JP6417507B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device used for production and a gaming machine including a processing unit that draws an image to be displayed on the display device.

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

  Various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a display lamp for display (electric decoration), and a sound generator (sound device, speaker) are provided in the gaming machine as devices that play a role of enhancing the interest of the player. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part. In the following description, not only the liquid crystal display device, the electrical decoration, and the sound generation device itself but also their control devices may be referred to as “effect devices”.

Japanese Patent No. 3970291 is provided with an image processor that performs image processing using a material (object) stored in a transfer source memory based on a display list issued by a CPU as a host device. The host CPU 60 temporarily stores in the command memory a command list that defines the operation content of the drawing operation. On the other hand, the VDP operates based on the command list, generates image data, and stores it in the frame buffer FLB.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a readable / writable memory (RAM), an image processor (VDP) that draws an image in an image memory, and an image memory. An image display system including a display device that displays a drawn image is described. The CPU is a processor positioned above the image processor, and generates a series of instructions (command list) to be executed by the image processor. This instruction group includes a series of transfer instructions (transfer list) for defining a transfer procedure of image data from the transfer source memory to the transfer destination memory, and a series of specifying a drawing procedure using the image data stored in the transfer destination memory. Drawing commands (hereinafter “display list”).

  The display list is written into an area (display list memory) defined on the RAM by the CPU, for example. The image processor draws an image in the image memory in accordance with the display list drawing command read from this area (display list memory). In general, a memory space of a certain size (a certain address range) is allocated as this area. The size of this area is determined according to the maximum size (maximum number of drawing commands) of the display list estimated in advance. In other words, an area larger than the maximum value of the display list is defined.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a display list. DL is a display list. The display list DL includes a command COM-A for drawing the object A, a command COM-B for drawing the object B, a command COM-C for drawing the object C, and a command COM-END for instructing the drawing end. The command COM-C includes subcommands COM-C1 to COM-C3 for drawing the objects C1 to C3, respectively. The commands COM-A to COM-C and COM-END are drawing commands and constitute the display list DL.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen drawn by the display list DL of FIG. Drawing of the object A by the command COM-A is performed first, drawing B by the command COM-B is performed on top of this, and drawing C by the command COM-C is performed on the drawing of the objects A and B. C1 to C3 are drawings by subcommands COM-C1 to COM-C3, respectively.

  By the way, since the size of the RAM is limited and used for various other processes, it is not possible to allocate an unnecessarily large area to the area for the display list DL (display list memory). . With the recent advancement and diversification of the performance of gaming machines, image drawing has increased, and with this, the display list will increase, unintentionally exceeding the assumption, the display list DL will not fit in the display list memory Is also expected.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram when the display list DL does not fit in the display list memory (in FIG. 19, the size of the display list DL corresponds to the size of the area of the display list memory). Since commands COM-X and COM-Y for drawing the objects X and Y exist before the command COM-A, the commands COM-C and COM-END protrude from the display list memory DL. This is also assumed depending on the contents of the production. The commands COM-X and COM-Y are added for convenience in order to explain the overflow of the display list memory. The display of the objects X and Y by these commands is omitted (the same applies to FIGS. 8, 11 and 16).

  If the display list DL does not fit in the display list memory (the range of DL in FIG. 19), that is, if the size of the display list DL, which is a plurality of drawing commands that instruct the image processor (VDP) to draw, exceeds the assumption, the RAM There is contention for the region, that is, the display list DL exceeds the range of the display list memory and protrudes to other regions. In FIG. 19, a part of the drawing command COM-C and the drawing end command COM-END protrude into other areas. This contention adversely affects the operation of the program and causes the image processor (VDP) to malfunction. When a failure due to this competition occurs, it is necessary to notify the error using means other than the display device because the display list cannot be constructed. However, according to this error notification, the failure occurs at other locations. There was a risk of misidentification, and it was difficult to investigate the cause of the malfunction. It is easy to understand the problem related to the display list DL by informing the display device using the display device.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent competition between areas and prevent adverse effects of program operations and malfunctions of an image processor (VDP). It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can notify the occurrence of a region conflict while preventing the region conflict.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an effect content table in which the content of an effect is stored in advance, a drawing command table in which a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image in accordance with the effect are stored, and the drawing command A display list memory for storing at least temporarily, a processing unit,
A display device for displaying an image related to the effect;
An image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display device,
The processing unit writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn to the display list memory to create a display list, drawing processing for drawing an image in the image memory based on the display list, An image reading process for reading and outputting data in the image memory;
The display creation process includes
A first step of reading the contents of the effect from the effect content table;
A second step of extracting a part from the plurality of drawing commands in the drawing command table based on the contents of the read effect (the extracted drawing commands are hereinafter referred to as “drawing command group”);
A third step of calculating a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and comparing it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
A fourth step of writing the drawing command group to the display list memory when the drawing command group can be written to the display list memory;
And a fifth step of writing a part of the drawing command group within a range not exceeding a writable storage capacity of the display list memory when the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory.

  The processing unit may be configured to include an image memory. The present invention includes such a configuration.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an effect content table in which the content of an effect is stored in advance, a drawing command table in which a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image in accordance with the effect are stored, and the drawing command A display list memory for storing at least temporarily, a processing unit,
A display device for displaying an image related to the effect;
An image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display device,
The processing unit writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn to the display list memory to create a display list, drawing processing for drawing an image in the image memory based on the display list, An image reading process for reading and outputting data in the image memory;
The display creation process includes
A first step of reading the contents of the effect from the effect content table;
A second step of extracting a part from the plurality of drawing commands in the drawing command table based on the contents of the read effect (the extracted drawing commands are hereinafter referred to as “drawing command group”);
A third step of calculating a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and comparing it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
A fourth step of writing the drawing command group to the display list memory when the drawing command group can be written to the display list memory;
And a sixth step of not writing the drawing command group when the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an effect content table in which the content of an effect is stored in advance, a drawing command table in which a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image in accordance with the effect are stored, and the drawing command A display list memory for storing at least temporarily, a processing unit,
A display device for displaying an image related to the effect;
An image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display device,
The processing unit writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn to the display list memory to create a display list, drawing processing for drawing an image in the image memory based on the display list, An image reading process for reading and outputting data in the image memory;
The display creation process includes
A first step of reading the contents of the effect from the effect content table;
A second step of extracting a part from the plurality of drawing commands in the drawing command table based on the contents of the read effect (the extracted drawing commands are hereinafter referred to as “drawing command group”);
A third step of calculating a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and comparing it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
A fourth step of writing the drawing command group to the display list memory when the drawing command group can be written to the display list memory;
A command for drawing a predetermined error message in a range not exceeding the writable storage capacity of the display list memory instead of writing the drawing command group when the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory And a seventh step of writing.

The error message includes a plurality of elements,
The command for drawing the error message includes a plurality of subcommands corresponding to the plurality of elements,
The seventh step calculates a storage capacity necessary for writing a command for drawing the error message, and compares it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
When a command for drawing the error message cannot be written to the display list memory, a part of the subcommand may be written within a range not exceeding a writable storage capacity of the display list memory.

  In the third step, the total of the storage capacity necessary for writing the drawing command group and the storage capacity required for writing the command for ending the drawing is compared with the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. You may do it.

  According to this invention, when the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory, the drawing command group is not written, or the drawing command is within a range not exceeding the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. Since a part of the group is written, it is possible to prevent contention in which the display list exceeds the range of the display list memory and extends to other areas.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory, it is determined in advance in a range not exceeding the writable storage capacity of the display list memory instead of writing the drawing command group. Since the command for drawing the error message is written, it is possible to prevent the display list from exceeding the range of the display list memory and to protrude to other areas, and to notify the display device of the occurrence of the conflict.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention (showing a portion related to image drawing). It is a flowchart of the setting process of the drawing command in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing (description figure of a display list) of the setting process of the drawing command in the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the display screen by the setting process of the drawing command in the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the other setting process of the drawing command in a modification. It is explanatory drawing (description figure of a display list) of the other setting process of the drawing command in a modification. It is explanatory drawing of the display screen by the other setting process of the drawing command in a modification. It is another block diagram of a modification (the part which concerns on image drawing is shown). It is a flowchart of the other setting process of the drawing command in a modification. It is explanatory drawing (description figure of a display list) of the other setting process of the drawing command in a modification. FIG. 15A shows a case where all error object drawing commands can be written in the display list, and FIG. 15B shows a case where some error object drawing commands cannot be written. FIG. 16A shows a display screen when all of the error object drawing commands can be written in the display list, and FIG. 16B shows a display screen when a part of the error object drawing commands cannot be written. It is explanatory drawing of a display list. The example of the screen drawn by the display list of FIG. 17 is shown. It is explanatory drawing of the state where a display list does not fit in a display list memory.

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

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

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

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

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

  A liquid crystal panel LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel LCD2 is provided on almost the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Although not shown, the model-specific block BB and the lower door block BL have a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, and a sound for generating sound by driving the speaker SP. A drive circuit (not shown) for driving the controller, solenoid SN, motors MU and ML is incorporated.

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

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes a solenoid SN, a speaker SP, and an LED 202B, and the upper door block BU includes a liquid crystal panel LCD1, an LED 203U, a motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body. The lower door block BL includes a liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL that detects the operation of the movable body by the motor ML, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

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

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

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

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, suggestions for obtaining a ball are displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in order to provide convenience (assist) for the player's operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases. Note that the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the sub board displays AT (notifies) based on a command from the main board. For example, the main board may display (notify) the AT by a display (notification means) under the control of the main board. The following description also applies to such a form.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20, and notifies the player of a prize or the like, or plays a specific small role for a certain game during a certain game at a so-called assist time (AT) to the user with some action. It is for teaching. (Assist Time (AT): Even if a specific small role is won, the player will not be paid out unless the symbol combination corresponding to this small role is aligned on the winning judgment line. , After the big bonus is over (or at the time of winning) or at any other opportunity, the assist time will be drawn in order to align the symbol combination corresponding to a specific small role on the winning judgment line for a certain game (That tells the player about the stop operation with some action)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbol combinations aligned on the winning determination line are paid out.

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

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. This figure shows only the part related to image drawing. The apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is realized, for example, when the CPU of the sub board 20 executes a predetermined program.

  2001 is an effect content table in which the content of effects is stored in advance. Since the gaming machine performs various effects according to the game state, the effect content table 2001 stores the content of effects performed in accordance with the game state. For example, the contents of effects such as a first effect, a second effect, and so on are stored. Each production content includes the content of the production to be performed in the production, that is, the specific operation content of the production device. For example, predetermined first and second images are displayed on the liquid crystal panels (display devices) LCD1 and LCD2.

  Reference numeral 2002 denotes a drawing command table that stores in advance a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image related to an effect. The drawing command table 2002 stores drawing commands for realizing the contents of the effects such as the first effect, the second effect, and so on. The first image, the second image,... May be drawn by a single drawing command, but may be drawn by a combination of a plurality of drawing commands. For example, the first image is drawn with a first drawing command and a second drawing command, and the second image is drawn with a first drawing command and a third drawing command. One drawing command may be used to draw a plurality of images.

  A drawing command group extraction unit 2003 writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn into the display list memory 2004 and performs display creation processing for creating a display list. For example, the drawing command table 2002 stores the first drawing command to the third drawing command, and when drawing the first image, the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 extracts the first drawing command and the second drawing command, When drawing the second image, the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 extracts the first drawing command and the third drawing command. The drawing command group extraction unit 2003 writes the extracted drawing commands (drawing command group) in the display list memory 2004.

  Reference numeral 2004 denotes a display list memory for temporarily storing the drawing command. The display list memory 2004 is an area defined on the RAM, for example.

  Reference numeral 2005 denotes a remaining size check unit that calculates the storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and compares it with the writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004. The remaining size check unit 2005 performs one of the following processes, for example.

(1) To grasp the size of the extracted drawing command group. This size (size on the memory) is Scom. The writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004 is grasped. This size (size on the memory) is Smem. These are compared, and if Scom <Smem, it is determined that the drawing command group extracted by the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 is writable in the display list memory 2004, and otherwise, it is determined that writing is impossible.

(2) It is necessary to place a drawing end command at the end of the display list. The size of the drawing end command (size in memory) is set as Send, and comparison is performed including this. If Scom + Send <Smem, the drawing command group extracted by the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 is determined to be writable in the display list memory 2004. Otherwise, it is determined that writing is impossible.

(3) When the drawing command includes a plurality of subcommands, the determination is made for each subcommand. That is, it is determined whether all subcommands can be written or if only a part of subcommands can be written (the second subcommand can be written from the top). For example, when a drawing command is composed of three subcommands, the size of the three subcommands (size on memory) is Scom1, Scom2, Scom3, for example, Scom1 <Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 <Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 + Three determinations of Scom3 <Smem are performed. If Scom1 <Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 <Smem is true and Scom1 + Scom2 + Scom3 <Smem is false, all three subcommands cannot be written, but the first two subcommands can be written. .

  Regarding the above processing, determination may be made by setting a certain margin. In the above example, Scom ≦ 0.8 × Smem, Scom + Send ≦ 0.8 × Smem, Scom1 ≦ 0.8 × Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 ≦ 0.8 × Smem, Scom1 Judgment is made as + Scom2 + Scom3 ≦ 0.8 × Smem.

  In order to perform the above processing, the remaining size check unit 2005 accesses the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 to grasp the size of the extracted drawing command, and accesses the display list 2004 to write the storage capacity (remaining capacity). ). The arrows from the remaining size check unit 2005 to the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 and the display list 2004 in FIGS. 5 and 12 indicate access by the remaining size check unit 2005, and the opposite arrow indicates information acquisition (the size of the drawing command, Receiving remaining capacity).

  When a drawing command includes a plurality of subcommands, these may be collectively referred to as a drawing command group (including subcommands) or simply a command group.

(4) When the drawing command is composed of a plurality of subcommands and it is necessary to place the drawing end command at the end of the display list, for example, Scom1 + Send <Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 + Send <Smem, Scom1 + Scom2 + Scom3 + Send <Smem The following three determinations are made. The determination of whether or not writing is possible is the same as described above.

  Based on the determination result, the remaining size check unit 2005 permits the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 to write the drawing command group or instructs the writing command group to be interrupted (stopped).

  An image drawing unit 2006 performs a drawing process for drawing an image in the image memory based on a display list.

  An image memory 2007 stores image data to be displayed on the display device.

  Reference numeral 2008 denotes an image reading unit that performs an image reading process of reading and outputting data in the image memory.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a drawing command setting process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (display list explanatory diagram) of a drawing command setting process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen by a drawing command setting process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, referring to FIG.

S10: A drawing command corresponding to the type is generated.
For example, the production content table 2001 stores production content such as a first production, a second production, and so on. The drawing command table 2002 stores a plurality of drawing commands for realizing the first effect, the second effect,. For example, the drawing command table 2002 stores drawing commands COM-Y to COM-C and drawing end commands COM-END for drawing the objects Y, A, B, and C, respectively (see FIG. 7).

  For example, the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 extracts a drawing command COM-Y corresponding to the first effect, and extracts drawing commands COM-A to COM-C from the drawing command table 2002 corresponding to the second effect. Then, the drawing end command COM-END is extracted.

  In the following description, regarding the determination of whether there is a margin in size, a description will be added focusing on the drawing command COM-C, which is the last command related to the second effect. The first rendering command COM-Y and the second rendering commands COM-A to COM-C are written to the display list DL in order. (Same for FIG. 9). The command COM-Y is added for convenience in order to explain the overflow of the display list memory, and the illustration of the object Y by the command is omitted.

S11: It is determined whether there is a margin in size.
The remaining size check unit 2005 calculates a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and compares it with a writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004. In the example of FIG. 7, since the drawing end command COM-END is arranged at the end of the display list DL, determination is made including this (see (2) and (4) above). The drawing end command COM-END may be written first, and an area for that purpose may be secured in advance.

  In this determination, it is determined that the first rendering command COM-Y, the second rendering command COM-A, and the rendering command COM-B have a margin in size. The drawing command COM-C may determine that there is no margin in size.

  In the example of FIGS. 6 to 8, determination is performed for each of the three subcommands COM-C1 to COM-C3 included in the drawing command COM-C (see (3) and (4) above).

  If there is a margin in size, the drawing command setting process is terminated normally. If there is no margin in size, the command processing is interrupted (S12).

S12: The command addition is interrupted.
Based on the determination result of S11, the remaining size check unit 2005 instructs the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 to interrupt (cancel) writing of the drawing command group. In the example of FIG. 7, since the subcommands COM-C1 and COM-C2 can be written, these are written. The subcommand COM-C3 is discarded (? Mark in FIG. 7).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen drawn by the display list DL of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a screen of the second effect (the display of the object Y of the first effect is omitted). The drawing of the object A by the drawing command COM-A is first performed, and then the object B is drawn by the drawing command COM-B. The object C is drawn by the drawing command COM-C so as to overlap the drawing of the objects A and B. However, since the writing of the subcommand COM-C3 is stopped in S12, the objects C1 and C2 are drawn. The object C3 (see FIG. 18) is not drawn.

  When the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory 2004 by the processing of FIG. 6, a part of the drawing command group (sub-commands COM-C1 and COM-) are within the range not exceeding the writable storage capacity of the display list memory 2004. Since C2) is written, it is possible to prevent contention in which the display list DL exceeds the range of the display list memory 2004 and extends to other areas while performing part of the drawing. The screen (FIG. 8) of the display device by the processing of FIG. 6 is different from the normal screen (FIG. 18) (partially missing), but a serious situation such as a hindrance to the drawing operation can be avoided.

  By the way, according to the said embodiment, since only a part of command group is written in a display list, there exists a possibility that drawing may be halfway. For example, the drawing command COM-C draws an image of the car viewed from the side, the subcommand COM-C1 draws the vehicle body, and the subcommands COM-C2 and COM-C3 draw the front and rear tires, respectively. When it is, the drawing with the sub-command COM-C3 is not made, so it becomes an unnatural image lacking one of the tires. This can lead to problems.

  A description will be given of a modified example in which this point is improved.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another setting process of the drawing command in the modification.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (an explanatory diagram of a display list) of another setting process of the drawing command in the modified example.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen by another setting process of the drawing command in the modification.

  In these drawings, elements common to those in FIGS. 7 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus of the modification will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 9 will be referred to.

S20: A drawing command corresponding to the type is generated.
For example, the production content table 2001 stores production content such as a first production, a second production, and so on. The drawing command table 2002 stores a plurality of drawing commands for realizing the first effect, the second effect,. For example, the drawing command table 2002 stores drawing commands COM-Y to COM-C and drawing end commands COM-END for drawing the objects Y, A, B, and C, respectively (see FIG. 10).

  For example, the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 extracts a drawing command COM-Y corresponding to the first effect, and extracts drawing commands COM-A to COM-C from the drawing command table 2002 corresponding to the second effect. Then, the drawing end command COM-END is extracted. FIG. 11 shows a screen of the second effect (assuming that the object Y of the first effect is not displayed).

S21: It is determined whether there is a margin in size, using a command group (including subcommands) as a unit.
In this determination, it is determined that the first rendering command COM-Y, the second rendering command COM-A, and the rendering command COM-B have a margin in size. The drawing command COM-C may determine that there is no margin in size.

  The command group (including subcommands) here refers to the entire drawing command composed of a plurality of subcommands. Treat multiple subcommands as a single unit. 6 and the like, the command group is a group of drawing commands corresponding to the contents of the production, and is referred to as “command group (including subcommands)” in order to distinguish it.

  The remaining size check unit 2005 calculates a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and compares it with a writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004. In the example of FIG. 10, since the drawing end command COM-END is arranged at the end of the display list DL, determination is made including this (see (2) above). The drawing end command COM-END may be written first, and an area for that purpose may be secured in advance.

  In the example of FIGS. 9 to 11, the three subcommands COM-C1 to COM-C3 included in the drawing command COM-C are determined as a group of “command groups (including subcommands)” (above (1 (See (2)).

  If there is a margin in size, the drawing command setting process is terminated normally. If there is no margin in size, the command processing is interrupted (S22).

S22: The command group addition is interrupted.
Based on the determination result of S21, the remaining size check unit 2005 instructs the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 to interrupt (cancel) writing of the drawing command group. In the example of FIG. 10, the subcommands COM-C1 and COM-C2 can be written, but since the subcommand COM-C3 cannot be written, the drawing command COM-C is not written at all (the? Mark in FIG. 10). ).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen drawn by the display list of FIG. FIG. 11 shows a screen of the second effect (assuming that the object Y of the first effect is not displayed). The drawing of the object A by the drawing command COM-A is first performed, and then the object B is drawn by the drawing command COM-B. Drawing of the object C by the drawing command COM-C is not performed at all.

  By the process of FIG. 9, when the “command group (including subcommands)” cannot be written to the display list memory, the “command group (including subcommands)” is set so as not to exceed the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. Suspend (cancel) addition of. As a result, it is possible to prevent contention in which the display list extends beyond the display list memory to other areas. The screen of the display device (FIG. 11) by the processing of FIG. 9 is different from the normal screen (FIG. 18) (the object C is not drawn), but serious situations such as hindering the drawing operation can be avoided. . According to this modification, there is no abnormality in appearance despite the occurrence of a problem of missing drawing commands, and it is difficult for the player to notice. Game processing can be continued.

  By the way, according to the above modification, drawing is not halfway, and the player does not notice a malfunction at first glance even when viewing the screen. This also applies to developers, and there is a problem that it is difficult to notice even if a drawing bug occurs due to a bug in the program.

  A description will be given of a modified example in which this point is improved.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a modified example (showing a part related to image drawing).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of another setting process of the drawing command in the modification.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of another setting process of drawing commands (an explanatory diagram of a display list) in the modification.

  FIG. 15A shows a case where all error object drawing commands can be written in the display list, and FIG. 15B shows a case where some error object drawing commands cannot be written.

  FIG. 16A shows a display screen when all of the error object drawing commands can be written in the display list, and FIG. 16B shows a display screen when a part of the error object drawing commands cannot be written.

  In these drawings, elements common to those in FIGS. 5 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is realized, for example, when the CPU of the sub board 20 executes a predetermined program.

  In 2009, when a drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory 2004, an error determined in advance in a range not exceeding the writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004 instead of writing the drawing command group. An error notification unit for writing a command for drawing a message. The error notification unit 2009 draws an error message in response to the notification of the determination result that the size is not sufficient from the remaining size check unit 2005 (“None” in S31 of FIG. 13).

  In order to perform the above processing, the error notification unit 2009 accesses the display list 2004 and draws an error message. The arrow from the error notification unit 2009 to the display list 2004 in FIG. 12 indicates such processing.

  Reference is now made to FIG.

S30: A drawing command corresponding to the type is generated.
For example, the production content table 2001 stores production content such as a first production, a second production, and so on. The drawing command table 2002 stores a plurality of drawing commands for realizing the first effect, the second effect,. For example, the drawing command table 2002 stores drawing commands COM-X to COM-C and drawing end commands COM-END for drawing the objects X, Y, A, B, and C, respectively (see FIGS. 14 and 15). . Furthermore, a drawing command COM-er for drawing an error object is stored.

  For example, the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 extracts a drawing command COM-Y corresponding to the first effect, and extracts drawing commands COM-A to COM-C from the drawing command table 2002 corresponding to the second effect ( (See FIG. 14).

S31: It is determined whether there is a margin in size.
The remaining size check unit 2005 calculates a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and compares it with a writable storage capacity (remaining capacity) of the display list memory 2004. In the example of FIG. 10, since the drawing end command COM-END is arranged at the end of the display list, determination is made including this (see (2) above).

  In addition, the determination may be made including the drawing command COM-er for drawing the error object. If even a part of the error object can be drawn, the error notification effect will be exhibited. Therefore, it is judged including any of the subcommands COM-er1 to er3 of the drawing command COM-er, and at least a part of the error object is displayed in the display list DL You may be able to add.

  If there is a margin in size, the drawing command setting process is terminated normally, and if there is no margin in size, the command processing is interrupted (S32).

S32: The addition of the command group is interrupted.
Based on the determination result of S31, the remaining size check unit 2005 instructs the drawing command group extraction unit 2003 to interrupt (cancel) writing of the drawing command group. In the example of FIG. 14, since the drawing command COM-C cannot be written, the drawing command COM-C is not written at all (? In FIG. 14).

S33: Perform error notification.
The error notification unit 2009 adds a drawing command COM-er for drawing an error object to the display list memory 2004 based on the notification of the determination result that the remaining size check unit 2005 has no size (“No” in S31). Then, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD1 and / or LCD2. Note that, from the viewpoint of preventing contention that the display list DL exceeds the range of the display list memory 2004 and extends to other areas, another drawing command, for example, a drawing command COM-er is added instead of the drawing command COM-B (overwriting). ). In this case, the drawing command COM-B is not written as a result (? In FIG. 14).

  When the determination is performed including the drawing command COM-er for drawing the error object, only a part of the determination may be added to the display list DL.

  FIG. 15A shows the same case as FIG. 14, and the entire drawing command COM-er for drawing an error object is written in the display list memory 2004 instead of the drawing commands COM-B and COM-C. Even if it does in this way, a conflict does not arise (it is determined that there is room to write the entire drawing command COM-er in S31). The error object consists of three error objects 1 to 3, all of which are drawn.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 15B, the entire drawing command COM-er cannot be written into the display list memory 2004. For example, this is a case where the number of drawing commands has increased and there is no room for writing (in FIG. 15B, the number of drawing commands COM-X has increased). Therefore, the drawing commands COM-er1 and COM-er2 among the drawing commands COM-er are written to the display list memory 2004, but the drawing command COM-er3 is not written.

  FIG. 16A shows an example of a screen drawn by the display list of FIG. Three error objects er1 to er3 are displayed, and a complete error message "Oversize has occurred" is displayed in the example in the figure.

  FIG. 16B shows an example of a screen drawn by the display list of FIG. Two error objects er1 and er2 are displayed, and in the example shown in the figure, an incomplete error message “oversize occurred” is displayed. Even such an incomplete message shows that an error has occurred in the display list. According to this modification, there is no need to be strictly aware of error messages as a group. This is because even if it is halfway, if a part of the error notification is drawn, it is possible to infer the cause of the malfunction.

  If priority is given to drawing an error message in a complete format, the drawing command COM-er may be written first, and an area for the drawing may be secured in advance.

  Further, in order to leave an error message, normal drawing processing may be temporarily stopped after drawing. In this way, the error message is overwritten by subsequent drawing, so that it cannot be seen. The pause state is canceled, for example, by receiving a power interruption return process or a command (return command, reset command) for returning to a normal drawing process, and returns to a normal operation.

  According to this modification, the addition of command groups is interrupted (stopped) so as not to exceed the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. As a result, it is possible to prevent contention in which the display list extends beyond the display list memory to other areas. Drawing error messages makes it easy for developers to notice.

  The embodiment of the invention can also be applied to the case where drawing is performed in units of frames. In this case, even if there is no display object, the display list is initialized at the beginning of the frame, and the drawing end command is always executed at the end of the frame. The display list overflow does not occur if there is no display object, but the process of the embodiment of the invention can also be applied just in case.

  In the above description, a slot machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines).

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

20 Sub-board (processing section)
2001 Production contents table 2002 Drawing command table 2003 Drawing command group extraction unit 2004 Display list memory 2005 Remaining size check unit 2006 Image drawing unit 2007 Image memory 2008 Image reading unit 2009 Error notification unit LCD1, LCD2 Liquid crystal panel (display device)

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine comprising a display device used for effects according to the progress of a game and a processing unit for drawing an image to be displayed on the display device,
An effect content table that preliminarily stores the content of the effect, a drawing command table that preliminarily stores a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image related to the effect, and at least temporarily storing the drawing command A display list memory, and a processing unit including:
A display device for displaying an image related to the effect;
An image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display device,
The processing unit writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn to the display list memory to create a display list, drawing processing for drawing an image in the image memory based on the display list, An image reading process for reading and outputting data in the image memory;
The display creation process includes
A first step of reading the contents of the effect from the effect content table;
A second step of extracting a drawing command necessary for drawing a predetermined image displayed in the effect from a plurality of the drawing commands in the drawing command table based on the read contents of the effect; tables serial as "drawing command group" following the command),
A third step of calculating a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and comparing it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
A fourth step of writing the drawing command group to the display list memory when the drawing command group can be written to the display list memory;
When the drawing command group cannot be written to the display list memory, a part of the drawing command group is written in a range not exceeding the writable storage capacity of the display list memory, but a predetermined image displayed in the effect A fifth step of discarding the remaining drawing commands without being written even if drawing commands necessary for drawing
In the fifth step, even when the drawing command is discarded, an image is drawn based on the created display list and displayed on the display device,
The third step is characterized in that the storage capacity required for writing the extracted drawing command group is compared with a value obtained based on a predetermined margin from the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. Gaming machine. In a gaming machine comprising a display device used for effects according to the progress of a game and a processing unit for drawing an image to be displayed on the display device,
An effect content table that prestores the content of the effect, and a drawing command table that includes a plurality of subcommands that are handled as one unit and that stores a plurality of drawing commands for drawing an image related to the effect A display list memory for at least temporarily storing the drawing command, and a processing unit,
A display device for displaying an image related to the effect;
An image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display device,
The processing unit writes a plurality of drawing commands to be drawn to the display list memory to create a display list, drawing processing for drawing an image in the image memory based on the display list, An image reading process for reading and outputting data in the image memory;
The display creation process includes
A first step of reading the contents of the effect from the effect content table;
A second step of extracting a drawing command necessary for drawing a predetermined image displayed in the effect from a plurality of the drawing commands in the drawing command table based on the read contents of the effect; A command is hereinafter referred to as a “drawing command group” , and a plurality of subcommands included in the drawing command group and treated as a single group are referred to as “second command group” including the subcommands ),
A third step of calculating a storage capacity necessary for writing the extracted drawing command group and comparing it with a writable storage capacity of the display list memory;
A fourth step of writing the drawing command group to the display list memory when the drawing command group can be written to the display list memory;
A part of the subcommands of the second command group included in the drawing command group can be written, but when the whole cannot be written to the display list memory, the second command group is not written at all . 6 steps,
In the sixth step, even when the second command group is not written at all, an image is drawn based on the created display list and displayed on the display device,
The third step is characterized in that the storage capacity required for writing the extracted drawing command group is compared with a value obtained based on a predetermined margin from the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. Gaming machine. In the third step, the total of the storage capacity necessary for writing the drawing command group and the storage capacity required for writing the command for ending the drawing is compared with the writable storage capacity of the display list memory. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2 , characterized by the above.

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