JP6347647B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a plurality of display units, and more particularly to a gaming machine capable of dividing and displaying one effect image on each of a plurality of display units.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine that can display one effect image by dividing it into each of a plurality of display units (see Patent Document 1).
This gaming machine includes a VDP that outputs display data, and two display devices (display units) that display an effect image using part of the display data output from the VDP. Further, in one frame of display data output from the VDP, a display data area corresponding to each display device and a non-display data area not displayed on the display device are provided. Then, the effect image based on the display data area corresponding to each display device in the display data for one frame is displayed on the display device corresponding to the display data area.
As a result, a part of predetermined display data (for example, display data related to the character) located in the display data area corresponding to one display device (hereinafter referred to as a “protruding portion”) is displayed on the display data. In the case of protruding outside the region, as long as the protruding portion is located in the non-display region, the effect image based on the protruding portion is not displayed on the other display device. Therefore, when displaying the effect image based on the predetermined display data, it is not necessary to delete the protruding portion, and the display data generation process by the VDP can be easily performed.

JP 2005-245694 A

However, in a conventional gaming machine, when one effect image is displayed across a plurality of display units, there is a possibility that the effect images displayed on the plurality of display units may be uncomfortable.
That is, in the conventional gaming machine, the specific method for defining each of the display data area and the non-display data area in the display data for one frame is unknown. Therefore, when one effect image is displayed across a plurality of display units, a difference occurs between the effect image displayed on one display unit and the effect image displayed on the other display unit, resulting in a plurality of displays. There is a possibility that a sense of incongruity may occur in the effect image displayed by the part.
An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of a sense of incongruity in the effect images displayed on the plurality of display units when one effect image is displayed across the plurality of display units.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first display device including a first display portion and a first frame portion, a second display portion, and a second frame portion. When, a second display device comprising a, a drawing area capable of drawing an original image, in the drawing image area, a first display area corresponding to the first display section, corresponding to the second display unit A second display area and a non-display area corresponding to a gap between the first display section and the second display section are defined , and the first display area of the original image drawn in the drawing area is defined in the first display area. Display control means for displaying the rendered image on the first display unit and displaying the rendered image on the second display region on the second display unit , wherein the non-display region is a first frame. Including a region corresponding to the portion, a region corresponding to the second frame portion, and a region corresponding to the gap existing between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, In image region, the first display region, second display region and the non-display region is defined on the basis of the coordinate information related to a single coordinate system, and the size of the first display area, the size of the second display area, The ratio of the size of the non-display area is substantially the same as the ratio of the size of the first display unit, the size of the second display unit, and the size of the gap portion. The original image based is drawn across the first display area, the second display area, and the non-display area .
In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, of the original images drawn in the drawing area, the image drawn in the first display area is displayed on the first display unit, and the image drawn in the second display area is displayed. Displayed on the second display unit.
This makes it possible to display an image on each of the first display unit and the second display unit based on one original image drawn in the drawing area. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control burden as compared with the case where the original image is individually drawn for each of the first display unit and the second display unit.
Further, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, among the original images drawn in the drawing area, the image drawn in the non-display area is not displayed on any display unit.
As a result, when one effect image is displayed across the first display unit and the second display unit, the display can be made in consideration of the gap, and is displayed by the first display unit and the second display unit. It is possible to suppress a feeling of strangeness in the effect image.
Specifically, when an object that contains one of the effect image is displayed across the first display unit and second display unit, it caused discomfort to the object displayed by the first display unit and second display unit This can be suppressed. Here, the object means an image related to a character, a pattern, a character, a number, a symbol, or the like.
Particularly, in the gaming machine according to the first invention, in the drawing area, the first display area, the second display area, and the non-display area are defined based on coordinate information related to a single coordinate system.
Thereby, in the drawing area, a non-display area corresponding to the gap can be appropriately defined, and the first display section is displayed when one effect image is displayed across the first display section and the second display section. And it becomes possible to further suppress that a feeling of strangeness arises in the effect image displayed by the 2nd display part.
As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the first invention, when displayed across an effect image on the first display unit and second display unit, the display on the first display unit and second display unit It is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity in the rendered effect image.

  Here, display screens 11a and 12a described later correspond to the display unit. The gap part g described later corresponds to the gap part. An effect image display device 20 to be described later corresponds to the display means. A frame buffer area B described later corresponds to the drawing area. Display areas R1 and R2 described later correspond to the display areas. A non-display area R3 described later corresponds to the non-display area. As the display control means, a VDP 340 and drive circuits 11c and 12c described later are applicable. As the coordinate information, area designation information described later corresponds.

A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, including a changing means capable of changing the size of the gap, and the display control means corresponds to the size of the gap. A first display area, a second display area, and a non-display area are defined based on the coordinate information .
According to the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the effect based on the effect image displayed on the first display device and the second display device by changing the size of the gap.
In this case, the first display area based on the coordinate information corresponding to the size of the gap portion by the second display area and the non-display region is defined, even by changing the size of the gap portion, a first display It is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort in the effect images displayed on the part and the second display part.
Here, the changing device corresponds to a drive device (drive motor 14) described later.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when displaying one effect image ranging over a some display part, it becomes possible to suppress that discomfort arises in the effect image displayed on the some display part.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of a pachinko machine. It is the figure which showed the front of a game board and showed typically the part required for description. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the effect control circuit and effect image display apparatus which concern on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a frame buffer area | region and the effect image displayed on each display screen. It is a figure explaining the control command transmitted with respect to an effect control circuit from a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the main loop process which a main control circuit performs. It is a flowchart which shows the serial communication reception interruption process which a main control circuit performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which a main control circuit performs. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure random number memory process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows the main loop process which an effect control circuit performs. It is a flowchart which shows the serial communication reception interruption process which an effect control circuit performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which an effect control circuit performs. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the drawing data drawn in the drawing area which concerns on a 1st example, and the effect image displayed in an effect image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the drawing data drawn on the drawing area which concerns on a 2nd example, and the effect image displayed in an effect image display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the effect control circuit and effect image display apparatus which concern on 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the frame buffer area | region and the effect image displayed on each display screen when the 2nd image display apparatus is arrange | positioned in the 2nd position. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the frame buffer area | region and the effect image displayed on each display screen when the 2nd image display apparatus is arrange | positioned in the 1st position.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1.

(Overall configuration of pachinko machine 1)
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the pachinko machine.
A pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 2, an inner frame 3 disposed on the front side of the outer frame 2, and a door unit 4 disposed on the front side of the inner frame 3. Yes.
The inner frame 3 is formed in a rectangular shape and is disposed so as to be able to open and close with respect to the outer frame 2. A game board 10 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the inner side of the inner frame 3.
The door unit 4 is formed in a substantially square door shape and is disposed so as to be able to open and close with respect to the outer frame 2. Thereby, the door unit 4 can open and close the front side of the game board 10 attached to the inner frame 3. The door unit 4 includes a transparent plate 4a disposed substantially at the center, a decorative portion 4b disposed around the transparent plate 4a, a tray unit 5 disposed below the transparent plate 4a, and a tray. A firing handle 6 disposed on the side of the unit 5.
The transparent plate 4 a is formed in a flat plate shape using a transparent material such as resin or glass, and is disposed on the front side of the game board 10 attached to the inner frame 3. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the game board 10 through the transparent plate 4a. The decorative portion 4b has a shape that bulges forward. Each corner on the upper side of the decorative portion 4b is provided with a sound extraction portion 4c in which a sound generator (speaker) 22 (see FIG. 3) is disposed. Each sound extraction part 4c is provided with a plurality of sound extraction holes through which the sound output from the sound generator 22 passes. In addition, a plurality of lamps 21 (see FIG. 3) are disposed in the decorative portion 4b.

The saucer unit 5 includes a saucer 5a for receiving game balls (rental balls and prize balls), and an effect button 5b and a rotary selector 5c disposed on the front side of the saucer 5a.
The effect button 5b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is disposed so as to protrude upward from the tray unit 5. The effect button 5b can be pressed by the player (pressed downward). Inside the saucer unit 5, a first operation detection switch 24 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a pressing operation of the effect button 5b is disposed. The first operation detection switch 24 outputs a first operation signal to the effect control circuit 300 (see FIG. 3) every time the effect button 5b is pressed.
The rotary selector 5c (so-called “jog dial”) is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed so as to surround the effect button 5b. The rotary selector 5c can be rotated by a player (operation to rotate about a cylindrical axis). Inside the tray unit 5, a second operation detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the rotation operation of the rotary selector 5c is disposed. The second operation detection switch 25 outputs a second operation signal to the effect control circuit 300 every time the rotary selector 5c is rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 60 [°]).

A lending operation unit 7 is disposed on the upper surface of the tray unit 5. The lending operation unit 7 includes a ball lending button 7a, a return button 7b, and a frequency display device 7c. Here, the pachinko machine 1 is communicably connected to a CR unit 500 (see FIG. 3) capable of reading and updating information recorded on the prepaid card. When a prepaid card (not shown) is inserted into the CR unit 500, the remaining frequency of the valuable medium recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit 500 is displayed on the frequency display device 7c. When the ball lending button 7a is operated with the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 500, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the tray 5a. At this time, the remaining frequency of the valuable medium recorded on the prepaid card is updated according to the number of paid-out game balls, and the updated remaining frequency of the valuable medium is displayed on the frequency display device 7c. Further, when the return button 7 b is operated in a state where the prepaid card in which the remaining frequency of the valuable medium remains is inserted in the CR unit 500, the prepaid card is returned from the CR unit 500.
Here, the prepaid cart corresponds to, for example, a magnetic storage medium, a storage IC built-in medium, or the like.
The firing handle 6 can be rotated by the player. The firing handle 6 outputs a resistance value corresponding to the rotation operation amount to the payout control circuit 400 (see FIG. 3) in response to the rotation operation.

(Configuration of game board 10)
Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a front side of the game board and schematically showing a part particularly necessary for explanation.
As shown in FIG. 2, a game area 30 is formed on the front surface of the game board 10 in which game balls launched in response to the operation of the launch handle 6 flow down. In addition, an effect image display device 20 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 30 in the game board 10. The effect image display device 20 includes a first image display device 11 and a second image display device 12 (see FIG. 4).
Each of the image display devices 11 and 12 includes a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device. In the present embodiment, each of the image display devices 11 and 12 is a liquid crystal display device.
In each of the liquid crystal display devices 11 and 12, display screens 11a and 12a are configured by a plurality of display pixels (not shown) arranged in a matrix (matrix). In the present embodiment, the number of pixels of each of the display screens 11a and 12a is 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (the number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels].
In the effect image display device 20, two display screens 11a and 12a are arranged with a predetermined gap along the vertical direction (the vertical direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 5). The two display screens 11a and the display screen 12a are arranged on the same plane, and the left and right sides of the display screen 11a (the left and right directions shown in FIGS. 2 and 5) and the left and right sides of the display screen 12a. Each edge in the direction is arranged on a straight line.

Each of the image display devices 11 and 12 includes a backlight (not shown), liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b (see FIG. 4) disposed on the front side of the backlight, and a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b. 11c, 12c (see FIG. 4) and a holding frame 13 (see FIG. 5B) for holding the backlight, the liquid crystal panels 11b, 12b, and the drive circuits 11c, 12c.
The backlight irradiates light to the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b. As the backlight, an LED, a cold cathode tube, or the like can be applied.
In the present embodiment, each of the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b is an active matrix drive type liquid crystal panel using TFT (Thin Film Transistor). Specifically, each liquid crystal panel 11b, 12b has a pair of polarizing plates and a liquid crystal unit disposed between the pair of polarizing plates. The liquid crystal unit includes a color filter substrate, an array substrate disposed on the back side of the color filter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate.

A color filter including R (red), G (green), and B (blue), a common electrode (counter electrode), and an alignment film are formed on the back side (liquid crystal layer side) of the color filter substrate. Yes. On the other hand, on the front side (liquid crystal layer) side of the array substrate, a pixel electrode, a TFT (switch element) for driving the pixel electrode, an X electrode (gate line) serving as a gate input of the TFT, and a source of the TFT An input Y electrode (source line) and an alignment film are formed.
In each of the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b, a plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix (matrix). Specifically, in each of the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b, a plurality of X electrodes are arranged in parallel and a plurality of Y electrodes are arranged in parallel. Each X electrode extends along the vertical direction, and each Y electrode extends along the left-right direction (the left-right direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 5). Then, at each intersection of the X electrode and the Y electrode, a TFT and a pixel electrode are provided to form a subpixel. Each subpixel is associated with a color filter of one color among R (red), G (green), and B (blue).
In the present embodiment, each of the liquid crystal panels 11b and 12b includes three subpixels (a subpixel related to R (red), a subpixel related to G (green), and a subpixel related to B (blue)) arranged in parallel. One display pixel is formed.

Each drive circuit 11c, 12c controls display of the effect image on each display screen 11a, 12a based on the video signal and the synchronization signal input from the VDP 340. Specifically, each drive circuit 11c, 12c has a gate line drive circuit (not shown) and a source line drive circuit (not shown).
The gate line driving circuit switches on / off of the TFT included in each sub-pixel based on the input video signal. In addition, the source line driver circuit generates a source voltage based on the input video signal in synchronization with the on / off of the TFT included in each subpixel by the gate line driver circuit. Applied to the electrode in the region sandwiched between them.
Then, in each of the image display devices 11 and 12, the source voltage based on the video signal is applied to all the subpixels included in the image display devices 11 and 12 based on the video signal for one frame input from the VDP 340. Is applied to display the effect image based on the drawing data for one frame (the effect image based on the drawing data for one frame drawn in the frame buffer area B described later). Further, in each of the image display devices 11 and 12, a moving image is displayed by continuously displaying effect images based on drawing data related to a plurality of frames according to a predetermined frame rate.
Here, the effect image display device 20 can display individual effect images (see FIG. 15) on each of the first image display device 11 and the second image display device 12, as will be described later. The one image display device 11 and the second image display device 12 can display one effect image (see FIG. 16).

In the present embodiment, on the display screen 11a of the first image display device 11, three first effect symbols are displayed in which the first effect symbol z1 (see FIG. 15B) is displayed based on the display of the effect image. Areas a1 to a3 (see FIG. 15 (b)), one second effect symbol display area a4 (see FIG. 15 (b)) on which the second effect symbol z2 (see FIG. 15 (b)) is displayed, Can be configured.
The 1st production design z1 is constituted including identification information (symbol), such as a number, a character, a symbol, and a character. In each of the first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3, it is possible to perform change display and stop display of the first effect symbol z1. The second effect design z2 is composed of color bars. In the second effect symbol display area a4, it is possible to perform change display and stop display of the second effect symbol z2.
And the variation display of the effect symbols z1 and z2 means that the first effect symbol z1 is scroll-displayed in the first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3 and the second effect symbol display area a4 is displayed. 2 This means that the effect design z2 is sequentially changed (the color represented by the color bar is sequentially changed). Further, the stop display of the effect symbols z1 and z2 means that the predetermined first effect symbol z1 is displayed in a stopped state at the lottery result display positions of the first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3, and the second effect is displayed. This means that a predetermined second effect symbol z2 is displayed in the symbol display area a4 (the color bar represents a predetermined color). A special symbol lottery is obtained by combining the first effect symbol z1 that is stopped and displayed in the three first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3 and the second effect symbol z2 that is stopped and displayed in the second effect symbol display area a4. The result of (the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery) is displayed.

Further, on the display screen 12a of the second image display device 12, on the basis of the display of the effect image, the holding symbol h (FIG. 15B) corresponding to each start information stored in the start information storage area described later It is possible to configure a reserved symbol display area b (see FIG. 15B and FIG. 16B) in which is displayed.
The reserved symbol display area b includes special figure starting information (special figure 1 starting information and special information stored in a special figure starting information storage area (special figure 1 starting information storage area and special figure 2 starting information storage area) described later. The hold symbol h corresponding to FIG. 2 start information) is displayed.

A start gate 41 is provided on the left side of the effect image display device 20. The start gate 41 is formed so that it can always be passed by a game ball. The start gate 41 is provided with a normal start ball detection sensor 104 (see FIG. 3). The normal start ball detection sensor 104 outputs a detection signal to the main control circuit 200 in response to detection of the passage of the start gate 41 by the game ball. The main control circuit 200 executes the normal symbol lottery in response to the input of the detection signal from the general-purpose starting ball detection sensor 104.
A first start port 51 is provided below the image display device 20. The first start port 51 is a ball entrance that opens upward (so-called “nose”), and game balls can always be entered. A special FIG. 1 start ball detection sensor 101 (see FIG. 3) is disposed in the first start port 51. The special FIG. 1 start ball detection sensor 101 outputs a detection signal to the main control circuit 200 in response to detection of a game ball entering the first start port 51. The main control circuit 200 executes the first special symbol lottery in response to the input of the detection signal from the special figure 1 starting ball detection sensor 101.

  A second start port 52 is provided below the first start port 51. The second start port 52 has a start port opening and closing which can be displaced between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the second start port 52 and an open state in which a game ball can enter. A member 52a (so-called “electric tulip”) is provided. The start port opening / closing member 52a is opened and closed by a start port solenoid 64 (see FIG. 3). The second start port 52 is normally closed when the start port opening / closing member 52a is closed, so that it is impossible to enter a game ball, but when the normal symbol lottery is won, 52a is opened, and a game ball can be entered. A special FIG. 2 starting ball detection sensor 102 (see FIG. 3) is disposed in the second starting port 52. The special figure 2 starting ball detection sensor 102 outputs a detection signal to the main control circuit 200 in response to detection of a game ball entering the second starting port 52. The main control circuit 200 executes the second special symbol lottery in response to the detection signal input from the special figure 2 starting ball detection sensor 102.

Below the second start port 52, a special winning port 53 is provided. The big prize opening 53 has a big prize opening opening / closing member that can be displaced between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 53 and an open state in which a game ball can be entered. 53a (so-called “attacker”) is provided.
The special prize opening / closing member 53a is opened and closed by a special prize opening solenoid 65 (see FIG. 3). In the normal winning opening 53, the special winning opening opening / closing member 53a is closed, and it is impossible to enter a game ball, but it is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery. Then, when the big hit gaming state occurs, the big prize opening opening / closing member 53a is opened, and the game ball can be entered. In the big prize opening 53, a big prize ball detection sensor 103 (see FIG. 3) is arranged. The special winning ball detection sensor 103 outputs a detection signal to the main control circuit 200 in response to the detection of the game ball entering the special winning opening 53. The main control circuit 200 executes a game ball payout operation related to payout of a winning ball by the game ball paying device 440 (see FIG. 3) in response to an input of a detection signal from the big winning ball detection sensor 103.

In the gaming area 30, an out port 54 is provided below the big winning port 53 for collecting gaming balls that have not won any of the winning ports. In the game area 30, a plurality of nails (not shown) are arranged so as to guide the game balls to the entrances 51, 52, 53 and the gate 41.
A state display device 63 is provided on the right side of the first start port 51. The status display device 63 is configured by an LED or the like. In the status display device 63, the number of times that the display of the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery is suspended (so-called “hold number”), the number of times that the display of the lottery result of the second special symbol lottery is suspended, and the normal symbol The number of times the lottery result display is suspended, the type of jackpot gaming state (number of round games executed), and the like are displayed.
Below the status display device 63, there are provided a general diagram display device 60, a special figure 1 display device 61, and a special figure 2 display device 62. Each display device 60, 61, 62 is configured by a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix LED, or the like.
The general symbol display device 60 can perform variable display and stop display of normal symbols composed of numbers, symbols, and the like. Then, the general symbol display device 60 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery according to the stopped normal symbol. Here, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the universal symbol display device 60 becomes a specific symbol, a gaming state per universal symbol which is a gaming state advantageous to the player is generated.
The special figure 1 display device 61 can perform change display and stop display of the first special symbol made up of numerals, symbols, and the like. And in the special figure 1 display apparatus 61, the result of the 1st special symbol lottery is displayed by the 1st special symbol stopped and displayed. The special figure 2 display device 62 can perform change display and stop display of the second special symbol made up of numbers, symbols and the like. Then, in the special figure 2 display device 62, the result of the second special symbol lottery is displayed by the stopped second special symbol.
Here, the display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) on the special symbol display devices 61 and 62 and the display of the effect symbols z1 and z2 in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4 start to be changed. And the lottery results indicated by the symbols displayed in a stopped state are associated with each other.
When the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the special figure 1 display device 61 becomes a specific symbol, or when the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the special figure 2 display device 62 becomes a specific symbol. The jackpot gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is generated.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the configuration of the control system in the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the effect control circuit and the effect image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frame buffer area and the effect image displayed on each display screen.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 1 supplies power (electric power) to the main control circuit 200, the production control circuit (sub control circuit) 300, the payout control circuit 400, the control circuits 200, 300, 400, and the like. And a power supply circuit 600 to be supplied.
Each of the control circuits 200, 300, and 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program related to the progress of the game and data necessary for the progress of the game, and a CPU that is stored in the ROM. And a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a temporary storage area used for proceeding with processing based on a program. The main control circuit 200, the effect control circuit 300, and the payout control circuit 400 are each mounted on separate boards.

The main control circuit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, an input port 240, a first output port 251, a second output port 252, a third output port 253, a frequency generation circuit 260, and a hard random number generator. A circuit 270.
The input port 240 outputs the detection signals input from the detection sensors / switches 101 to 104 and the control commands input from the payout control circuit 400 to the CPU 210. The first output port 251 outputs a control signal to each of the display devices 60 to 63 and each of the solenoids 64 and 65, and also transmits information and error signals relating to payout of prize balls of the pachinko machine 1 to a hall computer (not shown). Send to. The second output port 252 transmits a control command to the effect control circuit 300. The third output port 253 transmits a control command to the payout control circuit 400.

Each of the second output port 252 and the third output port 253 includes a transmission data register (not shown), a FIFO (First In First Out) buffer (not shown), and a transmission shift register (not shown). And have.
The transmission data register outputs a control command input based on a control command storage process (step S33) described later to the FIFO buffer.
The FIFO buffer is composed of a plurality of registers, and can store a plurality of control commands. The FIFO buffer stores the control command input from the transmission data register and outputs the stored control command to the transmission shift register in the input order.
The transmission shift register performs parallel-serial conversion on the control command input from the FIFO buffer, and transmits it to the effect control circuit 300 as serial data.

The ROM 220 stores a program related to the progress of the game and data necessary for the progress of the game. In particular, the ROM 220 stores, as data necessary for the progress of the game, a determination table for executing various lotteries and various control commands necessary for controlling the effect control circuit 300.
The RAM 230 temporarily stores input / output data in the main control circuit 200, data for arithmetic processing, various counters such as a random number counter related to games, flags for managing lottery results and game states, and the like.
In particular, the RAM 230 stores start information that is acquired in response to input of detection signals from each of the special figure 1 start ball detection sensor 101, the special figure 2 start ball detection sensor 102, and the universal start ball detection sensor 104. An area is provided. Here, the starting information refers to information such as various random values acquired with the input of each detection signal.

  The frequency generation circuit 260 generates a clock (synchronization signal) at a predetermined clock frequency (in this embodiment, 12 [MHz]), and outputs this clock to each of the CPU 210 and the hard random number generation circuit 270. The hard random number generation circuit 270 generates a random number for the normal symbol lottery, a random number for the first special symbol lottery, and a random number for the second special symbol lottery. The hard random number generation circuit 270 updates the value of the loop counter one by one within a predetermined range (for example, within a range of 0 to 65535) every time one clock is input from the frequency generation circuit 260, so Is generated. In the present embodiment, the value of the loop counter of the hard random number generation circuit 270 is updated every 0.083 [μs] (1 [s] / 12 [MHz] = 0.083 [μs]). Note that the loop counter is set to correspond to each of the normal symbol lottery, the first special symbol lottery, and the second special symbol lottery.

The effect control circuit 300 displays an effect image on the effect image display device 20 (each image display device 11, 12), lights / flashes the lamp 21, and the sound generator 22 based on the control command received from the main control circuit 200. Control each of the sound output by.
As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control circuit 300 includes a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 340, and a CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 350. 4 shows the configuration of the display control unit that controls the display of the effect image on the image display device 20 in the effect control circuit 300, and the lamp control unit and the sound generation device 22 that control the lighting / flashing of the lamp 21. The display of the sound control unit that controls the output of sound is omitted.
The ROM 320 stores a program related to the progress of the presentation and data necessary for the progress of the presentation. In particular, the ROM 320 stores area designation information described later, display schedule data corresponding to each effect, and the like.
The display schedule data corresponding to each effect is data for controlling the display of the effect image related to the effect in the effect image display device 20. In the display schedule data corresponding to each effect, the contents of drawing data relating to a predetermined number of frames to be displayed in the effect are defined in time series. Then, CPU 310 sequentially transmits to VDP 340 a display control signal for instructing drawing of drawing data relating to each frame based on the set display schedule data. As a result, the drawing data for each frame is drawn sequentially in the VDP 340, and the effect image based on the drawing data drawn by the VDP 340 is sequentially displayed in the effect image display device 20.
The RAM 330 temporarily stores control commands received from the main control circuit 200, data for performing arithmetic processing, and the like.
CPU 310 determines the content of the effect to be executed based on the control command received from main control circuit 200. And display schedule data are set based on the production program corresponding to the content of the produced production. Further, display control commands are sequentially output to the VDP 340 according to the set display schedule data. Further, the CPU 310 reads out each of the lamp control data and the sound control data in accordance with the production program related to the content of the decided production, and outputs the read out control data to each of the lamp 21 and the sound generator 22. .

The VDP 340 generates (draws) drawing data (effect image) based on the display control signal input from the CPU 310, and sends the generated drawing data to the drive circuits 11 c and 12 c of the image display devices 11 and 12. Output. In this embodiment, the VDP 340 includes a VRAM (Video RAM) 341 built therein. As shown in FIG. 5A, the VRAM 341 is provided with a frame buffer area (drawing area) B in which drawing data can be generated (stored).
In the present embodiment, a double buffering method is employed, and two frame buffer areas B are provided in the VRAM 341. The two frame buffer areas B have the same configuration. In each frame buffer region B, drawing data for one frame can be generated (effect image for one frame is drawn).
In the VDP 340, while one frame buffer area B of the two frame buffer areas B is designated as the drawing area, the other frame buffer area B of the two frame buffer areas B is designated as the output area. Then, a video signal based on the drawing data for one frame generated in one frame buffer area B designated as the output area is output to each of the drive circuits 11c and 12c. During this time, drawing data for one new frame is generated in the other frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.
Then, in the other frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area, when the generation of the drawing data for one new frame is completed, the designation of the drawing area and the designation of the output area are switched. As a result, the other frame buffer area B is designated as the output area, and one frame buffer area B is designated as the drawing area.

As shown in FIG. 5A, each frame buffer area B includes a display area R1 corresponding to the display screen 11a, a display area R2 corresponding to the display screen 12a, and a non-display area R3 corresponding to the gap g. , Is composed of. Here, the gap portion g is a region existing between the two display screens 11a and 12a. In the present embodiment, the gap portion g is a gap that exists between the lower holding frame 13 of the first image display device 11, the upper holding frame 13 of the second image display device 12, and both the holding frames 13. (A region surrounded by a lower side of the display screen 11a, an upper side of the display screen 12a, a straight line connecting the left sides of the display screens 11a and 12a, and a straight line connecting the right sides of the display screens 11a and 12a. ).
The ratio of the size of the display area R1 (number of pixels), the size of the display area R2 (number of pixels), and the size of the non-display area R3 (number of pixels) depends on the area of the display screen 11a and the display area. The ratio of the area of the screen 12a and the area of the gap g is substantially the same.
Specifically, the number of pixels in the display region R1 (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in the display region R1) is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 11a (the number of display pixels). The number of pixels in the display area R2 (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in the display area R2) is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 12a (the number of display pixels). That is, in the present embodiment, the number of pixels in each of the display region R1 and the display region R2 is defined as 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels].
The number of pixels in the non-display area R3 (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in the non-display area R3) is defined to be the same as the virtual number of pixels in the gap g. Here, the virtual number of pixels of the gap portion g is assumed when display pixels constituting the display screens 11a and 11b are arranged in the gap portion g by the same arrangement as that of the display screens 11a and 11b. This means the number of pixels to be processed. The number of virtual pixels in the gap portion g is defined based on the size (area) of the gap portion g and the size (area) of each display pixel constituting each display screen 11a, 12a.
In the present embodiment, since the horizontal dimension of the gap portion g matches the horizontal dimension of each display screen 11a, 12a, the virtual number of horizontal pixels of the gap portion g is the same as that of each display screen 11a, 12a. It matches the number of horizontal pixels. The number of vertical pixels of the gap portion g is the vertical dimension of the gap portion g (dimension from the lower end of the display screen 11a to the upper end of the display screen 12a) and one display pixel (each display screen 11a, 12a). The display pixel is divided by the vertical dimension (in this embodiment, “100”). Therefore, the virtual number of pixels in the gap g is 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 100 (number of vertical pixels) = 80000 [pixels]. Therefore, the number of pixels in the non-display area R3 is defined as 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 100 (the number of vertical pixels) = 80000 [pixels].

As described above, the number of pixels in each frame buffer region B (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in each frame buffer region B) is 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 1300 (the number of vertical pixels) = 1040000 [pixels]. It is stipulated in.
In each frame buffer area B, a display area R1, a display area R2, and a non-display area R3 are defined based on a single coordinate system. Specifically, the ROM 320 stores area designation information that defines each of the display area R1, the display area R2, and the non-display area R3 based on two-dimensional coordinates related to a single coordinate system.
In the area designation information, each coordinate (x, y) and the address of the storage unit (hereinafter referred to as “pixel value storage unit”) in which the pixel value of each pixel is stored are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the area designation information, an area from (0, 0) to (799, 599) is defined as the display area R1, and (0, 600) to (799, 699). ) Is defined as a non-display area R3, and an area from (0,700) to (799,1299) is defined as a display area R2.
Here, in each pixel value storage unit, as the pixel value of each pixel, 24-bit data (data indicating R gradation (8 bits) + data indicating G gradation (8 bits) + B gradation) is stored. The indicated data (8 bits) = 24 bits) can be stored. Thereby, in this embodiment, it is possible to display full color (about 16.77 million colors) in each display pixel of each display screen 11a, 12a.

The CGROM 350 stores material data that is a material constituting the effect image displayed on the effect image display device 20. Here, the material data includes effect symbol data, reserved symbol data, character data, character data, background data, and the like.
When a display control signal is input from the CPU 320, the VDP 340 generates a drawing data by combining a plurality of material data using a sprite function. Here, the display control signal includes information for designating the content of drawing data to be generated (hereinafter, “drawing content designation information”) and an area for generating drawing data in each frame buffer area B (hereinafter, “drawing execution area”). ”) (Hereinafter referred to as“ drawing execution area designation information ”).
In the present embodiment, the display area R1, the display area R2, and the entire area (the entire area of each frame buffer area) are set as the drawing execution area. In the drawing execution area designation information, any one of the display area R1, the display area R2, and the entire area is designated as the drawing execution area.
When a display control signal is input from the CPU 320, the VDP 340 reads material data from the CGROM 350 based on the drawing content designation information, and generates drawing data using the read material data. At this time, the VDP 340 generates drawing data in the drawing execution area designated by the drawing execution area designation information in the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.

For example, when the display area R1 is designated by the drawing execution area designation information, the VDP 340 refers to the area designation information set in the register and displays the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. In the region R1, drawing data is generated. Thereby, drawing data of 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is generated in the display region R1.
On the other hand, when the display area R2 is designated by the drawing execution area designation information, the VDP 340 refers to the area designation information set in the register and displays the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. In the region R2, drawing data is generated. Thereby, drawing data of 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is generated in the display region R2.
On the other hand, when all the areas are designated by the drawing execution area designation information, the VDP 340 refers to the area designation information set in the register and refers to the whole area of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. Then, drawing data is generated. As a result, drawing data of 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 1300 (the number of vertical pixels) = 1040000 [pixels] is generated in the entire area of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.

The VDP 340 outputs drawing data from the frame buffer area B designated as the output area. Specifically, the VDP 340 outputs to the drive circuits 11c and 12c of the image display devices 11 and 12 based on the drawing data generated (stored) in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area. A video signal to be generated is generated. Here, the video signal includes information indicating a pixel value related to each pixel constituting the drawing data. And the produced | generated video signal is output with respect to the drive circuits 11c and 12c of each image display apparatus 11 and 12 with a synchronizing signal (a horizontal synchronizing signal, a vertical synchronizing signal, etc.).
At this time, the VDP 340 uses drawing data stored in the display area R1 (hereinafter referred to as “first drawing data”) among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area. The image data output to the drive circuit 11c of the image display device 11 and the drawing data stored in the display area R2 (hereinafter referred to as “second drawing data”) are output to the drive circuit 12c of the image display device 12. Output.

Specifically, the VDP 340 refers to the area designation information set in the register, and the video signal based on the first drawing data stored in the display area R1 of the frame buffer area B designated as the output area And the generated video signal is output to the drive circuit 11c. As a result, a video signal based on the first drawing data of 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 11c.
Further, the VDP 340 generates a video signal based on the second drawing data stored in the display area R2 of the frame buffer area B designated as the output area with reference to the area designation information set in the register. The generated video signal is output to the drive circuit 12c. As a result, a video signal based on the second drawing data of 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (the number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 12c.
On the other hand, for drawing data stored in the non-display area R3 of the frame buffer area B designated as the output area (hereinafter referred to as “non-display drawing data”), a video signal based on the non-display drawing data is transmitted. It is not generated and is not output to any of the drive circuits 11c and 12.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, the effect image based on the first drawing data stored in the display area R1 among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area. Is displayed on the display screen 11a, and an effect image based on the second drawing data stored in the display region R2 is displayed on the display screen 12a.

The payout control circuit 400 controls a game ball launching operation by the game ball launching device 423 based on a signal input from a launch volume (not shown) provided in the launch handle 6.
Specifically, the payout control circuit 400 is connected with a launch volume and game ball launcher 423. When the firing handle 6 is rotated, the firing volume outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational operation amount to the payout control circuit 400. Then, the payout control circuit 400 controls the game ball launching operation by the game ball launching device 423 so that the game ball is launched into the game area 30 with the strength according to the signal input from the launch volume.

Also, the payout control circuit 400 controls the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 440 based on the control command received from the main control circuit 200 and the ball lending instruction signal received from the CR unit 500.
Specifically, a connection board 410 is connected to the payout control circuit 400, and the ball rental button 7a, the return button 7b, the frequency display device 7c, and the CR unit 500 are connected to the connection board 410, respectively. .
The ball lending button 7 a transmits a ball lending operation signal to the CR unit 500 via the connection board 410 in response to the pressing operation. When the CR unit 500 receives the ball lending operation signal, the CR unit 500 subtracts the frequency necessary for paying out a predetermined number of balls from the remaining frequency of the valuable medium recorded on the inserted prepaid card, The record of the remaining frequency of the valuable medium in the prepaid card is updated, and a ball lending instruction signal instructing payout of a predetermined number of game balls is transmitted to the payout control circuit 400 via the connection board 410. Further, when the payout control circuit 400 receives the ball lending instruction signal, the payout control circuit 400 controls the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 440 so as to pay out a predetermined number of game balls.
The CR unit 500 displays a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium via the connection board 410 when the prepaid cart is inserted and when the record of the remaining frequency of the valuable medium in the prepaid card is updated. Transmit to device 7c. When the frequency signal is received, the frequency display device 7c displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium indicated by the frequency signal.
The return button 7 b transmits a return operation signal to the CR unit 500 via the connection board 410 in response to the pressing operation. When receiving the return operation signal, the CR unit 500 returns (discharges) the prepaid card in which the remaining frequency of the valuable medium remains.

(About various lotteries)
Next, various lotteries executed by the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
In the pachinko machine 1, the normal symbol lottery is executed with the passage of the start gate 41 by a game ball as an opportunity. When a normal symbol lottery is won, a gaming state is generated per regular drawing. In the normal game state, the start port opening / closing member 52a is displaced (opened) from the closed state to the open state, so that a game ball can enter the second start port 52.
When the normal symbol lottery is won, the normal symbol display device 60 controls the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed at “normal symbol per symbol”. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is lost, the general symbol display device 60 controls the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed as “offset symbol”.
Further, in the pachinko machine 1, the first special symbol lottery is executed in response to the game ball entering the first start port 51, and the second ball is input in response to the game ball entering the second start port 52. A special symbol lottery is executed. When the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is won, a big hit gaming state is generated. In the big hit gaming state, a round game in which the big winning opening / closing member 53a is displaced from the closed state to the opened state is executed, and the gaming ball can enter the big winning opening 53.
In the present embodiment, two types of “normal jackpot” and “probable bonus jackpot” are given as the types of jackpot gaming states that occur when the lottery of the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery) is won. Is set.

When “ordinary jackpot” is won, the display devices 61 and 62 are controlled to stop and display the special symbol as “ordinary jackpot”. At this time, in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4, the effect symbols z1 and z2 are controlled to be stopped and displayed as “normal jackpot symbols”. The “normal jackpot symbols” that are stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4 are, for example, the first effect symbols z1 that are stopped and displayed in the three first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3 are “2, 2, 2,”. , Etc., and the second effect symbol z2 stopped and displayed in the second effect symbol display area a4 is blue.
If “probable big hit” is won, the display devices 61 and 62 are controlled to stop and display the special symbol as “probable big hit”. At this time, in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4, the effect symbols z1 and z2 are controlled to be stopped and displayed with “probability large hit symbol”. The “probability big hit symbol” that is stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4 is, for example, that the first effect symbol z1 that is stopped and displayed in the three first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3 is “1, 1, 1,”. , Etc., and the second effect symbol z2 stopped and displayed in the second effect symbol display area a4 is red.
On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery is lost (in the case of “missing”), the display devices 61 and 62 are controlled to stop displaying the special symbol as “missing symbol”. At this time, in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4, the effect symbols z1 and z2 are controlled so as to be stopped and displayed as “offset symbols”. For example, the “offset symbol” that is stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display areas a1 to a4 is the first effect symbol z1 that is stopped and displayed in the three first effect symbol display areas a1 to a3, for example, “1, 6, 9”. For example, the number indicated by the effect symbol z1 stopped and displayed in at least one area is different from the number indicated by the effect symbol z1 stopped and displayed in the other area, and is stopped and displayed in the second effect symbol display area a4. It is set as the aspect in which the made 2nd production symbols z2 show white.

When winning the “ordinary jackpot” or “probability jackpot”, the number of round games is set to 15 [times], and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening / closing member 53a in each round game is a predetermined time (for example, 30.0 [s]). The opening of the special prize opening / closing member 53a in each round game is performed when the longest opening time set after the special prize opening / closing member 53a is opened or when the game ball to the special prize opening 53 is released. The process is terminated when the number of entered balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 [spheres]).
Here, the pachinko machine 1 has a “special figure low probability state” and a “special figure high probability state” as the gaming state related to the winning probability of the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery). doing. In the “special figure low probability state”, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to the first probability (hereinafter referred to as “low probability”) (for example, 1/390). On the other hand, in the “special drawing high probability state”, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a second probability (hereinafter, “high probability”) higher than the first probability (for example, 1/39). . The main control circuit 200 sets the winning probability of each lottery so that the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery is synchronized with the winning probability of the second special symbol lottery.
When the “normal jackpot” is won, the “special figure low probability state” is generated in a period from the end of the jackpot gaming state to the time when the next jackpot gaming state is generated. On the other hand, if the “probable jackpot” is won, the “special figure high probability state” is generated during the period from the end of the jackpot gaming state to the time when the next jackpot gaming state is generated (or In response to the end of the jackpot gaming state, the “special figure high probability state” is started, and after the “special figure high probability state” is started, the jackpot gaming state is generated after the start of the “special figure high probability state”. (The display is terminated in response to execution of a special symbol notification display (variation display and stop display)) a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 [times]).

Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1, it is possible to execute time-shortening control as auxiliary control. Time-shortening control refers to control in which the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “variation time”) is shortened compared to when the control is not executed. In this embodiment, when the time reduction control is being executed, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is improved compared to when the control is not being executed, and the start opening / closing member 52a is opened in the gaming state per normal drawing. The number of times is increased, the opening time of the start port opening / closing member 52a in the gaming state per ordinary drawing is extended, and the time for displaying the variation of the normal symbol is shortened.
Then, when the “normal jackpot” or “probability jackpot” is won, the time-shortening control is executed after the jackpot gaming state ends. The short-time control is started in response to the end of the jackpot gaming state. After the short-time control is started, a special symbol notification display (for example, 70 [times]) is performed without the jackpot gaming state being generated ( The process is terminated in response to the execution of the variable display and stop display.

(About control commands)
Next, control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300 and control commands transmitted / received between the main control circuit 200 and the payout control circuit 400 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a control command transmitted from the main control circuit to the effect control circuit.
The main control circuit 200 and the effect control circuit 300 are connected to each other via a serial communication harness. Here, communication between the main control circuit 200 and the effect control circuit 300 is performed only in one direction from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300, and communication from the effect control circuit 300 to the main control circuit 200 is performed. Not done.
Each control command transmitted from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300 is composed of 1-byte preceding data indicating the type of the control command and 1-byte subsequent data indicating the content of the control command. Yes.
Then, the main control circuit 200 transmits a control command composed of preceding data and subsequent data to the effect control circuit 300 by serial communication. In the effect control circuit 300, when a control command is received from the main control circuit 200, a serial communication reception interrupt is generated, and the data of the control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM by this interrupt processing.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the pachinko machine 1, as control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300, a symbol type designation command, a first variation pattern designation command, a second variation pattern designation command, Stop designation command, status designation command, hold number designation command, etc. are set.
The symbol type designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol (a lottery result of a special symbol lottery) of a special symbol (effect symbol). The symbol type designation command designates “out of symbol”, “normal jackpot symbol” or “probability variation jackpot symbol” as the mode (stop symbol) of the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed. The symbol type designation command is transmitted at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol.
The first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command are commands for designating a variation pattern of variation display of a special symbol (effect symbol), respectively. In the present embodiment, each of the first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command is configured to designate a variation pattern associated with the variation time by designating the variation time. .

The first variation pattern designation command is a variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “first variation”) of a first period (for example, a period from the start of the variation display of the production symbol to the start of reach display described later) in the variation display of the production symbol. Specify "variation pattern"). In the present embodiment, m (plurality) types of variation patterns (variation times) in which notification effects having different contents (contents of pseudo continuous variation display to be described later) are associated are set as the first variation pattern. Yes. The first variation pattern designation command designates one of m types of first variation patterns.
In the present embodiment, “normal variation pattern” and “pseudo continuous variation pattern” are set as the first variation pattern.
Unlike the “pseudo continuous variation pattern”, the “normal variation pattern” refers to a variation pattern in which display that expects a jackpot gaming state to occur is not performed during the variation display of the effect symbol. The “pseudo continuous variation pattern” refers to a variation pattern in which pseudo continuous variation display is performed one or more times during the variation display of the effect symbol.
Here, the quasi-continuous variation display means that the variation display of the second effect symbol display area in the second effect symbol display area is continued and the lottery result display positions (seconds) of two or more areas among the three first effect symbol display areas. After the first effect symbol is temporarily displayed in the first effect symbol display area at the position where the one effect symbol is stopped and the special symbol lottery result is displayed), the first effect symbol is displayed again in all the first effect symbol display areas. The display in which the normal variation display is performed.
The temporary stop display is displayed in a state in which one type of first effect symbol is shaken without changing the displayed first effect symbol at the lottery result display position in the first effect symbol display area. Refers to the display. The normal variation display is a display in which the first effect symbols displayed at the lottery result display position in the first effect symbol display area are sequentially changed (replaced).

The second variation pattern designation command is a variation pattern (hereinafter, “second variation pattern”) of a second period (for example, a period from the start of reach display to the start of stop display of the effect symbol) in the variation display of the effect symbol. ”). Here, the second period is a period after the first period. In the present embodiment, n (plurality) types of variation patterns (variation time) are set as the second variation pattern, in which different notification effects (contents of reach display described later) are associated with each other. The second variation pattern designation command designates one of the n types of second variation patterns.
In the present embodiment, “normal variation pattern” and “reach variation pattern” are set as the second variation pattern.
Unlike the “reach variation pattern”, the “normal variation pattern” refers to a variation pattern in which a display that expects a jackpot gaming state to occur is not performed during the variation display of the effect symbol. The “reach variation pattern” refers to a variation pattern in which reach display is performed during the variation display of the effect symbol.
The reach display refers to a display in which a predetermined reach effect is executed when the effect symbol forms a reach state and the effect symbol forms a reach state. The reach state means that the temporary display of the first effect symbol is performed in two or more of the three first effect symbol display areas while the second effect symbol display in the second effect symbol display area is continued. In addition, the first effect symbols that are temporarily stopped and displayed in two or more areas are in a combination included in the “big win symbol” (for example, two or more first effect symbol display areas indicate the same number. “Numerical design” is temporarily stopped.

The stop designation command is a command for designating stop display of the effect symbols (first effect symbol and second effect symbol). The stop designation command is transmitted when a special symbol is stopped.
The state designation command is a command for designating a gaming state. The state designation command designates the setting of the special figure high probability state or the special figure low probability state. The state designation command is transmitted at the start or end of each control and when each probability is set.
The hold number designation command is a command for designating a change in the special figure hold number. The number-of-holds designation command designates that the number of special figure hold is increased by 1 or that the number of special figure hold is decreased by one. The hold number designation command is transmitted when the special figure hold number changes.

The main control circuit 200 and the payout control circuit 400 are connected to each other via a harness for serial communication. Here, communication between the main control circuit 200 and the payout control circuit 400 is performed in both directions. Each control command transmitted / received between the main control circuit 200 and the payout control circuit 400 is composed of 1-byte data.
The main control circuit 200 transmits a control command to the payout control circuit 400 by serial communication. In the payout control circuit 400, when a control command is received from the main control circuit 200, a serial communication reception interrupt is generated, and the data of the control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM by this interrupt processing. Also, the payout control circuit 400 transmits a control command to the main control circuit 200 by serial communication. When receiving a control command from the payout control circuit 400, the main control circuit 200 generates a serial communication reception interrupt, and stores the data of the control command in a predetermined area of the RAM 230 by this interrupt processing.
In the pachinko machine 1, a prize ball number designation command or the like is set as a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 200 to the payout control circuit 400. The prize ball number designation command is a command for designating the number of prize balls to be paid out. In the present embodiment, the prize ball number designation command designates the payout of n (n = 1 to 15) prize balls. The award ball number designation command is transmitted when the game ball payout control circuit 400 executes a game ball payout operation related to payout of a prize ball.
Further, in the pachinko machine 1, control commands transmitted from the payout control circuit 400 to the main control circuit 200 include occurrence / release of payout errors, occurrence / release of full tank errors, occurrence / release of ball clogging errors, etc. Commands that specify each are set. Each control command is transmitted upon detection of occurrence / release of various errors.

(Processing executed by main control circuit 200)
Next, processing executed by the main control circuit 200 will be described.
First, the functions of the hardware configured in the main control circuit 200 will be described.
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the hard random number generation circuit 270 receives the value of the loop counter every time one clock is input from the frequency generation circuit 260 (in this embodiment, every 0.083 [μs]). Is started in a predetermined range (for example, in the range of 0 to 65535) one by one. Then, by the hard random number update process, each of the normal symbol lottery random number, the first special symbol lottery jackpot random number, and the second special symbol lottery jackpot random number is updated. The hard random number update process is executed as a function of the hard random number generation circuit 270 (hardware), and is executed independently of the process executed by the CPU 210 described later based on software.
Further, when power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the transmission shift register of the second output port 252 starts a control command transmission process for transmitting the control command stored in the FIFO buffer to the effect control circuit 300. To do. The control command transmission process is executed as a function of the second output port 252 (hardware), and is executed independently of the process executed by the CPU 210 described later based on software.

Next, a game control process executed by the CPU 210 of the main control circuit 200 based on a program (software) related to the progress of the game stored in the ROM 220 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main loop processing executed by the main control circuit. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing serial communication reception interrupt processing executed by the main control circuit. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the main control circuit.
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control circuit 200 executes a main loop process repeatedly after executing a predetermined initialization process as a main routine. The main control circuit 200 executes serial communication reception interrupt processing, timer interrupt processing, and the like as interrupt processing in response to establishment of a predetermined interrupt generation factor.
An interrupt generation factor of the serial communication reception interrupt process is reception of a control command from the payout control circuit 400. The interrupt generation factor of timer interrupt processing is reception of an interrupt request signal. Here, the interrupt request signal is generated at a predetermined interrupt cycle (in this embodiment, 4.0 [ms] cycle).

First, main loop processing executed by the CPU 210 will be described.
When the initialization process ends, the CPU 210 starts the main loop process shown in FIG. When the main loop process is started, the process proceeds to step S30.
In step S30, an interrupt prohibition process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S31. In the interrupt prohibition process, an interrupt prohibition state for prohibiting interrupts of other processes is set. Thus, interrupts such as serial communication reception interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing are prohibited during the period in which the interrupt disabled state is set.
In step S31, an initial value random number update process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S32. In the initial value random number update process, the value of the loop counter for generating the initial value random number is updated. The initial value random number is a random number for updating (changing) an initial value and an end value of a soft random number (a jackpot symbol random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) that is a random number generated in the program.
In other words, the loop counter that generates the soft random number is updated within a range from a preset initial value to an end value. The initial value and end value of the loop counter are changed each time the random number value of the loop counter reaches the end value. At this time, the initial value and end value set in the loop counter are determined based on the initial value random number.

In step S32, a control command analysis process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S33. In the control command analysis process, the control command received from the payout control circuit 400 is analyzed.
In step S33, a control command storage process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S34. In the control command storage process, the control command stored in the port output request buffer of the RAM 230 is output to the transmission data register of the second output port 252.
As a result, the control command input to the transmission data register is stored (stored) in the FIFO buffer. Then, the control commands stored in the FIFO buffer are transmitted to the effect control circuit 300 in a predetermined order by the transmission shift register.
In step S34, an interrupt permission process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S35. In the interrupt enable process, the interrupt disabled state is canceled. As a result, the period from the end of the interrupt permission process in step S34 to the start of the interrupt prohibition process in step S30 is an interrupt permission period. During the interrupt permission period, serial communication reception interrupt processing, timer interrupt processing, etc. Interrupts are allowed.
In step S35, other random number update processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S30. In other random number update processing, soft random numbers excluding jackpot symbol random numbers (variation pattern random numbers, etc.) are updated.

Next, serial communication reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU 210 will be described.
When receiving a control command from the payout control circuit 400, the CPU 210 starts the serial communication reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 8 during the interrupt permission period of the main loop process or the interrupt permission period of the timer interrupt process. When the serial communication reception interrupt process is started, the process proceeds to step S100.
In step S100, a register saving process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S101. In the register saving process, the register value used during the execution of the main loop process or the timer interrupt process is saved in the save area of the RAM 230.
In step S101, it is determined whether or not data (control command) exists in the reception buffer of the input port 240. If it is determined that data exists in the reception buffer (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102, and the reception buffer If it is determined that there is no data (No), the process proceeds to step S103.
In step S102, a received data storage process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S103. In the reception data storage process, data (control command) existing in the reception buffer is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 230.
In step S103, a register return process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the register restoration process, the register value saved in step S100 is restored. Then, after the register return process is completed, the process returns to the main loop process or timer interrupt process (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 210 will be described.
The frequency generation circuit 260 generates an interrupt request signal every predetermined interrupt cycle (4.0 [ms] in this embodiment). Then, in response to the generation of the interrupt request signal, the CPU 210 starts the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 during the interrupt permission period of the main loop process. When the timer interrupt process is started, the process proceeds to step S200.
In step S200, a register saving process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S201. In the register saving process, all register values used during the execution of the main loop process are saved in the saving area of the RAM 230, and an interrupt is permitted.
In step S201, initial value random number update processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S202. The initial value random number update process in step S201 is the same process as the initial value random number update process in step S31.

In step S202, a soft random number update process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S203. In the soft random number update process, the value of the loop counter for generating the jackpot symbol random number among the soft random numbers is updated.
In step S203, switch check processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S204. In the switch check process, the presence or absence of input of detection signals from the detection sensors 101 to 104 at the input port 240 is checked. When the detection signal input from any of the detection sensors 101 to 104 is detected, information indicating the detection is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 230.
In step S204, a special figure random number storing process for storing various random numbers related to the special symbol lottery is executed, and the process proceeds to step S205. The special figure random number storage process will be described later.
In step S205, a special figure changing process for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is executed, and the process proceeds to step S206. The special figure variation process will be described later.
In step S206, a jackpot game process for controlling the jackpot game state is executed, and the process proceeds to step S207. In the jackpot gaming process, it is determined whether or not a jackpot gaming state start flag indicating the start of the jackpot gaming state is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 230, and if it is determined that the jackpot gaming state start flag is set, Create a jackpot gaming state.
In the big hit gaming state, a round game in which the big winning opening / closing member 53a is displaced from the closed state to the opened state is executed, and the gaming ball can enter the big winning opening 53. In the present embodiment, 15 round games are executed in the jackpot game state. In each round game, one of the fact that the longest opening time has elapsed since the grand prize opening opening / closing member 53a is opened and that the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 53 has reached a predetermined number. If achieved, exit.
At the end of the big hit gaming state, a predetermined number of times is set in the hour / hour counter, and the hour / hour control is started.

In step S207, a general-purpose random number storage process for storing various random numbers related to the normal symbol lottery is executed, and the process proceeds to step S208. In the general random number storage process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the general chart start ball detection sensor 104 based on the processing result of step S203. Execute.
In the routine random number storage process, the random number per ordinary figure of the normal symbol lottery is acquired from the corresponding loop counter, and the obtained random number (random number value) is stored in the ordinary diagram start information storage area of the RAM 230 as the diagram start information. Remember.
In step S208, the normal symbol variation process for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is executed, and the process proceeds to step S209. In the general map change process, it is determined whether or not the general map start information is stored in the general map start information storage area. If it is determined that the general map start information is stored, A notification display start process is executed.
In the process for determining the number of common maps, it is determined whether or not the random number value for the general map included in the general map start information stored in the general map start information storage area matches the winning value. If it is determined that the value matches the winning value, “Stop per symbol” is set as the stop symbol, and if it is determined that the random number value per universal symbol does not match the winning value, The “out-of-band” symbol is set as the stop symbol.
In the notification display start process, the normal symbol change time is set, and the normal symbol display device 60 starts the normal symbol change display. Then, when the set fluctuation time has elapsed since the start of the change display of the normal symbol, the display of the normal symbol is ended in the normal figure display device 60, and the stop set in the normal figure hit determination process. A normal symbol stop display by symbols is performed.

In step S209, a per-figure game process for controlling a game state per common figure is executed, and the process proceeds to step S210. In the game processing per common figure, it is determined whether or not the “design per common figure” is stopped and displayed on the general display display device 60, and if it is determined that the “per symbol per common figure” is stopped and displayed, Create a gaming state.
In the normal game state, the start port opening / closing member 52a is displaced (opened) from the closed state to the open state, so that a game ball can enter the second start port 52. The start port opening / closing member 52a has achieved one of a predetermined open time after the open state and the number of game balls entering the second start port 52 reaching a predetermined number. In a closed state.
In step S210, a prize ball payout process for executing a prize ball payout operation is executed, and the process proceeds to step S211. In the prize ball payout process, the presence / absence of detection signal input from each of the detection sensors 101 to 103 is determined based on the processing result of step S203. When a detection signal is input from each of the detection sensors 101 to 103, a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control circuit 400.
In this embodiment, when a detection signal is input from the special figure 1 starting ball detection sensor 101, a prize ball number designation command for designating the number of "3" award balls, the special figure 2 starting ball detection sensor 102 is provided. If there is a detection signal input from “5”, a prize ball number designation command for designating the number of “5” prize balls, and if a detection signal is input from the big winning ball detection sensor 103, “15 pieces” 'Is sent to the payout control circuit 400.

In step S211, an error monitoring process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S212. In the error monitoring process, the occurrence of various errors is monitored, and when the occurrence of an error is determined, a process corresponding to the type of error that has occurred is executed.
For example, when a control command designating occurrence of a payout error, occurrence of a full tank error, or occurrence of a ball clogging error is received from the payout control circuit 400, the occurrence of an error designated by the received control command is determined. Then, a control command designating notification of the occurrence of the error is stored in the port output request buffer of the RAM 230.
In addition, when a control command specifying cancellation of a payout error, cancellation of a full tank error, or cancellation of a ball clogging error is received from the payout control circuit 400, it is determined whether to cancel the error specified by the received control command. Then, a control command for designating the stop of notification of the occurrence of the error is stored in the port output request buffer of the RAM 230.
In step S212, port output processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S213. In the port output process, various control signals are output to the general-purpose display device 60, the special figure 1 display device 61, the special figure 2 display device 62, the status display device 63, the start opening solenoid 64, the big prize opening solenoid 65, and the like. Is done.
In step S213, a register return process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the register restoration process, the register value saved in step S200 is restored. Then, after the register restoration process is completed, the process returns to the main loop process (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

Next, the special figure random number storage process in step S204 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the special figure random number storage process.
When the special figure random number storage process is executed in step S204, as shown in FIG. 10, the process first proceeds to step S240.
In step S240, based on the processing result of step S203, it is determined whether or not an input of a detection signal from the special figure 1 starting ball detection sensor 101 has been detected, and if it is determined that an input has been detected (Yes). If the process proceeds to step S241 and it is determined that no input is detected (No), the process proceeds to step S243.
In step S241, it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 holding number has reached the upper limit number. If it is determined that the upper limit number has not been reached (No), the process proceeds to step S242 and the upper limit number is reached. (Yes), the process proceeds to step S243.
Here, the special figure 1 hold number refers to the number of notification display (variation display and stop display) of the first special symbol on the special figure 1 display device 61 being held. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number of the special figure 1 hold number is set to “4”.

In step S242, special figure 1 random number storage processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S243. In the special figure 1 random number storage process, the jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, variation pattern random number, etc. of the first special symbol lottery are obtained from the corresponding loop counter, and the various random numbers (random values) obtained are designated as special figure 1 start information. As shown in FIG.
In the special figure 1 random number storage process, a pending number designation command for designating that the special figure pending number has increased by 1 is stored in the port output request buffer.
In step S243, based on the processing result of step S203, it is determined whether or not an input of a detection signal from the special figure 2 starting ball detection sensor 102 has been detected, and if it is determined that an input has been detected (Yes). When the process proceeds to step S244 and it is determined that no input is detected (No), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S205).

In step S244, it is determined whether or not the special figure 2 pending number has reached the upper limit number. If it is determined that the upper limit number has not been reached (No), the process proceeds to step S245, and the upper limit number has been reached. If it is determined (Yes), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S205).
Here, the special figure 2 hold number refers to the number of notification display (variation display and stop display) of the second special symbol on the special figure 2 display device 62 being held. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number of the special figure 2 holding number is set to “4”.
In step S245, the special figure 2 random number storage process is executed, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the special figure 2 random number storage process, the big special random number, the big special symbol random number, the fluctuation pattern random number, etc. of the second special symbol lottery are obtained from the corresponding loop counter, and the various random numbers (random values) obtained are obtained as special figure 2 starting information. As shown in FIG.
In the special figure 2 random number storage process, although not shown, a pending number designation command for designating that the special figure pending number has increased by 1 is stored in the port output request buffer.

Next, the special figure variation process in step S205 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special figure variation process.
When the special figure variation process is executed in step S205, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the process proceeds to step S250.
In step S250, it is determined whether or not the jackpot gaming state is occurring. If it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is not occurring (No), the process proceeds to step S251 and the jackpot gaming state is occurring. If it is determined (Yes), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S206).
In step S251, it is determined whether or not a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is being displayed. If it is determined that the special symbol is not being displayed (No), the process proceeds to step S252. If it is determined that the special symbol notification is being displayed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S257. Here, the special symbol notification display means a period during which the special symbol change display or stop display is performed.

In step S252, it is determined whether or not the special figure hold number is “0”. If it is determined that the special figure hold number is not “0” (No), the process proceeds to step S253, and the special figure hold number is set. Is determined to be “0” (Yes), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S206). Here, the special figure hold number means the total number of the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number.
In step S253, a jackpot determination process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S254. In the big hit determination process, it is included in the start information (the special figure 1 start information or the special figure 2 start information) stored in the start information storage area (the special figure 1 start information storage area or the special figure 2 start information storage area) of the RAM 230. The jackpot random number is read out, and it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number matches the jackpot value (jackpot determination). Then, when the value of the jackpot random number matches the jackpot value, it is determined as “big hit”, and when the value of the jackpot random number does not match the jackpot value, it is determined as “out of”.
At this time, in this embodiment, the start information (the special figure 1 start information and the special figure 2 start information) stored in the start information storage area (the special figure 1 start information storage area and the special figure 2 start information storage area) is The jackpot determination is executed sequentially from the start information acquired (stored) through the special figure 1 start information and the special figure 2 start information. Note that when the special figure 2 start information is stored in the special figure 2 start information storage area, the jackpot determination based on the special figure 2 start information is executed with priority over the special figure 1 start information. It does not matter. Hereinafter, the start information for which the jackpot determination is executed in step S253 is referred to as “determination start information”.

  The ROM 220 stores a special symbol lottery table in which correspondence between jackpot random numbers and winning values is registered. In addition, a special symbol lottery table corresponding to the special symbol low probability state and a special symbol lottery table corresponding to the special symbol high probability state are stored as the special symbol lottery table. In the special symbol lottery table corresponding to the special figure low probability state, the winning value is registered so that the winning probability becomes the first probability (for example, 1/390). On the other hand, in the special symbol lottery table corresponding to the special figure high probability state, the winning value is registered so that the winning probability is a second probability (for example, 1/39) higher than the first probability. In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state is read out to determine the jackpot. Thereby, the lottery result (winning or winning) of the special symbol lottery is determined.

In step S254, a stop symbol setting process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S255. In the stop symbol setting process, a special symbol mode (stop symbol) to be stopped is determined based on the processing result of step S253 (stop symbol determination).
Specifically, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery) is won by the jackpot determination, the jackpot symbol random number included in the determination start information is read and read. A stop symbol (“normal jackpot symbol” or “probable variation jackpot symbol”) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol lottery has been lost due to the jackpot determination, “out of symbol” is determined as the stop symbol.
The ROM 220 stores a jackpot symbol determination table in which correspondences between jackpot symbol random numbers and jackpot symbol types are registered. Further, as the jackpot symbol determination table, a jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the first special symbol lottery and a jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the second special symbol lottery are stored. The jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the first special symbol lottery and the jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the second special symbol lottery have different probabilities of selecting each type of jackpot symbol.

In the stop symbol setting process, when the determination start information is the special symbol 1 start information, based on the jackpot symbol random number included in the determination trigger information and the jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the first special symbol lottery Thus, the type of the jackpot symbol (“normal jackpot symbol” or “probable variation jackpot symbol”) is determined. On the other hand, if the determination start information is special figure 2 start information, the type of jackpot symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number included in the determination start information and the jackpot symbol determination table corresponding to the second special symbol lottery Is determined.
Further, in the stop symbol setting process, the determined stop symbol is set as a special symbol form to be stopped. In addition, a symbol type designation command (“normal jackpot symbol designation”, “probability variation jackpot symbol designation” or “outlier symbol designation”) corresponding to the determined stop symbol is stored in the port output request buffer.

In step S255, a variable time setting process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S256. In the variation time setting process, the variation time of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is determined (variation pattern determination).
Specifically, the fluctuation pattern random number included in the determination start information is read, and the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the contents of the first fluctuation pattern and the contents of the second fluctuation pattern) is determined based on the read fluctuation pattern random number. .
The ROM 220 stores a first variation pattern determination table in which the correspondence between the variation pattern random number and the content (variation time) of the first variation pattern is registered. Then, as the first variation pattern determination table, a first variation pattern determination table corresponding to each of the jackpot determination results (“big hit” or “out of”) is stored. In addition, as a first variation pattern determination table corresponding to “displacement”, a first variation pattern determination table corresponding to each combination of the execution status (execution or stoppage) of the short-time control and the number of suspensions is stored. .
Then, the first variation pattern determination table corresponding to the execution of the time reduction control has a shorter variation time (for example, 0.5 [s]) than the first variation pattern determination table corresponding to the stop of the time reduction control. The first variation pattern related to is registered. In addition, the contents of the first variation pattern determination table corresponding to each number of suspensions are set so that the first variation pattern associated with a shorter variation time is determined as the number of suspensions increases.

The ROM 220 stores a second variation pattern determination table in which correspondence between the variation pattern random number and the content (variation time) of the second variation pattern is registered. As the second variation pattern determination table, a second variation pattern determination table corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination (“big hit” or “out of”) is stored. In addition, as the second variation pattern determination table corresponding to “displacement”, a second variation pattern determination table corresponding to each combination of the execution status (execution or stoppage) of the short-time control and the number of pending is stored. .
Then, the second variation pattern determination table corresponding to the execution of the short time control has a shorter variation time (for example, 0.5 [s]) than the second variation pattern determination table corresponding to the stop of the time reduction control. The second variation pattern related to is registered. Further, the contents of the second variation pattern determination table corresponding to each number of reservations are set so that the second variation pattern related to the shorter variation time is determined as the number of reservations increases.

In the variation time setting process, first, based on the variation pattern random number included in the determination start information and the first variation pattern determination table corresponding to the result of the hit determination, the execution status of the short time control, the number of suspensions, etc. The contents of one variation pattern (“normal variation pattern”, “pseudo continuous variation pattern”, etc.) are determined.
Further, based on the variation pattern random number included in the determination start information and the second variation pattern determination table corresponding to the result of the hit determination, the execution status of the short time control, the number of suspensions, etc. (“normal” Variation pattern "," reach variation pattern ", etc.).
Further, in the variation time setting process, a first variation pattern designation command (designation of variation pattern m) for designating the content of the determined first variation pattern and a second variation pattern designation command (designation of the content of the determined second variation pattern) ( (Variation pattern n designation) is stored in the port output request buffer.
Also, in the variable time setting process, a special figure hold number (the special figure 1 hold number or the special figure 2 hold number) is decremented by 1, and a hold number designation command for designating that the special figure hold number has decreased by 1, Store in port output request buffer.

In step S256, a notification display start process is executed, a series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the notification display start process, the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S255 (the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern) is set in the special symbol variation time timer. Here, the variation time of the special symbol means the total time of the variation time related to the first variation pattern and the variation time related to the second variation pattern.
Then, in the special figure 1 display device 61 or the special figure 2 display device 62, the variable symbol of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is started to be displayed and the variation time is measured by the special symbol variation time timer set. To start.
Further, the determination start information stored in the start information storage area of the RAM 230 is erased, and the determination start information is stored in the changing start information storage area of the RAM 230.
In step S257, based on the special symbol variation time timer, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time set in step S256 has elapsed, and if it is determined that the special symbol variation time that has been set has elapsed (Yes). In step S258, if it is determined that the set special symbol variation time has not elapsed (No), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S206).

In step S258, a notification display end process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S259. In the notification display end process, the special figure 1 display device 61 or the special figure 2 display device 62 performs a stop display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) by the stop symbol set in step S254. The special symbol stop display is performed for a preset time.
In the notification display end process, the stop designation command is stored in the port output request buffer.
In step S259, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol stopped and displayed in step S258 is a “big jackpot symbol” (“normal jackpot symbol” or “probable variation jackpot symbol”). ), The process proceeds to step S260. If it is determined that the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (No), the process proceeds to step S261.

In step S260, a jackpot gaming state start process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process proceeds to the next process (S206). In the jackpot gaming state start process, a jackpot gaming state start flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 230.
In step S261, it is determined whether or not the time reduction control is being executed. If it is determined that the time reduction control is being executed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S262 and it is determined that the time reduction control is not being executed. In the case (No), the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process (S206).
In step S262, it is determined whether or not the time reduction control is ended. When it is determined that the time reduction control is ended (Yes), the process proceeds to step S263, and when it is determined that the time reduction control is not ended (No). The process proceeds to step S264.
In the present embodiment, when the value of the time reduction counter is “0”, it is determined that the time reduction control is ended, and when the value of the time reduction counter is “1” or more, the time reduction control is not ended. Is determined.
In step S263, a time reduction control stop process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process proceeds to the next process (S206). In the time reduction control stop process, the time reduction control is stopped and the value of the time reduction counter is reset.
In step S264, a time-count counter updating process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process proceeds to the next process (S206). In the time reduction counter updating process, a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the value set in the time reduction counter is newly set in the time reduction counter.

(Processing executed by the effect control circuit 300)
Next, an effect control process executed by the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 based on a program (software) stored in the ROM 320 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing main loop processing executed by the effect control circuit. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the serial communication reception interrupt process executed by the effect control circuit. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the effect control circuit.
When the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the effect control circuit 300 repeatedly executes a main loop process after executing a predetermined initialization process as a main routine. In addition, the effect control circuit 300 executes real communication reception interrupt processing, timer interrupt processing, and the like as interrupt processing in response to establishment of a predetermined interrupt generation factor.
In the present embodiment, the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 reads the area designation information stored in the ROM 320 and transmits the read area designation information to the VDP 340 in the initialization process. When the VDP 340 receives the area designation information, the VDP 340 sets the received area designation information in a predetermined register. In the initialization process, the CPU 310 sets “0” as an initial value of a hold count counter described later.
An interrupt generation factor of the serial communication reception interrupt process is reception of a control command from the main control circuit 200. The interrupt generation factor of timer interrupt processing is reception of an interrupt request signal. Here, the interrupt request signal is generated at a predetermined interrupt cycle (in this embodiment, 4.0 [ms] cycle).

First, main loop processing executed by the CPU 310 will be described.
When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 starts the main loop process shown in FIG. 12 after executing the initialization process. When the main loop process is started, the process proceeds to step S50.
In step S50, an interrupt prohibition process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S51. In the interrupt prohibition process, an interrupt prohibition state for prohibiting interrupts of other processes is set. Thus, interrupts such as serial communication reception interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing are prohibited during the period in which the interrupt disabled state is set.
In step S51, a control command analysis process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S33. In the control command analysis process, the control command received from the main control circuit 200 is analyzed.

In step S52, an interrupt permission process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S53. In the interrupt enable process, the interrupt disabled state is canceled. As a result, the period from the end of the interrupt permission process of step S52 to the start of the interrupt prohibition process of step S50 is an interrupt permission period. Interrupts are allowed.
In step S53, an effect random number update process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S50. In the effect random number update process, the value of a loop counter for generating various random numbers used for effect content lottery is updated.

Next, serial communication reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU 310 will be described.
When receiving the control command from the main control circuit 200, the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 starts the serial communication reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 during the interrupt permission period of the main loop process or the interrupt permission period of the timer interrupt process. . When the serial communication reception interrupt process is started, the process proceeds to step S400.
In step S400, a register saving process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S401. In the register saving process, the register value used during the execution of the main loop process or the timer interrupt process is saved in the save area of the RAM 320.
In step S401, it is determined whether a control command (data) is stored in a reception buffer (not shown) of an input port (not shown), and it is determined that a control command is stored in the reception buffer. In (Yes), the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined that the control command is not stored in the reception buffer (No), the process proceeds to step S403.
In step S402, a received data storage process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S403. In the reception data storage process, the control command stored in the reception buffer is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 330.
In step S403, a register return process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the register restoration process, the register value saved in step S100 is restored. Then, after the register return process is completed, the process returns to the main loop process or timer interrupt process (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 310 will be described.
A frequency generation circuit (not shown) of the effect control circuit 300 generates an interrupt request signal every predetermined interrupt cycle (4.0 [ms] in the present embodiment). Then, the CPU of the effect control circuit 300 starts the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 during the interrupt permission period of the main loop process in response to the generation of the interrupt request signal. When the timer interrupt process is started, the process proceeds to step S500.
In step S500, a register saving process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S501. In the register saving process, all register values used during the execution of the main loop process are saved in the saving area of the RAM 320, and an interrupt is permitted.
In step S501, an effect flag setting process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S502. In the effect flag setting process, it is determined whether or not a state designation command has been received. If it is determined that a state designation command has been received, various effect flags are set. Whether or not a state command is received is determined based on whether or not the state designation command is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 320.
Specifically, when a state designation command for designating a special figure high probability state is received, a probability variation effect flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 320. On the other hand, when the state designation command for designating the special figure low probability state is received, the probability variation effect flag set in the predetermined area of the RAM 320 is canceled.

In step S502, a hold display control process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S503. In the hold display control process, it is determined whether a hold number designation command has been received. If it is determined that a hold number designation command has been received, a hold number update process is executed. Whether or not the pending number designation command is received is determined based on whether or not the pending number designation command is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 330.
In the hold number update process, if the received hold number designation command specifies an increase in the special figure hold number, a value obtained by adding “1” to the current hold number counter value is newly added to the hold number counter. Set to. On the other hand, if the received number-of-holds designation command designates a reduction in the special figure number of holds, a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the value of the current number-of-holds counter is newly set in the number-of-holds counter.

Also, in the hold number update process, the effect program for the hold number display effect to be executed is determined based on the updated value of the hold number counter. Here, in the hold number display effect, the number of hold symbols h corresponding to the updated hold number counter value is displayed in the hold symbol display area b.
Specifically, in the hold number update process, an effect program for the hold number display effect is determined based on the updated value of the hold number counter. Then, according to the determined effect program, display schedule data related to the hold number display effect is set.
As a result, display control signals for instructing drawing of drawing data constituting the hold number display effect are sequentially transmitted to the VDP 340 in accordance with the set display schedule data.
In the present embodiment, in the display control signal related to the hold number display effect, the display area R2 is designated as the drawing execution area by the drawing execution area designation information. As a result, each drawing data constituting the hold number display effect is drawn in the display area R2 of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area (see FIG. 15A).

In step S503, the variable display control process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S504. In the variable display control process, it is determined whether a predetermined control command has been received. If it is determined that the predetermined control command has been received, a variable display start process is executed. Here, the predetermined control command means a symbol type designation command, a first variation pattern designation command, and a second variation pattern designation command. Whether or not a predetermined control command has been received is determined based on whether or not the symbol type designation command, the first variation pattern designation command, and the second variation pattern designation command are stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 330.
In the variation display start process, an effect program for the first period of the variation display is determined based on the content of the first variation pattern designated by the first variation pattern designation command. Then, the display schedule data for the first period is determined according to the determined first period effect program.
In addition, based on the content of the second variation pattern designated by the second variation pattern designation command, the effect program for the second period of the variation display is determined. Then, display schedule data for the second period is determined in accordance with the effect program for the second period determined.
Furthermore, the display schedule data that combines the determined display schedule data for the first period and the display schedule data for the second period is set as the display schedule data for the variable display.
And the output of the display control signal based on the set display schedule data is started. Thereby, in accordance with the set display schedule data, a display control signal for instructing drawing of the drawing data constituting the variable display is sequentially transmitted to the VDP 340, and the effect image display device 20 provides the effect symbol z 1. The z2 variation display is started.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the drawing data drawn in the drawing area according to the first example and the effect image displayed on the effect image display device. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between drawing data drawn in the drawing area according to the second example and an effect image displayed on the effect image display device.
In the present embodiment, each of the display control signal related to the variation display based on the first variation pattern and the display control signal related to the variation display based on the “normal variation pattern” out of the second variation patterns has the drawing execution area designation information. Thus, the display area R1 is designated as the drawing execution area. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15A, each drawing data constituting the fluctuation display based on the first fluctuation pattern and each drawing constituting the fluctuation display based on the “normal fluctuation pattern” out of the second fluctuation patterns. Each of the data is generated in the display area R1 of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15B, each of the effect image related to the variation display based on the first variation pattern and the effect image related to the variation display based on the “normal variation pattern” among the second variation patterns. This is displayed on the display screen 11a.
On the other hand, in the display control signal related to the variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” in the second variation pattern, the entire region is designated as the drawing execution region by the drawing execution region designation information. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16A, each drawing data constituting the change display based on the “reach change pattern” is generated in the entire area of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. At this time, if the variable number display effect and the variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” are executed at the same time, each drawing data constituting the retention display effect and each variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” Drawing data and the drawing data are combined to generate drawing data relating to both effects. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16B, the effect image related to the variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” is displayed on the display screens 11a and 12a.

  Further, in the variable display start process, the production program for the stop display of the production symbol is determined based on the stop symbol designated by the symbol type designation command (“missing symbol”, “normal jackpot symbol”, or “probability variation jackpot symbol”). . Then, display schedule data related to the stop display is set in accordance with the determined effect program.

In step S504, stop display control processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S505. In the stop display control process, it is determined whether or not a stop designation command has been received. If it is determined that a stop designation has been received, a stop display start process is executed. Here, whether or not the stop designation command is received is determined based on whether or not the stop designation command is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 320.
In the stop display start process, output of the display control signal based on the display schedule data related to the stop display set in step S503 is started. Accordingly, a display control signal instructing drawing of drawing data constituting the stop display is sequentially transmitted to the VDP 340 according to the set display schedule data, and in the effect image display device 20, the effect symbol z1, The stop display of z2 is started.
In the present embodiment, in the display control signal related to the stop display, the display area R1 is designated as the drawing execution area by the drawing execution area designation information. Thereby, each drawing data constituting the stop display is generated in the display area R1 of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area. Therefore, the effect image related to the stop display is displayed on the display screen 11a.
In step S505, a register return process is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the process returns to the original process. In the register restoration process, the register value saved in step S500 is restored. Then, after the register restoration process is completed, the process returns to the main loop process (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

(Operation of pachinko machine 1)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
In the pachinko machine 1, when a game ball enters the start openings 51 and 52, various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, variation pattern random numbers are acquired, and the various random numbers acquired are used as starting information (special As FIG. 1 start information or special figure 2 start information), it is stored in the start information storage area of RAM 230 (special figure 1 start information storage area or special figure 2 start information storage area). Here, up to four pieces of start information are stored in each start information storage area.
When the start information is stored in the start information storage area, a hold number designation command for designating that the special figure hold number has increased by 1 is output from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300. Then, the production control circuit 300 that has received the hold number designation command updates the value of the hold number counter (adds “1”), and executes the hold number display effect based on the updated value of the hold number counter. . As a result, an effect image in which the number of reserved symbols h displayed in the reserved symbol display area b is increased by “1” is displayed as the reserved number display effect.
Here, in the pachinko machine 1, since it is possible to store a maximum of 8 start information in the start information storage area (the special figure 1 start information storage area and the special figure 2 start information storage area), In the symbol display area b, a maximum of eight reserved symbols h are displayed.

With respect to the start information stored in the start information storage area, a jackpot determination for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state in a predetermined order, and a notification display changing time for notifying the result of the jackpot determination (change) A start determination including a variation pattern determination for determining (pattern) and a stop symbol determination for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the notification display is executed.
When the start determination is executed for the start information, the display of the special symbol based on the change pattern determined by the start determination is started on the display devices 61 and 62.
When the special symbol variable display is started, a hold number designation command for designating that the special figure hold number has decreased by 1 is output from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300. Then, the production control circuit 300 that has received the hold number designation command updates the value of the hold number counter (subtracts “1”), and executes the hold number display effect based on the updated value of the hold number counter. . As a result, an effect image in which the number of reserved symbols h displayed in the reserved symbol display area b is reduced by “1” is displayed as the reserved number display effect.
When the special symbol variation display is started, the symbol type designation command, the first variation pattern designation command, and the second variation pattern designation command are output from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300. . And the production | presentation control circuit 300 which received the 1st fluctuation pattern designation | designated command and the 2nd fluctuation pattern designation | designated command of production | presentation symbols z1 and z2 based on the variation pattern determined by variation pattern determination in effect design display area a1-a4. Perform variable display.

When the variation time determined by the start determination has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the special symbol according to the mode according to the jackpot determination result (the result of the special symbol lottery) The stop display starts.
When the special symbol stop display is started, a stop designation command is output from the main control circuit 200 to the effect control circuit 300. And the production | presentation control circuit 300 which received the stop designation | designated command performs the stop display of the production symbols z1 and z2 based on the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination in the production symbol display areas a1 to a4.
When the special symbol lottery is won, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot gaming state is generated. In the big hit game state, a round game in which the big prize opening / closing member 53a is displaced from the closed state to the open state is executed, and the game ball can enter the big prize opening 53.

In particular, in the pachinko machine 1, the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 determines the effect content to be executed based on the control command received from the main control circuit 200. Then, display schedule data for controlling the effect image displayed on the effect image display device 20 is set based on the effect program corresponding to the determined effect content. Further, display control commands are sequentially output to the VDP 340 according to the set display schedule data.
Based on the display control signal input from the CPU 310, the VDP 340 generates (draws) drawing data (effect image) in the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.
Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, each frame buffer area B includes a display area R1 corresponding to the display screen 11a, a display area R2 corresponding to the display screen 12a, and a non-display corresponding to the gap portion g. Region R3. The ratio of the size of the display region R1, the size of the display region R2, and the size of the non-display region R3 is substantially the same as the ratio of the size of the display screen 11a, the size of the display screen 12a, and the size of the gap portion g. ing. In each frame buffer area B, a display area R1, a display area R2, and a non-display area R3 are defined based on a single coordinate system based on the area designation information.
When the display control signal related to the hold number display effect is input, the VDP 340 draws the hold number display effect in the display region R2, as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 16 (a). Generate data. On the other hand, each of the case where the display control signal related to the variation display based on the first variation pattern is input and the case where the display control signal related to the variation display based on the “normal variation pattern” among the second variation patterns is input. As shown in FIG. 15A, the drawing data related to the variable display is generated in the display region R1. On the other hand, when the display control signal related to the variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” in the second variation pattern is input, the variation occurs in the entire region of the frame buffer region B as shown in FIG. Drawing data for display is generated.

The VDP 340 also outputs a video signal output to the drive circuits 11c and 12c of the image display devices 11 and 12 based on the drawing data generated (stored) in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area. And the generated video signal is output to each of the drive circuits 11c and 12c.
At this time, the VDP 340 outputs a video signal based on the first drawing data stored in the display area R1 among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area of the image display device 11. While outputting to the drive circuit 11c, the video signal based on the 2nd drawing data memorize | stored in display area R2 is output to the drive circuit 12c of the image display apparatus 12. FIG. On the other hand, among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area, the non-display drawing data stored in the non-display area R3 is not generated / outputted.
Thereby, as shown in FIG. 15B, the effect image related to the hold number display effect is displayed on the display screen 12a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, each of the effect image related to the variation display based on the first variation pattern and the effect image related to the variation display based on the “normal variation pattern” out of the second variation pattern, It is displayed on the display screen 11a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, the effect image related to the variation display based on the “reach variation pattern” is displayed on both the display screen 11a and the display screen 12a.

(Operation of pachinko machine 1)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
In the pachinko machine 1, among the drawing data generated in each frame buffer area B (drawing area) (hereinafter referred to as “original image data”), display areas R1, R1 corresponding to the plurality of display screens 11a, 12a, respectively. An effect image based on the drawing data (first drawing data, second drawing data) generated in R2 is displayed on the display screens 11a and 12a corresponding to the display areas R1 and R2.
Thereby, based on one original image data generated in each frame buffer area B, it is possible to display effect images on each of the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control burden as compared with the case where original image data is individually generated for each of the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a.
Further, in the pachinko machine 1, among the original image data generated in each frame buffer area B, any display screen 11a for the effect image based on the drawing data (non-display drawing data) generated in the non-display area R3. , 12a are not displayed.
As a result, when an effect image based on one original image data is displayed across the two display screens 11a and 12a, the display can be made in consideration of the gap g, and is displayed by the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a. It is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity in the rendered effect image.
Specifically, when an object (for example, the character K shown in FIG. 16) included in one original image data is displayed across the two display screens 11a and 12a, the display is made in consideration of the gap g. It is possible to prevent the object displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a from feeling uncomfortable. Here, the object means material data (image) related to a character, a design, a character, a number, a symbol, or the like.
In particular, in the pachinko machine 1, in each frame buffer B, the display area R1, the display area R2, and the non-display area R3 are defined based on coordinate information (area designation information) related to a single coordinate system.
Thereby, in each frame buffer B, the non-display area R3 corresponding to the gap g can be appropriately defined, and the effect image based on one original image data is displayed across the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a. In this case, it is possible to further suppress a feeling of strangeness in the effect images displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, in each frame buffer area B, the number of pixels of the drawing data (first drawing data) generated in the display area R1 and the drawing data (second drawing data) generated in the display area R2. Is defined based on the size (area or number of display pixels) of the display screens 11a and 12a corresponding to the display regions R1 and R2, and the pixels of the drawing data (non-display drawing data) drawn in the non-display region R3 The number is defined based on the size (area or virtual number of pixels) of the gap portion g.
Thus, in each frame buffer area B, the ratio of the number of pixels of the first drawing data, the number of pixels of the second drawing data, and the number of pixels of the non-display drawing data is set to the size of the display screen 11a (the number of display pixels). ) And the size of the display screen 12a (the number of display pixels) and the size of the gap portion g (the number of virtual pixels) can be substantially matched and displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a. It is possible to further suppress a feeling of strangeness in the effect image.
As described above, according to the pachinko machine 1, when one effect image is displayed across the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a, the effect image displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a is uncomfortable. Can be suppressed.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The basic configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part same as the structure of the pachinko machine 1 among the structures of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment.
In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the effect image display device 20, the configuration of each frame buffer area B, the contents of area designation information set in the register of the VDP 340, and the like are different from the pachinko machine 1. .

First, the configuration of the effect image device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an effect control circuit and an effect image display device according to the second embodiment.
In the effect image display device 20 according to the present embodiment, the position of the second image display device 12 can be changed. Specifically, the effect image display device 20 includes a drive device (not shown) that can move the second image display device 12 in the vertical direction.
As shown in FIG. 17, the driving device includes a driving motor 17 that displaces the second image display device 12 by driving. The drive motor 17 is configured by a stepping motor or the like. The drive motor 17 is driven based on a control signal output from the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300.
In the present embodiment, the driving device can displace the second image display device 12 to the first position (see FIG. 19) and the second position below the first position (see FIG. 18). ing. Thereby, in the effect image display apparatus 20, when the 2nd image display apparatus 12 is arrange | positioned in the 2nd position, compared with the case where the 2nd image display apparatus 12 is arrange | positioned in the 1st position, The size (the vertical dimension) of the gap portion g is increased.
When the second image display device 12 is disposed at the first position, the virtual pixel number of the gap portion g is 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 100 (number of vertical pixels) = 80000 [pixels]. Become. On the other hand, when the second image display device 12 is arranged at the second position, the virtual pixel number of the gap g is 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 200 (number of vertical pixels) = 16000 [pixels]. Become.

Next, the configuration of each frame buffer area B and the contents of area designation information according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the frame buffer area and the effect image displayed on each display screen when the second image display device is disposed at the second position. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the frame buffer area and the effect image displayed on each display screen when the second image display device is disposed at the first position.
As shown in FIGS. 18A and 19A, the number of pixels in each frame buffer area B according to the present embodiment (the number of pixels of drawing data that can be stored in each frame buffer area B) is When the second image display device 12 is disposed at the second position, the number of pixels on the display screen 11a (number of display pixels), the number of pixels on the display screen 12a (number of display pixels), and the gap g It is defined to be the same as the total number of virtual pixels. Specifically, the number of pixels in each frame buffer area B is defined as 800 (the number of horizontal pixels) × 1400 (the number of vertical pixels) = 1120000 [pixels].

In the present embodiment, the ROM 320 includes the first region designation information corresponding to the case where the second image display device 12 is disposed at the first position and the second image display device 12 as the region designation information. 2nd area designation information corresponding to the case where it is arranged at two positions.
As shown in FIG. 18A, in the second area designation information, in each frame buffer area B, the display area R1 corresponding to the display screen 11a, the display area R2 corresponding to the display screen 12a, and the gap g A corresponding non-display area R3 is defined. In the second area designation information, a display area R1, a display area R2, and a non-display area R3 are defined based on a single coordinate system.
In the second region designation information, the ratio of the size of the display region R1, the size of the display region R2, and the size of the non-display region R3 is the size of the display screen 11a, the size of the display screen 12a, and the gap portion g. It is almost the same as the ratio of size.
That is, the number of pixels in the display region R1 (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in the display region R1) is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 11a (the number of display pixels). The number of pixels in the display area R2 (the number of pixels of drawing data that can be stored in the display area R2) is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 12a. Furthermore, the number of pixels in the non-display area R3 (the number of drawing data pixels that can be stored in the non-display area R3) is defined to be the same as the virtual number of pixels in the gap g.
Specifically, in the second area designation information, the area from (0, 0) to (799, 599) is defined as the display area R1, and the area from (0, 600) to (799, 799) is defined. The area from (0,800) to (799,1399) is defined as the non-display area R3, and is defined as the display area R2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19A, in the first area designation information, in each frame buffer area B, a display area R1 corresponding to the display screen 11a, a display area R2 corresponding to the display screen 12a, and a gap portion A non-display area R3 and a non-display area R4 corresponding to g are defined. Here, the non-display area R4 is the remaining area of each frame buffer area B excluding the display area R1, the display area R2, and the non-display area R4. In the second area designation information, a display area R1, a display area R2, a non-display area R3, and a non-display area R4 are defined based on a single coordinate system.
In the first area designation information, the ratio of the size of the display area R1, the size of the display area R2, and the size of the non-display area R3 is the size of the display screen 11a, the size of the display screen 12a, and the gap g. It is almost the same as the ratio of size.
That is, the number of pixels in the display area R1 is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 11a. The number of pixels in the display area R2 is defined to be the same as the number of pixels in the display screen 12a. Further, the number of pixels in the non-display area R3 is defined to be the same as the virtual number of pixels in the gap g.
Specifically, in the second area designation information, an area from (0,0) to (799,599) is defined as the display area R1, and an area from (0,600) to (799,699) is defined. The area from (0,700) to (799,1299) is defined as the non-display area R3, and the area from (0,1300) to (799,1399) is not displayed. It is defined in the region R4.

Next, control of the effect image display device 20 by the effect control circuit 300 according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, the first predetermined effect and the second predetermined effect are provided as effects for displaying one effect image on the display screen 11a and the display screen 12a.
When the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 310 of the effect control circuit 300 places the second image display device 12 at the first position in the initialization process.
When CPU 310 determines to execute the first predetermined effect, CPU 310 reads the first area designation information from ROM 320 and transmits the read first area designation information to VDP 340. When the VDP 340 receives the first area designation information, the VDP 340 sets the received first area designation information in a predetermined register.
When CPU 310 determines to execute the first predetermined effect, CPU 310 sets display schedule data for the first predetermined effect based on the effect program for the first predetermined effect. Accordingly, display control signals for instructing drawing of drawing data constituting the first predetermined effect are sequentially transmitted to the VDP 340 in accordance with the set display schedule data.
Here, in the display control signal related to each of the first predetermined effect and the second predetermined effect, the entire area is designated as the drawing execution area by the drawing execution area designation information.

When the VDP 340 receives the display control signal related to the first predetermined effect, the VDP 340 refers to the first area designation information set in the register, and in all areas of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area, Drawing data related to the first predetermined effect is generated. As a result, drawing data of 800 (horizontal pixel number) × 1400 (vertical pixel number) = 1120,000 [pixels] is generated in the entire area of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.
The VDP 340 is stored in the display area R1 among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B specified as the output area with reference to the first area specifying information set in the register. A video signal based on the first drawing data is output to the drive circuit 11c of the image display device 11, and a video signal based on the second drawing data stored in the display region R2 is output to the drive circuit of the image display device 12. 12c is output.
That is, a video signal based on the first drawing data of 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 11c, and 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600. A video signal based on the second drawing data of (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 12c.
For each of the drawing data stored in the non-display area R3 of the frame buffer area B designated as the output area and the drawing data stored in the non-display area R4, a video signal is generated and output. Absent.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19B, the effect image based on the first drawing data stored in the display area R1 is displayed on the display screen 11a and the second image stored in the display area R2. An effect image based on the drawing data is displayed on the display screen 12a.

On the other hand, when CPU 310 determines to execute the second predetermined effect, CPU 310 outputs a control signal to drive motor 14 to displace second image display device 12 from the first position to the second position.
When CPU 310 determines to execute the first predetermined effect, CPU 310 reads the second area designation information from ROM 320 and transmits the read second area designation information to VDP 340. When the VDP 340 receives the second area designation information, the VDP 340 sets the received second area designation information in a predetermined register.
Further, when CPU 310 determines execution of the second predetermined effect, CPU 310 sets display schedule data for the second predetermined effect based on the effect program for the second predetermined effect. Accordingly, display control signals for instructing drawing of drawing data constituting the second predetermined effect are sequentially transmitted to the VDP 340 in accordance with the set display schedule data.

When the VDP 340 receives the display control signal related to the second predetermined effect, the VDP 340 refers to the second area designation information set in the register, and in all areas of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area, Drawing data related to the second predetermined effect is generated. As a result, drawing data of 800 (horizontal pixel number) × 1400 (vertical pixel number) = 1120,000 [pixels] is generated in the entire area of the frame buffer area B designated as the drawing area.
The VDP 340 is stored in the display area R1 among the drawing data stored in the frame buffer area B specified as the output area with reference to the second area specifying information set in the register. A video signal based on the first drawing data is output to the drive circuit 11c of the image display device 11, and a video signal based on the second drawing data stored in the display region R2 is output to the drive circuit of the image display device 12. 12c is output.
That is, a video signal based on the first drawing data of 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600 (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 11c, and 800 (number of horizontal pixels) × 600. A video signal based on the second drawing data of (number of vertical pixels) = 480000 [pixels] is output to the drive circuit 12c.
On the other hand, for the drawing data stored in the non-display area R3 of the frame buffer area B designated as the output area, no video signal is generated / output.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 18B, the effect image based on the first drawing data stored in the display area R1 is displayed on the display screen 11a and the second image stored in the display area R2. An effect image based on the drawing data is displayed on the display screen 12a.
Further, the CPU 310 outputs a control signal to the drive motor 14 in response to the end of the second predetermined effect, and displaces the second image display device 12 from the second position to the first position.

(Operation of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment will be described.
In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the size (area) of the gap portion g changes as the second image display device 12 is displaced. Further, as the area designation information, area designation information (first area designation information or second area designation information) corresponding to the size of the gap portion g is set. Of the drawing data drawn by the VDP 340 in the frame buffer area B designated as the output area based on the set area designation information, the drawing data output to the drive circuit 11c and the drive circuit 12c. The drawing data to be output to the image is determined.
Thereby, in the case where the second effect image 12 is arranged at any one of the first position and the second position, the gap portion is displayed when the one effect image is displayed across the two display screens 11a and 12a. It is possible to display in consideration of g, and it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort in the objects displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a.
Therefore, it is possible to enhance the production effect based on the production image while suppressing a sense of discomfort from the production image displayed on the plurality of display screens 11a and 12a.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, in the said embodiment, a various change is possible.
For example, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the effect image display device 20 includes two first image display devices 11 and 12.
However, the effect image display device 20 may be configured to include three or more image display devices (display screens).
Even in such a configuration, the number of pixels of each frame buffer region B, the total number of pixels related to the display screen of all image display devices, and the total value of the number of virtual pixels related to all gaps, Set to be the same as the total value of.
In the area designation information, a display area corresponding to the display screen of each image display device and a non-display area corresponding to each gap are defined based on a single coordinate system. And the ratio of the size (number of pixels) of each display area and the size (number of pixels) of each non-display area, the size (area or number of display pixels) of each display screen, It is made to substantially coincide with the ratio with the size (area or virtual display pixel number).

In the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, when executing each of the first predetermined effect and the second predetermined effect, 800 (horizontal pixel number) × 1400 (vertical pixel number) in the entire area of the frame buffer area B. ) = 1120000 [pixel] drawing data is generated. That is, an effect image related to the first predetermined effect and an effect image related to the second predetermined effect are generated based on the common material data (background data).
However, when the first predetermined effect is executed, 800 (horizontal pixel number) × 1300 (vertical pixel number) = 1040000 [pixels] in the display region R1, the display region R2, and the non-display region R3 in the frame buffer region B. ] Is generated (the drawing data is not stored in the non-display area R4), and the second predetermined effect is executed, the entire area of the frame buffer area B (display areas R1 to R4) is 800. It may be configured to generate drawing data of (number of horizontal pixels) × 1300 (number of vertical pixels) = 1040000 [pixels]. That is, the first predetermined effect material data (background data) and the second predetermined effect material data (background data) having different numbers of pixels may be individually provided.

The pachinko machine according to the second embodiment may be configured to include a sensor that detects the position of the second image display device 12.
In the case of such a configuration, area designation information corresponding to each position of the second image display device 12 that can be detected by the sensor is set as area designation information. In each area designation information, the number of pixels in the non-display area R3 is set based on the size of the gap portion g when the second image display device 12 is arranged at a position corresponding to the area designation information.
Then, CPU 310 transmits area designation information corresponding to the position of second image display device 12 detected by the sensor to VDP 340.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment may be configured to include a measurement unit that measures an elapsed time since the start of the movement of the second image display device 12 from the first position to the second position.
In such a configuration, area designation information corresponding to the elapsed time is set as the area designation information. In each area designation information, the number of pixels in the non-display area R3 is equal to that in the arrangement of the second image display apparatus 12 after the elapsed time corresponding to the area designation information has elapsed since the start of the movement of the second image display apparatus 12. It is set based on the size of the gap portion g.
Then, the CPU 310 transmits region designation information corresponding to the elapsed time measured by the measuring unit to the VDP 340.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 10 Game board 11 1st image display apparatus 11a Display screen 11b Liquid crystal panel 11c Drive circuit 12 2nd image display apparatus 12a Display screen 12b Liquid crystal panel 12c Drive circuit 13 Holding frame 14 Drive motor 20 Production image display apparatus 30 Game area 200 Main control circuit 210 CPU
220 ROM
230 RAM
300 Production control circuit 310 CPU
320 ROM
330 RAM
340 VDP
341 VRAM
350 CGROM
314 Reception data register 400 Delivery control circuit 500 CR unit 600 Power supply circuit B Frame buffer area g Gap R1 Display area R2 Display area R3 Non-display area R4 Non-display area

Claims (2)

A first display device comprising a first display part and a first frame part;
A second display device comprising a second display portion and a second frame portion;
A drawing area where the original image can be drawn, and
In drawing image area, corresponding to the first display area, a second display area corresponding to the second display portion, the gap portion existing between the first display unit and second display unit corresponding to the first display unit A non-display area is defined, and among the original images drawn in the drawing area, an image drawn in the first display area is displayed on the first display unit, and an image drawn in the second display area is displayed. Display control means for displaying on the second display unit ,
The non-display area includes an area corresponding to the first frame part, an area corresponding to the second frame part, and an area corresponding to a gap existing between the first frame part and the second frame part,
In drawing image area, the first display region, second display region and the non-display region is defined on the basis of the coordinate information related to a single coordinate system,
The ratio of the size of the first display area, the size of the second display area, and the size of the non-display area is the ratio of the size of the first display part, the size of the second display part, and the size of the gap part. Are almost identical,
The display control means draws an original image based on one image data across the first display area, the second display area, and the non-display area . Including changing means capable of changing the size of the gap,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means defines the first display area, the second display area, and the non-display area based on coordinate information corresponding to the size of the gap .

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