

  An image memory 20b stores a moving image generated by the moving image generation unit 20a. In the case of a moving image, the contents of the image memory 20b are frequently rewritten.

  Reference numeral 20c denotes a still image generation unit that generates a still image (design such as a photograph, an illustration, or a character) for the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

  An image memory 20d stores a still image generated by the still image generation unit 20c. Since the still image continues in the same state, rewriting is not performed unless the design is switched.

  Reference numeral 20e denotes a determination unit that monitors the state of the gaming machine and determines a change in the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 based on the monitoring result.

  20f is a first timer that measures the duration of the state in which the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is not changed based on the determination result of the determination unit 20e.

  For example, the determination unit 20e and the first timer 20f perform one of the following processes.

(1) Monitor the operation status of the player. Since the condition for changing the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is determined in advance, it is monitored whether or not the condition is satisfied. In this way, it is not necessary to directly examine the contents of the image memory 20d.

  The determination unit 20e monitors the bet button BET, the start switch 134, and the stop button 140 of the gaming machine. When none of these buttons / switches are operated (when no signal is output), the determination unit 20e It is determined that the screen has not changed. Operation of these buttons / switches can be determined based on a command sent from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20. The first timer 20f starts timing when it is determined that it has not changed, and stops timing and resets the timer when it is determined that it has changed (when any button or switch is operated).

(2) Similarly, the determination unit 20e monitors the outputs of the sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, and when a medal is inserted into the gaming machine, but the number of medals has not reached the specified number (the game is It is determined that the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 has not changed. The number of medals inserted and the number of medals can be determined based on a command sent from the main board 10 to the sub board 20. The first timer 20f starts timing when it is determined that it has not changed, and stops counting and resets the timer when it is determined that it has changed (when the number of medals reaches a specified number).

(3) The contents of the image memory 20d are directly examined.

  The determination unit 20e directly monitors the contents of the image memory 20d (for example, monitors the writing state to the image memory and the change state of the image data), and determines whether the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 has changed. The first timer 2f starts timing when it is determined that it has not changed, and stops timing when it is determined that it has changed (when data has been written to the image memory or when the image data has changed). Reset the timer.

  Reference numeral 20g denotes a white image generation unit that generates a white image that covers the entire screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 when the time measured by the first timer 2f has passed a predetermined time. A white image covering the entire screen is obtained by writing white data in the entire area corresponding to the display area of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in the area of the image memory 20d. If RGB is 8 bits, the white data is (255, 255, 255).

  20h is a second timer that measures the time during which a white image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD2. Since the data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD2 as soon as the data is written in the image memory 20d, the second timer 20h starts timing at the timing when the white image generation unit 20g generates a white image.

  Reference numeral 20i denotes an erasing unit that erases the white image when the time measured by the second timer 20h has elapsed. For example, black data is written in a region where a white image is written in the image memory 20d. The black data is (0, 0, 0).

  Reference numeral 20j denotes a third timer that measures the time during which the white image is erased. The third timer 20j starts measuring time at the timing when the erasing unit 20i erases.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the liquid crystal burn-in prevention process according to the embodiment of the invention.

ST10: The still image generation unit 20c generates the above-described still image and writes it in the image memory 20d. While the image memory 20d holds a still image, the screen of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is in the same state.

ST11: The determination unit 20e performs a determination process. For example, the determination is performed by any one of the methods (1) to (3) described above.

ST12: The first timer 20f measures the time during which the image is unchanged, that is, the time during which the still image is continuously displayed. When the determination unit 20e detects a change in the image, the first timer 20f is reset. In other cases, the first timer 20f continues timing.

ST13: It is determined whether the first timer 20f has counted a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours). If the predetermined time has not been exceeded (NO), time keeping is continued. When the predetermined time is exceeded (YES), a white image is generated. This determination may be performed by the white image generation unit 20g.

ST14: The white image generation unit 20g generates the above-described white image.

ST15: It is determined whether or not the second timer 20h has counted a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). If the predetermined time has not been exceeded (NO), time keeping is continued. When a predetermined time is exceeded (YES), an erasing operation is performed. This determination may be made by the erasing unit 20i.

ST16: It is determined whether the third timer 20j has counted a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). If the predetermined time has not been exceeded (NO), time keeping is continued. When the predetermined time is exceeded (YES), the process returns to ST10 to generate a still image. This determination may be performed by the still image generation unit 20c.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of a screen state of the liquid crystal panel LCD2. This figure is deformed for easy viewing, and the white image / erasure part is enlarged. Actually, the white image / erasing time is only 2 seconds, which is 1600 of 2 hours of a still image. Therefore, when the liquid crystal burn-in prevention process according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed, the liquid crystal burn-in prevention process is not conspicuous and does not impair the interest.

  The embodiment of the invention is based on a gaming machine having a large liquid crystal panel at each of the lower liquid crystal panel LCD2, which has a poor screen movement, when there is no operation for a certain time (2 hours). The white rectangle is displayed on the entire surface of the liquid crystal panel LCD2 (fade in), and then erased (fade out). This process can eliminate the charging of the liquid crystal panel and prevent a ghost image. It is possible to prevent screen burn of the lower liquid crystal panel LCD2.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

20 sub-board 20a moving image generation unit 20b image memory 20c still image generation unit 20d image memory 20e determination unit 20f first timer 20g white image generation unit 20h second timer 20i erasing unit 20j third timer LCD1 liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display) apparatus)
LCD2 Liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display device)

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine comprising a liquid crystal display device that displays an image related to an effect, and a processing unit that controls the liquid crystal display device,
An image generating unit for generating a predetermined image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device;
A determination unit that monitors the state of the gaming machine and determines a change in the screen of the liquid crystal display device based on the monitoring result;
A first timer for measuring a duration of a state in which the screen of the liquid crystal display device is not changed based on a determination result of the determination unit;
A white image generating unit that generates a white image covering the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device when the time measured by the first timer has passed a predetermined time;
A second timer for measuring a time during which the white image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device;
An erasing unit that erases the white image and turns it into a black image when the time measured by the second timer has elapsed.
The game machine, wherein the image generation unit generates the predetermined image again after erasure by the erasure unit. A first liquid crystal display device that displays a moving image related to the effect; a second liquid crystal display device that displays a still image related to the effect; and a processing unit that controls the first liquid crystal display device and the second liquid crystal display device. In the game machine provided,
An image generator for generating a predetermined image to be displayed on the second liquid crystal display device;
A determination unit that monitors the state of the gaming machine and determines a change in the screen of the second liquid crystal display device based on the monitoring result;
A first timer for measuring a duration of a state in which the screen of the second liquid crystal display device is not changed based on a determination result of the determination unit;
A white image generating unit that generates a white image covering the entire screen of the second liquid crystal display device when the time measured by the first timer has passed a predetermined time;
A second timer for measuring a time during which the white image is displayed on the second liquid crystal display device;
An erasing unit that erases the white image and turns it into a black image when the time measured by the second timer has elapsed.
The game machine, wherein the image generation unit generates the predetermined image again after erasure by the erasure unit. And a third timer for measuring a time during which the white image is erased.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit generates the predetermined image again when a time determined by the third timer elapses. 4.

Images