JP7203424B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine using game media.

Amusement machines such as pachinko machines are designed to enhance the interest of players by providing various effects using an image display device having a liquid crystal screen, a sound output device (speaker), and electric accessories.
For example, an effect pattern is determined based on the lottery result of the pattern that is triggered by the entry of the game ball into the starting hole, and the effect image is displayed on the image display device according to this effect pattern (for example, patent Reference 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-062748

In the game machine using such an image display device, there is a demand for providing an effect with depth, and it is known that a plurality of transmissive liquid crystal display devices are arranged side by side in the depth direction.
However, when two transmissive liquid crystal display devices (liquid crystal modules) are stacked, the light transmittance is poor, and the liquid crystal display device on the front side emits only about 5% of the amount of light emitted from the backlight. be.
Brightening the backlight (increasing the amount of light) to deal with such a problem would increase power consumption, causing inconveniences such as reducing the number of characters in gaming machines with a limited power supply capacity. Naturally, it is not desirable from the viewpoint of energy saving.
Furthermore, there is also the problem that the temperature of the liquid crystal module rises when the light intensity of the backlight is increased. The heat resistance temperature of a normal liquid crystal module is about 0° C. to 50° C., and if it exceeds that temperature, it causes various problems such as failure and shortened life. Such a problem can be solved by adopting a liquid crystal module with high heat resistance and high specification, but such a liquid crystal module is often expensive and causes an increase in the cost of the game machine as a whole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The purpose is to propose a game machine that can increase

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be implemented by the following modes.
A first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources emitting light of different colors, light emission control means for sequentially switching the plurality of light sources during one display period to perform light emission control, and light emitted from the plurality of light sources. a light emitting member that sequentially emits light in different colors depending on the light source; a liquid crystal display means having a plurality of pixels that emit or block light from the plurality of light sources; display control means for performing display using light of different colors emitted from each pixel within the one display period by controlling each pixel provided in the plurality of light sources, wherein current is applied to the plurality of light sources; The gaming machine is characterized in that the time from when the light is emitted to when the light is emitted is different, and the light emission control means controls the timing of applying the current to each light source to be different according to the time.

Since it is configured as described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can enhance the interest of the game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game control device provided in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image control board; FIG. It is explanatory drawing of various random numbers acquired in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by a CPU of a main control board; It is the flowchart which showed an example of the starting opening SW process which CPU of a main control board performs. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of gate SW processing executed by a CPU of a main control board; It is the flowchart which showed an example of the special design process which CPU of a main-control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the customer waiting setting process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the special game determination process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the variation pattern selection process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the figure which showed an example of the fluctuation pattern table. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process during stop which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the auxiliary|assistant design process which CPU of a main-control board performs. It is a flow chart showing an example of the big winning opening process executed by the CPU of the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting example of the number of rounds/operation pattern; It is the flowchart which showed an example of the game state setting process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the 2nd starting opening opening process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the timer interrupt processing which CPU of a production|presentation control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the command reception process which CPU of a production|presentation control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the production|presentation selection process which CPU of a production|presentation control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the processing during the end of fluctuation production|presentation which CPU of an production|presentation control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the hit production|presentation selection process which CPU of an production|presentation control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the ending production|presentation selection process which CPU of a production|presentation control board performs. It is a schematic diagram explaining the basic configuration of the first liquid crystal module. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated structure of elements constituting a first liquid crystal module; It is a figure explaining the basic operation|movement of the liquid crystal module by a TN system. It is a figure explaining a function of the liquid crystal module by a TN system in more detail. It is a figure explaining the drive control of the liquid crystal module by a VA system. 4 is a timing chart for explaining display control of the first liquid crystal module; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated structure of elements constituting a second liquid crystal module; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic configuration of a second liquid crystal module; It is a figure explaining the concept of the color display in a 2nd liquid crystal module. 9 is a timing chart for explaining display control of the second liquid crystal module; . 7 is a timing chart for explaining display control focusing on one pixel of the second liquid crystal module; It is a figure which shows the structure of the image display unit of this embodiment. 4 is a timing chart for explaining display control in the image display unit of the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a timing chart (Part 1) illustrating control signals for each pixel of the first liquid crystal module in the image display unit of the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining control signals for each pixel of the first liquid crystal module in the image display unit of the present embodiment (No. 2); FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the image display mode of the image display unit of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the image display unit of this embodiment. FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining image display by the image display unit of FIG. 42; It is a figure explaining the basic composition of a liquid crystal screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a synchronizing signal for a liquid crystal module; FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a synchronization signal for synchronizing vertical synchronization timings of two liquid crystal screens provided in the image display unit of the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining a synchronization signal for matching vertical synchronization timings of two liquid crystal screens provided in the image display unit of the present embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
<Composition of game machines>
1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is the present embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game control device provided in the game machine.

In the game machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, an inner frame (openable/closable frame) 3 is attached to an outer frame 2 attached to an island structure of a game hall so that it can be opened and closed. is installed.
A window 4a is formed in the glass frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b is attached to the window 4a. A game board 10 having a board surface on which game balls are hit is attached to the inner frame 3, and a game area 10a in which game balls can roll and flow down between the board surface of the game board 10 and a transparent plate 4b in front thereof. is formed. The transparent plate 4 b is, for example, a glass plate, and is detachably fixed to the glass frame 4 .

The glass frame 4 is connected to the outer frame 2 via the hinge mechanism 5 at one end in the left-right direction (for example, the left side when facing the game machine), and the other end in the left-right direction is connected to the hinge mechanism 5 as a fulcrum. The side (for example, the right side facing the game machine) can be rotated in a direction to release it from the outer frame 2 . The glass frame 4 covers the game board 10 together with the glass plate 4b, and rotates like a door with the hinge mechanism 5 as a fulcrum, so that the inner part of the outer frame 2 including the game board 10 can be opened. A lock mechanism for fixing the other end of the glass frame 4 to the outer frame 2 is provided on the other end of the glass frame 4 . Fixation by the lock mechanism can be released with a dedicated key. Further, the glass frame 4 is provided with a door opening switch 136 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether the glass frame 4 is released from the outer frame 2 or not.

A plate unit 7 having a storage plate 6 (upper plate 6a and lower plate 6b) for storing game balls is provided at the bottom of the glass frame 4 (lower portion of the window 4a). is equipped with an effect button 8 that can be pressed, a cross key 40 that allows the player to perform various selection operations, and a discharge button 9 that discharges the game balls stored in the lower tray 6b to the outside of the game machine. there is
The effect button 8 is activated only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 8 is displayed on the image display unit 31, which will be described later. The effect button 8 is provided with a effect button detection switch 8a (see FIG. 3), and when the effect button detection switch 8a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed in response to this operation.

An operation handle 11 is provided on the lower right side of the glass frame 4 . When the player touches the operating handle 11, the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 3) in the operating handle 11 detects that the player has touched the operating handle 11, and the shooting control board (described later) is activated. send a touch signal to 160; The firing control board 160 permits energization of the firing solenoid 12a upon receiving a touch signal from the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 3). When the rotation angle of the operating handle 11 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operating handle 11 rotates, and the knob of the firing volume 11b (see FIG. 3) connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detected angle of the shooting volume 11b is applied to the shooting solenoid 12a provided in the game ball shooting mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 12a (see FIG. 3), the firing solenoid 12a operates according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is played with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 11. The game area 10a of the board 10 is shot.

Around the game area 10a of the game board 10, an outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided. These outer rail R1 and inner rail R2 guide the game ball shot from the game ball shooting mechanism when the operation handle 11 is operated to the upper part of the game area 10a. The game ball guided to the upper part of the game area 10a falls within the game area 10a. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably due to a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 10a.

A center member 12 is arranged substantially in the center of the game board 10 . The center member 12 is provided with an image display unit 31 and a performance accessory device 32 imitating a "sword".
The image display unit 31 includes a transmissive liquid crystal display module 31a that performs color display by a normal first method, which is provided on the far side in the depth direction as seen from the player, and a first method liquid crystal display module 31a, which is provided on the front side in the depth direction. A liquid crystal display module (second liquid crystal module) 31b that performs color display by a second method different from the above, a backlight, and an LED (none of which is shown) serving as a light source for the backlight.
These liquid crystal display modules will be described in detail later, but in the following description, the liquid crystal display module 31a that performs color display by the first method is referred to as the first liquid crystal module 31a, and the liquid crystal display module 31a that performs color display by the second method. The module 31b is described as a second liquid crystal module 31b.

In addition, in the game area 10a on the center lower side of the center member 12, a first starting hole 13 into which a game ball can enter is provided. A second starting port 14 is provided below the first starting port 13 . The second starting port 14 has an opening/closing door 14b, and is movably controlled between a first mode in which the opening/closing door 14b is maintained in a closed state and a second mode in which the opening/closing door 14b is opened. . Therefore, when the second starting port 14 is in the first mode, there is no winning chance for the game ball, and when in the second mode, the winning chance for the game ball increases.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the second starting port 14 is controlled in the first mode, the game ball is prevented from entering the second starting port 14 . However, if the chance of a game ball entering the game ball in the first mode is less than when it is controlled in the second mode, when the second mode is controlled in the first mode A game ball may enter the starting port 14. - 特許庁In other words, the first mode includes a state in which it is impossible or difficult to enter the game ball into the second starting port 14 .

The first start hole 13 and the second start hole 14 are provided with a first start hole detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) and a second start hole detection switch 14a, respectively, for detecting the entry of a game ball. When these detection switches detect the entry of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring the right to execute a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as "jackpot lottery") is performed. Also, when the first start hole detection switch 13a and the second start hole detection switch 14a detect the entry of game balls, predetermined prize balls (for example, three game balls) are paid out.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when game balls enter the first start hole 13 and the second start hole 14, for example, three game balls are put out. It is not always necessary to perform the payout associated with the entry of the ball. Further, the number of dispensing may be different for each starting port, for example, the number of dispensing of the first starting port 13 may be three and the number of dispensing of the second starting port 14 may be one.

The game areas 10a on both sides of the center member 12 are provided with gates 15 through which game balls can pass. The gate 15 is provided with a gate detection switch 15a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of a game ball, and when the gate detection switch 15a detects the passage of a game ball, a normal symbol lottery, which will be described later, is performed. .

Further, in the game area 10a on the right side of the center member 12, there are provided a first big winning hole 16 and a second big winning hole 17 into which game balls can enter. Therefore, the operation handle 11 is largely rotated and the game ball does not enter the first big winning hole 16 and the second big winning hole 17 unless the game ball is hit with a strong force.

The first big prize winning opening 16 is normally kept in a closed state by an opening/closing door 16b, making it impossible for game balls to enter. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the opening/closing door 16b is opened, and this opening/closing door 16b functions as a saucer for guiding the game balls into the first big winning hole 16, and the game balls are pushed into the first prize winning opening 16. A ball can be entered into the 1st prize winning opening 16. - 特許庁The first big winning opening 16 is provided with a first big winning opening switch 16a. game balls) are paid out.

The second big winning opening 17 is normally kept closed by the movable piece 17b, making it impossible for game balls to enter. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the movable piece 17b is actuated and opened, and this movable piece 17b functions as a guide path that guides the game ball into the second big winning hole 17, A game ball can enter the second big winning hole 17.例文帳に追加The second big winning hole 17 is provided with a second big winning hole switch 17a. game balls) are paid out.

Furthermore, a plurality of general winning openings 18 are provided in the game area 10a. When game balls enter these general winning holes 18, predetermined prize balls (for example, 10 game balls) are paid out.
At the bottom of the game area 10a, a game ball that did not enter any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17 An out port 19 for discharging is provided.

The image display unit 31 displays an image during standby when no game is played, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Above all, when a game ball enters the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, a performance pattern 35 for informing the player of the lottery result is displayed in a variable manner.
The effect pattern 35 is, for example, scrolling three patterns (numbers) such as a first pattern (left pattern), a second pattern (right pattern), and a third pattern (middle pattern), and after a predetermined time has passed, the relevant pattern is displayed. Scrolling is stopped and specific patterns (numbers) are displayed in an array.
Thus, during the scrolling of the patterns, the player is given an impression as if a lottery is currently being performed, and the player is informed of the result of the lottery by means of the patterns displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, etc. during the variable display of the effect pattern 35, the player is given a high expectation that he may win a big prize.

In addition, although not shown, the image display unit 31 displays a fourth pattern in addition to the effect pattern 35 described above. The fourth symbol is a symbol indicating the change state of the performance symbol 35 used for notification of the lottery result of the jackpot lottery process.
In addition, the fourth pattern does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display unit 31, and may be displayed by separately providing a fourth pattern display lamp.

A pair of left and right lighting devices 33 for presentation are provided on the upper part of the glass frame 4. - 特許庁The production lighting device 33 is provided with a plurality of lights, and performs various productions by changing the irradiation direction and emission color of light from each light.

In addition, each of the production lighting devices 33 has a plurality of lights, and various productions are performed by changing the irradiation direction and emission color of the light of each light.
Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 34 (see FIG. 3) consisting of a speaker. SE (sound effects) and the like are output, and sound production is also performed.

On the lower left side of the game area 10a, there are a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol reservation display device 23, and a second special symbol reservation display device 24, which will be described later. , a normal symbol holding display 25, a display area 28 such as a round number display 26 are provided.

The first special symbol display device 20 notifies the lottery result of a big win triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting port 13, and is composed of a plurality of LEDs. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the lottery result of the big win are provided, and by displaying the special symbols (lighting mode) corresponding to the lottery result of the big win on the first special symbol display device 20, the lottery result can be displayed in the game. I am trying to notify people. The special symbols displayed in this way are not displayed immediately, but are stopped after being variably displayed (blinking) for a predetermined period of time.

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start hole 13, a lottery for a big win will be held. The player is notified when the time has elapsed. Then, when a predetermined time has passed, the special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are stopped and displayed to notify the player of the lottery result.
The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 14, and its display mode is the first special symbol. It is the same as the display mode of the special design in the display device 20 .

The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the result of the normal symbol lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 15 . Although details will be described later, when a predetermined hit is won by the lottery of the normal symbols, the normal symbol display device 22 lights up, and then the second starting port 14 is controlled in the second mode for a predetermined time. It should be noted that the lottery result is not notified immediately after the game ball passes through the gate 15, but the normal design is changed by blinking the normal design display device 22 until a predetermined time elapses. I am trying to display it.

Furthermore, when the game ball enters the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, such as during the variable display of the special symbols or during the special game described later, and the jackpot lottery cannot be performed immediately, certain conditions The right to draw the jackpot is reserved under the More specifically, the jackpot lottery right reserved when a game ball enters the first starting port 13 is reserved as a first reservation, and reserved when a game ball enters the second starting port 14.例文帳に追加The right to draw the jackpot is reserved as a second reservation.
Both of these reservations set the upper limit reserved number to 4 respectively, and the reserved numbers are displayed on the first special symbol reservation display 23 and the second special symbol reservation display 24, respectively.

And, the upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to 4, and the reserved number is normally displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol reservation display 23 and the second special symbol reservation display 24. is displayed in device 25.
The number-of-rounds indicator 26 is for notifying the number of rounds of a round game performed during a special game, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 27, and the like are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1. FIG. Also, the power board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

Next, the production button 8 will be explained.
A performance button 8 is incorporated in the central part of the plate unit 7. - 特許庁
The effect button 8 is configured to be able to advance and retreat through a normal operating position (not shown), a depressed position retracted below the normal operating position, and a protruding operating position protruding upward above the normal operating position. . Also, the effect button 8 is configured to be able to be pressed from any position including the normal operation position and the projecting operation position to the pressed position.
In this specification, the detailed structure of the effect button 8 is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-116168, so the description thereof is omitted.

<Configuration of game control device>
Next, a game control device for controlling the progress of a game in the game machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the main control board 110 controls the basic operations of the game. The main control board 110 has at least a one-chip microcomputer 114 composed of a main CPU 111, a main ROM 112 and a main RAM 113, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control.
The main CPU 111 reads the program stored in the main ROM 112 based on the input signal from each detection switch and performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The main RAM 113 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 111 .

On the input side of the main control board 110, there are a first starting opening detection switch 13a, a second starting opening detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first big winning opening detection switch 16a, a second big winning opening detection switch 17a, A general winning hole detection switch 18 a is connected, and a game ball detection signal is input to the main control board 110 .

In addition, on the output side of the main control board 110, a starting opening opening/closing solenoid 14c that opens and closes the opening/closing door 14b of the second starting opening 14, and a first big winning opening that opens and closes the opening/closing door 16b of the first big winning opening 16. An opening/closing solenoid 16c and a second big winning opening opening/closing solenoid 17c for opening and closing the movable piece 17b of the second big winning opening 17 are connected.
Furthermore, on the output side of the main control board 110, there are a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol reservation display device 23, and a second special symbol reservation display device. 24, a normal symbol holding display 25, and a round number display 26 are connected, and various signals are output through output ports.
In addition, the main control board 110 outputs external information signals necessary for managing the game machines in a hall computer or the like of the game parlor to the game information output terminal board 27 .

The main ROM 112 of the main control board 110 stores game control programs, data necessary for various games, and tables, which will be described later.
Also, the main RAM 113 of the main control board 110 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 113 has a normal symbol reserved number (G) storage area, a normal symbol reserved storage area, a first special symbol reserved number (U1) storage area, a second special symbol reserved number (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. , 1st special symbol storage area, 2nd special symbol storage area, high probability game number (X) storage area, time saving game number (J) storage area, round game number (R) storage area, open number (K) storage area , 1st big winning gate number of balls (C1) storage area, 2nd big winning gate number of balls (C2) storage area, game state memory area, game state buffer, stop pattern data memory area, performance transmission data memory area etc. are provided. The game state storage area includes a time saving game flag storage area, a high probability game flag storage area, a special figure special electric processing data storage area, and a normal figure normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the storage areas described above are only examples, and many other storage areas are provided.

The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated by the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game parlor. The game information output terminal board 27 is wire-connected to the main control board 110, and is provided with a connector for connection to a hall computer or the like of the amusement arcade.

The power board 170 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power plug 171 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board. The power supply board 170 has a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power failure detection signal to the main control board 110 when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value. do. More specifically, when the power failure detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 111 becomes operable, and when the power failure detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 111 becomes inoperative. The backup power supply is not limited to a capacitor, and may be, for example, a battery, or a combination of a capacitor and a battery.

The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or during standby. This performance control board 120 includes a sub CPU 121, a sub ROM 122, and a sub RAM 123, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the performance control board 120. .
The sub CPU 121 reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 122 based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110 or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 140 and performs calculation. Processing is performed, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on the processing. The sub-RAM 123 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the sub-CPU 121 .

The sub ROM 122 of the effect control board 120 stores programs for effect control, data necessary for various games, and tables.
For example, a variable performance pattern determination table (not shown) for determining a performance pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, and a performance pattern pattern determination for determining a combination of performance symbols 35 to be stopped and displayed. A table (not shown) and the like are stored in the sub ROM 122 . It should be noted that the tables described above are only examples of the characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and many other tables and programs (not shown) are provided in the progress of the game. ing.

The sub-RAM 123 of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub RAM 123 includes a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect pattern storage area, a judgment storage area (0th storage area), a first reserved storage area, a second reserved storage area. etc. are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is only an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

Also, the effect control board 120 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 124 for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 121 receives a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 124 and executes various processes based on the current date and time.
The RTC 124 normally operates by power from the game machine when power is supplied to the game machine, and by power supplied from the backup power supply mounted on the power supply board 170 when the power of the game machine is off. Operate. Therefore, the RTC 124 can clock the current date and time even when the gaming machine is powered off. Incidentally, the RTC 124 may be operated by a battery provided on the performance control board 120 .

The payout control board 130 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU 131, a payout ROM 132, and a payout RAM 133, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The payout CPU 131 reads the program stored in the payout ROM 132 based on the input signals from the payout ball counting switch 135 for detecting whether or not the game balls have been paid out and the door opening switch 136, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the processing, corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110 .

The output side of the payout control board 130 is connected with a payout motor 134 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage section to the player. The payout CPU 131 reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 132 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 134 of the prize ball payout device to pay out a predetermined prize. Pay out the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 133 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the payout CPU 131 .
Also, it checks whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 130, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, causes the shooting control board 160 to shoot a game ball. Sends launch control data that allows

The firing control board 160 permits firing when receiving the firing control data from the payout control board 130 . Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a and the input signal from the shooting volume 11b are read, and the firing solenoid 12a and the ball feeding solenoid 12b are energized and controlled to shoot the game ball.

The firing solenoid 12a is composed of a rotary solenoid. A striking member (not shown) is directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a, and the rotation of the firing solenoid 12a rotates the firing member.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 12a is set to about 99.9 (times/minute) from the frequency based on the output cycle of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. FIG. As a result, the number of shot game balls in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces/minute) because one shot is shot each time the shooting solenoid makes one rotation. That is, game balls are shot approximately every 0.6 seconds.
The ball feed solenoid 12b is composed of a linear solenoid, and feeds the game balls on the upper tray 6a (see FIG. 1) one by one toward the hitting member directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a.

The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and the input side of the lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect button detection switch 8a provided in the effect button 8. When the detection signal is input from 8a, it is output to the effect control board 120. FIG.
In addition, the lamp control board 140 is connected to the production accessory device 32 and the production lighting device 33 provided on the game board 10 , and the lamp control board 140 responds to the data transmitted from the production control board 120 . Based on this, it controls the lighting of the production lighting device 33 and controls the driving of the motor for changing the direction of light irradiation. In addition, it controls the power supply of a driving source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the performance accessory device 32 . Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the production accessory device 32 includes the production button 8 because the production button 8 is configured to protrude.

The image control board 150 is connected to the performance control board 120 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and the image display unit 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to its output side.

<Configuration of image control board>
Here, the configuration of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image control board.
The image control board 150 includes a host CPU 151, a host RAM 152, a host ROM 153, a CGROM 154, a crystal oscillator 155, a VRAM 156, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 200;
Also, as will be described later, the VDP 200 includes an audio control circuit 300 for controlling audio output in the gaming machine.

The host CPU 151 instructs the VDP 200 to display the image data stored in the CGROM 154 on the image display unit 31 based on the later-described effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120 . Such an instruction is performed by setting data in the control register 201 of the VDP 200 and outputting a display list composed of drawing control commands.
Further, when the host CPU 151 receives a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 appropriately performs interrupt processing.

Furthermore, the host CPU 151 instructs the audio control circuit 300 included in the VDP 200 to output predetermined audio data to the audio output device 34 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120 .
The host RAM 152 is built in the host CPU 151, functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the host CPU 151, and temporarily stores data read from the host ROM 153. FIG.

The host ROM 153 is composed of a mask ROM, and includes a program for control processing of the host CPU 151, pattern arrangement information in which the pattern numbers of the performance symbols and the types of the performance symbols 35 are associated with each other, and a display for generating a display list. It stores a list generation program, animation patterns for displaying animation of production patterns, animation scene information, and the like.
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. In addition, animation scene information stores information such as wait frames (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. are doing.

The CGROM 154 is composed of flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, etc., and stores compressed image data (sprite, movie), etc., which is a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (eg, 32×32 pixels). ing. The pixel information is composed of color number information that designates a color number for each pixel and an α value that indicates the transparency of the image.
Further, the CGROM 154 stores uncompressed palette data in which color number information specifying a color number and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other.
Note that the CGROM 154 may be configured to compress only a portion of the image data without compressing all of the image data. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.
The CGROM 154 also stores a large amount of audio data as will be described later.

The crystal oscillator 155 outputs a pulse signal to the clock generation circuit 205 of the VDP 200, and by dividing the pulse signal, the clock generation circuit 205 generates a system clock for the VDP 200 to control, and synchronizes with the image display unit 31. A synchronizing signal or the like is generated for synchronizing.

The VRAM 156 is composed of an SRAM capable of writing or reading image data at high speed.
The VRAM 156 also includes a display list storage area 156a for temporarily storing a display list output from the host CPU 151, a development storage area 156b for storing image data decompressed by the decompression circuit 206, and an image drawing or display area. For this purpose, it has a first frame buffer 156c and a second frame buffer 156d for the first liquid crystal module 31a, and a first frame buffer 156e and a second frame buffer 156f for the second liquid crystal module 31b. The VRAM 156 also stores palette data.
The two sets of frame buffers (156c and 156d, 156e and 156f) are alternately switched between the "drawing frame buffer" and the "display frame buffer" each time drawing is started.

The VDP 200 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (frame buffers for display) based on instructions from the host CPU 151, and generates a video signal (R (red)) based on the read image data. , G (green), B (blue) signals, etc.) and outputs them to the image display unit 31 .
However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the VDP 200 is not only an image processor, but also has an audio output function.
The VDP 200 also includes a control register 201, a CG bus I/F 202, a CPU I/F 203, a clock generation circuit 205, an expansion circuit 206, a drawing circuit 207, a display circuit 208, a memory controller 209, and an audio control circuit. a circuit 300;

The control register 201 is a register for the VDP 200 to control drawing and display, and writing and reading data to and from the control register 201 controls drawing and display. The host CPU 151 can write data to and read data from the control register 201 via the CPU I/F 203 .
The control register 201 includes a system control register for making basic settings necessary for the operation of the VDP 200, a data transfer register for making settings necessary for transferring data, and a drawing register for making settings for controlling drawing. A register, a bus interface register for making settings necessary for accessing the bus, an expansion register for making settings necessary for decompressing a compressed image, and a display register for making settings for controlling the display. It has a register.

A CG bus I/F 202 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 154 , and image data from the CGROM 154 is input to the VDP 200 via the CG bus I/F 202 .
Also, the CPU I/F 203 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 151 . The host CPU 151 inputs an interrupt signal.

A data transfer circuit 204 transfers data between various devices.
Specifically, data transfer between the host CPU 151 and the VRAM 156, data transfer between the CGROM 154 and the VRAM 156, and data transfer between various storage areas (including frame buffers) of the VRAM 156 are performed.
A clock generation circuit 205 receives a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 155 and generates a system clock that determines the processing speed of the VDP 200 . It also generates a clock for generating a synchronous signal and outputs the synchronous signal to the image display unit 31 via the display circuit.

The decompression circuit 206 is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed in the CGROM 154, and stores the decompressed image data in the decompression storage area 153b.
The drawing circuit 207 is a circuit that performs sequence control using a display list composed of a group of drawing control commands.

The display circuit 208 outputs R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals representing image color data as video signals from the image data (digital signals) stored in the “display frame buffer” in the VRAM 156 . (analog signals) and outputs the generated video signals (R (red), G (green), B (blue) signals) to the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b. Furthermore, the display circuit 208 also provides synchronization signals (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b. output.
In this embodiment, R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals obtained by converting digital signals into analog signals are output to the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b as video signals. However, the video signal may be output as a digital signal.

The memory controller 209 controls switching between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when the host CPU 151 gives an instruction to switch the frame buffer.
The voice control circuit 300 reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the performance control board 120 and controls voice output in the voice output device 34 .
The voice control circuit 300 outputs voice using voice data stored in the CGROM 154 . In this case, the CGROM 154 is assumed to include a sound source ROM for storing audio data.

It should be noted that the sound data may be separately provided in the VDP 200 instead of being stored in the CGROM 154 .
In this case, since more image data can be stored without storing audio data in the CGROM 154 having a fixed capacity, the production using video can be made more colorful and impressive.

Also, the audio control circuit 300 may be provided independently within the image control board 150 without being included in the VDP 200 . In that case, the tone generator ROM may be included in the audio control circuit 300 .
The first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b, which constitute the image display unit 31, respectively include an LCD driver 36a and an LCD driver 36b for driving the liquid crystal. input to the driver.
Either the LCD driver 36a or the LCD driver 36b controls a plurality of LED light sources that emit light from the backlight.

<Main control board>
Next, various operations executed by the main control board 110, which is the main control board of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of various random numbers acquired by the main control board 110 of the pachinko machine 1, (a) is a random number for special symbol determination, (b) is a random number for jackpot symbol determination, and (c) is a reach determination. Random numbers for use and (d) are diagrams showing an example of random numbers for auxiliary symbol determination, respectively.
In the main control board 110, a special symbol is determined by the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(a) and the big hit symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(b). Further, the auxiliary symbol is determined by the auxiliary symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(d).

As for the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(a), one random number is obtained from 300 random numbers ranging from "0" to "299", for example, at the time of winning the starting game.
In the case of the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(a), in the low probability game state (normal game state), the ratio of the jackpot is set to 1/300, and the acquired special symbol determination random number is "3". It is sometimes considered a hit.
On the other hand, in the high-probability game state, the ratio of the jackpot is set to, for example, 10/300, which is ten times the low-probability game state, and the obtained random numbers for special symbol determination are "3", "7", and "37". , "67", "97", "127", "157", "187", "217" and "247" are judged to be a big win. In addition, with the special symbol determination random numbers shown in FIG. 5(a), a lottery for a small hit, which is a kind of loss, is also performed. Here, the ratio of the small win is set to 3/300, and when the acquired random number for special symbol determination is "150", "200", or "250", it is judged as a small win.

Next, as the jackpot symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(b), one random value is obtained from 250 random numbers from "0" to "249". Then, based on the obtained random number for judging the jackpot pattern, one jackpot is determined from among a plurality of types of jackpots.
In this embodiment, as a plurality of types of jackpots, a normal hit with reduced working hours, a normal hit with reduced working hours, a long hit with high probability of reduced working hours, a short hit with high probability of reduced working hours, and a short hit without high probability of reduced working hours are prepared.
It should be noted that the time-saving gaming state refers to a gaming state in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting port 14 than in the normal gaming state. That is, when a predetermined condition to be described later is established, the second starting opening/closing door 14b of the second starting opening 14 is changed from a closed state in which game balls are difficult to win to an open state in which game balls are easy to win. It refers to a game state accompanied by opening support of the second starting opening/closing door 14b that increases the probability of a game ball entering the starting opening 14.例文帳に追加

In the normal long winning with short working hours, the opening time of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 during the big winning game is relatively long, and a relatively large amount of balls can be expected to be put out, and after the big winning game ends, It is a jackpot that provides a time-saving game during the period until the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
In the normal short winning with short working hours, the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 during the big winning game is short, and the payout of balls cannot be expected, but after the big winning game ends, the special pattern is displayed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) It is a jackpot that provides a time-saving game during the period until it changes.

In the high-probability time-saving long winning, the opening time of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 is long during the big winning game, and the largest amount of balls can be expected to be put out, and the winning probability of the big winning after the big winning game is over. It is a jackpot that gives both a high probability game and a short-time game with increased .
The high-probability time-saving short win increases the probability of winning a big win after the end of the big win game, although the opening time of the first big win port 16 or the second big win port 17 during the big win game is short and the balls are not expected to be put out. It is a jackpot that gives both a high probability game and a short working time game.
In the high-probability, time-saving short win, the opening time of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 during the big winning game is short, and the balls are not expected to be put out, but the winning probability of the big winning is increased after the big winning game is over. It is a jackpot that gives a high probability game.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start hole 13 and when a game ball enters the second start hole 14, some types of jackpots are selected. are configured to have different ratios.
For example, the ratio of selecting the normal long win with time reduction is the same at 35/250 both when the game ball wins in the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins in the second start port 14. . Similarly, the ratio of selecting the short hit with the normal time reduction is the same at 15/250 both when the game ball wins in the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins in the second start port 14. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the random number value for judging the jackpot symbol acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 is "0" to "34". If so, the normal time reduction per hit is selected, and if it is "35" to "49", the normal time reduction per per is selected.

On the other hand, the ratio of selecting the high-probability time-saving long hit and the high-probability short time-saving hit is different when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins the second start port 14. , For example, the ratio of selecting the high probability time saving long hit is 25/250 when the game ball wins the first start port 13, and 175/250 when the game ball wins the second start port 14. be.
In addition, the ratio of selecting the short hit with high probability time saving is 75/250 when the game ball wins in the first start port 13, and 25/250 when the game ball wins in the second start port 14. be.
In addition, the ratio of selecting the high-probability reduction in working hours without reduction hit is set to 100/250 only when the game ball wins the first start port 13.例文帳に追加
Specifically, if the random number value for judging the jackpot symbol acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 13 is "50" to "74", a long hit with a high probability of time reduction is selected, and "75" is selected. ”~“149”, a short hit with a high probability of time saving is selected, and if “150” to “249”, a short time hit without a high probability of time saving is selected.
On the other hand, if the random number value for judging the jackpot design obtained when the game ball wins the second starting hole is ``50'' to ``224'', a long hit with a high probability of shortening working hours is selected and ``225''. ~ If it is "249", a short hit with high probability time saving is selected.

In addition, the reach determination random number shown in FIG. 5(c) is obtained by acquiring one random number from among 250 random numbers from "0" to "249" at the time of starting winning, and obtaining the reach determination random number is "0" to "21", it is determined to be "reachable", and when the obtained random number for reach determination is "22" to "249", it is determined to be "no reach".

Also, as for the auxiliary symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5(d), one random value is obtained from 10 random numbers from "0" to "9" when passing through the gate.
Then, in the low-probability game state in which both the time-saving flag and the high-precision flag are OFF, or the high-probability no time-saving game state in which the time-saving flag is OFF and the high-precision flag is ON, the random number for determining the auxiliary symbol acquired is "7". ” is determined as a hit only.
On the other hand, in the low-probability time-saving gaming state in which the time-saving flag is ON and the high-precision flag is OFF, or in the high-probability time-saving gaming state in which both the time-saving flag and the high-precision flag are ON, the random number value for determining the auxiliary symbol obtained is A win is determined when the value is "0" to "9".

Next, main processing executed by the main control board 110 of the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The processing described below can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 213 by the CPU 212 of the main control board 110 . A description of the random number update process is omitted.

[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
The CPU 212 performs random number update processing (S10), starting port SW processing (S20), gate SW processing (S30), special symbol processing (S40), customer waiting setting processing (S50), auxiliary symbol processing ( S60), big winning opening process (S70), second starting opening opening process (S80), etc. are executed.

Next, various processes executed as the timer interrupt process will be described.
[Starting port SW processing]
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the starting port SW process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In this case, the CPU 212 determines in step S101 whether or not the first starting port SW13a of the first starting port 13 is on. If it is determined that the first starting port SW13a is on, step S102 , it is determined whether or not the reserved number U1 of the first starting port SW13a is less than "4".

Here, when it is determined that the pending number U1 is less than "4", "1" is added to the pending number U1 in step S103. After that, in step S104, the random number for special symbol determination, the random number for big hit symbol determination, the random number for reach determination, the variation pattern random number, etc. are obtained and stored in the RAM 214. FIG.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that 180 variation pattern random numbers (0 to 179) are prepared.

Next, in step S105, the CPU 212 increases the number of reservations displayed on the first special symbol reservation display 23 and sets the first number-of-reservations increase command. CPU212 will transmit a 1st reservation number increase command with respect to the production|presentation control board 120, if a 1st reservation number increase command is set. If a negative result is obtained in step S102, that is, if it is determined that the number of reservations U1 is "4", which is the maximum number of possible reservations, the processing of steps S103 to S105 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the second starting port SW14a of the second starting port 14 is ON. If it is determined that the second starting port SW14a is ON, step S107 , it is determined whether or not the pending number U2 of the second start port SW14a is less than "4".
Here, when it is determined that the pending number U2 is less than "4", "1" is added to the pending number U2 in step S108. After that, in step S109, the random number for special symbol determination, the random number for big hit symbol determination, the random number for reach determination, the variation pattern random number, etc. are obtained and stored in the RAM 214.

Next, the CPU 212 increases the number of reservations on the second special symbol reservation display 24 and sets a second number-of-reservations increase command in step S110. When the second reservation number increase command is set, the CPU 212 transmits the second reservation number increase command to the effect control board 120, and ends the starting opening SW process. If a negative result is obtained in step S107, that is, if it is determined that the pending number U2 is "4", which is the maximum pending possible number, the starting point SW process is terminated.

[Gate switch processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of gate SW processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S121, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the gate SW15a of the gate 15 is ON. If it is determined that the gate SW15a is ON, in step S122, the gate passage count G of the gate SW15a is set to "4". ” is determined.

If it is determined in step S122 that the number of gate passages G is less than "4", then in step S123, "1" is added to the number of gate passages G, and in subsequent step S124, a random number for auxiliary symbol determination is obtained. are stored in the RAM 214, and the gate SW processing is terminated.
If it is determined in step S121 that the gate SW 15a is not turned on, or if a negative result is obtained in step S122, that is, if it is determined that the number of gate passages G is "4", which is the maximum holdable number, the gate Terminate SW processing.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of special symbol processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S131, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the special game flag is ON, that is, whether the jackpot game or the small hit game is in progress, and determines that the jackpot game or the small hit game is not in progress. determines whether or not the special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is fluctuating in the subsequent step S132.
If it is determined in step S132 that the special symbol is not fluctuating, then in step S133 it is determined whether or not the pending number U2 of the second starting port SW14a to be preferentially digested is greater than "1", If it is determined in step S133 that the pending number U2 is greater than "1", then "1" is subtracted from the pending number U2 in step S134.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S133 that the number of reservations U2 is not ≧1, that is, if the number of reservations U2 is "0", then in step S135, the number of reservations U1 of the first start port SW13a is "1". If it is determined in step S135 that the pending number U1 is greater than "1", the pending pending number U1 is decremented by "1" in step S136.

Next, in step S137, if the customer waiting flag is ON, the CPU 212 turns it OFF, and then in step S138 executes special game determination processing (FIG. 11), which will be described later. After executing the special game determination process in step S138, in step S139, a fluctuation pattern selection process (FIG. 12), which will be described later, is executed. After executing the variation pattern selection process in step S139, in step S140, the design variation of the corresponding first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is started, and in subsequent step S141, the effect control board 120 Sets the floating start command to be sent to the
The variation start command includes a variation pattern command that indicates the variation time of the special pattern, a big hit or small win command that indicates the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, a jackpot pattern command that indicates the lottery result of the jackpot pattern, and a reach that indicates the lottery result of the reach lottery. Commands, game state commands related to the current game state, etc. are included.

Next, in step S142, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the variation time of the first or second special symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.
In step S142, when it is determined that the predetermined variation time has elapsed, in subsequent step S143, the variation of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped to display a predetermined special symbol.
After that, in step S144, a fluctuation stop command is set, and in subsequent step S145, the processing during stop (FIG. 14), which will be described later, is executed to end the special symbol processing.

If it is determined that the special game flag is ON in step S131, or if it is determined that the special symbol variation time has not reached the predetermined variation time in step S142, the special symbol processing is terminated.
If it is determined in step S132 that the special symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step S142, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has passed a predetermined variation time.
Further, when it is determined in step S135 that the pending number U1 is not ≧1, that is, when it is determined that there is no pending pending number U1 or U2, in step S146, the customer waiting setting process shown in FIG. 10 is executed. End the special symbol processing.

[Customer waiting setting process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of customer waiting setting processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S151, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON, and when determining that the customer waiting flag is ON, ends the customer waiting setting process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S151 that the customer waiting flag is not ON, the customer waiting command is set in step S152, and the customer waiting flag is turned ON in step S153, and then the customer waiting setting process is terminated.
It should be noted that the customer waiting flag is turned ON from OFF when a state in which no special symbols are reserved continues for a predetermined period of time without a jackpot state.

[Special game determination process]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of special game determination processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S161, the CPU 212 determines the special symbol determination random number value stored in the RAM 214, and in subsequent step S162, determines whether or not the jackpot has been won.
In step S162, when it is determined that the jackpot has been won, in subsequent step S163, the random number value for jackpot symbol determination stored in the RAM 214 is determined, and in step S164, based on the determination result, the first special symbol is determined. The jackpot symbol to be displayed on the display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is set, and the special game determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S162 that the jackpot has not been won, then in step S165 it is determined whether or not the small win has been won based on the special symbol determination random number value.
In step S165, when it is determined that the small hit is won, in the following step S166, set the small hit design to be displayed on the first special design display device 20 or the second special design display device 21, special game determination processing. exit.
In addition, in step S165, when it is determined that the small hit is not won, in step S167, the loss symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is set and special game determination processing is performed. exit.

[Variation pattern selection process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of variation pattern selection processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
First, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the time saving flag indicating the time saving game state is ON in step S171. In step S171, when it is determined that the time saving flag is ON, in subsequent step S172, the time saving game state table is set as the variation pattern table, and the process proceeds to step S174.

On the other hand, in step S171, when it is determined that the time saving flag is not ON, in step S173, a non-time saving gaming state table is set as the variation pattern table, and the process proceeds to step S174.
Next, in step S174, the CPU 212 determines the previously acquired variation pattern random number value, and in subsequent step S175, based on the set variation pattern table and the variation pattern random number value, sets the variation pattern. to end the variation pattern selection process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table, (a) showing an example of a variation pattern table for a non-time-saving game state, and (b) showing an example of a variation pattern table for a time-saving gaming state.

First, the non-time-saving gaming state variation pattern table shown in FIG. 13(a) will be described.
In the variation pattern table for the non-time-saving gaming state shown in FIG. 13(a), the random number for special symbol determination is a jackpot of "3", and when the variation pattern random number is "0 to 89", the variation time A long variation pattern 1 of 90 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 1 is selected, a winning performance with a reach A is performed.

When the random number for special symbol determination is "3" and the variation pattern random number is "90 to 179", variation pattern 2 with a variation time of 60 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 2 is selected, a winning performance with a reach B is performed.
Also, if the random number for special symbol determination is a small hit of "150, 200, 250", regardless of the selected variation pattern random number "0 to 179", the variation pattern 3 with a variation time of 60 seconds. select. When the variation pattern 3 is selected, a chance performance is performed.

Next, a case where the random number for special symbol determination is a loss other than "3, 150, 200, 250" and the game state is a non-time-saving game state will be described.
When the random number for special symbol determination is a loss, a variation pattern is determined based on the number of held balls of the first special symbol, the random number for reach determination, the random number for variation pattern, and the like.
Specifically, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 2" and the reach determination random value is "22 to 249" without reach, the selected variation pattern Variation pattern 4 with a variation time of 12 seconds is selected regardless of the random value "0 to 179". When the variation pattern 4 is selected, an effect of the normal variation A is performed.

On the other hand, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 2", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "0 to 29". In the case of , select the variation pattern 5 in which the variation time is 90 seconds. When the variation pattern 5 is selected, a losing performance accompanied by reach A is performed.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 2", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "30 to 179". In the case of , select the variation pattern 6 in which the variation time is 30 seconds. When the variation pattern 6 is selected, a losing performance accompanied by reach B is performed.

Next, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "3" and the reach determination random number is "22 to 249" and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random number "0 to 179”, the variation pattern 7 with a variation time of 8 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 7 is selected, an effect of the normal variation B is performed.
Also, if the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "3", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "0 to 29" , select the variation pattern 5 in which the above-described variation time is 90 seconds.
Also, if the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "3", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "30 to 179" , select the variation pattern 6 whose variation time is 30 seconds.

Also, if the total number of pending balls of the first and second special symbols is "4 to 8" and the reach determination random number is "22 to 249" and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random number " 0 to 179”, the variation pattern 8 with a variation time of 4 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 8 is selected, an effect of shortened variation A is performed.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "4 to 8", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "0 to 29". In the case of , variation pattern 5 is selected in which the above-described variation time is 90 seconds.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "4 to 8", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "30 to 179". In the case of , variation pattern 6 is selected in which the above-described variation time is 30 seconds.

Next, the variation pattern table for the time saving game state shown in FIG. 13(b) will be described. In addition, the variation pattern table for the time saving game state shown in FIG. 13(b) is the same as the variation pattern table for the non-time saving game state shown in FIG. Therefore, the description will be omitted, and only the case where the random number for special symbol determination is lost and the game state is the time-saving game state will be described here.

When the random number for special symbol determination is a loss, a variation pattern is determined based on the number of held balls of the second special symbol, the random number for reach determination, the random number for variation pattern, and the like.
Specifically, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 5" and the reach determination random value is "22 to 249" without reach, the selected variation pattern Variation pattern 4 with a variation time of 12 seconds is selected regardless of the random value "0 to 179". When the variation pattern 4 is selected, the production of the normal variation A is performed.

On the other hand, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 5", the reach judgment random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "0 to 29". In the case of , select the variation pattern 5 in which the variation time is 90 seconds. When the variation pattern 5 is selected, a losing performance accompanied by reach A is performed.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "0 to 5", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "30 to 179". In the case of , select the variation pattern 6 in which the variation time is 30 seconds. When the variation pattern 6 is selected, a losing performance accompanied by reach B is performed.

On the other hand, if the total number of pending balls of the first and second special symbols is "6 to 8" and the reach determination random number is "22 to 249" and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random number " 0 to 179”, the variation pattern 9 with a variation time of 2 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 9 is selected, an effect of shortening variation B is performed.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "6 to 8", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "0 to 29". , the variation pattern 5 is selected.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is "6 to 8", the reach determination random number is "0 to 21", and the fluctuation pattern random number is "30 to 179". , the variation pattern 6 is selected.

In this embodiment, when the jackpot is won, the variation pattern is determined based on the special symbol determination random number value and the variation pattern random number value, but this is only an example, and the special symbol determination random value value. and the random number for judging the big hit pattern, or the random number for judging the special pattern, the random number for judging the big hit pattern and the random number for judging the big hit pattern.

[Stopped process]
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of stop processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S181, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the time saving flag is ON, and if it determines that the time saving flag is ON, in the subsequent step S182, the number of times of remaining time saving games stored in the RAM 214 is displayed. Subtract "1" from J.

Next, in step S183, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the number of remaining games J is "0". Since it means that it has been performed a number of times (for example, 100 times), the time saving flag is turned OFF in subsequent step S184.
If it is determined in step S181 that the time saving flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S183 that the number of remaining games J is not "0", the process proceeds to step S185.

Next, in step S185, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the high accuracy flag is ON. If it is determined that the high accuracy flag is ON, the CPU 212 stores in the RAM 214 in the following step S186. "1" is subtracted from the number X of remaining games of the high-probability game.
Next, in step S187, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the number of remaining games X is "0". Since it means that it has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10000 times), the high accuracy flag is turned off in the subsequent step S188.
If it is determined in step S185 that the high accuracy flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S187 that the number of remaining games X is not "0", the process proceeds to step S189.

Next, in step S189, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the special symbol set in the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is a big hit. Then, in step S190, it is determined whether or not the set special symbol is a "small hit". Here, when it is determined to be a small hit, in step S191, the small hit game flag is turned ON. Thereafter, in step S192, the opening of the jackpot is started, and in step S193, a jackpot opening command is set, and the stop processing is terminated.

On the other hand, in step S190, when it is determined that it is not a small hit, the process during fluctuation stop is terminated without turning ON the small hit game flag.
Also, in step S189, if it is determined to be a jackpot, then in step S194, it is determined whether the jackpot is a long hit, and if it is determined to be a long hit, in step S195, a long The winning game flag (special game flag) is turned ON, otherwise in step S196, the short winning game flag (special game flag) is turned ON. After that, in step S197, the number of remaining games J of the time saving game and the remaining number of times X of the high probability game are set to "0" respectively, and after resetting the number of remaining games J/X, in step S198, the time saving flag is set. and the high accuracy flag are turned off, and the process proceeds to step S192.

[Auxiliary pattern processing]
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of auxiliary symbol processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S201, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON, and when it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is ON, ends the auxiliary symbol process.
On the other hand, in step S201, when it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary symbol is fluctuating. In step S202, when it is determined that the auxiliary symbol is not changing, in step S203, it is determined whether or not the number of gate passages G storing the number of times the game ball has passed through the gate SW 15a is greater than "1", If the gate passing count G is greater than "1", the gate passing count G is decremented by "1" in subsequent step S204. In that case, the auxiliary symbol processing is terminated.

Next, in step S205, the CPU 212 determines a random number value for auxiliary design determination, sets a stop design to be stopped and displayed on the auxiliary design display device 22 in the following step S206, and sets a variation time in step S207. .
Here, it is conceivable to set the variation time of the auxiliary symbol to 4.0 seconds, for example, if the time saving flag is OFF, and to set it, for example, to 1.5 seconds if the time saving flag is ON.

Next, in step S209, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the variation time of the auxiliary symbol has passed for a predetermined time. If it is determined that the predetermined variation time has passed, the CPU 212 stops the variation in step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S209 that the auxiliary symbol variation time has not passed the predetermined time, the auxiliary symbol processing is terminated.
Next, in step S211, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary symbol is a winning symbol, and if the auxiliary symbol is a winning symbol, in step S212, the auxiliary game flag is turned ON, and auxiliary symbol processing is performed. exit.
In step S211, when it is determined that the stop symbol is not a winning symbol, the auxiliary symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.
Further, when it is determined in step S202 that the auxiliary pattern is changing, the process proceeds to step S209, and it is determined whether or not the variation time of the auxiliary pattern has passed a predetermined variation time.

[Grand Prize Opening Process]
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the big winning opening process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S221, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the small winning game flag or the special game flag is ON, and when it is determined that the small winning game flag or the special game flag is ON, in step S222, the opening It is determined whether or not it is in the middle. If it is determined in step S222 that it is during the opening of the jackpot, then in step S223 it is determined whether or not the opening time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S223 that the opening time has passed, then in step S224, the value of the number of rounds R is set to "0" and the number of rounds (number of R)/operation pattern is set.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a setting example of the number of rounds/operation patterns. For example, if the special game is a normal time-saving long win, the number of rounds (number of R) is 4R, and the operation pattern in 1R is 29. .Set to open for 5 seconds x 1 time. In addition, when the jackpot is a short win with normal working hours, the number of rounds (number of R) is set to 2R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 seconds open×1 time. Furthermore, if the jackpot is a long hit with a high probability of time saving, set the number of rounds (R number) to 16R, the operating pattern in 1R to 29.5 seconds open x 1 time, and the jackpot is a short hit with a high probability of time saving. And if it is a high probability time saving no short hit, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 2R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 second open × 1 time.
In the case of a small hit, for example, the number of rounds (number of R) is set to 1R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 seconds open×2 times.

Next, in step S225, the CPU 212 sets the number counter C indicating the number of prizes won per round to the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 to "0", and in subsequent step S226, "1" is added to the value of the number of rounds R. Then, in the subsequent step S227, the operation of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 is started. That is, either the first big prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 is changed from the closed state to the open state.

Next, in step S228, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the operating time of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 has passed a predetermined time. If so, it is determined whether or not the value of the number counter C has reached the specified number in step S229.
When it is determined in step S229 that the value of the number counter C is the prescribed number C, the operation of the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 ends in step S230. That is, the first big prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 which is in the open state is closed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, the big winning opening process is terminated.
Further, in step S228, if the operation time of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 has passed the predetermined operation time, the process of step S229 is skipped, and the number of the number counter C is counted. Without checking, in step S230, the operation of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is terminated.

Next, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the number of big hit rounds is the maximum number of rounds R in step S231. That is, it is determined whether or not the jackpot round is the final round.
When it is determined in step S231 that the jackpot round is the final round, the ending is started in step S232, and an ending command is set in step S233.

Next, the CPU 212 sets the value of the number of rounds R to "0" in step S234. Thereafter, in step S235, it is determined whether or not the ending time has passed, and if it is determined that the ending time has passed, then in the subsequent step S236, a game state setting process, which will be described later, is executed. After that, in step S237, the special game flag is turned OFF, and the big winning opening process ends.

In step S222, if it is determined that the jackpot opening is not in progress, it is determined in step S238 whether or not the ending is in progress. When it is determined that it is not, in step S239, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening is in operation.

In step S239, when it is determined that the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 is in operation, the process moves to step S228, and the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 is in operation. If it is determined otherwise, the process proceeds to step S225.
If it is determined in step S221 that the opening time has not passed, the big winning opening process is terminated. Similarly, in step S229, if it is determined that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, or if it is determined that the jackpot round is not the final round in step S231, or if the ending time has passed in step S235 Also when it is determined that there is not, the big winning opening process is terminated.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of game state setting processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
First, in step S241, the CPU 212 determines whether or not it is a small win, and when it is determined that it is a small win, ends the game state setting process.
On the other hand, in step S241, when it is determined that it is not a small hit, then in step S242, it is determined whether or not it is a normal hit (long hit with normal time reduction or short hit with normal time reduction), and it is a normal hit If so, in step S243, the time saving flag is turned ON, and in step S244, the remaining game count J of the time saving game is set to, for example, "100", and the game state setting process is terminated.

Further, when it is determined in step S242 that it is not a normal win, since it is a jackpot that gives a high probability game, in step S245, the high probability flag is turned ON, and in step S246, the number of remaining games of the high probability game. Set X to, for example, "10000".

Next, in step S247, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the hit is the time saving hit, and when it is determined that the time saving hit is made, the time saving flag is turned ON in step S248, and the time saving flag is turned on in step S249. , for example, "10000" is set to the number of remaining games J of the time-saving game, and the game state setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S247 that there is no time-saving hit, the time-saving flag is turned OFF in step S250, and the number of remaining games J of the time-saving game is reset in step S251, thereby ending the game state setting process. .

[Second start port opening process]
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the second starting opening opening process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
The CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in step S261, and if it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is ON, then in step S262, the second starting opening opening/closing door 14b operates. It is determined whether or not it is in the middle. In step S262, if the second starting opening/closing door 14b is not in operation (opening), in step S263, the operation pattern of the second starting opening/closing door 14b is set according to the game state, and in step S264, the second opening/closing door 14b is set. 2 Start the operation of the opening/closing door 14b.
Here, the operation pattern (time) of the second starting opening opening/closing door 14b to be set is, for example, if the time saving flag is OFF, 0.15 seconds open × 1 time, and if the time saving flag is ON, 1.80 seconds It is conceivable to set it to open x 3 times.

Next, in step S265, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the operating time of the second starting port opening/closing door 14b has passed a predetermined time. , the auxiliary game flag is turned OFF, and the second starting port opening process is terminated.
If it is determined in step S262 that the second opening/closing door 14b is in operation, the process proceeds to step S265.
Also, in step S261, when it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, or in step S265, when it is determined that the operating time of the second starting port 14 has not elapsed, the second starting port opening process is terminated. .

Thus, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 are stopped, the first starting port 13 When the game ball enters the ball, the random number for special symbol determination, the random number for big hit symbol determination, the random number for reach determination, etc. are acquired by lottery with this entrance as a trigger, and the first special symbol display device 20 To variably display a special pattern. Then, when it is determined that the obtained random number for special symbol determination wins the special game, the first special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20 is stopped at a specific symbol. After that, the special game of any of the above-described long win, short win, or small win is executed.

During the long winning game, a ball can be obtained by shooting a game ball aiming at the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17 which is in an open state.
On the other hand, during the short winning game, since the opening time of the big winning hole is extremely short, even if the game ball is shot aiming at the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17, most of the balls can be obtained. It is not possible.

Similarly, for example, when the game ball enters the second start port 14 while the fluctuation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped, this entry Random numbers for special symbol determination, random numbers for jackpot symbol determination, random numbers for ready-to-win determination, etc. are acquired by lottery with the ball as a trigger, and the second special symbol of the second special symbol display device 21 is variably displayed.
Then, when it is determined that the obtained random number for special symbol determination wins the special game, the second special symbol of the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped at a specific symbol. After that, the above-described special game of either the big win (long win or short win) or the small win is executed. During a long winning game, a ball can be obtained by shooting a game ball aiming at a first big winning hole 16 or a second big winning hole 17 which is in an open state for a predetermined period. On the other hand, similarly to the above, during the short-hit game, the opening time of the big winning hole is extremely short, so even if the game ball is shot aiming at the first big winning hole 16 or the second big winning hole 17, most of the balls are won. I can't do it.

After the jackpot game is over, based on the lottery result of the random number for jackpot pattern determination, as a bonus game, a normal time-saving game with opening support of the second start opening and closing door 14b is performed for a predetermined period of time. A high probability time-saving game that performs a high probability game with a high probability of winning for a predetermined period (so-called probability variable game), or a high probability time-saving game that performs only a high probability game for a predetermined period (so-called latent probability variable game) It shifts to a game state.
The high-probability game is continued until the number of fluctuations of the special symbols reaches a preset number of times (for example, 10000 times), or until the jackpot is won again.

On the other hand, the time-saving game continues until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a preset number (for example, 100 times for a normal time-saving game, 10000 times for a high-probability time-saving game), or until the jackpot is won again. is done.
During the time saving game, the variation time from the start of variation of the special symbols to the stop of variation is set shorter than during the normal game, and the winning probability of the auxiliary symbols is set higher than during the normal game.
Furthermore, the opening time of the second starting opening opening/closing door 14b at the time of winning the auxiliary symbol is set longer than that during the normal game.
Therefore, during the time-saving game, the winning rate of the game ball to the second start port 14 is higher than during the normal game, so the player shoots the game ball aiming at the second start port 14 during the normal game. It is possible to greatly improve the game efficiency compared to this.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the second start port 14, the ratio of winning a jackpot more advantageous to the player than when a game ball enters the first start port 13. Since the value is higher, it is easier for the player to win a big win during the time-saving game than during the normal game.

Next, processing executed by the effect control board 120 will be described.
[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board. In addition, the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 20 can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 223 by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 .
In this case, the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 executes command reception processing (step S310), effect button processing (step S320), command transmission processing (step S330), etc. as timer interrupt processing.

Next, an example of main processing which sub CPU121 of production control board 120 performs as timer interruption processing is explained. In addition, the processing described below can also be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 223 by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 .

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of command reception processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In step S401, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a command to increase the number of reservations has been received. If it is determined that a command to increase the number of reservations has been received, in step S402, the sub CPU 121 executes a process of receiving an increase in the number of reservations.

Next, in step S403, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received. If it is determined that a variation start command has been received, the sub CPU 121 executes effect selection processing in subsequent step S404.
The effect selection process of step S404 is a process of selecting an effect to be performed while the special symbols are changing.
If it is determined in step S403 that the variation start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S405 without executing the effect selection process.

Next, in step S405, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a variation stop command has been received. If it is determined that a variation stop command has been received, then in step S406, the sub CPU 121 executes processing during termination of the variation effect. .
As the processing during the end of the variable production, there are analysis of the variable stop command, various processing such as change of the mode flag based on the analysis result, and processing of setting the end command of the variable production.
In addition, in step S405, when it determines with not having received the fluctuation|variation stop command, it progresses to step S407, without performing a process during the completion of fluctuation production|presentation.

Next, in step S407, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not an opening command has been received. If it is determined that an opening command has been received, then in subsequent step S408 a special game effect selection process is executed.
The special game effect selection process includes analysis of an opening command, special game effect pattern selection process, and processing of setting an opening effect start command.
If it is determined in step S407 that the opening command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S409 without executing the special game effect selection process.

Next, in step S409, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not it has received an ending command for executing the ending effect selection process. Execute the process.
The ending effect selection processing includes processing for analyzing an ending command, selecting an ending effect pattern, and setting an ending effect start command.

If it is determined in step S409 that the ending command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S411 without executing the ending effect selection process.
Next, in step S411, the sub CPU 121 executes a customer waiting command reception process and terminates the command reception process.

[Production selection process]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 first analyzes the variation start command in step S421, and subtracts the number of pending balls stored in the RAM 224 in subsequent step S422.
Next, in step S423, a variation performance pattern is selected based on the analysis result of the variation start command, and in subsequent step S424, the variation performance start command is set, and the performance selection process ends.

[Processing during end of fluctuation effect]
FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an example of processing during the end of the variable effect executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the fluctuation stop command in step S431, performs various processes such as changing the mode flag based on the analysis result, and then sets the fluctuation effect end command in the next step S432. , the processing during the end of the variation effect is terminated.

[Opening effect selection process]
FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an example of a winning effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the opening command in step S441, and performs winning effect pattern selection processing in the subsequent step S442. Thereafter, in step S443, an opening effect start command is set, and the opening effect selection process is terminated.

[Ending effect selection process]
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing an example of an ending effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the ending command in step S451, and selects an ending effect pattern in subsequent step S452. Thereafter, in step S453, an ending effect start command is set, and the ending effect selection process is terminated.

The display mode and display control of the image display unit 31, which is a characteristic configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, will be described below.
As described above, the image display unit 31 according to the present embodiment includes the first liquid crystal module 31a that performs color display by the first method using color filters, and the second liquid crystal module 31a that performs color display by the second method without using color filters. 2 liquid crystal module 31b.
In the image display unit 31, a backlight 100, a first liquid crystal module 31a, and a second liquid crystal module 31b are arranged from the far side as seen from the player.
In this specification, the term "backlight" refers to a light guide plate or light emitting plate such as an acrylic plate that emits surface light by guiding incident light from an LED as a light source to the front side.

Before describing the characteristic configuration of the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, the basic configuration of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b will be described.
<Basic configuration of the first liquid crystal module>
FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the basic configuration of the first liquid crystal module.
Generally, a liquid crystal display device includes a white LED 115W as a light source, a backlight (light guide plate) 100 emitting light emitted from the LED 115W, and a first liquid crystal module 31a arranged in front of the backlight 100. The white LED 115W emits white light, and the backlight 100 emits white light. White light emitted from the backlight 100 enters the first liquid crystal module 31a.
In the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, which will be described in detail later, the light incident on the first liquid crystal module 31a is not the white backlight light from the white LED 115W, but the light is sequentially displayed based on the color display of the second method. It is a backlight with multiple colors that can be switched. However, the function as a liquid crystal module is the same, and the case where a white LED 115W is used will be described.
As an overview, the first liquid crystal module 31a includes a layer (liquid crystal molecule layer) in which liquid crystal molecules are arranged, a color filter laminated on the front side thereof, and a polarizing filter. In the color filter, one pixel is composed of three sub-pixels of R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

In this specification, a liquid crystal molecule layer in which liquid crystal molecules are arranged may be simply referred to as liquid crystal molecules or liquid crystal for the sake of simplification of explanation.
Although the function of the liquid crystal molecules will be described in detail later, the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal module 31a are driven by a drive signal (driving voltage) applied from the LCD driver 36a based on the video signal from the VDP 200. FIG.
The liquid crystal molecules driven based on the drive signal control the polarization of the light incident on the liquid crystal molecule layer so that it can or cannot be emitted from the polarizing filter after passing through the color filter of each sub-pixel.

In FIG. 26, for example, for one pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the light emitted from the R sub-pixel (color filter) can pass through the polarizing filter, and the light emitted from the G sub-pixel (color filter) can pass through the polarizing filter. cannot pass through the polarizing filter and the light emitted from the B sub-pixel (color filter) cannot pass through the polarizing filter, the pixel emits R (red) light.
For another pixel, light emitted from the G sub-pixel (color filter) can pass through the polarizing filter, and light emitted from the R sub-pixel (color filter) can pass through the polarizing filter, When the liquid crystal molecules are controlled so that the light emitted from the B sub-pixel (color filter) cannot pass through the polarizing filter, the pixel emits G (green) light.
When expressing intermediate colors in one pixel, the liquid crystal molecules are controlled so that the light emitted from all the sub-pixels (color filters) can pass through the polarizing filters, while the amount of light entering each sub-pixel (liquid crystal molecules The liquid crystal molecules are controlled so as to adjust the amount of light emitted from the layer.
By controlling the driving of the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the sub-pixels for all the pixels, it is possible to display the entire image on the screen.

Display control of the first liquid crystal module will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 27 to 31. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a layered structure of elements constituting the first liquid crystal module.
As shown in FIG. 27, the first liquid crystal module 31a includes, from the backlight 100 side, an incident-side polarizing filter 101a, a glass substrate 102a, an incident-side transparent electrode 103a, an incident-side light distribution film 104a, liquid crystal molecules 105a, and an exit-side polarizing filter 101a. An optical film 106a, an output-side transparent electrode 107a, a color filter 108, and an output-side polarizing filter 109a are laminated.
A current for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal molecules 105a is applied to the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the emitting side transparent electrode 107a. That is, a driving voltage for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105a is applied between the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the emitting side transparent electrode 107a.

The function of the liquid crystal module in a typical driving method will be described below. The function of the first liquid crystal module will be described, but the second liquid crystal module, which will be described later, also performs the same function.
As will be described later, the second liquid crystal module 31b includes, from the backlight 100 side, an incident-side polarizing filter 101b, a glass substrate 102b, an incident-side transparent electrode 103b, an incident-side light distribution film 104b, liquid crystal molecules 105b, and an output-side light distribution film 106b. , an output-side transparent electrode 107b, and an output-side polarizing filter 109b are laminated.
In the following description of the functions of the liquid crystal modules in the representative driving methods, the elements that the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b have in common are not given the symbols a and b and are not distinguished from each other. explain.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the basic function of a TN liquid crystal module.
In the liquid crystal module adopting the TN (Twisted Nematic) method, the liquid crystal molecules 105 are aligned horizontally when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules is OFF, so that the light incident from the incident side polarizing filter 101 is diverted from the outgoing side polarizing filter 109. The light emitted from the color filter 108 is controlled by allowing the light to pass through or by blocking the light with the exit-side polarizing filter 109 when the liquid crystal molecules rise when the voltage is ON, thereby performing color display.
As shown in FIG. 28(a), the liquid crystal molecules 105 have the property of being aligned along the grooves of the light distribution film. When the liquid crystal molecules 105 are sandwiched between two light distribution films (incident side light distribution film 104 and exit side light distribution film 106) having grooves in mutually orthogonal directions (a direction and b direction), the liquid crystal molecules 105 are 90 Arrange twisted.

As shown in FIG. 28B, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105, the light L from the backlight 100 incident on the light distribution film 104 on the incident side has a plane of polarization according to the twist direction of the liquid crystal molecules 105. After being rotated by 90 degrees, the light is emitted from the emission-side light distribution film 106 and enters the color filter 108 (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 28(c), when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 by the transparent electrode 103, the liquid crystal molecules 105 are aligned along the electric field in the direction orthogonal to the main surfaces of the light distribution films 104 and . As a result, the light L from the backlight 100 that has entered the light distribution film 104 on the incident side is emitted from the light distribution film 106 on the output side without rotating the plane of polarization, and enters the color filter 108 (not shown).

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining in more detail the function of the TN liquid crystal module.
As described with reference to FIG. 27 for the first liquid crystal module 31a, the liquid crystal molecules 105, the light distribution films 104 and 106, and the transparent electrode 103 shown in FIG.
The polarization direction of the incident-side polarizing filter 101 is the a-direction, and the polarization direction of the exit-side polarizing filter 109 is the b-direction, and the a-direction and the b-direction are orthogonal to each other. That is, the polarization directions of the incident-side polarizing filter 101 and the exit-side polarizing filter 109 are orthogonal to each other.
The polarization direction of the incident-side polarizing filter 101 and the direction of the grooves of the incident-side light distribution film 104 are parallel to each other, and the polarization direction of the output-side polarizing filter 109 and the direction of the grooves of the output-side light distribution film 106 are parallel to each other. is in the b direction.

The light L emitted from the backlight 100 contains various lights with different planes of polarization. Only La is emitted and extracted.
The extracted light La is not emitted from the output-side polarizing filter 109 whose polarization direction is in the b direction as it is, but as described with reference to FIG. (becomes light Lb), the light can be emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109 .
The liquid crystal molecules control the polarization plane of the light from the backlight 100 to switch between a state in which the light can pass through the exit-side polarizing filter 109 and a state in which the light cannot pass.

As shown in FIG. 29, when the light L from the backlight 100 is incident on the incident-side polarizing filter 101, the incident-side polarizing filter 101 emits light La whose plane of polarization is in the a direction.
The light La passes through the glass substrate 102 and the incident side transparent electrode 103 (neither of which is shown), and then passes through the incident side light distribution film 104 .
As shown in FIG. 29(a), no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 by the incident-side transparent electrode 103 and the exit-side transparent electrode 107, and the liquid crystal molecules 105 are twisted (as shown in FIG. 28(b)). ), the light La is rotated by 90 degrees in the plane of polarization by the liquid crystal molecules 105 to become light Lb in the b direction.
The light Lb passes through the emission-side light distribution film 106 and the color filter 108 (not shown), and is emitted from the emission-side polarizing filter 109 whose polarization direction is the b direction.
As a result, light corresponding to the color of the color filter 108 that has passed is emitted from the liquid crystal module, and the sub-pixel emits light.

As shown in FIG. 29(b), a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 by the incident-side transparent electrode 103 and the exit-side transparent electrode 107, and the liquid crystal molecules 105 are aligned (corresponding to FIG. 28(c) above). , the light La passes through the output-side light distribution film 106 and the color filter 108 (not shown) with its plane of polarization not rotated in the a-direction, and is blocked by the output-side polarizing filter 109 whose polarization direction is in the b-direction. As a result, the sub-pixel does not emit light.
In this way, in the first liquid crystal module 31a, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 is controlled for each color (for each sub-pixel) of the color filter 108 so that the light passing through the color filter 108 is Light emission and light emission color for each pixel can be controlled by switching between passing and blocking.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining drive control of the liquid crystal module according to the VA method.
The basic idea is the same as the above TN method, and the laminated structure of each element constituting the liquid crystal module is also the same as the structure shown in FIG.
In the VA method, as in the TN method, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 is controlled for each color (sub-pixel) of the color filter to allow the light that has passed through the color filter to pass through or be blocked from the emission-side light distribution film 106 . By switching , light emission and light emission color for each pixel are controlled.
The liquid crystal molecules 105 used in the VA (Vertical Alignment) method are aligned perpendicularly to the light distribution film when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 is OFF, as shown in FIG. 30(a). This is the opposite of the TN system.
The light La extracted from the incident-side polarizing filter 101 is blocked by the output-side polarizing filter 109 without having its plane of polarization twisted by the liquid crystal molecules 105 . As a result, the sub-pixel does not emit light.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 30(b), when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105 is ON, the aligned liquid crystal molecules 105 tilt and the tilted liquid crystal molecules 105 cause birefringence.
As a result, the light La becomes light Lb whose plane of polarization is rotated by 90 degrees in the b direction, and is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109 . As a result, light corresponding to the color of the color filter 108 (not shown) that has passed is emitted from the liquid crystal module, and the sub-pixel emits light.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining display control of the first liquid crystal module.
The display of the first liquid crystal module 31a is controlled by display control signals shown in FIG.
One frame is displayed during an image effective period (pixel effective period, display period) excluding the blanking period in the vertical synchronization period controlled by the vertical synchronization signal.
The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment displays images of 60 frames per second. Therefore, the image effective period per frame is 1/60 seconds.
Note that if the video (image) data that is the source of the image displayed by the first liquid crystal module 31a is created at 30 frames per second (30 fps), the same image can be displayed twice to simulate 30 fps. It is also possible to display with
In the first liquid crystal module 31a, during the image effective period, the first liquid crystal is arranged so that the emitted light from the color filter 108 corresponding to the color to be emitted from each pixel is emitted from the emission side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a. A liquid crystal drive signal for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the module 31a is input from the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a to the liquid crystal drive circuit.
The liquid crystal drive signal is a signal generated by the LCD driver 36a based on the video signal input from the VDP 200 to the LCD driver 36a. As a result, each pixel emits light in a desired color to display one frame image.

The LCD driver 36a inputs a liquid crystal drive signal forming one frame image based on the video signal from the VDP 200 to the liquid crystal drive circuit.
The liquid crystal drive circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a is provided between the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the exit side transparent electrode 107a of the first liquid crystal module 31a. Apply the drive voltage. That is, the liquid crystal drive circuit applies a current to the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the outgoing side transparent electrode 107a based on the inputted liquid crystal drive signal.
In this example, the LED 115, which is the light source of the backlight 100, emits white light during the image valid period, and the backlight 100 emits white light.

Next, the configuration of the second liquid crystal module 31b will be described.
The first liquid crystal module 31a described above continuously causes one pixel to emit light in a color corresponding to the display image by backlight light during an image valid period (1/60 second) for displaying an image of one frame. to display a color image.
Color display for each pixel is achieved by controlling the driving of liquid crystal molecules for each sub-pixel (color filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue)) that make up the pixel to switch between light emission and non-light emission. are doing.
In contrast, the second liquid crystal module 31b described below does not have the concept of sub-pixels in order to perform color display for each pixel.

Although detailed description will be given later, unlike the first liquid crystal module 31a, the second liquid crystal module 31b performs color display by the following method without using a color filter.
Three LED light sources capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are provided as backlight sources provided on the back surface of the second liquid crystal module 31b. Then, during an image valid period (1/60 second) for displaying an image of one frame, the LED light source that emits light is switched every 1/180 second, which is ⅓ of the same period.
As a result, the backlight switches the emission color every 1/180 second.

The second liquid crystal module 31b controls the driving of the liquid crystal molecules in accordance with the switching timing of the backlight light every 1/180 second, and switches between passing and blocking of light in each pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
As a result, in each pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b, either R (red), G (green), or B (blue) is displayed at an extremely high speed every /180 seconds, or the backlight is blocked. None of the colors are displayed.
When one or more colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are combined, the eyes of a person viewing the second liquid crystal module 31b see a color as shown in FIG. 34 below. is visually recognized. As a result, color display is performed on the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Note that if the video (image) data that is the source of the image displayed by the second liquid crystal module 31b is created at 30 frames per second (30 fps), the same image can be displayed twice to simulate 30 fps. can be displayed with

<Basic configuration of the second liquid crystal module>
FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a layered structure of elements constituting the second liquid crystal module.
The second liquid crystal module 31b can basically have the same configuration as the first liquid crystal module 31a. Here, the second liquid crystal module 31b does not have the color filter 108. For example, from the backlight side, the incident side polarizing filter 101b, the glass substrate 102b, the incident side transparent electrode 103b, the incident side light distribution film 104b, the liquid crystal molecules 105b, An exit-side light distribution film 106b, an exit-side transparent electrode 107b, and an exit-side polarizing filter 109b are laminated.
In the second liquid crystal module 31b, in the image valid period, the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b are driven so that the emitted light corresponding to each pixel is emitted from the emission side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b. is input to the liquid crystal drive circuit from the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
The liquid crystal drive signal is a signal generated by the LCD driver 36b based on the video signal input from the VDP 200 to the LCD driver 36b. As a result, each pixel emits light in a desired color to display one frame image.
The LCD driver 36b inputs a liquid crystal drive signal forming one frame image based on the video signal from the VDP 200 to the liquid crystal drive circuit.
The liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b is provided between the incident side transparent electrode 103b and the exit side transparent electrode 107b of the second liquid crystal module 31b. Apply the drive voltage. That is, the liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b applies current to the incident side transparent electrode 103b and the outgoing side transparent electrode 107b of the second liquid crystal module 31b based on the inputted liquid crystal drive signal.

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the basic configuration of the second liquid crystal module.
Similarly to the first liquid crystal module 31a, the second liquid crystal module 31b displays an image by driving the liquid crystal molecules 105 to control whether backlight light is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109 or not.
That is, the liquid crystal molecules 105 of the second liquid crystal module 31b switch the plane of polarization of the backlight by a mechanism similar to that described with reference to FIGS. You can control whether or not it is possible.

The backlight 100 provided on the back surface of the second liquid crystal module 31b includes a red LED 115R, a green LED 115G, and a blue LED 115B as light sources, and the LEDs that emit light are switched to produce R (red), G (green), and B colors. It can emit light in any color (blue).
When backlight light of any one of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is incident on the second liquid crystal module 31b, the liquid crystal molecules are driven based on the liquid crystal drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36b. 105 is driven to switch between passing and blocking of backlight light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Since the mechanism for color display is different from that of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the concept of sub-pixels does not exist.

Note that the liquid crystal molecules 105b used in the second liquid crystal module 31b require a response speed (driving speed) three times or more that of those used in the first liquid crystal module 31a.
A red LED 115R, a green LED 115G, and a blue LED 115B are arranged on the side surface or the back surface of the backlight 100 (light guide plate, light emitting plate, lens). sequentially switched to. As a result, the backlight 100 can switch its emission color to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) every 1/180 second.

In the period in which the backlight 100 shown in FIG. 33A emits R (red) light, the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b are desired to emit light in a color including the R component (display a color including the R component). ) In a specific pixel, the backlight of the corresponding second liquid crystal module 31b is adjusted so that R (red) backlight is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b and the pixel emits R (red) light. Liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled. For other pixels, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled so that backlight light is blocked.
As described above, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled by a liquid crystal drive signal (R component drive signal) corresponding to the R component of one frame image generated by the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b based on the video signal from the VDP 200. ).

After 1/180 second, in the period in which the backlight 100 shown in FIG. In particular pixels, G (green) backlight light is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the pixels emit G (green) light. The liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b are controlled. For other pixels, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled so that backlight light is blocked.
As described above, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled by the liquid crystal drive signal (G component drive signal) corresponding to the G component of one frame image generated by the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b based on the video signal from the VDP 200. done on the basis of

After 1/180 seconds, in the period when the backlight 100 shown in FIG. B (blue) backlight is emitted from the output-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b in a specific pixel, so that the pixel emits B (blue) light. The corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled. For other pixels, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled so that backlight light is blocked.
As described above, the liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled by the liquid crystal drive signal (B component drive signal) corresponding to the B component of the one-frame image generated by the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b based on the video signal from the VDP 200. done based on
As a result of controlling the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b in the order of (a)→(b)→(c) in FIG. , "green" is visually recognized, and "blue" is visually recognized for the pixels on the right side of the figure.

Such control allows the second liquid crystal module 31b to display one frame in color, which is based on the concept described below. B (blue) is displayed at super high speed every 1/180 second. Alternatively, it becomes non-emissive by blocking light. As a result, the eyes of a person viewing the second liquid crystal module 31b perceive colors such as those shown in FIG. 34 below, in which one or more colors are combined. Depending on the second liquid crystal module 31b, color display can be realized without color filters.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the concept of color display of the second method in the second liquid crystal module.
For example, in an image of one frame (1/60 second), if a certain pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is to be in the transmissive state, R (red)→G (green)→B (blue) is changed every 1/180 second. ) and luminescent color, all the light is transmitted, and the pixel is in a transmissive state.
Further, when it is desired to cause specific pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit yellow light in an image of one frame (1/60 second), R (red) emission → G (green) emission → light emission is performed every 1/180 second. By switching between non-light emission and light emission by blocking light, the human eye perceives "yellow" for the pixel.
In an image of one frame (1/60 second), when it is desired to cause a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit magenta light, R (red) light emission → no light emission due to light blocking → B ( By switching between blue) light emission and light emission, the human eye perceives "magenta" for the pixel.

In an image of one frame (1/60 second), if it is desired to cause a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit cyan light, light is blocked every 1/180 second to cause no light emission→G (green) light emission→B ( By switching between blue) light emission and light emission, the human eye perceives "cyan" for the pixel.
In an image of one frame (1/60 second), if it is desired to cause a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit light in red (R) color, light is emitted in R (red) every 1/180 second. By switching from light emission to non-light emission and light emission by blocking light, "R (red)" is visually recognized for the pixel by human eyes.
In an image of one frame (1/60 second), if it is desired to cause a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit light in G (green) color, light is cut off every 1/180 second to emit no light →G (green). By switching from light emission to non-emission and light emission by blocking light, the human eye perceives "magenta" for the pixel.
In an image of one frame (1/60 second), when it is desired to cause a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b to emit light in B (blue) color, light is cut off every 1/180 second so that light is not emitted. By switching from light emission to B (blue) light emission, the human eye perceives "B (blue)" for the pixel.
In an image of one frame (1/60 second), when it is desired to express black in a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b, light is not emitted over one frame (1/60 second) by blocking light. The human eye perceives "black" for that pixel.

FIG. 35 is a timing chart for explaining display control signals for the second liquid crystal module.
One frame is displayed during the image effective period excluding the blanking period in the vertical synchronization period.
During the image valid period, the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b inputs a current to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B every 1/180 second, and as a result, the LEDs that emit light are switched.
The backlight 100 is sequentially switched from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue) every 1/180 second.
The LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b responds to changes in the color of light emitted from the backlight 100 by driving a liquid crystal drive signal for the R component (R component drive signal) and a liquid crystal drive signal for the G component, which constitute one frame image. A signal (G component drive signal) and a liquid crystal drive signal for B component (B component drive signal) are generated.

As will be described later, the R component drive signal is set so that the backlight 100 of the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that is to emit light in a color containing the R component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second) is set to R. This is a signal for driving and controlling the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so as to emit light from the emission side polarizing filter 109b of the corresponding second liquid crystal module 31b at the timing of light emission in (red).
Further, the G component driving signal is such that the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that are desired to emit light in a color including the G component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second) are such that the backlight 100 is G (green). This is a signal for driving and controlling the liquid crystal molecules 105b so that light is emitted from the emission-side polarizing filter 109b of the corresponding second liquid crystal module 31b at the timing of light emission.
Further, the B component driving signal is such that the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that are desired to emit light in a color including the B component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second) are set so that the backlight 100 is R (red). This is a signal for driving and controlling the liquid crystal molecules 105b so that light is emitted from the emission-side polarizing filter 109b of the corresponding second liquid crystal module 31b at the timing of light emission.

FIG. 36 is a timing chart illustrating display control focused on one pixel of the second liquid crystal module.
During the image valid period, the LCD driver 36b inputs a current to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B every 1/180 second, and as a result, the LED that emits light is switched.
In all the cases shown in FIG. 36, the backlight 100 sequentially switches the emission color from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue) every 1/180 second.

(1) When a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is to be in a transmissive state, the backlight 100 emits R (red) light based on the R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal for the pixel. The corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled at the timing to emit R (red) light from the output-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the corresponding liquid crystal molecules are emitted at the timing when the backlight 100 emits G (green) light. 105b is controlled to emit G (green) light from the output side polarizing filter 109b, and at the timing when the backlight 100 emits B (blue) light, the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled to emit B ( blue) emits light.
As a result, the pixel emits R (red) light in the first 1/180 second of one frame (1/60 second), G (green) light in the next 1/180 second, and last 1/180 second. At /180 seconds, B (blue) light is emitted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the pixel is visually recognized as a transparent state in units of one frame.

(2) When a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is to emit yellow light composed of R component and G component, the backlight is controlled based on the R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal for the pixel. When the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled to emit R (red) light from the exit-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the backlight 100 emits G (green) light. By controlling the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b at the timing of light emission, G (green) light is emitted from the output side polarizing filter 109b, and by controlling the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b at the timing when the backlight 100 emits B (blue) light. Light is not emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109b.
As a result, the pixel emits R (red) light in the first 1/180 second of one frame (1/60 second), G (green) light in the next 1/180 second, and last 1/180 second. /180 seconds the light is blocked. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the pixel is visually recognized as yellow in units of one frame.

(3) When a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is to emit magenta light composed of R and B components, the backlight is controlled based on the R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal for the pixel. When the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled to emit R (red) light from the exit-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the backlight 100 emits G (green) light. At the timing of light emission, the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled so that the light is not emitted from the emission side polarizing filter 109b, and at the timing when the backlight 100 emits light in B (blue), the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled to polarize the emission side. B (blue) light is emitted from the filter 109b.
As a result, the pixel emits R (red) light in the first 1/180 second of one frame (1/60 second), cuts off the light in the next 1/180 second, and emits light in the last 1/180 second. will emit light in B (blue). As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the pixel is visually recognized as magenta in units of one frame.

(4) When a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is to emit cyan light composed of G and B components, the backlight is controlled based on the R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal for the pixel. 100 controls the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b to prevent light from exiting the output-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b at the timing when the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, and the timing when the backlight 100 emits G (green) light. to control the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b to emit G (green) light from the emission side polarizing filter 109b, and control the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b at the timing when the backlight 100 emits B (blue) light to polarize the emission side. B (blue) light is emitted from the filter 109b.
As a result, the pixel blocks light in the first 1/180 second of one frame (1/60 second), emits light in G (green) in the next 1/180 second, and emits light in G (green) in the last 1/180 second. will emit light in B (blue). As a result, as described above, the pixel is visually recognized as cyan in units of one frame.

(5) When it is desired to express black with a specific pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b, the backlight emits light in R (red) based on the R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal for the pixel. The liquid crystal molecules 105b corresponding to the timing are controlled to prevent light from being emitted from the output-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b are controlled even at the timing when the backlight emits G (green) light. Light is not emitted from the output-side polarizing filter 109b, and light is not emitted from the output-side polarizing filter 109b by controlling the corresponding liquid crystal molecules 105b even when the backlight emits B (blue) light.
As a result, the pixel does not emit light during one frame (1/60 second). As a result, as described above, the pixel is visually recognized as black on a frame-by-frame basis.

The basic configuration and display principle of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b used in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment have been described above.
The configuration of the image display unit 31 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.
The image display unit 31 of the present embodiment arranges two liquid crystal modules in the depth direction to produce a powerful effect.
However, as described above, when two first liquid crystal modules 31a are arranged on the front side of the backlight, the amount of light emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a on the front side is about 5% of the light amount of the backlight. be.
On the other hand, increasing the amount of light of the backlight increases power consumption, and in a gaming machine with a limited power supply capacity, there is an inconvenience in rendering, such as the number of characters being forced to be reduced. It is also undesirable from the viewpoint of energy saving.
Furthermore, increasing the light intensity of the backlight increases the temperature of the liquid crystal display unit. The heat resistance temperature of a normal liquid crystal module is about 0°C to 50°C. Although this can be solved by adopting a liquid crystal module with high heat resistance specifications, it causes an increase in cost.

These problems can be solved by changing the display method of the liquid crystal module arranged on the front side to the second type (arranging the second liquid crystal module 31b on the front side of the first liquid crystal module 31a).
The second method, in which the amount of light per pixel is not divided by sub-pixels, has clearly better light efficiency than the first method, in which the amount of light per pixel is divided by three sub-pixels by color filters. is.
Since the second method does not require a large amount of light as compared to the first method, it is not necessary to greatly increase the amount of light compared to the case where two first liquid crystal modules 31a are arranged, and the heat resistance and power consumption described above can be improved. can solve the problem.
However, even if the second liquid crystal module 31b is simply arranged in front of the first liquid crystal module 31a in the configuration of FIG. Absent.
As described above, in order for the second liquid crystal module 31b to perform color display, the emission colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of the backlight must be completely changed every 1/180 second. This is because, while it is necessary to switch, such switching cannot be performed for the emitted light from the first liquid crystal module 31a using a color filter.
That is, in the first liquid crystal module 31a, the 1/60 second image display period is not divided like the second liquid crystal module 31b. Display in color.
Therefore, during an image display period of 1/60 second, each pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a always emits light of three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). G (green) and B (blue) are mixed.
If such R (red), G (green), and B (blue) mixed lights are used, the second liquid crystal module 31b cannot perform color display satisfactorily.
Therefore, in the image display unit of this embodiment, instead of arranging the second liquid crystal module 31b on the front side of the first liquid crystal module 31a using the backlight emitting white light as illustrated in FIG. 33, the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, which can switch the light emission every 1/180 second, use a backlight that sequentially emits R (red) → G (green) → B (blue), Color display is performed on the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display unit of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 37(a), in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, a backlight 100, a first liquid crystal module 31a, and a second liquid crystal module 31b are sequentially arranged from the far side in the depth direction. Images are displayed simultaneously on both display elements.
The backlight 100 is shared by the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Further, as shown in FIG. 37(b), a red LED 115R, a green LED 115G, and a blue LED 115B are arranged on the side surface of the backlight 100. As shown in FIG.
The red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B may be provided behind the backlight 100. FIG.
The red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B are connected to the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b to control light emission.
The red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B may be connected to the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a to control light emission.
In that case, the LCD driver 36a also performs control to switch the light emission of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B every 1/180 seconds.
The LCD driver 36b generates red LED 115R, green LED 115G, blue LED 115G, and blue LED 115R at timing synchronized with the R component drive signal, the G component drive signal, and the B component drive signal that are generated based on the video input from the VDP 200 and output to the liquid crystal drive circuit. A current is applied to the LED 115B to emit light.
Alternatively, the LCD driver 36b outputs an R component drive signal, a G component drive signal, and a B component drive signal to the liquid crystal drive circuit in synchronization with the timing of applying current to the red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B to emit light. .
In any case, the timing of applying current to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B (light emission timing of each LED) is synchronized with each of the R component drive signal, the G component drive signal, and the B component drive signal.

By sequentially switching the light source of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, the backlight 100 changes the light emission color to R every 1/180 second for the color display of the second method by the second liquid crystal module 31b. (red)→G (green)→B (blue).
Only by synchronizing the light emission timings of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B with the driving signals of the respective color components can appropriate color display of the second method be performed.

Further, in the image display unit 31 of the present embodiment, the emission color of the backlight 100 is sequentially switched between R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and the first liquid crystal module 31a sequentially emits light from the backlight 100. By passing each emitted light color through the color filter 108, a desired color is displayed.
It should be noted that only light of the same color as the backlight 100 can be emitted from the color filter 108 of each pixel due to the change in the emission color of the backlight 100 and the interaction with the color filter 108 .
This is due to the following color filter characteristics. That is, the R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the backlight 100 can pass through the color filter 10 of the same color, but the color filter of a different color. At 108, it is cut.
As a result of only one color of light being emitted from the color filter 108 of each pixel, which is the same as the color of light emitted by the backlight 100, the first liquid crystal module 31a produces each light corresponding to the change in the color of light emitted by the backlight 100 during one frame period. Display is performed in a manner similar to that of the second liquid crystal module 31b by changing the emission color of the pixels.
The second liquid crystal module 31b uses R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light that sequentially pass through the first liquid crystal module 31a according to changes in the color of the light emitted from the backlight 100. Then, color display is performed in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS.
In the first liquid crystal module 31a, in order to perform display in the same manner as the second liquid crystal module 31b, the first liquid crystal module 31a must output the liquid crystal drive signal to the liquid crystal in synchronization with the change in the emission color of the backlight 100. It is necessary to input to the drive circuit to control the pixel.
Therefore, the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31a, which controls the light emission of the backlight 100 (lighting control of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B), sends RGB signals to the LCD driver via the VDP 200 at the timing of causing each LED to emit light. Enter 36a.
The LCD driver 36a outputs a liquid crystal drive signal generated based on the video signal input from the VDP 200 to the liquid crystal drive circuit in synchronization with the RGB signal.
As a result, in the first liquid crystal module 31a, a liquid crystal drive signal synchronized with the change in the emission color of the backlight 100 is input to the liquid crystal drive circuit to control the pixels, and display is performed in the same manner as the second liquid crystal module 31b. be able to.
Since the light emission time of each color of the backlight 100 is reduced to 1/3 and the light intensity is reduced, control is performed to increase the light emission intensity of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart for explaining display control in the image display unit of this embodiment.
Image display by the image display unit of this embodiment is controlled by control signals shown in FIG.
One frame is displayed during the image effective period excluding the blanking period in the vertical synchronization period.
During the image valid period, the LCD driver 36b inputs a current to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B every 1/180 second, and as a result, the LED that emits light is switched.
In all the cases shown in FIG. 36, the backlight 100 is sequentially switched from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue) every 1/180 second.

The second liquid crystal module 31b has the same basic configuration as described above.
The LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b responds to the light emission of each color by the backlight 100 whose light emission color changes from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue), so that the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b changes the color of R to form one frame image. A liquid crystal drive signal for the component, a liquid crystal drive signal for the G component, and a liquid crystal drive signal for the B component are input to the liquid crystal drive circuit.
The liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b inputs a current based on this liquid crystal drive signal to the incident side transparent electrode 103b and the outgoing side transparent electrode 107b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, thereby causing the incident side transparent electrode 103b and the outgoing side transparent electrode to 107b, a drive voltage for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105b is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.

That is, the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b generates an R component liquid crystal drive signal (R component drive signal) and a G component liquid crystal drive signal ( A G component drive signal) and a liquid crystal drive signal for the B component (G component drive signal) are generated and input to a liquid crystal drive circuit (not shown) in response to light emission of the backlight 100 .
The liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b drives the incident side transparent electrode 103b and the outgoing side transparent electrode 107b of the second liquid crystal module 31b based on the input R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal. During this period, a drive voltage is applied to drive the liquid crystal molecules 105b.
The R component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36b is such that the backlight 100 controls the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that are desired to emit light in a color containing the R component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second). Input to the liquid crystal driving circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b in order to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so as to emit light from the corresponding output side polarizing filter 109b at the timing of emitting light in R (red). be done.
The G component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36b is used for the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that are desired to emit light in a color containing the G component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second). Input to the liquid crystal driving circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so as to emit light from the corresponding output side polarizing filter 109b at the timing of emitting light in G (green). be done.
The B-component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36b is used for the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b that are desired to emit light in a color containing the B component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second). Input to the liquid crystal driving circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b in order to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so as to emit light from the corresponding output side polarizing filter 109b at the timing of emitting light in R (red). be done.

While the backlight 100 is emitting light in R (red), the liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b controls the output-side polarized light corresponding to the pixel to emit light in a color including the R component based on the R component drive signal. The liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b are controlled so that R (red) light can pass through the filter 109b.
When the backlight 100 emits G (green) light, the liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b controls the emission-side polarizing filter 109b corresponding to the pixel to emit light in a color including the G component based on the G component drive signal. controls the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so that G (green) light can pass through.
When the backlight 100 emits light in B (blue), the liquid crystal drive circuit of the second liquid crystal module 31b sets the output-side polarizing filter 109b corresponding to the pixel to emit light containing the B component with the B component drive signal to B (blue). Blue) controls the liquid crystal molecules 105b of the second liquid crystal module 31b so that the light can pass through.
Each pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b displays R (red), G (green), and B (blue) at a very high speed (emitted light from each pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is R (red), G ( green) and B (blue) at an ultra-high speed), or by blocking light to make it non-emissive, a color in which one or more colors are synthesized is visible to the human eye.

On the other hand, in the first liquid crystal module 31a, processing different from the basic configuration described above is performed.
The first liquid crystal module 31a is equipped with color filters, and the R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the backlight 100 are converted into sub-pixels (color filters 108) of the same color as the corresponding colors. ), but is cut by a sub-pixel (color filter 108) of a color different from that color.
Therefore, in the specific pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the sub-pixels (color filters 108) that do not correspond to the emission color of the backlight 100 are cut off and do not emit light, but the sub-pixels (color filter 108) corresponding to the emission color of the backlight 100 do not emit light. If the light that has passed through the color filter 108) can further pass through the emission-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the pixel emits light in the emission color of the emitting sub-pixel (the emission color of the backlight 100). .

On the other hand, in the specific pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the sub-pixels (color filters 108) that do not correspond to the emission color of the backlight 100 are cut off and do not emit light, and the sub-pixels corresponding to the emission color of the backlight 100 If the light that has passed through (the color filter 108) cannot pass through the exit-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a, none of the sub-pixels will emit light, and the pixel will not emit light.
In this way, a pixel can emit light only when the backlight 100 emits light in the same color as the sub-pixel (color filter 108) controlled to emit light, and the emission color is the same as the emission color of the sub-pixel (backlight color). ).
Since only the sub-pixels having the same color as the emitted light of the backlight 100 can emit light, the R, G, and B lights cannot be simultaneously emitted from the sub-pixels constituting one pixel. It is not possible to perform color display for each pixel in such a normal method.
Therefore, as will be described below, in the first liquid crystal module 31a of the present embodiment, driving control of the liquid crystal molecules 105a (control of whether or not light is emitted from the sub-pixels) is performed in response to changes in the emission color of the backlight. Color display is performed by a display method similar to that of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Based on the video signal from the VDP 200, the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a provides an R component liquid crystal drive signal (R component drive signal), a G component liquid crystal drive signal (G component drive signal), and a liquid crystal drive signal for the B component (B component drive signal), which is input to a liquid crystal drive circuit (not shown) in response to light emission of the backlight 100 .
The liquid crystal drive circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a controls the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the emission side transparent electrode 107a of the first liquid crystal module 31a based on the inputted R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal. During this period, a drive voltage is applied to drive the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
That is, the liquid crystal drive circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a inputs a current based on the liquid crystal drive signal to the incident side transparent electrode 103a and the outgoing side transparent electrode 107a of the first liquid crystal module 31a to A driving voltage for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105a is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a provided between the electrodes 107a.

The R component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36a is such that the pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a that are desired to emit light in a color containing the R component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second) are activated by the backlight 100. It is input to the liquid crystal driving circuit to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a so as to emit R (red) light from the corresponding output side polarizing filter 109 at the timing of emitting R (red) light. .
The G component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36a is used for the pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a that are desired to emit light in a color containing the G component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second). It is input to the liquid crystal drive circuit to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a so as to emit G (green) light from the corresponding emission side polarizing filter 109 at the timing of emitting G (green) light. .
The B component drive signal generated by the LCD driver 36a is used for the pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a that are desired to emit light in a color containing the B component during the display period of one frame (1/60 second). It is input to the liquid crystal drive circuit to drive and control the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a so as to emit B (blue) light from the corresponding emission side polarizing filter 109 at the timing of emitting B (blue) light. .

Specifically, while the backlight 100 is emitting light in R (red), the liquid crystal driving circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a causes pixels to emit light in a color including the R component based on the R component driving signal. The liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a are controlled so that R (red) light can pass through the corresponding exit-side polarizing filter 109. FIG.
When the backlight 100 emits G (green) light, the liquid crystal drive circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a controls the output-side polarizing filter 109 corresponding to the pixel to emit light in a color including the G component based on the G component drive signal. controls the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a so that G (green) light can pass through.
When the backlight 100 emits light in B (blue), the liquid crystal drive circuit of the first liquid crystal module 31a controls the emission-side polarizing filter 109 corresponding to the pixel to emit light containing the B component based on the B component drive signal. B (blue) light can pass through the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
For each pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are displayed at a very high speed. (green) and B (blue) at an ultra-high speed), or by blocking light and making it non-emissive, as in the case of the second liquid crystal module 31b, a color obtained by synthesizing one or more colors is human. visible to the eyes of

The light emission mode of the first liquid crystal module in the image display unit 31 of the present embodiment will be described by focusing on one pixel.
39 and 40 are timing charts for explaining the control signal for each pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a in the image display unit of this embodiment.
During the image valid period, the LCD driver 36b inputs a current to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B every 1/180 second, and as a result, the LED that emits light is switched.
In all the cases shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the backlight 100 is sequentially switched from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue) every 1/180 second.
As shown in FIG. 39(a), when a specific pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a is to be transparently displayed, the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a controls R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, Input drive signals (R component drive signal, G component drive signal, B component drive signal) for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105a so that the light can pass through the emission side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a corresponding to all the B sub-pixels. do.
By doing so, the R sub-pixels emit light during the period of 1/180 seconds when the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, and the backlight 100 emits G (green) light for 1/180 seconds. The G sub-pixel emits light during the period of , and the B sub-pixel emits light in B (blue) during the 1/180 second period during which the backlight 100 emits light in B (blue).
By continuously emitting light in the order of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) over one frame, the pixel is viewed as a transmissive state, as in the second method.

As shown in FIG. 39(b), when a specific pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a is caused to emit yellow light, light passes through the exit-side polarizing filters 109 corresponding to the R sub-pixel and the G sub-pixel over one frame. Drive signals (R component drive signal, G component drive signal, B component drive signal) for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105 so that the light cannot pass through the exit-side polarizing filter 109 corresponding to the B sub-pixel. Enter
By doing so, the R sub-pixels emit light during the period of 1/180 seconds when the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, and the backlight 100 emits G (green) light for 1/180 seconds. During the period of , the G sub-pixel emits light. On the other hand, during the period of 1/180 seconds in which the backlight 100 emits light in B (blue), none of the sub-pixels emit light.
By continuously switching over one frame from R (red) light emission → G (green) light emission → no light emission due to light blocking, the pixel emits light in yellow (visible as yellow) in the same manner as in the second method. is done).

Further, as shown in FIG. 40(a), when a specific pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a emits cyan light, the light emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a corresponding to the G sub-pixel and the B sub-pixel is emitted over one frame. A drive signal (R component drive signal, G component drive signal, and B component drive signal).
None of the sub-pixels emit light during the period of 1/180 second in which the backlight 100 emits R (red) light. During the 1/180 second period during which the backlight 100 emits G (green) light, the G sub-pixels emit light, and during the 1/180 second period during which the backlight 100 emits B (blue) light. A sub-pixel emits light.
By continuously emitting light over one frame in the order of no light emission → G (green) light emission → B (blue) light emission, the pixel emits light in cyan (visible as cyan) in the same manner as in the second method. is done).

As shown in FIG. 40(b), when black is expressed by a specific pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the emission side corresponding to any of the R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, and B sub-pixels is displayed over one frame. Driving signals (R component driving signal, G component driving signal, and B component driving signal) for driving the liquid crystal molecules 105a of the first liquid crystal module 31a are input from the polarizing filter 109 so that light cannot pass therethrough.
The backlight 100 emits B (blue) light during the 1/180 second period during which the backlight 100 emits R (red) light and the 1/180 second period during which the backlight 100 emits G (green) light. None of the sub-pixels emit light at all during the 1/180 second period. A pixel does not emit light for one frame and the pixel is viewed as black.

An example of the light emission mode of the display device of the present embodiment under the control as described above will be described.
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image display mode of the image display unit of this embodiment.
In FIG. 41, only the liquid crystal molecules 105 and the color filters 108 are shown for the first liquid crystal module 31a for the sake of simplification of explanation. there is The light emitted from the sub-pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a is the light polarized by the liquid crystal molecules 105a so as to be able to pass through the emission-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
Also, for the sake of simplification of explanation, only the liquid crystal molecules 105b are shown for the second liquid crystal module 31b, but in reality it has all the elements shown in FIG. The light emitted from the second liquid crystal module 31b is the light polarized by the liquid crystal molecules 105b so as to be able to pass through the emission-side polarizing filter 109b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
The displays of both liquid crystal modules that constitute the image display unit 31 can be viewed simultaneously from the front side.
In the description of FIG. 41, the pixels of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b are in one-to-one correspondence for convenience. Light does not enter and exit between only one pixel.

In FIG. 41, even if the light output from the color filter 108 of the first liquid crystal module 31a appears to be blocked by the cut-off point of the second liquid crystal module 31b, the light output from the color filter 108 is not transmitted through some path. emitted.
For example, in the case of FIG. 41, all the sub-pixels of the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third image of the first liquid crystal module 31a receive light from the output-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a over one frame. is controlled so that it can pass through.
In that case, during the 1/180 second period in which the backlight 100 shown in FIG. Light is emitted from the corresponding exit-side polarizing filter 109a. No light is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filters 109a corresponding to the G sub-pixel and the B sub-pixel.

Next, during a period of 1/180 seconds in which the backlight 100 shown in FIG. Light is emitted from the corresponding exit-side polarizing filter 109a. No light is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filters 109a corresponding to the R sub-pixel and the B sub-pixel.
Next, during the period when the backlight 100 shown in FIG. 41(c) emits B (blue) light, the output-side polarized light corresponding to the B sub-pixels of the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a Light is emitted from the filter 109a. No light is emitted from the exit-side polarizing filters 109a corresponding to the R sub-pixel and the G sub-pixel.
In this case, the first pixel, the second pixel, and the third pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a all change in light emission from R (red) →G (green) →B (blue). is visually recognized as "transparent" in units of one frame.

Of course, it is not limited to that, and in the first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, and other pixels, control is performed so that the light is not emitted from the output side polarizing filter 109 corresponding to the R sub-pixel, the G sub-pixel, and the B sub-pixel. By doing so, various colors can be represented according to the principle of FIG. This is as explained above.
For example, in the first pixel in FIG. 41, control is performed so that light is not emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a corresponding to the R sub-pixel.
In that case, the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a does not emit light due to light blocking in FIG. 41(a). Therefore, the first pixel emits no light, emits G (green) light, and emits B (blue) light due to light blocking, so that the first pixel is visually recognized as cyan in units of one frame.
Similarly, in the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, control is performed so that light is not emitted from the exit-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a corresponding to the G sub-pixel.
In that case, the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a becomes non-emissive due to light blocking in FIG. 41(b). Therefore, the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a changes its light emission from R (red) light emission →no light emission due to light blocking →B (blue) light emission, so that each pixel is visually recognized as magenta in one frame unit.
Furthermore, in the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, control is performed so that the light is not emitted from the emission side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a corresponding to the B sub-pixel.
In that case, the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a becomes non-emissive due to light blocking in FIG. 41(c). Therefore, the first pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a changes from R (red) light emission to G (green) light emission to no light emission due to light blocking, so that each pixel is visually recognized as yellow in one frame unit.

Next, the second liquid crystal module 31b will be described.
41(a) to 41(c), only the light of the color emitted from the backlight 100 is emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a as described above. The space between the first liquid crystal module 31 a and the second liquid crystal module 31 b is filled with diffused light of the color emitted from the backlight 100 .
In FIG. 41A, in which the backlight 100 emits R (red) light, the space between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b is filled with R (red) diffused light.
In FIG. 41B, in which the backlight 100 emits G (green) light, the space between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b is filled with G (green) diffused light.
In FIG. 41C, in which the backlight 100 emits B (blue) light, the space between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b is filled with B (blue) diffused light.

The second liquid crystal module 31b performs color display of the second method described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36 using these diffused lights.
As a result, in the case shown in FIG. 41, three pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b are visually recognized as follows.
The first pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is visually recognized as yellow by switching from R (red) emission→G (green) emission→non-emission due to light blocking.
Also, the second pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is visually recognized as cyan by switching from no light emission due to light blocking→G (green) light emission→B (blue) light emission.
Further, the third pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is visually recognized as magenta by switching from R (red) light emission→no light emission due to light blocking→B (blue) light emission.
With the configuration as described above, the image display unit 31 of the present embodiment can save energy by suppressing power consumption without increasing the light intensity of the backlight and avoiding an increase in cost. A new effect with depth can enhance the interest of the game.

Since the backlight 100 is lit in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) behind the color filters, the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b emit almost the same color. There is an effect that the display can be performed with
Since the wavelength (width of color) of the light that has passed through the color filter is narrower than that of the light emitted from the LED, the color difference between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b can be reduced by passing the light through the color filter. becomes less.

Furthermore, as a feature of the image display unit of the present embodiment, in the second liquid crystal module 31b, by controlling the amount of light passing through the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b for each color component, the light amount ratio for each color component can be adjusted. It can be varied to achieve neutral colors.
In order to vary the light intensity for each color component, the LCD driver 36b may vary the light intensity of the backlight 100 by the red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B for each color. In that case, different current values may be applied to the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B.
By adjusting the applied current value, the light intensity of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B can be adjusted so that the backlight 101 can be controlled to eliminate unevenness in light intensity for each emission color.
A plurality of red LEDs 115R, green LEDs 115G, and blue LEDs 115B as shown in FIG. 37(b) may be provided, and the number thereof may be changed for each color to vary the light amount ratio for each color component of the backlight 100. Alternatively, by varying the number of red LEDs 115R, green LEDs 115G, and blue LEDs 115B, the amount of light for each color component of the backlight 100 may be equalized to eliminate unevenness in the amount of light.

By the way, the speed and time (excitation time, response speed, response time) from when the LCD driver 36b applies a current to the LED element to when the light is emitted differ depending on the emission color.
That is, there is a problem that the time from when the LCD driver 36b applies current to the red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B to when the light is emitted differs for each LED 115. FIG. The red LED 115R has the longest time from the application of the current to the actual emission of light, the green LED 115G has the second longest time, and the blue LED 115B has the shortest time.
When the current is applied at the same timing, the blue LED 115B starts emitting light the earliest, the green LED 115G starts emitting light the next earliest, and the red LED 115R starts emitting light the latest.
In the image display of the second method described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36, accurate colors cannot be obtained unless the driving timing of the liquid crystal module based on the driving signal for each color component is synchronized with (at least) the light emission start timing of the LEDs, that is, the backlight. cannot express.
Assume that a current is applied to the red LED 115R at a timing at which the light emission start timing of any one of the LEDs, for example, the red LED 115R, matches the driving timing of the liquid crystal molecules, and the same timing is applied to the green LED 115G and the blue LED 115B.
In that case, the green LED 115G emits light too early, and green is mixed in the emission color of the backlight 100 which should emit red light, or the blue LED 115B starts emitting light too late, and the driving timing of the liquid crystal molecules based on the B component drive signal does not match. A problem arises that the B (blue) light emission of the backlight 100 is not in time.

Therefore, the LCD driver 36b adjusts the current application timing so as to enable light emission in synchronization with the drive signal of each color component according to the response characteristics of the LEDs 115 of each color, and the backlight 100 can start emitting light at desired timing. to control.
Therefore, the LCD driver 36b sets the timing to start the backlight 100 to emit light as t0, sets the timing to apply current to the red LED 115R to make the backlight 100 emit red light at the timing t0 as t1, and sets the backlight 100 to the timing t0. t2 is the timing of applying current to the green LED 115G to cause the backlight 100 to emit green light, and t3 is the timing of applying current to the blue LED 115B to cause the backlight 100 to emit blue light at timing t0.
As described above, the time from the application of the current to the LEDs to the actual emission of light increases in the order of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B.
Therefore, the LCD driver 36b sets the time from timing t1, t2, t3 to timing t0 to |t−t1|>|t−t2|>|t−t3|
The current application timing to the LED 115 of each color is controlled so as to satisfy the relationship of .
As described above, the LCD driver 36b applies a current to the red LED 115R at the earliest timing before the backlight of each color emits light, and applies current to the green LED 115G at the next earliest timing. , and the current is applied to the blue LED 115B at the latest timing.

The same applies to the red LED 116R, green LED 116G, and blue LED 116B of the modified example of FIG. 42 whose emission timing is synchronized with the red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B.
The LCD driver 36b applies currents to the same colors (red LED 115R and red LED 116R, green LED 115G and green LED 116G, blue LED 115B and blue LED 116G) at the same timing.

In addition, in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, the first liquid crystal module 31a is arranged on the back side (rear side), and the second liquid crystal module 31 is arranged on the front side (front side).
Not limited to this, the backlight 100 capable of emitting light in three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used, and a plurality of second liquid crystal modules 31b are arranged in front and behind, and each second liquid crystal The module 31b may perform color display of the second method.

Further, even with the image display unit 31 of the present embodiment, the amount of light output from the color filter 108 of the liquid crystal module 31a is substantially ⅓ or less of the amount of incident light in each sub-pixel.
On the other hand, as the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B of the backlight 100, it is possible to use LEDs with increased light intensity and higher power.
In the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, in which the second liquid crystal module 31b without color filters is arranged on the front side of the first liquid crystal module 31a using color filters, when the first liquid crystal module is used on the front side (transmission amount 5%), the light loss of the entire unit is small, and the light intensity of the required LED is about three times that of the normal one, which is comparatively small. Compared to the case where the first liquid crystal modules 31a are arranged side by side, it is possible to reduce concerns about economic efficiency, heat resistance, and the like.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a modification of the image display unit of this embodiment.
The modification shown in FIG. 42 has a configuration in which a light-emitting accessory 500 is arranged between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b of FIG.
The light-emitting element 500 includes a third liquid crystal module 31c having the same configuration as the first liquid crystal module 31a arranged on the front side thereof, and a backlight 501 arranged on the rear side of the third liquid crystal module 31c.

A backlight (light emitting plate, light guide plate, lens) 501 provided in the light-emitting component 500 has red LEDs 116R, green LEDs 116G, and blue LEDs 116 arranged on its side surface or back surface. By switching the LEDs that make light incident on the backlight 501, the backlight 501 can switch the emission color from R (red) to G (green) to B (blue).
Also, the light-emitting accessory 500 includes an LED driver 37 that controls the light emission of the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116. FIG.
The LED driver 38 switches the LED to emit light every predetermined time (1/180 second) at the same timing as the LCD driver 36b, and switches the emission color of the backlight 501. FIG.
Further, a drive signal synchronized with the drive signal for each color component to the first liquid crystal module 31a is input from the VDP 200 to the third liquid crystal module 31c.
As described above, the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b externally outputs RGB signals for synchronization when lighting the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B.
RGB signals of the second liquid crystal module 31 b are input to the LED driver 38 via the VDP 200 and the host CPU 151 of the image control board 150 .
When the second liquid crystal module should cause the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 to emit light in synchronization with the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 are synchronized with the RGB signal. A lighting signal for lighting is input to the LED driver 38 .
Normally, the LED driver 38 passes through the RGB signal, and performs control to light the color LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 when the lighting signal is input.
It should be noted that the LED driver 38 does not always output RGB signals, but rather outputs RGB signals as lighting signals so that the red LED 116R, green LED 116G, and blue LED 116 should emit light in synchronization with the red LED 115R, green LED 115G, and blue LED 115B. may be input to the LED driver 38 .
As a result, the image display as described below can be performed by the image display unit.

43 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining image display by the image display unit of FIG. 42. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 43, the light emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a by the display method described with reference to FIGS. 38 to 41 is partially blocked by the light-emitting accessory 500 and cannot be visually recognized by the player.
However, the backlight 501 of the light emitting part 500 is synchronized with the backlight 100 by the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, and the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116B that emit light in synchronization with the above control. red), G (green), and B (blue).
In addition, a driving signal synchronized with the driving signal input to the first liquid crystal module 31a is input to the first liquid crystal module 31c of the light-emitting component 500. FIG.
In the first liquid crystal module 31c, the same image display as in the first liquid crystal module 31a is performed by the method described with reference to FIGS. done.
As a result, the display contents of the first liquid crystal module 31a hidden by the light emitting role object 500 are displayed on the first liquid crystal module 31c of the light emitting role object 500. FIG.
Therefore, the display by the first liquid crystal module 31a and the first liquid crystal module 31c allows the player to visually recognize the content that should be displayed on the first liquid crystal module 31a.

A more characteristic feature is the display on the second liquid crystal module 31b.
The second liquid crystal module 31b does not have a light-emitting element 500 behind it, and in an area 600 where R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a reach directly, , mainly using R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a to perform image display of the second method.
On the other hand, the second liquid crystal module 31b has the light-emitting element 500 behind it, and R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a do not reach directly. In the area 601, the R (red) light, the G (green) light, and the B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31c of the light-emitting object 500 are mainly used for image display of the second method.
By doing so, the image display unit of the present embodiment can save energy by suppressing power consumption without increasing the amount of light of the backlight and avoiding an increase in cost. The new performance can enhance the interest of the game. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the character between the plurality of liquid crystal modules without sacrificing the display contents, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.
By the way, considering the direction of the plane of polarization of the light explained in FIG. In this state, the light cannot pass through the incident-side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
This is because the direction of the plane of polarization of the light emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a and the third liquid crystal module 31c (direction b in FIG. 29) does not match the polarization direction (direction a) of the incident-side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module. be.
Therefore, in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment configured as shown in FIGS. 37 and 42, there may arise a problem that an image cannot be displayed on the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Therefore, in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment, the output side polarizing filter 109c of the third liquid crystal module 31c is placed between the output side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the incident side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b. and the incident-side polarization filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 37 including only the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b, a retardation film may be attached to the front side of the exit-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a. , may be attached to the rear surface side of the incident-side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
In the configuration of FIG. 42 in which the third liquid crystal module 31c is provided between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b, a retardation film is attached to the rear surface side of the incident side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, or It is desirable to attach a retardation film to the front side of the output-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a and to the front side of the output-side polarizing filter 109c of the third liquid crystal module 31c.
The retardation film as a half-wave plate adds a phase difference of λ/2 (180°) to the outgoing light from the outgoing-side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the outgoing-side polarizing filter 109c of the third liquid crystal module 31c. , and the plane of polarization can be rotated by 90 degrees in the direction of a.
As a result, the light emitted from the first liquid crystal module 31a and the third liquid crystal module 31c can pass through the incident-side polarizing filter 101b of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and an image can be displayed on the second liquid crystal module 31b without any problem. be able to.

In the example of FIG. 43, the third liquid crystal module 31c and the light emitting element 500 having the backlight 116 are provided between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b. Alternatively, a movable object having a predetermined shape may be provided between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b.
The movable object can have only red LED 116R, green LED 116G, and blue LED 116 on its front side.
43, the LED driver 37 controls the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 to emit R (red) light and G (green) light toward the second liquid crystal module 31b every 1/180 second. ) light and B (blue) light.
In the second liquid crystal module 31b, the R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a are blocked by the light emitting element 500, but the red LED 116R and the green LED 116G of the movable element are blocked. , R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the blue LED 116B can be used to perform color display according to the second method.
In the second liquid crystal module 31b, in a region where the R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a are not blocked by the movable object, R (red) light from the first liquid crystal module 31a ) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light are used for color display according to the second method.
Since the light emitted from the LEDs has low diffusivity and emits point light and does not diffuse, the second liquid crystal module 31b is not suitable for color display of the second method as it is. This is because the light does not spread evenly to the pixels of the second liquid crystal module 31b.
On the other hand, since the emitted light from the backlight 100 is diffused to the backlight as a light guide plate (the backlight is made to emit surface light), the second liquid crystal module 31b can be suitably used for the second type of color display. .
Since the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 provided on the front surface of the movable accessory do not naturally emit backlight, it is desirable to attach a diffusion film to the front side of the movable accessory in order to prevent point light emission from these. .
As described above, the emission timings of the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 are completely synchronized with the emission timings of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, which are the light sources of the backlight 100, so that the second liquid crystal module 31b as a whole Color display by the second method can be performed without any problem.
As for the retardation film, it is not necessary to attach it to the movable accessory, and it may be attached to the retardation film on the front side of the exit side polarizing filter 109a of the first liquid crystal module 31a, or the second liquid crystal module 31b. may be attached to the rear surface side of the incident-side polarizing filter 101b.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, a light guide plate such as an acrylic plate engraved with a predetermined pattern is arranged between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b instead of the light-emitting accessory 500. may
By causing the light guide plate to emit light from the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116, an image according to the pattern can be displayed.
By the display by the light guide plate, the effect pattern 35 displayed on the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b can be highlighted or reinforced.
The red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 allow light to enter the light guide plate not from the back but from the side, so that the visibility of the display on the first liquid crystal module 31a is not impaired.
43, the LED driver 37 controls the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 to direct R (red) light, G (green) light, B (blue) light is emitted.
The emission timings of the red LED 116R, the green LED 116G, and the blue LED 116 are completely synchronized with the emission timings of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B, which are the light sources of the backlight 100. FIG.
Therefore, it is possible to display an image on the light guide plate and perform color display by the second method by using the light from the light guide plate as the light source of the second liquid crystal module 31b.

Note that if the frame start timing (vertical synchronization timing, VSYNC) of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b is deviated, a color shift occurs in either the first liquid crystal module 31a or the second liquid crystal module 31b. Sometimes.
The emission timings of the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B are synchronized with the driving signals of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b. 2. In the liquid crystal module 31b, there arises a problem that the backlight 100 does not emit light in R (red) when the liquid crystal molecules should be driven by the liquid crystal drive signal for the R component (pixels should be displayed in red). There is a risk.
Therefore, it is necessary to synchronize the vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC) with the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b.
A method for synchronizing the vertical synchronization signals of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b in the image display unit 31 of this embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining the basic configuration of a liquid crystal screen.
The liquid crystal screen is composed of a large number of pixels arranged in a matrix, and the horizontally arranged pixels constitute one scanning line (horizontal line).
Then, according to the (VGA) input signal, the scanning line (horizontal line) is scanned line by line (for example, from the left to the right) in the vertical direction (vertical direction) to display an image (pixels are driven). be done.
Further, on the liquid crystal screen, horizontal and vertical non-display areas (=blank areas) can be set around a display area (effective pixel area) 50 composed of effective pixels in which an image is actually displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 44( a ), blank areas set in the horizontal and vertical directions of the effective pixel area 50 include a horizontal front porch 51 , a horizontal back porch 52 , a vertical front porch 53 and a vertical back porch 54 .
By adjusting the sizes of these back porch and front porch, it is possible to change the position of the display area (effective pixel area) 50 within the liquid crystal screen.
A blank area set above the effective pixel area 50 is a vertical front porch 53 , and a blank area set below the effective pixel area 50 is a vertical back porch 54 .
In the horizontal line including the effective pixel area 50 , the blank area set on the left side (scanning start side) is the horizontal front porch 51 , and the blank area on the right side (scanning end side) is the horizontal back porch 52 .
It should be noted that the blank area does not necessarily have to be set separately above, below, and before and after the effective pixel area 50. As shown in FIG. , or may be collectively set as a vertical blank area 56 on the upper or lower side.

As described above, the image display device (liquid crystal screen) includes an LCD driver that drives pixels (liquid crystal) based on signals input from the VDP 200 .
The first liquid crystal module 31a has an LCD driver 36a, and the second liquid crystal module 31b has an LCD driver 36b.
The operation mode (driving mode) of the liquid crystal screen differs depending on the mode of the signal input from the VDP 200 to the LCD driver, and is roughly divided into the DE mode and the fixed mode.
In FIG. 4, it was explained that the video signal and the synchronizing signal are output from the display circuit 208, but these are signals in a fixed mode, which will be described later, and a data enable signal (DE signal) is used in the DE mode. The fixed mode will be described below.

In the fixed mode, the input signals input from the VDP 200 are mainly the driving clock, the luminance signal and color signal (video signal) conforming to the video, and the synchronization signal (H-SYNC signal, V-SYNC signal, blank signal). including.
FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a synchronizing signal for the liquid crystal module.
When the V-SYNC signal is input from the VDP 200, the driver scans (drives) line by line from the first dot on the liquid crystal screen according to the state of the V-BLANK signal.
A period in which the V-BLANK signal is invalid after the V-SYNC signal is input corresponds to a vertical blank area 56 (vertical front porch 53+vertical back porch 54).
During the effective period of the V-BLANK signal, drawing is performed on the effective pixel area 50 .
The invalid period of the H-BLANK signal (not shown) in the valid period of the V-BLANK signal corresponds to the horizontal blank area 55 (horizontal front porch 51+horizontal back porch 52). When the H-BLANK signal is valid, actual drawing (pixel driving) is performed using valid pixels.
When the H-SYNC signal is input during scanning of one line, scanning of the next line is performed.
After the vertical back porch period, when the V-SYNC signal is input, the refresh timing of the screen comes and scanning of the next screen is started.
A vertical blanking period (vertical front porch period+vertical back porch period) is defined by the V-BLANK signal.
As shown in FIG. 44B, when the blank area is collectively set either before or after the effective pixel area, at the end of the blanking period including the vertical front porch 53 + vertical back porch 54 A V-SYNC signal is input to return to the first pixel of the next screen. This timing is the screen refresh timing.

In the image display unit 31 of the present embodiment, control as described below is performed in order to match the vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b.
Basically, the control is such that the vertical synchronization timing of one liquid crystal module is matched with the vertical synchronization timing of another liquid crystal module.
A case will be described below in which the vertical synchronization timing of the first liquid crystal module 31a is later than that of the second liquid crystal module 31b. Of course, this is only an example, and the opposite may be true.
At the timing when the scanning of the last pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b is finished and the LCD driver 36a returns to the first pixel, the first liquid crystal module 31a, which is still driving the pixels in the middle, forcibly returns to the first pixel. Thereby, the vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b are matched. This can be realized by configuring as follows.

FIG. 46 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining synchronization signals for matching vertical synchronization timings of two liquid crystal screens provided in the image display unit of the present embodiment.
(i) indicates a synchronizing signal input to the second liquid crystal module 31b, and (ii) indicates a synchronizing signal input to the first liquid crystal module 31a.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35(b), for the first liquid crystal module 31a with a small refresh rate, the timing of the V-SYNC signal is advanced (the vertical back porch period is shortened). ), the same timing as the V-SYNC signal of the second liquid crystal module 31b shown in FIG. 35(a).
The VDP 200 outputs to the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a a V-SYNC signal whose timing is matched with that of the second liquid crystal module 31b.

Further, the difference in refresh rate between the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b is very slight, and at the timing when the vertical back porch period of the second liquid crystal module 31b ends, the effective pixel region of the first liquid crystal module 31a also becomes There is a high possibility that the driving of 50a has ended and the vertical back porch period has begun.
When the vertical back porch period ends and the vertical front porch period starts for the second liquid crystal module 31b, even if the first liquid crystal module 31a is also forcibly set to the vertical front porch period, the image display of the first liquid crystal module 31a may be affected. No problems arise.

In such a case, V-SYNC is input after the vertical blank area 56. By inputting the V-SYNC signal to the first liquid crystal module 31a at the same time as inputting the V-SYNC input to the second liquid crystal module 31b, , the vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b can be matched.

As another method, the LCD driver 36b completes the scanning of the last pixel of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and after the scanning of the last pixel of the first liquid crystal module 31a, which is still driving the pixels in the middle, finishes scanning the first pixel. and return to the top pixel. Thereby, the vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b are matched. This can be realized by configuring as follows.

FIG. 47 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining synchronization signals for matching vertical synchronization timings of two liquid crystal screens provided in the image display unit of the present embodiment.
(a) shows the vertical synchronization signal of the second liquid crystal module 31b, and (b) shows the vertical synchronization signal of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35(a), the second liquid crystal module 31b waits even after the lapse of the specified period corresponding to the vertical back porch 54b, and the input timing of the original V-SYNC signal is maintained. is set to be the same timing as the vertical synchronizing signal of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
The VDP 200 transmits a vertical synchronization signal as shown in FIG. 38(a) in accordance with the vertical synchronization timing (V-SYNC signal input timing) of the first liquid crystal module 31a.
The V-SYNC signal is input after the vertical blank area 56. At the same time as the V-SYNC signal is input to the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the V-SYNC signal is also input to the LCD driver 36b of the second liquid crystal module 31b. By inputting, the vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the second liquid crystal module 31b can be matched.
The same applies to the third liquid crystal module 31c. By inputting the V-SYNC signal to the LCD driver 36a of the first liquid crystal module 31a and simultaneously inputting the V-SYNC signal to the LCD driver of the third liquid crystal module 31b, The vertical synchronization timings of the first liquid crystal module 31a and the third liquid crystal module 31b can be matched.
As a result, the vertical synchronization timing can be matched in all of the first liquid crystal module 31a, the second liquid crystal module 31b, and the third liquid crystal module 31c.
In this embodiment, the red LED 115R, the green LED 115G, and the blue LED 115B emit red light, green light, and green light by converting the wavelengths of ultraviolet rays emitted from LEDs capable of emitting invisible light (ultraviolet rays), respectively, using fluorescent tubes. It may be configured to emit blue light.

As the image display device of the game machine 1, a liquid crystal display device, a rear projector, or any other display device can be adopted.
In addition, the display mode of the image display device of the present invention can be applied not only to pachinko machines, but also to slot machines, other game machines having display devices, and game machines in general.

1 game machine, 10 game board, 13 first start port, 14 second start port, 31 image display device, 35 effect pattern, 110 main control board, 111 main CPU, 112 main ROM, 113 main RAM, 120 effect control board , 121 sub-CPU, 122 sub-ROM, 123 sub-RAM, 140 lamp control board, 150 image control board, 151 host CPU, 152 host RAM 152 host ROM

Claims (1)

a plurality of light sources with different emission colors;
light emission control means for sequentially switching the plurality of light sources within one display period to control light emission;
a light emitting member that sequentially emits light in different colors according to light from the plurality of light sources;
liquid crystal display means comprising a plurality of pixels for emitting or blocking light from the plurality of light sources;
By controlling each pixel included in the liquid crystal display means according to the color change of the light from the plurality of light sources, display is performed using light of different colors emitted from each pixel within the one display period. display control means;
with
The plurality of light sources have different times from application of current to light emission,
The gaming machine, wherein the light emission control means performs control such that the timing of applying the current to each light source is varied according to the time.

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