JP2005152354A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a game apparatus which enables the image display with higher variety along with relatively smaller burden on the processing by displaying a composite of plurality of images containing the identifying information. <P>SOLUTION: The animation data of the background images in the execution of the special pattern game are formed in a smaller size than the size of the screen to be stored. When the special pattern game is started, the animation data of the background images are developed being pruned to keep back the amount of the information, A semi-transparency processing is carried out to merge the animation data for the performance of the special pattern game with the background images developed so as to make the background images see through and a display is made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that plays a game using a variation display of identification information.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, variable display is performed by updating and displaying predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as display symbols) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD: Liquid Crystal Display). There are provided a number of games that are enhanced by a so-called variable display game that determines whether or not to give a predetermined game value based on the result.

  Some variable display games are played by using the above-described display device as an image display device (hereinafter referred to as a special game). In the special game, the display symbol is updated in accordance with the detection of the game ball passing through the start winning opening (the execution condition of the change is established), and the stop symbol mode when the display symbol update display is completely stopped is specified. A game in which the display mode is “big hit”. When a “big hit” is made in a special game, a special electric combination called a big prize opening or an attacker is opened, and a state in which a game ball can be won very easily is provided to a player for a certain period of time. This state is referred to as a “specific game state”.

  The player plays a game with the goal of obtaining this specific gaming state. Therefore, the player's attention will be concentrated on the display of the variation of the identification information and the display of the variation result.

  Various proposals have been made in order to enhance the interest and to improve the efficiency of the display processing by making the display of the variation of the identification information and the display of the variation result rich.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which moving image data is compressed and stored in a memory, and when playback of an arbitrary part is instructed, the part is sequentially expanded, converted into a video signal, and displayed. To do.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for combining and displaying a frame of real image data in which a predetermined area is translucently processed and a frame of non-real image data.
JP-A-7-185088 JP 2001-300064 A

  In order to synthesize and display a plurality of images, even when the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are combined, the processing load of the image is large, so that the processing of the image is not in time and there is a problem in the image display. There is a problem that it may occur. In addition, if a high-performance chip is used to reduce the processing load on the image, there is a problem that the cost is greatly increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and allows a variety of image display by combining and displaying a plurality of images including identification information, and a gaming apparatus with a relatively small processing load. It aims at realizing a game control method.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application,
A plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, special information) each having a screen of a predetermined size and each of which can be identified using the screen when a predetermined variation execution condition is satisfied (for example, winning a game ball to the normal variable winning ball device 6). A variation display means (for example, a variation display device 4) for performing variation display of symbols)
The identification derived by the variation display means on the basis of establishment of a variation start condition after the variation execution condition is established (for example, a big hit random number value based on a prize moves to the first entry of the special figure holding memory 121) A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the information variation display becomes a specific display result (for example, the same number of ticks),
Prior determination means for determining in advance whether or not the display result of the variable display based on the establishment of the variable execution condition becomes the specific display result before the change start condition after the change execution condition is satisfied (for example, Step S303 by the game control microcomputer 100),
Identification information image storage means for storing moving image data of the variation display image of the identification information (for example, a portion storing identification information in the video ROM 137);
Background image storage means for storing moving image data of a background image displayed as the background of the identification information (for example, a portion storing a background image in the video ROM 137);
After the change start condition is established, reading means (for example, CPU 133 and VDP 136, step S502) for reading moving image data of identification information from the identification information image storage means and reading moving image data of background images from the background image storage means;
The moving image data of the background image read from the background image storage unit by the reading unit is expanded by performing a thinning process for thinning out the information amount of the moving image data, and the identification information image storage is stored in the background image expanded by the thinning. Image synthesis means for performing a semi-transparency process so that the background image can be seen through the image of the identification information read from the means (part for performing image synthesis of the control ROM 134, the CPU 133, and the VDP 136, step S505); ,
And a composite image display unit (for example, VDP 136, VRAM 138) that displays the composite image on the screen in accordance with image data of the composite image combined by the image combining unit.

  In addition to the configuration of claim 1, the gaming machine according to claim 2 is a character image (for example, displayed together with a special symbol in FIG. 6) that the identification information image storage means displays along with the identification information. The moving image data of the animal image), the reading unit reads the image data of the character image together with the image of the identification information from the identification information image storage unit, and the image synthesizing unit stores the moving image data of the character image. Includes a means (for example, VDP 136, VRAM 138, step S505) for performing translucent processing on the background image, and the synthesized image display means according to the synthesized image data of the character image and the background image. The composite image is displayed on the screen.

  Further, in addition to the configuration of claim 2, the gaming machine according to claim 3 is characterized in that the reading is performed when the variable execution condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period (for example, a certain period or more) (for example, a demonstration period). The means reads moving image data of a plurality of different character images at different timings (for example, when it is determined in step S702 that a fixed time has elapsed since the previous reading), and the image composition means reads the moving image data by the reading means. The processed character image is subjected to the translucent process, and sequentially synthesized at different positions of the background image (for example, positions corresponding to display position designation random numbers in steps S703 and S704), and the synthesized image display means Display different characters at different timings on the screen according to the combined image data of the character image And butterflies.

  The image synthesizing means of the gaming machine according to claim 4 changes the transparency of the image of the identification information in a stepwise manner (for example, decreases in a step shape as shown in the middle symbol transparency in FIG. 14). The information image is synthesized with the background image.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 5, when the identification information (for example, special symbol) is displayed in a stopped state, the image composition unit identifies the moving image data of the background image without performing a thinning process. The image data of information (for example, image data of a sprite image) is synthesized on the moving image data of the background image (for example, VDP 136, steps S508 and S509).

In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the identification information image storage means stores identification information still image storage means for storing still image data of the identification information (stores an image of identification information in the sprite storage unit 201. Part)
When displaying the identification information in a stopped state, the reading means (for example, the CPU 133 and the VDP 136, step S509) reads the still image data of the identification information from the identification information still image storage means and sends it to the image composition means. And the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the still image data of the identification information read from the identification information still image storage unit with the moving image data of the background image.

  A computer program for operating the computer as the above-mentioned gaming machine is recorded on a recording medium (hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, CD-ROM, MO ( Magnetic Optical disk)) may be stored and distributed, or distributed via a communication line, which may be installed in a computer and executed. Alternatively, this program may be installed in a computer, or the installed program may be manufactured or sold.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, since the background image is expanded by performing the thinning process for reducing the data amount, the burden on the expansion process can be suppressed. Further, since the degree of attention to the background image of the player is lower than the degree of attention to the identification image, such a configuration does not give the player the impression that the image quality is bad.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of the second aspect, the interest of the player is enhanced as compared with the case where the identification information is displayed alone.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of the third aspect, the moving image data of the identification information being displayed in a variable manner can be used as a display image during a period other than the game execution, for example, when displaying a demonstration screen. Can be suppressed. Further, by varying the display timing, for example, by varying (shifting) the start timing of the variable display of each character image, the control burden can be distributed over time.

  According to the gaming machine of the fourth aspect, since the transparency of the identification information changes stepwise according to time, it is possible to give a visual impact to the player in combination with a change in the image of the identification information itself.

  According to the gaming machine of the fifth aspect, while the identification information is stopped, the burden for displaying the identification information becomes lighter than the period during which the identification information is variably displayed. Therefore, during this period, a clear background image can be displayed without excessively increasing the processing load.

  According to the gaming machine of the sixth aspect, while the identification information is stopped, the identification information is displayed as still image data, so that a high-quality image can be displayed while suppressing the processing load.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variation display device 4 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area.

  The variable display device 4 uses, for example, an active matrix LCD using TFT (Thin Film Transistor), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), EL (Electro Luminescence), or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). Configured. In a variable display game (special game) in which a game ball wins the normal variable winning ball device 6, the variable display device 4 is composed of numbers, characters, patterns, etc., each of which can be identified. A special symbol that functions as the type of identification information is displayed in a variable displayable manner in a plurality of display areas. In the special symbol game performed by the variable display device 4, after a specific time has elapsed after starting the variable symbol variable display, the variable symbol display result in each display area is derived and displayed in a predetermined order, and a fixed symbol ( Stop display (final stop symbol). The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) when the combination of the fixed symbols (stopped symbol mode) has a predetermined specific display result (big hit). In this big hit gaming state, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning mouth) 7 is opened for a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. While being opened, the game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 is received and then closed. The opening cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times).

  In this embodiment, three display areas, left, middle, and right, are provided as display areas in the variable display device 4, and eight types of display symbols “0” to “7” are special symbols in each display area. As a variable display. For example, in each of the left, middle, and right display areas, when a special symbol starts to change during a special symbol game, an update display or scroll display is performed from the smallest number indicated by the symbol to the larger one. When the symbol “7” is displayed, the special symbol “0” is then displayed.

  In the special figure game by the fluctuation display device 4, after starting the fluctuation display of the special symbol, when the same special symbol is derived and displayed as the display result in each of the left, middle and right display areas, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a jackpot gaming state. Here, in this embodiment, special symbols “1”, “3”, “5”, and “7” indicating odd numbers are assumed to be probable big hit symbols, and each of left, middle, and right is displayed as a variation display result in the special diagram game. When the same probability variation jackpot symbols are all derived and displayed in the display area and determined, the probability variation jackpot as a predetermined special display result is obtained. When the probable big hit is reached, after the big hit gaming state based on the probable big hit, the probability changing control (probability changing control) is performed as an example of the special gaming state. In the high probability state in which the probability variation control is performed, the probability that the variation display result in the special game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is improved as compared with the normal gaming state. Note that the normal gaming state is a gaming state other than the big hit gaming state or the high probability state, and the probability that the variation display result in the special figure game will be a big hit is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state immediately after the power is turned on. Has been. Here, after the big hit gaming state is ended, it may be controlled to a special gaming state such as a high probability state, or may be immediately controlled to the special gaming state based on the fact that the special game is a promising big hit.

  In this embodiment, the special symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, and “6” indicating even numbers are set as normal jackpot symbols, and the left, middle, and right displays are displayed as the variation display results in the special diagram game. When the same normal big hit symbols are all derived and displayed in the area, they are usually big hits. When the normal big hit is made, the probability variation control is not performed after the big hit gaming state is ended, so the probability that the variation display result in the special game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is not improved.

  In this embodiment, when the fluctuation display result in the special figure game is a probable big hit, after the big hit gaming state based on the probable big hit is finished, the probabilistic control is continued until the next big hit becomes the normal big hit. It is assumed that a high probability state is obtained. It should be noted that when the big game is a big hit in the special game executed in the high probability state, the high probability state is once ended, and when the big hit is a probable big hit, it may be controlled to the high probability state again.

  Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is arranged. A special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 is disposed below the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. The special variable winning ball device 7 performs the opening operation of the opening / closing plate provided on the front surface when the special game is played based on the winning timing to the ordinary variable winning ball device 6 as a result of the special game. Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided in the periphery of the game area. .

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with a main board 11 and a display control board 12 as shown in FIG. The main board 11 and the display control board 12 are arranged at appropriate positions on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the two boards are connected by signal lines. Various control boards such as a power supply board, a sound control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, and an information terminal board are also arranged on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is also connected to wiring from each winning opening switch 70 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning prize ball device 6, the special variable winning ball device 7, and other winning holes.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is a function for generating random numbers used in a special game, a function for inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, a display control board 12, a voice control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, etc. A function for outputting / transmitting control commands to / from the sub-side control board is provided.

  The main board 11 sends a display control command to the display control board 12 and controls its display. As this display control command, for example, a change start command, a special symbol designation command, a special symbol confirmation command, and the like are prepared in advance.

  The variation start command is a command for instructing to start the variation display of the special symbol in the variation display device 4, and the display control board 12 corresponds to the variation start command, and the total variation time of the special symbol, A determination result of whether or not the variable display result is a big hit, a determination result of whether or not to reach, and the like are specified. The special symbol designation command is a command for designating a special symbol such as a fixed symbol which is stopped and displayed during execution of the special symbol game in each of the left, middle and right display areas provided in the variable display device 4. is there. The special symbol confirmation command is a command for instructing the end of the variation display of the special symbol.

The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100 and a switch circuit 107. The game control microcomputer 100 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 used as a work memory, and a control operation according to the program. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 105 are included.
The switch circuit 107 takes in the detection signal from each winning opening switch 70 and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 100.

  The random number circuit 104 counts various random numbers to control the progress of the game under the control of the CPU 103. As a specific example, the random number circuit 104 is a numerical data used as a big hit determination random number, a probability variation determination random number, a reach determination random number, a fixed symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, or the like according to the setting and control of the CPU 103. Is controlled to be countable. The jackpot determination random number is a determination random number used to determine whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is put into a jackpot gaming state by generating a jackpot, for example, a value in the range of “0” to “299”. Take. The random number for probability variation determination is a random number used to determine whether or not a high probability state that improves the probability of winning a big hit is obtained, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “7”. The fixed symbol determining random number is a display random number used for determining a fixed symbol of a special symbol in the special symbol game. The random number for determining the variation pattern is a random number for display used for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol.

  The reach determination random number is a display random number used to determine whether or not the variation display mode of the special symbol is set as the reach display mode when the variation display result in the special game is lost. Here, the reach display mode is a display mode in which a variable display is performed for a symbol that has not yet been derived and displayed (referred to as a reach variation symbol) when the derived symbol is a part of the jackpot symbol. Or, it is a display mode in which all or some of the symbols are variably displayed synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, an effective line that becomes a big hit is determined in a plurality of predetermined display areas by stopping predetermined symbols, and predetermined symbols are displayed in some display areas on the effective lines. A display mode in which variable display is performed in the display area on the active line that has not been stopped when the video is stopped (for example, the left, middle, and right display areas have a big hit (A display mode in which the display area on the right is still being displayed in a display state where a part of the symbol (for example, “7”) is stopped), or all or part of the display area on the active line A display mode in which all or a part of the jackpot symbol is displayed in a synchronized manner (for example, the left, middle, and right display areas are displayed in a variable manner and which state is displayed. Will change in a way that the same design is aligned. Display is a display mode) that have been made.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the ROM 101 is a jackpot for determining whether or not the game display program (game control program) 111 and the variation display result of the special game by the variation display device 4 are a jackpot. A determination table 112, a reach determination table 113 for determining whether or not the variation display of the identification information of the special figure game is a reach variation, a variation pattern determination table 114 for determining a variation pattern of the special figure game, and the like. Including.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the variation pattern determination table (variation pattern memory) 114 includes a plurality of variation pattern names, their contents, total variation time (count value of variation time timer), left symbol stop time (variation time). (Count value of timer), right symbol stop time (count value of fluctuation time timer),... Control code (code specifying fluctuation pattern), etc. are stored in association with each other.

  The variation pattern registered in the variation pattern determination table 114 shown in FIG. 4 includes, for example, a variation pattern (variation pattern) for deriving the last lost pattern without performing a reach effect as shown in FIG. 1) A fluctuation pattern (shortening fluctuation pattern; fluctuation pattern 2) in which the fluctuation time is set shorter than that of the normal fluctuation pattern, as shown in FIG. Reach loss variation pattern (variation pattern 20) for deriving the final symbol, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), variation pattern per reach (variation pattern 21) for deriving the final symbol by performing a normal reach effect, FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7, a reach / loss variation pattern for deriving a final symbol of winning or losing by performing a characteristic reach effect or a final symbol of winning is derived. Reach per variation patterns, etc. are included.

  Among these, the fluctuation per reach shown in FIG. 6 is unique to the present embodiment, and when the special symbol starts to change from the stop state (screen G11) (screen G12) and the reach state is established (screen). G13), the flamingo starts to turn in the background (screen G14), and then, from the background (flamingo) image, the identification information (middle symbol: 7 in the figure) that is the final stop symbol is the ground flamingo Appears in a thin translucent state where the movement can be seen (screen G15), and the final stop pattern gradually increases and becomes darker (transparency is low) toward the front side (screens G16 and G17).

  Then, an impression is given as if the middle symbol was shed, and the symbol is stopped in a non-transparent state (screen G18), and the normal fixed display is entered (screen G19).

  In addition, the reach loss variation shown in FIG. 7 starts the special symbol variation from the stop state (screen G21) (screen G22), and when the reach state is established (screen G23), the flamingo starts a turning motion in the background ( Screen G24), then, from the background (flamingo) video, the identification information (middle symbol: 7 in the figure) which is the final stop symbol appears in a thin translucent state where the movement of the underlying flamingo can be seen (screen G25) ), The final stop symbol gradually becomes larger and darker on the near side (transparency becomes lower) (screen G26). However, the losing symbol appears (screen G27), and the middle symbol is produced, and the losing symbol (6 in the drawing) stops in the non-transparent state (screen G28), and the normal confirmation is made. The display is changed (screen G29).

  In addition, the special symbol for the effect display is accompanied by an arbitrary image (character image) for attracting the player's attention, not the special symbol itself (not only simple numbers or letters) such as animal characters. ing. The character image is appropriately displayed in the case of a big hit or a loss according to the timing and the necessity of production.

  After the reach is established, a loss symbol appears and changes to the winning symbol, and then stops / confirms, or a winning symbol appears and changes to the lose symbol, and then stops / fixes. A variation pattern is also prepared in the same manner.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the RAM 102 on the main board 11 shown in FIG. 2 includes a special figure holding memory 121, a special figure processing selection flag 122, a probability change flag 123, a time reduction flag 124, a jackpot flag 125, a special figure change time. The timer 126, etc. are stored.

  The special figure holding memory 121 includes information on the special figure game that is currently being executed, and an execution condition (variable execution condition) that is a condition for the game ball to win the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and execute the special figure game. To store the hold information of the special figure game that has been established but the start condition (fluctuation start condition) for actually starting the fluctuation is not established because, for example, the previous special figure game is being executed. Memory.

  Specifically, the special figure holding memory 121 includes first to fourth four entries, and stores information on the special figure game in the holding state. In each of the first to fourth entries, random values extracted by winning are stored in the order in which the variation execution conditions by winning to the ordinary variable winning ball device 6 are established.

  When the special game is finished once, the hold information registered in the second to fourth entries is incremented by one entry, and the variation start condition is established for the hold information newly registered in the first entry. Further, when a game ball newly wins the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6, a random number value based on the winning is registered in the highest empty entry.

  The special figure process selection flag 122 is a flag indicating which process should be selected / executed in a special symbol process process (a process for controlling a special figure game) which will be described later with reference to FIG.

The probability variation flag 123 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the probability variation state (probability variation state). The probability variation state is a state in which the probability of a big hit in a special figure game is set higher than usual.
The time reduction flag 124 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the time reduction state. The short time state is a state in which the variation time of the special symbol in the special figure game is set shorter than usual.
The probability variation state and the short time state are gaming states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected.

  The big hit flag 125 is a flag that is set when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit state, that is, the specific gaming state. The specific game state is set when a special symbol combination determined in the special symbol game becomes a predetermined jackpot combination (for example, a doublet of the same symbol). In the specific gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. Receive a game ball falling on the surface. Then, on the condition that the received game ball passes a specific area (not shown) provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 (V winning), it is opened again after closing, and this opening cycle is set to a maximum of 16 Can be repeated.

  The special figure fluctuation time timer 126 is a counter for counting an elapsed time since the special figure game (fluctuation of special symbols on the fluctuation display device) is started.

  The display control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 performs display control in the special game independently from the main board 11 in accordance with a computer program. Based on a control command transmitted from the main board 11, the variable display device 4. Control the display of.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the display control board 12 includes an oscillation circuit 131, a reset circuit 132, a display control CPU 133, a control ROM 134, a RAM 135, and a video display processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP: Video Display Processor) 136. A video ROM 137, a VRAM (Video RAM) 138, and an LCD drive circuit 139.

  The oscillation circuit 131 outputs a reference clock signal to the CPU 133 and the VDP 136, and the reset circuit 132 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 133 and the VDP 136. When the CPU 133 receives the display control command from the game control unit 11, the CPU 133 reads control data for performing display control from the control ROM 134 while using the RAM 135 as a work area. The CPU 133 sends a drawing command to the VDP 136 based on the read control data.

  The control ROM 134 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs and control data used by the CPU 133. Specifically, the control ROM 134 stores a control program for the CPU 133 to execute a display control operation described later.

  The control ROM 134 stores information such as which display material is displayed at which timing and in which size for each variation pattern. For example, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, at which timing after the start of variation, an image including a flamingo is displayed, and at what timing, translucent identification information is displayed at which size and in which position Such information is stored. This display control data will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The RAM 135 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 133.

  The VDP 136 has a display device control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image, operates in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 133, and performs processing such as deformation (enlargement / reduction, trimming) and composition of still images and moving images. Have

  The video ROM 137 stores the material of the image displayed on the variable display device 4, and as shown in FIG. 9, the sprite storage unit 201 for storing a still image (sprite) such as identification information, the identification information A variation image storage unit 202, a background image storage unit 204, and an effect variation image storage unit 205 are provided.

  The sprite storage unit 201 stores a sprite image such as a special image stop image.

The identification information variation image storage unit 202 stores a variation image (video data: moving image) of a special symbol.
As shown in FIG. 10, the special symbol variation image is divided into a variation start image, a high-speed variation image, and a stop image according to the variation timing.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the fluctuation start time image is prepared for each special figure, and is a video (moving image) from a state where the specific special figure is stopped to a high-speed fluctuation.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the high-speed fluctuation image is an image of the special figure at the time of high-speed fluctuation, and one image is prepared in common for a plurality of special figures.
As shown in FIG. 10C, the stop-time image is a video (moving image) that is prepared for each special figure and is stopped until the specific special figure fluctuates at high speed.

  The background image storage unit 204 is a background image (moving image) displayed in various scenes, for example, during a change of a special figure, for example, a video image such that the flamingo illustrated with reference to FIGS. Store the data. Here, the video data stored in the background image storage unit 204 is configured to be displayed on the screen of the variable display device 4 in the size of the screen, as shown in FIG. For example, when the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen of the variable display device 4 are configured by Y pixels (dots) × X pixels (dots), the background image is configured by Y pixels × X pixels.

  When the background image stored in the background image storage unit 204 is expanded in the display RAM (VRAM 139) in the normal display state, it is expanded in a thinned state as shown in FIG. The time and processing load required for the expansion process are reduced. The thinning process is a process of thinning and expanding the information amount of the moving image data of the background image. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, 3 pixels of 4 pixels of the background image are thinned, or the background image Any method can be used, such as developing image data of pixels by skipping them one column at a time in the row direction or developing them by skipping them one column at a time in the column direction. In addition, when performing an effect display in which attention is paid to the background image itself, the background image stored in the background image storage unit 204 is developed without a thinning process.

  The effect variation image storage unit 205 gradually displays the variation image (moving image) of the final stop symbol accompanying the effect, for example, the middle symbol “7” that is the final stop symbol illustrated with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Until it becomes larger and stops, until it is confirmed (per hit image), or the middle symbol “7” appears and gradually increases, then changes to “6” and stops until it is confirmed Stores video data of video (out-of-line video). As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the effect variation image is a moving image of a series of variations from the reach state of one special symbol. Each special symbol is appropriately given an optional accompanying image (character image). The image data of the character image is read together with the special symbol image. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12C to 12E, the character is a special symbol “1” with a spear,..., “6” with an owl, and with “7”. One kind of animal is set for each special symbol such as Flamingo. The character image is also displayed in a translucent state where the background image can be seen through. The effect variation image is created in a normal size (standard display size).

  The video data of the moving image stored in the video ROM 137 can use video data of any conventional format. In this embodiment, assuming that the MPEG2 format is adopted, the data structure is shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the MPEG-2 video stream is hierarchically configured for each layer of a sequence, GOP, picture, slice, macroblock, and block. A sequence means an encoded signal of an entire video program. A sequence begins with a sequence header and ends with a sequence end. The sequence header includes information indicating the size of the image, the number of frames to be encoded per second, the communication speed, and the like. The sequence is composed of one or more “GOP”. A GOP (Group of Pictures) is composed of “GOP header” and “picture” (one or more), and the GOP header includes time stamp information for enabling time adjustment with sound at the time of image restoration. It is.

  A picture corresponds to each of the screens that make up a moving image signal. The picture is an intra-frame encoded I-picture that is a key frame that can be decoded independently. It consists of either a P picture that is a forward prediction frame for decoding an image by performing motion compensation prediction, or a B picture that is a bidirectional prediction frame that performs bidirectional motion compensation using both past and future frames. The Each picture is composed of “picture header” and “slice” (one or more). The picture header includes information for identifying I, P, and B pictures, information for specifying the display order of each picture, and the like. The slice is composed of “slice information” and “macroblock” (one or more), and the slice information includes coding information used in the slice, for example, information indicating quantization characteristics. The macro block is composed of “macro block information” and “block” (one or more), and is composed of four Y signals and one block each of Cr and Cb. The macro block information includes information for performing coding control in units of macro blocks. The block is composed of DTC coefficient data of any one of Y signal, Cr signal, and Cb signal.

  In general, when the ratio of key frames increases, the image quality improves, while the compression ratio of moving image data decreases.On the other hand, when the ratio of key frames decreases, the compression ratio increases, but the image quality deteriorates. A relationship is established. Therefore, in order to balance the compression rate and the image quality, the speed of the special symbol is divided into two stages of low speed and high speed based on a predetermined speed, and the ratio of the key frame of the video data of the portion that changes at high speed is The identification information is configured to be higher than the ratio of the key frame of the video data of the portion operating at a low speed. The number of steps may be 3 or more. In this case, the ratio of the key frame of the video data of the part that fluctuates at a certain high speed is configured to be higher than the ratio of the key frame of the video data of the part that operates at a lower speed.

  Note that the video itself may be a live-action video or a CG (computer graphic) video.

  A VRAM 138 shown in FIG. 8 is a frame buffer memory for expanding image data generated (combined) by the VDP 136.

  The LCD drive circuit 139 converts the image data input from the VDP 136 into a video signal composed of a color signal and a synchronization signal, and outputs the video signal to the variable display device 4.

  When the display control board 12 receives from the main board 11 a change start command including information specifying the final stop pattern and the selected change pattern, the display control board 12 changes the special design according to the specified change pattern. In the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, the variation of the symbol is stopped at the designated final stop symbol, and the final stop symbol is determined.

Next, display control data stored in the control ROM 134 will be described.
This display control data is for executing a corresponding change display when a control command for instructing a specific display pattern and a change time are notified from the display control board.

  The display control data includes information on which image (video) data is to be reproduced at which timing for three special figures and background images that are display-controlled in the special figure game, and medium symbols when performing effect display. Set transparency information.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, at the start of fluctuation (start of special figure game), the fluctuation image at the start of fluctuation is reproduced for each of the left, right, and middle special figures, and then switched to the high-speed fluctuation image for reproduction. It has been specified.
Subsequently, for each of the left and right special drawings, it is specified that the reproduction is performed by switching to the change image at the time of stop.

  For the middle symbol (final stop symbol), playback of the high-speed fluctuation image is continued until a certain time elapses (until the reach state is established). It is specified that the image is selected and reproduced, and that the transparency of the image is gradually reduced step by step.

  After the change of the special figure is finished, the fixed symbol is displayed for a certain period of time, but at this time, the player pays attention to the screen, so the fixed symbol of each special figure on the left, right and inside is displayed with sprites, Further, it is assumed that the background image is read from the high-resolution background image storage unit 204.

If the transparency is n%, the luminance of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of each pixel of the effect image is set to ER, EG, EB, and the RGB luminance of each pixel of the background image is set. Assuming BR, BG, and BB, the RGB luminances IR, IG, and IB of each pixel of the combined image are expressed by the following equations, for example.
IR = {(100−n) · ER + n · BR} / 100
IG = {(100−n) · EG + n · BG} / 100
IB = {(100−n) · EB + n · BB} / 100

  As for the background image, during the change of the special symbol, as shown in FIG. 11B, only the image data of one pixel is stored on the VRAM 138 for 2 pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions (4 pixels in total). Display the expanded image. In addition, after the variable display is confirmed, the left, right, and middle symbol sprite images are overwritten on the developed background image without being thinned, and the image data of all pixels of the background image is normally developed. Is displayed.

The display control data will be described with reference to the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7. When the fluctuation of the special figure is started, the fluctuations of the three special figures are reproduced by reproducing the images at the start of the fluctuation for the left, right, and middle symbols. Start and speed up gradually.
Subsequently, the image is switched to the high-speed fluctuation image, and the state of high-speed fluctuation is displayed (screens G12 and G22).

Subsequently, the left symbol and the right symbol are displayed by switching to the stop-time image, and a reach state in which two right and left special drawings are aligned is established as the display image (screens G13 and G23).
After the reach state is established, the reproduction of the background image in which the flamingo turns is started (screens G14 and G24). However, the background image is expanded and displayed by performing a thinning process as shown in FIG.

  Further, for the middle symbol, reproduction of the effect image is started and synthesized with the background image (background image: an image in which the flamingo that has been thinned and developed is turned) with the specified transparency (screens G15 to G18 or G25). -G28). Note that when a special design is accompanied by a character image, the character image is also translucently processed.

  Subsequently, at the change stop timing, the image is stopped, the display is switched to a sprite image, and the background image is switched to a high resolution without thinning processing (screens G19 and G29).

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, an outline of the flow of games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  By operating a handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched into the game area. When the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 detects from the output of the switch circuit 107 that the game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6, the random number circuit 104 generates a random value, and the obtained random value Is stored as the hold information at the head of the empty entry in the special figure hold memory 121 shown in FIG.

  The game control microcomputer 100 reads the hold information stored in the first entry of the special figure hold memory 121 and executes the special figure game corresponding to the read hold information. That is, from the random value set in the first entry of the special figure reservation memory 121, it is determined whether to win or lose. Furthermore, the combination of the special symbol display results (final stop symbols) is determined depending on whether the winning is a big hit or a loss.

  The game control microcomputer 100 selects a variation pattern stored in the variation pattern determination table 114 shown in FIG. 4 according to the situation, and obtains its control code. The game control microcomputer 100 transmits to the display control board 12 a change start command for instructing to start a special figure game and a control code for designating a final stop symbol and a change pattern. The gaming control microcomputer 100 measures the elapsed time after the change start command is transmitted, and transmits a display confirmation command when the total change time has elapsed.

  The display control board 12 reads the display control data in accordance with the change start command supplied from the game control microcomputer 100, reads the video data in accordance with the display control data, synthesizes the display target image, and displays the change display. By displaying on the device 4, the display result is derived by controlling the variation (variable) display of the special symbol.

  When receiving the confirmation command from the game control microcomputer 100, the display control board 12 confirms the final symbol and changes the display image of the special figure to a sprite image. If the final stop symbol is a jackpot symbol (a state in which three special symbols are arranged), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a jackpot state (specific game state), and the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is set for a certain period of time or It is opened until a certain number of game balls are won, and the opening and closing are repeated for a certain cycle under the condition of V winning. On the other hand, if the final stop symbol is a lost symbol, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is not opened.

  In this way, the player plays the special game and causes the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 to win the game ball, and acquires the winning ball to be paid out by the payout control unit.

  Hereinafter, the processing of the special game executed by the game control microcomputer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The game control microcomputer 100 starts the special symbol process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 by, for example, a timer interruption every 2 milliseconds.

  The game control microcomputer 100 first detects whether or not the game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6 by checking the output of the winning ball detector (step S111). When the game ball has won (Step S111; Yes), the winning process is executed (Step S112). When the game ball has not won (Step S111; No), the winning process (Step S112) is skipped.

  In the winning process of step S112, as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the number of holds in the special figure holding memory 121 is 4 or more of the upper limit (step S201). If the number of holds is 4 or more, the start of the special figure game by this winning is invalid and nothing is done. On the other hand, if the number of holds is less than the upper limit of 4, the random number circuit 104 is activated. A random value is extracted (step S202). Next, the extracted random number value is set at the head of the empty entry in the special figure reservation memory 121 (step S203).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 100 selects one of the eight processes of steps S100 to S107 shown in FIG. 15 based on the value of the special figure process selection flag 122.

  The special symbol normal process of step S100 is a process executed when the special symbol process selection flag 122 is the initial value “0”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the hold information is stored in the special figure hold memory 121. When the hold information is stored, the hold information of the second to fourth entries is set to one entry. Each time, the random number value newly stored in the first entry is read, and the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “1”.

  The special symbol stop symbol setting process of step S101 is executed when the value of the special symbol process selection flag 122 is “1”, and is a process for predetermining the display result of the special symbol game. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 determines the display result (predetermined) using the random number value held in the first entry of the special figure holding memory 121. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot determination table 112 corresponding to the gaming state at that time (the probability variation state specified by the contents of the probability variation flag 123, the time reduction flag 124, the time reduction state, etc.) is selected ( (Step S301), applying the random number value read from the first entry of the special figure holding memory 121 in Step S100 to the selected lottery table, it is determined in advance (before the special figure game starts) whether or not it is a big hit ( Step S302).

  In the case of a big hit (step S303; Yes), the random number circuit 104 is activated to extract a random number value, and a big hit display result (combination of final stop symbols) is determined (step S304). On the other hand, in the case of loss (step S303; No), the display result of each symbol is determined by extracting a random number value for each symbol (step S305). Thereafter, the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “2” (step S306).

  The variation pattern setting process of step S102 is a process executed when the special figure process selection flag 122 is “2”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 selects a variation pattern to be used when the special figure game is performed from the variation patterns stored in the variation pattern determination table 114 shown in FIG.

  In this variation pattern setting process, as shown in FIG. 18, the game control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the probability variation flag 123 or the time-short flag 124 is set, that is, the variation time in the special game is shorter than usual. It is determined whether or not the time reduction control process is enabled (step S401). When the probability variation flag 123 or the time reduction flag 124 is on (step S401; Yes), one of the variation patterns for time reduction and the one that can derive the hit or the loss set in step S101, For example, selection is performed by generating a random number (step S402).

  On the other hand, when both the probability variation flag 123 and the time reduction flag 124 are in the off state (step S401; No), from among the normal variation patterns that can derive the final stop symbol set in step S101. One is selected, for example, by generating a random number (step S403).

  Subsequently, a count value corresponding to the total fluctuation time assigned to the selected fluctuation pattern is set (fluctuation time timer setting) in the special figure fluctuation time timer 126 (step S404).

  Subsequently, a variation start command for instructing the start of the special figure game, the final stop symbol, and the control code for designating the variation pattern is transmitted to the display control board 12 (step S405). Subsequently, the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “3” (step S406).

  The change start command transmitted in step S405 is received by the display control board 12. The display control board 12 specifies display control data used for the variable display from the information included in the variable start command, and displays the display image of the variable display device 4 in accordance with the time schedule defined by the display control data. The process of combining and displaying is performed.

  This variation display process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In response to the change start command, the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 reads out the display control data stored in the control ROM 134 that corresponds to the change pattern specified by the received change start command.

  Subsequently, the reference clock of the oscillation circuit 131 is counted and the display image composition / display processing shown in FIG. 19 is executed every time a certain period is measured.

  First, it is determined whether or not the timing is during the change of the special symbol in the special game, or the timing at which the change is finished and the symbol is displayed for confirmation (step S501). If it is changing (step 501; Yes), the CPU 133 instructs the VDP 136 to thin out and expand the background image to be displayed (step S502).

  Subsequently, the VDP 136 is instructed to overwrite the left and right symbol images on the right and left symbol display positions of the background image (step S503).

  Subsequently, with respect to the middle symbol, it is determined whether or not an effect image is used (step S504). When the effect is used (step S504; Yes), the image data of the effect image specified by the display control data is obtained. The VDP 136 is instructed to develop with the transparency set in the control data (step S505), and the current process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the effect image is not used for the middle symbol (step S504; No), the VDP 136 is instructed to expand the middle symbol image data by overwriting (step S507), and the current process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the timing is not changing the special symbol in the special game (step 501; No), the CPU 133 instructs the VDP 136 to develop the background image to be displayed without thinning out. (Step S508).

  Subsequently, the left, right, and middle symbol sprite images are read out and overwritten on the background image are instructed to the VDP 136 (step S509), and the current process ends.

  The VDP 136 develops and synthesizes the image on the work memory according to the instruction, stores the developed image data in the VRAM 138, and displays it on the screen of the variable display device 4 via the LCD drive circuit 139.

  Next, among the image development and synthesis processing executed by the VDP 136, processing for thinning and developing a background image will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the entire image data in the development area of the background image in the VRAM 138 is once set to a neutral gray level (step S521). This is to prevent the developed image from being visually abnormal because the pixels in which the image data of the background image is not developed are too bright or colored. If the background is black, the entire display may become too dark. The intermediate gradation may be set as appropriate according to the display content.

  Subsequently, pointers i and j indicating the number of rows and the number of columns are sequentially set to 1 (steps 522 and S523).

  Subsequently, the image data of the pixels in the i-th row and j-th column of the background image is overwritten as the image data of the corresponding pixels in the VRAM 138 on the original intermediate gradation image data (step S524).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the expansion process has been completed up to the last pixel of the i row, that is, whether or not j has reached the maximum value (step S525), and if not reached (step S525; No), j = J + 2 is designated, the next pixel skipped by one pixel is designated (step S526), and the process returns to step S524 to execute the expansion process.

  On the other hand, if j has reached the maximum value (step S525; Yes), it is determined whether or not the expansion processing for the last row is completed, i.e., whether i is the maximum number of rows (step S527). If it is not the maximum number of rows (step S527; No), i = i + 2 is specified, the next row skipped by 1 is designated (step S528), and the process returns to step S523 to execute the expansion process from the first pixel in the row. To do.

  On the other hand, if i has reached the maximum value (step S527; Yes), the thinned background image data is output to the variable display device 4 via the LCD drive circuit 139 (step S529), and the background image development process itself is performed. finish.

  By performing such processing, the time required for image development processing is shortened, and the processing burden is reduced.

  The VDP 136 sequentially performs image development and synthesis processing for the left, right, and middle symbols in accordance with the instruction of the CPU 133, and provides the generated image data to the variable display device 4 via the LCD drive circuit 139 to provide special symbols and background images. Is displayed.

  While the display control board 12 is performing the special symbol variation display processing described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the game control microcomputer 100 repeatedly executes the special symbol variation processing in step S103 of FIG. To do. This process is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “3”. In this process, as shown in FIG. 21, the game control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the count value of the special figure variation time timer 126 (step S601). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the special figure variation time timer 126 is 0, that is, whether or not the special symbol has been varied for the set variation time (step S602).

  When it is determined that the special figure variation time timer 126 = 0 (step S602; Yes), it is the timing when one special figure game has just ended, and the game control microcomputer 100 sets the special figure processing selection flag 122. “4” is set (step S603).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S602 that the special symbol variation time timer 126 is not 0 (step S602; No), the current interrupt processing (special symbol variation processing) is terminated.

  The special symbol stop setting process in step S104 of FIG. 15 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process selection flag 122 is “4”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a confirmation command to the display control board 12. Further, in synchronization with the end of the special figure game, the end of the special figure game is notified to each unit that needs to operate. Further, the game control microcomputer 100 sets the big hit flag 125 when the final stop symbol corresponds to the win, updates the special figure processing selection flag 122 to “5”, and corresponds to the loss, The special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to “0”.

  When the CPU 133 of the display control board 12 receives the confirmation command sent in the special symbol stop setting process of step S104, the CPU 133 executes the process of performing the special symbol confirmation display described above with reference to FIG. 19 using the sprite and the normal background image. To do.

  The process for pre-opening the special winning opening in step S105 in FIG. 15 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “5”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 performs a process for performing an effect before the special winning opening 7 is opened, for example, a process such as an interval effect before the first opening or an opening process. When it is time to open the big prize opening 7, the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is updated to "6".

  The special winning opening opening process in step S106 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “6”. In this process, the game control microcomputer 100 performs a game ball winning process for the opened big winning opening 7, a process for measuring an opening time, display control via the display control unit 13, and the like. The game control microcomputer 100 updates the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 when the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number or when the opening time reaches a predetermined time. The gaming control microcomputer 100 counts the number of times the big prize opening 7 is released for one big hit, and when the special figure processing selection flag 122 is updated, if the number of times of opening reaches 16, the big hit If the condition termination condition is satisfied, the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is set to “7”, and if the number of times of opening has not reached 16, the special winning opening 7 is once closed and then the game to the specific area It is determined whether or not the ball has passed (the presence or absence of the V prize). If the ball has passed, the special figure processing selection flag 122 is set to “5”, and if not, “7”. As a result, in the big hit state, the opening / closing of the big winning opening 7 is repeated up to 16 times.

  The jackpot ending process in step S107 of FIG. 15 is a process executed when the value of the special figure process selection flag 122 is “7”, and the game control microcomputer 100 performs a process of ending the jackpot state. The value of the figure processing selection flag 122 is set to “0”.

  The game control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not there are a switch signal and a handle operation signal input from the switch circuit 107. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not in a gaming state, a display of a demonstration screen is displayed on the display control board 12. A command is transmitted to display a demonstration image on the variable display device 4.

  In this embodiment, this demonstration screen is executed as shown in FIG. First, the CPU 133 determines whether or not it is the demonstration screen display timing using the effect image based on a certain standard (step S701). If it is the display timing (step S701; Yes), it is determined whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the previous instruction to the VDP 136 (step S702). If a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous instruction to the VDP 136 (step S702; Yes), the random number program is activated to specify the random number for specifying the display position on the screen and the effect image to be displayed. Is generated (step S703), and this is notified to the VDP 136 (step S704).

  In addition, when it is not the demonstration screen display timing using the effect image (Step S701; No) and a certain period has not elapsed since the previous instruction to the VDP 136 (Step S702; No), the current display process is performed. Absent.

  The VDP 136 sequentially develops and displays the effect image specified by the random value at the position specified by the random value notified from the CPU 133. Accordingly, the reproduction of the effect image is started at different timings on the screen at different timings, and the operation in which the video disappears when each reproduction is finished is repeated. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a demonstration screen that is interesting while suppressing the image capacity as compared with a case where a video for production is provided separately.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, at the timing when the degree of attention to the background image is low, such as during the special symbol variation display, the background image is thinned out and displayed, so the processing burden can be reduced. , Resources can be effectively used for the variable display part which has a heavy burden. Further, since the degree of attention to the background image of the player is lower than the degree of attention to the identification image, such a configuration does not give the player the impression that the image quality is bad.

  Further, by using a character image associated with the identification information, the player's interest is enhanced as compared with the case where the identification information is displayed alone.

  Further, since the moving image for producing the identification information during the variable display can be used as a display image during a period other than during the game execution, for example, during the demonstration screen display, the storage capacity can be reduced. Further, by varying the display timing, for example, by varying (shifting) the start timing, the control burden can be distributed over time.

  Further, since the transparency of the effect image changes stepwise according to time, it is possible to give a visual impact to the player in combination with the fluctuation of the image of the identification information itself.

  Furthermore, in the identification information stop period where the burden for displaying the identification information is lighter than the period in which the identification information is variably displayed, without excessively increasing the processing burden due to the sprite and the high-resolution background image, A clear background image can be displayed.

  In addition, while the identification information is stopped, the identification information is displayed as a still image, so that a high-quality image can be displayed while suppressing the processing load.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible.

  First, as long as the control burden required for developing the background image can be suppressed, the method of thinning out image data is arbitrary.

  First, in the above embodiment, 3 pixels are thinned out to 4 pixels of the background image, but m and n in the case of thinning out m pixels for n pixels are arbitrary (where n> m).

  Further, for example, in step S524 of FIG. 20, the image data of the pixels in the i-th row and j-th column of the background image are converted into the i-th row and j-th column, (i + 1) row and j-column, i row (j + 1) column of the display target image on the VRAM 138. By developing in (i + 1) rows (j + 1) columns, the image data of 1 pixel of the background image may be the corresponding 2 × 2 4 pixel image data of the VRAM 138. In addition to developing one pixel into four pixels, one pixel may be developed into m (an integer greater than or equal to 2) pixels. In this case, step S521 need not be arranged.

  The image data of the background image does not need to be dot pattern data such as bitmap data, and may be vector data. When the background image is formed of vector data, the pixel data in the i row and j column of the image defined by the vector data is expanded to the pixel in the i row and j column of the display target image (or a pixel in the vicinity thereof). You just have to do it.

  Note that the background image need not have the size of one screen, and may be smaller or larger. If it is small, it is arranged and developed at an arbitrary position in the display area. If it is large, pixels in the area to be displayed may be developed.

For example, in the above embodiment, the display method of the present invention is used for the effect display after the reach state is established in the special symbol game. However, after the start of the special symbol change or after the left symbol is stopped, Inventive display techniques may be used.
Furthermore, the display method of the present invention can be used in scenes of arbitrary effects such as so-called reach notice and jackpot notice.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 133 processes the display control data and outputs a command to the VDP 136. For example, the VDP 136 stores the display control data in an internal ROM or the like, and the CPU 133 only specifies the effect display. Thus, the VDP 136 may execute processes such as the reproduction / transparency setting and composition of the effect image.

  In the above embodiment, a specific type of character is assigned to the special symbol, but the type of character is arbitrary. In addition, a special image and a character synthesized in advance are prepared as the effect image. For example, a moving image for changing the special symbol and a moving image of the character are prepared, and the change of the character is prepared. A moving image may be selected as appropriate by a random number or the like, and may be combined with a moving image for special symbol presentation.

  The numerical values shown in the above embodiment are examples and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the above-described example, the upper limit value of the number of reservations in the special figure reservation memory 121 is 4, but the upper limit value of the number of reservations is arbitrary. In addition, the order of stopping the changing symbols in the special game is arbitrary.

  The method for establishing the special game execution condition is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a game ball winning at a specific winning opening may be used as an execution condition for a normal game, or a game ball winning at a specific non-variable winning hole may be passed through a specific gate gaming ball. It may be an execution condition.

  The apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 1, the block configuration shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Changes and modifications are possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described using a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, but other gaming machines such as a slot machine separately provided with a variable display device and an image display device. In the present invention, the present invention can be applied.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided on a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

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

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration example. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the microcomputer for game control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the fluctuation pattern determination table of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluctuation pattern in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluctuation pattern in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluctuation pattern in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display control board. It is a figure which shows the example of the video data stored in the video ROM of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the video data of the fluctuation | variation image of identification information. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the size of a background image, (b) is a figure for demonstrating the method of expand | deploying the image data of the fluctuation | variation image of (a). (A)-(e) is a figure which shows the example of an effect image. It is a figure which shows the structural example of video data. It is a figure which shows the example of the control data stored in control ROM. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process centering on control of the special figure game by the microcomputer for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the winning process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol stop symbol setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the fluctuation pattern setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the display image synthetic | combination and display process which CPU of a display control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the thinning expansion | deployment process of the background image which VDP of a display control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol fluctuation | variation process in FIG. It is a flowchart of a demonstration screen display process.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine)
2… Game board (gauge board)
3 ... Frame for gaming machines (underframe)
4 ... Fluctuating display device 6 ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Lamp

Claims (6)

A variation display means that includes a screen of a predetermined size, and that performs variation display of a plurality of pieces of identification information that can each be identified using the screen when a predetermined variation execution condition is established;
Based on the establishment of the change start condition after the change execution condition is satisfied, when the display result of the change display of the identification information derived by the change display means becomes the specific display result, the game state is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state,
Prior determination means for determining in advance whether or not the display result of the variable display based on the establishment of the variable execution condition becomes the specific display result before the change start condition after the change execution condition is satisfied;
Identification information image storage means for storing moving image data of the variation display image of the identification information;
Background image storage means for storing moving image data of a background image displayed as a background of the identification information;
After the change start condition is satisfied, reading moving image data of the identification information from the identification information image storing unit, reading unit for reading the moving image data of the background image from the background image storage unit,
The moving image data of the background image read from the background image storage unit by the reading unit is expanded by performing a thinning process for thinning out the information amount of the moving image data, and the identification information image storage is stored in the background image expanded by the thinning. Image synthesis means for performing a semi-transparency process so that the background image can be seen through the image of the identification information read from the means;
In accordance with image data of the synthesized image synthesized by the image synthesizing means, synthesized image display means for displaying the synthesized image on the screen;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The identification information image storage means stores moving image data of a character image to be displayed accompanying the identification information,
The reading means reads image data of a character image together with an image of identification information from the identification information image storage means,
The image synthesizing means includes means for synthesizing the moving image data of the character image with the moving image data of the background image by performing a translucent process.
The composite image display means displays the composite image on the screen according to composite image data of the character image and the background image.
The gaming machine according to claim 1. When the variable execution condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period,
The reading means reads moving image data of a plurality of different character images at different timings,
The image synthesizing unit performs the translucent process on the character image read by the reading unit, and sequentially synthesizes the character image at different positions of the background image.
The composite image display means displays different characters at different timings on the screen according to composite image data of a background image and a character image.
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: The image synthesizing unit gradually changes the transparency of the image of the identification information, and synthesizes the image of the identification information with the background image;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. When displaying the identification information in a stopped state,
The image synthesis means synthesizes the image data of the identification information on the video data of the background image without performing thinning processing of the video data of the background image.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The identification information image storage means includes identification information still image storage means for storing still image data of the identification information,
When displaying the identification information in a stopped state,
The reading means reads still image data of identification information from the identification information still image storage means,
The image synthesizing unit synthesizes the still image data of the identification information read from the identification information still image storage unit with the moving image data of the background image;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

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