JP6346452B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a game, such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  As an example of a gaming machine, a gaming medium such as a game ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and a predetermined gaming value is determined based on the winning of a gaming medium in a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area. There is a pachinko machine that can be granted. As another example of the gaming machine, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium such as a medal, a coin, or a game ball similar to a pachinko gaming machine, the player operates the start lever. Thus, there is a slot machine that starts variable display of display symbols by the variable display device, and can give a predetermined game value based on the derived display result.

  A segment display device that is used in such a gaming machine has been proposed to perform dynamic lighting control on a segment display unit composed of a plurality of lighting units and to control gradation of lighting of each lighting unit (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-149439 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when data used for gradation control is transmitted / received by the serial signal method, there is a possibility that the light emission state may cause a display inconvenience such as flicker.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriate display.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that performs a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like), and a display means that executes a display effect by lighting modes of a plurality of light emitters. (For example, the light emitter units 71 to 74) and the plurality of light emitters are classified into a plurality of groups, and control information creating means for creating lighting control information for at least the plurality of light emitters (for example, the effect control CPU 120 and the VDP 130). Lighting control unit (for example, a light emitter driving unit) that performs lighting control of the plurality of light emitters based on the lighting control information created by the control information creating unit. 144, etc.) and wherein the control information creation means, when the group is a unit control to be lighting control of the light emitting element among the plurality of groups To be switched every includes an output means for outputting the lighting control information to the lighting control unit by a serial signaling (e.g., a serial output circuit 143), the lighting control means is outputted from said output means On the basis of the lighting control information, it is possible to output a lighting signal for lighting the light emitter during the output possible time in the unit control time. There line gradation control of the light emission body by controlling the ratio of the time that does not output the time and the lighting signal for outputting the lighting signal among time, the output enabling time is an integer multiple of the specific time It is time to become .
According to such a configuration, appropriate display can be performed.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, the lighting control unit repeatedly performs the same lighting control until an end condition is satisfied after acquiring the lighting control information output from the output unit (for example, FIG. 26). For example).
In such a configuration, it is possible to reduce a burden in lighting control for performing appropriate display.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), the control information creation means sets the output possible period as a period during which the lighting control means performs lighting control of the plurality of light emitters (for example, lighting) The data generation circuit 142 may be configured to set the output timing of the drive control data by the output timing setting unit 142A).
In such a configuration, appropriate display can be easily performed.

(4) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), a plurality of groups (for example, a first group to a twelfth group that can be selected by the group-selecting light emitter driver 411S) that are sequentially switched by the switching control unit. 1 address information may be assigned corresponding to a group up to a group.
In such a structure, the structure for performing an appropriate display can be simplified.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where a several movable member will be in the advance state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an effect movable mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of an upper side mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of a lower side mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of an effect movable mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display control part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting divided | segmented into a some block. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection setting of a serial output system and a light-emitting body block. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a light-emitting body driver. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example etc. of an effect control pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image data process which VDP performs. It is a figure which shows the creation example and output example of display data. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a buffer memory area. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an address specific table. It is a figure which shows the example of selection setting of a lighting data generation table. It is a figure which shows the output operation example of a serial signal. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of execution of lighting control. It is a figure which shows the execution example of drive control and gradation control. It is a figure which shows the example of execution of the display effect by an effect movable mechanism.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. In addition, in FIG. 1, the effect movable mechanism 50 mentioned later is shown with the broken line. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined hitting ball launching device and driven.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right side of the game area). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be displayed, are variably displayed (variable display). For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  A main image display device 5MA is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The main image display device 5MA is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. On the screen of the main image display device 5MA, it corresponds to variable display of the first special figure by the first special symbol display apparatus 4A and variable display of the second special figure by the second special symbol display apparatus 4B in the special figure game. Thus, for example, decorative symbols which are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can be individually identified are variably displayed in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions such as three. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R arranged in the display area of the main image display device 5MA, the decorative symbols corresponding to each are variably displayed. In this case, in response to the start of one of the variation of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variation of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game. , Variation of the decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. After that, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game, the decorative symbols can be changed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The confirmed decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the display result is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, the special game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B is used. In synchronism with the special game, a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be distinguished from each other are variably displayed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol means that identification information such as a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display) and the variable display is ended. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative pattern until the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the variation speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The symbol may be displayed in a stationary state, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not displayed deterministically, the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbols completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are, for example, eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese numerals). Or a combination of English characters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, numbers, letters or symbols and character images, and character images are, for example, people, animals, other objects, or It may be configured to include a symbol such as a character or a decorative image showing any other figure). A corresponding symbol number is assigned to each of the decorative symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. Note that the number of decorative symbols is not limited to eight, and may be any number as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured (for example, seven types or nine types).

  After the decorative symbol variable display is started, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed until the fixed decorative symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed. In FIG. 5, for example, scroll display is performed such that the symbol number sequentially flows from the top to the bottom from the smallest to the largest, and when the decorative symbol having the largest symbol number (for example, “8”) is displayed, The decorative symbol having the smallest symbol number (for example, “1”) is displayed. Alternatively, in at least one of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L), the symbols are scrolled from the largest symbol number to the smallest symbol symbol. When the decorative design having the smallest number is displayed, the decorative design having the largest design number may be displayed.

  On the screen of the main image display device 5MA, a start winning storage area 5H is arranged. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold memory display for displaying the variable display hold number corresponding to the special figure game (special figure hold memory number) is specified. Here, the variable display suspension corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  For example, a special game start condition (first start condition) using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A due to the occurrence of the first start prize that the game ball passes (enters) through the first start prize opening. ) Is satisfied, if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure holding storage number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, when the second start winning that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening is generated, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (second start condition) ) Is established, if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not established, the second special figure holding memory number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure holding memory number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1 (decremented).

  The variable display hold memory number obtained by adding the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number is also referred to as a total hold memory number. When simply referring to the “number of special figure hold memory”, it usually refers to a concept including any of the first special figure hold memory number, the second special figure hold memory number, and the total hold memory number. It may refer to a concept that includes the first special figure reserved memory number and the second special figure reserved memory number but excludes the total reserved memory number).

  A display for displaying the number of reserved special figure memories may be provided together with the start winning memory display area 5H or instead of the start winning memory display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the start winning memory display area 5H, a first hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories in an identifiable manner on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. Each of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B has a number (for example, 4) corresponding to an upper limit value (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number, for example. LED).

  On the right side of the main image display device 5MA, a sub image display device 5SU for displaying various images including a plurality of types of effect images is provided separately from the main image display device 5MA. The installation location of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the game area on the game board 2, for example, the main image display apparatus 5MA is installed near the center of the game area, The sub image display device 5SU may be installed at an arbitrary position in the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as outside the gaming area or at the upper front, lower front, and front side of the gaming machine frame 3.

  Below the main image display device 5MA, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state in a vertical position and an expanded open state in a tilt position by a solenoid 27 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided, and a start area (second start area) and a second start winning opening are formed.

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 27 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) through the second starting winning opening. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, when the solenoid 27 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilted position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning hole. ) Make it open. The normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 27 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) through the second start winning opening, while the expansion when the solenoid 27 is in the on state. You may comprise so that a game ball may enter (pass) more easily than an open state. As described above, the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has the first variable state such as the open state or the enlarged open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) the second start winning port, and the game ball cannot pass (enters). It is configured to be able to change to a second variable state such as a closed state or a normally open state that is difficult to pass (enter).

  The game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. A game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, a second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the second start condition is satisfied.

  The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 28 for the large winning opening shown in FIG. 7, and a specific area that is changed between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 28 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big prize opening, and the game ball passes through (enters) the big prize opening. become unable. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 28 for the special prize opening door is in the ON state, the special prize opening door opens the big prize opening, and the game ball passes through the big prize opening (entrance). ). In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special prize winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41 .

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball, a number of obstacle nails, and the like. As a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. Also good. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  The game board 2 is provided with an effect moving mechanism 50 as a movable member capable of executing a display effect in a lighting manner of a plurality of light emitters arranged in an aligned manner. The effect movable mechanism 50 has a plurality of (for example, four) movable members. The effect moving mechanism 50 changes between a retracted state in which a plurality of movable members are located separately on the upper and lower screens of the main image display device 5MA and an advanced state in which the plurality of movable members are positioned in front of the screen of the main image display device 5MA. be able to. In the following description, the up / down / left / right and front / rear directions will be described with reference to the state of facing the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The effect movable mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 1 is for the retracted state. In this embodiment, the game area of the game board 2 is constituted by a transparent plate (not shown) made of, for example, resin, and the effect movable mechanism 50 is arranged behind the transparent plate, and the game ball is produced by the effect. It flows down in front of the movable mechanism 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of the plurality of movable members of the effect movable mechanism 50 may be disposed in front of the transparent plate forming the game area.

  FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of movable members provided in the effect movable mechanism 50 are in an advanced state located in front of the main image display device 5MA. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the effect movable mechanism 50. The effect movable mechanism 50 is positioned on the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state and the upper mechanism 50T including the two movable members 51 and 52 positioned on the upper side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state. It can be separated into a lower mechanism 50B including two movable members 53 and 54. That is, the effect movable mechanism 50 is configured to include an upper mechanism 50T and a lower mechanism 50B that can be arranged apart from or close to each other. When the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the retracted state as the first state is established. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other, the advancing state as the second state is obtained.

  The upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are provided with drive means for changing between a retracted state and an advanced state. The upper mechanism 50 </ b> T includes an upper support unit 55 and a decoration member 57 in addition to the two movable members 51 and 52. The lower mechanism 50 </ b> B includes a lower support unit 56 in addition to the two movable members 53 and 54.

  The upper support unit 55 includes a U-shaped frame so as to cover the upper screen of the main image display device 5MA, and this frame is fixed to the main body of the game board 2 so that each component of the upper mechanism 50T is configured. Support the member. The upper support unit 55 includes a power transmission unit engaged with the movable member 51, and transmits power from a movable motor (included in the movable motor 60 shown in FIG. 7) to the movable member 51. In the frame of the upper support unit 55, a rotation support shaft that pivotally supports the movable member 51 and a guide hole that guides the rotation operation of the movable member 51 are formed, and the movement of the decoration member 57 is assisted. A guide slit is formed along the vertical direction. The decorative member 57 pivotally supports the left ends of the two movable members 51 and 52, and the movable members 51 and 52 rotate with respect to the decorative member 57. The decoration member 57 moves up and down in accordance with the operation of the movable member 51 by outputting power from the movable motor to the movable member 51. The upper support unit 55 only needs to include a position detection sensor that directly or indirectly grasps the position of the movable member 51.

  The lower support unit 56 includes a frame configured to cover the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA. By fixing the frame to the main body of the game board 2, each component of the lower mechanism 50B is fixed. To support. The lower support unit 56 includes a link mechanism coupled to the movable member 53 and engaged with the movable member 54, and the movable member 53 is connected via a power transmission unit in which power from the movable motor is engaged with the link mechanism. , 54 to move the movable members 53, 54. On the frame of the lower support unit 56, protrusions and guide holes for supporting the link mechanism are formed.

  In the upper mechanism 50T, each of the movable members 51 and 52 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix. That is, each of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 has a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 51 constitute a light emitter unit 71 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 52 constitute a light emitter unit 72 shown in FIG.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to form the light emitter units 71 and 72 each include a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. For example, as each light emitter, a full color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 emit light from the light emitting unit 71 such as rainbow color display by displaying various colors in a single color as well as displaying a plurality of colors separately in the region. It is possible to execute a display effect in a lighting manner of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 72. Thus, the light emitter unit 73 and the light emitter unit 74 can change the color or pattern of display (light emission) using a plurality of light emitters over time, and can execute a display effect. In front of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the light emitter units 71 and 72 included in the movable members 51 and 52, a partition body formed in a lattice shape so as to partition each of the plurality of light emitters is provided. ing. A front plate for decorating the movable members 51 and 52 is provided on the front surface of the partition of the movable members 51 and 52.

  In the lower mechanism 50B, each of the movable members 53 and 54 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix in the same manner as the movable members 51 and 52 of the upper mechanism 50T. That is, on each of the movable member 53 and the movable member 54, a plurality of light emitters are aligned and arranged along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (up and down, left and right directions). The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 53 constitute a light emitter unit 73 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the movable member 54 constitute a light emitter unit 74 shown in FIG.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 73 and 74 each include a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors. For example, as each light emitter, a full color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 emit light from the light-emitting unit 73, such as rainbow color display by displaying various colors in a single color in addition to displaying a plurality of colors in a single region. A display effect can be executed by the lighting mode of the plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 74. Thus, the light emitter unit 73 and the light emitter unit 74 can change the color or pattern of display (light emission) using a plurality of light emitters over time, and can execute a display effect. In front of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment by the light emitter units 73 and 74 included in the movable members 53 and 54, a partition body formed in a lattice shape so as to partition each of the plurality of light emitters is provided. ing. A front plate for decorating the movable members 53 and 54 is provided on the front surface of the partition of the movable members 53 and 54.

  The partitions provided in the movable members 51 to 54 are formed of a material having low translucency, such as resin, or a material that does not have translucency. Such partition bodies are provided corresponding to the light emitter units 71 to 74 provided in the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Thereby, in each of the movable members 51-54, each of the some light-emitting body arranged and arranged so that the light-emitting body units 71-74 may be comprised can be divided easily. Further, by changing the material of the partitioning body, the thickness of the section that partitions each light emitting body, and the like, the amount of light from the light emitting body can be reduced (adjusted) and the light from the light emitting body can be irregularly reflected. The partition body may be formed by, for example, forming a plurality of holes in a lattice shape on a plate material such as resin, or by injection molding a resin material or the like on a mold. Note that the plurality of light emitters are not limited to those using full-color LEDs, and for example, single-color or multi-color LEDs may be used, or light emitters other than LEDs may be used. The partition body is not limited to a member that is three-dimensionally formed in a lattice shape, and may be configured, for example, by forming a lattice-shaped pattern on a transparent or translucent plate material by printing or cutting. The partition is not limited to one configured to partition a plurality of light emitters one by one, and may be configured to partition a plurality of light emitters by a predetermined number, or may be configured in a predetermined direction (for example, lateral direction). And the vertical direction). Furthermore, such a partition may not be provided.

  The front plate provided on the movable members 51 to 54 has a metal thin film layer formed on the surface of aluminum or the like, for example, and is configured to be translucent to reflect light from the outside and transmit light from the inside. Thereby, when the several light-emitting body does not light-emit, the appearance (appearance) of the movable members 51-54 can be improved. The decorative member 57 may also be formed with such a metal thin film layer and a light emitter inside. The movable members 51 to 54 are not limited to those having a metal thin film layer formed on the surface, and may be configured to be decorated with a transparent or translucent paint.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation example of the upper mechanism 50 </ b> T as viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The movable members 51 and 52 included in the upper mechanism 50T are pivotally supported by the decoration member 57, and the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 have different rotation ranges. That is, the movable member 52 can be rotated between the retracted position and the advanced position with respect to the movable member 51. The movable member 51 is configured by arranging a base body behind a front surface portion on which a plurality of light emitters are provided, and holds the movable member 52 between the front surface portion and the base body. When the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the longitudinal direction of the movable member 51 is positioned on the upper side in a state along the substantially horizontal direction. When the upper mechanism 50T changes from the retracted state to the advanced state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the movable member 51, with the downward movement of the decorative member 57 by the power from the movable motor, 52 rotates. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T changes from the advanced state to the retracted state, the movable members 51 and 52 rotate with the upward movement of the decorative member 57 by the power from the movable motor.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, when the rotation amounts of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are approximately the same, a plurality of light emitters disposed on the movable member 51 and the movable member 52, respectively. The arrangement directions of these do not match and the arrangement is not aligned. That is, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, the movable members 51 and the movable members 52 are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the arrangement directions of the movable members 51 and the movable members 52 do not match. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D, when the difference in the rotation amount between the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 is the maximum, each of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 The arrangement directions of the plurality of arranged light emitters coincide with each other, and the arrangement is aligned. That is, when the upper mechanism 50 </ b> T is in the advanced state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are arranged in the same direction in the movable member 51 and the movable member 52.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where both the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are positioned upward, the display screen (in the main image display device 5MA) corresponds to the upper mechanism 50T being in the retracted state. The player can visually recognize the display screen of the main image display device 5MA and the movable member 51 without disturbing the visual recognition with respect to the broken line). Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 do not overlap the display screen of the main image display device 5MA. As shown in FIG. 4D, when the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 are rotated farthest away, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA corresponds to the upper mechanism 50T being in the advanced state. Visibility against is obstructed. Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the advanced state, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 overlap the display screen of the main image display device 5MA. Thereby, the player can make the movable members 51 and 52 noticeable, and the display effect is improved by executing a display effect using a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged on each of the movable members 51 and 52. be able to. Further, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment on the movable members 51 and 52 coincide with each other. Thereby, a sense of unity can be given to the display effect in the movable members 51 and 52, and the effect can be improved.

  FIG. 5 shows an operation example of the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B as viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The movable members 53 and 54 included in the lower mechanism 50B are connected to the frame of the lower support unit 56 via a predetermined link mechanism, and the power of the movable motor 60C (included in the movable motor 60 shown in FIG. 7). Can move within a predetermined range. The link mechanism includes, for example, link members 642a and 642b and link members 645a and 645b shown in FIG. One end of each of the link members 645a and 645b is pivotally supported by the frame, and the other end is pivotally supported near the lower end of the movable member 54 to guide the movement of the movable member 54.

  When the lower mechanism 50B is in the retracted state, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), each of the movable members 53 and 54 is located below, and the movable member 53 is located behind the movable member 54. The player can hardly see the movable member 53. When the lower mechanism 50B changes from the retracted state to the advanced state, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the movable member 53 moves upward with a slight rotation from the back side of the movable member 54. . When the power from the movable motor 60C is further output, the movable member 54 moves upward with the movement of the movable member 53, for example, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the lower mechanism 50B changes from the advanced state to the retracted state, each of the movable members 53 and 54 is moved downward by the power from the movable motor 60C, and then the movable member 53 is behind the movable member 54. Move to.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B is in the retracted state, the plurality of light emitters arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions on the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 are the movable member 53 and the movable member 54. The array direction does not match. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the lower mechanism 50B is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged on the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 coincide with each other. , The arrangement becomes complete. That is, when the lower mechanism 50 </ b> B is in the advanced state, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in a plurality of rows in the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 coincide with each other.

  FIG. 6 shows an operation example of the effect moving mechanism 50. In FIG. 6, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment on the surfaces of the movable members 51 to 54 is indicated by a solid line. In the retracted state in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the movable members 51 to 54 do not overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Therefore, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA becomes visible. On the other hand, in the advanced state in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other, the movable members 51 to 54 overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Therefore, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is difficult to view or cannot be viewed.

  Further, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54 do not coincide with each other. . On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the movable members 51 to 54 are the same. . In this way, when the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with each of the movable members 51 to 54 is aligned in the advanced state, the display effects in each of the movable members 51 to 54 are given a sense of unity. Can do. In particular, by performing an integrated display effect with the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 when in the advanced state, the interest of the effect can be improved. In addition, since the visibility of the main image display device 5MA with respect to the display screen changes depending on the positions of the plurality of movable members 51 to 54, it is possible to prevent the production from becoming monotonous and improve the interest of the production.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. Each structure in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a normal winning ball device 6A, a normal variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, a frame member arranged at the peripheral edge of the main image display device 5MA, etc.) A decorative LED may be disposed around the periphery. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping the driving of a shooting motor included in the hitting ball shooting device.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine is held (stored) so as to be supplied to a ball hitting device. )) Is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  For example, a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate). Yes. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) in a state where the player holds the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. A trigger sensor that detects a predetermined instruction operation such as a push / pull operation on the trigger button may be incorporated in the operation rod.

  A controller sensor unit including a tilt direction sensor unit that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the main body of the lower plate below the stick controller 31A. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation pole when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including the photo sensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor for detecting the player's operation act on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. When the player's operation is detected, the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B are changed in the display effect on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU by the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. It may be used for effects such as operations in the movable mechanism 50, sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, lighting operations (flashing operations) in light emitters such as the game effect lamp 9, etc. (for example, notice effects and reach effects). .

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, and a movable mechanism control board 16 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. Variable display of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinction / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a function to control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 27 and 28 is mounted.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11 and receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 to receive the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display. Various circuits for controlling the rendering operation by the electrical components for rendering such as the device 5SU, the speakers 8L and 8R, the game effect lamp 9, the light emitter units 71 to 74, and the rendering movable mechanism 50 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 performs all or part of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, all or part of the lighting modes in the light emitter units 71 to 74, and all the sound output operations from the speakers 8L and 8R. Or, the control contents for causing the electrical parts for production to execute a predetermined production operation, such as part or all of the lighting / extinguishing operation in the game effect lamp 9 or the like, or all or part of the operation of the production movable mechanism 50 It has a function to determine.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and is turned on / off in the game effect lamp 9 and the like based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. A lamp driver circuit for driving is mounted. The movable mechanism control board 16 is a control board for effect movable mechanism control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the movement of the movable members 51 to 54 based on a command or control data from the effect control board 12. A motor driver circuit for controlling operation is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 have an arbitrary configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. What is necessary is just to have. In addition, the main board 11 includes a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, a normal symbol display device 20, a first hold display device 25A, a second hold display device 25B, and a general drawing hold display device 25C. Wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control such as is connected.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a sound used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. The control command, the lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED, the movable mechanism control command used for controlling the operation of the effect movable mechanism 50, and the like are included. .

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed. The random number circuit 104 only needs to count numerical data indicating some or all of the various random number values used for controlling the progress of the game.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data and table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 includes table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a variation pattern table storing a plurality of types of variation patterns. Table data to be stored is stored.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation in accordance with a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, a RAM 122 that provides a work area for the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation in FIG. 5, a random number circuit 124 that updates the numerical data indicating the random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and the I / O 125. And are installed.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric component is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the effect control CPU 120 writes the various data to the RAM 122 and temporarily stores the data, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the effect data in the RAM 122. Fluctuation data reading operation for reading out various fluctuation data temporarily stored, the reception control CPU 120 for receiving the input of various signals from the outside of the presentation control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the presentation control CPU 120 for I / O A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via O125 is also performed. The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12.

  In the effect control board 12, wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5, wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound number data to the sound control board 13, Wiring for transmitting an electric decoration signal as an information signal indicating lamp data to the lamp control board 14, and for moving the movable members 51 to 54 by driving the movable motor 60 to the movable mechanism control board 16. Wires for transmitting drive control signals as information signals indicating commands and control data are connected. Further, the effect control board 12 detects wiring for receiving an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the stick controller 31A has been detected, and the player's operation action on the push button 31B. Wiring for receiving an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the operation has been performed is also connected.

  In addition to the effect control program, the ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 7 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation. For example, the ROM 121 includes a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring the determination tables, pattern data configuring various effect control patterns, and the like. It is remembered. The effect control pattern includes, for example, effect control execution data (display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, etc.) and an end code associated with the effect control process timer determination value. Consists of included process data. The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data used for controlling the effect operation.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU based on a display control command from the effect control CPU 120 and the like. For example, the display control unit 123 executes a variable display of decorative symbols and various effects display by determining a switching timing of effect images to be displayed on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. Control for. In this embodiment, the display control unit 123 performs control for executing display effects according to lighting modes of the light emitter units 71 to 74 formed by a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged on the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Do.

  As an example, FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the display control unit 123. The display control unit 123 shown in FIG. 8 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 130, an image data memory 131, a VRAM (Video RAM) 132A, a frame buffer 132B, a main LCD drive circuit 133A, and a sub LCD drive circuit 133B. And a light emitter control circuit 134. Note that the VDP 130 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics controller LSI (GCL), or a microprocessor for image processing, more commonly referred to as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The image data memory 131 may be a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory, for example. It is sufficient if it is configured using

  The VDP 130 has, for example, an image data processing function such as a high-speed drawing function and a moving image decoding function for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. An image processor that executes image data processing according to a control command. The image data memory 131 stores in advance various image data (image element data) indicating display images on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. For example, the image data stored in the image data memory 131 includes a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of decorative symbols variably displayed on the main image display device 5MA. . In addition, the image data memory 131 stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, and background image images. Data is stored in advance. In this embodiment, using the image data stored in the image data memory 131, data (lighting data) is created for controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71-74.

  Data for creating lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 may be added to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and stored in the image data memory 131 in advance. Alternatively, the data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is stored in advance in the image data memory 131 as image data separate from the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU. When the VDP 130 performs the drawing process, display data used for creating the lighting data may be added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU.

  The VRAM 132A temporarily stores the image data read from the image data memory 131, and provides a work area for the VDP 130 to execute image data processing. For example, a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which character image data read from the image data memory 131 is stored, and a CG buffer are allocated to the storage area of the VRAM 132A. The CG buffer temporarily stores palette data in which the display color of the character is defined when the rendering process by the VDP 130 is executed, or temporarily stores the display data of the effect image created by the rendering process. It is used to

  The frame buffer 132B provides a virtual display area in which display data of effect images created by drawing processing by the VDP 130 is developed and stored. The display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer 132B may be pixel data (raster data) created by the VDP 130 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. In the frame buffer 132B, for example, an actual display area for storing display data of various images displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and display of various images that are not displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. A virtual display area for storing data may be included. Alternatively, display data for displaying a screen having the same size as the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is created in the virtual display area of the frame buffer 132B, and the display data of the virtual display area read by the VDP 130 is the main display data. By being supplied to the LCD drive circuit 133A, it may be output to the main image display device 5MA side. The VRAM 132A and the frame buffer 132B may be secured as separate storage areas in the same semiconductor memory (SDRAM or the like), or may be configured using separate semiconductor memories.

  An image display area and an image drawing area are allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 132B. In the image display area, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is stored. In the image drawing area, display data of each effect image created by the drawing process is stored. The image display area and the image drawing area may be switched each time a V blank is generated. The V blank is generated at a cycle in which an image displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is updated. Each time V blanking is started, a V blank interrupt signal is output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120, and various other interrupt signals are output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120.

  By switching between the image display area and the image drawing area each time a V blank occurs, display data for each effect image is created in the storage area allocated as the image drawing area in a certain V blank period (first drawing display period). In the next V blank period (second drawing display period), the storage area is switched to the image display area. Accordingly, the display data created by the drawing process in the first drawing display period is output to the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU in the second drawing display period, and in the second drawing display period. In the storage area to which the image drawing area is assigned, display data created by the drawing process is stored.

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer may be allocated to each of the storage areas to which the image display area and the image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 132B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data for creating lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74. In this way, lighting data for controlling lighting of the plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is created using a part of the display data stored in the subframe buffer.

  The effect control CPU 120 accesses, for example, a system register and an attribute register built in the VDP 130 via a CPU interface included in the VDP 130. Various commands and data are stored in the system register and the attribute register in accordance with process data such as display control data included in the effect control pattern. Thus, the effect control CPU 120 indirectly controls the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and the lighting operation in the light emitter units 71 to 74.

  The process data indicates the setting contents that the effect control CPU 120 performs on the system register and attribute register of the VDP 130 every time V blank occurs. The setting contents of the system register include drawing and data transfer commands, CG data to be transferred, palette data, and attribute settings. The setting contents of the attribute register only need to indicate an attribute as a parameter used for rendering processing of the effect image. In the process data, attributes are set so that the image is updated every time a V blank occurs. As a result, the image can be updated each time a V blank is generated.

  The main LCD drive circuit 133A creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data output from the VDP 130, and sends a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal (drive control signal) to the main image. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA by outputting it to the display device 5MA. The sub LCD drive circuit 133B creates a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data transmitted from the VDP 130 via the light emitter control circuit 134, and a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) or scanning signal. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU by outputting (drive control signal) to the sub image display device 5SU.

  The light emitter control circuit 134 is a circuit that controls the lighting mode by the plurality of light emitters in the light emitter units 71 to 74 using a part of the data obtained by separating the display data read from the subframe buffer of the frame buffer 132B by the VDP 130 It is. The light emitter control circuit 134 may be configured using a dedicated IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the light emitter control circuit 134 may be configured using a programmable integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Of the display data separated by the light emitter control circuit 134, the remaining display data that is not used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is output to the sub LCD drive circuit 133B.

  The VDP 130 has two signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as a main display output system and a sub display output system as a data signal output system for outputting display data. The main display output system which is one of the two data signal output systems is connected to the main image display device 5MA via the main LCD drive circuit 133A and is used for screen display of the main image display device 5MA. A data signal of display data is transmitted. The sub display output system which is the other output system of the two data signal output systems is connected to the light emitter units 71 to 74 and the sub LCD drive circuit 133B via the light emitter control circuit 134, and the sub LCD drive circuit 133B. Are further connected to the sub image display device 5SU. In such a sub display output system, a display data data signal used for image display on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU is transmitted, and display data data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is transmitted. A signal is transmitted. Display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is converted into lighting data in the light emitter control circuit 134. The main LCD drive circuit 133A, the sub LCD drive circuit 133B, and the light emitter control circuit 134 may be mounted on a separate board different from the effect control board 12.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the light emitter control circuit 134. The light emitter control circuit 134 generates a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 by generating a control signal corresponding to the lighting control information based on a part of the display data output from the VDP 130. Control the lighting of the body. The light emitter control circuit 134 includes a signal separation circuit 140, a buffer memory 141, a lighting data generation circuit 142, a serial output circuit 143, and a light emitter drive unit 144.

  The signal separation circuit 140 separates part of display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 from the display data output from the VDP 130 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 142. Of the display data output from the VDP 130, the display data output corresponding to the sub display output system is input to the light emitter control circuit 134. The signal separation circuit 140 further separates some display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 from the display data input to the light emitter control circuit 134. For example, the signal separation circuit 140 specifies display data used for lighting control based on a predetermined synchronization signal (horizontal synchronization signal or vertical synchronization signal) or a clock signal (dot clock signal). The display data specified in this way is written in a predetermined order from the first storage area (buffer memory area) in the buffer memory 141 and temporarily stored.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 and executes predetermined conversion processing to generate at least lighting data constituting lighting control information. The lighting control information is used to set the luminance (light emission amount) for each light emitter disposed in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74. A part of display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system is stored in the buffer memory 141. Accordingly, the lighting data generation circuit 142 converts part of the display data created by the VDP 130 into lighting data. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 may include header information and driver designation information in addition to the lighting control information. The header information has a predetermined format (for example, all 9 bits are “1” and 1FF [H] in hexadecimal), and indicates the head of lighting data having a predetermined data configuration (data frame). . The driver designation information designates, for example, a driver ID (device ID) previously given to the light emitter driver and the address of the light emitter driver, and indicates that the light emitter driver that is the destination of the lighting control information can be specified. Driver designation information for designating the address of the light emitter driver is also referred to as address information. The header information and driver designation information may be supplied from the outside of the lighting data generation circuit 142 and added to the lighting control information generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 is used for driving control data used for driving control of the light emitter by dynamic lighting control and gradation control of the light emitter according to the content of the lighting control information. They are classified into gradation data designating luminance (light emission amount) corresponding to each light emission color.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 divides a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 corresponding to the movable members 51 to 54 into a plurality of blocks, and turns on the light emitters for each of these blocks. Create data. In this embodiment, the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are set in advance as a plurality of blocks. The lighting data generation circuit 143 generates lighting data corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42.

  FIG. 10 shows a setting example in which a region where a plurality of light emitters in the movable member 51 are arranged and arranged is divided into a plurality of blocks. The regions where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in the movable member 51 are light emitter blocks B01 to B06 as shown in FIG. 10A and light emitter blocks B07 to B15 as shown in FIG. 10B. Divided. Similarly to the movable member 51, the movable members 52 to 54 other than the movable member 51 are set so as to divide a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged into a plurality of blocks. Thus, the entire light emitter units 71 to 74 provided in the movable members 51 to 54 are divided into light emitter blocks B01 to B42. The number of divisions of the light emitter block may be arbitrarily set based on the number of movable members constituting the effect movable mechanism 50, the size of a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged, and the like. .

  Each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 has a rectangular shape such as a rectangle or a square as a basic shape. Therefore, due to the shape of the movable members 51 to 54, the area where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 cannot be accommodated in the square light emitter block, and one light emission There may be a surplus area where light emitters less than the body block are arranged. In addition, among the plurality of light emitter blocks, there may be an empty area where the light emitter is not disposed in a part of the square shape. Therefore, by including a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged in an empty area in any one of the light emitter blocks, the processing load of the lighting control for a plurality of light emitters is reduced.

  Each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 is composed of only one half block and composed of a combination of two half blocks. In the half block, for example, a maximum of 8 dots of light emitters (full color LEDs) are arranged in the column direction (vertical direction), and 12 dots of light emitters (full color LEDs) are arranged in the row direction (horizontal direction). The basic structural unit of each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. That is, each light emitter block B01 to B42 includes at least one half block.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 includes an output timing setting unit 142A. The output timing setting unit 142A sets the timing at which the generated lighting data is output to each light emitter driver of the light emitter driver 144 by the serial output circuit 143. As a specific example, a clock signal for timing setting is input to the output timing setting unit 142A. The output timing setting unit 142A includes a clock counter that counts up according to the rising timing of the input clock signal, and whether or not the count value has reached a predetermined output determination value for each generated lighting data. Determine whether. The output determination value for each lighting data may be set in advance by calculation or the like according to the execution timing of lighting control by the light emitter driver provided corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Thus, the output timing setting unit 142 </ b> A sets various periods for controlling lighting of the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 by the plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144. To do.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs the lighting control information included in the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 to the light emitter driving unit 144 by a serial signal method. The lighting data may include header information and driver designation information in addition to the lighting control information. The serial output circuit 143 may be any circuit that can output at least the lighting control information generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 in a serial signal system. Data output from the serial output circuit 143 is also referred to as serial output data. The serial output circuit 143 has a plurality of signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as 21 systems as serial output systems for transmitting serial output data. Serial output lines corresponding to each of the 21 serial output systems K01 to K21 are connected to the serial output circuit 143, and lighting control information included in the lighting data and the like are output to each line by a serial signal system. Thus, the serial output circuit 143 outputs a control signal including at least lighting control information to a plurality of systems of serial signal wirings by a serial signal system.

  The serial output circuit 143 may be configured to include, for example, a parallel-serial conversion circuit and a serial output driver. The parallel-serial conversion circuit converts the lighting data input from the lighting data generation circuit 142 from a parallel signal system to a serial signal system (serial conversion). As a specific example, the parallel-serial conversion circuit includes a plurality of (for example, eight) D flip-flops, and the parallel data from the lighting data generation circuit 142 is input to one of the D flip-flops in units of bits. A fetch signal (latch signal) is input to each D flip-flop at a predetermined cycle, and parallel data is latched in each D flip-flop at the rising timing. A clock signal is input to each D flip-flop, and a shift operation is sequentially performed at the rising timing of the clock signal. As a result, the control signal input in parallel is converted into serial data and output. The converted data is input to the serial output driver. The serial output driver is an output circuit capable of transmitting the data serially converted by the parallel-serial conversion circuit by a predetermined serial signal method such as an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signal) method. LVDS is one of differential interface standards for data transmission, and is also called a low voltage differential signal transmission system or a small amplitude differential signal transmission system. The signal transmission method conforms to the LVDS standard, and the signal conforms to a predetermined differential interface standard such as RSDS (Reduced Swing Differencial Signaling) method, mini-LVDS method, or SLVS (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling) method. In addition to the transmission method, a signal transmission technique of a predetermined specification such as CML (Current Mode Logic) or LVPECL (Low Voltage Positive-referenced Emitter Coupled Logic) may be used.

  In the LVDS system, a constant current source that supplies a predetermined amount of current (for example, 3.5 mA) is provided, and a differential signal whose signal level is determined by a potential difference between two data lines (twisted pair lines) is generated. The differential signal has the property of being more resistant to external noise than the single-ended signal. Further, the differential signal can transmit data with an amplitude smaller than that of the single-ended signal, and can reduce power consumption. In addition to being able to transmit data with a small amplitude in the differential signal, the radiated noise can be reduced because the radiated electric field is canceled by the coupling of the two data lines. The maximum speed of a digital signal can be defined by the signal slew rate (rising / falling voltage change amount). With the same slew rate, the smaller the amplitude, the faster the speed. Therefore, by using a differential signal having a small amplitude, data transmission can be performed at a higher speed than a single-ended signal having a large amplitude.

  FIG. 11 shows a connection setting example between the serial output system and the light emitter block. In the connection setting example shown in FIG. 11, two light emitter blocks among the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are connected to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21. For example, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of the light emitter block B01 and the light emitter block B02 is connected to the serial output system K01 via a serial signal wiring. The serial output system K02 is connected to a light emitter block B03 and a light emitter driver for controlling the light emitter block B04 through serial signal wiring. Also in the serial output system K03 and later, a light emitter driver for controlling lighting of two light emitter blocks is connected to one serial output system. A plurality of light emitter drivers that perform lighting control of light emitters included in a light emitter block assigned to one serial output system may be connected by a serial bus system via serial signal wiring. In addition, it is not limited to what is connected by a serial bus system, A some light emitter driver may be connected in series (connected by a daisy chain system).

  The serial output circuit 143 is not limited to the one that directly outputs the control signal corresponding to the serial output data to the 21 serial output systems K01 to K21. For example, each serial output system via a predetermined serial signal relay device. It may be transmitted to K01 to K21. As a specific example, four serial signal relay devices corresponding to the four light emitter units 71 to 74 are installed at predetermined positions of the movable members 51 to 54. In this case, the serial output circuit 143 may be provided with a total of four combinations of the parallel-serial conversion circuit and the serial output driver as four sets of signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring). The serial signal relay device separates the received signal from the serial output driver of the serial output circuit 143 into a plurality of systems, so that the entire light emitter units 71 to 74 have 21 serial output systems K01 to K21. That's fine. The serial signal relay device only needs to be able to transmit serial output data separated into a plurality of systems by a predetermined serial signal method such as an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) method. In this case, in the signal transmission path (first communication path) from the serial output circuit 143 to the serial signal relay device, compared with the signal transmission path (second communication path) from the serial signal relay device to the light emitter driver, It is only necessary that signal transmission is performed by a serial signal system in which the amplitude voltage is low. For example, in the first communication path, the power supply (voltage) is 3.3 V and the amplitude (voltage) is about 0.35 V, while in the second communication path, the power supply (voltage) is 5.0 V and the amplitude (voltage) is about 4.0V. That is, the serial output driver that outputs at least lighting control information in a serial signal system from the light emitter control circuit 134 mounted on the effect control board 12 to the serial signal relay devices installed in the movable members 51 to 54, As long as it uses a serial signal system that can be transmitted at a lower voltage than a serial signal relay device that separates received signals into multiple systems and outputs them to each light emitter driver in accordance with the light emitter unit. Good.

  In the first communication path, signal transmission may be performed by a serial signal method in which the data communication speed is higher than that of the second communication path. The first communication path includes serial signal wiring outside the board that connects the effect control board 12 and each serial signal relay device, and the wiring length is often long. Therefore, the first communication path performs signal transmission by a serial signal system whose data communication speed is higher than that of the second communication path, and the serial signal relay device separates and relays the signals to a plurality of systems, so that the number of wirings outside the board is increased. Can be prevented and the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the radiation noise from the serial signal wiring can be suitably suppressed.

  In the first communication path, spectrum spreading is not performed by using the reference clock as it is, whereas in the second communication path, spectrum spreading is performed by frequency modulating the reference clock. As described above, in the second communication path, the control signal is transmitted by the serial signal method using the spread spectrum clock (SSC) obtained by frequency-modulating the reference clock. Note that the control signal may be transmitted by the serial signal method using the spread spectrum clock also in the first communication path. By transmitting the control signal by a serial signal system using such a spread spectrum clock, it is possible to suitably suppress radiation noise from the serial signal wiring.

  The light emitter driving unit 144 shown in FIG. 9 includes a plurality of light emitter drivers that control lighting of a plurality of light emitters included in the regions divided into the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Each light emitter driver can change the lighting mode of the plurality of light emitters based on the lighting control information included in the serial output data transmitted from the serial output circuit 143 via the serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver includes, for example, a data latch unit, a shift register, a destination determination unit, a driver identification data register, and a data buffer. The data latch unit of each light emitter driver is configured by, for example, a latch circuit, latches data transmitted via the serial signal wiring for each bit, and outputs the data to the shift register. The shift register sequentially stores data input bit by bit from the data latch unit. The shift register shifts stored data bit by bit in accordance with the rising timing of a serial clock transmitted via, for example, a serial signal wiring. The shift register may sequentially perform the shift operation at the rising timing of the drive clock that is the spread spectrum clock transmitted from the serial signal relay device. In this way, by repeating the stored data bit by bit from the first register (first bit) to the last register (last bit), the data transmitted via the serial signal wiring is stored in the shift register. The

  The destination determination unit of each light emitter driver detects driver designation information from the data stored in the shift register, and determines whether the driver designation information designates its own driver. Each light emitter driver is provided with, for example, a driver identification data register that stores a driver ID or address previously assigned to each light emitter driver, and the destination determination unit is a driver indicated by data stored in the shift register. What is necessary is just to determine whether designation | designated information corresponds with what is shown with the storage data of a driver identification data register. If they match, an input fetch signal (latch signal) is output from the destination determination unit to the data buffer. If they do not match, the data stored in the shift register may be discarded as it is without being output to the data buffer. The plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144 are connected in series corresponding to each of the plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21, for example. Each light-emitting driver uses a data signal once input from a predetermined terminal, a signal for the self-driver and a subsequent driver in order to confirm whether the data transmitted via the serial signal wiring is destined for the self-driver. Branch to the signal for use. Thus, the data corresponding to the signal for the driver itself is temporarily stored in a confirmation buffer constituted by a shift register or the like and discarded if the driver is not destined for the driver, while the driver is destined for the driver. Perform the corresponding lighting control. When a plurality of light emitter drivers are connected in parallel, there is no need to branch the data signal inside each light emitter driver, and after the data is once stored in the confirmation buffer, the driver is sent to the destination. If not, you can just discard it.

  The data buffer of each light emitter driver is constituted by, for example, a 6-bit latch register. When an input capture signal is received from the destination determination unit, the data corresponding to the lighting control information is captured from the shift register and latched. Each light emitter driver is provided with, for example, a plurality of data buffers (each 6 bits) corresponding to the number of output terminals (number of output signal lines), and data corresponding to lighting control information is sequentially stored in each data buffer. Just take it in and latch it. When the data latch is completed in all the data buffers, each light emitter driver repeats signal output corresponding to the data stored in the data buffer at a predetermined cycle based on the internal clock. Until data latching is completed in all data buffers, signal output according to the previously received set value is repeated. When the data stored in the data buffer is cleared in response to receiving a predetermined reset command, the signal output is stopped. Thus, each light emitter driver is based on the lighting control information acquired from the serial output circuit 143 until a predetermined condition such as completion of latching of new data or clearing of the data buffer is satisfied. Repeat the lighting control.

  The plurality of light emitters included in each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are each classified into one of a plurality of groups according to their arrangement. The plurality of light emitter drivers include a light source driver for selecting a group to be turned on by selecting one of the plurality of groups, and light emission to be turned on by pulse width modulation (PWM). There is a light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation that performs gradation control of a body. In each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42, a light emitter driver for group selection performs drive control of the light emitter by dynamic lighting control using drive control data, and a light emitter driver for pulse width modulation uses grayscale data. To control the gradation of the light emitter.

  The light emitter driver for group selection selects one group so that the light emitters classified into one group among the plurality of groups can be turned on in a unit control period corresponding to a predetermined group selection cycle. Perform drive control to select. The group selection period only needs to have a time length obtained by equally dividing the light emission frame period, which is the display update period in the entire light emitter units 71 to 74, by the number of groups into which the plurality of light emitters are classified. As a specific example, a plurality of light emitters from the first group corresponding to the number of light emitters for 12 dots arranged in the row direction (lateral direction) of the half blocks constituting each light emitter block B01 to B42. Classify into any of the 12th group. When the light emission frame period is 1/80 seconds (12.5 milliseconds), the group selection period having a time length of 1/960 seconds (about 1.0 milliseconds) obtained by dividing the light emission frame period into 12 equal parts. (Unit control period) is provided.

  The light emitter driver for group selection switches selection of a group to be turned on among a plurality of groups at a group selection cycle. That is, the group-selection light-emitting driver sequentially switches the group that is subject to lighting control from one group to another group when the unit control period ends. For example, when a plurality of light emitters are classified into any one of the first group to the twelfth group, in the first unit control period (first unit control period) included in the light emission frame period, the first group is a target of lighting control. In the next unit control period (second unit control period), selection is performed so that the second group is a target of lighting control. After that, selection is performed so that the third group to the eleventh group are the targets of lighting control corresponding to each of the third unit control period to the eleventh unit control period, and the final unit control included in the light emission frame period is performed. In the period (the twelfth unit control period), selection is performed so that the twelfth group is a target of lighting control.

  Of the lighting control information included in the serial output data output from the serial output circuit 143, the lighting control information constituting the driving control data is taken into the light emitter driver for group selection, and the data is latched in the data buffer. The When data is latched in all the data buffers, output of the digit signal (drive control signal) to the output signal line (digit signal line) is started or stopped. In the light emitter driver for group selection, when the output of the digit signal is started in response to the start of the group selection, one data buffer (6 bits) corresponding to the group selected as the lighting target among the plurality of data buffers is stored. , Data in which all the bits are “1” is fetched and latched. Data other than “0” is fetched and latched in other data buffers. When the data selection driver completes latching of data in all the data buffers in this manner, the signal state of the digit signal is turned on or off according to the data stored in the data buffer. For example, an output signal line (digit signal) corresponding to one data buffer in which data in which all bits are “1” is latched continues with a digit signal (drive control signal) whose signal state is turned on. Is output. On the other hand, the output signal line (digit signal line) corresponding to another data buffer in which data in which all the bits are “0” are latched is a digit signal (drive control signal) whose signal state is turned off. Is output continuously.

  Further, in the light emitter driver for group selection, when the output of the digit signal is stopped, the data is latched or reset so that all the bits become “0” in all the data buffers. When the light source driver for group selection completes latching of data in which all the bits are “0” in all the data buffers in this way, the output signal line (digit signal line) corresponding to each data buffer is completed. In this case, a digit signal (drive control signal) for turning off the signal state is continuously output. In this way, the signal state of the digit signal (drive control signal) in one output signal line (digit signal line) connected to the light emitting element driver for group selection is turned on, and in the other output signal line (digit signal line) When the signal state of the digit signal (drive control signal) is turned off, one group to be lit is selected from the plurality of groups.

  In addition, a group selection cycle for switching the selection of a group to be lit among a plurality of groups, and one output signal line (digit) connected to the group-selecting light emitter driver corresponding to the selected one group The period in which the signal state of the digit signal (drive control signal) in the signal line is on does not necessarily match. Even when the group selection is switched, there is a period required to take in gradation data and drive control data, and the signal state of the digit signal may not be turned on during this period. In this embodiment, the signal state of the digit signal is turned on so that the period for performing gradation control for a plurality of light emitters included in one group is an integral multiple of the gradation control period by pulse width modulation. The period to be set is set. Such a period during which gradation control is performed on a plurality of light emitters included in one group is referred to as a group lighting control period (or an output enable period).

  The pulse width modulation light emitter driver performs gradation control on a plurality of light emitters included in one group selected as a lighting target by the group selection light emitter driver. Of the lighting control information included in the serial output data output from the serial output circuit 143, the lighting driver for pulse width modulation receives the lighting control information constituting the gradation data, and the data is latched in the data buffer. Is done. When data is latched in all the data buffers, output of a data signal (grayscale control signal) to the output signal line (data signal line) is started. The data signal output from the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation includes an on period and a signal in which the signal state is in an on state (for example, high level 12V) according to the data stored in the data buffer corresponding to each data signal line. An off period in which the state is an off state (for example, low level 0 V) is set. For example, a light-emitting driver for pulse width modulation converts data stored in each data buffer (6 bits) into a hexadecimal number and outputs a data signal (grayscale) on an output signal line (data signal line) corresponding to the data buffer. The ON period of the control signal) is set to any one of 64 levels from “0” to “63”. The light emitter driver for pulse width modulation repeatedly outputs a data signal (gradation control signal) in a gradation control period based on an internal clock. The light emitting elements constituting each light emitter change in luminance (light emission amount) in accordance with the ratio of the on period in which the signal state of the data signal (gradation control signal) is turned on in the gradation control cycle. Thus, the pulse width modulation light emitter driver performs gradation control of a plurality of light emitters by controlling the ratio of the ON period of the data signal in the gradation control period by pulse width modulation.

  FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a light emitter driver corresponding to the light emitter block B11 as a specific example. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 12, as a plurality of light emitter drivers corresponding to the light emitter block B11, a light emitter driver 411S for group selection, a light emitter driver 411DU for upper pulse width modulation, and a lower pulse width modulator. Light-emitting body driver 411DD. The serial signal wiring of the serial output system K06 shown in FIG. 11 includes a group selection light emitter driver 411S corresponding to the light emitter block B11 from the serial output circuit 143, an upper pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DU, and a lower pulse width. It is only necessary that the light emitter drivers 411DD for modulation are connected in this order and subsequently connected to the light emitter driver provided corresponding to the light emitter block B12.

  A different driver ID or address is assigned to each of the light emitter driver 411S, the light emitter driver 411DU, and the light emitter driver 411DD. The serial output circuit 143 outputs a plurality of light emitters corresponding to the light emitter block B11 by outputting lighting data including driver designation information designating a driver ID or address to a serial signal wiring included in the serial output system K06. Transmit lighting control information to one of the drivers.

  The serial signal wiring may include a serial clock wiring for transmitting the serial clock SC and a serial data wiring for transmitting serial data SD synchronized with the serial clock SC. The light emitter driver connected to the serial signal wiring takes in drive control data or gradation data transmitted as serial data SD synchronized with the serial clock SC, and performs lighting control of the plurality of light emitters.

  The light emitter block B11 includes a half block B11U composed of a plurality of light emitters whose gradation is controlled by the upper pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DU, and a gradation control by the lower pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DD. It is comprised by the combination with half block B11D comprised from the several light-emitting body made. Thus, each light emitter block only needs to be configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than the light emitter block. Note that the plurality of light emitter blocks is not limited to a combination of two half blocks. For example, among the plurality of light emitter blocks, a light emitter block constituted by only one half block may be included in addition to a light emitter block constituted by combining two half blocks. When the light emitter block B11 includes only one half block, the light emitter block 411S includes a light emitter driver 411S for group selection and a light emitter driver 411DU for upper pulse width modulation, while the light emitter block B11 is used for lower pulse width modulation. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which is not equipped with light-emitting-body driver 411DD. Thus, each light emitter block may be configured to include one light emitter driver for group selection and one or two light emitter drivers for pulse width modulation.

  Half block B11U and half block B11D should just be comprised so that the number of light-emitting bodies may become the same number, respectively. For example, the group selection light emitter driver 411S is connected to 12 digit signal lines and serves as a drive control signal for driving and controlling a plurality of light emitters arranged in 12 columns (for 12 dots). Output a signal. The upper side pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DU and the lower side pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DD are each a gradation for controlling the gradation of a plurality of light emitters arranged in 8 rows (for 8 dots). Output data signal. One light emitter (full color LED) may include three light emitting elements capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue). In order to perform individual gradation control for the three light emitting elements included in the light emitter corresponding to each dot, the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation has a total of 24 (= It is sufficient that 8 × 3) data signal lines are connected. Accordingly, the half block B11U corresponding to the light emitter driver for upper pulse width modulation and the half block B11D corresponding to the light emitter driver for lower pulse width modulation both have 12 columns on the digit signal line side for group selection. And a total of 96 light emitters comprising 8 rows on the data signal line side for pulse width modulation. Similarly, the half blocks constituting the light emitter blocks other than the light emitter block B11 may be formed so as to include a total of 96 light emitters. Thus, the half blocks as modules constituting the light emitter block only need to be configured so that the same number of light emitters can be controlled to be turned on.

  In each half block, a light emitting element (LED) that configures each light emitter and emits light in a predetermined color is connected to the intersection of the digit signal line and the data signal line. For example, the anode of the LED may be connected to the data signal line, and the cathode of the LED may be connected to the digit signal line. In this case, the digit signal (drive control signal) supplied to the digit signal line is at a high level (for example, 12V) corresponding to the power supply voltage when in the off state, and corresponds to the ground voltage when in the on state. The low level (for example, 0 V) may be used (negative logic). The data signal (grayscale control signal) supplied to the data signal line is at a low level (for example, 0 V) corresponding to the ground voltage when in the off state, and corresponds to the power supply voltage when in the on state. The high level (for example, 12V) is sufficient (positive logic). Accordingly, when at least one of the digit signal and the data signal is in the OFF state, the LED as the light emitting element does not emit light in the reverse bias state or the no bias state. On the other hand, when both the digit signal and the data signal are on, the LED as the light emitting element emits light in a forward bias state. Note that the positive / negative logic relationship between the digit signal and the data signal and the connection relationship of the light emitting element (LED) to the digit signal line and the data signal line may be interchanged.

  Note that the number of light emitters included in one half block is not limited to 96 in total, and may be an arbitrary number determined in advance based on the specification and design of the light emitter driver. For example, in the case where eight digit signal lines are configured and a plurality of light emitters arranged in eight columns are driven and controlled, a total of 64 lines consisting of eight columns on the digit signal line side and eight rows on the data signal line side are provided. The light emitters may be formed so as to be included in one half block. Further, the number of light emitters that can be controlled to be lighted by one half block and the number of light emitters actually included in one half block do not always have to coincide with each other. For example, while the number of light emitters that can be controlled to light in one half block is 96, the number of light emitters actually included in one half block depends on the arrangement of the light emitters in the light emitter units 71 to 74. There may be fewer than 96. In this way, it is only necessary to control the lighting of a predetermined number of light emitters or less for each half block as a module smaller than a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter block B11 shown in FIG. 12 are classified into any one of the first group to the twelfth group corresponding to 12 columns on the digit signal line side for group selection. The group selection light emitter driver 411S performs lighting control (drive control) of the light emitters classified into any one of the first group to the twelfth group in the unit control period corresponding to the group selection cycle. When the unit control period ends, the group to be turned on is sequentially switched from one group to another group. Each of the upper pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DU and the lower pulse width modulation light emitter driver 411DD is a data signal (in a gradation control period by pulse width modulation) based on the lighting control information constituting the gradation data. By controlling the ratio of the ON period of the (gradation control signal), gradation control of a plurality of light emitters included in the group selected by the light emitter driver 411S for group selection is performed. The gradation control period by pulse width modulation is set based on an internal clock in each light emitting body driver for pulse width modulation. For example, when the frequency of the internal clock is 1 MHz and the minimum pulse width by pulse width modulation is the same as the internal clock period, the output level of the data signal can be adjusted in units of 1 microsecond. In order to make it possible to set the ON period of the data signal (grayscale control signal) to any one of 64 levels from “0” to “63”, the grayscale control period is set to 64 microseconds in advance. Good.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 performs dynamic lighting control for a plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42 and generates lighting data for gradation control by pulse width modulation (PWM). For example, as drive control data for designating the drive timing of the light emitters, control data for time-sharing driving a plurality of light emitters at different timings for each digit signal line is generated. Further, for each emission color, data signals pulse-modulated in accordance with R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light-emitting elements constituting a plurality of light emitters connected to each data signal line are used. Gradation data for designating luminance (light emission amount) is generated. Note that the light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation performs gradation control of the light-emitting body according to the output period (on period) of the pulse signal as in the pulse width modulation method. A light emitter driver that performs gradation control of a light emitter according to a physical quantity (pulse amount) of a pulse signal such as the number of pulse signals (number of pulses) output within a certain period and the amplitude (drive current value) of the pulse signal. It may be provided.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 to the serial signal wiring of the serial output system to which the light emitter block to be controlled for lighting is connected in the serial signal system. A group selection light emitter driver provided corresponding to each light emitter block drives and controls a plurality of light emitters connected to the digit signal line by outputting a digit signal based on the drive control data. A light emitter driver for upper side pulse width modulation or lower side pulse width modulation provided corresponding to each light emitter block outputs a data signal based on grayscale data, so that a plurality of light source drivers connected to the data signal line are output. The tone of the illuminant is controlled.

  For example, when the frequency of the serial clock SC is 2 MHz, the time required for transmitting the lighting data as gradation data by the serial signal method and taking in the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation is 184 microseconds at the maximum. . The required time for transmitting the drive control data for setting the digit signal to the on state or the off state by the serial signal method and taking in the light emitter driver for group selection is 52 microseconds. On the other hand, when the frequency of the serial clock SC is 8 MHz, the time required for taking in the lighting data as gradation data is 46 microseconds at the maximum. The time required to capture the drive control data for turning the digit signal on or off is 13 microseconds. In addition, when the frequency of the serial clock SC is 12 MHz, the time required for taking in the lighting data as gradation data is 30 microseconds at the maximum. The time required to capture drive control data for turning the digit signal on or off is 8 microseconds. As described above, as the frequency of the serial clock SC increases, the time required for capturing gradation data and drive control data becomes shorter. However, as the frequency of the serial clock SC increases, the rate of data loss increases and radiation noise is likely to occur. In consideration of such circumstances, the frequency of the serial clock SC may be set in advance to a predetermined clock frequency (for example, 2 MHz).

  In this way, in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74, the plurality of light emitters arranged in an array have a duty ratio corresponding to the data signal in the group lighting control period in which the digit signal is turned on (the ON period in the gradation control period). The lighting mode can be changed by a dynamic lighting method (also referred to as a pulse lighting method, a duty lighting method, or a time-division lighting method) for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. In this way, by configuring the dynamic lighting control to be performed for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42, the light emitter drive unit 144 can perform lighting control using a plurality of light emitter drivers in parallel. .

  The random number circuit 124 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 7 counts numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the effect operation in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling such a performance operation is also called a game random number. The I / O 125 includes, for example, an input port for capturing an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a predetermined game using a game ball as a game medium is performed, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined hitting ball is emitted based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle installed on the lower right side of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A game ball as a game medium is launched toward a game area by a launch motor provided in the apparatus. When this game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, the first is based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The start condition is met. Thereafter, the first start condition is established based on, for example, the end of the previous special game or the big hit gaming state. In this way, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

  When the game ball launched toward the game area passes (enters) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Is done. Based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 22B, the second start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the second start condition is satisfied based on, for example, the end of the last special game or the big hit gaming state. In this way, the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is executed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the normally open state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second starting winning opening.

  In the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, based on the fact that the normal symbol variable display result by the normal symbol display device 20 is "per normal figure", the opening control or the expansion opening where the movable wing piece of the electric tulip is in the tilting position is performed. Control is performed, and closing control and normal opening control for returning to the vertical position when a predetermined time elapses are performed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the expanded opening state as the first variable state by the opening control or the expanding opening control, the game ball can easily pass or can pass through the second start winning opening. The normal figure starting condition for executing the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 is established based on the fact that the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. After the normal chart start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol display 20 uses the normal symbol display unit 20 based on the fact that the normal map start condition for starting variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, for example, that the previous general chart game has ended. The figure game is started. In this ordinary game, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the change of the normal symbol, the fixed normal symbol that is the variable display result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable symbol display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbols per regular symbol is stopped and displayed as the fixed regular symbol, the variable symbol display result of the regular symbol becomes “ordinary symbol losing”.

  When a special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is started or when a special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started, a special game is started. It is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed whether or not the variable display result of the symbol is set to “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result. Then, the variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and the effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. To the effect control board 12.

  After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol as a variable display result is derived. Is displayed. Corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, "left", "middle", "right" arranged on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, variable display of decorative symbols (effect symbols) different from the special symbols is performed. The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are also referred to as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively.

  In the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, a fixed special that results in variable display of the special symbol When the symbol is derived and displayed, a finalized decorative symbol that is a variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the main image display device 5MA. As a special symbol variable display result, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “big hit” (specific display result), and when a predetermined lose symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “Lose” (non-specific display result). Based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, it is controlled to the big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. That is, whether or not the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”, and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special game is “big hit”, a definite decorative symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. As an example, a combination of big hits is confirmed by stopping and displaying the same decorative symbols on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It is only necessary that the decorative design is derived and displayed.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening is in an open state, and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in a first state advantageous to the player. Then, in a predetermined period (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the grand prize opening and a winning ball is generated, the grand prize opening is continuously opened. The round game (also simply referred to as “round”) is executed. During periods other than the execution period of such round games, the big prize opening is closed, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a winning ball. When a game ball enters the big prize opening, the prize winning ball is detected by the big prize opening switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (for example, “16”) is reached. Therefore, in the big hit gaming state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls very easily, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  After the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state becomes a probable change state based on the establishment of a predetermined probability change control condition, and the probability that the variable display result will be a big hit (big hit probability) is higher than the normal state. Control may take place. In the probability change state, a predetermined probability change end condition is satisfied, for example, a variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or a big hit gaming state is started before the number of executions of the variable display reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until The probability variation end condition may be satisfied when the next big hit gaming state is started regardless of the number of executions of variable display. After the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state becomes a short time state, and the short time control may be performed in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state. In the short-time state, a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied, for example, the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or the big hit gaming state is started before the variable display execution number reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until

  In the probable change state and the short time state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the first variable state (open state or expanded open state) in an advantageous change mode in which the game ball easily passes (enters) through the second start winning opening than in the normal state. And a second variable state (closed state or normally open state). For example, the normal symbol display unit 20 controls the normal symbol change time (normal diagram change time) in the normal symbol game to be shorter than that in the normal state, or the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol in each normal symbol game is “general”. Tilt control time for controlling the tilt of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on the fact that the probability of “per figure” is higher than that in the normal state, and the variable display result is “per figure”. By making the control longer than that in the normal state and increasing the number of tilts more than in the normal state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is changed to the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode. Just do it. Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination. In this way, the control for changing the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode is referred to as high opening control (also referred to as “high base control”). By controlling to such a probable change state and a short time state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes “big hit” is shortened, and a special game state (“advantageous game state”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. Also called). Even when the probability variation control is performed in the probability variation state, the high opening control may not be performed.

  In the main image display device 5MA, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol) are stopped in a state in which they match the jackpot combination continuously for a predetermined time. A big hit occurs before the final result is displayed due to fluctuation, enlargement / reduction, or deformation, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol changes. An effect performed in a state where the possibility continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called reach variable display. A plurality of types of reach modes are prepared in advance corresponding to the decorative pattern variation pattern, etc., and the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” (a big hit expectation) differs depending on the reach mode. That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed. In the reach production, it is only necessary to include a normal reach production and a super reach reach production with a higher degree of expectation of jackpot than the normal reach production. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is not a big hit combination, it becomes “lost”, and the variability display state ends.

  As an effect of liquid crystal display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, variable display of decorative symbols is performed. In addition, on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, for example, an effect using a character image or an effect of displaying a notification image based on a determination result of a big hit determination and a variation pattern is executed. The Various effects executed during variable display in which variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is performed are also referred to as “variable display effects”. As an example of effects during variable display, there is a possibility that the decorative display variable display state will reach a reach state due to an effect operation different from the decorative display variable display operation, the possibility that a super reach reach effect will be executed, variable display A notice effect may be executed to suggest to the player in advance that the result may be a “hit”.

  The effect operation that becomes the notice effect is the variable display state of the decorative symbol after the decorative symbol variable display is started in all of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. May be executed (started) prior to the reach state (before the decorative symbols are temporarily displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R). In addition, the notice effect that notifies that the variable display result may be a “big hit” may include one that is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state. In this way, the notice effect can be a big hit gaming state at a predetermined timing from the start of variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols until the fixed special symbols and fixed decorative symbols that result in variable display are derived. Anything that can give notice of sex is acceptable. A plurality of notice effect patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to the contents of the effect operation (effect mode) when such a notice effect is executed.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) on the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B and the variable display result is “lost”, the variable display mode is “non-reach” (“normal” A case where the variable display mode is “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”). When the variable display mode is “non-reach”, the variable display state of the decorative design is not reached after the variable display of the decorative design is started. Reach combination) is stopped (derived). When the variable display mode is “reach”, the reach display is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state after the variable display of the decorative symbol is started. A predetermined combination of decorative symbols (reach-miss combination) that is not to be displayed is stopped (derived).

  The game ball used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the recorded information of the score given corresponding to the number thereof have value that can be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes according to the quantity, for example. That's fine. Alternatively, these game balls and score recording information may not be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes, but may have valuable value that can be used for a second game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Further, the game value that can be given in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to paying out a game ball as a prize ball or giving a score. Control, the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state becomes the first round number (for example, “15”) larger than the second round number (for example, “7”), can be executed in a short time state The upper limit number of variable display becomes a first number (for example, “100”) larger than the second number (for example, “50”), and the big hit probability in the probability variation state is higher than the second probability (for example, 1/50). The first probability (for example, 1/20), the number of consecutive chunks, which is the number of times of repeated control to the big hit gaming state without being controlled to the normal state, is greater than the second consecutive number of chunks (for example, “5”) First Communicating Chang number (e.g. "10") and such part or all of becoming, it may include be a more favorable game situation for the player.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt disabled. In this initial setting, for example, RAM 10 2 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state and executes a predetermined game control timer interrupt process. Game control timer interrupt processing includes, for example, switch processing, main-side error processing, information output processing, game random number update processing, game control process processing, normal symbol process processing, command control processing, and the like in pachinko gaming machine 1 Processing for controlling the progress of the process is included.

  The switch processing is processing for determining the state of detection signals input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. The main-side error process is a process of performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and generating a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result. The information output process is a process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software.

  In the game control process included in the game control timer interrupt process, the value of the game process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A or Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform control of the display operation in the second special symbol display device 4B, setting of the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure. The normal symbol process process controls the display operation (for example, turning on / off the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20 to variably display the normal symbol, set the tilting operation of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the like. It is a process that enables.

  The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in the command control process, the output control board 12 among the output ports included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time and then turned off. Thus, it is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, after setting the interrupt enabled state, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). As an example, in step S11, an input state (on / off) of a start winning signal as a detection signal transmitted from the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B is checked. What is necessary is just to determine with winning.

  If a start winning is generated in step S11 (step S11; Yes), a winning random number is stored (step S12). As an example, in the process of step S12, a random number circuit 104 built in (or externally attached to) the game control microcomputer 100, a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100, or a game control microcomputer A gaming random number (random number for determining a variable display result, gaming state determining random number, etc.) updated by at least a part of a random counter configured using an internal register provided separately from the RAM 102 in the computer 100 A part or all of the numerical data indicating the random number and the random number for determining the variation pattern) is extracted. The random number value extracted at this time may be stored as hold data associated with the hold number, for example, in a hold random number storage unit provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S12, various control commands corresponding to the start winning prize are transmitted (step S13). As an example, in the process of step S <b> 13, it is only necessary to make a setting for transmitting a start winning designation command for notifying the occurrence of a start winning to the effect control board 12. When no start winning has occurred in step S11 (step S11; No), after executing the process of step S13, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). Then, a process corresponding to the determination value is selected from a plurality of processes previously described in the game control computer program and executed.

  For example, when the value of the game process flag is “0”, it is determined whether or not variable symbol display (variable display game) can be started (step S101). As an example, in the process of step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of holds of the variable display game is “0” by checking the stored contents of the random number storage unit for holding. At this time, if the number of hold is other than “0”, the variable display is started because the start of the variable display has been satisfied and the variable display has not been started yet. Determine that it is possible. On the other hand, when the hold number is “0”, it is determined that variable display cannot be started. When the variable display cannot be started (step S101; No), the game control process is terminated.

  When variable display can be started in step S101 (step S101; Yes), a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result is determined (step S102). The special symbol variable display result in the special figure game is referred to as a special figure display result. In the processing of step S102, the game random number (random display value for determining the variable display result, random number for determining the game state, variation, etc.) stored at the head (storage area with the minimum hold number) in the hold random number storage unit Read random number for pattern determination). The game random number read from the holding random value storage unit may be temporarily stored in a variable display random number buffer or the like provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100. Then, using a random value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table, it is determined at a predetermined ratio whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”. Here, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable variation state, the variable display result determination table is determined so that the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” at a higher rate than in the normal state or the short time state. It is sufficient that the determination value is set.

  When the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” in the process of step S102, the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is further changed using the random number value for gaming state determination and the gaming state determination table. Decide whether or not to enter the special gaming state. Corresponding to these determination results, a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result may be determined.

  Following the processing in step S102, an internal flag and the like are set (step S103). As an example, in the process of step S103, when the variable display result is determined as “big hit” in the process of step S102, the big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. set. Further, when it is determined that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probability variation state, a probability variation confirmation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is set to an on state. In addition, it may be stored in such a way that it can be specified that the state is likely to change. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “1” (step S104), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “1”, a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). FIG. 14 shows a setting example of a variation pattern used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Each variation pattern indicates that the required time (variable display time) from the start of variable display to the display of a fixed symbol that is a variable display result can be specified and the outline of the production mode can be specified. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 is “non-reach” and “reach”. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each case and when the variable display result is “big hit”. For the variation pattern, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each variation time (variable display time) in the variable display of the special figure game or the decorative design. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern, it is possible to determine the variable display time for special symbols and decorative symbols.

  In the process of step S111, the variation pattern to be used is determined at a predetermined rate using the variation pattern determination random value temporarily stored in the variable display random number buffer and the variation pattern determination table. At this time, the variable display result may become “big hit” corresponding to each fluctuation pattern by changing the determination ratio of each fluctuation pattern depending on whether or not the variable display result is decided as “big hit” (Big hit reliability) can be varied.

  Further, in the process of step S111, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by determining a variation pattern when the variable display result is determined to be “losing”. . Alternatively, prior to determining the variation pattern, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by using the reach determination random number value and the reach determination table. That is, in the process of step S111, it is only necessary to determine the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on the variable display result and the determination result of reach.

  Subsequent to the process of step S111, various control commands corresponding to the start of variable display are transmitted (step S112). As an example, in the process of step S112, as a variable display start command for designating the start of variable display, a variable display result notification command for notifying a variable display result, a variable display such as a variable display time of a decorative symbol and a type of reach effect, etc. A setting for transmitting a variation pattern designation command for notifying a variation pattern indicating a mode may be performed. Further, in response to the decrease in the hold count due to the start of variable display, a setting for transmitting a hold count notification command for notifying the hold count after the decrease may be performed.

  The variable display time is set in response to the change pattern being determined by the process of step S112. Moreover, the setting for starting the variable display of the special symbol by either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B may be performed. As an example, variable display of symbols may be started by transmitting a predetermined drive signal to either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. Which special symbol display device using the special symbol on which special symbol display device is to be executed is a special symbol game based on whether the game ball has passed through the first starting winning port or the second starting winning port It may be set accordingly. More specifically, a special game is played by the first special symbol display device 4A based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the first start winning opening. On the other hand, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the second start winning opening, a special game by the second special symbol display device 4B is performed. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “2” (step S113), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “2”, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). And when variable display time has not passed (step S121; No), after performing variable display control of a special symbol (step S122), game control process processing is ended. On the other hand, when the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), the variable symbol special display is stopped, and the final symbol is controlled to be derived and displayed (step S123).

  Subsequent to the processing in step S123, various control commands corresponding to the end of variable display are transmitted (step S124). As an example, in the process of step S124, a variable display end command for instructing the end (stop) of variable display or a big hit start specifying command (fanfare command for specifying the start of a big hit gaming state when the variable display result is “big hit”. ) And the like may be set for transmission.

  After the process of step S124 is executed, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125). If the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to “3” (step S126), and the game control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the variable display result is not “big hit” but “losing” (step S125; No), the game process flag is cleared and the value is initialized to “0” (step S125). S127), the game control process is terminated. When the process of step S127 is executed, it is determined whether or not the probability variation state or the time saving state is to be ended, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is to be ended, these gaming states are ended. Settings for controlling to a normal state may be performed.

  When the value of the game process flag is “3”, it is determined whether or not to end the big hit gaming state depending on whether or not a predetermined big hit end condition is satisfied (step S131). The jackpot end condition may be, for example, that all rounds executed in the jackpot gaming state have ended. When the big hit game state is not ended (step S131; No), the game operation control at the time of the big hit is performed (step 132), and the game control process is ended. On the other hand, when ending the big hit gaming state (step S131; Yes), the setting for controlling the gaming state after the big hit ending is performed (step S133).

  As an example, in the process of step S133, it is determined whether or not the probability variation confirmation flag is on. If it is on, the probability variation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. Set to. Thus, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, and it is decided that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probable change state, a game corresponding to this decision result is made. It is possible to control the state to a certain change state. Even in the case of controlling to the short time state, a setting corresponding to this may be performed. Thereafter, the game process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0” (step S134), and the game control process is terminated.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. The effect control board 12 is supplied with a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like. In the effect control CPU 120 in which the power supply for activation is started, a predetermined effect control main process is executed. When the production control main process is started, the production control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined startup process. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on. The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. Such an interrupt for turning on the timer interrupt flag is a timer interrupt for effect control. The effect control CPU 120 waits until an effect control timer interrupt occurs.

  When a timer interrupt for effect control occurs and the timer interrupt flag is turned on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off, and a timer interrupt process for effect control is executed. In addition to the timer control process for effect control, the CPU 120 for effect control can execute an interrupt process for receiving a command, and can receive an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. It only needs to be received. In the timer control process for effect control, the effect control CPU 120 executes command analysis processing. In the command analysis processing, it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received. If there is a reception, setting or control corresponding to the received command is performed. After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process is executed. In the effect control process, for example, an effect image display operation on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, lighting operations in a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the light emitter units 71 to 74, speakers, Sound output operation from 8L, 8R, operation using various effect devices such as lighting operation in various light emitting members such as game effect lamps 9 and decoration LEDs different from the light emitter units 71 to 74, and driving operation of the effect model With respect to the control content, determination, determination, setting, and the like according to the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 are performed. Following the effect control process, an effect random number update process is executed, and numerical data indicating effect random numbers counted as various random values used for effect control is updated by software.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 15, the effect control CPU 120 determines the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area or the like of the RAM 122, and from a plurality of processes described in advance in the effect control computer program, A process corresponding to the judgment value is selected and executed. The processing executed according to the determination value of the effect process flag includes the processing of steps S170 to S176.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. This variable display start waiting process is based on whether or not the first variation start command or the second variation start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is performed. The process etc. which determine whether to start are included. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. When either the first change start command or the second change start command is received, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. This variable display start setting process corresponds to the start of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In order to perform variable display of decorative symbols on the above and other various presentation operations, it includes processing to determine fixed decorative symbols and various presentation control patterns according to the variation pattern of special symbols and the type of display result, etc. Yes. When the variable display start setting process is executed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”.

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the effect processing during variable display, the effect control CPU 120 performs various control data from the effect control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (such as an effect control timer setting unit). , And various kinds of effect control during the variable display of the decorative symbols are included. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11, the finalized symbol as the final stop symbol resulting in the variable symbol variable display result is displayed as a complete stop. Processing to display (derived display) is included. Note that, in response to the end code being read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the finalized decorative symbol may be displayed in a complete stop (derived display). In this case, when the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, it is autonomous on the side of the production control board 12 without using the production control command from the main board 11. The fixed display pattern can be derived and displayed on the screen to determine the variable display result. After performing such effect control, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

  The variable display stop process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In the variable display stop process, the jackpot gaming state starts based on the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command, the determination result of whether or not the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the like. The process which determines whether it is performed is included. When the variable display result corresponds to “big hit” and the big hit gaming state is started, the value of the production process flag is updated to “4”, while the variable display result corresponds to “lost”. If the big hit gaming state is not started, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  The jackpot display process of step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. This jackpot display process includes a process for executing a jackpot notification effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of the jackpot gaming state based on the reception of the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like. Yes. When the execution of the big hit notification effect ends, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5”.

The big hit effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In the jackpot effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot effect that is executed when the game is in the jackpot game state, and the effect image based on the set content is set as the main effect image. The speaker 8L is displayed by displaying on the screen of the image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, executing a display effect by the light emitter units 71 to 74, or outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13. , 8R to output sound and sound effects, turn on / off / flash the game effect lamp 9 and decoration LED by outputting a command (lighting signal) to the lamp control board 14, and execute other effect control Thus, it is possible to execute an effect during the big hit corresponding to the big hit gaming state. In our presentation processing big hit, for example, in response to such that having received the jackpot termination specifying command transmitted from the main board 11, the value of Starring depletion Rosesufuragu is updated to "6".

  The big hit end effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In this jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot end effect (ending effect) executed when the jackpot game state ends, and the setting contents By controlling the display of the effect image based on the output, the output of fruit sounds, the lighting / extinguishing / flashing of various light emitting members, and other effect operations, the jackpot end effect corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state can be executed. Thereafter, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 16, the effect control CPU 120 first determines a final stop symbol or the like to be a finalized symbol as a variable symbol display result (step S401). As the processing of step S401, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on variable display contents such as the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. To determine the final stop symbol. As an example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the fluctuation pattern and variable display result include “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (loss)”, “non-probability change (big hit)”, and “probability change (big hit)”. is there.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is not changed to the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the non-reach combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result is “lost”. " When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the reach lose combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result becomes “losing”. . When the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big hit”, and the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is the short-time state. When the variable display content is “probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big win”, and the gaming state after the big hit gaming state is changed to the probable state.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the production control CPU 120 uses the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5R to display different (unmatched) decorative symbols as the final stop symbols. To decide. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol updated by an effect random counter or the like provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control counter setting unit) of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122. Then, by referring to the left determined symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the left determined symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L is determined among the determined decorative symbols. Next, numerical value data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter is extracted, and the right determined symbol determining table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. For example, the right determined decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “right” decorative symbol display area 5R is determined among the determined decorative symbols. At this time, the symbol number of the right determined decorative symbol may be determined so as to be different from the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol by setting in the right determined symbol determining table or the like. Subsequently, the numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the production random counter is extracted, and the medium fixed symbol determination table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. From the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “middle” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined.

  When the variable display content is “reach”, the effect control CPU 120 displays the same (matching) decorative symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R as the final stop symbols. To decide. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating random values for determining the left and right determined symbols that are updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, and stores the left and right determined symbol determination table that is stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared. By referencing or the like, among the determined decorative symbols, the decorative symbols having the same symbol numbers that are stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R are determined. Further, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or a random counter for production is extracted, and a medium fixed symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121 is referred to. Thus, among the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “middle” decorative symbol display area 5C is determined. Here, for example, when the confirmed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the middle confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (For example, “1”) may be added to or subtracted from the symbol number of the medium-decorated decorative symbol so that the finalized decorative symbol is not the jackpot combination but the reach combination. Alternatively, when determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol, the difference (design difference) between the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol may be determined, and the medium-decorated decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol difference may be set. .

  When the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, the effect control CPU 120 displays the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the jackpot determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. Subsequently, by referring to the jackpot fixed symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the display is stopped in alignment with the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The decorative symbol having the same symbol number is determined. At this time, depending on whether the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, whether or not the promotion effect during the big hit is executed, etc. It is only necessary to determine which one of the design symbol to be displayed and the probability variation symbol (for example, a design symbol that represents an odd number) is the final design symbol. In the jackpot promotion promotion, a combination of decorative symbols (non-probable big hit combination) that recalls a big hit but does not recall a probable change state is once stopped and displayed in a promising state during the big hit gaming state or at the end of the big hit gaming state. This is an effect to notify whether or not.

  As a specific example, when the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)”, a symbol to be a definite decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Further, when the variable display content is “probability change (big hit)” and it is determined not to execute the jackpot promotion effect, the one that becomes the confirmed decorative design is determined from a plurality of types of probability change designs. On the other hand, when the variable display content is “probable change (big hit)”, when it is decided to execute the promotion effect during the big hit, the one that becomes the confirmed decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Accordingly, it is only necessary to prevent the promotion effect during the big hit from being executed despite the fact that the probability variation symbols are all derived and displayed as the confirmed decorative symbols, so that the player is not distrusted.

  In the process of step S401, when the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, it is determined whether or not to execute the probability change promotion effect such as the re-lottery effect or the jackpot promotion effect. May be. In the redrawing effect, once the decorative symbol of the non-probable variable big hit combination consisting of the same normal symbol is displayed during variable display of the decorative symbol, it is once difficult to recognize or impossible to recognize that it is controlled to the probabilistic state, It is possible to notify that the control is changed to the probability variation state by variably displaying (revariing) the decoration symbol again and stopping and displaying the decorative symbol of the probability variation big hit combination composed of the same probability variation symbol. Note that there is a case in which the control of the probability variation state is not notified when the decoration symbol of the non-probable variation big hit combination is stopped and displayed after the decoration symbol is re-variable in the re-lottery effect. If it is determined in step S401 that the re-lottery effect is to be executed, a combination of decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped and displayed may be determined before the re-lottery effect is executed.

  Following the determination of the final stop symbol and the like in step S401, a notice effect is determined (step S402). In the process of step S402, for example, the presence / absence of the notice effect or the effect mode when the notice effect is executed is determined using the notice effect determination table prepared by storing in the predetermined area of the ROM 121 in advance. Good. In the notice effect determination table, for example, a numerical value (determined value) to be compared with a random number for determining the notice effect may be assigned to the presence / absence of the notice effect or the determination result of the effect mode according to the variable display content. . The effect control CPU 120 refers to the notice effect determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random value for determining the notice effect, which is updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. What is necessary is just to determine an aspect.

  Subsequent to the process of step S402, the effect control pattern is determined as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S403). For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects one of a plurality of special-figure varying effect control patterns prepared in correspondence with the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command and sets it as a usage pattern. In addition, the CPU 120 for effect control selects any one of a plurality of prepared notice effect control patterns corresponding to the result of determination of the notice effect by the process of step S402, and sets it as a use pattern.

  FIG. 17A shows a configuration example of the effect control pattern. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 17A, the effect control pattern includes, for example, an effect control process timer determination value, display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, an end code, and the like. Consists of included process data. The effect control process timer determination value is a value (determination value) to be compared with an effect control process timer value that is a stored value of an effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122. The determination value corresponding to the execution time (effect time) of each effect operation is set in advance. In place of the effect control process timer determination value, for example, a predetermined effect control command is received from the main board 11, or a predetermined process is executed as a process for controlling the effect operation in the effect control CPU 120. The data indicating the switching timing of the presentation control may be set corresponding to the predetermined control content and processing content.

  The display control data includes data indicating the display mode of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU, such as data indicating the variation mode of each decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol. It is. That is, the display control data is data that designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, display data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting modes by a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is display data for effect images on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU. Has been added. Therefore, if the display operation data designates the display operation of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU, the lighting mode by the plurality of light emitters arranged so as to form the light emitter units 71 to 74 is also designated. be able to. In addition, it is not limited to what designates the lighting mode in the several light-emitting body which comprises the light-emitting body units 71-74 by display control data, It uses the control data different from display control data, and it lights in several light-emitting body. Aspect may be specified.

  The voice control data includes data indicating the voice output mode from the speakers 8L and 8R, such as data indicating the output mode of sound effects in conjunction with the variable display operation of the decorative symbol during variable display of the decorative symbol, for example. Yes. In other words, the audio control data is data that designates an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R. The lamp control data includes data indicating lighting operation modes in various light emitting members other than the light emitter units 71 to 74 such as a game effect lamp 9 and a decoration LED. That is, the lamp control data is data that specifies lighting operations of various light emitting members.

  The movable member control data includes data indicating the operation mode of the movable members 51 to 54, such as data indicating the driving mode of the movable motor 60 that rotates or moves the movable members 51 to 54, for example. . That is, the movable member control data is data that designates the rotation operation and the movement operation of the movable members 51 to 54. The operation detection control data includes, for example, an operation valid period for effectively detecting an instruction operation (tilting operation) for the operation stick of the stick controller 31A and an instruction operation (push-pull operation) for the trigger button, or an instruction operation (for the push button 31B). Data indicating an effect operation mode according to the player's operation action, such as an operation effective period for effectively detecting (pressing operation) and data for specifying the control content of the effect operation when each operation is detected effectively. include.

  Note that these control data do not have to be included in all the effect control patterns, but an effect control pattern including a part of the control data according to the contents of the effect operation by each effect control pattern. There may be. Further, in the plural types of process data included in the effect control pattern, the types of control data constituting each process data may be different according to the contents of the effect operation executed at each timing. That is, some process data includes all of display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, and operation detection control data, and some process data includes some of these. It may be. Furthermore, other various control data such as, for example, production model control data indicating an operation mode in the movable member included in the production model may be included.

  FIG. 17B shows various rendering operations executed according to the content of the rendering control pattern. The production control CPU 120 determines the control content of the production operation according to various control data included in the production control pattern. For example, when the effect control process timer value matches one of the effect control process timer determination values, the decorative design is displayed in a manner specified by the display control data associated with the effect control process timer determination value, and the character Control is performed to display effect images such as images and background images on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. In this embodiment, control is performed to turn on the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 in a manner specified by the display control data and execute a display effect. In addition, control is performed to output sound from the speakers 8L and 8R in a manner specified by the sound control data, and control is performed to blink various light emitting members such as the game effect lamp 9 in a manner specified by the lamp control data. Control is performed to determine the contents of the effect by accepting an operation on the trigger button, operation stick or push button 31B of the stick controller 31A in the operation valid period specified by the operation detection control data. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) may be set as data corresponding to a production component that does not become a control target even though it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value.

  The effect control CPU 120 sets the effect control pattern based on the variation pattern indicated in the variation pattern designation command, for example, when variable display of decorative symbols is started. Here, when setting the effect control pattern, the pattern data constituting the corresponding effect control pattern may be read from the ROM 121 and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, or the corresponding effect control pattern is configured. The storage address of the pattern data in the ROM 121 may be temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, and the reading position of the storage data in the ROM 121 may be designated. After that, every time the production control process timer value is updated, it is determined whether or not it matches any of the production control process timer judgment values. If they match, the production operation according to the corresponding various control data Control. In this way, the effect control CPU 120 performs the effect devices (main image display device 5MA, sub image display device 5SU, light emission) according to the contents of process data # 1 to process data #n (n is an arbitrary integer) included in the effect control pattern. Control of the body units 71 to 74, the speakers 8L and 8R, the various light emitting members including the game effect lamp 9, the movable members 51 to 54, etc.). In each process data # 1 to process data #n, display control data # 1 to display control data #n and voice control data # 1 to voice control associated with production control process timer determination values # 1 to #n are provided. Data #n, lamp control data # 1 to lamp control data #n, movable member control data # 1 to movable member control data #n, and operation detection control data # 1 to operation detection control data #n are effect operations in the effect device. Production control execution data # 1 to production control execution data #n for designating execution of production control are configured.

  A command according to the effect control pattern set in this way is output from the effect control CPU 120 to the display control unit 123, the sound control board 13, and the like. In the display control unit 123 that has received a command from the effect control CPU 120, for example, the VDP 130 reads image data (image element data) indicated by the command from the image data memory 131 and temporarily stores it in the VRAM 132A. The VDP 130 selects image data corresponding to the display screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU from the image data stored in the VRAM 132A, and converts the selected image data into pixel data. The frame buffer 132B is arranged at a predetermined position (a position indicated by information indicating a display position in the display area of the image display device 5). As a result, display data for one screen is created in the frame buffer 132B. At this time, display data used to create lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub-image display device 5SU. In addition, in the voice control board 13 that receives a command from the effect control CPU 120, for example, the voice synthesis IC reads the voice data indicated by the command from the voice data ROM and temporarily stores it in the voice RAM or the like. .

  After performing the process of step S403 shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 120 for effect control is provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command, for example. The initial value of the production control process timer is set (step S404). Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like in the main image display device 5MA is performed (step S405). At this time, for example, the main image display device 5MA is transmitted by transmitting a display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined as the use pattern in step S404 to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” provided on the screen.

  Following the process of step S405, in response to the start of variable display of decorative symbols, settings are made to update the hold memory display in the start winning memory display area 5H (step S406). For example, the display part corresponding to the hold number “1” in the start winning memory display area 5H may be deleted and the entire display part may be moved to the left one by one. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S407), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display effect process executed in step S172 of FIG. In the effect processing during variable display shown in FIG. 18, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on, for example, the effect control process timer value (step S451). ). As an example, in the process of step S451, when the production control process timer value is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted) and an end code is read from the production control pattern corresponding to the updated production control process timer value, etc. It may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed in step S451 (step S451; No), it is determined whether it is the execution period of various effects (step S452). For example, the execution period of various effects may be determined in advance in the effect control pattern determined in the process of step S403 illustrated in FIG. When it is not the execution period of various effects (step S452; No), the variable display effect process is terminated. When it is the execution period of various effects (step S452; Yes), the effect control process is executed (step S453), and then the variable display effect process is terminated.

  If the variable display time has elapsed in step S451 (step S451; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S454). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S454; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and awaits. If the predetermined time has passed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. You may make it do.

  When a symbol confirmation command is received in step S454 (step S454; Yes), for example, display is performed in a variable symbol display such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. A control for deriving and displaying the final stop symbol (definite decorative symbol) as a result is performed (step S455). In addition, a predetermined time is set as the waiting start designation command reception waiting time (step S456). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the variable display stop process (step S457), and then the variable display effect process is ended.

  In the effect control process of step S453 shown in FIG. 18, the effect control process timer value is changed from the effect control pattern (for example, the special figure change effect control pattern, the notice effect control pattern, etc.) determined in the process of step S403 shown in FIG. Control for executing rendering operations by various rendering devices is performed using the process data read on the basis of the process data. For example, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the effect control process timer has timed out, and switches the effect control execution data in the process data when time-out occurs. That is, in the process data # 1 to process data #n as shown in FIG. 17A, the display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU is performed based on the next set display control data. The lighting control of the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74 is performed. Further, in the process data # 1 to process data #n, the sound output control of the speakers 8L and 8R is performed based on the next set sound control data. Further, in process data # 1 to process data #n, lighting control of the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED is performed based on the next set lamp control data. In the process data # 1 to process data #n, drive control of the movable motor 60 is performed based on the next set movable member control data. In addition, in the process data # 1 to process data #n, detection control of the instruction operation by the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is performed based on the operation detection control data set next.

  The effect control CPU 120 performs display control of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and lighting control of a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with the light emitter units 71 to 74, respectively. Various display control commands are transmitted to 123 VDPs 130. The display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP 130 may include, for example, a transfer command, a deployment command, and an output command.

  The transfer command includes a plurality of types of image data (image element data) stored in the image data memory 131, image data used for screen display on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a light emitter unit. It shows that image data used to create lighting data for lighting control 71 to 74 is read out and temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A. For example, the transfer command may include data for notifying the VDP 130 of the read position of the image data in the image data memory 131, the image size when the image data is expanded and stored, and the like. Here, the reading position of the image data in the image data memory 131 may be a reading address in the image data memory 131 or specific information (for example, an image element) attached to the image element corresponding to the image data to be read. It may be specified using arbitrary information such as the character number of the character image corresponding to the data.

  From the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, the expansion command includes a plurality of image data corresponding to the display areas of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and a plurality of light emitting units 71 to 74 arranged in alignment. The image data corresponding to each of the light emitters is selected, drawing processing based on the selected image data is executed, and display data is created in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B. For example, the expansion command may include data for designating image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A and data for designating the arrangement (setting position) of image elements in the frame buffer 132B. Here, the data for designating the image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A may be data for designating a read address in the VRAM 132A or attached to an image element corresponding to the image data to be selected. Data indicating arbitrary information such as specific information may be used.

  The output command switches between the image drawing area and the image display area of the frame buffer 132B, supplies the display data stored in the storage area serving as the image display area to the main display output system and the sub display output system, and The output to the image display device 5MA, the sub image display device 5SU, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 is shown. Each time an output command is received, the VDP 130 outputs display data for one screen read from the frame buffer 132B, supplies a vertical synchronization signal, and generates a V blank interrupt at the same cycle as the vertical synchronization signal. Also good. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 may execute processing related to drawing in synchronization with the occurrence of the V blank interrupt from the VDP 130.

  The effect control CPU 120 may transmit various display control commands to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123 in addition to the transfer command, the deployment command, and the output command. For example, a copy command indicating that the storage contents in the image display area of the frame buffer 132B set for outputting display data is copied to the VRAM 132A, the contents in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B, and the effect image are used. A drawing command or the like indicating that an operation (for example, an operation for adding, subtracting, or translucent processing) is performed with the image data is transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. May be.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image data processing executed by the VDP 130 of the display control unit 123. In the image data processing shown in FIG. 19, the VDP 130 determines whether or not the display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 is a transfer command (step S701). If it is a transfer command (step S701; Yes), the image data read from the image data memory 131 is written into the VRAM 132A and temporarily stored (step S702).

  When it is not a transfer command in step S701 (step S701; No), after executing the process of step S702, it is determined whether or not the display control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 120 is a deployment command ( Step S703). If it is an expansion command (step S703; Yes), the image data in the designated storage area in the VRAM 132A is selected and written in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B (step S704). Thus, the display data used for displaying the effect image and generating the lighting data is created by writing the selected image data in the image drawing area of the frame buffer 132B. When selecting image data temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, only a part of the image data (image element data) corresponding to one image element is extracted (clipped) and written to the frame buffer 132B. It may be.

  When it is not a deployment command in step S703 (step S703; No), after executing the process of step S704, it is determined whether or not the display control command transmitted from the CPU 120 for effect control is an output command ( Step S705). At this time, if it is not an output command (step S705; No), the image data processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is an output command (step S705; Yes), the image drawing area and the image display area in the frame buffer 132B are switched, display data is read from the image display area after switching, and the main LCD drive circuit 133A is The read display data is output to the main display output system including the sub display output system including the sub LCD drive circuit 133B and the light emitter control circuit 134 (step S706).

  By executing such image data processing, the VDP 130 reads various image data such as character image data necessary for displaying the effect image from the image data memory 131 based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 120. And placed in a predetermined area of the VRAM 132A. When the effect image is displayed, the same character image may be repeatedly displayed many times. When the image data stored in the image data memory 131 is compressed, it takes time to decompress it after reading it. Therefore, when the display of the effect image is started, the necessary character image data and the like are arranged in the storage area of the VRAM 132A, so that the drawing is performed as compared with reading from the image data memory 131 corresponding to each frame. Can be shortened.

  The effect control CPU 120 sets an attribute in the attribute register of the VDP 130 each time a V blank occurs after the display of the effect image is started, and then instructs the attribute read execution. In response to this, the VDP 130 reads the attribute. When this reading is completed, a reading end interrupt signal is output from the VDP 130 to the effect control CPU 120. When receiving the read end interrupt signal, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the execution of the drawing process. In this way, the VDP 130 executes a drawing process by writing display data to the frame buffer 132B according to the read attribute.

  A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer are allocated to each of a plurality of storage areas to which an image display area and an image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 132B. The main frame buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 800 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 600 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the main frame buffer. The subframe buffer stores display data for displaying an image on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and display data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74. For example, a memory area capable of storing pixel data of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 885 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is allocated to the subframe buffer.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of creation and output of display data by drawing processing of the VDP 130 and the like. When the display of the effect image or the display effect is executed, the VDP 130 reads the image data of the sprite image from the VRAM 132A, and executes a drawing process for writing the display data to the main frame buffer and the sub frame buffer. Of the image data of the sprite image read from the image data memory 131 and temporarily stored in the VRAM 132A, the image data used to create lighting data for controlling lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the image size corresponds to 320 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 320 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

  The VDP 130 reduces the image data for creating lighting data to an image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The reduced image size corresponds to the resolution of the light emitter units 71 to 74 in which a plurality of light emitters are aligned. Thus, the image data for creating the lighting data has a resolution higher than that of the light emitter units 71 to 74. Thus, anti-aliasing processing such as supersampling is performed, and display data to be converted into lighting data is created using image data having a resolution higher than the display resolution of the plurality of light emitters. Thereby, for example, jaggy generated in the contour of a character image or the like can be suppressed, and the smoothness of display in the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be enhanced. In particular, when an effect image such as a character image is moved and displayed, the contour portion can be displayed smoothly, and the interest of the display effect in the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be improved. Note that the image size reduction may be performed in the image data transformation processing or display data rendering processing by the VDP 130, or may be performed using a predetermined scaler circuit. The scaler circuit only needs to be able to reduce the image size at a predetermined reduction ratio (for example, ¼) by converting the number of pixels of the display data read from the frame buffer 132B. As described above, the size change of the display data may be realized by a hardware circuit, or may be realized by executing a predetermined program as software.

  The VDP 130 moves part of the display data according to the block allocation setting of each light emitter by dividing the region where the plurality of light emitters are arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 into a plurality of light emitter blocks. The deformation process is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, it corresponds to the fact that a light emitter included in a surplus area where light emitters less than one light emitter block is arranged is included in an empty area in any one of the light emitter blocks. Then, a part of the display data (the upper end portion of the image indicating “A” in the example shown in FIG. 20B) is cut out and moved to another image position. By executing the display data deformation process using the VDP 130 capable of performing a high-performance drawing process, the processing load of the lighting data in the light emitter control circuit 134 can be reduced.

  For example, display data as shown in FIG. 20C is stored in the subframe buffer allocated to the frame buffer 132B. This display data includes sub-image display data and light emitter control data, and corresponds to image display for one frame. The sub-image display data corresponds to an image size of 480 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 800 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) (same as the resolution of the sub-image display device 5SU). It is used for image display on the screen of the display device 5SU. The data for controlling the illuminant is the creation of lighting data for controlling the illuminant units 71 to 74 corresponding to the image size of 80 dots in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 80 dots in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). Used for.

  In the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer, boundary data corresponding to a predetermined number of lines, for example, 5 dots, is provided between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data. The boundary data having such a predetermined data amount is set to separate the sub image display data from the light emitter control data. Thereby, the display data of the effect image displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and the display data converted into the lighting data for controlling the lighting of the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be easily separated. The processing burden associated with data generation can be reduced.

  The VDP 130 reads the display data thus stored in the subframe buffer in a predetermined order and outputs it to the sub display output system. As an example, the reading operation of reading from the upper left dot in the horizontal direction to the upper right dot in the horizontal direction and subsequently reading the data one dot lower in the same manner is repeated until the lower right dot is reached. By outputting the display data to the sub display output system in the order in which the display data is read out, as shown in FIG. 20D, for example, data for displaying the sub image is output first in a predetermined first display output period. The light emitter control data is output in the second display output period after the first display output period. Since boundary data is set between the sub-image display data and the light emitter control data, the first display output period during which the sub-image display data is output and the light emitter control data are output. A predetermined interval period is provided between the second display output period.

  For example, the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer is output in 1/60 second (about 16.7 milliseconds) for one frame. As a result, the sub-image display device 5SU can update the display image with a frame period of 1/60 seconds. Since the data for controlling the illuminant is also added to the data for displaying the sub-image, it is output at a period of 1/60 seconds. The light emitter control circuit 134 separates the light emitter control data included in the display data output to the sub display output system by the signal separation circuit 140 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 141. Therefore, the data for controlling the light emitter separated from the display data is stored in the buffer memory 141 at a 1/60 second period in which the VDP 130 outputs display data for one frame.

  As shown in FIG. 20D, among the periods in which the display data stored in the subframe buffer is output, the period in which the light emitter control data is output (second display output period) corresponds to one frame. Is sufficiently shorter than the entire period (1/60 second) in which the display data is output. The lighting data generation circuit 142 is a remaining period during which data stored in the buffer memory 141 is not written to the buffer memory 141, such as a period during which sub-screen display data is output (first display output period). In this case, the data may be read out and converted into lighting data.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 has the light emitting units 71 to 74 in a cycle shorter than a frame cycle (such as 1/60 seconds) of an image display device using an LCD (liquid crystal display device) such as the sub image display device 5SU. Lighting data that enables the lighting mode of the light emitter to be updated as a whole is generated. As a specific example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data for enabling the lighting mode of the light emitter to be updated at a light emitting frame period of 1/80 seconds (12.5 milliseconds). In this way, the lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data of the light emitter with a cycle (1/80 seconds) shorter than the output cycle (1/60 seconds) of the display data by the VDP 130, and the serial output circuit 143 A control signal based on the lighting data is output. In this case, the buffer memory 141 can store the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame output from the VDP 130, that is, the light emitter control data of 80 dots × 80 dots. It only needs to have a storage data capacity. Further, by turning on the light emitters in a relatively short cycle, flickering in a display effect executed by a plurality of light emitters arranged in alignment with each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is suppressed, and display is performed. The interest of the production can be improved. The light emission frame period is not limited to the one set to 1/80 seconds, and may be any period that is shorter than the display data output period. For example, if the light emission frame period is set to be 1/2 with respect to the display data output period, the light emitter units 71 to 74 correspond to the display data output in the frame period of the sub-image display device 5SU. It is possible to perform lighting control of the illuminant in the entirety of the above two times, and it is possible to suppress flicker by easy control and perform appropriate display. In addition, the light emission frame period may be set to be shorter, such as to be set to 1/3 of the display data output period.

  The serial output circuit 143 has the lighting generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 in a cycle longer than the time required for the light emission control data included in the display data corresponding to the image display for one frame to be written in the buffer memory 141. It may be set to output a control signal corresponding to the data. Thus, the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 in a time shorter than the cycle in which the control signal corresponding to the lighting data is output. As a result, even when the buffer memory 141 having a storage data capacity capable of temporarily storing the light emission control data corresponding to one frame is used, the lighting data can be stored in a time shorter than the output period of the control signal corresponding to the lighting data. Generation can be completed.

  The buffer memory 141 has a storage data capacity capable of storing data for light emission control included in display data corresponding to image display for a plurality of frames, such as display data corresponding to image display for two frames. It may be. In this case, a plurality of buffer areas are allocated to the storage area of the buffer memory 141. Each buffer area only needs to have a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for one frame.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads out data stored in another buffer area and converts it into lighting data when data is written in one buffer area among the plurality of buffer areas. May be performed. As a specific example, it is assumed that the buffer memory 141 has a storage data capacity capable of storing light emission control data included in display data corresponding to image display for two frames. In this case, the storage area of the buffer memory 141 is divided into two areas and assigned to the first buffer area and the second buffer area, respectively. In the first frame period in which display data corresponding to the first frame of the plurality of frames is output from the VDP 130, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is written in the first buffer area. To temporarily store. Next, in the second frame period in which display data corresponding to the second frame following the first frame is output, the light emission control data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is temporarily written in the second buffer area. Remember. In the second frame period, the lighting data generation circuit 142 reads out data stored in the first buffer area where data writing has been completed in the first period, and converts the data into lighting data. Further, in the next frame period, the first buffer area and the second buffer area may be switched to perform data writing and generation (conversion) of lighting data using read data. As described above, the buffer memory 142 may temporarily store the light emission control data by the double buffer method to enable conversion into lighting data. However, in this case, as the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 142 increases, the manufacturing cost also increases. On the other hand, the period during which the light emitter control data is output is set to a time sufficiently shorter than the entire display data output period, and the lighting data generation circuit 142 has a light emitter that is shorter than the display data output period of the VDP 130. In the case of generating the lighting data, it is possible to reduce the storage data capacity of the buffer memory 141 and prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 divides the data into a plurality of data ranges according to the storage position (reading address or the like) of the buffer memory 141 storing the light emission control data separated from the display data. For example, the storage area of the buffer memory 141 is divided into a plurality of buffer memory areas according to the storage address. Based on which data stored in which buffer memory area is read out, the lighting data generation circuit 142 converts the lighting data of the light emitters included in which light emitter block among the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Specify whether to convert.

  FIG. 21 shows a setting example of the buffer memory area. In the setting example shown in FIG. 21, the storage areas of the buffer memory 141 are divided into eight areas to which area indexes BX0 to BX7 are assigned in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BY0 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The area is divided into eight areas to which BY7 is assigned. Based on the read address of the buffer memory 141 or the like, the lighting data generation circuit 142 combines area designation information (BXi, BYj) by combining the horizontal area indexes BX0 to BX7 and the vertical area indexes BY0 to BY7 one by one. ) As long as the data stored in the buffer memory 141 can be specified. The subscripts i and j in the area designation information (BXi, BYj) indicate any one of “0” to “7”.

  The display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 is assigned to one of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 for each data range divided into a plurality. The lighting data generation circuit 142 can specify the data range assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 by referring to an address specification table serving as conversion setting information prepared in advance. Based on this identification result, address information of the light emitter driver provided corresponding to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 can be designated. The address specifying table may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in or externally attached to the lighting data generation circuit 142.

  FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of the address specification table TA1 referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 142. In the address specification table TA1, a buffer memory area specified by one area specification information or two area specification information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 assigned to the serial output systems K01 to K21. For example, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 22, the light emitter blocks B01 to B08 include a light emitter driver for upper pulse width modulation and a light emitter driver for lower pulse width modulation. It is composed of only one half block. On the other hand, among the light emitter blocks B01 to B12 shown in FIG. 22, the light emitter blocks B09 to B12 are provided with both light emitter drivers for upper pulse width modulation and lower pulse width modulation. It is composed of a combination of two half blocks. Corresponding to the structure of the light emitter block, one buffer memory area specified by one area designation information is assigned to each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B08. One area designation information is composed of a combination of area indexes BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and area indexes BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). On the other hand, two buffer memory areas specified by the two area designation information are allocated to each of the light emitter blocks B09 to B12. The area designation information 2 is configured by combining, for example, one type of area index BX0 to BX7 in the horizontal direction and two types of area index BY0 to BY7 in the vertical direction.

  In the address specification table TA1, a driver ID uniquely determined for each serial output system or a group selection light emitter driver or a pulse width modulation light emitter driver provided corresponding to each light emitter block. An address (light emitter driver address) is assigned. As an example, among the light emitter blocks B01 and B02 assigned to the serial output system K01, an address (light emitter driver address) AD1 is assigned to the light emitter driver for group selection corresponding to one light emitter block B01, The address AD2 is assigned to the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation. Further, among the light emitter blocks B01 and B02 assigned to the serial output system K01, the address AD4 is assigned to the light emitter driver for group selection corresponding to the other light emitter block B02, and light emission for upper pulse width modulation is performed. The body driver is assigned the address AD5. As another example, among the light emitter blocks B09, B10 assigned to the serial output system K05, the address AD1 is assigned to the light emitter driver for group selection corresponding to one light emitter block B09, and the upper side pulse width modulation is performed. An address AD2 is assigned to the light emitter driver for use, and an address AD3 is assigned to the light emitter driver for lower pulse width modulation. Further, among the light emitter blocks B09 and B10 assigned to the serial output system K05, the address AD4 is assigned to the light emitter driver for group selection corresponding to the other light emitter block B10, and light emission for upper pulse width modulation is performed. An address AD5 is assigned to the body driver, and an address AD6 is assigned to the light emitter driver for lower pulse width modulation.

  One light emitter driver for group selection is provided for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Therefore, for the light emitter driver for group selection, driver designation information for designating one address (light emitter driver address) corresponding to each light emitter block regardless of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Assigned. As described above, the same number of driver designation information is assigned to the light-emitting driver for group selection for performing dynamic lighting control regardless of a plurality of light-emitting body blocks.

  On the other hand, the light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation has one light-emitting body driver (upper pulse width) depending on whether each of the light-emitting body blocks B01 to B42 has one half block or two half blocks. (For modulation only) may be used, or two light emitter drivers (for upper pulse width modulation and lower pulse width modulation) may be used. Therefore, for the light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation, driver designation information for designating one address (light-emitting body driver address) or 2 according to which one of the plurality of light-emitting body blocks B01 to B42 is used. Driver designation information for designating an address (light emitter driver address) is assigned. As described above, a predetermined number of driver designation information corresponding to a plurality of light emitter blocks is assigned to a light emitter driver for pulse width modulation for performing gradation control.

  Thus, a driver that designates at least one address (light emitter driver address) for each of the group selection light emitter driver and the pulse width modulation light emitter driver provided corresponding to one light emitter block. Designated information is assigned. The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including driver designation information and causes the serial output circuit 143 to output the lighting data to the light emitter driving unit 144. The driver specification information for specifying the address of the light emitter driver (light emitter driver address) is not limited to that assigned, and driver specification information for specifying the driver ID of the light emitter driver may be assigned.

  The group selection light emitter driver provided corresponding to one light emitter block selects, for example, one group to be lit from the first group to the twelfth group, and selects the lighting target in the group selection cycle. Switch sequentially from one group to another. The address (light emitter driver address) assigned to such a group selection light emitter driver is assigned to a plurality of groups that are sequentially switched by the light emitter driver. In this way, by setting so that one address can be assigned to a plurality of groups, it is possible to prevent the number of driver circuits from increasing, simplify the device configuration, and easily perform address management. be able to.

  The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 includes gradation data indicating the gradation control amount of each light emitting element constituting each of the plurality of light emitters. For example, the gradation data only needs to indicate an output period (pulse width) of a pulse signal in pulse width modulation (PWM) as a gradation control amount. The lighting data generation circuit 142 refers to a lighting data generation table serving as color conversion setting information prepared in advance based on the display color levels (RGB values) indicated by the display data read from the buffer memory 141. Thus, gradation data indicating the gradation control amount is generated. A plurality of types of lighting data generation tables are prepared in advance, and any one of the lighting data generation tables is selected as a use table based on a predetermined selection setting.

  FIG. 23A shows a selection setting example of the lighting data generation table. In this setting example, a different lighting data generation table is selected for each emission color of the light emitting elements included in each light emitter. For example, in the case of the light emitter blocks B01 to B06, the lighting data generation table TR01 is selected according to the emission color R (red), and the lighting data generation table TG01 is selected according to the emission color G (green). The lighting data generation table TB01 is selected according to the color B (blue). Each lighting data generation table indicates the gradation control amount of each light emitting element indicating the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data created by the VDP 130 by the gradation data included in the lighting data of the light emitter. It is only necessary to include table data to be converted into The lighting data generation circuit 142 is designated by the lighting data by referring to the selected lighting data generation table based on the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated in the display data read from the buffer memory 141. The gradation control amount is determined.

  The lighting data generation table referred to by the lighting data generation circuit 142 for generating the lighting data may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of a ROM built in or externally attached to the lighting data generation circuit 142. The correspondence relationship between the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated in the display data and the gradation control amount of each light emitting element indicated by the gradation data included in the lighting data of the light emitter is the light emission corresponding to each emission color. It may be determined in advance in consideration of element characteristics (for example, light emission efficiency) and white balance. As an example, a light-emitting diode serving as a light-emitting element constituting each light-emitting body has nonlinear characteristics in which the amount of current increases rapidly when the applied voltage reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, if converted to a gradation control amount proportional to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data, there is a risk that display inconveniences caused by a plurality of light emitters such as overexposure and blackout may occur. is there. Therefore, the lighting data is converted from the display data so that the light emitting elements corresponding to the respective light emission colors constituting each of the plurality of light emitters have a light emission amount equivalent to the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data. Setting information for conversion to is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table. In addition, the characteristics of the light emitting element may differ depending on the emission color. Therefore, the display data is converted so that the correspondence with the level (RGB value) of each display color indicated by the display data is converted into a gradation control amount depending on the emission color of each light emitting element constituting the light emitter. Setting information for converting from to lighting data is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  In the setting example shown in FIG. 23A, a different lighting data generation table may be selected depending on the light emitter block. For example, in the case of the light emitter blocks B01 to B06, the lighting data generation tables TR01, TG01, and TB01 are selected according to the light emission color. On the other hand, in the case of the light emitter blocks B07, B08, and B15, the lighting data generation tables TR02, TG02, and TB02 are selected according to the emission color.

  In this way, the display data is converted into lighting data using the lighting data generation table that differs depending on the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block. Each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 emits light at the same gradation in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters depending on the size of the region in which the plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged, the front-rear relationship of each light emitter unit, and the like. In some cases, the player may have a different impression. Therefore, regardless of the arrangement of each of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block, the lighting data is converted from the display data so that the light emission amount can give an impression as uniform as possible corresponding to the same display color. Setting information for conversion to is stored in advance as a lighting data generation table.

  FIG. 23B shows a comparison between the number of gradations of each display color indicated by the display data and the number of gradations of each emission color by gradation control of the light emitter based on the gradation data included in the lighting data. ing. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 corresponds to the number of gradations smaller than the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data used for the conversion. The display data output from the VDP 130 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 has a luminance (gradation) of “0” to “255” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The gradation control is made possible in 256 steps so that any one of the levels is achieved. As described above, the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data output from the VDP 130 is “256”. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 is any one of luminance (gradation) from “0” to “63” for each display color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Gradation control is made possible in 64 stages so that the level becomes. Thus, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 indicates the number of gradations of “64” which is smaller than “256”.

  Thus, not only the display color levels (RGB values) indicated by the display data, but also the respective light emitters according to the light emission characteristics of each of the plurality of light emitting elements constituting the light emitter, the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters, and the like. Gradation data indicating a gradation control amount corresponding to is generated. Thus, even when light emitters including a plurality of types of light emitting elements having different light emission colors are aligned in a predetermined region of the light emitter units 71 to 74, the color reproducibility is enhanced and the effect of the production is enhanced. To improve. The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including gradation data to which driver designation information assigned to the light emitter driver for upper pulse width modulation or lower pulse width modulation is added, and the serial output circuit 143 To output to the light emitter drive unit 144.

  Further, the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 includes drive control data serving as group selection data for dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. ing. The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data including drive control data to which driver designation information assigned to the light emitter driver for group selection is added, and outputs it to the light emitter driving unit 144 by the serial output circuit 143. Let

  FIG. 24 shows an example of the serial signal output operation by the serial output circuit 143. The serial output circuit 143 outputs a clock signal common to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21 as the serial clock SC, for example, as shown in FIG. The serial clock SC output from the serial output circuit 143 is supplied to each of the plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter driver 144 via the serial signal wiring. Each light emitter driver receives serial data SD transmitted in synchronization with the serial clock SC.

  On the other hand, the serial output circuit 143, as the serial data SD, for example, as shown in FIG. 24B, controls including drive control data and gradation data at different timings depending on each of the serial output systems K01 to K21. Output a signal. When the control signals are output at the same timing to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21, lighting control of a large number of light emitters at the same timing is performed by a large number of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144. May be started. In this case, a large amount of drive current flows as an inrush current in a short period of time, which may cause radio interference due to noise radio waves. In addition, the manufacturing cost may increase as a power supply circuit for generating a large amount of drive current is required. On the other hand, by generating a control signal as serial data SD at different timings according to each of the plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21, generation of inrush current is suppressed, generation of noise radio waves, and production An increase in cost can be prevented.

  In the light emitter driver 144, each light emitter driver has an address of the light emitter driver (light emitter driver address) indicated by the driver designation information included in the received serial data SD and an address assigned to the driver in advance. It is determined whether or not they match. At this time, if they coincide with each other, serial data SD as drive control data and gradation data is taken in and stored in the data register, and lighting control of the light emitter is performed based on this.

  For example, the group-selected light emitter driver selects one group designated by the drive control data from the first group to the twelfth group when the capture of the serial data SD is completed, and the digit signal corresponding to the group is selected. When the signal state of the digit signal on the line is switched from an off state (for example, high level 12V) to an on state (for example, low level 0V), the signal state is changed from an on state (for example, low level 0V) to an off state (for example, There is a case of switching to high level 12V). When data in which all the bits are “1” is latched in one data buffer among a plurality of data buffers included in the light emitter driver for group selection, in the digit signal line corresponding to the one data buffer By switching the signal state of the digit signal from the off state (for example, high level 12V) to the on state (for example, low level 0V), one group from the first group to the twelfth group is selected. On the other hand, when data in which all the bits are “0” is latched (or cleared) in the data buffer in which the data in which all the bits are “1” is latched, the data buffer corresponds to the data buffer. The signal state of the digit signal on the digit signal line is switched from an on state (for example, low level 0V) to an off state (for example, high level 12V). The drive control data includes lighting control information that specifies the state of the digit signal line (off state or on state) corresponding to each group from the first group to the twelfth group.

  For example, when the pulse width modulation light emitter driver completes the acquisition of the serial data SD, the signal state of the data signal on the data signal line is turned on in the on period corresponding to the gradation data (for example, high level 12V). And an off state (for example, low level 0 V) in the off period according to the gradation data. The gradation data includes lighting control information that specifies a ratio of a period during which the state of the data signal line is in a predetermined state (off state or on state) in the gradation control cycle by pulse width modulation.

  The light emitting elements constituting the light emitters classified into the group selected by the light emitter driver for group selection, regardless of whether the light emission color is R (red), G (green), or B (blue) When the digit signal is turned on, lighting is possible. The light emitter driver for pulse width modulation sets an ON period for each light emitting element to turn on each light emitting element by turning on the data signal corresponding to the data latched for each data buffer according to the gradation data. To do. As described above, the group selection light emitter driver outputs a digit signal based on the drive control data, thereby driving and controlling a plurality of light emitters connected to the digit signal line. In addition, the upper-side pulse width modulation or lower-side pulse width modulation light emitter driver outputs a data signal based on the gray scale data, thereby controlling the gray scale of a plurality of light emitters connected to the data signal line. Thus, the dynamic lighting control of the plurality of light emitters is performed for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 included in the movable members 51 to 54 included in the effect movable mechanism 50 are aligned. The display effect by the lighting mode of the several light-emitting body arrange | positioned is performed.

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an execution example of lighting control based on serial output data. In the execution example shown in FIG. 25, the first group is selected at timing T11 as the group to be lit from among the first group to the twelfth group, and the group to be lit is switched from the first group to the first group at timing T21. Switch to 2 groups. In the first unit control period corresponding to the group selection cycle PC1 for selecting the first group, the selection is performed so that the first group is the target of the lighting control.

  In the period from the timing T11 to the timing T12 shown in FIG. 25A, lighting data serving as gradation data LD1 used for gradation control of the first group is transmitted as serial output data. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, during the period from the timing T11 to the timing T12, the gradation data LD1 is taken into the light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation, and the lighting control information constituting the gradation data LD1. Are distributed and latched to a plurality of data buffers in predetermined bit units (6 bit units). When data latching is completed in all data buffers, output of a data signal corresponding to the gradation data LD1 is started. However, since the digit signal output has not started yet at this time, the lighting of the light emitter is not started.

  Following the transmission of the gradation data LD1, in the period from the timing T12 to the timing T13 shown in FIG. 25A, the signal state of the digit signal corresponding to the first group is changed from the OFF state to the ON state as serial output data. The lighting data to be the drive control data DS1 is transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 25C, during the period from the timing T12 to the timing T13, the drive control data DS1 is taken into the group selection light emitter driver, and the lighting control information constituting the drive control data DS1 is stored. The data is distributed and latched to a plurality of data buffers in predetermined bit units (6 bit units). When data latching is completed in all the data buffers, output of a digit signal corresponding to the drive control data DS1 is started.

  When the output of the digit signal is started at timing T13, drive control for the plurality of light emitters classified in the first group is started, and a group lighting control period PE1 in which these light emitters can be turned on is started. . Thereafter, during the period from timing T14 to timing T15 shown in FIG. 25A, drive control for setting the signal state of the digit signal corresponding to the first group in the ON state as the serial output data to the OFF state. The lighting data to be data DE1 is transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 25C, during the period from the timing T14 to the timing T15, the drive control data DE1 is taken into the group selection light emitter driver, and the lighting control information constituting the drive control data DE1 is stored. The data is distributed and latched to a plurality of data buffers in predetermined bit units (6 bit units). When the data latching is completed in all the data buffers, the output of the digit signal is completed corresponding to the drive control data DE1. Even when the output of the digit signal is completed, the output of the data signal corresponding to the gradation data LD1 is repeatedly performed in the gradation control cycle. However, since the output of the digit signal has already been completed at this time, the lighting of the light emitter is also completed.

  Thus, the period from the timing T13 at which the drive control data DS1 is taken to the timing T15 at which the drive control data DE1 is taken is a group lighting control period during which a plurality of light emitters classified in the first group can be lit. PE1. In this group lighting control period PE1, for example, as shown in FIG. 25D, the lighting control of the first group is performed, and the grayscale data in the grayscale control cycle based on the internal clock in the light emitting driver for pulse width modulation. The light emitting elements of the respective light emitters can be repeatedly turned on by a data signal having an ON period corresponding to LD1.

  FIG. 26 shows an execution example of drive control and gradation control for the light emitters classified in the first group. FIGS. 26A1 and 26A2 illustrate a case where the group lighting control period PE1 is 650 microseconds (μs). FIG. 26 (B1) and FIG. 26 (B2) illustrate a case where the group lighting control period PE1 is 640 microseconds (μs). These group lighting control periods PE1 correspond to the period from the timing T13 to the timing T15 shown in FIG. In the gradation control of the light emitters classified into the first group, the gradation control period PP1 based on the internal clock by the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation is set to 64 microseconds (μs). The light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation repeats the output control of the data signal in the gradation control period PP1 in the group lighting control period PE1.

  In the case shown in FIG. 26 (A1) and FIG. 26 (A2), the group lighting control period PE1 is different from an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1. More specifically, after the group lighting control period PE1 is 650 microseconds and the gradation control period PP1 is 64 microseconds, the output control of the data signal is repeated until the Nth period (= 10th period). An extra time of 10 microseconds occurs. The light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation repeats output based on previously received data until new gradation data is taken in. Therefore, an unnecessary signal in which the signal state of the data signal is turned on is generated in the remaining time of 10 microseconds, and the ratio of the on period in which the signal state of the data signal is turned on in the group lighting control period PE1 is May be different. The generation of such an unnecessary signal causes display inconvenience such as flicker.

  Therefore, the first group drive control is performed such that the group lighting control period PE1 is an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1. In the case shown in FIG. 26 (B1) and FIG. 26 (B2), the group lighting control period PE1 is an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1. More specifically, since the group lighting control period PE1 is 640 microseconds and the gradation control period PP1 is 64 microseconds, the output control of the data signal is repeated until the Nth period (= 10th period). Does not have much time and no unnecessary signal is generated. As described above, the digit signal in the on state is output in the group lighting control period PE1 that is an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1, and the light emitter is controlled to be lit with the first group drive control in the on state. Thus, flickering can be prevented and appropriate display can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (A), the transmission of the lighting data serving as the drive control data DE1 is completed at the timing T15, and the capture as shown in FIG. 25 (C) is performed, as shown in FIG. 25 (D). Thus, the lighting control of the first group ends. The output of the data signal corresponding to the gradation control cycle PP1 can be completed in such a period from the timing T15 until the lighting target group is switched from the first group to the second group at the timing T21. However, unnecessary signals may be generated due to excessive time. Therefore, such a period is set as the group lighting stop period PE2, and the signal state of the digit signal is set to the off state so as not to output the lighting signal. As described above, the output of the digit signal is stopped in the group lighting stop period PE2 in which the output of the data signal corresponding to the gradation control cycle PP1 cannot be completed, and the light emitter is controlled to be incapable of lighting. Generation can be prevented and appropriate display can be performed.

  Also, if the output of a new digit signal is started in response to the acquisition of the gradation data and the switching of the group selection without stopping the output of the digit signal, the gradation control based on the previously received gradation data is performed for the group selection. There is a possibility that an unnecessary signal is generated by repeating until the change of the digit signal accompanying the switching is completed. Therefore, before the group selection cycle PC1 elapses, drive control data is transmitted at a predetermined timing, and the signal state of the digit signal is switched from the on state to the off state. Thus, the occurrence of flicker is prevented by stopping the output of the digit signal with the end of the group lighting control period PE1 before the group selection cycle PC1 elapses and controlling the light emitters to be unlit. Thus, an appropriate display can be performed.

  The output timing of the digit signal corresponds to the timing at which latching of the distributed data is completed by fetching the drive control data into the plurality of data buffers provided in the light-emitting driver for group selection. The output timing setting unit 142A included in the lighting data generation circuit 142 is configured so that the group lighting control period PE1 is an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1 and the light emitter cannot be turned on in the group lighting stop period PE2. The output timing of the drive control data for setting the signal state of the digit signal to the on state or the off state is set.

  In the display effect by the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light emitter units 71 to 74, when the luminance (light emission amount) of each light emitter is relatively low (small amount), relatively high luminance (large amount). ), The on-period ratio change amount due to the generation of an unnecessary signal in pulse width modulation increases, and the possibility and the degree of recognition of occurrence of flicker (flicker) increase, which is different from the design. The risk of becoming a lighting mode increases. On the other hand, by setting the group lighting control period PE1 to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1 or by providing the group lighting stop period PE2 to control the light emitters to be unlit, Even when the luminance (light emission amount) is relatively low (small amount), it is possible to prevent the occurrence of flicker (flicker) and perform appropriate display similar to the design stage.

  Or in the display effect by the several light-emitting body arrange | positioned at the light-emitting body units 71-74, when there are comparatively few light emission colors (display colors) in each light-emitting body (for example, in the case of a single color), it is comparative Compared to the case where there are many emission colors (display colors), the difference in emission color (display color) due to the generation of unnecessary signals is more noticeable among the light emitters arranged in the vicinity, and it is recognized that flicker occurs. The degree of recognition and the degree of recognition increase, and the risk of a lighting mode different from the design increases. On the other hand, by setting the group lighting control period PE1 to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1, or by providing a group lighting stop period PE2 to control the light emitters to be unlit, a plurality of light emission Even when the luminescent color (display color) in the body is relatively small (for example, in the case of a single color), the occurrence of flicker (flicker) can be suppressed and appropriate display similar to the design stage can be performed.

  After the group to be turned on is switched from the first group to the second group, the gradation data and the drive control data may be transmitted at the same timing as in the case of the first group. For example, in the period from timing T21 to timing T22 shown in FIG. 25A, lighting data serving as gradation data LD2 used for gradation control of the second group is transmitted. During a period from timing T22 to timing T23, lighting data serving as drive control data DS2 for transmitting the signal state of the digit signal corresponding to the second group from the off state to the on state is transmitted. Thereafter, during a period from timing T24 to timing T25, lighting data serving as drive control data DE2 for turning off the signal state of the digit signal corresponding to the second group that is in the on state is transmitted. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 25D, the second group lighting control is performed in a period from the timing T23 at which the drive control data DS2 is captured to the timing T25 at which the drive control data DE2 is captured. The light emitting elements of the respective light emitters can be turned on repeatedly by a data signal having an ON period corresponding to the gradation data LD2 in the gradation control period PP1. The period from timing T23 to timing T25 is also set as the group lighting control period PE1 and an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1. In addition, even before the lighting target group is switched to the third group, the output of the digit signal is stopped in a period in which the output of the data signal corresponding to the gradation control period PP1 cannot be completed, and the light emitter is controlled to be unlit. To do.

  The internal clock in the group selection light emitter driver and the pulse width modulation light emitter driver is not synchronized with the serial clock SC. Each light-emitting body driver performs signal output control based on an internal clock from when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on. For this reason, even if only the group selection switching timing is set to a common timing in the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1, the gradation control operation cannot be synchronized, and an unnecessary signal may be generated in the pulse width modulation. Therefore, even when a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 are provided, the timing at which each pachinko gaming machine 1 transmits drive control data following the transmission of gradation data and starts or stops outputting digit signals. By adjusting, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of flicker caused by unnecessary signals.

  As an example of a specific display effect by the effect moving mechanism 50, in the retracted state (first state) in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated and the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is visible, the player A display effect using a plurality of light emitters arranged on the movable members 51 to 54 that can be visually recognized is executed in conjunction with the display effect by the main image display device 5MA. In the retracted state, the movable members 51 and 52 are positioned above, and the movable members 53 and 54 of the lower mechanism 50B are positioned below. Thus, when the movable members 51 to 54 are in the retracted state where they are not rotating (when stopped), only the light emitters that are visible from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 among the plurality of light emitters. Control the lighting. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced. As the display effect by the lighting control of the light emitter, for example, characters and symbols are displayed, or blinking and light emission colors in a plurality of light emitters are moved in a predetermined order, so that the display can be adjusted according to the variable display by the main image display device 5MA. A display effect or the like may be executed. Further, when the reach effect is executed, at least one of the movable members 51 to 54 can be moved (vibrated, advanced, etc.), or a character or symbol such as “reach” can be displayed using a plurality of light emitters. Good.

  On the other hand, in the advanced state (second state) in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other and the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is difficult to view or cannot be viewed, the plurality of members disposed on the movable members 51 to 54 are arranged. The display effect using all of the light emitters is executed in conjunction with the display effect by the main image display device 5MA or independently of the display effect by the main image display device 5MA. In the advanced state, the movable members 51 and 52 rotate as the decorative member 57 moves downward in the upper mechanism 50T, and the movable members 53 and 54 of the lower mechanism 50B are positioned above. When the movable members 51 to 54 are in the advanced state in which the movable members 51 to 54 are rotating as described above (when the movable members 51 to 54 are operating), the lighting of all the plurality of light emitters is controlled.

  FIG. 27 shows an example of execution of a display effect in the form of the number “7” by the effect moving mechanism 50. Thus, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state (second state), the arrangement directions of the plurality of light emitters coincide with each other in the movable members 51 to 54, respectively. Therefore, when an integral display effect is executed by the movable members 51 to 54, the display effect can be executed while enhancing the smoothness of the display format. As an integral display effect in the movable members 51 to 54, for example, a symbol such as a character, a figure, or a symbol, a character, or a silhouette thereof is used by using all the regions where a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged on the movable members 51 to 54. Can be displayed.

  The integrated display effect in the movable members 51 to 54 may be started before or while the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B change from the retracted state to the advanced state. As described above, when the movable members 51 to 54 are rotating, regardless of whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is visible from the front, all the plurality of light emitters may be turned on to execute the display effect. Thereby, the effect of the rotation operation of the movable members 51 to 54 can be increased. In addition, by lighting all of the plurality of light emitters regardless of whether or not they can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a player can visually recognize a light emitter that has not been subjected to lighting control by simple control. Can be suppressed.

  In this way, the light emitter control circuit 134 uses the part of the display data created by the VDP 130 to generate lighting data for controlling the lighting of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74. The dynamic lighting control is performed for each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. Therefore, the VDP 130 creates and outputs general-purpose display data in the same manner as the display data of the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, thereby allowing the display effect by the effect movable mechanism 50 to be displayed. Since the execution content can be set, it is possible to improve the interest by executing various effects while suppressing the complexity of the circuit configuration.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not have all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and the one described in the above embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. The structure of the part may be provided.

  As a specific example, in the above embodiment, the group lighting control period is set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the digit signal output is stopped and the light emitter cannot be turned on during the group lighting stop period. It was described as being controlled. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the group lighting control period is set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period, while the group selection period is set so that no group lighting stop period is provided. Also good.

  Alternatively, the group lighting control period is set so as not to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the group lighting is performed after the longest period in which the signal state of the data signal is on in the gradation control period has elapsed. The light emitter may be controlled to be unlit as the stop period. For example, even if the output of the data signal corresponding to the gradation data can be completed for all the light emitting elements even in a period that is less than the gradation control period, the period that is an integral multiple of the gradation control period may be exceeded. The light emitter can be turned on without stopping the output of the digit signal. Then, the output of the digit signal may be stopped at the timing when the output of the data signal is completed for all the light emitting elements, and the light emitter may be controlled to be unlit.

  Thus, setting the group lighting control period to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period and providing the group lighting stop period must always be configured to have both characteristics. Instead, it may be configured to include only one of the features.

  In the above embodiment, the group lighting control period PE1 is set to the gradation control period PP1 by setting the output timing of the lighting data by the output timing setting unit 142A included in the lighting data generation circuit 142 provided in the light emitter control circuit 134. It was explained as an integer multiple of. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the light emitter driver for group selection or the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation, digit signals and data are set so that the group lighting control period is an integral multiple of the gradation control period. The signal output timing may be set. For example, the group lighting control period may be an integral multiple of the gradation control period by adjusting the frequency of the internal clock in the group selection light emitter driver and the pulse width modulation light emitter driver. In addition, the light emitter driver for group selection may switch the selection of the group to be lit at a predetermined group selection cycle, regardless of the drive control data transmitted via the serial signal wiring or the like. In this case, the group lighting control period may be an integral multiple of the gradation control period, for example, by adjusting the frequency of the internal clock in the light-emitting driver for pulse width modulation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the group lighting control period is an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the digit signal output is started or stopped so that the light emitter cannot be turned on in the group lighting stop period. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By starting or stopping the output of the data signal, the group lighting control period becomes an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the light emitter cannot be turned on during the group lighting stop period. You may make it become. For example, by transmitting a reset command for resetting the operation of the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation at the timing when the output of the digit signal is stopped in the above embodiment, the data signal corresponding to the gradation data is transmitted. The output may be stopped. As a specific example, when the group lighting control period PE1 is 650 microseconds (μs) as shown in FIGS. 26A1 and 26A2, 640 microseconds (μs) has elapsed from timing T13. Even if the output of the digit signal is not stopped, the output of the data signal is stopped to stop the unnecessary signal after repeating the output control of the data signal up to the Nth period (= 10th period). It may not be generated. For the digit signal and the data signal, it is possible to determine which one of the digit signal and the data signal is to be stopped by comparing the time required for capturing the data for starting or stopping the signal output. .

  In the said embodiment, it demonstrated as what controls so that a light-emitting body cannot always light in a group lighting stop period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the group lighting control period is less than an integral multiple of the gradation control period, the group lighting stop period provided in advance is shortened to an integral multiple of the gradation control period. You may control so that a light-emitting body can be lighted in the period which becomes. As a specific example, the group lighting stop period PE2 from timing T15 to timing T21 shown in FIG. 25A is set to be 60 microseconds (μs) in the initial state. When the gradation control period PP1 is 64 microseconds (μs) and the group lighting control period PE1 is 640 microseconds (μs) as shown in FIGS. 26B1 and 26B2. Since the group lighting control period PE1 is an integral multiple of the gradation control period PP1, lighting control of the light emitters is performed with the group lighting stop period PE2 set to 64 microseconds (μs) in the initial state. On the other hand, when the group lighting control period PE1 is 650 microseconds (μs) as shown in FIGS. 25A1 and 25A2, 10 microseconds (μs) in the group lighting control period PE1. If the surplus time and 54 microseconds (μs) in the group lighting stop period PE2 are used, the period is 64 microseconds (μs), which is the same as the gradation control period PP1, and the period for controlling the lighting of the light emitter is the gradation control period PP1 Is an integer multiple of. Therefore, the group lighting stop period PE2 is shortened from the initial 60 microseconds (μs) to 6 microseconds (μs), and the group lighting control period PE1 is extended from 650 microseconds (μs) to 704 microseconds (μs). Thus, the light emitter may be controlled to be lit in a period that is an integral multiple of the gradation control period. Thus, the group lighting control period may be set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period by extending the group lighting control period to a period longer than the initial state.

  In the embodiment described above, transmission of drive control data for changing the digit signal from the off state to the on state following transmission of the grayscale data, and then turning on the digit signal in the on state. It has been described that the group lighting control period is set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period by providing the group lighting stop period after transmitting the drive control data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a group lighting stop period may be provided after grayscale data is transmitted, and then drive control data for switching the digit signal from the off state to the on state may be transmitted. . Even in this case, if the group lighting stop period is accurately set, the group lighting control period can be an integral multiple of the gradation control period.

  However, when a group lighting stop period is provided subsequent to the transmission of the gradation data, the digit signal output is stopped at the timing when the group selection period elapses, and the group selection period is selected. Transmission of gradation data corresponding to the group is started. Therefore, if there is a delay in the timing for stopping the output of the digit signal, the tone control of the illuminant may be started by the tone data corresponding to the newly selected group. In addition, there is a possibility that the gradation control of the light emitter by the new gradation data may be started before the light emission by the remaining charge of the light emitting element constituting each light emitter is completed. On the other hand, as in the above embodiment, the group lighting stop period is provided after the digit signal output is stopped, thereby preventing the occurrence of flicker due to improper gradation control. Display can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the group lighting control period is set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period regardless of the brightness (light emission amount) of each light emitter, and the light emitter is set to be unlit during the group lighting stop period. As explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, these settings may be performed only when the luminance (light emission amount) of each light emitter does not reach a predetermined luminance (predetermined light emission amount). For example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 determines whether the luminance (light emission amount) of each light emitter reaches a predetermined luminance (predetermined light emission amount) based on display data read from the buffer memory 141 or the like. At this time, only when it is determined that the predetermined luminance (predetermined light emission amount) is not reached, the group lighting control period is an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the light emitter cannot be turned on during the group lighting stop period. Digit signal output setting or the like may be performed. On the other hand, when the predetermined luminance (light emission amount) is reached, even if an unnecessary signal as shown in FIG. 26A2 is generated, for example, the data signal is turned on in the entire group lighting control period. It is considered that the ratio change amount during the on-period is small and the influence of flickering is reduced. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the luminance (light emission amount) of each light emitter reaches a predetermined luminance (predetermined light emission amount), and in that case, transmission of drive control data for stopping the output of the digit signal is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of transmission data and the burden of drive control.

  Or, for example, the group lighting control period is an integral multiple of the gradation control period only when the number of light emitting colors (display colors) in a plurality of light emitting elements does not reach a predetermined number, and the light emitting elements cannot be turned on in the group lighting stop period. You may set so that. For example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 determines whether or not the number of emission colors (display colors) in the plurality of light emitters reaches a predetermined number based on display data read from the buffer memory 141 and the like. At this time, only when it is determined that the predetermined number is not reached, the group lighting control period is an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and the digit signal output setting is set so that the light emitter cannot be lit during the group lighting stop period. Etc. may be performed. On the other hand, when the predetermined number is reached, for example, even if an unnecessary signal as shown in FIG. 26 (A2) is generated, the difference in the emission color (display color) between the light emitters arranged in the vicinity is conspicuous. The effect of flickering is considered to be reduced. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the number of luminescent colors (display colors) in the plurality of light emitters reaches a predetermined number, and if so, by not transmitting drive control data for stopping the output of the digit signal, etc. It is possible to reduce the amount of transmission data and reduce the burden of drive control.

  In the above embodiment, it has been described that gradation data and drive control data are transmitted every time a unit control period corresponding to a group selection cycle ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the group selection is switched, as in the case where, for example, a single color display is performed in the entire light emitter units 71 to 74, the lighting mode of each light emitter is changed. In some cases, the gradation data may not be transmitted even when the unit control period ends. In addition, the group selection light emitter driver is not limited to the drive control data transmitted via the serial signal wiring, and any drive control data can be used as long as the selection of the group to be lit is switched at a predetermined group selection cycle. May not be transmitted. Alternatively, the light emitter driver for pulse width modulation is provided with a data buffer that can take in and latch gradation data corresponding to each group from the first group to the twelfth group, and the entire light emitter units 71 to 74 are provided. The grayscale data may be transmitted in the light emission frame period which is the display update period. The serial output circuit 143 may be any circuit that outputs at least the lighting control information constituting the grayscale data in a predetermined cycle that is not limited to the group selection cycle.

  In the above embodiment, a description has been given on the assumption that a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged in each of the light emitter units 71 to 74 provided on the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 provided in the effect movable mechanism 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of light emitters may be arranged and arranged on a light emitter unit provided on one movable member, or a light emitter unit as a fixed display means. A plurality of light emitters may be aligned.

  In the above embodiment, each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42 has been described as being configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than each light emitter block. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and among the plurality of light emitter blocks, a single light emitter block is constituted by a combination of a plurality of half blocks and a single light emitter block that is not divided into half blocks. Things may be included. As an example, a region in which 12 (12 columns) light emitters are arranged in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and 16 light emitters (16 rows) are arranged in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is a half block. You may set so that the whole may be allocated to one light-emitting body block, without dividing | segmenting into. As described above, a large area where a plurality of light emitters are arranged and arranged is controlled to light a large number of light emitters without being divided into half blocks. Thereby, the circuit configuration can be simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost, and the processing burden associated with the lighting control can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, different lighting data generation tables are selected depending on the light emitter block by the setting as shown in FIG. In this case, for the light emitters corresponding to the same light emitter block, conversion from display data to lighting data is performed using a common lighting data generation table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different lighting data generation tables may be selected in accordance with the arrangement of light emitters corresponding to the same light emitter block. As a specific example, a different lighting data generation table may be selected according to the storage address from which the display data is read from the buffer memory 141. As described above, the setting information for converting the display data into the lighting data may be varied depending on the more detailed arrangement of the light emitters.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 may convert display data into lighting data by a predetermined calculation process instead of the lighting data generation table. A plurality of types of arithmetic processing programs that can be used for conversion from display data to lighting data are prepared in advance, and the lighting data generation circuit 142 is selected according to the emission color or arrangement (such as a light emitter block) of the light emitters. Display data may be converted into lighting data by selecting and executing the arithmetic processing program.

  The present invention is applicable not only to the pachinko gaming machine 1 but also to a slot machine or the like. The slot machine is an arbitrary gaming machine that performs a predetermined game such as variable display of symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information, and that can give a predetermined game value based on the game result, more specifically, The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets (the number of medals or the number of credits) for one game, and a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be distinguished from each other ( The display result of a plurality of reels, for example, is derived and displayed, and one game is completed, and a prize is awarded according to the display result (for example, cherry prize, watermelon prize, bell prize, replay prize, BB prize, RB prize, etc.) Is a gaming machine that can be generated. In such a slot machine, the hardware resources including the effect movable mechanism provided on the front side of the slot machine and the software for performing a predetermined process cooperate with each other to display the pachinko shown in the above embodiment. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that all or one part of the characteristics which the gaming machine 1 has may be provided. Specifically, when controlling the gradation of a plurality of light emitters by pulse width modulation at a predetermined gradation control period and sequentially switching the selection of a group to be lit at one group selection period from one group to another group In addition, the group lighting control period for controlling each light emitter to be lit in the group selection period is set to be an integral multiple of the gradation control period, and in the group lighting stop period in which the output corresponding to the gradation control period cannot be completed. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that a light-emitting body cannot be lighted.

  In addition, the device configuration and data configuration of the gaming machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, the image display operation in the image display device, the sound output operation in the speaker, and the lighting operation in the light emitter unit, game effect lamp, and decoration LED are also included. Various rendering operations and the like can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, and is scored based on the occurrence of winnings by enclosing gaming media It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives Slot machines are not limited to those where bets are set using medals and credits as gaming values, but only slot machines that set betting numbers using gaming balls as gaming values, or only credits as gaming values. It may be a full credit type slot machine that sets the number of bets using. When game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls. For example, when 3 is set as the bet number, the number of bets using 15 game balls is used. Is equivalent to setting The pachinko gaming machine 1 and the slot machine are not limited to those using only one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, but for example, a plurality of types of medals and gaming balls. The game value may be used together. For example, a slot machine can play a game by setting the number of bets using any one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of medals and game balls can be played by winning. Any of the types of gaming value may be paid out.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 or a slot machine. Instead of this, a form distributed by preinstalling in a storage device such as a computer device may be adopted. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  In the above embodiment, a region where a plurality of light emitters are aligned and arranged in the plurality of light emitter units 71 to 74 provided on the plurality of movable members 51 to 54 constituting the effect movable mechanism 50 is defined as a plurality of light emitters. The block is divided into blocks B01 to B42. Lighting data used for lighting control of the plurality of light emitters is created for each of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. The plurality of light emitter drivers included in the light emitter drive unit 144 controls lighting of the plurality of light emitters corresponding to the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 based on the control signal corresponding to the lighting data. In this way, lighting data is created for each of a plurality of light emitter blocks and lighting control of a plurality of light emitters is performed, so that the processing load is distributed by, for example, parallel execution of lighting control, thereby reducing the processing burden of lighting control. Can be made.

  Each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 is configured by a combination of half blocks that are modules smaller than the light emitter block, such as the half block B11U and the half block B11D illustrated in FIG. Thus, by configuring the light emitter block with a combination of smaller modules, the light emitter block can be assigned flexibly, and the flexibility of arranging a plurality of light emitters can be increased accordingly.

  Half blocks such as the half block B11U and the half block B11D are configured to include the same number of light emitters, for example, a total of 96 light emitters. Thereby, control information for performing lighting control of the light emitter such as lighting data can be created in a unified format for a plurality of light emitter blocks, and the processing load of the lighting control can be reduced.

  The remaining area in which the light emitters less than one light emitter block are arranged is assigned with a light emitter block so as to be included in a free area in any one of the light emitter blocks. For example, as shown in FIG. Then, a part of display data corresponding to the allocation of the remaining area is moved. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently create control information for performing lighting control of the light emitter such as lighting data, and the processing load of lighting control can be reduced.

  The effect movable mechanism 50 includes a plurality of movable members 51 to 54, and a region where a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 are arranged in each of the movable members 51 to 54 includes a plurality of light emitter blocks. Divide into B01 to B42. In this way, by dividing a region where a plurality of light emitters are arranged by a plurality of movable members into a plurality of light emitter blocks, creating lighting data for each of the plurality of blocks and controlling the lighting of the plurality of light emitters It is possible to improve the interest of production using a plurality of movable members and reduce the processing load of lighting control.

  The serial output circuit 143 has a plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21, and outputs a control signal to the corresponding serial signal wiring by a serial signal system. The light emitter drivers provided corresponding to the light emitter blocks B01 to B42 are connected via serial signal wiring corresponding to one serial output system. As a result, lighting control of a plurality of light emitters for each light emitter block assigned to each serial output system distributes the processing load by, for example, parallel execution of lighting control, thereby reducing the processing load of lighting control. be able to.

  In each of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42, for example, a light emitter driver for group selection such as the light emitter driver 411S shown in FIG. 12, and for pulse width modulation such as the light emitter drivers 411DU and 411DD shown in FIG. Dynamic lighting control of a plurality of light emitters is performed for each light emitter block using a light emitter driver. At least one light emission is performed for each of the group selection light emitter driver that controls the light emitters included in one light emitter block and the pulse width modulation light emitter driver that performs gradation control of the light emitters. Driver designation information for designating a body driver address is assigned. Thereby, drive control and gradation control of the light emitter can be appropriately realized.

  For example, due to the setting of the address specification table TA1 as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, the same number of light emitter blocks corresponding to each light emitter block is provided regardless of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42. For example, “1”) is assigned driver designation information for designating a light emitter driver address. In addition, for the light-emitting body driver for pulse width modulation, there is driver designation information for designating a predetermined number (for example, “1” or “2”) of light-emitting body driver addresses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting body blocks B01 to B42. Assigned. Thereby, according to the arrangement of a plurality of light emitters included in each light emitter block, for example, a light emitter driver for pulse width modulation can be increased or decreased, so that a control signal can be flexibly output.

  The serial output circuit 143 outputs a clock signal common to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21 as the serial clock SC, for example, as shown in FIG. Therefore, even when a plurality of serial output systems K01 to K21 are provided, there is no need to provide individual clock generation circuits, clock delay circuits, and the like, and the circuit configuration can be simplified to prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 24B, the serial output circuit 143 receives a control signal including drive control data and gradation data at different timings according to each of the serial output systems K01 to K21. Output. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of an inrush current can be suppressed and generation | occurrence | production of a noise electromagnetic wave and an increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented.

  The buffer memory 141 temporarily stores display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system. The lighting data generation circuit 142 reads the display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141, and executes predetermined conversion processing to generate lighting data constituting the lighting control information. In this way, since the display data is converted into lighting data, a plurality of image data similar to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of a general display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) is created. It can be used for lighting control of light emitters, and the development burden of gaming machines and the processing burden of lighting control can be reduced.

  When a plurality of buffer areas are allocated to the storage area of the buffer memory 141 and display data separated by the signal separation circuit 140 is temporarily stored in one buffer area, the display data read from other buffer areas is turned on. May be converted to Display data can be temporarily stored by such a double buffer method, and conversion to lighting data can be performed appropriately.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 generates lighting data for controlling the lighting of a light emitter that is applied in a cycle shorter than the frame cycle of the image display device, and causes the serial output circuit 143 to output a control signal based on the lighting data. . Thereby, the flicker in a display effect can be suppressed and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  For example, the lighting data generation circuit 142 is based on which one of the buffer memory areas obtained by dividing the storage area of the buffer memory 141 shown in FIG. By referring to the address specifying table TA as shown in FIG. 22, it is specified which of the plurality of light emitter blocks B01 to B42 is to be converted into lighting data of the light emitter included in which light emitter block. By converting into lighting data using such an address specification table TA, it is possible to prevent the data processing from becoming complicated and reduce the processing load of lighting control.

  The signal separation circuit 140 separates a part of the display data output from the VDP 130 corresponding to the sub display output system and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 141. The lighting data generation circuit 142 can convert display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 141 into lighting data and use it for lighting control of a plurality of light emitters. It can be reduced.

  Of the display data created by the VDP 130, the display data stored in the sub-frame buffer allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 132B and the sub-image display data and the light emitter control as shown in FIG. Boundary data having a predetermined data amount, such as 5 dots, is provided between the data and the other data. By separating data having different uses depending on such boundary data, display data converted into lighting data can be easily separated, and the processing load of lighting control can be reduced.

  The VDP 130 creates display data for controlling the light emitter by using image data having a resolution higher than the resolution of display by a plurality of light emitters as the image data used for creating the lighting data. Thus, for example, when the effect image is moved and displayed, the smoothness of the display such as the smoothness of the contour display can be improved, and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  The plurality of light emitters arranged so as to constitute the light emitter units 71 to 74 are configured using full-color LEDs each including a plurality of types of light emitting elements each having a different emission color. The lighting data generation circuit 142 selects a different lighting data generation table for each light emission color of the light emitting elements based on, for example, the selection setting of the lighting data generation table as shown in FIG. The gradation control amount specified by the lighting data is determined by referring to the selected lighting data generation table based on the level of each display color indicated in the display data read from the buffer memory 141. Thereby, in consideration of the characteristic of the light emitting element corresponding to each luminescent color, etc., the reproducibility of the color in the display effect using a plurality of illuminants can be improved, and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit 142 corresponds to the number of gradations smaller than the number of gradations of the image displayed based on the display data used for conversion, as shown in FIG. 23B, for example. ing. Thereby, image data similar to the image data of the effect image displayed on the screen of a general display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) can be created and used for lighting control of a plurality of light emitters. It is possible to reduce the development burden of gaming machines and the processing burden of lighting control.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 23A, a different lighting data generation table may be selected depending on which of the light emitter blocks B01 to B42. In this way, conversion to lighting data using a different lighting data generation table according to the arrangement of a plurality of light emitters corresponding to each light emitter block supports the same display color regardless of the arrangement of the plurality of light emitters. By giving a nearly uniform impression, the reproducibility of the color in the display effect using a plurality of light emitters can be improved and the interest of the effect can be improved.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the group lighting control period in which gradation control is performed on a plurality of light emitters included in one group among a plurality of groups whose selection is switched in dynamic lighting control is performed using pulse width modulation. Is set to be an integral multiple of the grayscale control cycle, and the light emitter can be turned on by turning the digit signal on during this group lighting control period. Accordingly, generation of unnecessary signals in pulse width modulation can be suppressed, and appropriate display can be performed while preventing flicker (flicker) and the like.

  Alternatively, in the group lighting stop period in which the output corresponding to the gradation control period cannot be completed in the unit control period corresponding to the group selection period in which the selection of the lighting target group is switched in the dynamic lighting control, the digit signal is turned off. By doing so, the light emitter is controlled to be unlit. Accordingly, generation of unnecessary signals in pulse width modulation can be prevented, and appropriate display can be performed while preventing flickering or the like.

  For example, the pulse width modulation light emitter driver included in the light emitter driver 144 may complete the latching of new data after the gradation data output from the serial output circuit 143 has been fetched, or the data buffer may be cleared. The lighting control (gradation control) based on the lighting control information constituting the gradation data acquired from the serial output circuit 143 is repeatedly performed until a predetermined condition such as that is satisfied. In this way, by repeating the same lighting control until the end condition is satisfied after obtaining the lighting control information output from the serial output circuit 143, the processing burden of generating data used for lighting control is reduced, Lighting control can be easily performed.

  The lighting data generation circuit 142 is provided with an output timing setting unit 142A that sets a group lighting control period that is an integral multiple of the gradation control period by setting the output timing of a digit signal. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform an appropriate display that prevents flickering or the like.

  For example, a group selection light-emitting body that selects one group to be lit from a plurality of groups, such as the first group to the twelfth group, and sequentially switches the lighting target from one group to another in a group selection cycle. One address (light emitter driver address) is assigned to the driver. Thus, by setting so that one address can be assigned to a plurality of groups, it is possible to prevent the number of driver circuits from increasing, simplify the device configuration, and easily manage addresses. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5MA ... Main image display device 5SU ... Sub image display device 6A ... Ordinary winning ball device 6B ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball devices 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Audio control board 14 ... Lamp control board 15 ... Relay board 16 ... Movable mechanism control board 20 ... Normal symbol display DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Gate switch 22A, 22B ... Start-up switch 23 ... Count switch 50 ... Production | movement movable mechanism 51-54 ... Movable member 71-74 ... Light-emitting body unit 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 121 for game control ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104, 124 ... random number circuit 105, 125 ... I / O
120 ... CPU for effect control
123 ... Display control unit 130 ... VDP
131 ... Image data memory 132A ... VRAM
132B ... Frame buffer 133A ... Main LCD drive circuit 133B ... Sub LCD drive circuit 134 ... Light emitter control circuit 140 ... Signal separation circuit 141 ... Buffer memory 142 ... Lighting data generation circuit 143 ... Serial output circuit 144 ... Light emitter drive unit B01- B42 ... Light emitter block K01 to K21 ... Serial output system

Claims (1)

A gaming machine for playing games,
Display means for executing a display effect by lighting modes of a plurality of light emitters;
Control information creating means for classifying the plurality of light emitters into a plurality of groups and creating lighting control information of at least the plurality of light emitters;
Lighting control means for performing lighting control of the plurality of light emitters based on the lighting control information created by the control information creating means,
The control information creating means transmits the lighting control information to the lighting control means in a serial signal system so that a group targeted for lighting control of the light emitter among the plurality of groups is switched every unit control time. Including output means for outputting at
The lighting control means includes
Based on the lighting control information output from the output means, in the output possible time of the unit control time, it is possible to output a lighting signal for lighting the light emitter ,
In the output enable time, the period of a particular time, the row gradation control of the light emission body by controlling the ratio of the time that does not output the time and the lighting signal for outputting the lighting signal among the specific time Yes,
The output possible time is a time that is an integral multiple of the specific time .
A gaming machine characterized by that.