JP6124481B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  As a gaming machine, when a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and the game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a prize game medium such as a predetermined number of prize balls is obtained. Some are given to players. In addition, a variable display device is provided that can variably display identification information (also referred to as “variation”) when a game medium wins in a predetermined winning area (start winning opening) (start condition is established). There are some which are configured to be controllable to a specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes the specific display result (big hit symbol).

  A first liquid crystal display and a second liquid crystal display that can advance to the front side of the first liquid crystal display are provided, and the second liquid crystal display moves to a position overlapping with the first liquid crystal display at the time of production. There has also been proposed a gaming machine in which the second liquid crystal display returns to the initial position where the second liquid crystal display does not overlap with the first liquid crystal display (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-5693 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it takes a certain time for the second liquid crystal display to return to the initial position from the state where the second liquid crystal display has advanced to the front side of the first liquid crystal display. There is a possibility that the timing of performing the production will be limited and the interest of the game cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with improved gaming interests.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention
A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that performs a predetermined game,
The favorable advantageous conditions (for example, SP mode inrush etc.) for the player by a game notification effect for notifying whether or not controlled (e.g., the movable display effect such or announcement attraction) notification effect execution means for executing (e.g. , Movable display effect operation control in step S556 executed by the effect control CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81, notice effect operation control in step S558, etc.)
First display means for displaying an image related to the game;
A second display means (for example, the second effect display devices 11a to 11d) provided to display an image related to the game and capable of performing a predetermined operation;
In the notification effect, the movable display effect executing means (for example, the effect control CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81) executes the movable display effect (for example, the operation shown in FIG. 21) for operating the second display means. The movable display effect operation control in step S556 to be executed),
When the movable display effect ends, return operation execution means (for example, effect) for executing a return operation (for example, an operation as shown in FIG. 23) for returning the second display means to a predetermined return position. And the effect display device return operation control in step S604 executed by the effect control CPU 86 of the control microcomputer 81).
When the movable display effect is executed in the previously executed notification effect, the notification effect executing means is a new one regardless of whether or not the return operation based on the end of the movable display effect is completed. While it is possible to start running notification effects,
The return operation execution means, when execution of a new notification effect is started before the completion of the return operation, the earliest timing at which the movable display effect can be executed in the notification effect (for example, as shown in FIG. 20 such such as the timing T42) to complete the recovery operation before,
The movable display effect executing means superimposes the second display means on the first display means in the movable display effect.
It is characterized by that.

According to such a configuration, the degree of freedom increases at the timing at which an effect accompanying the operation of the second display means can be executed, and a variety of effects can be performed.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
In addition to the movable display means, a specific display means (for example, the first effect display device 9) is provided,
The movable display effect execution means moves the movable display means to a position where it is superimposed on a display area (for example, the first liquid crystal panel 9 ′) of the specific display means.
It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, the production effect is enhanced by the production of the combination of the movable display means and the specific display means, and the player's interest can be improved.

(3) In the gaming machine of (2) above,
A notice effect execution means for executing a notice effect on the specific display means during the notification effect (for example, notice effect operation control in step S558 executed by the effect control CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81) is provided.
When the movable display effect is executed in the previously executed notification effect, the notification effect executing means is a new one regardless of whether or not the return operation based on the end of the movable display effect is completed. While it is possible to start running notification effects,
The return operation execution means, when execution of a new notification effect is started before the completion of the return operation, to complete the return operation by the earliest timing at which the notice effect can be executed in the notification effect,
It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, when the notice effect is executed on the specific display means, the operation of the movable display means does not hinder the execution of the notice effect, so that the game can be progressed smoothly.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3),
A lottery process executing means for executing the movable display effect by the movable display effect executing means or a lottery process executing means for executing the lottery process for executing the notice effect by the notice effect executing means (for example, an effect control micro A lottery process performed in the movable display effect determination process in step S532 or the notice effect determination process in step S533, which is executed by the effect control CPU 86 of the computer 81).
The lottery process execution means executes the same lottery process regardless of whether or not the return operation is performed by the return operation execution means.
It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to divide the processing related to the lottery of the movable display effect and the notice effect depending on the presence or absence of the operation of the movable display means, so that the processing burden on the gaming machine can be reduced.

It is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine which is a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. (A) is a front view showing each effect display device when the first effect display device and the second effect display device are in a non-overlapping state, and an AA cross-sectional view in the front view, (b) These are the front view which shows each effect display apparatus when a 1st effect display apparatus and a 2nd effect display apparatus are in a superimposition state, and BB sectional drawing in this front view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example at the time of power saving control. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example in the effect control board. It is a figure which shows the VRAM area | region in SDRAM. It is a figure which shows each drawing area | region of a 1st effect display apparatus, a 2nd effect display apparatus, and a main frame buffer. (A) is a figure which shows the state which drawn the main image in the main frame buffer, (b) is a figure which shows the state which drawn the sub image in the sub-frame buffer. (A) is a figure which shows the state which replicated the sub image to the main frame buffer, (b) is a figure which shows the state which reproduced the sub image in the sub frame buffer again. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drawing order of the image using a frame buffer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drawing order at the time of utilizing a spare virtual area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of a 1st effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect display apparatus return process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the timing which an effect display apparatus operate | moves. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of execution start of a movable display effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example in execution of a movable display effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of execution completion of a movable display effect. It is a front view of the slot machine to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which are mounted in a slot machine.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front. In the following description, the front side (player side) in FIG. 1 will be described as the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the back side (inward side) will be described as the back side. In addition, the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is an opposing surface that faces the player when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the player side.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mainly configured by an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a front frame (not shown) attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. A glass door frame 102 and a lower door frame 103 are provided on the front surface of the front frame so as to be openable and closable around one side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper front portion of the lower door frame 103 attached to the lower side of the glass door frame 102 is a game ball storage unit that can store pachinko balls (hitting balls) as game media (game balls). An upper plate portion 3a having a hitting ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper plate) 3 formed on the upper surface thereof projects toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (front direction of the pachinko gaming machine 1). Also, below this upper plate portion 3a, an operation lever 600, which will be described later, is pivotally supported, and a lower plate portion 4a (also called a lower plate) 4 is formed on the upper surface. The projecting portion) is projected toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (front direction of the pachinko gaming machine 1). A hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a pachinko ball is provided on the right side.

  The operation lever 600 includes an operation rod that is held by the player, and a trigger switch is provided at a predetermined position of the operation rod (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation rod). A trigger button is provided. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push / pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, index finger) while the player holds the operation lever of the operation lever 600 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. Lever switches 510a to 510d arranged in four directions in order to detect a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the main body of the lower plate 4a below the operation lever 600.

  In addition, the member that forms the upper plate 3 can be operated by a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by, for example, pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate 3 main body (for example, above the operation lever 600). An operation button 516 is provided. The operation button 516 may be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A button switch 516a (see FIG. 4) for detecting a player's operation action performed on the operation button 516 may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the operation button 516.

  A pair of left and right speakers 27a and 27b, which will be described later, are disposed on the front left and right sides of the lower door frame 103.

  A transparent game board 6 detachably attached to the front frame 101 is disposed on the back surface of the glass door frame 102. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a first effect display device 9 (variable display device, including a plurality of variable display areas, each of which displays a decorative pattern (also referred to as an effect pattern) for effect display (also referred to as a variable display). The main display device) and the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d (sub display devices) smaller than the first effect display device 9 can be seen through the transparent game board 6. It is provided on the back side of the panel 6. In the following description, the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d (sub display devices) may be collectively referred to as the second effect display device 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d have different display areas and display pixel densities. In the present embodiment, the total number of pixels of the first effect display device 9 is 800 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 600 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), and each second effect display. The total number of pixels of the devices 11a to 11d is 480 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 234 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). In the present embodiment, the actual size of the first effect display device 9 is about 12 cm in the X-axis direction (lateral direction) and about 9 cm in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), and each second effect display device. The actual dimensions of the display devices 11a to 11d are about 6 cm in the X-axis direction (lateral direction) and about 3 cm in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). That is, the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d differ in the number of pixels per square centimeter.

  The first effect display device 9 uses a liquid crystal panel 9 ′ having a display portion (display region) having a large display area, and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d have a display portion (display region) having a small display area. ) Liquid crystal panels 11a ′ to 11d ′ are used. The first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are provided with a frame portion so as to surround each display portion.

  Further, as described above, the first effect display device 9 is configured to variably display the decorative design for the effect, and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are variably displayed on the first effect display device 9. An effect image attached to is displayed. That is, the effect control board 80 mentioned above performs the effect which displays the display content which mutually cooperated with the 1st effect display apparatus 9 and the 2nd effect display apparatuses 11a-11d.

  The second effect display devices 11a to 11d not only display the display contents linked to the display image of the first effect display device 9, but also the individual effects not linked to the display image of the first effect display device 9. An image is also displayed.

  Furthermore, the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are horizontally long displays. In addition, the vertical orientation of the first effect display device 9 is the direction recommended for use when designing the first effect display device 9 (the orientation in which the screen is horizontally long), that is, the horizontal line of the display screen is horizontal. Are arranged as follows. On the other hand, the arrangement of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d in the vertical direction is the direction recommended when designing the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (direction in which the screen is horizontally long), that is, the display screen. The horizontal lines are arranged in a state of being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the horizontal, not in a horizontal direction. In other words, each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is arranged in a state in which the horizontal line of the display screen is rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal (a state in which the horizontal line is rotated by a predetermined angle about the normal line of the display surface). .

  In the present embodiment, the second effect display device 11a arranged at the upper left of the first effect display device 9 is arranged to rotate counterclockwise at an angle of 45 °. The second effect display device 11b disposed at the upper right is rotated by an angle of 45 ° clockwise, and the second effect display device 11c disposed at the lower left of the first effect display device 9 is rotated clockwise. A second effect display device 11d arranged at a rotation angle of 45 ° and arranged at the lower right of the first effect display device 9 is arranged to rotate counterclockwise at an angle of 45 °.

  In the present embodiment, the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d are arranged adjacent to the four corners of the first effect display device 9, and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are the first. It arrange | positions in the front side rather than the production | presentation display apparatus 9 (refer AA sectional drawing of Fig.2 (a)). Further, in the present embodiment, four moving motors 59a to 59d (see FIG. 4) for moving the second effect display devices 11a to 11d to the back side of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the second effect display devices 11a to 11d and the moving motors 59a to 59d (driving means) have the same configuration, so that the second effect display device 11c and the moving motor 59c are provided. This will be described as an example. The second effect display device 11c and the moving motor 59c are connected via a link mechanism 60, and the second effect display device 11c is overlapped with the first effect display device 9 by driving the moving motor 59c. The second effect display device 11c between the non-overlapping position that does not become (see FIG. 2A) and the overlap position where the second effect display device 11c overlaps the first effect display device 9 (see FIG. 2B). The arrangement position of can be changed. In addition, the arrangement positions of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are not only arranged at the non-superimposition position or the superposition position, but the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are arranged at intermediate positions between the non-superimposition position and the superposition position. Can also be stopped.

  Further, the moving motors 59a to 59d of the present embodiment are stepping motors that operate in synchronization with the pulse power and can accurately control the rotation. Then, the production control microcomputer 81 that controls the movement motors 59a to 59d responds to the rotation speed of the movement motors 59a to 59d and the rotation speed based on the pulse power sent to the movement motors 59a to 59d. The moving distance of each 2nd production display apparatus 11a-11d can be grasped | ascertained now.

  In the present embodiment, driving means for moving the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is configured by driving the moving motors 59a to 59d. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the actuator is not limited thereto. Alternatively, driving means for moving the second effect display device by driving the air cylinder or the like may be configured. Furthermore, a chain, a belt, or the like may be used to transmit the driving force from the driving means to the second effect display device. In the present embodiment, the second effect display device 11c and the moving motor 59c are connected via the link mechanism 60. However, by using a rack and a pinion, the second effect display device and the moving motor are used. And may be connected to each other.

  In this embodiment, since the transparent game board 6 is used, no opening is provided in front of the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, but an opaque game board is used. In this case, an opening for allowing the player to visually recognize the display of the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d may be provided in the game board 6.

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 (see FIG. 4) for variably displaying special symbols as a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them is provided at predetermined locations on the game board 6. The first effect display device 9 has, for example, three variable display areas (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The first effect display device 9 is a decorative (effect) symbol during a special symbol variable display period by the special symbol indicator 8, and is a decorative symbol as a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each symbol. Fluctuation (variable) display. The first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are an effect control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 4) mounted on an effect control board 80 (effect execution means, display control board) to be described later. Controlled by each device.

  The special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9, for example. The special symbol display 8 includes a first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as the first identification information, and a second special symbol as the second identification information. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for displaying is provided.

  The variable display of the first special symbol is a variable display start condition (for example, after the first start condition, which is a variable display execution condition) is established (for example, a game ball has won a first start port 15a described later). When the number of reserved memories is not 0, the variable display of the first special symbol is not executed and the jackpot game is not executed) When the time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. The variable display of the second special symbol is a variable display start condition after a second start condition, which is a variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, a game ball has won a second start port 15b described later). (For example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0, the variable display of the second special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed) is started based on When the variation time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  As described later, the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and the variation (variable) display of the decorative symbol on the first effect display device 9 are the first special symbol display. 8a is started in conjunction with the start of variable display on the second special symbol display 8b, and is linked to the stop of variable display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. The decorative design variation (variable) display that is identification information in the first effect display device 9 is also the first start condition or the second start condition that is a variable display execution condition. Is established (for example, when a game ball has won a first start port 15a or a second start port 15b, which will be described later), a variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the first Special design The variable display time (fluctuation time) has elapsed since the variable display of the second special symbol has not been executed and the big hit game or the small hit game has not been executed. Then, a display result (a stop symbol by a combination of decorative symbols) is derived and displayed.

  Below the first effect display device 9, there is provided a start winning device 15 having a first start port 15a and a second start port 15b as a winning area that can accept pachinko balls. In the start winning device 15, the first start port 15a is provided in the upper part, and the second start port 15b is provided in the lower part. A pair of movable pieces 13 and 13 are provided on the left and right sides of the second start port 15b in such a manner that an opening / closing operation can be performed. The first start port 15a is open upward and is always in a state where a pachinko ball can enter (accept). On the other hand, the second start port 15b is provided with a structure around the first start port 15a above and the movable pieces 13 and 13 are provided on the left and right, so that the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in a closed state. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in an open state, the pachinko ball can enter (accept). Thus, the first start port 15a does not change the easiness of winning, and the second start port 15b changes the easiness of winning according to the opening / closing operation of the movable pieces 13, 13.

  The starting prize-winning device 15 is able to win in the state where the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in the closed state, although it is difficult to win in the second starting port 15b (that is, the pachinko ball has won a prize). It may be configured to be difficult). In addition, the start winning device 15 may be provided with only the first start port 15a that does not change the easiness of winning as a start port, and it is easy to win by opening and closing the movable pieces 13, 13. Only the second start port 15b whose height changes may be provided.

  The movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start prize-winning device 15 are driven by the solenoid 16 when an opening condition described later is satisfied, so that the movable pieces 13 and 13 are opened from the closed state for a predetermined period and then closed. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are in the open state, the pachinko ball is easy to win the second start port 15b (easy to start start) and is advantageous to the player (first state). ) On the other hand, when the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are in the closed state, the pachinko ball does not win the second start opening 15b (it becomes difficult to start winning), which is a disadvantageous state for the player (second state). State). The winning ball that has entered the first start port 15a is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start port switch 14a. The winning ball that has entered the second start port 15b is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start port switch 14b.

  The predetermined number of the game board 6 displays four numbers indicating the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first starting port switch 14a or the second starting port switch 14b, that is, the number of reserved memories (also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory). A special symbol storage memory display 18 (see FIG. 4) is provided. The special symbol reservation storage display 18 displays up to four reservation storage numbers in the order of winning. The special symbol hold memory display 18 increases the stored data in the hold memory by 1 and increases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 every time there is a start winning in the first start port 15a or the second start port 15b. Each time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display, the special symbol storage memory display 18 decreases the storage data of the storage by 1 and decreases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, one LED Is turned off. Specifically, the special symbol hold storage display 18 shifts the lighting state every time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display. In this example, an upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the number of reserved memories by winning to the first start port 15a or the second start port 15b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit number of the reserved storage number may be a value of 4 or more, or may be a value less than 4.

  A special variable winning ball device 20 using an opening / closing plate that is opened and closed by a solenoid 21 is provided below the start winning device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is provided with a big winning opening that is opened and closed by an opening / closing plate, and the opening / closing plate is controlled to an open state (first state) advantageous to the player in the big hit gaming state, and the big hit gaming state In other states, the open / close plate is controlled to a closed state (second state) which is disadvantageous to the player. As described above, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 satisfies the release condition when it enters the big hit gaming state. Of the winning balls that are won in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 and guided to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball that has entered one (V winning area: special area) and the pachinko ball that has entered the other area are counted as they are. 23. A solenoid 21a (see FIG. 4) for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided on the back of the game board 6.

  When the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 which displays the normal symbols as a plurality of types of identification information in a variable manner is started. In this embodiment, left and right LEDs (not shown) can be turned on by alternately turning on the left and right LEDs (the symbols can be visually recognized). For example, if the left LED is turned on at the end of the change display, Become. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the opening condition of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 is established, and the movable pieces 13 and 13 in the start winning device 15 are 13 is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 (see FIG. 4) having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of memorized effective passing balls that have passed through the gate 32, that is, the starting passing memorized number. ) Is provided. Every time there is a pachinko ball passing through the gate 32, the stored data of the start passing memory is incremented by 1, and the normal symbol holding memory display 41 increments the LED to be lit by 1. Then, every time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the stored data of the start passage memory is decreased by 1, and the LED to be lit is decreased by 1.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of normal winning ports including a first normal winning port 29 and a second normal winning port 30 as a winning area of a winning device that accepts a pachinko ball and allows winning. The winning of the pachinko ball to the first normal winning opening 29 is detected by the first winning opening switch 29a. The winning of the pachinko ball in the second normal winning opening 30 is detected by the second winning opening switch 30a. The first starting port 15a, the second starting port 15b, and the big winning port also constitute a winning area of the winning device that accepts a pachinko ball and allows winning. In addition, decorative light emitting portions 25L and 25R in which decorative LEDs 25a blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right of the game area 7, and an out port 26 for collecting pachinko balls that have not won a prize is provided at the bottom. There is.

  Two speakers 27L and 27R that emit sound effects are provided at the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7, and two speakers 27a and 27b that emit sound effects are provided at the left and right lower portions. In the following description, the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b may be collectively referred to as speakers 27. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, there is a sky lamp module 530 in which various LEDs such as a rotating body LED are incorporated, a left light emitting unit 28L in which a left frame LED 28b (see FIG. 4) is incorporated, and a right frame LED 28c (see FIG. 4). ) Is built in. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The LED for the rotating body, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of the decoration light emitter provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided at a predetermined position of the left light emitting unit 28L, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when a supply ball is cut is provided at a predetermined position of the right frame LED 28c. Is provided.

  Various light emitting means such as prize ball LED 51, ball-out LED 52, decoration LED 25 a, left frame LED 28 b, right frame LED 28 c, and each LED in the top lamp module 530 are based on the effect control command output from the main board 31. Lighting control (LED control) is performed based on a signal output from the computer 81. In addition, sound generation control (sound control) from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b is also performed by the effect control microcomputer 81.

  Pachinko balls launched from a hitting ball launcher (not shown) by operating the hitting operation handle 5 of the player enter the game area 7 through the hitting guide rail (not shown), and then flow down the game area 7. When a pachinko ball enters the first start port 15a and is detected by the first start port switch 14a, or enters the second start port 15b and is detected by the second start port switch 14b, a special symbol variation display is displayed. If it can be started, the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 starts to be displayed in a variable manner. If the special symbol variable display is not ready to start, the number of reserved memories is increased by one.

  The variation display of the symbols on the special symbol display 8 and the first effect display device 9 stops when the variation display time set every time the variation display is performed. If the symbol at the time of stop (stop symbol) is a jackpot symbol (also referred to as a jackpot display result) as a specific display result, it will be a jackpot and the game will shift to a jackpot gaming state. In the big hit gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, ten) of pachinko balls wins. Then, if the pachinko ball wins the V winning area while the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened and is detected by the count switch 23, a continuation right is generated and the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted with a predetermined number of times such as 15 rounds as an upper limit value. Such control is called repeated continuation control. In the repeated continuation control, a state in which the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened is called a round.

  When the symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the first effect display device 9 at the time of stoppage is a predetermined special jackpot symbol (probability variation jackpot symbol) of the jackpot symbol, it is determined that the jackpot after the jackpot gaming state This is a more advantageous state for the player, such as a probability variation state (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation state) in which the probability (hit probability) is higher than the normal gaming state, which is a normal state different from the big hit gaming state. Hereinafter, the probability variation state is also referred to as a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as a high probability state). Further, the non-probable change state is also referred to as a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as a low probability state).

  In addition, when the display result of the symbols when the variable display on the special symbol display 8 and the first effect display device 9 is stopped is the probability variation big hit symbol, the time is reduced to the short time state where the fluctuation time is reduced after the big hit gaming state. It is controlled over a predetermined period. Compared to the normal gaming state, the short time state means that each of the special symbol display 8, the first effect display device 9, and the normal symbol display 10 has a variable display time (from the start of the change until the display result is derived and displayed). The control state in which the display result is derived and displayed at an early stage. Further, during the time-short state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased. In other words, so-called electric Chu support control is executed. During the time-short state, since the display time of the symbol variation is shortened, the number of reserved memories to be described later is digested early, and the start winning that occurs exceeding the upper limit (for example, “4”) of the number of reserved memories becomes invalid. Since it is easy to derive and display the jackpot display result early in the short term, it is easy to derive and display the jackpot display result early, so the display result of the variable display is likely to become the display result of the jackpot symbol from a time efficient viewpoint It becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player. As described above, in the case of a probable big hit, the high probability state and the short time state are controlled in a predetermined period after the end of the big hit gaming state. The short-time state over a predetermined period after the end of the jackpot gaming state is either the next jackpot gaming state occurs, or until the special symbol and decorative symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times (100 times). It continues until the condition of is satisfied.

  Also, when considering the payout of pachinko balls according to the winning, the time-short state is shorter than the non-time-short state and the normal symbol variation display time is shortened, and the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol. The probability is increased, the opening time of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 at the time of winning is lengthened, and the number of times of opening the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the starting winning device 15 at the time of hitting is increased. Based on this, the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are likely to be in an open state as compared with the normal gaming state. Accordingly, in the short-time state, it is easy to generate a prize (including both a case where the start prize is valid and a case where the prize is invalid) in the second start port 15b, so the number of pachinko balls ( The ratio of the number of pachinko balls (the number of balls to be paid out) to be paid out as winning balls according to the winning is greater than the number of hitting balls) as compared to the normal gaming state. In general, the ratio of the number of paid-out balls for winning a prize to the number of shot balls is called “base”. For example, when there are 40 payout balls with respect to 100 shot balls, the base is 40 (%). In the case of this embodiment, for example, a time-short state having a higher base than a non-time-short state such as a normal gaming state is called a high base state, and conversely, a base gaming state having a lower base compared to such a high base state Such a non-time-short state is called a low base state.

  In this way, the ratio of the number of award balls paid out by winning a prize to the number of balls launched is generally called “base”, but the maximum number of pachinko balls fired per unit time such as 1 minute is limited to a certain number. ing. For this reason, the “base” can also be indicated by a total value of the number of winning balls paid out by winning a plurality of winning openings provided in the game area in a unit time. For example, assuming that the maximum number of pachinko balls fired per unit time is 100, the total number of award balls paid out by winning in a unit time matches the general “base” value. Based on such relevance, in the present embodiment, each of the first start port 15a, the second start port 15b, the first normal winning port 29, and the second normal winning port 30 is an abnormality monitoring target winning port, A total value of the number of paid-out balls of the winning ball due to the winning of the abnormality monitoring target winning opening is called a base, and is used as an object of abnormality monitoring related to winning.

  Whether the probability variation state (high probability state) or the non-probability variation state (low probability state) is determined based on whether or not the probability variation flag, which is a flag set in the probability variation state, is set. . Also, whether the time-short state (high base state) or the non-time-short state (low base state) is determined based on whether or not the time-short flag, which is a flag set in the time-short state, is set. Is done.

  In addition, in the state that is not controlled to the above-mentioned time-short state, every time the number of special symbols on-hold storage exceeds a predetermined number, the memory that controls the memory variation shortened state that shortens the variation display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol Fluctuation shortening control is performed. The memory fluctuation shortening control ends when the number of reserved symbols for special symbols is less than a predetermined number. Therefore, even in a state where the time-short state is not controlled, there is a case where the variation display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is shortened.

  The decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the first effect display device 9 are variably displayed with a predetermined relationship with the variably displayed special symbols in order to enhance the decoration effect of the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 8. This is a symbol with a decorative meaning. The predetermined relationship for such symbols includes, for example, the relationship in which the decorative symbol variation display starts when the special symbol variation display is started, and the special symbol display result at the end of the special symbol variation display. This includes a relationship in which the decorative symbol display result is derived and displayed and the decorative symbol variation display is terminated. When the special symbol display 8 derives and displays a predetermined jackpot symbol as a display result, the first effect display device 9 derives a combination of the jackpot symbol whose left, middle, and right symbols are flattered as the display result. Is displayed. Such a display result of the jackpot symbol by the special symbol and the display result of the combination of the jackpot symbol by the decoration symbol are referred to as a jackpot display result.

  The special symbol display 8 and the first effect display device 9 have the correspondence relationship as described above, and therefore, in the following description, these may be collectively referred to as a variation display unit.

  Further, in the lower right part of the display screen of the first effect display device 9, there are provided fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b for displaying the fourth symbol after the effect symbols, special symbols and normal symbols (FIG. 3). (See (A)).

  The first effect display device 9 performs variable display of the effect symbols in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. When performing the used effect, for example, when an effect is performed such that the second effect display device 11 blocks all or part of the screen, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current variable display is in progress. Has occurred. Therefore, the variable display of the 4th symbol is further performed in a part of the display area of the first effect display device 9, and the state of the 4th symbol is confirmed to surely recognize whether or not it is currently in the variable display state. It is possible. Note that the 4th symbol is always variably displayed with a constant operation and is not shielded by the second effect display device 11, so that the player can always visually recognize it.

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9a for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9b for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, it remains lit in a display color (for example, red) reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9a for the first special symbol. . When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, it remains lit in the display color (for example, red) reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9b for the second special symbol. Further, when the variable display of the first special symbol is not performed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminds that the variable display is not performed in the fourth symbol display area 9a for the first special symbol. It remains lit (for example, green). When the variable display of the second special symbol is not performed on the second special symbol display 8b, a display color (for example, reminding that the variable display is not performed in the fourth symbol display area 9b for the second special symbol) , Green) will remain lit.

  Next, the reach display mode (reach) will be described. The reach display mode (reach) in the present embodiment is that the symbols that have not been stopped when the stopped symbols constitute a part of the jackpot symbol, and that all or This is a state where some symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol.

  For example, in the first effect display device 9, an effective line (one effective line in the case of the present embodiment) that becomes a big hit when the symbol stops is determined in advance, and a part of the display on the effective line is displayed. A state in which the variable display is performed in the display area on the active line that has not been stopped when the symbol predetermined in the area is stopped (for example, the left, middle, and right in the first effect display device 9) The same display is stopped and displayed in the left and right display areas of the variable display area, and the display area in the middle is still displaying the variable display), and all or all of the display areas on the active line A state in which some symbols are displayed in a synchronized manner while constituting all or a portion of the jackpot symbol (for example, the variation display is performed in all of the left, middle, and right display areas in the first effect display device 9). And Same state) the variation displayed with the symbol are aligned is made that reach the display mode or reach.

  In addition, during the reach, an unusual effect may be performed with an LED or sound. This production is called reach production. These reach effects include a reach notification effect for notifying that a reach has been reached. Further, in the case of reach, a character (an effect display imitating a person or the like, which is different from a design (decoration design, etc.)) or a display mode of a background image of the first effect display device 9 (for example, Color). This change in character display and background display mode is called reach effect display. In addition, some reach is set so that when it appears, a big hit is likely to occur compared to a normal reach. Such special (specific) reach is called super reach.

  Moreover, about the 1st production | presentation display apparatus 9, there is a case where a big hit announcement effect such as a pseudo-ream for notifying that there is a possibility of being a big hit is performed in the variable display that triggers the occurrence of the big hit.

  In the case of this embodiment, as a big hit, a plurality of types of big hits such as a normal big hit C and a probability variable big hit A are provided as will be described later. In the following description, when “big hit” is simply indicated without specifying the types of big hits, it is a case where these multiple types of big hits are representatively shown.

  Normally, the big hit C is a big hit (non-probable big hit) which does not become the above-described probability variation state after the big hit gaming state and becomes a low-probability state and a high base state by becoming a time-short state. Such a state having a low probability state and a high base state is referred to as a low probability high base state. The probability variation jackpot A is a jackpot that becomes a probability variation state after the end of the jackpot gaming state and is in a high probability state in which the time is short for a predetermined period and in a high base state. Such a state with a high probability state and a high base state is referred to as a highly accurate high base state. After the probability variation big hit, when the predetermined period elapses, the time reduction state ends, and the state becomes a high probability state and a low base state. Such a state having a high probability state and a low base state is referred to as a high probability low base state.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows a payout control board 37 and an effect control board 80 mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board (game control board) 31 includes a game control microcomputer 156 that is a basic circuit (corresponding to game control means) for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, and a first start port switch 14a. In addition to signals from the second start port switch 14b, the count switch 23, the first winning port switch 29a, and the second winning port switch 30a, various signals such as a power-off signal and a clear signal are given to the game control microcomputer 156. An input circuit 58, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15, a solenoid 21 that opens and closes the special variable winning ball device 20, and a solenoid 21a for switching the path in the special winning opening are for game control. An output circuit 79 driven in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 156; There are mounted.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing fluctuation data) used as a work memory, and a program. Therefore, it includes a CPU 56 that is a processor that performs a control operation, and an I / O port 57. The game control microcomputer 156 is a one-chip microcomputer.

  In the game control microcomputer 156, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, the execution (or processing) of the game control microcomputer 156 as described below specifically means that the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31. The game control means is realized by a game control microcomputer 156 including a CPU 56.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a clock circuit that generates a clock signal, a reset controller that functions as a system reset means, a random number circuit, and a CTC that sends an interrupt request signal to the CPU 56.

  The random number circuit is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on the display result of the variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. The random number circuit updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and at random timing. Based on the fact that the start winning time generated is the time of reading (extracting) the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The game control microcomputer 156 reads the numerical data from the random number circuit as a random number value R (random R) when a start winning to the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b occurs, and converts the numerical data into the numerical data. Based on this, it is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a specific display result, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot. When it is determined that the game is a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. The determination as to whether or not to win is actually executed based on the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning at the start of the variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. Whether the random number generated by the random number circuit is a big hit, such as a random number for probability variation determination for determining whether or not to make a probability variation, and a random number for variation pattern determination for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol. It may be used as a random number for determination other than determination.

  The clock circuit outputs a system clock signal to the CPU 56, and outputs a reference clock signal CLK having a predetermined period generated by dividing the system clock signal to each random number circuit. When a low level signal is input for a certain period, the reset controller outputs a predetermined initialization signal to the CPU 56 and each random number circuit to reset the game control microcomputer 156 as a system.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a volatile storage means that is partly or wholly backed up by a backup power source created on a power supply board (not shown). That is, even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part of the RAM 55 is kept for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). Or the entire contents are preserved. In particular, at least data corresponding to the control state of the game (special symbol process flag or the like) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the RAM 55 as backup data. The data corresponding to the control state is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like.

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board (not shown) has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input circuit 58. The power-off signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. A clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing clearing of the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input circuit 58 at the input port of the game control microcomputer 156. The clear signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58.

  Each of the plurality of switches is connected to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. Thereby, the game control microcomputer 156 receives an input detection signal indicating the input state of each switch from each of the plurality of switches.

  Further, the output circuit 78 mounted on the game control microcomputer 156 transmits (outputs) the effect control command output by the CPU 56 to the effect control board 80. The output circuit 78 transmits (outputs) a control signal output from the CPU 56 to the special symbol display 8, the special symbol hold storage display 18, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41.

  The game control microcomputer 156 outputs an effect control command (effect control signal) as a control signal for instructing the effect control board 80 to perform effect control including display control, sound control, and LED control. Send through.

  The effect control commands transmitted to the effect control board 80 by the game control microcomputer 156 include a customer waiting demonstration designation command and a variable display command.

  The customer waiting demonstration designation command is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating the display during the customer waiting demonstration by the game control microcomputer 156, and a predetermined time has elapsed after the change of the special symbol is finished. When the customer waiting demonstration designation command is sent to the effect control board 80, a predetermined customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed on the first effect display device 9. In other words, normally, when a player changes, there is a period in which the player is absent, so it is assumed that these waiting-for-demo demonstration designation commands are due to the player changing. When it is output.

  The variable display command is an effect control command transmitted at the start of variation in order to designate a variation pattern of the decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the first effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. This command is used to specify the start of fluctuation.

  The effect control board 80 receives an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and controls display of display effects and sound effects (effects) on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Electric component control means such as an effect control microcomputer 81 for performing output control of sound) is mounted.

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and variably displays the decorative symbols. Display control, display control of the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and sound output control from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b.

  The first effect display device 9 is directly connected to a main display system output unit MK (one output unit) of a VDP 262 described later mounted on the effect control board 80. On the other hand, the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d are connected to the sub display system output unit SK (others) of the VDP 262 mounted on the effect control board 80 via one signal separation board 220 (data separation means) described later. Output section, common output section).

  In addition, the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display device 11 have liquid crystal panels 9 ′ and 11a ′ to 11d ′, and the liquid crystal panels 9 ′ and 11a ′ to 11d ′ serve as display units (display areas). ) Is formed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the display unit is configured by using the liquid crystal panels 9 ′, 11a ′ to 11d ′. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first effect display device. The display device 9 and the second effect display device 11 may display images other than liquid crystal, for example, a CRT (Cathode), as long as they can display a decorative design image or the like at a predetermined resolution (display pixel density). It may be configured by a display device such as a Ray Tube), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), dot matrix LED, organic or inorganic electroluminescence (EL) panel. Further, in the first effect display device 9, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner during the special symbol variable display period by the special symbol indicator 8.

  In addition, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects the detection signals from the lever switches 510a to 510d and the button switch 516a, thereby operating the operation lever 600 and the player of the operation button 516. Detects operations by.

  In addition, the production control microcomputer 81 performs display control of the stage LED 25b provided on the game board 6, and the prize ball LED 51, the ball cut LED 52, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c provided on the frame side, Moreover, lighting control of each LED in the top lamp module 530 is performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, four movement motors 59 a to 59 d for operating (moving) the four (plural) second effect display devices 11 a to 11 d are connected to the effect control board 80. The production control microcomputer 81 controls the movements of the respective movement motors 59a to 59d so that the movements of the second production display devices 11a to 11d are controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the effect control board 80 includes an effect control microcomputer 81 including an effect control CPU 86 and a RAM 85. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 86 operates in accordance with a program stored in the built-in ROM 84, and receives an effect control command via the input circuit 260. Among these, in the ROM 84, the data regarding the images displayed on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d in various effects, the time chart of the display start timing and the end timing, and the like are classified into the types of effects. It is memorized every time. Further, the effect control CPU 86 generates a first effect such as generation of an image to be displayed on the first effect display device 9 or adjustment of the light emission intensity of the backlight 9c on the VDP (video display processor) 262 based on the effect control command. First display control processing for performing display control of the display device 9, and second control for performing display control of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d such as generation of images to be displayed on the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Perform display control processing.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 262 (display control means) that performs display control of the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 81 is provided on the effect control board 80. It is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the VDP 262 stores data such as characters (image data of people, animals, characters, figures, symbols, etc., and CG data) as image element data (original image) used as a sprite image. The CGROM 205 and SDRAM 210 (synchronous DRAM) used as a VRAM area (image data storage means) constitute a display control circuit.

  The effect control CPU 86 outputs to the VDP 262 a command for reading out necessary data from the image data ROM 263 storing various image data in accordance with the received effect control command. The image data ROM 263 stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, etc. And a ROM for storing image data of the background image in advance. The VDP 262 reads out image data from the image data ROM 263 in response to a command from the effect control CPU 86. The VDP 262 performs display control based on the read image data.

  The VDP 262 is a system register 202 that stores various settings of the VDP 262, and attributes (parameters used when drawing the character. The drawing order of the character, the number of colors, the scaling ratio, the palette number, the coordinates, etc. Attribute register 203 in which data to be specified is stored, each frame buffer (to be described later) in the VRAM area, and a drawing control unit 206 (array means) that controls drawing of an image in the composite image storage area Is transferred to the VRAM area, and a data signal (R (red), G (green), B (data) for displaying image data stored in an image display area (to be described later) of the VRAM area. Blue)) The signal and the synchronization signal are sent to the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11a. The display control unit 213 (output unit) that outputs to 1d is an integrated circuit which is mounted like.

  The VDP 262 is provided with a system bus and a CG bus. The system bus and the CG bus are connected to the effect control CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81 via the CPU interface 201. It is connected to the CGROM 205 via the CG bus interface 204. A system register 202 is connected to the system bus, and an attribute register 203 is connected to the CG bus, so that the effect control CPU 86 can access the system register 202 and the attribute register 203.

  The drawing control unit 206, the data transfer control unit 211, and the display control unit 213 are connected to the system bus so that the system register 202 can be accessed. The drawing control unit 206 and the data transfer control unit 211 are connected to the CG bus so that the CGROM 205 and the attribute register 203 can be accessed.

  Further, a VRAM bus is further provided inside the VDP 262, and the VRAM bus is connected to the SDRAM 210 via the VRAM bus interface 209. A drawing controller 206, a data transfer controller 211, and a display controller 213 are connected to the VRAM bus so that the VRAM area of the SDRAM 210 can be accessed via the VRAM bus.

  The system register 202 includes a system control register for storing instructions such as initial setting, drawing, and data transfer, an interrupt control register for storing an output instruction of an interrupt signal, an image drawing area in a VRAM area to be described later, a palette data A drawing register for storing an arrangement area, a transfer source address for data transfer, a data transfer register for storing a transfer destination address, a display register for storing an address of an image display area in the VRAM area, and the like are allocated. .

  In this embodiment, the system register 202 stores area data (address) of the first drawing area (first storage area) and each second drawing area (second storage area) in the main frame buffer of the VRAM area. The registered effect control microcomputer 81 is configured to correspond to the position of the display area of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d based on the movement distance of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Each area data of each second drawing area of the register 202 is updated.

  The CPU interface 201 outputs a V blank interrupt signal to the effect control CPU 86 at each start of V blank (an image update period) and outputs various other interrupt signals to the effect control CPU 86. To do. The display control unit 213 performs display output processing for outputting image data in the VRAM area designated by the display register or output image data stored in a composite image storage area described later as a data signal.

  The VDP 262 mounted on the effect control board 80 is displayed on the main display system output unit MK to which the data signal of the main image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 is transmitted, and on each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. And a sub-display system output unit SK to which a data signal of output image data to be described later is transmitted, and two signal output lines (signal output units). Of these two signal output lines, the main display system output unit MK is connected to the liquid crystal panel side receiving circuit of the first effect display device 9, and the signal output from the VDP 262 via the liquid crystal panel side receiving circuit. Is input to the first liquid crystal panel 9 '.

  In addition, as will be described later, a data signal for transmitting image data output from the sub display system output unit SK is transmitted to the sub display system output unit SK separately to each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. A signal separation board 220 is connected, and is connected to each liquid crystal panel side receiving circuit of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d via the signal separation board 220. Then, the data signal output from the VDP 262 via each liquid crystal panel side receiving circuit is input to each of the second liquid crystal panels 11a 'to 11d'. The signal separation board 220 is mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1 as a separate board different from the effect control board 80.

  The signal separation board 220 includes a primary separation circuit that separates the data signal of the sub display system output unit SK (one system) output from the sub display system output unit SK of the VDP 262 (display control means) into two systems, Two secondary separation circuits that separate the signals of each system (each one system) separated and output by the primary separation circuit into two systems, and each system (each 1 each) separated and output by the secondary separation circuit Each transmission circuit for transmitting the data signal of the (system) to each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d.

  The display control unit 213 of the VDP 262 transmits a data signal with a dot clock value of 40 MHz, and the first effect display device 9 has a data signal with the same dot clock value of 40 MHz as the VDP 262. Is received and an image is displayed. On the other hand, as will be described later, each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d receives a data signal having a frequency of a dot clock value of 10 MHz and displays an image. Therefore, a data signal having a dot clock value of 40 MHz output from the VDP 262 is converted into a data signal having a dot clock value of 10 MHz by the signal separation substrate 220 and output.

  In this signal separation substrate 220, the data signal having a frequency of 40 MHz dot clock value output from the VDP 262 is converted to a data signal having a frequency of 20 MHz dot clock value by the primary separation circuit, and further the secondary separation circuit. Thus, the dot clock value is converted into a data signal having a frequency of 10 MHz and output.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the VRAM area of the SDRAM 210. As shown in FIG. The VRAM area includes a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which necessary characters are read from the image data ROM 263 and stored, and palette data (character display) when the drawing control unit 206 draws an image. Each area such as a CG buffer for temporarily storing CG data is allocated to temporarily store (data in which color is defined) and when the drawing control unit 206 draws an image.

  Further, in the VRAM area, an image display area for storing each image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effects. An image drawing area in which each image data displayed on the display devices 11a to 11d is drawn is assigned. These image display area and image drawing area are switched every V blank. For this reason, the image data of each image is drawn in the area assigned as the image drawing area in a certain V blank, and in the next V blank, this area is switched to the image display area. The image data of the drawn image is displayed and output as an image on the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and the image data is drawn in the other region during that time. .

  Further, in each image drawing area (each image display area) in the VRAM area, as will be described later, a first drawing area (first storage area) in which main image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 is stored. A main frame buffer (first image storage means, image storage means) having a sub-area having each storage area (second storage area) in which each sub-image data displayed on each second effect display device 11a-11d is stored. Frame buffer (second image storage means, image storage means) and composite image storage area (output image data storage means) in which sub-image data in each storage area of the sub-frame buffer is synthesized and stored as output image data Is assigned. By designating each of these areas in the display register, an image drawn and stored in the first drawing area is displayed on the first effect display device 9, and an image stored in the composite image storage area is displayed. It is displayed on the second effect display devices 11a to 11d.

  As described above, the effect control CPU 86 can access the system register 202 and the attribute register 203 via the CPU interface 201, and the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11a described above. The VDP 262 is indirectly controlled by storing execution instructions and necessary data in the system register 202 and the attribute register 203 according to the process data defining the display pattern of 11d.

  In the process data, the setting contents that the effect control CPU 86 performs on the system register 202 and the attribute register 203 are determined for each V blank. The setting contents of the system register 202 include drawing, data transfer commands, CG data and palette data for performing data transfer, and attribute settings. The setting contents of the attribute register 203 are attributes, that is, parameters used when drawing a character.

  In the process data, an attribute is set so that the image is updated every V blank. For this reason, the image is updated every V blank.

  Here, the drawing control will be briefly described. In order for the drawing control unit 206 to perform the drawing process, it is necessary that characters necessary for drawing be arranged in the VRAM area. In other words, it is necessary to place a character as image element data of the sprite image in the VRAM area.

  For this reason, when executing the various effects, the effect control CPU 86 issues a transfer command from the CGROM 205 to the VRAM area for all the characters necessary to execute the effects. As a result, the data transfer control unit 211 arranges all the characters necessary for the performance in the VRAM area. When performing an effect, the same character is often used for drawing repeatedly, but the data stored in the CGROM 205 is compressed, and it takes time to read it. By arranging all necessary characters in the VRAM area at the initial stage of performing the performance, the time required for drawing can be reduced compared to reading data from the CGROM 205 for each frame. In this embodiment, when the effect control CPU 86 executes the effect, a transfer command from the CGROM 205 to the VRAM area for all the characters necessary for reproducing the moving image is issued. A character transfer command may be issued each time.

  Further, in order for the drawing control unit 206 to perform drawing processing, it is necessary to set an attribute in the attribute register 203. Since the attribute is different for each V blank, the attribute according to the process data is stored in the attribute register 203 for each V blank.

  Then, after starting the production, the production control CPU 86 sets an attribute in the attribute register 203 for each V blank, and then commands execution of reading of the attribute. Along with this, the drawing control unit 206 reads the attribute of the attribute register 203 and instructs the output of the reading end interrupt signal when the reading is completed. In response to this, the effect control CPU 86 commands execution of drawing, and the drawing control unit 206 draws each image data in each frame buffer according to the read attribute.

  FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 show the processing contents in each frame buffer for storing each image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the composite image storage area, and the signal separation board 220. Will be described in detail. Since each frame buffer and composite image storage area allocated to each image drawing area (each image display area) in the VRAM area described above executes the same processing contents with the same configuration, one image drawing area ( Each frame buffer in the image display area) and the composite image storage area will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, in the movable display effect, the notice effect, the reach effect, the effect in the big hit game state, etc., the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are combined to display images and videos. Etc. are displayed. As shown in FIG. 7B, images and the like displayed on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are drawn in the first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer.

  As described above, the main frame buffer, the subframe buffer, and the composite image storage area are allocated to the VRAM area. As shown in FIG. 8A, the main frame buffer is assigned with a first drawing area in which main image data to be displayed on the first effect display device 9 is stored. A memory area capable of storing pixel data of 800 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 600 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) is allocated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), each storage area for storing sub image data to be displayed on each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is assigned to the subframe buffer. The area is assigned a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 480 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 234 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, in the composite image storage area in which the sub image data of each storage area of the subframe buffer is combined and stored as output image data, 1920 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and Y-axis direction (vertical direction) Is assigned a memory area capable of storing 234 dot pixel data. That is, the number of dots in the X-axis direction allocated to the composite image storage area corresponds to four dots (for four display devices) in the X-axis direction of the storage area of the subframe buffer.

  In the present embodiment, when an image is displayed on the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the drawing control unit 206 of the VDP 262 first selects the character that is the image element data of the sprite image as the main. Drawing is performed in the first drawing area of the frame buffer and drawing is performed in the second drawing area of the subframe buffer (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Here, when performing the joint production which displays the display content which mutually cooperated with the 1st production display device 9 and the 2nd production display devices 11a-11d, each sub picture drawn in each storage area of a sub-frame buffer Data (unprocessed image) is copied to the main frame buffer, and effect processing (predetermined drawing processing) is performed for drawing effect image data (common image data) used for cooperative effects in the main frame buffer. ing. The effect image is, for example, a radial lightning image drawn in common across the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (see FIG. 9A).

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the main frame buffer can be assigned each second drawing area in which each sub image data drawn in each storage area of the sub frame buffer is copied and drawn. Each second drawing area is set according to the physical arrangement state of each second effect display device 11a to 11d, and each second drawing area is arranged adjacent to each of the four corners of the first drawing area. Yes. Furthermore, each 2nd drawing area | region is set in the state rotated by the predetermined angle according to the physical rotation state of each 2nd production display apparatus 11a-11d.

  In the present embodiment, when each sub image data is duplicated from the second drawing area of the subframe buffer by the drawing control unit 206 of the VDP 262, it is arranged at the upper left of the first drawing area in the main frame buffer. The sub image data to be duplicated in the second drawing area is rotated by an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise, and the sub image data to be duplicated in the second drawing area arranged at the upper right of the first drawing area is The sub-image data that is rotated clockwise by 45 ° and is duplicated in the second drawing area arranged at the lower left of the first drawing area is rotated clockwise by 45 °. Then, the sub image data duplicated in the second drawing area arranged at the lower right of the first drawing area is arranged rotated at an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise.

  In the present embodiment, the first effect display device 9 is a display device having a lower resolution (display pixel density) than each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. In the frame buffer, according to the ratio of the physical size (actual size) of the display units of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d to the display unit of the first effect display device 9 (the ratio of the display area of each display unit). Thus, each second drawing area is set to be reduced (lower resolution) than each storage area of the subframe buffer. Then, each sub image data drawn in each storage area of the subframe buffer is duplicated in each second drawing area of the main frame buffer in a reduced (lower resolution) state.

  By doing in this way, the 1st drawing area and each 2nd drawing area in a main frame buffer are the physical of the display part of the 1st effect display apparatus 9, and the display part of each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d. When the effect image data used for the cooperation effect is drawn across the first drawing area and the respective second drawing areas, the first drawing area and the second drawing are set. An area can be drawn as a single area.

  The drawing control unit 206 (see FIG. 5) of the VDP 262 performs the drawing control of each image data on each drawing area of the main frame buffer, and the first drawing area and the second drawing area registered in the system register 202. With reference to each area data (address) of the drawing area, the X value in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Y value in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) in the main frame buffer, that is, the memory address of the SDRAM 210 are set. Each image data is drawn in the set drawing area (see FIG. 9A).

  And when drawing the effect image data used for the cooperation effect over the first drawing area and each second drawing area, the effect is obtained by drawing the first drawing area and the second drawing area as a single area. Information on the X value and Y value of the image element data that is the original image data can be used as it is to specify the X value and Y value in the main frame buffer, that is, the memory address of the SDRAM 210, and the main frame buffer. The control for performing the drawing can be simplified.

  Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 5) grasps the movement distance of each of the second production display devices 11a to 11d based on the pulse power sent to the movement motors 59a to 59d. The control microcomputer 81 performs the second drawing of the system register 202 so as to correspond to the position of the display area of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d based on the moving distance of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Update area data for an area.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is in a non-overlapping position that does not overlap with the first effect display device 9, each second drawing area in the main frame buffer is also the first. A non-overlapping position that does not overlap the drawing area is set (see FIG. 7B). Further, when each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is at the overlapping position overlapping the first effect display device 9, each second drawing area in the main frame buffer is also set to the overlapping position overlapping the first drawing area.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the cooperative performance, after effect processing is performed in the main frame buffer, each sub image data in each second drawing area in the main frame buffer is stored in each storage area in the sub frame buffer. Re-replication (see FIG. 10C). When each sub-image data is re-replicated from the main frame buffer to the sub-frame buffer, a process of rotating each sub-image data by a predetermined angle in the opposite direction to that when the sub-frame buffer is replicated from the main frame buffer. Is supposed to do.

  In the present embodiment, when each sub-image data is reproduced again, the sub-image data stored in the second drawing area arranged at the upper left of the first drawing area of the main frame buffer is rotated 45 ° clockwise. And the sub image data stored in the second drawing area arranged in the upper right of the first drawing area of the main frame buffer is rotated 45 ° counterclockwise. The sub-image data rotated at an angle of 5 and re-replicated in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer and stored in the second drawing area arranged at the lower left of the first drawing area of the main frame buffer is 45 ° counterclockwise. And the sub-image data stored in the second drawing area stored in the lower right of the first drawing area of the main frame buffer. Data is re-duplicated is rotated at an angle of 45 ° clockwise in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer (see Fig. 9 (b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when each sub-image data is re-replicated, a rectangular range around the second drawing area is set as a duplication range in the main frame buffer. Then, the sub image data is rotated for each duplication range and re-duplicated in the sub-frame buffer. By doing so, in the main frame buffer, only the second drawing area rotated by a predetermined angle according to the physical rotation state of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is reproduced again. In comparison, the designation of the X value and Y value necessary for re-duplication in the main frame buffer, that is, the memory address of the SDRAM 210 is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the sub-image data including the duplication range re-duplicated from the main frame buffer is reduced to the main frame buffer and enlarged to the original size before duplication (high resolution). ) And re-replicated (see FIG. 10E). In addition, the sub image data including the duplication range is arranged such that the storage areas for storing the sub image data are separated from each other by a predetermined distance (empty drawing area) so that the duplication ranges of the sub frame buffer do not overlap each other. Is done. In this way, when the sub image data read from the second drawing area of the main frame buffer is reversely rotated by a predetermined angle and stored in the storage area, the mutual storage area and the duplication range in the rotation range are Since interference can be avoided, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate error image from being displayed on each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. In addition, even if the copy range includes a part of the main image data drawn in the first drawing area of the main frame buffer, the storage areas have predetermined predetermined values so that the copy ranges do not overlap. By disposing them at a distance (empty drawing area), there is no possibility that a part of the main image data included in the replication range around one storage area will interfere with another storage area.

  Each sub-image data stored in each storage area of the sub-frame buffer by the drawing controller 206 of the VDP 262 is divided in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) for each dot in the X-axis direction. ) Image data (configuration data) arranged in ().

  The drawing control unit 206 of the VDP 262 sequentially arranges the image data of each column divided from each sub image data in the readout direction (X-axis direction) in the composite image storage area and stores it in the composite image storage area. Thus, output image data is generated (see FIG. 10F).

  The size of the output image data stored in the composite image storage area is 1920 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 234 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). That is, the output image data has an image size obtained by combining four sub image data. Then, as described above, the output image data is output from the sub display system output unit SK of the VDP 262 toward the signal separation board 220 (see FIG. 10G). The main image data stored in the first drawing area of the main frame buffer described above is directly read out from the first drawing area and directed from the main display system output unit MK of the VDP 262 toward the first effect display device 9. Is output. The first effect display device 9 displays main image data received directly from the VDP 262 on the display unit (see FIG. 10D).

  When the output image data is output from the sub-display system output unit SK of the VDP 262, the output image data is output one dot at a time in the X-axis direction (lateral direction). The output image data input to the signal separation board 220 by one dot data is alternately distributed by the primary separation circuit of the signal separation board 220 and separated into two systems, and output to each secondary separation circuit. Is done. That is, the output image data is output after being separated for each period of the predetermined frequency.

  Thus, by separating the image data of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the dot clock value output from the VDP 262 has a frequency of 40 MHz and the data signal is output from the primary separation circuit. The value is converted into a data signal having a frequency of 20 MHz (1/2 division).

  The size of the separated image data composed of the data signal input to the secondary separation circuit is 960 dots in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and 234 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). That is, the size of each separated image data is an image size obtained by combining two sub image data.

  Further, when the separated image data is output from each secondary separation circuit, the separated image data is alternately distributed and separated by each secondary separation circuit. That is, out of the 1-dot data in each column arranged in the X-axis direction of the separated image data output from the secondary separation circuit, 1-dot data in which the X-axis is an odd-numbered column is output to one transmission circuit, and the X-axis is One-dot data that is an even-numbered column is output to another transmission circuit. That is, the separated image data is separated and output for each period of the predetermined frequency.

  In addition, the image size of each sub-image data at the stage of being output from each secondary separation circuit is 480 dots in the X-axis direction (lateral direction), similar to the image size stored in each storage area of the sub-frame buffer. There are 234 dots in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction).

  A data signal having a frequency of 20 MHz with a dot clock value output from the primary separation circuit is converted into a data signal having a frequency of 10 MHz with a dot clock value at the stage of output from each secondary separation circuit (1/2). Division).

  And each sub image data transmitted from each transmission circuit is received by each receiving circuit of each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d. Furthermore, each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d displays each received sub image data on a display part (refer FIG.10 (h)). Each sub image data input to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is a data signal having a dot clock value of 10 MHz. As described above, each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d Since the dot clock value corresponds to a data signal having a frequency of 10 MHz, each received sub-image data can be displayed.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the drawing order when the spare virtual area is used. In the embodiment, the main image data displayed on the first effect display device 9 is first drawn in the first drawing area of the main frame buffer. In this example, the first drawing data is drawn. Before the main image data is stored in the area, the main image data is drawn in the preliminary virtual drawing area.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a spare virtual drawing area in which main image data is drawn is provided, and this spare virtual drawing area is allocated to the VRAM area together with the main frame buffer, the subframe buffer, and the composite image storage area. It has been. In the preliminary virtual drawing area, the total number of pixels that can store pixel data having the same size as the first drawing area of the main frame buffer is allocated to the memory area. Then, the main image data drawn in the spare virtual drawing area is copied to the first drawing area of the main frame buffer.

  Also, each sub image data is drawn in each storage area of the sub frame buffer, and each sub image data stored in each storage area of the sub frame buffer is reduced and copied to each second drawing area of the main frame buffer. Is done. Then, an effect process for drawing effect image data used for the cooperation effect is performed in the main frame buffer.

  Further, after effect processing is performed in the main frame buffer, each sub image data in each second drawing area in the main frame buffer is enlarged and re-replicated in each storage area in the sub frame buffer. Then, each sub image data stored in each storage area of this subframe buffer is divided, and the image data of each divided column is sequentially arranged in the readout direction (X-axis direction) in the composite image storage area, Output image data is generated by being stored in the composite image storage area.

  The output image data is output from the sub display system output unit SK of the VDP 262 toward the signal separation substrate 220, and the output image data is divided into each sub image data by the signal separation substrate 220. The sub image data is transmitted to each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d displays the received sub image data on the display unit.

  The main image data stored in the first drawing area of the main frame buffer is output from the main display system output unit MK of the VDP 262 toward the first effect display device 9, and the first effect display device 9 Data is displayed on the display.

  This example is an embodiment that is particularly effective when the first effect display device 9 is physically rotated. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the preliminary drawing area, the main image data is drawn in a state similar to the state where the first effect display device 9 is not physically rotated, and then the first effect display. The main image data drawn in the preliminary drawing area is duplicated in the main frame buffer set in a state rotated by a predetermined angle according to the physical rotation state of the device 9, and the effect processing is performed together with the sub image data. Like that. By doing so, it is possible to simplify processing such as designation of a pixel position when processing main image data in the preliminary drawing region.

  When the first effect display device 9 is rotated and the first effect display device 9 executes the notice effect in the next fluctuation, the return operation of the first effect display device 9 can be completed by the start of the notice effect. In this case, the operation of the first effect display device 9 does not hinder the execution of the notice effect, so that the game can be progressed smoothly.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. When power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56). After executing a security check process that is a process for confirming whether or not the content of the program is valid, a main process (not shown) after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of a clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 returns the internal state of the game control means (CPU 56) and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means (effect control CPU 86) to the state when the power supply is stopped. Game state restoration processing (steps S41 to S43) is performed. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits, to the effect control board 80, a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43. .

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. In addition, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. Value is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 is an initialization designation command for initializing a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 156 has executed initialization processing). Is transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the production control microcomputer 81 receives the initialization designation command, the first production display device 9 displays a screen display for informing that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized, that is, initialization notification. Do.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 156 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 156 controls itself a game device such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol (decorative symbol) variably displayed on the first effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 156 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by lottery using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 81 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process in steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal is output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 are input via the input circuit 58, and the state determination is performed (switch processing: step S21). .

  Next, the CPU 56 performs display control to perform display control of the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41. Processing is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  In addition, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 81 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro board mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol display control process for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. The display control data value set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the first effect display device 9, the variable display of the effect symbol is started after the effect symbol variable display is started. The state may not reach a reach state, and a certain combination of effect symbols that do not become a reach may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) when the variable display result is a losing symbol.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the first effect display device 9, the variable display of the effect symbol is started after the effect symbol variable display is started. A reach effect is executed after the state has reached the reach state, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”) when the variable display result is “losing”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Eventually, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the first effect display device 9.

  When a predetermined symbol (predetermined symbol corresponding to the type of small hit) is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the first effect display device 9 In the same manner as when the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “probability big hit B”, which will be described later, after the variable display of the effect symbol is performed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the probability change big hit B symbol, for example, “355”). Etc.) may be stopped. The display effect on the first effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that a predetermined symbol (symbol) as a small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is “small hit”. This is referred to as a variable display mode.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for the special symbol process (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, if the first start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start port 15a is turned on, that is, the start winning to the first start port 15a is made. If it has occurred, the first start port switch that determines whether the winning is a super hit or the super reach in the variation display corresponding to the start winning, and transmits a start winning determination result specifying command including the determination result A passing process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14b for detecting that the game ball has won the second start port 15b is turned on, that is, if a start win to the second start port 15b has occurred, A determination is made as to whether or not a big win or super reach is reached, and a second start-port switch passing process for transmitting a start winning determination result specifying command including the determination result is executed (steps S313 and S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14b is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state. The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 156 is in a state where variable display of a special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 156 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. When neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). The effect control microcomputer 81 controls the first effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 156.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 81, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control for causing the production control microcomputer 81 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). It should be noted that although the pre-opening process for small hits is executed for each round, the pre-opening process for small hits is also a process for starting a small hit game when starting the first round.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control for causing the production control microcomputer 81 to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 80 as effect control means will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 81 (specifically, effect control CPU 86) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 86 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S400). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 86 executes a random number update process for updating the count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number (step S401).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S402). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 86 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 86 clears the flag (step S403) and executes the following effect control process. If no timer interrupt has occurred, the random number update process of step S401 is performed, and the process returns to step S402 again.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 86 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S404). Next, the effect control CPU 86 performs effect control process processing (step S405). Then, the effect control CPU 86 performs display device return processing (step S406). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S401. In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the first effect display device 9 is executed.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal and stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, which command is the effect control command stored in the buffer area is analyzed.

  Moreover, in addition to the processing of step S403 to step S406, the hold for displaying the storage state of the number of hold memories displayed in the special symbol hold memory display 18 set in the display area of the first effect display device 9 You may make it implement the pending | holding memory | storage display control process for controlling the display of a memory | storage display area. In the hold storage display control process, it is determined that a super reach or a big hit is obtained from the start winning time determination result designation command transmitted in the first start port switch passing process or the second start port switch passing process described above. By changing the display of the reserved memory to a special display mode different from the normal display mode with a predetermined probability, it is predicted that there is a high possibility that the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory will be a super reach or a big hit. You may make it implement the process for performing the prefetch notice effect to perform.

  In addition, similar to these pre-reading notice effects, it is highly likely that a super-reach or a big hit will occur in the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory, and the variable display multiple times before the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory is performed. In addition, for example, the prefetching continuous notice process for performing the prefetching continuous notice for notifying by performing countdown display or the like may be performed in addition to the processes in steps S403 to S406.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S405) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 86 first performs a power saving control process (step S450).

  After receiving the demo command from the game control microcomputer 156 of the main board 31, the effect control CPU 86 does not detect the game ball, and there is no operation of the operation knob 5, the operation lever 600, the operation button 516, etc. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed. The demonstration command is a command for instructing demonstration screen display in the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display device 11. For example, a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is provided with a timer for measuring an elapsed time after receiving the demo command. When the demo command is received, the timer value increases from the initial value 0. The effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the demo command based on the timer value.

  When a predetermined time has passed without any operation, the effect control CPU 86 performs control for turning off various light emitting means such as the decoration LED 25a as the power saving control, and the fourth of the display areas in the first effect display device 9 and the like. Control to end image display in display areas other than the symbol display areas 9a and 9b, control to end audio output from the speaker 27, and control to continue image display in the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b are performed.

  Specifically, when the power saving control is not performed, as shown in FIG. 3A, the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b and the other display areas are in an image display state. Become. On the other hand, when the power saving control is performed, as shown in FIG. 3B, the image display is performed in the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b, while the power saving is performed in the other display areas. Only the still images of characters and pictures for notifying that control is being performed are displayed. In this case, the display control unit 213 of the VDP 262 outputs only the video signal corresponding to the still image of characters and pictures as the video signal corresponding to the display area, and does not output the video signal corresponding to the background.

  Since the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b are provided at positions that do not overlap the operation paths of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, it is possible to easily display the variation state of the special symbols even during power saving control.

  The display areas other than the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b are not in a state in which no image is displayed, for example, a still image for notifying that power saving control is being performed is displayed. Also good. In the case of displaying a still image, the processing load of the VDP 262 can be reduced and the power consumption can be reduced compared to the case of displaying a moving image.

  After the power saving control process, the effect control CPU 86 performs any one of steps S500 to S506 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the first effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) is realized, but the effect symbol (decorative symbol) synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol. ) And the control related to the variable display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed in one effect control process.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S500): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is zero. It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 156. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S501).

  Effect symbol variation start process (step S501): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 1. Control is performed so that the variation of the effect design (decoration design) is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S502).

  Effect symbol changing process (step S502): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 2. The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) constituting the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation time is monitored. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S503). In addition, when it becomes the generation | occurrence | production timing of reach in the fluctuation | variation, the screen (for example, reach notification screen etc.) for alerting | reporting generation | occurrence | production of reach to the 1st effect display apparatus 9 and each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d is displayed. Perform production control.

  Effect symbol variation stop process (step S503): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 3. Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing the stop of all symbols, control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the hit display process (step S504) or a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S500). .

  Winning display process (step S504): executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 4. After the end of the fluctuation time, effect control is performed to display a screen (for example, a big hit notification screen or the like) for notifying the occurrence of a big hit or a small hit on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. . Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to the winning game process (step S505).

  Winning game process (step S505): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 5. Control during big hit game or small hit game. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the first effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to the hit end effect process (step S506).

  Winning end effect process (step S506): executed when the value of the effect control process flag is 6. In the first effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S500).

  In the present embodiment, when a small hit occurs, in Steps S504 to S506, the same effect processing as that performed when the probability change big hit B occurs is performed, so that the occurrence is shifted to the probability change state. The player cannot discriminate whether or not the probability variation big hit B or the small hit that does not shift to the probability variation state has occurred.

  In the effect symbol variation start process, a message prompting the operation of the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 is displayed as a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit in the variation, and the operation is performed on the condition In addition, the setting for performing the operation advance notice effect for displaying any one of a plurality of characters having different degrees of expectation to be a big hit may be performed at a predetermined ratio.

  FIG. 17A is a flowchart showing an example of the effect symbol variation start process executed in step S501 of FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process shown in FIG. 17A, the effect control CPU 86 first determines a final stop symbol or the like that becomes a final symbol as a variable display result of the ornament symbol (step S531). At this time, the CPU 86 for effect control is based on the contents determined at the start of change such as the change pattern indicated by the change pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 31 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. The final stop symbol is determined.

  Subsequent to the process of step S531, the effect control CPU 86 executes a movable display effect determination process for determining the presence or absence and mode of the movable display effect (step S532). The movable display effect moves by moving the second effect display device 11 from the non-superimposed state shown in FIG. 2 (a) to the state superimposed on the first effect display device 9 as shown in FIG. 2 (b). This effect suggests entering the SP mode (special mode). By entering the SP mode, it is notified whether the game state is a big hit gaming state, a probable change state, a short time state, or the like. As shown in FIG. 23, the operation and the return operation of the second effect display device 11 started by this movable display effect are executed over two fluctuations, and the operation of the second effect display device 11 is started. During the next fluctuation, the return operation of the second effect display device 11 is completed, and the second effect display device 11 returns to the initial position in the non-superimposed state shown in FIG. In the movable display effect determination process, for example, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the variable display effect is present or not, based on a variable display effect determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM 84 in advance. Specifically, the second effect display device 11 vibrates only and does not move (see FIGS. 21C and 21D), and the second effect display device 11 moves after vibrating (FIG. 21 ( C) and (E)) may be determined at a predetermined ratio. In the movable display effect determination process, even when the movable display effect ends in the previous change and the return operation of the second effect display device 11 is not completed across the change, the return operation is completed. Make the decision in the same process. Thereby, since it is not necessary to divide the process concerning the lottery of the movable display effect depending on whether or not the second effect display device 11 is operated, the processing load on the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

  Subsequent to the process of step S532, the effect control CPU 86 executes a notice effect determination process (step S533). The notice effect is an effect suggesting entry into the SP mode by displaying an image or the like on the first effect display device 9. Even in the notice effect determination process, the movable display effect ends in the previous change, and even if the return operation of the second effect display device 11 is not completed across the change, the return operation is completed. Make the decision in the same process. Thereby, since it is not necessary to divide the process concerning the lottery of the notice effect depending on whether or not the second effect display device 11 is operating, the processing burden on the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

  Subsequent to step S533, the effect control CPU 86 determines the effect control pattern as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S534). For example, the CPU 86 for effect control includes a plurality of special-figure variation effect control patterns prepared in response to the determination result of the movable display effect determination process or the notice effect determination process, the change pattern indicated by the change pattern designation command, and the like. Select one and set it as the usage pattern.

  Following the processing of step S534, the effect control CPU 86 performs an effect control process provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 85 corresponding to the change pattern designated by the change pattern designation command. An initial value of the timer is set (step S535).

  Subsequent to the process of step S535, the effect control CPU 86 performs setting for starting the variation of the decorative symbols and the like in the first effect display device 9 (step S536). For example, the display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined as the use pattern in step S534 is transmitted to the VDP 262 or the like, and the like is provided on the display screen of the first effect display device 9. If the variation of the decorative symbols is started in the respective “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas, and the variation of the fourth symbols is started in the fourth symbol display areas 9a and 9b. Good.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S536, the effect control CPU 86 performs setting for updating the hold storage display in response to the start of variable display of the decorative symbols (step S537). For example, the display portion corresponding to the hold number “1” in the predetermined display area of the first effect display device 9 may be deleted, and the entire display portion may be moved to the left one by one.

  Subsequent to the process of step S537, the effect control CPU 86 updates the value of the effect process flag to “2” that is a value corresponding to the variable display effect process (step S538). Then, the effect symbol variation start process is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect symbol variation process executed in step S502 of FIG. In the effect symbol variation process shown in FIG. 18, the effect control CPU 86 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on the effect control process timer value or the like (step S551). . For example, in the process of step S551, the effect control process timer value is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted), and a predetermined effect control pattern (for example, an effect control pattern at the time of special figure change) is corresponding to the updated effect control process timer value. It may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed, for example, when the end code is read from ().

  When the variable display time has not elapsed in step 551 (step S551; No), the effect control CPU 86 has a return operation possible period Δt for returning the operated second effect display device 11 to the initial position. It is determined whether or not there is (step S554). The earliest start timing of the movable display effect or the notice effect is specified in advance, and the period from the start of the change to the timing is set as the return operation possible period Δt. By completing the return operation of the second effect display device 11 within the period in which the return operation can be performed even after the change, the movable display effect and the notice effect can be started in the next change. Note that effects that can be executed regardless of the operation of the second effect display device 11 such as a change start sound may be executed even during the return operation possible period Δt. Since the movable display effect period and the notice effect period are set after the return operation possible period Δt, the process of step S554 can be realized without it, but is provided in consideration of safety. May be.

  When the return operation possible period Δt has elapsed in step 554 (step S554; No), the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not it is the movable display effect period for executing the movable display effect. (Step S555). The movable effect period may be determined in advance, for example, in the effect control pattern determined as the usage pattern according to the variation pattern.

  When it is the movable display effect period in step S555 (step S555; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 performs the process of the movable display effect operation control for executing the movable display effect by the second effect display device 11 (step S555). S556). For example, as shown in FIG. 20, after the final timing T12 of the return operation possible period Δt, as shown in FIG. 21C, operations such as vibrating or moving the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are started. To do. As shown in FIG. 21E, when the second effect display devices 11a to 11d move so as to be superimposed on the front surface of the first effect display device 9, as the SP mode effect, as shown in FIG. The display indicating that the “SP mode” has been entered is performed on the two effect display devices 11a to 11d, and is different from the normal time (before entering the SP mode) in the non-superimposed area of the first effect display device 9. What is necessary is just to perform the variable display of a decoration symbol in a mode. Thus, the effect produced by combining the second effect display device 11 and the first effect display device 9 in a superimposed manner can enhance the effect and improve the interest of the player.

  When it is determined in step S555 that it is not the movable display effect period (step S555; No), or after the process of the movable display effect operation control in step S556 is executed, the effect control CPU 86 executes the notice effect. It is determined whether or not it is the advance notice period (step S557). The notice effect period may be determined in advance, for example, in the effect control pattern determined as the usage pattern according to the variation pattern.

  When it is a notice effect period in step S557 (step S557; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 executes a notice effect operation control process for executing the notice effect by the first effect display device 9 (step S558). . As shown in FIG. 20, the execution of the notice effect may be started in the first effect display device 9 after the end timing T42 of the return operation possible period Δt. Thereby, when the notice effect is executed in the first effect display device 9, the operation of the second effect display device 11 does not disturb the execution of the notice effect, so that the progress of the game can be made smooth.

  When it is determined in step S557 that it is not the notice effect period (step S557; No), or after executing the notice effect operation control process in step S558, the effect control CPU 86 performs reach for executing the reach effect. It is determined whether it is an effect execution period (step S559). The reach effect execution period may be determined in advance, for example, in the effect control pattern determined as the usage pattern according to the variation pattern.

  When it is the reach effect execution period in step S559 (step S559; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 performs effect operation control for executing the reach effect (step S560).

  If it is determined in step S554 that the return operation is possible (step S554; Yes), or if it is determined in step S559 that it is not a reach production period (step S559; No), the process of step S560 is performed. After the execution, the effect control CPU 86 performs other effect operation control based on the setting in the effect control pattern selected corresponding to the variation pattern (step S561). Then, the variable display effect processing ends.

  When the variable display time has elapsed in step S551 (step S551; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 31 has been received (step S571).

  If no symbol confirmation command is received in step S571 (step S571; No), the effect control CPU 86 ends the variable display effect processing and stands by. If the predetermined time has passed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. You may make it do.

  When a symbol confirmation command is received in step S571 (step S571; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 performs variable symbol display such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP 262 or the like. Control for deriving and displaying the final stop symbol as a display result is performed (step S572). Then, the effect control CPU 86 sets a predetermined time as the waiting start designation command reception waiting time (step S573).

  Subsequent to step S573, the effect control CPU 86 updates the value of the effect process flag to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the variable display stop process (step S579). Then, the variable display effect processing ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect display device return process executed in step S406 of FIG. In the effect display device return process shown in FIG. 19, the effect control CPU 86 first determines whether or not the return operation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is on (step S601).

  When the return operation flag is OFF in step S601 (step S601; No), the effect control CPU 86 determines whether it is time to start the return operation of the operated second effect display device 11. (Step S602). It is only necessary to determine whether or not the return operation start timing has come by a timer or the like provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 or RAM 85.

  When the return operation start timing comes in step S602 (step S602; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 sets the return operation flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 to the ON state (step S603). When it is not the return operation start timing (step S602; No), the effect display device return process is terminated.

  When the return operation flag is on in step S601 (step S601; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the second effect display device 11 has returned to the initial position (step S605).

  When the second effect display device 11 returns to the initial position in step S605 (step S605; Yes), the effect control CPU 86 resets the return operation flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 to the off state (step S606). ). Then, the effect display device return process ends.

  After executing the process of step S603 or when the second effect display device 11 has not returned to the initial position in step S605 (step S605; No), the effect control CPU 86 performs the second effect display device 11. A process for controlling the return operation is executed (step S604). Then, the effect display device return process ends. In the process of step S604, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the return operation of the second effect display device 11 is started from the timing T33 at which the stop symbol is derived and displayed by the symbol determination command, and the return operation possible period Δt is set. The return operation of the second effect display device 11 is completed by the end timing T42.

  In the present embodiment, there is shown a case where the next fluctuation is started immediately after the end of the fluctuation with the reserved memory, but when there is no reserved memory and the next fluctuation is not started immediately after the end of the fluctuation, the second variation is started. The return operation of the effect display device 11 may be executed across the demo display or the like. In addition, when the second effect display device 11 is operated during the jackpot gaming state effect, the return operation of the second effect display device 11 is executed across the first fluctuation after the jackpot from the effect at the end of the jackpot gaming state. It only has to be done.

  In the effect display device return process, since the return operation of the second effect display device 11 can be controlled regardless of the variation of the decorative design, the effect accompanying the operation of the second effect display device 11 can be executed. The degree of freedom increases in timing, and a variety of performances are possible.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the degree of freedom is increased at the timing at which an effect accompanying the operation of the second effect display device 11 can be executed, and a variety of effects are possible. The effect of combining the second effect display device 11 and the first effect display device 9 can increase the effect of the effect and improve the interest of the player. When the notice effect is executed on the first effect display device 9, the operation of the second effect display device 11 does not hinder the execution of the notice effect, so that the progress of the game can be made smooth. Since it is not necessary to divide the process related to the lottery of the movable display effect and the notice effect depending on the presence or absence of the operation of the second effect display device 11, the processing burden on the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced. The output image data output from the sub display system output unit SK (1 system) of the display control unit 213 of the VDP 262 (display control means) is converted into sub image data for each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d according to a predetermined rule. By providing the signal separation board 220 (data separation means) that separates the configuration data and outputs it to each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the sub display system output unit SK (one system) of the display control unit 213 of the VDP 262 is provided. Even if a plurality of second effect display devices 11a to 11d are connected, individual images can be displayed on the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, so the number of second effect display devices 11a to 11d is increased. However, since it is not necessary to increase the number of VDP 262, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 including the plurality of second effect display devices 11a to 11d is reduced. Kill.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the signal separation board 220 (data separation means) is output from the sub display system output unit SK (one system) of the display control unit 213 (output unit) of the VDP 262 (display control means). The output image data is separated for each cycle of the predetermined frequency and output to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, so that the combined image storage area (output image data storage means) sequentially sequentially in the predetermined reading direction. The constituent data constituting each arranged sub-image data is distributed and output to each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d by the signal separation substrate 220, and the signal separation substrate 220 is output to each of the second effect display devices. When outputting sub image data to 11a to 11d, control for separating output image data can be performed by simple control that switches every cycle of a predetermined frequency. It can configuration of the signal separation substrate 220 to reduce the manufacturing cost is simplified.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the signal separation board 220 is mounted as a separate board different from the performance control board 80, so that the signal separation board 220 having a circuit constituting the data separation means is replaced with the VDP 262. Can be manufactured separately from the production control board 80 having the circuit constituting the circuit, so that the circuit constituting the signal separation board 220 can be easily manufactured and changed in design. In addition, the effect control board 80 having a circuit constituting the VDP 262 can be diverted to the effect control board 80 used in a general pachinko gaming machine 1 that does not include a plurality of display devices. The cost of parts can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of display systems (main display system output unit MK, sub display system output unit SK) included in the display control unit 213 (output unit) of the effect control board 80 (display control means). Among them, the first effect display device 9 (main display device) is directly connected to the main display system output unit MK (one output unit), and a plurality of second displays are connected to the sub display system output unit SK (other output units). The effect display devices 11a to 11d (sub display devices) are connected via the signal separation substrate 220 (data separation means), so that the main image data is directly input to the first effect display device 9 from the main display system output unit MK. Therefore, as compared with the case where the image data is input via the signal separation board 220, the circuit constituting the signal separation board 220 is not interposed between the presentation control board 80 and the first presentation display device 9. The main image data output to the first effect display device 9 is less susceptible to noise and the like, and the display quality of the image that is variably displayed on the first effect display device 9 can be output stably. it can.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, according to the physical arrangement state of the 1st effect display apparatus 9 and each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d (each display apparatus), the 1st drawing area of a main frame buffer and Since the arrangement state with the second drawing area is set in the common memory area, the main image data and the sub image data linked over the first drawing area and the second drawing area are stored in the common main frame buffer ( Since the first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer can be drawn in the memory area, the display area (display area) of the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Compared with the case where it is set regardless of the physical arrangement state of), it is possible to simplify processing such as designation of the drawing position when drawing the main image data and sub image data. By providing the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the control of the main frame buffer (image storage means) can be prevented from becoming complicated, and a high-performance processing circuit for performing the complicated control is not required. Therefore, the cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when sub-image data of an image drawn in the second drawing area of the main frame buffer is read and temporarily stored in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer corresponding to the second drawing area In addition, the first effect display device is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the ratio between the display pixel density in the main frame buffer (first image storage means) and the display pixel density in the subframe buffer (second image storage means). 9 is a common mainframe buffer (memory area) for drawing areas in which images displayed on one display device and images displayed on the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) are drawn. Since the first rendering area and the second rendering area can be set as the first rendering area 9 and the memory according to the display pixel density of each of the second rendering display apparatuses 11a to 11d Since there is no need to use a VDP 262 (display control means) having a region, display is performed on the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d having different display pixel densities by using one VDP 262. This eliminates the need for a high-performance processing circuit for performing complex control, so that the cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the VDP 262 (display control means) displays the second effect display in the storage area of the subframe buffer when the cooperation effect is not executed by the effect control board 80 (effect execution means). By directly drawing images displayed on the devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) and outputting the sub-image data of the images drawn in the storage area to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, the effect control board When the collaborative effect is not executed by 80, the sub-image data of the image directly drawn in the storage area of the subframe buffer is output to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. It is possible to reduce the image processing burden of the VDP 262 when there is not.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the VDP 262 (display control means) has not performed the effect process (predetermined drawing process) when the cooperation effect is executed by the effect control board 80 (effect execution means). After drawing each sub-image data (unprocessed image) in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer, each sub-image data drawn in the storage area is copied to the second drawing area of the main frame buffer, and the second drawing area After effect processing was performed on the copied sub-image data and the main image data drawn in the first drawing area, the processed image after the processing was reproduced again in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer, and was reproduced in the storage area again. By outputting the sub image data of the processed image to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, each sub image data of the unprocessed image is stored in the subframe buffer. After drawing in the storage area, effect processing is performed together with the image drawn in the first drawing area after being copied in the second drawing area of the main frame buffer, and the sub image data in the storage area of the subframe buffer is changed. Since the processed image is updated and output, these effects are compared with the case where the effect processing is performed separately for the image drawn in the first drawing area and the image drawn in the storage area. It can implement appropriately according to the arrangement situation of the 1st production display device 9 and each 2nd production display device 11a-11d.

  According to the present embodiment, the first effect display device 9 (one display device) and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) are provided physically adjacent to each other. The first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer are adjacent to each other in the main frame buffer (memory area) according to the physical adjacent state of the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. By being provided, the first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer are set regardless of the physical adjacent state between the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Compared with the case where the image data is drawn, it is possible to simplify the processing such as the designation of the drawing position when drawing each image data. Therefore, by providing each of these second effect display devices 11a to 11d, Control of) can be prevented from being complicated.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the first effect display device 9 (one display device) and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) are physically superimposed and provided. The first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer are adjacent to each other in the main frame buffer (memory area) according to the physical superposition state of the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Thus, the first drawing area and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer are set regardless of the physical superposition state of the first effect display device 9 and each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Compared with the case where the image data is drawn, it is possible to simplify the processing such as the designation of the drawing position when drawing each image data. Therefore, by providing each of these second effect display devices 11a to 11d, Control of) can be prevented from being complicated.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) is provided so as to be movable by the movement motors 59a to 59d (driving means), and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (drive means) are provided. The drawing area is moved in the main frame buffer (memory area) in accordance with the physical movement state of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d by the movement motors 59a to 59d, so that each second effect display device is moved. Since 11a to 11d are physically moved, the effect can be enhanced, and the second drawing area of the main frame buffer is set regardless of the physical movement state with each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Compared to the case where the sub image data is drawn, the processing such as the designation of the drawing position when drawing each sub image data can be simplified. Control of VDP262 (display control means) by kicking it can be prevented that complicated.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices) is physically rotated by a predetermined angle around the normal line of the display surface, and provided as a VDP 262 (display The control means) rotates the image read from the second drawing area of the main frame buffer in the reverse direction by the same angle as the predetermined angle, and stores it in the subframe buffer (second image storage means) corresponding to the second drawing area. By temporarily storing in the area, images read out from the second drawing area of the main frame buffer and temporarily stored in the storage area of the subframe buffer are not physically rotated in the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Since it is stored in the storage area of the subframe buffer in the same state as the state, it is possible to simplify the processing such as the designation of the pixel position when processing each sub image data, It is possible to prevent the control of VDP262 by providing a physically predetermined angle each second effect display device 11a~11d was becomes complicated.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the subframe buffer (second image storage means) has storage areas corresponding to the respective second effect display devices 11a to 11d (other display devices), The storage areas are set apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that the sub image data read from the second drawing area of the main frame buffer is reversely rotated by a predetermined angle and stored in a plurality of storage areas of the sub frame buffer. In doing so, it can be set so that the mutual storage area and the area in the rotation range do not interfere with each other, so that it is possible to prevent an error display or the like from occurring in the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. In this way, the second effect display devices 11a to 11d can be suitably controlled.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be changed or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. include.

  For example, in the embodiment, the plurality of second effect display devices 11a to 11d all have the same resolution and the total number of pixels. The plurality of second effect display devices 11a to 11d may have different resolutions and total pixel numbers. Further, when the plurality of second effect display devices 11a to 11d have different resolutions and total numbers of pixels, the sub image data drawn in the respective storage areas of the sub frame buffer are drawn with a common image size. Then, each sub image data is stored in the composite image storage area to generate output image data. After the output image data is separated as each sub image data by the signal separation board 220, each sub image data Is expanded or reduced in accordance with the resolution and the total number of pixels of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and the enlarged or reduced data signal is input to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. Each sub image data may be displayed.

  In the embodiment, the four second effect display devices 11a to 11d are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1, but the number of the second effect display devices is not limited to four, Three glossy second effect display devices may be mounted, or five, six, or more second effect display devices may be mounted. In addition, even if it is a case where three 2nd effect display apparatuses are used, it can respond using the one signal separation board | substrate 220 corresponding to the four 2nd effect display apparatuses 11a-11d mentioned above.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the normal display which displays a two-dimensional image is illustrated as the 1st effect display apparatus 9 and each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d, this invention is limited to this. Instead of these, as the first effect display device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, autostereoscopic display devices capable of stereoscopic display such as a parallax barrier method and an integral image method are used. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although each 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d smaller than the 1st effect display apparatus 9 is used, this invention is not limited to this, 1st effect display The device 9 and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d may be the same size, or may be the second effect display devices 11a to 11d larger than the first effect display device 9.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the 1st drawing area and each 2nd drawing area are set to the main frame buffer, and the setting of each 2nd drawing area is also changed according to the movement of 2nd effect display apparatus 11a-11d. However, the setting of the drawing area that is changed according to such a display device is not limited to the main frame buffer, and may be in another mode. For example, in the virtual drawing space in the previous stage of drawing in the main frame buffer, the first drawing area and each second drawing area are set, and each second drawing is performed in accordance with the movement of each second effect display device 11a to 11d. After the primitive is drawn in these virtual drawing spaces so that the setting of the area is also changed, the primitives in the first drawing area and the second drawing area of the virtual drawing space are changed to the first drawing area and the first drawing area of the main frame buffer. You may make it the aspect drawn in 2 drawing area | regions. Further, after the primitive is drawn in the virtual drawing space, the primitives in the first drawing area and the second drawing area in the virtual drawing space are individually set in the first drawing area in the main frame buffer and the storage area in the subframe buffer. You may make it the aspect drawn in.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the VRAM area, areas having storage areas are used as subframe buffers. However, these storage areas are not used as subframe buffers but are used as virtual drawing spaces for simply drawing image data. A composite image storage area for storing output image data to be output to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d may be used as a frame buffer.

  In the embodiment, the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are arranged at the four corners of the first effect display device 9, and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are moved to move the first effect display device 11a to 11d. The second effect display devices 11a to 11d are superimposed on the display device 9, but the first effect display device 9 and each second effect display are moved by moving the first effect display device 9. The aspect with which apparatus 11a-11d is superimposed may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vertical orientation of each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d is not the direction in which the horizontal line of the display screen is horizontal, but is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the horizontal. However, the second effect display devices 11a to 11d may not be rotated.

  In the embodiment, each sub image data stored in the storage area of the sub frame buffer is divided, and each divided image data is sequentially arranged in the readout direction (X-axis direction) in the composite image storage area. The output image data is generated by being stored in the composite image storage area, and the output image data is output from the sub display system output unit SK of the VDP 262. After being separated as the sub image data, it is input to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d. However, the present invention does not necessarily have a configuration having the composite image storage area. The display devices 11a to 11d are directly connected to the sub-display system output unit SK of the VDP 262 without passing through the signal separation substrate 220, and the sub-frame buffer Each sub image data stored in the storage area is directly transmitted from the sub display system output unit SK of the VDP 262 to the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, and the second effect display devices 11a to 11d are directly received from the VDP 262. The configuration may be such that each sub image data is displayed on the display unit.

  In the embodiment, each sub image data drawn in each storage area of the subframe buffer is reduced and duplicated in each second drawing area of the mainframe buffer, and the effect processing is performed in the mainframe buffer. After that, each sub image data of each second drawing area in the main frame buffer is expanded and re-replicated in each storage area of the sub frame buffer, but the present invention is not limited to this, When the first effect display device 9 is a display device having a higher resolution (display pixel density) than each of the second effect display devices 11a to 11d, each sub-image stored in each storage area of the sub-frame buffer The data is enlarged and copied to each second drawing area of the main frame buffer, and the effect processing is performed in the main frame buffer. After Tsu, each sub-image data of each of the second drawing area in the main frame buffer, may be re replicated been reduced in the storage area of the sub-frame buffer.

  In the above embodiment, in order to notify the effect control CPU 86 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., one change pattern designation is made when the change is started. Although an example in which a command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control CPU 86 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notification by two commands, the CPU 56 uses the first command to indicate whether or not there is a pseudo-continuity, whether or not there is a slip effect, etc. before reaching reach (if not reaching, before so-called second stop. ) Command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode, and the second command has reached reach, such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if not reach, after so-called second stop) It is also possible to send a command indicating the fluctuation time or fluctuation mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 86 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands.

  The CPU 56 may notify the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control CPU 86 may select a specific change mode to be executed at each timing. When two commands are sent, the two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is transmitted, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. Thus, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the game ball is paid out as a prize to the player, and the player launches the paid game ball (which may be a rental ball) into the game area to play a game. Although the machine 1 is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the frequency that is the game value having the size specified by the record information of the game recording medium such as the prepaid card or the membership card is determined. Use to give game scores for use in games, and use the given game scores or game scores given by winning a game to drive game balls enclosed in gaming machines into the game area The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a player plays a game.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is exemplified as a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is a slot machine that uses a medal as a gaming medium to play a game. Also good.

  FIG. 24 is a front view of a slot machine 800 as an example of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied, and shows a layout of main members. The slot machine 800 is roughly divided into a housing whose front surface is open and a front door pivotally supported at a side end of the housing. Inside the casing of the slot machine 800, a variable display device 801 in which reels 801L, 801C, and 801R having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction is installed. Further, the front door of the slot machine 800 is provided with a first effect display device 810 and second effect display devices 810a to 810d having a display function.

  On the outer periphery of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R, for example, “Red 7”, “White 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, “Bell” can be distinguished from each other. Are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R are displayed on the variable display device 801 in upper, middle, and lower three stages, respectively. The reels 801L, 801C, and 801R are rotated by reel motors 951L, 951C, and 951R (FIG. 25) provided in correspondence to display the symbols of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R continuously changing. At the same time, by stopping the rotation of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed so as to be visible as display results.

  Below the first effect display device 810 on the front door of the slot machine 800, there is provided an operation table 820 on which various input switches and the like for the player to perform various operations are arranged. On the far side of the operation table 820, a medal slot 802 into which medals can be inserted, a BET switch 803 for setting (BET) the number of bets for one medal, and the maximum number of bets that can be bet in one game ( MAXBET switch 804 for setting the number of bets (three in this example), used for setting the medal and bet number stored as credit (the number of medals stored as a player's own game value) A checkout switch 808 for paying out medals is provided. The medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 802 is detected by a predetermined insertion medal sensor.

  On the front side of the operation table 820, stop switches 806L, 806C, which are operated to stop the rotation of the start lever 805 and the reels 801L, 801C, 801R, which are operated when the game is started in the slot machine 800, respectively. 806R is provided. At the bottom of the operation table 820, a medal payout exit 807 for paying out medals is provided.

  In the upper part of the first effect display device 810 on the front door of the slot machine 800, a game information display unit for displaying various information related to games in the slot machine 800 is provided. For example, the game information display unit displays a credit indicator that displays the number of medals stored as credits, an auxiliary display that displays the number of medals acquired in the big bonus, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and the like And a payout display for displaying the number of medals paid out by winning. Two speakers 811L and 811R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right sides of the game information display section. In addition, game effect lamps 813 and 814 are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 820, respectively.

  In the case of playing a game in the slot machine 800, first, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 802, or a bet number is set using a credit. To use the credit, the BET switch 803 or the MAXBET switch 804 is operated. When the number of bets is set in this way, one of a plurality of pay lines corresponding to the number of bets becomes valid, and the operation of the start lever 805 becomes valid, that is, the game can be executed. The execution condition is met. Even when a re-gamer winning such as replay occurs in the previous game, the next game can be executed continuously, and the variable display execution condition is satisfied.

  When the start lever 805 is operated in such a state that the game can be executed, based on the fact that the operation is detected by the start lever switch 805A (FIG. 25), the variable display start condition is satisfied, The reels 801L, 801C, and 801R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R continuously vary. When any one of the stop switches 806L, 806C, 806R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 801L, 801C, 801R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed so as to be visible.

  Then, when the rotation of all the reels 801L, 801C, 801R is stopped, one game is finished, and a combination of symbols called a predetermined combination on one of the activated pay lines is assigned to each reel 801L, When the display results of 801C and 801R are stopped, a winning is generated. The types of winning combinations are roughly divided into small roles with medals, re-players that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets, and special cases that have a transition in gaming state. There is a role, and the winning combination is determined according to the gaming state. In the slot machine 800, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state is allowed based on the random number value extracted at the timing when the start lever 805 is operated. The fact that winning in this internal lottery and winning is permitted is also referred to as “internal winning”. Of the winning of each role, the winning of the small role and the replaying role is valid only in the game for which the winning is determined, but the winning of the special role has the roles allowed to be generated by the internal lottery. It is effective until. In other words, once the occurrence of a special winning combination is allowed, even if the special winning combination cannot be generated in each game, the winning is carried over to the next game.

  The gaming state in the slot machine 800 includes, for example, a regular bonus, a big bonus, and a normal gaming state. In the regular bonus game state, for example, small roles such as JAC, cherry, watermelon, and bell are defined as winning combinations and are subject to lottery in the internal lottery. In the big bonus, special small roles such as cherry, watermelon, and bell, and special bonuses such as regular bonus (or JACIN) are determined as winning roles in a predetermined small role game. It is a lottery target in the internal lottery. In the normal gaming state, for example, small roles such as cherry, watermelon and bell, replay roles such as replay, special roles such as big bonus, regular bonus, etc. are predetermined as winning roles, It is a lottery target in the lottery.

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

  In the slot machine 800, when the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state such as a regular bonus or a big bonus, the player can acquire more medals than the normal gaming state, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. It becomes a game state. Note that the special gaming state is not limited to a regular bonus or a big bonus, and it can be expected that the player will win more medals than in the normal gaming state. That's fine. As such a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, for example, an operation that satisfies the conditions for deriving notification target winnings that occur on condition that reel deriving conditions (for example, stop order and stop timing) are satisfied By restricting the game state (so-called assist time) in which the procedure is notified and the pull-in range of at least one of the reels, the symbols displayed when the stop switches 806L, 806C, 806R are operated are stopped. Challenge time (CT) that allows control to be easily controlled and allows players to derive a combination of winning symbols, and allow for specific winnings (such as replay winnings and single bonus winnings) Game state (so-called replay time or concentration state) that increases the probability of being played, and further combining these It may be any such tricks state.

  In the slot machine 800, for example, a main board 900, an effect control board 920, a reel unit 950 and the like as shown in FIG. 25 are mounted. In addition, other boards such as a power supply board and a relay board connected to the main board 900 are mounted on the slot machine 800. The main board 900 is provided with a game control microcomputer 910. Like the game control microcomputer 156 in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 910 includes a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And so on.

  The reel unit 950 includes reel motors 951L, 951C, 951R, a reel lamp 952, a reel sensor 953, and the like. The reel motors 951L, 951C, and 951R are motors for rotating the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R. The reel lamp 952 is provided inside each of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R. Among the symbols drawn on each of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R, a symbol that can be seen by the variable display device 801 is irradiated from the inside of the reel. It is a lamp to do. The reel sensor 953 is a sensor for detecting the rotation state and the number of rotations of the reels 801L, 801C, and 801R.

  On the effect control board 920, an effect control microcomputer 930, a display control unit 931, a sound control unit 932, a lamp control unit 933, and the like are mounted. The effect control microcomputer 930 is similar to the effect control microcomputer 81 in the above embodiment, a CPU that performs control according to a program, a ROM that stores user programs and data, and a RAM that is used by the CPU as a work area. And a reset / interrupt controller. The display control unit 931 controls display operations in the first effect display device 810 and the second effect display devices 810a to 810d, and processes image data in accordance with a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 930. And an image data memory for storing various image data used for displaying images on the screens of the first effect display device 810 and the second effect display devices 810a to 810d. ing.

  The VDP provided in the display control unit 931 includes a host interface, a data memory interface, a (first and second) moving image decoder, a drawing circuit, and a VRAM (drawing buffer, display buffer, A display circuit and the like. In the display buffer, a frame buffer 1, a frame buffer 2, a dummy area, and the like are provided as necessary.

  In the effect control microcomputer 930, the first effect display device 810 and the second effect display devices 810a to 810d, the speakers 811L and 811R, and the game effect lamps 813 and 814 according to the effect control pattern based on the effect control command received from the main board 900. The CPU executes commands and processes for controlling the rendering operation by the CPU. In the display control unit 931, processing of image data in accordance with a display control command from the effect control microcomputer 930 is executed by VDP.

  In addition, game machines other than these, for example, game media, are encapsulated inside the game machine, and the number of pachinko balls and medals lent out, and the number of pachinko balls and medals awarded in accordance with winnings are added. On the other hand, enclosed game machines where the number of pachinko balls and medals used in games are subtracted and stored, and values such as points and points lent out in response to loan requests without using pachinko balls and medals Alternatively, a gaming machine that stores all values such as points and points awarded in accordance with winnings as credits and can play a game using only the values stored as credits may be used. In this case, these points, points, and the like correspond to game media, and credits become game value.

1 ... Pachinko machine 3 ... Bump supply tray (top plate)
3a ... Upper plate part 4 ... Surplus ball storage plate (lower plate)
4a ... Lower plate part (protruding part)
5 ... Hitting ball operation handle (operation knob)
6 ... Game board 7 ... Game area 8, 8a, 8b ... Special symbol display (special symbol display device)
9: First effect display device (variable display device, main display device)
9 '... 1st liquid crystal panel 9a, 9b ... 4th symbol display area 9c ... Backlight 10 ... Normal symbol display 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d ... 2nd effect display device (sub display device)
11a ', 11b', 11c ', 11d' ... 2nd liquid crystal panel 13 ... Movable piece 14a, 14b ... Start opening switch 15 ... Start winning device 15a, 15b ... Start opening 16, 21, 21a ... Solenoid 18 ... Special symbol hold Memory indicator 19 ... Full switch 20 ... Special variable winning ball device 23 ... Count switch 25L, 25R ... Decoration light emitting part 25a ... Decoration LED
25b ... Stage decoration LED
26 ... Out port 27, 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b ... Speaker 28L, 28R, 28H ... Light emitting part 28b, 28c ... Frame LED
29, 30 ... Normal winning opening 29a, 30a ... Winning opening switch 31 ... Main board 32 ... Gate 32a ... Gate switch 37 ... Dispensing control board 41 ... Normal symbol hold memory display 51 ... Prize ball LED
52… LED out of ball
54, 84 ROM
55, 85 ... RAM
56 ... CPU
57, 87 ... I / O ports 58, 260 ... Input circuits 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d ... Motors for movement (drive means)
60 ... Link mechanism 78, 79 ... Output circuit 80 ... Production control board (production execution means, display control board)
81 ... Production control microcomputer 86 ... Production control CPU
97 ... Ball dispensing device 101 ... Front frame 102 ... Glass door frame 103 ... Lower door frame 130a ... Big hit determination table 130b, 130c ... Small hit determination table 131a ... Big hit type determination table 132a, 132b ... Hit variation pattern type determination table 135a , 135b ... deviation variation pattern type determination table 137a, 137b ... hit variation pattern determination table 138a ... deviation variation pattern determination table 156 ... game control microcomputer 201 ... CPU interface (I / F)
202 ... System register 203 ... Attribute register 204 ... CG bus interface (I / F)
205 ... CGROM
206... Drawing controller (array means)
209 ... VRAM bus interface (I / F)
210 ... SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
211 ... Data transfer control unit 213 ... Display control unit 220 ... Signal separation board (data separation means)
262 ... VDP (display control means)
263 ... Image data ROM
510a, 510b, 510c, 510d ... Lever switch 516 ... Operation button 516a ... Button switch 530 ... Skylight module 600 ... Operation lever MK ... Main display system output unit SK ... Sub display system output unit 800 ... Slot machine 801 ... Variable display device 801L, 801C, 801R ... reel 802 ... medal slot 803 ... BET switch 804 ... MAXBET switch 805 ... start lever 805A ... start lever switch 806L, 806C, 806R ... stop switch 807 ... medal payout exit 808 ... settlement switch 810 ... first Effect display devices 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d ... Second effect display devices 811L, 811R ... Speakers 813, 814 ... Game effect lamps 820 ... Operation table 900 ... Main board 910 ... Game control microcomputer 920 ... Production control board 930 ... Production control microcomputer 931 ... Display control section 932 ... Sound control section 933 ... Lamp control section 950 ... Reel units 951L, 951C, 951R ... Reel motor 952 ... Reel lamp 953 ... Reel sensor

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a predetermined game,
And notification effect execution means for executing a notification effect for notifying whether the controlled Advantageously advantageous state for the player by the game,
First display means for displaying an image related to the game;
A second display means for displaying an image related to the game and capable of performing a predetermined operation;
Movable display effect executing means for executing a movable display effect for operating the second display means in the notification effect;
A return operation executing means for executing a return operation for returning the second display means to a predetermined return position when the movable display effect is completed;
When the movable display effect is executed in the previously executed notification effect, the notification effect executing means is a new one regardless of whether or not the return operation based on the end of the movable display effect is completed. While it is possible to start running notification effects,
The return operation executing means, when execution of a new notification effect is started before the completion of the return operation, completes the return operation by the earliest timing at which the movable display effect can be executed in the notification effect. ,
The movable display effect executing means superimposes the second display means on the first display means in the movable display effect.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

Images