JP6248072B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine that uses a game ball to play a game makes a jackpot lottery when a game ball wins a winning slot, and pays out a lot of prize balls by winning the lottery. In this jackpot lottery, a fluctuating pattern and various effect images are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, and further, as sound information used in the game, effect sounds such as speech language, music, and sound effects according to the effect image Is output from the speaker, thereby producing an effective performance that makes the player expect a big hit.

  In addition, if a gaming machine detects an error caused by a malfunction occurring in the gaming machine or an operation input based on a player's erroneous operation or unauthorized operation while the game is in progress, a voice announcement, buzzer sound, etc. An error notification sound is output from the speaker, and character information such as a warning message corresponding to the notification sound is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in the pachinko machine, when a problem occurs between the production control board and the liquid crystal display device, the content of the error is displayed on the liquid crystal error display unit, and further, an error sound is generated, It is described that the illumination lamp blinks.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-200334

  Usually, in the conventional gaming machine, the volume of the effect sound according to the effect image is adjusted by a cross key detection switch that detects the operation of the cross key (“+” and “−”) of the player.

  The volume set by the cross key detection switch (hereinafter also referred to as “soft volume”) has three volume levels “small”, “medium”, “high” ( Hereinafter, this is also referred to as “hard volume”). The hard volume (“small”, “medium”, or “large” designated by a switch that can be switched (hereinafter also referred to as “hard volume switch”). ”)), And an initial value (soft volume initial value). When a different soft volume initial value is specified for each hard volume, and the soft volume is then changed by the player adjusting the volume with the cross key of the cross key detection switch, the soft volume after the change is changed. (Soft volume change value) is specified.

  On the other hand, when an event (error) based on a malfunction, an erroneous operation, an unauthorized operation, or the like occurs, the gaming machine outputs an error notification sound for notifying that the error has occurred as sound information different from the effect sound. .

  However, in conventional gaming machines, smooth volume control is performed when performing output control of different types of sounds, such as the volume of performance sound specified by the player's switch operation and the volume of error notification sound. It was difficult.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly controlling the volume of the effect sound and the volume of sound information different from the effect sound.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is designated by the stage designating means for designating one of a plurality of stages for setting the output volume from the sound output unit, and the stage designating means. A setting means for setting an output volume associated with each stage, a game effect sound is output from the sound output unit in accordance with the output volume set by the setting means, and a game effect image is displayed on the image display device. Output control means for performing display control, operation means for receiving an operation for changing the output volume set by the setting means from a player, and error detection means for detecting occurrence of a predetermined error, the plurality The stage includes a first stage and a second stage, and the setting means sets the output volume after the first stage is designated by the stage designation means and the operation means is set. of The output volume is changed according to the operation, and after the second stage is designated by the stage designation means and the output volume is set, the output volume is not changed even if the operation means is operated, the image display device includes a first image display device, with is operable in front of the first image display device, and a smaller second image display device than the first image display apparatus, the second image Even when the display device is operating, it is possible to visually recognize the display area of the first image display device. The error includes a first error and a second error different from the first error. The output control means outputs the effect sound at the output volume set by the setting means during the game, and outputs the effect image to the first image display device and the second image. Displayed on the display device, The occurrence of the first error is detected during the output audio announcement notifying the occurrence of the first error in a particular output volume, regardless of whether the second image display device is operating When a first notification image for notifying the occurrence of the first error is displayed on the first image display device and the occurrence of the second error is detected during the output of the effect sound, An audio announcement and buzzer sound for notifying the occurrence of the second error are output, and a second notification image for notifying the occurrence of the second error is output regardless of whether the second image display device is operating or not . The image is displayed on a single image display device.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine, it is possible to smoothly control the volume of the effect sound and the volume of sound information different from the effect sound.

It is a front view of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the state where the glass frame provided in the front of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention was opened. It is a perspective view of the back surface side of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination table which performs the hit determination for every special symbol and normal symbol performed in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol determination table which determines the stop symbol of the special symbol in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit game completion setting data table for determining the game state after the big hit game performed with the game machine in embodiment of this invention is complete | finished. It is a figure which shows an example of the special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining a big prize opening opening mode table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the special winning opening opening | release aspect table determined using the special electric accessory operation | movement determination table. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern determination table which determines the fluctuation pattern of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect pattern determination table for determining the fluctuation | variation aspect of the effect symbol displayed in a 1st liquid crystal display device and a 2nd liquid crystal display device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the frame buffer used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the error alerting control system of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed flow of the error notification control process in the error notification control system of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the animation information used in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display list comprised from the drawing control command group used in the image control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special figure special electricity control process performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the special symbol memory | storage determination processing performed with the main control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the timer interruption process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the continuation of the 1st flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the command analysis process performed with the presentation control board of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the main process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the interruption process performed in the image control board of the game machine in embodiment of this invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a device configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which the glass frame provided on the front surface of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which the game ball 200 flows down is formed. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by pressing operation and a cross key 36 capable of pressing operation in at least two directions (usually four directions) are provided.

  Further, the glass frame 50 is provided with a tray 40 for storing a plurality of game balls 200, and the tray 40 has a downward slope so that the game balls flow down toward the operation handle 3. (See FIG. 2). A receiving opening for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 40, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, so that the glass frame 50 One game ball is sent to the ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface one by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  For this reason, if the operation handle 3 is greatly rotated and the game ball is not launched with a greater force than the game ball is launched into the left area of the game area 6, the game ball passes or wins in the first big prize opening 16. It is configured not to.

  When transitioning to the short-time game state described later, the game balls that have flowed down from the upper left and upper right areas of the game area 6 pass through the normal symbol gate 13, thereby causing a pair of second start at the second start port 15. The mouth movable piece 15b is in an open state, and a game ball wins the second starting port 15.

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

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

  Further, in the lowermost area of the game area 6 and the lowermost area of the game area 6, the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first major winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening. An out port 11 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports 17.

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

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

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

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

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation by an operation mode using the effect image.

  The effect driving device 33 can move in the vertical direction (of course, not limited to the vertical direction but can be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions), and moves in the vertical direction to the front surface of the first liquid crystal display device 31. Will be. In addition, the effect driving device 33 is equipped with an effect lighting device 34 and lights up in conjunction with the movement of the effect driving device 33 or independently.

  The second liquid crystal display device 37 can also be moved by being driven in the same manner as the effect driving device 33. The second liquid crystal display device 37 shown in FIG. The state stored in the mode is shown. From this state, the second liquid crystal display device 37 is spirally rotated, so that it is possible to adopt a vertical orientation in which the long side is in the left-right direction and the short side is in the up-down direction.

  The second liquid crystal display device 37 moves to the front surface of the first liquid crystal display device when the vertical orientation is achieved.

  Further, the relationship between the position of the second liquid crystal display device 37 in the vertical orientation and the position when the effect driving device 33 moves downward is determined by placing the second liquid crystal display device 37 on the front surface of the effect driving device 33. The relationship may be an arrangement relationship, or conversely, an effect drive device 33 may be arranged on the front surface of the second liquid crystal display device 37.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

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

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

  The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 110m including a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c, an error detection control unit 300, an input port for main control, and an output port (not shown). Yes.

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

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

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

  The main CPU 110a can perform a jackpot lottery on the holding ball before the lottery processing on the holding ball and pre-acquire (pre-read) the lottery result. At this time, the pre-acquired lottery result is produced. The image is sent to the image control board 150 via the control board 120.

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

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

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination table for performing a hit determination for each special symbol and normal symbol performed in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 (a-1) and FIG. 5 (a-2) are diagrams showing a jackpot determination table used for the “big winner lottery”.

  FIG. 5A-1 is a jackpot determination table (a jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device) referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. It is a jackpot determination table (a jackpot determination table for the second special symbol display device) referred to in the special symbol display device 21. In the tables of FIG. 5 (a-1) and FIG. 5 (a-2), although the winning probabilities for small hits are different, the jackpot probabilities are the same.

  Specifically, the big hit determination table is for determining “big hit”, “small hit”, or “losing” based on the current probability gaming state and the acquired random numbers for determining special symbols.

  For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5 (a-1), in the low probability gaming state, all the special symbol determinations “7” and “8” are performed. On the other hand, when the random number value is determined to be a jackpot, all the 20 special symbol determination random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be a jackpot when the gaming state is a high probability game state.

  Further, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5 (a-1), the special symbol determination for either the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state. When the random number values are all four special symbol determination random values of “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”, it is determined as “small hit”. Although not shown, when the random number is other than the special symbol determination random number shown above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is “0” to “598”, the probability of being determined as “big hit” in the low-probability gaming state is “1 / 299.5” and high The probability of being determined as “big hit” in the probability gaming state is “1 / 29.9”, which is approximately 10 times.

  Further, in the first special symbol display device 20, the probability of being determined as “small hit” is “1 / 149.75” regardless of whether the gaming state is the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state.

  Next, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a hit determination table used for “ordinary symbol lottery”.

  Specifically, the winning determination table is for determining “winning” or “losing” based on the presence / absence of the short-time gaming state and the acquired random number for normal symbol determination.

  For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 5B, in the non-short-time gaming state, one normal symbol determination random value of “0” is determined to be a win, while in the short-time gaming state. In some cases, it is determined that all 65535 normal symbol determining random numbers from “0” to “65534” are hits. Although not shown, if the random number is other than the normal symbol determining random number shown above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the normal symbol determination random number value is “0” to “65535”, the probability of being determined as “winning” in the non-time saving gaming state is “1/65536”, and the time saving gaming state The probability of being determined as “winning” at the time of is “65535/65536”.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 6B is a symbol that is referred to in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of a big hit. FIG. 6C is a symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a symbol to be stopped when a loss occurs.

  Specifically, according to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6, a special ball display device type (a type of a start opening in which a game ball has won) and a game ball at the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number value or the small bonus symbol random number value acquired when the ball is entered.

  For example, the first special symbol display device 20 refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6A in the case of “big hit”, and if the acquired big hit symbol random number value is “55”, the stopped symbol data As “03” (special symbol 3 (first probability variation 3)).

  Further, in the first special symbol display device 20, when “small hit”, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6B is referred to, and if the acquired random number value for small hit symbol is “50”, it is stopped. The symbol data is determined as “08” (special symbol B (small hit B)).

  In the case of “losing”, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6C is referred to, and “00” (special symbol 0 (losing)) is determined as stop symbol data. That is, in the case of “losing”, any random number value is determined as stop symbol data of “00”.

  Then, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, an effect designating command is generated as special symbol information based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data). Here, the production symbol designation command is composed of data of “2 bytes” as a unit command, and includes “1 byte” of MODE data for identifying the control command and the contents of the control command to be executed. It consists of “1 byte” worth of DATA data. The same applies to a variation pattern designation command described later.

  As will be described later, the game state after the jackpot game (see FIG. 7) and the type of jackpot game (see FIG. 8) are determined by the type of special symbol (stop symbol data). It can be said that the type determines the gaming state after the jackpot game ends and the type of jackpot game.

  FIG. 7 is a jackpot game end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot game ends.

  Based on the special symbol type (stop symbol data) and the state stored in the game state buffer, the high probability game flag setting, the number of high probability games (X ), A short-time game flag, and a short-time count (J) are set.

  Here, the “gaming state buffer” is information indicating the gaming state at the time of winning the big hit. The gaming state includes a combination of a short-time gaming state (or a non-short-time gaming state) and a high probability gaming state (or low probability gaming state).

  Specifically, if the gaming state buffer is “00H”, it indicates the gaming state information of the low-probability gaming state and the non-short-time gaming state in which both the short-time gaming flag and the high-probability gaming flag are not set. If the gaming state buffer is “01H”, the short-time gaming flag is not set, but the high-probability gaming flag indicates gaming state information of the high-probability gaming state and the non-short-time gaming state that are set. If the gaming state buffer is “02H”, it indicates gaming state information of a low-probability gaming state and a short-time gaming state in which the short-time gaming flag is set but the high-probability gaming flag is not set. If the game state buffer is “03H”, it indicates the game state information of the high-probability gaming state and the short-time gaming state in which both the short-time gaming flag and the high-probability gaming flag are set.

  In the jackpot game end setting data table shown in FIG. 7, even if the type of the same special symbol, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games (J) are made different based on the information stored in the game state buffer. Is made possible.

  Specifically, when the type of the special symbol is special symbol 3 (corresponding to stop symbol data 03, first probability variation jackpot “3”), regarding the high probability game flag and the high probability game number (X), Regardless of the information stored in the state buffer, the high probability game flag is set after the jackpot game ends, and the high probability game count (X) is set to “10000 times”.

  On the other hand, regarding the short-time game flag and the short-time number of times (J), if information (“00H” or “01H”) indicating a game state in which the short-time game flag is not set is stored in the game state buffer, Does not set the short-time game flag, and sets the short-time number (J) to “0”. On the other hand, if information (“02H” or “03H”) indicating the gaming state in which the short-time gaming flag is set is stored in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming flag is set after the big hit game is finished. , The number of time reduction (J) is set to “10000 times”.

  Thereby, the number of time reductions (J) can be changed according to the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot, and the player can be interested in the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot.

  FIG. 8 is a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the special winning opening opening mode table.

  With reference to the special electric accessory operating mode determination table shown in FIG. 8, the special winning opening opening mode table is determined based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

  As will be described later, since the jackpot game is executed on the basis of the big prize opening manner table, it can be said that the big prize opening manner table indicates the type of the big prize game.

  Further, the special electric accessory actuating mode determination table shown in FIG. 8 is characterized in that, in the second special symbol display device 21 that is actuated when a game ball enters the second starting port 15, the “short hit table” is used. "Is not determined.

  This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no gaming ball enters the second starting port 15, but “short hit” is determined when a gaming ball enters the second starting port 15. This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the second special symbol display device 21 is configured not to determine the “short hit table”. Of course, the second special symbol display device 21 also determines the “short hit table”. You may comprise. However, in the case of determining the “short hit table” in the second special symbol display device 21, compared with the first special symbol display device 20 that is activated when a game ball enters the first start port 14, By configuring the “short hit table” to be difficult to determine for the reasons described above, it is possible to prevent a decrease in game motivation.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of the big prize opening opening mode table determined in FIG. 8, and the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b or the movable piece for the second big winning opening is determined by this big winning opening opening mode table. The open / close condition of 17b is determined.

  FIG. 9A shows a big winning opening opening determination table group for jackpots that is referred to in the jackpot game, and is composed of a long winning table, a short winning table, and an advanced winning table.

  FIG. 9B shows a big winning opening releasing mode determination table group for small hits determined at the small hit game.

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

  In the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9 (a), the type of the big winning opening to be opened (the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17) and the one big win game The maximum number of round games (R), the specified number indicating the maximum number of winnings in the big winning opening in one round, the start interval time from the start of the big hit game to the execution of the first round game, and in each round game Maximum number of times of opening of the grand prize opening (K), opening time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game, and closing time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game And the closing interval time of the big prize opening from the end of one round game to the execution of the next round game, and the end interval time from the end of the last round game to the end of the jackpot game Are 憶.

  On the other hand, in the large winning opening opening determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 9B, the type of the large winning opening to be opened (the first large winning opening 16 or the second large winning opening 17), The maximum number of times of opening (K) in a single small hit game, a specified number indicating the maximum number of winning points in a single winning game, and the first large winning opening is opened from the start of the small hit game Until the end of the small hit game from the end of the closing time of the last prize winning opening and the closing time of the last prize winning opening The interval time is stored.

  Here, according to the long winning table of the big winning prize opening opening determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9A, the first big winning opening opening / closing door 16b is operated, and the first winning prize opening / closing door 16b is located on the right side of the game area 6. The grand prize winning opening 16 can be opened up to a maximum of “approximately 29 seconds” per round.

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

  Here, the short win table of the big winning prize opening manner determination table for jackpots shown in FIG. 9A and the big winning opening release mode determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 9B are the maximum number of round games ( R), the maximum number of times of opening (K), the closing interval time, and the closing time of the big winning opening at each opening number, there are data differences, but the same second big winning opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (second large) The winning opening 17 repeats “opening for 0.052 seconds” and closing for “2.0 seconds” for “15 times”), and the player is “short win game” or “small hit game” from the appearance. Cannot be determined.

  Thereby, it is possible to cause the player to guess whether the game is “short hit game” or “small hit game”.

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

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

  In addition, the per-development table of the big winning prize opening mode determination table for jackpot shown in FIG. 9A is also the above-described short winning game and small winning game until the third big winning opening is opened (K = 3). The second grand prize opening 17 performs the same opening / closing operation (the second big prize opening 17 repeats an opening time of “0.052 seconds” and a closing time of “2.0 seconds”), and the player looks Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the game is “game per development, game per short, or game per short”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, according to the jackpot big winning opening opening determination table shown in FIG. 9A, the maximum number of round games (R) at the time of all jackpots regardless of the long win game, the short win game, or the development game. ) Is set to the same number of times. For this reason, there is no need to provide a display device for identifying the number of round games as in the prior art.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols as will be described later.

  Specifically, according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, the special symbol display device that operates (the type of the starting opening that the game ball won), the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to stop, and the short-time gaming state Based on the presence / absence, the number of special symbol hold (U1 or U2), the reach determination random number value, and the special symbol variation random value, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined.

  Then, based on the determined special symbol variation pattern, the special symbol variation time is determined, and the special symbol variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 120 is specified. An example of this variation pattern designation command is shown in FIG.

  Therefore, it can be said that the “special symbol variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the special symbol variation time. In addition, since a reach is always performed when a big hit or a small hit, the reach determination random number value is not referred to when a big hit or a small win. In addition, the random number range for reach determination and the random number value for special figure fluctuation are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).

  Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is composed of “1 byte” of MODE data for identifying the command classification and “1 byte” of DATA data indicating the content (function) of the command. Yes.

  When the MODE data is “E6H”, a special symbol variation pattern designation command (of the first special symbol display device 20) corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first start port 14 is shown. "E7H" indicates a special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the winning of a game ball in the second start port 15 (second special symbol display device 21).

  Further, the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10 is set so that the variation time of the special symbol is shortened when the jackpot determination result is lost and the game is in the short-time gaming state. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is “2”, if the game is in the short-time game state, the variation time is “3000 ms” with a probability of “95%” based on the reach determination random value. Pattern “9” (shortening variation) is determined. On the other hand, when in the non-time saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds “3000 ms” is determined.

  In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, a sub RAM 120c, and an error notification mode control unit 400 that performs error alarm sound notification control. The main control board 110 is controlled by the main control board 110. The circuit board 110 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be able to communicate in one direction.

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

  The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

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

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a table used when an effect pattern designation command is specified based on the variation pattern designation command at this time.

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

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

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

  The effect control board 120 creates an effect pattern designation command using an effect pattern determination table as shown in FIG. 11 and sends it to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150.

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

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

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an effect pattern determination table for determining a variation mode of the effect symbol 38 displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37.

  The variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1 (0 to 99) shown in FIG. 11 are information received from the main control board 110, and the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on this information. is there.

  In FIG. 11, even when the sub CPU 120a receives the variation pattern designation command of the same special symbol, the variation control pattern can be determined based on the random number value 1 for the effect. The number of special pattern variation pattern designation commands stored in the main control board 110 is reduced compared to the variation effect pattern stored in 120.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, as the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the change effect pattern, “MODE” is set to “A1H” in the case of the change effect pattern based on the change pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, and the second special When the variation effect pattern is based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the symbol display device 21, “MODE” is set as “B1H”, and “DATA” is set according to the identification number of the variation effect pattern.

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

  Subsequently, the payout control board 130 shown in FIG. 4 performs payout control of the game ball. The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

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

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

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

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a firing control board 160 that inputs signals from the touch sensor 3a and the firing volume 3b and outputs signals to the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b is connected to the payout control board 130. ing. When the power is supplied from the power supply board 170 to the launch control board 160, the launch control of the game ball is performed.

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

  At this time, the image control board 150 and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 have a general purpose bridge function for converting the image data into a predetermined image format and outputting it when displaying the image data. A substrate 39 is provided.

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

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

  The liquid crystal control CPU 150a is an image creation instructing unit that instructs the VDP 2000 to create image data of an effect image to be displayed on at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 when performing an effect in a game. . That is, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a creates a display list, which will be described later, based on an “effect pattern designation command” received from the effect control board 120, and transmits the display list to the VDP 2000, thereby storing the display list in the CGROM 151. The VDP 2000 is instructed to create image data to be displayed on at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 from the image data.

  Further, upon receiving a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 2000, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a appropriately performs an interrupt process.

In addition, the liquid crystal control CPU 150 a instructs the sound control circuit 3000 to output predetermined sound data to the sound output device 32 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.
In addition, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a includes an output control instruction unit 190 that instructs the VDP 2000 to set the volume of the effect sound and the error notification sound.

  VDP2000 is a so-called image processor. Based on the image creation instruction from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, the VDP 2000 selects either the main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c or the main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d for the first liquid crystal display device 31, or the second liquid crystal display CPU 31. For the liquid crystal display device 37, image data is read from the “display frame buffer” of the frame buffer of either the first sub-liquid crystal frame buffer 153 e or the second sub-liquid crystal frame buffer 153 f.

  The VDP 2000 generates a video signal (LVDS signal, RGB signal, or the like) based on the read image data, and outputs the video signal to at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 for display. Let

The VDP 2000 includes a control register (not shown), a CG bus I / F, a CPU I / F, a clock generation circuit, an expansion circuit, a drawing circuit, a display circuit, and a memory controller, which are connected by a bus.
The VDP 2000 includes an output control unit 2010. The output control unit 2010, as will be described later, based on the information about the volume setting (soft volume initial value, error notification instruction command, etc.) transmitted from the output control instruction unit 190 of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, Then, the process of setting the volume of the error notification sound is performed, and the sound output in the sound control circuit 3000 is controlled with the set volume.
Details of the configuration of the VDP 2000 will be described later.

  The sound control circuit 3000 is provided with a sound ROM (not shown) in which a large number of sound data is stored, and is predetermined based on a sound output instruction command transmitted from the effect control board 120 via the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. And the audio output control in the audio output device 32 is performed.

  The VDP 2000 and the sound control circuit 3000 constitute an information output control means for controlling the output of the effect image created in accordance with the creation instruction made by the liquid crystal control CPU 150a and the sound information used together with the image data.

From the audio output device 32, the player designates effect sounds such as voice language, music, and sound effects according to the effect image displayed on at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. Is output at the specified volume.
The sound output device 32 outputs sound information used in the game at a volume different from the volume of the effect sound.

  Hereinafter, a case where the gaming machine 1 outputs sound information indicating that an event set in advance as an error to be notified to the player in a game has occurred as sound information used in the game will be described.

  When an event set in advance as an error to be notified to the player occurs in the game while the game is in progress, the gaming machine 1 stores the event as sound information indicating that the event as the error has occurred. The corresponding error notification sound is output at the maximum volume that can be set by the gaming machine 1. The sound data of the production sound and the sound data of the notification sound are stored in advance in the sound ROM of the sound control circuit 3000.

A hard volume switch 210 is provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 to accept a switching operation by a store clerk or the like of three levels of “small”, “medium”, and “large” game stores. The cross key detection switch 36a according to the hard volume (“small”, “medium”, or “large”) designated by the volume level “small”, “medium”, “large” switching operation in the hard volume switch 210. The initial value of the volume of the effect sound specified in (hereinafter also referred to as “soft volume”) is specified.
The hard volume (level “small”, “medium”, or “large”) designated by the hard volume switch 210 is supplied to the output control instruction unit 190 of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  The output control instruction unit 190 designates the initial value of the soft volume corresponding to the hard volume (level “small”, “medium”, or “large”) designated by the hard volume switch 210. The output control instruction unit 190 generates soft volume initial value information indicating the initial value of the designated soft volume, and transmits it to the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000.

  The output control unit 2010 stores the soft volume initial value indicated by the soft volume initial value information received from the output control instruction unit 190 as an overall output volume in the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “master volume”). Set.

Thereafter, when the player performs a volume adjustment operation on the cross key 36 of the cross key detection switch 36a, the volume selected by the volume adjustment operation of the cross key 36 from the above-described initial soft volume initial value. When the software volume is changed, the output control unit 2010 sets the master volume by receiving and storing the changed software volume (soft volume change value). The volume of the effect sound as the soft volume initial value and the soft volume change value is also referred to as “first volume”.
The output control unit 2010 stores the first volume (first volume information) and sets it as the master volume.

  The output control unit 2010 instructs the sound control circuit 3000 to output the effect sound so as to output the effect sound at the set master volume.

Here, an example of designating the soft volume initial value will be described.
For example, when the hard volume “small” is designated by the switching operation of the hard volume (three levels “small”, “medium”, “large”) in the hard volume switch 210, the initial soft volume value cannot be changed The minimum fixed volume value (“volume value 10”) is designated. In this case, even if the cross key 36 (“+” key and “−” key) is operated, the initial value (“volume value 10”) of the designated soft volume is not changed.
Further, for example, when the hard volume is switched to “medium” in the hard volume switch 210, the soft volume initial value in the cross key detection switch 36a is designated as “volume value 40”.
Further, for example, when the hard volume is switched to “large” in the hard volume switch 210, the initial soft volume value in the cross key detection switch 36 a is designated as “volume value 70”.
The initial soft volume value is not limited to these volume values (“volume value 10”, “volume value 40”, or “volume value 70”).

  As described above, when a hard volume (level “small”, “medium”, or “large”) is designated in the hard volume switch 210, the gaming machine 1 is a soft volume corresponding to the designated hard volume level. The initial value is set to the master volume as the first volume. After that, the gaming machine 1 changes the soft volume (soft volume change value) as the first volume by changing the soft volume by the volume adjustment operation of the cross key detection switch 36a by the player. Set the volume.

  In addition, when an event that is set as an error to be notified to the player in advance occurs, the gaming machine 1 regardless of the hard volume (level “small”, “medium”, “large”) designated by the hard volume switch 210, The maximum volume that can be output from the gaming machine 1 that is much larger than the maximum value of the soft volume is designated as the volume of the error notification sound (hereinafter also referred to as “second volume”) and set as the master volume. .

  Thereby, the gaming machine 1 can output the notification sound from the audio output device 32 at a volume much higher than the volume of the production sound.

  The gaming machine 1 has an error list (not shown) that holds information on events that are set in advance as errors in the error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110. When the event that occurred in the game is an event that is listed as an error in the error list, the gaming machine 1 uses a notification sound (buzzer sound, sound) according to the type of error as sound information indicating that an error has occurred. Announcements etc.) are output.

  The events set as errors in advance are based on, for example, the occurrence of a malfunction (a malfunction in the structure, signal processing, etc.) in the gaming machine 1, or an incorrect operation of the operation medium such as the operation handle 3 or the effect button 35 by the player. There are various events to be notified in order to urge the player to call attention, such as an operation input being performed and an operation input based on an illegal operation by the player being performed.

  Problems that occur in the gaming machine 1 are signals that are not detected when the gaming machine 1 is operating normally from various switches, various solenoids, various display devices, the payout control board 130, etc. connected to the main control board 110. Signal) is detected. The error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 receives such an abnormal signal as an event signal. For example, when a fuse blow occurs in the power plug 171 connected to the power board 170 (power error), or when a game ball is not fired even if the operation handle 3 is operated (handle error), the error detection control unit 300 When an abnormal signal resulting from the occurrence of these problems is received as an event signal, it is determined that the occurrence of the problem in the gaming machine 1 is an event listed as an error in the error list. As a result, the error detection control unit 300 detects the occurrence of an event set in advance as an error.

  The following specific examples are given as the operation input based on the erroneous operation of the operation medium provided in the gaming machine 1 by the player. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a first big prize opening 16 and a second big prize opening 17 on the right side of the gaming area 6, and the player can win big hits in such a gaming machine 1. During the game, when the first big prize opening 16 is opened and when the second big prize opening 17 is opened after the big hit game, the operation handle 3 is rotated at a relatively large rotation angle, and the game is performed with a strong launch strength. A so-called “right strike” is performed in which the ball is fired toward the right side of the game area 6.

However, even if neither the first grand prize winning opening 16 nor the second big winning prize opening 17 is open, and it is not necessary to perform “right-handed”, the player mistakenly operates the operation handle 3 relatively. “Right-handed” may be performed by turning at a large turning angle. In this case, when the firing intensity is adjusted by the firing volume 3b according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3, the error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 receives a firing control signal based on the firing intensity.
The launch control signal at this time is an event signal indicating that an operation input based on an incorrect operation of the player of the game medium has been performed. When the error detection control unit 300 receives the launch control signal at this time from the launch control board 160 via the payout control board 130, the error detection control unit 300 determines that the operation input based on the erroneous operation is an event listed as an error in the error list.

  In addition, as an operation input based on an illegal operation by a player, for example, an illegal winning to at least one of the first starting port 14, the second starting port 15, the first major winning port 16, and the second major winning port 17 is performed. An operation input based on an operation (an unauthorized opening operation of the glass frame 50, a game ball guiding operation using a magnet, or the like) can be given.

  The error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 generates various detection switches (general winning port detection switch 12a, gate detection switch 13a, first start port detection switch 14a, second start) When receiving as an event signal from the mouth detection switch 15a, the first big prize opening detection switch 16a, the second big prize opening detection switch 17a), the door opening switch 133, etc., the operation input based on the generated illegal operation is an error in the error list. It is determined that the event is listed as follows.

  The error detection control unit 300 determines in advance that such an event that should be notified to the player as an error has occurred, so that error information indicating the content of the error is sent to the error notification mode control unit 400 of the effect control board 120. Supply.

Based on the error information from the error detection control unit 300, the error notification mode control unit 400 reports an error notification mode (specific error notification image (specific warning message (character), specific character image, etc.) indicated by the error information. ), A specific error notification sound (specific warning announcement, specific buzzer sound, etc.)) is determined. Then, the error notification mode control unit 400 transmits error notification information including the error information from the error detection control unit 300 and the information of the determined notification mode to the output control instruction unit 190 of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a. When the gaming machine 1 outputs an error notification sound, the error notification information includes, in addition to the error information from the error detection control unit 300 and the notification mode information of the error notification sound, the volume of the error notification sound (second Second volume information indicating (volume) (maximum volume that the gaming machine 1 can output) is also included.
That is, when outputting the error notification sound, the error notification mode control unit 400 designates the second volume that is the volume of the error notification sound as the maximum volume that the gaming machine 1 can output.

  Based on the error notification information received from the error notification mode control unit 400, the output control instruction unit 190 of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a is a command (error notification) that instructs to notify the generated error in the notification mode indicated by the error notification mode information. (Instruction instruction) is generated and transmitted to the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000. When the gaming machine 1 outputs an error notification sound, the error notification instruction command instructs to output the generated error with an error notification sound according to a specific notification mode, and the volume of the error notification sound (second volume). Is set to the maximum volume that the gaming machine 1 can output.

  When the gaming machine 1 outputs an error notification sound, the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000, based on the error notification instruction command received from the output control instruction unit 190, the second volume that is the maximum volume that the gaming machine 1 can output. (Second volume information) is stored and set as the master volume.

  In this case, the gaming machine 1 performs a sound control process of outputting an error notification sound at the set second volume in the sound control circuit 3000, and outputs an error notification sound such as a buzzer sound, a warning announcement, an instruction announcement, etc. The audio output device 32 outputs the sound at a second volume that is much larger than the volume (first volume).

  The gaming machine 1 can immediately notify the occurrence of an error not only to the player but also to the store clerk and surrounding customers by outputting such a large volume error notification sound.

  When the gaming machine 1 displays an error notification image, the output control unit 2010 displays the error notification image on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display based on the error notification instruction command from the output control instruction unit 190. Image control is performed so as to display on at least one of the devices 37.

  In this case, the output control unit 2010 displays an error notification image on at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 based on the error notification instruction command from the output control instruction unit 190. Image control is performed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 has a notification sound output stop condition in which the error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 has information on a condition (error notification sound output stop condition) for stopping the output of the error notification sound by the second volume. It has a list (not shown).

  When the gaming machine 1 determines that at least one error notification sound output stop condition held in the error notification sound output stop condition list is satisfied while outputting the error notification sound, the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000 , The second volume (second volume information) stored as the master volume is a first volume (first volume) indicating the volume of the effect sound designated by the cross key detection switch 36a before the error notification sound is output. Information).

  Then, the gaming machine 1 controls the sound control circuit 3000 to output the effect sound at the rewritten first volume instead of outputting the error notification sound at the second volume.

  Note that the notification sound output stop condition includes, for example, cancellation of an occurring event, elapse of a preset time from the start of occurrence of the event, and the like.

  An error notification mode that is output when the event described in the above specific example occurs will be described.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the above-described problem occurs as an event set in advance as an error to be notified to the player, for example, the maximum volume (second volume) at which the gaming machine 1 can output a buzzer sound. ). In this case, one or more lamps of the effect lighting device 34 may be blinked.

  Further, for example, in the gaming machine 1, when an erroneous operation of the game medium as described above occurs as an event that should be notified to the player in advance, the erroneous operation is given to the player. A voice instruction announcement for correcting the operation to the correct operation is output as an error notification sound. Furthermore, when outputting the voice instruction announcement, for example, as an error notification image, a character display (instruction message) corresponding to the voice instruction announcement is displayed together with a predetermined character image, and the character makes the voice announcement. It is good also as a proper alerting | reporting aspect.

  For example, as described above, in a state where neither the first grand prize winning opening 16 nor the second big winning prize opening 17 is open and it is not necessary to perform “right-handed”, the player mistakenly operates the operation handle 3. When “right-handed” is performed by turning at a relatively large turning angle, for example, the gaming machine 1 gives a voice instruction message “Please return to left-handed” as an error notification sound. 1 is output at the maximum volume (second volume) that can be output. Further, along with this voice instruction message, a character (telop) “Please turn back to the left” may be displayed as an error notification image.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, when an illegal operation as described above occurs, for example, an error notification sound such as a buzzer sound or a warning announcement is output at the maximum volume (second volume) that the gaming machine 1 can output. . In this case, for example, one or more lamps of the effect lighting device 34 may be blinked. Further, for example, a character (warning message) corresponding to the warning announcement may be displayed.

  Thus, when the gaming machine 1 determines that it is necessary to output an error notification sound that is sound information different from the effect sound, the gaming machine 1 sets the master sound volume to the first sound volume (first sound volume) that is the sound effect sound volume. Since the information is rewritten to the second volume (second volume information) which is the volume of the error notification sound, the two volume controls can be smoothly performed in the output control of the effect sound and the error notification sound.

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

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

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

  An example of this animation information is shown in FIG. 20 and will be described below.

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

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

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

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

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal to the VDP 2000 and divides the pulse signal to synchronize with the system clock for the VDP 2000 to control and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A synchronization signal or the like is generated.

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

  FIG. 12 is an example of a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a frame buffer used in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12A shows a case where image data is displayed using either the first liquid crystal display device 31 or the second liquid crystal display device 37, and in particular, only the first liquid crystal display device 31 has the image control board 150. In other words, the second liquid crystal is not a configuration in which the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are connected as shown in FIG. It is a memory map in the structure when not having the display device 37.

  The memory map shown in FIG. 12A includes an image data development area 153b consisting of arbitrary areas, a display list storage area 153a, a main liquid crystal first frame buffer area 153c, a main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d, and other areas. It is configured.

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 12B shows a case where the image data received from the image control board 150 is displayed on both the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, that is, as shown in FIG. As shown, the memory map in the configuration in which the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 are connected.

  12B, similarly to the memory map shown in FIG. 12A, the image data development area 153b consisting of arbitrary areas, the display list (display list 1, display list 2) storage area 153a, the main liquid crystal display 1 frame buffer area 153c, main liquid crystal second frame buffer area 153d, and other areas, and further, sub liquid crystal first frame buffer 153e and sub liquid crystal second frame buffer 153f.

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

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

  In addition to the above, the first liquid crystal display device 31 as shown in FIG. 12B may be configured without the second liquid crystal display device 37, that is, with only the first liquid crystal display device 31. It is also possible to use a memory map having a frame buffer of the second liquid crystal display device 37.

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

  In the VDP 2000, the above-described control register (not shown) is a register for the VDP 2000 to perform drawing and display control, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register. The liquid crystal control CPU 150a can write and read data to and from the control register via the CPU I / F.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The memory controller performs control to switch between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when an instruction to switch the frame buffer is given from the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the error notification control system 500 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the error notification control system 500 includes an error detection control unit 300 configured by the main control board 110, an error notification mode control unit 400 configured by the effect control board 120, and the image control board 150. An output control instruction unit 190 configured by the liquid crystal control CPU 150a, an output control unit 2010 configured by the VDP 2000 of the image control board 150, a hard volume switch (hard Vol setting) 210, and a cross key detection switch (soft Vol setting) 36a, a general-purpose substrate 39, a first liquid crystal display device (main liquid crystal) 31, a second liquid crystal display device (sub liquid crystal) 37, a sound control circuit 3000 of the image control substrate 150, and an audio output device 32. It becomes.

  The error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 includes an event signal reception unit 301, an error determination unit 302, an event information storage unit 303, an error information generation unit 304, and an error information transmission unit 305.

  The error notification mode control unit 400 of the effect control board 120 includes an error information reception unit 401, an error notification mode determination unit 402, an error notification mode information storage unit 403, and an error notification information transmission unit 404.

  The output control instruction unit 190 of the liquid crystal control CPU 150a includes an error notification information reception unit 191, an error notification instruction command generation unit 192, a hard volume reception unit 193, a soft volume initial value determination unit 194, and a signal transmission unit 195. Have.

  The output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000 includes a signal reception unit 2011, an error notification image control unit 2012, a volume setting unit 2013, a volume storage unit 2014, and a volume information transmission unit 2015.

As described above, the hard volume switch 210 accepts a switching operation by a store clerk or the like of the three levels “small”, “medium”, and “large” of the hard volume.
The hard volume (level “small”, “medium”, or “large”) designated by the hard volume switch 210 is supplied to the hard volume reception unit 193 of the output control instruction unit 190.

  The hard volume reception unit 193 of the output control instruction unit 190 receives the hard volume from the hard volume switch 210 and supplies it to the soft volume initial value determination unit 194.

  The soft volume initial value determination unit 194 performs processing for determining the initial value of the effect sound (soft volume) set by the cross key detection switch 36a in accordance with the hard volume supplied from the hard volume reception unit 193.

When the soft volume initial value determining unit 194 receives the hard volume “small” from the hard volume switch 210 via the hard volume receiving unit 193, the soft volume initial value cannot be changed, and the minimum fixed volume value (“volume value 10”) cannot be changed. ).
Also, when the soft volume initial value determination unit 194 receives the hard volume “medium” from the hard volume switch 210 via the hard volume reception unit 193, the soft volume initial value determination unit 194 determines the soft volume initial value to be “volume value 40”.
Also, when the soft volume initial value determination unit 194 receives the hard volume “large” from the hard volume switch 210 via the hard volume reception unit 193, the soft volume initial value determination unit 194 determines the soft volume initial value to be “sound volume value 70”.

The soft volume initial value determination unit 194 generates soft volume initial value information indicating the determined soft volume initial value and supplies the soft volume initial value information to the signal transmission unit 195.
The signal transmission unit 195 transmits the soft volume initial value information supplied from the soft volume initial value determination unit 194 to the signal reception unit 2011 of the output control unit 2010.
The signal receiving unit 2011 receives the soft volume initial value information from the signal transmitting unit 195 and supplies it to the volume setting unit 2013.

The volume storage unit 2014 is an output amount (volume) storage unit configured by a RAM, for example.
The volume setting unit 2013 stores the soft volume initial value information as the first volume information supplied from the signal receiving unit 2011 in the volume storage unit 2014. Thereby, the volume setting unit 2013 sets the soft volume initial value as the first volume in the volume storage unit 2014 to the master volume.
Then, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the first volume information stored in the volume storage unit 2014 and supplies the first volume information to the volume information transmission unit 2015.

The volume information transmitting unit 2015 transmits the first volume information supplied from the volume setting unit 2013 to the sound control circuit 3000.
When the sound control circuit 3000 receives the first sound volume information transmitted from the sound volume information transmitting unit 2015, the sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output the effect sound from the sound output device 32 at the first sound volume indicated by the first sound volume information.

Further, when the player performs an operation of changing the soft volume on the cross key 36 of the cross key detection switch 36a, the volume setting unit 2013 receives the changed software from the cross key detection switch 36a via the signal receiving unit 2011. Receive volume (soft volume change value) (soft volume change value information).
The volume setting unit 2013 stores soft volume change value information as first volume information in the volume storage unit 2014. Thereby, the volume setting unit 2013 sets the soft volume change value as the first volume as the master volume in the volume storage unit.

  The event signal receiving unit 301 included in the error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 is transmitted from the various switches, various solenoids, various display devices, and the payout control board 130 connected to the main control board 110 at normal time (normal time). When a signal (event signal) different from the signal to be transmitted is transmitted, the event signal is received. The event signal reception unit 301 supplies the received event signal to the error determination unit 302.

  The event information storage unit 303 stores an error list (not shown) that holds event information set in advance as errors to be notified to the player.

The error determination unit 302 compares the event indicated by the event signal supplied from the event signal receiving unit 301 with an event as an error held in the error list stored in the event information storage unit 303.
When the event indicated by the event signal matches any of the events as errors held in the error list, the error determination unit 302 generates an error listed in the error list (an error to be notified to the player). It is determined that In this case, the error determination unit 302 issues an error information generation instruction command to the error information generation unit 304 so as to generate error information indicating the content of the error that has occurred.
On the other hand, if the event indicated by the event signal does not match the event set in advance in the error list as an error, the error determination unit 302 detects an error listed in the error list (an error to be notified to the player). ) Is determined not to occur.

  When the error information generation unit 304 receives an error information generation instruction command from the error determination unit 302, the error information generation unit 304 generates error information indicating the content of the error that has occurred and supplies the error information to the error information transmission unit 305.

  The error information transmission unit 305 transmits the error information supplied from the error information generation unit 304 to the error information reception unit 401 included in the error notification mode control unit 400 included in the effect control board 120.

  The error information reception unit 401 of the error notification mode control unit 400 receives the error information transmitted from the error information transmission unit 305 and supplies the error information to the error notification mode determination unit 402.

  The error notification mode information storage unit 403 is configured by the sub ROM 120b. The error notification mode information storage unit 403 stores error notification mode information indicating an error notification mode set according to the error content indicated by the error information. Further, the error notification mode information storage unit 403 also stores a second volume (maximum volume that can be output by the gaming machine 1) (second volume information) that is an output volume of the error notification sound.

The error notification mode determination unit 402 selects, from the error notification mode information stored in the error notification mode information storage unit 403, error notification mode information indicating a notification mode according to the error content indicated by the error information. The error notification mode determination unit 402 has error notification mode information selected from the error notification mode information stored in the error notification mode information storage unit 403 as the error notification mode indicated by the error information supplied from the error information reception unit 401. The notification mode to be shown is determined.
Then, the error notification mode determination unit 402 generates error notification information including the error notification mode information selected for the error indicated by the error information from the error detection control unit 300, and supplies the error notification information to the error notification information transmission unit 404.

  When the gaming machine 1 outputs an error notification sound, the error notification mode determination unit 402 stores the error notification mode information stored in the error notification mode information storage unit 403 and the error notification mode information storage unit 403 as well. Error notification information including the volume of the error notification sound (second volume) (the maximum volume that the gaming machine 1 can output) (second volume information) is generated. In this way, the error notification mode determination unit 402 specifies the volume (second volume) when outputting the error notification sound.

  The error notification mode determination unit 402 then selects the error notification mode information selected from the error notification mode information stored in the error notification mode information storage unit 403, and the second stored in the error notification mode information storage unit 403. Error notification information including volume information is generated and supplied to the error notification information transmission unit 404.

  The error notification information transmission unit 404 transmits the error notification information supplied from the error notification mode determination unit 402 to the error notification information reception unit 191 of the output control instruction unit 190.

  The error notification information reception unit 191 of the output control instruction unit 190 receives the error notification information transmitted from the error notification information transmission unit 404 and supplies it to the error notification instruction command generation unit 192.

Based on the error notification information supplied from the error notification information receiving unit 191, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 instructs to notify the generated error in a notification mode indicated by the error notification information (error notification instruction command) ) And supplied to the signal transmission unit 195.
At this time, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 determines that the error notification information indicates a notification mode in which the error notification is performed using a specific image, whereby the error notification mode information included in the error notification information indicates An error notification instruction command for instructing to display an error notification image of the notification mode is generated. The error notification instruction command for instructing to display the error notification image is based on the error notification information generated by the error notification mode determination unit 402 and has a specific notification mode (specific message image, specific character image, etc.). This is an instruction to display an error notification image.
Further, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 outputs the error notification sound of the notification mode indicated by the error notification information by determining that the error notification information indicates a notification mode in which error notification is performed with a specific sound. An error notification instruction command for instructing to do so is generated. The error notification instruction command for instructing the output of the error notification sound is based on the error notification information generated by the error notification mode determination unit 402, and an error notification of a specific sound (specific announcement, specific buzzer sound, etc.) The sound is instructed to be output at the maximum volume (second volume) that the gaming machine 1 can output. That is, the error notification instruction command for the error notification sound includes the second volume (second volume information).

  The signal transmission unit 195 transmits the error notification instruction command supplied from the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 to the signal reception unit 2011 of the output control unit 2010.

When the signal receiving unit 2011 receives an error notification instruction command for instructing to perform error notification using the error notification image from the signal transmission unit 195, the signal receiving unit 2011 supplies it to the error notification image control unit 2012.
On the other hand, when the signal receiving unit 2011 receives an error notification instruction command for instructing to perform error notification using the error notification sound from the signal transmission unit 195, the signal receiving unit 2011 supplies it to the volume setting unit 2013.

  The error notification image control unit 2012 generates an error notification image based on the error notification instruction command from the error notification instruction command generation unit 192, and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 via the general-purpose substrate 39. Display control for displaying on at least one display device is performed. At least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37 displays the error notification image whose display is controlled by the error notification image control unit 2012.

  In FIG. 13, the flow of an error notification instruction command signal for an error notification image and the flow of an error notification image signal controlled by an error notification image control unit 2012 described later are indicated by broken-line arrows.

  The volume setting unit 2013 uses the first volume (first volume information) stored in the volume storage unit 2014 as the second volume (second volume information) specified by the error notification instruction command supplied from the signal receiving unit 2011. rewrite. Thereby, the volume setting unit 2013 sets the second volume as the master volume in the volume storage unit 2014.

  Then, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the second volume (second volume information) stored in the volume storage unit 2014 and supplies the second volume to the volume information transmission unit 2015.

The volume information transmitting unit 2015 transmits the second volume (second volume information) supplied from the volume setting unit 2013 to the sound control circuit 3000.
Further, the volume setting unit 2013 supplies an error notification instruction command for an error notification sound from the error notification instruction command to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015.
When the sound control circuit 3000 receives the second sound volume (second sound volume information) transmitted from the sound volume information transmitting unit 2015, the sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output an error notification sound from the sound output device 32 at the second sound volume.

  The event information storage unit 303 of the error detection control unit 300 stores the above-described notification sound output stop condition list.

When the error determination unit 302 determines that any error notification sound output stop condition held in the error notification sound output stop condition list is satisfied while outputting the error notification sound, the error determination unit 302 stops outputting the error notification sound. An error notification sound output stop instruction command for instructing to be generated is generated and supplied (transmitted) to the volume setting unit 2013 via the error notification mode control unit 400, the output control instruction unit 190, and the signal reception unit 2011 of the output control unit 2010. To do.
Based on this error notification sound output stop instruction command, the volume setting unit 2013 is a second volume (second volume information) that is the volume of the error notification sound stored as the master volume (output volume) in the volume storage unit 2014. Is rewritten to the first volume (first volume information) which is the volume of the production sound (soft volume). Thereby, in the volume memory | storage part 2014, the 1st volume as a master volume returns.

  The volume setting unit 2013 reads the rewritten first volume (first volume information) stored in the volume storage unit 2014 as the master volume, and supplies it to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015.

  The sound control circuit 3000 holds sound data of effect sound. The sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output the effect sound from the audio output device 32 at the first volume supplied (transmitted) from the volume setting unit 2013 via the volume information transmitting unit 2015.

  Here, the volume setting process in the volume storage unit 2014 by the volume setting unit 2013 will be described in detail.

  The volume storage unit 2014 is an output amount (volume) storage unit configured by, for example, a readable / writable (storable) RAM. As a partial area thereof, a first volume (first volume information) or a first volume An output volume storage area in which the master volume is set by storing two volumes (second volume information), and a volume save area in which the first volume stored in the output volume storage area is temporarily saved and stored. Have.

  When the first volume (first volume information) is supplied from the signal receiving unit 2011, the volume setting unit 2013 writes and stores this in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014. The first volume may be stored in advance in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014.

  The volume setting unit 2013 reads out the first volume (first volume information) as the master volume stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 and transmits it to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015. The sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output the effect sound from the sound output device 32 at the first volume.

  Further, when the second volume (second volume information) is supplied from the signal receiving unit 2011, the volume setting unit 2013 stores the second volume (second volume information) in the volume storage unit 2014 and sets it as the master volume (output volume).

  Specifically, the volume setting unit 2013 temporarily stores the second volume (second volume information) supplied from the signal receiving unit 2011 in a memory (not shown) such as a cache. In the meantime, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the first volume (first volume information) stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 and stores (retracts) in the volume save area.

  After the evacuation process is completed, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the second volume (second volume information) from a memory (not shown) such as the cache and stores it in the output volume storage area. In this way, the volume setting unit 2013 rewrites the first volume (first volume information) to the second volume (second volume information) in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014, so that the first volume as the output volume is obtained. 2 Set the volume.

  The volume setting unit 2013 is stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 based on the information about the error notification sound included in the error notification instruction command supplied (transmitted) from the error notification instruction command generation unit 192. The second volume information is read out and supplied to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015.

  The sound control circuit 3000 holds sound data of an error notification sound. The sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output the error notification sound from the sound output device 32 at the second volume supplied (transmitted) from the volume setting unit 2013 via the volume information transmitting unit 2015.

  The sound volume setting unit 2013 is supplied with an error notification sound output stop instruction command from the error determination unit 302 via the error notification mode control unit 400, the output control instruction unit 190, and the signal reception unit 2011 of the output control unit 2010. The first volume (first volume information) saved in the volume saving area of the volume storage unit 2014 is read, and the second volume (second volume information) stored in the output volume storage area is read as the first volume. Rewriting with (first volume information) returns the first volume as the output volume.

  Then, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the first volume after rewriting stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 based on this error notification sound output stop instruction command, and passes the volume information transmission unit 2015 through The sound is supplied to the sound control circuit 3000. In addition, the volume setting unit 2013 transmits this error notification sound output stop instruction command to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015. The sound control circuit 3000 performs control to stop the output of the error notification sound from the sound output device 32 and output the effect sound at the first volume after rewriting.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a detailed flow of the error notification control process in the error notification control system 500 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S1401, in the error notification control system 500, the volume setting unit 2013 uses the soft volume initial value as the first volume indicated by the soft volume initial value information received from the soft volume initial value determining unit 194 as a master volume, and a volume storage unit The data is stored in the output volume storage area 2014.

  In step S1402, when the soft volume is changed by operating the cross key 36 of the cross key detection switch 36a, the volume setting unit 2013 displays the changed soft volume (soft volume change value) (soft volume change value information). When received from the cross key detection switch 36a via the signal receiving unit 2011 (YES in step S1402), in step S1403, the soft volume change value is stored as the master volume in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 as the first volume. . On the other hand, in step S1402, if the soft volume is not changed by operating the cross key 36 of the cross key detection switch 36a and the soft volume change value is not received, the volume setting unit 2013 proceeds to step S1404.

  In step S1404, the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000 reads the first volume stored as the master volume in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014.

  In step S1405, when the output control unit 2010 transmits the first volume read in step S1404 to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015, the sound control circuit 3000 produces a production sound at the first volume. Control to output from the audio output device 32 is performed.

  In step S <b> 1406, the error detection control unit 300 of the main control board 110 determines whether or not the error determination unit 302 has received an event signal via the event signal reception unit 301. In step S1406, when the error detection control unit 300 determines that the error determination unit 302 has received the event signal via the event signal reception unit 301, the error detection control unit 300 proceeds to step S1407 and has not received the event signal. If it is determined, the process is terminated.

  In step S1407, the error detection control unit 300 informs the player that the event indicated by the event signal received in step S1406 is listed in the error list stored in the event information storage unit 303 in the error determination unit 302. Judge whether it is a power error. In step S1407, when the error detection control unit 300 determines that the event indicated by the event signal is an error to be notified to the player, the process proceeds to step S1408, and the error information generation unit 304 determines the error that has occurred. Error information indicating the content is generated and transmitted to the error notification mode determination unit 402 via the error information transmission unit 305 and the error information reception unit 401.

  In step S1409, the error notification mode determination unit 402 receives the error information from the error information generation unit 304, so that a notification mode (a specific error notification image and / or a specific error notification) corresponding to the error content indicated by the error information is received. Error notification sound) is determined based on the error notification mode information. Then, the error notification mode determination unit 402 generates error notification information including the error notification mode information selected in the error notification mode information storage unit 403 for the error indicated by the error information from the error detection control unit 300, and transmits error notification information. The information is transmitted to the error notification instruction command generating unit 192 via the unit 404 and the error notification information receiving unit 191.

  In step S1410, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 determines whether or not the error notification information from the error notification mode determination unit 402 indicates a notification mode in which error notification is performed using a specific image. In step S1410, when the error notification instruction generation unit 192 determines that the error notification information indicates a notification mode for performing error notification with a specific image, in step S1411, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 displays the error notification information. Based on the signal transmission unit 195 and the signal reception unit 2011, an error notification instruction command for instructing to display an error notification image of a specific notification mode (specific message image, specific character image, etc.) is generated. It transmits to the error notification image control unit 2012.

  In step S1412, the error notification image control unit 2012 generates an error notification image based on the error notification instruction command from the error notification instruction command generation unit 192, and the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display via the general-purpose substrate 39. Display control for displaying on at least one of the display devices 37 is performed. The first liquid crystal display device 31 displays the error notification image whose display is controlled by the error notification image control unit 2012.

  In step S1413, the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 determines whether or not the error notification information from the error notification mode determination unit 402 indicates a notification mode in which error notification is performed with a specific sound at the second volume. To do. In step S1413, when the error notification instruction command generation unit 192 determines that the error notification information indicates a notification mode in which error notification is performed at a second volume with a specific sound, in step S1414, Based on the error notification information, the signal transmission unit 195 generates an error notification instruction command that instructs to notify the error notification sound of a specific notification mode (specific announcement, specific buzzer sound, etc.) at the second volume, The data is transmitted to the volume setting unit 2013 via the signal receiving unit 2011.

  In step S1415, the volume setting unit 2013 saves the first volume stored as the master volume in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 in the volume saving area.

  In step S 1416, the volume setting unit 2013 stores the second volume information included in the error notification instruction command based on the error notification instruction command for the specific error notification sound from the error notification instruction command generation unit 192. By storing in the output volume storage area of 2014, the second volume is set as the master volume.

  In step S1417, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the second volume information stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014, and supplies the second volume information to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015.

  In step S1418, the sound control circuit 3000 performs control to output a specific error notification sound from the sound output device 32 at the second sound volume received from the sound volume setting unit 2013 via the sound volume information transmitting unit 2015.

In step S1419, when the error determination unit 302 of the error detection control unit 300 determines that any of the error notification sound output stop conditions held in the error notification sound output stop condition list is satisfied, the error determination unit 302 stops outputting the error notification sound. An error notification sound output stop instruction command is generated and is supplied (transmitted) to the volume setting unit 2013 via the error notification mode control unit 400, the output control instruction unit 190, and the signal reception unit 2011 of the output control unit 2010. .
On the other hand, in step S1419, when the error determination unit 302 determines that any error notification sound output stop condition held in the error notification sound output stop condition list is not satisfied, the process returns to step S1418.

  In step S1420, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the first volume stored in the volume saving storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 based on the error notification sound output stop instruction command, and reads the master volume ( The second volume stored as (output volume) is rewritten with the read first volume. Accordingly, the volume setting unit 2013 restores the first volume as the master volume in the volume storage unit 2014.

  In step S1421, the volume setting unit 2013 reads the first volume after restoration (after rewriting) stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014, and sends it to the sound control circuit 3000 via the volume information transmission unit 2015. Send.

  In step S <b> 1422, the sound control circuit 3000 outputs the effect sound from the sound output device 32 at the first volume after resumption (after rewriting) supplied (transmitted) from the volume setting unit 2013 via the volume information transmitting unit 2015. Take control.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first volume as the master volume (output volume) of the effect sound used when displaying the effect image in the normal game is the game in the cross key detection switch 36a. When specified by the user's operation, the first volume information indicating the first volume is received and stored in the output control unit 2010 of the VDP 2000.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 uses a liquid crystal control CPU 150a that gives an instruction to create image information of an effect image, based on various signals obtained from each substrate such as the effect control board 120, and the volume of sound information (first 2 volume). As a result, an instruction command for the volume can be given to the VDP 2000 together with the sound information. For this reason, the gaming machine 1 performs the output control of these two sounds, for example, by switching and outputting the effect sound and sound information different from the effect sound, and the effect sound volume (first sound volume) and the effect sound. It is possible to smoothly perform volume control for switching and outputting the volume (second volume) of sound information different from the sound.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 1 determines that the notification sound output stop condition for stopping the output of the notification sound has occurred in the main control board 110, the gaming machine 1 supplies the notification sound output stop instruction command to the VDP 2000, and the volume storage unit In 2014, the second volume stored as the master volume is rewritten to the first volume.

  Thereby, the gaming machine 1 can smoothly perform the process of outputting the effect sound at the volume specified for the effect sound after the output of the notification sound is stopped.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 accepts the first volume selected by the player using the cross key detection switch 36a, for example, while the notification sound is being output, without performing the first volume saving process as described above. The second volume stored in the output volume storage area of the volume storage unit 2014 may be rewritten with the received first volume.

  Further, the volume setting unit 2013 does not perform the first volume saving process as described above, for example, in both the output volume storage area of the volume storage section 2014 described above and a storage area different from this. One volume may be stored, the first volume stored in the other storage area may be read, and the second volume stored in the output volume storage area may be rewritten with the first volume.

  The sound information different from the volume of the effect sound (first sound volume) is not limited to the notification sound that is sound information indicating that a preset event has occurred, and is any sound information used in the game. Alternatively, the volume of the sound information (second volume) may be smaller than the first volume.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing animation information used in the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The animation pattern shown in FIG. 15 (a) is not only the object that is the configuration information constituting the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37, but also the timing of displaying the effect image, This is information specifying a scene as a scene, and is image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed at the time of effect.

  A group (hereinafter also referred to as “animation group”) is formed by bundling one or a plurality of the animation patterns. For example, in FIG. 20A, a background group for displaying a background animation, a notice A notice group A for displaying the animation of the character used for A, a notice group A for displaying the animation of the character used for notice B, a reach group for displaying the animation of the reach character, and an animation of the big hit effect are displayed. The effect symbol group for displaying the animation of the big hit effect group for the effect symbol 38 is shown.

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

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

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

  15 (b) to 15 (d) and FIG. 15 (e), when the effect pattern designation command “A1H07H” is received among the effect pattern designation commands designated in the effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. An example of the determined animation pattern is shown in FIG.

  This effect pattern designation command (A1H07H) is a command for instructing to perform a normal variation effect by the variation effect pattern of “variation effect pattern 7”, and includes, for example, components used when performing the normal variation effect. It is an animation group, and specifies at least one of the animation groups separated for each role used for variable production.

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

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

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

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 15B to 15D and 15E, the animation pattern designates a combination of animation scene information, a display order of each animation scene information, and a display device to display. Information is stored.

  For example, in the animation pattern of the effect symbol group shown in FIG. 15 (e), “sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37)” is designated in the information designating the display device to be displayed. The scene 501 is executed, the animation scene 511 is executed second after the animation scene 501, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37).

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

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

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

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

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

  For example, in the animation scene shown in FIG. 15E, first, the first symbol, the second symbol, the third symbol, and the fourth symbol have predetermined coordinates (the first symbol is coordinates (x30, y30), the second symbol. Is displayed at coordinates (x40, y40), the third symbol at coordinates (x50, y50), and the fourth symbol at coordinates (x60, y60) for 20 frames (approximately 0.33 seconds).

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

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

  Further, in each of the “background group, notice A group, notice B group” animation patterns shown in FIG. 15B to FIG. 15D, “main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display) in information designating a display device to be displayed. Device 31) "is designated, and in the background group, animation scene 1 is executed for" 600 "frames as shown in FIG. 15 (b), and in the notice A group, animation-scene 0 is shown in FIG. 15 (c). After the “120” frame is executed, the animation scene 11 is executed for the “180” frame. In the notice group B, as shown in FIG. 15D, the animation scene 21 is executed after the “180” frame is executed. The 240 "frame is executed, and the effect image of the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31).

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 15B to 15D, “animation pattern 1 of the background group, animation pattern 11 from the notice A group, anime pattern 21 from the notice B group, and Are determined and the animations of these animation patterns are executed in parallel in time series, whereby an effect image based on the animation pattern is displayed on the main liquid crystal (first liquid crystal display device 31). As shown in FIG. 15E, an animation pattern “animation pattern 501 from the production pattern group” is determined, and the animation pattern is executed to execute the animation pattern on the sub liquid crystal (second liquid crystal display device 37). An effect image based on is displayed.

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

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

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

  FIG. 16 is an example of a display list composed of a drawing control command group, and shows an example of a display list for each display device to be displayed.

  FIG. 16A is an example of a first display list that is image forming information for forming an effect image to be displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, and FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating the second liquid crystal display device 37. It is an example of the 2nd display list which is the image formation information for forming the production image displayed in.

  When the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines an animation pattern based on the animation information as shown in FIG. 20 described above, every predetermined frame (1) displayed on each of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A display list is generated for each frame). That is, a display list is generated for each unit frame according to the number of display devices.

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

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

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

  In FIG. 16A, as the priority order of the animation group shown in FIG. 16A, the background group is associated with the lowest “priority 9” data, and the notice A group has “priority order 8”. ”, The priority B data is associated with the notice B group, and the highest priority data is associated with the jackpot presentation group. Shall.

  In FIG. 16B, as the priority order of the animation group shown in FIG. 16A, the background group is associated with data of “priority level 2” having a low priority level, and the effect symbol group is assigned to the effect symbol group. It is assumed that “priority 1” data having a high priority is associated. In the example shown in FIG. 16B, in the above case, the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group and the animation pattern 501 from the effect design group are displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37 in parallel in time series. An example of a display list is shown. Of course, when only the animation pattern 1 consisting of the background group is to be displayed, the display list designating only the animation scene 501 of the effect design group, that is, “background group” in the animation group column of FIG. The display list does not include the specified record.

  In FIG. 16 (a), as shown in FIGS. 15 (b) to 15 (d), the background group anime pattern 1, the notice A group from the anime pattern 11, and the notice B group It is assumed that a plurality of anime patterns with the anime pattern 21 have been determined. In FIG. 16B, as shown in FIG. 15E above, the anime pattern 1 from the background group and the animation pattern from the effect design group are displayed. Assume that a plurality of animation patterns 501 are determined.

  Next, as a display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the first liquid crystal display device 31, the animation in the current frame counter (current number of frames) is selected from the animation pattern 1 of the lowest priority animation group (background group). Drawing control commands are generated sequentially according to the contents of the scene, and when drawing control commands are generated up to the highest priority anime group (big hit effect group) among the determined anime groups, drawing ends at the end. A display list as shown in FIG. 16A is completed by generating a command.

  Next, as a display list corresponding to the effect image displayed on the second liquid crystal display device 37, the animation pattern 1 of the animation group (background group) with the lower priority and the animation scene in the current frame counter (current number of frames). When the drawing control command for the animation group with higher priority (direction design group) is generated among the determined anime groups, the drawing end command is finally sent. By generating the display list, a display list as shown in FIG. 16B is completed.

  The display lists as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B are generated with reference to data necessary for the liquid crystal control CPU 150a.

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

  FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  First, the main CPU 110a performs initialization processing (S1701). In this initialization process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b in response to power-on, and performs a process of initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM 110c.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random number value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol (S1702).

  Then, the main CPU 110a updates the initial symbol value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial value random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination (S1703).

  When such a process is performed, it is determined whether or not the power-off process for shutting off the power supply is performed (S1704), and until the power-off process is performed (NO in S1704), the interrupt process is performed to produce the effect. The random number value update process (S1702) and subsequent steps are repeated. Further, when the power interruption process is performed (YES in S1704), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a timer interrupt process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  First, the main CPU 110a saves information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a in the stack area (S1801).

  The main CPU 110a has various timers such as a special symbol time counter update process, a special game timer counter update process such as a special electric accessory release time, a normal symbol time counter update process, and a general electric release time counter update process. A time control process for updating the counter is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the general electricity open time counter is performed (S1802).

  The main CPU 110a performs random number update processing for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small bonus symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value (S1803).

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

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random value update process for updating the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination (S1804). ).

  The main CPU 110a performs input control processing (S1805).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special figure special electric power control processing for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state (S1806). Subsequently, the main CPU 110a performs a general-purpose normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory (S1807).

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

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

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

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

  Then, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process (S1808).

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

  The main CPU 110a includes external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and memory number designation command data. Creation processing is performed (S1809).

  The main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600 (S1810).

  Further, in order to light each LED of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, and the normal symbol display device 22, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created as described above are output. Display device output processing is performed.

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

  The main CPU 110a restores the saved information to the register of the main CPU 110a (S1811).

  FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special figure special electric control process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the special figure special processing data value is loaded (S1901), and the branch address is referenced from the loaded special figure special processing data (S1902).

  At this time, if the special figure special electricity processing data is “0 (zero)”, the special symbol memory determination process is performed (S1903). If the special figure special electric treatment data is “1”, the special symbol variation processing is executed. (S1904), and if the special figure special electricity processing data is "2", special symbol stop processing is carried out (S1905).

  Also, if the special figure special power processing data is “3”, the big hit game processing is performed (S1906), and if the special figure special electric processing data is “4”, the big hit game end processing is executed (S1907). If the process data is “5”, a small hit game process is performed (S1908).

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

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

  FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the special symbol memory determination process performed on the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 110a determines whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (S2001).

  If one or more data is not set in any storage area of the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area (NO in S2001), the special figure is stored. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while the special electric processing data is kept at “0 (zero)”.

  On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area (YES in S2001), the main CPU 110a performs the jackpot determination process. Perform (S2002).

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

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

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

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

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed (S2003).

  In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (S2002), the big hit symbol random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is set. The jackpot symbol is determined based on this.

  Also, in the big hit determination process (S2002), when it is determined as “small hit”, the small hit symbol random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number value storage area is small. The winning symbol is determined.

  Further, in the big hit determination process (S2002), when it is determined “lost”, a lost symbol is determined.

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

  Next, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing (S2004).

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

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

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

  Furthermore, when the special symbol variation display is started (S2005), the main CPU 110a changes the special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern (the first special symbol variation pattern designation command or The second special symbol variation pattern designation command) is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  The main CPU 110a sets “special symbol special power processing data = 0” to “special symbol special power processing data = 1” (S2006), prepares to move to a special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing. To do.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the main process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process (S2101).

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

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process (S2102).

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

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a power interruption process for shutting off the power is performed (S2103). Until the power interruption process is performed (NO in S2103), an effect random number update process (until the predetermined interrupt process is performed) ( S2102) and subsequent steps are repeated. If the power interruption process has been performed (YES in S2103), the process ends.

  FIG. 22 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the timer interrupt process performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  First, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a in the stack area (S2201), and updates various timer counters used in the effect control board 120 (S2202).

  Next, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing (S2203).

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

  The sub CPU 120a checks the signals of the effect button detection switch 35a and the cross key detection switch 36a, performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 35 (S2204), and receives various commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. Data output processing to be transmitted to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150 is performed (S2205).

  Then, the sub CPU 120a restores the saved information to the register of the sub CPU 120a (S2206).

  FIG. 23 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the command analysis processing performed on the effect control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 shows the command analysis processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a continuation.

  The sub CPU 120a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command is received (S2301).

  If there is no command in the reception buffer (NO in S2301), the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process. If there is a command in the reception buffer (YES in S2301), it is subsequently confirmed whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command (S2302).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demonstration designation command (YES in S2302), the sub CPU 120a performs a demonstration effect pattern determination process for determining a demonstration effect pattern (S2303).

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a demo designation command (NO in S2302), the sub CPU 120a confirms whether the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command. (S2304).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol memory designation command (YES in S2304), the special symbol memory designation command is analyzed to analyze at least one of the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device 37. A special symbol memory for determining the number of special figure reserved images to be displayed on one side and transmitting a special figure display number designation command corresponding to the determined number of special figure reserved images to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 Number determination processing is performed (S2305).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special symbol storage designation command (NO in S2304), the sub CPU 120a then determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command. Confirmation is made (S2306).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command (YES in S2306), the sub CPU 120a determines the first liquid crystal display device 31 and the second liquid crystal display device based on the contents of the received effect designating command. An effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 38 to be stopped and displayed on at least one of 37 is performed (S2307).

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

  At this time, the sub CPU 120a further acquires one random number value from the effect mode determination random value updated as shown above, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command. Then, an effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed (S2308). Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an effect designating command (NO in S2306), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the receiving buffer is a variation pattern specifying command (S2309). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command (YES in S2309), the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the updated effect random value 1, and the acquired effect random value 1. Based on the received variation pattern designation command and the effect mode set in the effect mode storage area, a variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns is performed (S2310). .

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a variation pattern designation command (NO in S2809), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command (S2311). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command (YES in S2311), the sub CPU 120a transmits a stop designation command for stopping and displaying the effect symbol to stop the effect symbol 38 to be transmitted to the sub RAM 120c. An effect symbol stop process to be set in the buffer is performed (S2312).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a symbol determination command (NO in S2311), the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (S2313). .

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (YES in S2313), the sub CPU 120a stores data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c. Setting is made (S2314).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a gaming state designation command (NO in S2313), the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (S2315).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (YES in S2315), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern (S2316).

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not an opening command (NO in S2315), the sub CPU 120a determines that the command stored in the reception buffer is one of the first grand prize winning port 16 and the second grand prize winning port 17. It is confirmed whether or not it is a special winning opening opening designation command instructing opening of at least one (S2317).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening opening designation command (YES in S2317), the sub CPU 120a performs a big hit effect pattern determination process for determining a big hit effect pattern (S2318).

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

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is not a special winning opening release designation command (NO in S2317), the sub CPU 120a checks whether the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (S2319). ).

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (YES in S2319), the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern (S2320).

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

  If it is not any command (NO in S2319), the command analysis process is terminated by terminating this process.

  Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a main process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Thereby, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority order (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. When the generation of the display list is completed, the display list is output to the VDP 2000 (S2505). The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 153a of the VRAM 153 via a CPU I / F (not shown) in the VDP 2000.

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

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

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

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

  Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of an interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

  FIG. 26A is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a drawing end interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

  FIG. 26B is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the V blank interrupt process performed on the image control board 150 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The VDP 2000 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the liquid crystal control CPU 150a every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms).

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

  Further, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs processing for updating various counters such as “scene switching counter”, “wait frame”, and “frame counter” (S2602), and determines whether or not the drawing end flag = 01 (S2603). ).

  That is, it is determined whether or not drawing of a predetermined unit frame has been completed.

  When determining that the “drawing end flag” is “01” (YES in S2603), the liquid crystal control CPU 150a sets “00” in the “drawing end flag” (that is, turns off the drawing end flag). ) (S2604).

  If the “drawing end flag” is not “01” (NO in S2603), the current V blank interrupt process is terminated. That is, even if a V blank interrupt signal is input, the subsequent processing is not performed unless drawing is completed.

  Subsequently, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a gives an instruction to switch between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” to the memory controller configuring the VDP 2000 (S2605).

  Specifically, the liquid crystal control CPU 150a performs a process of incrementing to the first bit of the display register (a process of adding “1”).

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

  The embodiment described above is one embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

110 Main control board 120 Production control board 150a Liquid crystal control CPU
190 Output control instruction unit 300 Error detection control unit 400 Error notification mode control unit 2000 VDP
2010 Output control unit

Claims (1)

Stage designating means for the game shop to designate one of a plurality of stages for setting the output volume from the sound output unit;
Setting means for setting the output volume associated with the stage specified by the stage specifying means;
Output control means for performing control to output a game effect sound from the sound output unit according to the output volume set by the setting means, and to display a game effect image on the image display device;
Operation means for accepting an operation for changing the output volume set by the setting means from the player;
An error detection means for detecting occurrence of a predetermined error,
The plurality of stages includes a first stage and a second stage,
The setting means includes
After the first stage is designated by the stage designation means and the output volume is set, the output volume is changed according to the operation of the operation means,
After the second stage is designated by the stage designation means and the output volume is set, the output volume is not changed even if the operation means is operated,
The image display apparatus includes a first image display device, forward together is operable in the first image display device, and a smaller second image display device than the first image display device,
Even when the second image display device is operating, it is possible to visually recognize the display area of the first image display device,
The error includes a first error and a second error different from the first error,
The output control means includes
While outputting the effect sound at the output volume set by the setting means during the progress of the game, displaying the effect image on the first image display device and the second image display device,
If the occurrence of the first error is detected during the production sound output, whether or not the second image display device is operating by outputting a voice announcement notifying the occurrence of the first error at a specific output volume Regardless of whether or not to display the first notification image to notify the occurrence of the first error on the first image display device,
If the occurrence of the second error is detected during the output of the effect sound, an audio announcement and buzzer sound for notifying the occurrence of the second error are output at a specific output volume, and the second image display device operates. A gaming machine, wherein a second notification image for notifying the occurrence of the second error is displayed on the first image display device regardless of whether the second error has occurred.

Images