JP5649346B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including an image display that is movably arranged with respect to a gaming board.

  The pachinko machine executes a jackpot lottery with the winning of a game ball at the starting point, and also displays a special symbol indicating the result of the jackpot lottery after the special symbol is variably displayed. When the symbol is a predetermined winning symbol, the big winning opening is opened so that the player can enjoy the big hit game. An example of this type of pachinko gaming machine is the pachinko gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is an image display device including a main display unit that displays game information such as decorative symbols, and a sub display unit that displays other game information, game guides, TV images, CMs, and the like. It has. This image display is fixed to the central part of the game board so that the player can see the main display part and the sub display part without bending his neck.

JP 2006-158638 A

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the player can view the main display unit without bending his / her neck, but when the decorative accessory arranged around the image display is not activated or the jackpot lottery The player's viewpoint is likely to be fixed when he / she continues to lose the ball, and the player may be tired instead.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an effective performance in which the player's viewpoint is hardly fixed.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  A gaming machine (1) having a gaming board (2), a first image display (6) having a transmissive first display screen (60), and a second image having a second display screen (50). A display (5), a first driving means (151) for moving the first image display (6) relative to the game board (2), the first display screen (60) and a second display screen; Display control means (142) for displaying an image on (50), the first image display (6) is moved, and the first display screen (60) is the second display screen. (50) The meaning becomes recognizable only when they overlap with each other in a predetermined positional relationship.

  The first driving means (151) automatically moves the first image display (6) during a period in which a predetermined effect is being executed, so that the first display screen (60) is moved to the second display. You may superimpose on the display screen (50) by the said predetermined positional relationship.

  Input receiving means (131) for receiving input of operation information from the input means (38) operated by the player is provided, and the first driving means (151) is operated by the input receiving means (131). The first image display (6) may be moved based on the information.

  The display control means (142) includes a first drawing means (1424) for drawing a main image displayed on the second display screen (50) in a frame buffer (1426A, 1426B), and the first display screen (60). ) A second rendering means (1424) for rendering the sub image displayed in the empty area of the frame buffer (1426A, 1426B) as a divided image obtained by dividing the sub-image displayed in a plurality of areas; and the main image for the frame buffer. (1426A, 1426B) and output to the second image display (5), and the divided image is read from the frame buffer (1426A, 1426B) as the sub-image as the first image display (6). And an output means (1427) for outputting to.

  Calculation means (141) for calculating a division number indicating the size of the divided image and the number of the divided images constituting the sub image based on the size of the empty area and the size of the sub image; The two rendering means (1424) may render the image of the size and the number of the divided images calculated by the calculating means (141) as the divided images in the empty area.

  A division determination unit (141) for determining whether division is necessary for rendering the sub image in the empty region based on the size of the empty region and the size of the sub image; (1424) draws the sub-image as the divided image in the empty area when the division determination unit (141) determines that the division is necessary, and determines that the division determination unit (141) does not require the division. If the sub-image is drawn, the sub-image is drawn in the empty area without being divided, and the output means (1427) sends the divided image to the frame buffer (1426A) to the first image display (6). , 1426B) and outputting as the sub-image, or reading out the sub-image from the frame buffer (1426A, 1426B) A process to be carried out.

  The second display screen (50) of the second image display (5) is a transmissive type, and second driving means for moving the second image display (50) relative to the game board (2). (151), the first image display (6) and the second image display (5) are both moved so that the first display screen (60) is the second display screen (60). 50) It may be possible to recognize the meaning only when they overlap with each other in a predetermined positional relationship.

  The second image display (5) includes a plurality of light sensors (56) arranged in proximity to each of the light emitting sections (52) constituting the second display screen (50), and the detection means (131). ) May detect the position of the first display screen (60) based on the detection result of the optical sensor (56).

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, hardly Yu technique's point of view is fixed, and can perform effective presentation highly entertaining.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 Schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the image displayed on EL screen 60 of EL display 6 The figure which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal screen 50 The figure for demonstrating the position detection of EL screen 60 A perspective view showing a configuration of the drive mechanism 10 A perspective view showing a configuration of the drive mechanism 10 Exploded perspective view of drive mechanism 10 Enlarged perspective view of EL display 6 The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus of the pachinko gaming machine 1 The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the image sound control part 140 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of VRAM_FB1426. The flowchart which shows an example of the setting process performed by CPU141 of the image sound control part 140 Explanatory drawing for explaining the main image size, the sub image size, the frame buffer size, and the size of the free area Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the setting process performed by CPU141 of the image sound control part 140 The flowchart which shows an example of the main process performed by CPU131 of the production control part 130 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow until the EL display 6 moves and the EL screen 60 overlaps with the predetermined position of the liquid crystal screen 50 and returns to the original position again. The flowchart which shows an example of the drawing process for 2 screen displays performed by VDP142 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drawing process for the 2-screen display performed by VDP142 when the division | segmentation number SN is set to "0" Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drawing process for the two-screen display performed by VDP142 when division | segmentation number SN is set to "4" Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the output processing of a divided image The figure for demonstrating the modification of the drive mechanism 10 The flowchart which shows an example of the main process performed by CPU131 of the effect control part 130 when the EL display 6 moves by operation of the effect key 38. The flowchart which shows an example of the main process performed by CPU131 of the production | generation control part 130, when three screen displays using the liquid crystal display 5, the 1st EL display, and the 2nd EL display are performed. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow until a 1st EL display moves and a 1st EL screen overlaps with a 2nd EL screen. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow until a 1st EL screen and a 2nd EL display move mutually, and a 1st EL screen and a 2nd EL screen overlap. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow until a 1st EL screen and a 2nd EL display move mutually by the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 23, and a 1st EL screen and a 2nd EL screen overlap. The flowchart which shows an example of the drawing process for 3 screen displays performed by VDP142 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drawing process for the 3-screen display performed by VDP142 when the division | segmentation number SN is set to "0" Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drawing process for the 3-screen display performed by VDP142 when division | segmentation number SN is set to "4"

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 is a member that supports a transparent glass plate (not shown) disposed in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval on the front side of the game board 2 (the front side in FIG. 1). The game board 2 is configured to be openable and closable via a hinge (not shown) and is configured to be detachable from the game board 2.

  A game area 20 in which a game ball moves is formed between the glass plate supported by the frame member 3 and the game board 2. When the player holds the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 clockwise, a game ball is launched from a launching device (not shown) with a hitting force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 31. Although not shown in the drawing, the game board 2 is provided with a guide member that guides the game ball launched from the launching device to the game area 20, and the game ball is stored in the game area 20 by the guide member. Guided to the upper position. The game ball falls along the surface of the game board 2 while changing its moving direction by coming into contact with a game nail (not shown) or a windmill arranged in the game area 20.

  The game area 20 is provided with a first start port 21, a second start port 22, a large winning port 23, a normal winning port 24, and a gate 25, as winning items related to winning and lottery. In addition, a discharge port 26 for discharging game balls that have not entered the start ports 21 and 22 or the winning ports 23 and 24 to the outside of the gaming region 20 is provided below the big winning port 23 in the gaming region 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are provided below the liquid crystal display 5 described later. The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval with the first start port 21 as the upper side of the second start port 22. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a big hit lottery is executed by winning a game ball in the first start port 21 or the second start port 22. In the following description, the jackpot lottery executed when the game ball is won at the first start port 21 is called a first special symbol lottery, and is executed when the game ball is won at the second start port 22. The jackpot lottery performed is referred to as a second special symbol lottery, and the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery are collectively referred to as a special symbol lottery.

  Between the 1st starting port 21 and the 2nd starting port 22, the electric tulip 27 which has a pair of blade member imitating a tulip flower is arrange | positioned. The electric tulip 27 is configured to change its posture between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) in which the pair of blade members are closed and an open posture (not shown) in which the pair of blade members are open. The posture is changed by the operation of the electric solenoid.

  In a state where the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 is in the closed position, the entry path of the game ball to the second start port 22 is blocked by the member constituting the first start port 21 and the electric tulip 27, and the game ball Does not enter the second starting port 22. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 25, a normal symbol lottery (opening / closing lottery of the electric tulip 27) is executed, and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 is opened for a specified time. The operation of returning to the closed posture after maintaining the posture is performed a prescribed number of times. Thus, by winning the normal symbol lottery, the approach path of the game ball to the second start port 22 is released, and the game ball can win the second start port 22. That is, the second special symbol lottery can be executed. The specified time and the specified number of times for the operation of the electric tulip 27 may be changed according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The normal winning opening 24 is disposed below the gate 25. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24, the lottery is not executed, but more prize balls are paid out than when the game ball wins the first start opening 21 and the second start opening 22.

  The big prize opening 23 is arranged below the second start opening 22. The special winning opening 23 is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. A plate for opening and closing the big prize opening 23 is provided at the opening of the big prize opening 23. In a state where the special symbol lottery is not won, since the plate is in the same plane as the surface of the game board 2, the game ball does not enter the big winning opening 23. On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery is won, the upper end side of the plate is tilted toward the surface side of the game board 2 with the lower end side of the plate as an axis, and the special winning opening 23 is opened.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 and wins, a number of award balls (game balls) corresponding to the winning place are paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 or the second start port 22, four prize balls are paid out, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, 13 prize balls are paid out. 10 game balls are paid out when a game ball is won in the normal winning slot 24. Even if the game ball passes through the gate 25, the prize ball is not paid out.

  A liquid crystal display 5 and an EL display 6 for displaying various images for production are provided at the center of the game board 2. The liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 will be described in detail later.

  A panel lamp 8 and a movable accessory 7 used for various effects are provided at positions close to the liquid crystal display 5. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and performs various effects by rotating, for example, a built-in light emitting element. In the present embodiment, the case where the decorative accessory configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 is only the movable accessory 7 will be described, but another movable accessory may be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame member 3 includes a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, in addition to the handle 31 and the lever 32. And a dish 39 are provided.

  The tray 39 is provided so as to protrude from the frame member 3 to the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the above-described launching device. The prize balls dispensed as described above are discharged to the plate 39. When the player grasps the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 clockwise, the game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device and are launched into the game area 20 at predetermined time intervals. The launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player presses the stop button 33.

  The take-out button 34 is provided at a position close to the plate 39. When the player operates the take-out button 34, a part of the lower surface of the tray 39 is opened, and the game balls accumulated on the tray 39 fall into a box (not shown) arranged below the tray 39. The dish 39 may be constituted by one dish, or by two dishes, an upper dish for collecting game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device, and a lower dish for collecting only prize balls. May be.

  The speaker 35 outputs music, sound, sound effects, etc., and performs effects by sound. The frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern, changing a light emission color, and changing a light irradiation direction.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input an operation for the effect, respectively. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the plate 39, and the effect key 38 has a center key and a plurality of (here, four) peripheral keys arranged around the center key. 37 is disposed adjacently. As will be described later, the EL display 6 can be moved with respect to the game board 2 by the player pressing one of the peripheral keys of the effect key 38. That is, the player can instruct the moving direction (up / down / left / right) of the EL display 6 by operating the peripheral keys of the effect key 38. In addition, the player can select and instruct one of a plurality of options displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 by operating the center key of the effect key 38. Thus, the production key 38 functions as an input means for the player to input operation information.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display device 4 displays information on the result of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of holds. As shown in FIG. 3, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a first special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, and a normal symbol display. A device 45, a normal symbol holding display 46, and a game state display 47 are provided.

  The first special symbol display 41 variably displays the special symbol in response to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21, and then stops and displays the special symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol lottery. The first special symbol hold indicator 43 displays the number of holds in the first special symbol lottery. The second special symbol display 42 variably displays the special symbol in response to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22, and then stops and displays the special symbol indicating the result of the second special symbol lottery. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery. The normal symbol display 45 variably displays the normal symbol in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25, and then stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol hold indicator 46 displays the number of normal symbol lottery holds. The gaming state display 47 displays a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, and a short-time gaming state) when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  Although the schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described so far, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is merely an example, and the board configuration of the gaming board 2 (arrangement of prizes related to winnings and lotteries) and the like are changed as appropriate. May be. For example, when the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine that needs to be right-handed, a change is made such that the big prize opening 23, the gate 25, and the like are arranged in the gaming area 20 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 5. Is done.

  By the way, since the liquid crystal display 5 is fixed at a position where the player can easily recognize, the player's viewpoint is easily fixed when the period not winning the special symbol lottery lasts for a long time, and the game is monotonous. There is a risk. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when an image is displayed on the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6, this image cannot be recognized by itself. This image is displayed when the EL display 6 moves automatically, or when the player moves the EL display 6 by operating the peripheral keys of the effect keys 38, the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6. Moves to a predetermined position and overlaps with an image that cannot be recognized alone, which is also displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50, so that its meaning can be recognized. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that the player's viewpoint is difficult to be fixed and an effective production with high interest is performed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, when the decorative symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5 in a variable manner, a specific effect such as when a reach is reached during the variable display. Is performed, an image that cannot be recognized independently is displayed on each of the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50. In this case, the EL display 6 moves automatically or by the operation of the player's performance key 38, and an image that cannot be recognized by the EL screen 60 alone and an image that cannot be recognized by the liquid crystal screen 50 alone are mutually connected. Overlapping (see FIG. 4B). As a result, an image that could not be recognized only by each individual image becomes an image whose meaning can be recognized only after being synthesized. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing such an effective and highly interesting production will be described.

[Configuration of Liquid Crystal Display 5]
The liquid crystal display 5 (an example of the second image display of the present invention) is fixed to the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 that supports the game board 2. For this reason, the liquid crystal display 5 is fixed to the game board 2. As the liquid crystal display 5, for example, a liquid crystal screen 50 having a screen resolution (vertical pixel number × horizontal pixel number) of “600” in the vertical direction 11 and “800” in the horizontal direction 12 (the number of pixels in the present invention). A liquid crystal display having an example of a second display screen is used. The liquid crystal display 5 displays an image output from the image sound control unit 140 described later on the liquid crystal screen 50. On the liquid crystal screen 50, for example, a decorative symbol for informing the result of the special symbol lottery, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold display image indicating that the special symbol lottery is put on hold, and cannot be recognized alone. Images etc. are displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal screen 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal screen 50 has a large number of pixel units 51. Although 600 pixel units 51 are arranged in the vertical direction 11 and 800 pixel units are arranged in the horizontal direction 12, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5A, fewer pixel units 51 are shown than in actuality.

  The pixel unit 51 includes a color liquid crystal element 52 and an optical sensor 56. The color liquid crystal element 52 includes an R (Red) color liquid crystal element 53, a G (Green) color liquid crystal element 54, and a B (Blue) color liquid crystal element 55 that display each of the three primary colors of light. The optical sensor 56 is a light receiving element that detects light from the front of the liquid crystal screen 50, and is disposed adjacent to the R color liquid crystal element 53, the G color liquid crystal element 54, and the B color liquid crystal element 55 (see FIG. 5 (B)). Thus, the optical sensor 56 is disposed in proximity to each color liquid crystal element 52.

  When the optical sensor 56 receives light, an electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of the received light is generated. Each optical sensor 56 included in the liquid crystal screen 50 is connected to an effect control unit 130 described later, and an electrical signal generated by each optical sensor 56 is output to the effect control unit 130. The effect control unit 130 detects the position of the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 based on the electrical signal output from each optical sensor 56. Specifically, a frame 61 (see FIG. 7) of the EL display 6 to be described later has a surface facing the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5 formed in black, and is covered with the frame 61 on the liquid crystal screen 50. From the optical sensor 56 provided in the region, an electrical signal of a level different from the electrical signal output from the optical sensor 56 provided in the region not covered by the frame 61 is output. FIG. 6 shows a region 16 (hatched region) covered by the frame 61 when the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 is positioned on the lower left side with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5. Yes. The effect control unit 130 can detect the position of the frame 61, that is, the position of the EL screen 60 based on the difference in level of the electrical signal output from each optical sensor 56.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the pixel unit 51 includes an outer wall 57 that partitions the pixel unit 51 and other adjacent pixel units, a color liquid crystal element 52 that constitutes the pixel unit 51, and an optical sensor 56. Is provided. The outer wall 57 surrounds the color liquid crystal element 52 and the optical sensor 56 and is formed so as to protrude from the base of the pixel unit 51 toward the front of the liquid crystal screen 50. The inner wall 58 is formed between the color liquid crystal element 52 and the optical sensor 56 so as to protrude from the base of the pixel unit 51 toward the front of the liquid crystal screen 50. Since the outer wall 57 and the inner wall 58 are provided, it is possible to prevent light from directly entering from the color liquid crystal element 52 adjacent to the optical sensor 56, so that light from the front of the liquid crystal screen 50 is transmitted to each light. It is possible to accurately detect the position of the EL display 6 by accurately detecting with the sensor 56.

[Configuration of EL Display 6]
The EL display 6 (an example of the first image display of the present invention) is disposed on the front side of the liquid crystal display 5 with a predetermined distance from the liquid crystal screen 50, and the game board 2 is driven by a drive mechanism 10 described later. In addition, the liquid crystal display 5 can move up, down, left and right. The EL display 6 in the present embodiment is a transparent EL display that displays an image in a single color on a transparent EL screen 60 (an example of the first display screen of the present invention). The EL screen 60 is fixed to the frame 61 by being fitted into an opening formed in a resin frame 61. As the EL screen 60, for example, a screen having a screen resolution of “240” in the vertical direction 11 and “320” in the horizontal direction 12 is used. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 are configured such that the screen resolution of the liquid crystal screen 50 is larger than that of the EL screen 60.

  Since a transmissive EL display is used as the EL display 6, even if an image or the like is displayed on the EL screen 60, an object (liquid crystal screen 50) is positioned on the back side of the EL display 6. The display object such as the character or item displayed on the screen, the movable accessory 7, etc.) can be viewed through the EL screen 60. Note that the back surface (the surface facing the liquid crystal screen 50) of the frame 61 of the EL display 6 is formed in black as described above.

[Configuration and Operation of Drive Mechanism 10]
Next, the drive mechanism 10 that moves the EL display 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the driving mechanism 10 and shows a state in which the EL display 6 is located at a position where the display object displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 can be visually recognized through the EL screen 60. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the drive mechanism 10 and shows a state in which the EL display 6 is located at a position where a part of the movable accessory 7 can be seen through the EL screen 60. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism 10. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the EL display 6.

  The drive mechanism 10 moves the EL display 6 vertically and horizontally along the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5. In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 10 transmits the driving force of the first stepping motor 29 (see FIG. 11) to the EL display 6, and causes the EL display 6 to move along the liquid crystal screen 50 in the vertical direction 11 (FIG. 1) and the driving force of the second stepping motor 30 (see FIG. 11) is transmitted to the EL display 6, and the EL display 6 is moved along the liquid crystal screen 50 in the horizontal direction 12 (see FIG. And a slide drive mechanism 220 that is moved to (see FIG. 1).

  The elevating drive mechanism 200 includes a first support member 201, a guide member 202, a guide member 203, a first rotating shaft 204, a second rotating shaft 205, a first driving belt 206, and a second driving belt 207. Yes.

  The first support member 201 is a thin plate-like member having the horizontal direction 12 as a longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the first support member 201 is disposed in front of the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5, so that a reduction in the visibility of an image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 is minimized. Therefore, it is formed of a transparent resin. An insertion hole 62 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) penetrating in the horizontal direction 12 is formed in the frame 61 of the EL display 6, and the first support member 201 is inserted into the insertion hole 62 to form the frame. 61 is supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction 12.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first support member 201 has a connecting member 194 fixed to one end side and a connecting member 197 fixed to the other end side. The connecting member 194 includes a cylindrical insertion hole 195 through which the guide member 202 (see FIG. 9) is inserted, and a holding piece 196 that holds the first drive belt 206 (see FIG. 9). The guide member 202 is a rod-shaped member having a circular cross-sectional outer shape, and is fixed to the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the vertical direction 11. The outer diameter dimension of the guide member 202 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the insertion hole 195, and the connecting member 194 is movable in the vertical direction 11 when the guide member 202 is inserted into the insertion hole 195. Supported by the guide member 202.

  The connecting member 197 is a member having the same shape as that of the connecting member 194, and a holding piece 199 that holds the insertion hole 198 through which the guide member 203 (see FIG. 9) is inserted and the second drive belt 207 (see FIG. 9). And have. The guide member 203 is a member having the same shape as the guide member 202 and is fixed to the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so as to face the guide member 202 with a predetermined interval. The connecting member 197 is supported by the guide member 203 so as to be movable in the vertical direction 11 by inserting the guide member 203 through the insertion hole 198.

  Thus, since the connecting member 194 and the connecting member 197 are supported by the guide member 202 and the guide member 203, the first support member 201 can slide in the vertical direction 11.

  A first rotation shaft 204 is provided above the guide members 202 and 203, and a second rotation shaft 205 is provided below the guide members 202 and 203 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The first rotating shaft 204 and the second rotating shaft 205 are rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) so that the axial direction thereof coincides with the horizontal direction 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the first rotary shaft 204 has a gear 212 and a pulley 208 fixed to one end thereof, and a pulley 209 fixed to the other end. The second rotating shaft 205 has a pulley 210 fixed to one end thereof and a pulley 211 fixed to the other end thereof.

  Between the pulley 208 and the pulley 210, an endless annular first drive belt 206 having teeth (gear shape) formed inside is stretched. A second drive belt 207 having the same configuration as the first drive belt 206 is stretched between the pulley 209 and the pulley 211.

  The driving force of the first stepping motor 29 (see FIG. 11) is input to the gear 212 (see FIG. 7) of the first rotating shaft 204. Thereby, the 1st rotating shaft 204 to which the gear 212 was fixed rotates. Teeth that mesh with the teeth of the first drive belt 206 and the second drive belt 207 are formed on the outer circumferences of the pulleys 208 to 211, and the rotational force of the first rotating shaft 204 is first via the pulleys 208 and 209. It is transmitted to the drive belt 206 and the second drive belt 207. As a result, the first drive belt 206 and the second drive belt 207 move circumferentially, and the first rotation shaft 204 and the second rotation shaft 205 rotate synchronously. Since the connecting members 194 and 197 fixed to both ends of the first support member 201 are fixed to the first drive belt 206 and the second drive belt 207 by sandwiching pieces 196 and 199, the first stepping motor 29 The driving force is also transmitted to the first support member 201 and the EL display 6 supported by the first support member 201 moves in the vertical direction 11. Note that the direction of movement of the EL display 6 in the vertical direction 11 can be switched by switching the rotation direction of the first stepping motor 29 to forward rotation or reverse rotation.

  On the other hand, the slide drive mechanism 220 is roughly divided into a second support member 221, a guide member 222, a guide member 223, a first rotation shaft 224, a second rotation shaft 225, a first drive belt 226, and a second drive belt 227. I have.

  The second support member 221 is a thin plate member whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction 11. Similar to the first support member 201, the second support member 221 is formed of a transparent resin. An insertion hole 63 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) penetrating in the vertical direction 11 is formed in the frame 61 of the EL display 6, and the second support member 221 is inserted into the insertion hole 63 so that the frame 61 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction 11.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the second support member 221 has a connecting member 214 fixed to one end thereof and a connecting member 217 fixed to the other end thereof. The connecting member 214 has a cylindrical insertion hole 215 through which the guide member 222 (see FIG. 9) is inserted, and a holding piece 216 that holds the second drive belt 227 (see FIG. 9). The guide member 222 is a rod-shaped member having a circular cross-sectional outer shape, and is fixed to the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the horizontal direction 12. The outer diameter dimension of the guide member 222 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the insertion hole 215, and the connecting member 214 is movable in the horizontal direction 12 by inserting the guide member 222 into the insertion hole 215. Supported by the guide member 222.

  The connecting member 217 is a member having the same shape as the connecting member 214, and includes an insertion hole 218 through which the guide member 223 (see FIG. 9) is inserted, and a holding piece 219 that holds the first drive belt 226 (see FIG. 9). And have. The guide member 223 is a member having the same shape as the guide member 222, and is fixed to the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so as to face the guide member 222 with a predetermined interval. The connecting member 217 is supported by the guide member 223 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction 12 by inserting the guide member 223 through the insertion hole 218.

  Thus, since the connecting member 214 and the connecting member 217 are supported by the guide member 222 and the guide member 223, the second support member 221 is slidable in the horizontal direction 12.

  A first rotating shaft 224 and a second rotating shaft 225 are provided outside the guide members 222 and 223 in the horizontal direction 12 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The first rotating shaft 224 and the second rotating shaft 225 are rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) such that the axial direction thereof coincides with the vertical direction 11. As shown in FIG. 9, the first rotating shaft 224 has a gear 232 and a pulley 228 fixed to one end thereof, and a pulley 229 fixed to the other end. The second rotating shaft 225 has a pulley 230 fixed to one end and a pulley 231 fixed to the other end.

  Between the pulley 228 and the pulley 230, an endless annular first drive belt 226 having teeth formed inside is stretched. A second drive belt 227 having the same configuration as the first drive belt 226 is stretched between the pulley 229 and the pulley 231.

  The driving force of the second stepping motor 30 (see FIG. 11) is input to the gear 232 (see FIG. 7) of the first rotating shaft 224. Thereby, the 1st rotating shaft 224 to which the gear 232 was fixed rotates. Teeth that mesh with the teeth of the first drive belt 226 and the second drive belt 227 are formed on the outer circumferences of the pulleys 228 to 231, and the rotational force of the first rotating shaft 224 is first via the pulleys 228 and 229. It is transmitted to the drive belt 226 and the second drive belt 227. As a result, the first drive belt 226 and the second drive belt 227 move circumferentially, and the first rotation shaft 224 and the second rotation shaft 225 rotate synchronously. Since the first driving belt 226 and the second driving belt 227 have connecting members 214 and 217 fixed to both ends of the second support member 221 fixed by sandwiching pieces 216 and 219, the second stepping motor 30 The driving force is also transmitted to the second support member 221 so that the EL display 6 supported by the second support member 221 moves in the horizontal direction 12. Note that the moving direction of the EL display 6 in the horizontal direction 12 can be switched by switching the rotation direction of the second stepping motor 30 to forward rotation or reverse rotation.

  Thus, the EL display 6 moves in the vertical direction 11 by the lifting drive mechanism 200 and moves in the horizontal direction 12 by the slide drive mechanism 220. In addition, each component of the drive mechanism 10 excluding the first support member 201 and the second support member 221 is a decorative cover 14 that partitions the region where the liquid crystal display 5 and the like are provided from the game region 20 (see FIG. 1). 1 does not appear in FIG.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
On the back side of the game board 2 (the back side in FIG. 1), a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls. . Although not shown in the figure, the control device has a main board and a sub board. The main board includes a main control board that functions as a game control unit 100 that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, a payout control board that functions as a payout control unit 120 that controls payout of prize balls. The main board is disposed in a sealed state in a case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when the main board is modified. One of the sub-boards is an effect control board that functions as an effect control section 130 that comprehensively controls the effects, an image sound control board that functions as an image sound control section 140 that controls effects by images and sounds, and various lamps ( Frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8, etc.) and a lamp control board that functions as a lamp control unit 150 that controls effects by the movable accessory 7.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game control unit 100, a payout control unit 120, an effect control unit 130, an image sound control unit 140, and a lamp control unit 150.

[Configuration of Game Control Unit 100]
The game control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. Based on the program stored in the ROM 102, the CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to the number of payout prize balls such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 101 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The main functions of the game control unit 100 are as follows.

  The game control unit 100 executes a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins at the first start port 21 or the second start port 22, and determines to the effect control unit 130 determination result data indicating whether the special symbol lottery is won or not. Send. In addition, the game control unit 100 indicates data indicating the variation setting of the winning probability determined according to the special symbol lottery (for example, variation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), and shortening the special symbol variation time setting. Data, data indicating a shortened setting of the normal symbol variation time determined according to the special symbol lottery, and the like are transmitted to the effect control unit 130.

  The game control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade member of the electric tulip 27 is in the open posture, the number of times the blade member is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval between the closing of the blade member and the opening thereof. In addition, the game control unit 100 holds the number of special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 and the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 25. Manage numbers.

  The game control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the plate of the grand prize opening 23 protrudes and tilts until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, 30 seconds have passed since the grand prize opening 23 is opened, or 10 game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 23). The round for maintaining the open state of the big prize opening 23 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

  The game control unit 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game is won when a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24. The controller 120 is instructed. When the payout control unit 120 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out is sent from the payout control unit 120 to the game control unit 100. The game control unit 100 manages the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 120.

  In order to realize these functions, the game control unit 100 includes a first start port switch (SW) 111, a second start port switch (SW) 112, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 113, a gate switch (SW) 114, a large A winning port switch (SW) 115, a large winning port control unit 116, and a normal winning port switch (SW) 117 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing part 113 has an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 so as to be capable of driving transmission. The electric solenoid is activated in accordance with a control signal from the game control unit 100, and the posture of the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 changes. The gate switch 114 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 115 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The special winning opening control unit 116 has an electric solenoid coupled to the plate of the special winning opening 23 so as to be able to transmit drive. The electric solenoid is activated in response to a control signal from the game control unit 100, and the special winning opening 23 is opened and closed. The normal winning port switch 117 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 100.

  The game control unit 100 is connected to a display 4 (see FIG. 3). The game control unit 100 displays the result of the first special symbol lottery on the first special symbol display unit 41 and displays the number of holdings on which the first special symbol lottery is held on the first special symbol hold display unit 43. The game control unit 100 causes the second special symbol lottery result to be displayed on the second special symbol lottery display 42, and causes the second special symbol lottery hold number to be displayed on the second special symbol lottery indicator 44. The game control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 45, and displays the number of holdings of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display unit 46. The game control unit 100 causes the game state display 47 to display the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[Configuration of Payout Control Unit 120]
The payout control unit 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, and a RAM 123. Based on the program stored in the ROM 122, the CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the payout of prize balls. The RAM 123 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 121 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing.

  Based on an instruction from the game control unit 100, the payout control unit 120 controls the payout motor 125 so that a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the place where the game ball is won are paid out to the tray 39. Here, the payout motor 125 is a motor that sends out a game ball from a ball tank disposed on the back side of the game board 2.

  In addition to the payout motor 125, a payout ball detection unit 126, a ball presence detection unit 127, and a full tank detection unit 128 are connected to the payout control unit 120. The payout ball detection unit 126 detects the number of prize balls paid out from the ball tank to the tray 39 by the payout motor 125. The ball presence detection unit 127 detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball tank. The full tank detection unit 128 detects that the tray 39 is full of game balls. The payout control unit 120 executes predetermined processing according to the detection results of the payout ball detection unit 126, the ball presence detection unit 127, and the full tank detection unit 128.

[Configuration of Production Control Unit 130]
The effect control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. Based on the program stored in the ROM 132, the CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 130 sets production contents based on data indicating a special symbol lottery result or the like sent from the game control unit 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 37 or the production | generation key 38 is received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. Furthermore, when data indicating the variation setting of the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is received from the game control unit 100, when data indicating the variation setting of the variation time of the special symbol lottery is received from the game control unit 100, and the normal symbol lottery When the data indicating the setting for shortening the variation time is received from the game control unit 100, the contents of the effect are set according to these data. The effect control unit 130 transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the effect content set in this way to the image sound control unit 140 and the lamp control unit 150.

  The effect control unit 130 is connected to the optical sensor 56 included in the liquid crystal display 5. The CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 detects the position of the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 based on the electric signal input from each optical sensor 56.

[Configuration of Lamp Controller 150]
The lamp control unit 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153. The CPU 151 performs calculation processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 152 stores programs executed by the CPU 151 and various data. The RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 151 executes the program, or a work area for data processing or the like.

  The CPU 151 of the lamp control unit 150 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command transmitted from the effect control unit 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 152, and the panel lamp 8, the frame lamp 36, and the movable light. The light emission of the accessory 7 is controlled. Further, the CPU 151 controls the light emission of the button lamp 40 built in the effect key 38 in order to prompt the player to operate the effect key 38. In addition, the CPU 151 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command transmitted from the effect control unit 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 152 and operates a motor (not shown) that operates the movable accessory 7. Control the rotation.

  When the command transmitted from the effect control unit 130 includes operation information of the effect key 38, the lamp control unit 150 rotates the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 based on the operation information. Control. The first stepping motor 29 is arranged such that its rotating shaft meshes with the gear 212 (see FIG. 7) of the lifting drive mechanism 200, and the driving force of the first stepping motor 29 is input to the gear 212. The EL display 6 moves in the vertical direction 11. On the other hand, the second stepping motor 30 is disposed such that its rotation shaft meshes with the gear 232 (see FIG. 7) of the slide drive mechanism 220, and the driving force of the second stepping motor 30 is input to the gear 232. As a result, the EL display 6 moves in the horizontal direction 12. In the present embodiment, the first stepping motor 29, the second stepping motor 30, the lift drive mechanism 200, the slide drive mechanism 220, and the CPU 151 that operates the stepping motors 29, 30 are drive means for moving the EL display 6. Function.

[Configuration of Image Sound Control Unit 140]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image sound control unit 140. As shown in FIG. 12, the image sound control unit 140 generates a control signal for instructing execution of various effects, and an image for expressing effects according to the control signal generated by the CPU 141. A VDP (Video Display Processor) 142 to be generated and an acoustic DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 143 to generate acoustic data for realizing an effect corresponding to the control signal generated by the CPU 141 are provided.

  A control ROM 144 and a RAM 145 are connected to the CPU 141. The control ROM 144 stores programs executed by the CPU 141, various data, and the like. The RAM 145 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 141 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. Based on the command received from the effect control unit 130, the CPU 141 generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the VDP 142 and the acoustic DSP 143, and outputs the control signal to the VDP 142 and the acoustic DSP 143.

  An acoustic ROM 146 and an SDRAM 147 are connected to the acoustic DSP 143. The acoustic ROM 146 stores various acoustic data related to music, sound, sound effects, and the like output from the speaker 35. The SDRAM 147 is used as a work area for data processing by the acoustic DSP 143.

  The acoustic DSP 143 reads acoustic data corresponding to the control signal generated by the CPU 141 from the acoustic ROM 146 to the SDRAM 147, and performs necessary data processing on the acoustic data. Then, the acoustic data after the data processing is output to the speaker 35 via an amplifier (not shown) in synchronization with the image display on the liquid crystal screen 50 or the EL screen 60 or asynchronously with the image display.

  The VDP 142 functions as a display control unit that draws an image based on a control signal input from the CPU 141 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. The VDP 142 includes a CPU I / F 1421, a decoder 1422, a ROM I / F 1423, a drawing engine 1424, a VRAM_RS 1425, a VRAM_FB 1426, and an output circuit 1427. In the present embodiment, the drawing engine 1424 functions as the first drawing unit, the image generation unit, and the second drawing unit of the present invention, and the output circuit 1427 functions as the output unit of the present invention.

  The VDP 142 is provided with an internal bus 1428 and an internal bus 1429. The CPU I / F 1421, the decoder 1422, the ROM I / F 1423, the drawing engine 1424, and the VRAM_RS 1425 are connected to be communicable via an internal bus 1428. Further, the drawing engine 1424, the VRAM_FB 1426, and the output circuit 1427 are connected via an internal bus 1429 so as to communicate with each other.

  The CPU I / F 1421 is an interface that connects the VDP 142 and the CPU 141 in a communicable manner. A control signal generated by the CPU 141 is input to the VDP 142 via the CPU I / F 1421. The ROM I / F 1423 is an interface for reading image data from the image ROM 148.

  The image ROM 148 stores material data that is a material constituting an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. Specifically, image data related to characters, items, etc. for performing a decoration according to the size of a decorative pattern composed of three numbers and the degree of expectation, and image data related to a background image displayed as a background screen on the liquid crystal display 5 In addition, material data for realizing a so-called sprite function, such as image data related to characters such as “reach” and “gekiatsu”, and image data that cannot be independently recognized, which is a feature of this embodiment, are stored. .

  The VRAM_RS 1425 is a memory used as a storage area for temporarily storing material data read from the image ROM 148 or a work area for drawing processing executed by the drawing engine 1424. Note that, for example, when image data encoded by the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) method is read from the image ROM 148, the image data decoded by the decoder 1422 is stored in the VRAM_RS 1425 as material data. The material data stored in the VRAM_RS 1425 is used for drawing processing performed by the drawing engine 1424. For this reason, by drawing material data frequently used in the drawing process in the VRAM_RS 1425, the drawing process by the drawing engine 1424 can be efficiently executed.

  The drawing engine 1424 draws an image to be displayed on the VRAM_FB 1426 on the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 based on a control signal from the CPU 141. Specifically, based on the control signal from the CPU 141 and the material data stored in the VRAM_RS 1425, the color of each pixel is calculated, and rendering processing for writing the calculated color value in the VRAM_FB 1426 is performed. An image drawn on the VRAM_FB 1426 is composed of a plurality of pixel data corresponding to an image for one frame. Each pixel data includes color information indicating R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). And an alpha value indicating the transparency of the pixel. The output circuit 1427 outputs the image drawn on the VRAM_FB 1426 to the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 at a predetermined display timing, and displays the image on the liquid crystal screen 50 and the EL screen 60. When only the liquid crystal display 5 is used, the drawing engine 1424 draws only an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 on the VRAM_FB 1426 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display 5.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for describing a configuration of the VRAM_FB 1426. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the VRAM_FB 1426 is a double buffer type memory including a first frame buffer 1426 </ b> A and a second frame buffer 1426 </ b> B each storing an image for one frame drawn by the drawing engine 1424. The drawing engine 1424 draws an image of the next frame in the second frame buffer 1426B while outputting the image in the first frame buffer 1426A to the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. On the other hand, while the image in the second frame buffer 1426B is being output to the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6, the image of the next frame is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A. In this manner, the drawing engine 1424 can perform drawing processing at a high frame rate by performing drawing processing on the other frame buffer while outputting an image from one frame buffer.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, each of the first frame buffer 1426A and the second frame buffer 1426B has a memory area that can store pixel data of 720 dots in the vertical direction 11 and 960 dots in the horizontal direction 12. (See FIG. 16A). On the other hand, an image (hereinafter referred to as “main image”) displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5 is composed of pixel data of 600 dots in the vertical direction 11 and 800 dots in the horizontal direction 12. (See FIG. 16A). For this reason, when displaying an image only on the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5 without displaying an image on the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6, drawing processing can be performed without any problem. However, an image (hereinafter referred to as a “sub-image”) displayed on the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 is composed of pixel data of 240 dots in the vertical direction 11 and 320 dots in the horizontal direction 12 (FIG. 16 ( C)), when the main image and the sub image are drawn side by side, the number of pixels in the vertical direction 11 or the horizontal direction 12 exceeds the number of pixel data that can be stored in the first frame buffer 1426A. It is impossible to draw the main image and the sub image together in the frame buffer 1426A. The same applies to the second frame buffer 1426B. Therefore, the VDP 142 according to the present embodiment draws the sub image divided into a plurality of areas in the empty area (see FIG. 16B) that is created after the main image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A. The main image and the sub image can be drawn together in the first frame buffer 1426A (or the second frame buffer 1426B). Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing such drawing processing will be described in detail. In the following description, the case where the drawing process is performed using the first frame buffer 1426A will be described as an example, but the same process is performed when the drawing process is performed using the second frame buffer 1426B. Is called.

[Setting of divided image size and number of divisions]
In the first frame buffer 1426A and the second frame buffer 1426B, when the main image is drawn, an empty area that is not used for the drawing process is generated (see FIG. 15D). The sub image is drawn in this empty area, but if it cannot be drawn as it is in the empty area, it is drawn in the empty area as a divided image divided into a plurality of areas. The process of drawing the sub-image as a divided image is performed based on a preset divided image size SS and division number SN.

  Hereinafter, the process of setting the divided image size SS and the division number SN will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting processing executed by the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main image size, the sub image size, the frame buffer size, and the size of the free area. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting process executed by the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140. Note that the processing performed by the image sound control unit 140 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 14 and the subsequent steps is performed according to a command issued by the CPU 141 itself or the CPU 141 based on a program stored in the control ROM 144.

  For example, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, or when switching from a one-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 to a two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6, the divided image is displayed. A setting instruction command for instructing setting processing of the size SS and the number of divisions SN is transmitted from the effect control unit 130 to the image sound control unit 140. In response to this, the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140 determines whether or not a setting instruction command has been received (step S1). If the CPU 141 determines that the setting instruction command has not been received (step S1: NO), a standby state is entered.

  When it is determined that the setting instruction command has been received (step S1: YES), the CPU 141 acquires the main image size, the sub image size, and the frame buffer (FB) size (step S2). Specifically, the frame buffer sizes of the first frame buffer 1426A and the second frame buffer 1426B are acquired from the VDP 142 and stored in the RAM 145, and the screen resolution of the liquid crystal screen 50 and the screen resolution of the EL screen 60 are set to the main image size and The sub image size is acquired from the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 via the VDP 142 and stored in the RAM 145. Here, as shown in FIG. 15A, the frame buffer size includes the number of pixels L1 in the vertical direction 11 and the horizontal direction 12 of the pixel data that can be stored in the first frame buffer 1426A (or the second frame buffer 1426B). In this embodiment, the information is 720 × 960 (vertical pixel number L1 × horizontal pixel number C1) (see FIG. 16A). As shown in FIG. 15B, the main image size is information indicating the number of pixels L2 in the vertical direction 11 and the number of pixels C2 in the horizontal direction 12 of the pixel data constituting the main image. In this embodiment, the resolution is equal to 600 × 800 (vertical pixel number L2 × horizontal pixel number C2) (see FIG. 16A). As shown in FIG. 15C, the sub image size is information indicating the number of pixels L3 in the vertical direction 11 and the number of pixels C3 in the horizontal direction 12 of the pixel data constituting the sub image. The resolution is equal to 240 × 320 (vertical pixel number L3 × horizontal pixel number C3) in this embodiment (see FIG. 16C).

Next, the CPU 141 calculates the size of the empty area that occurs after the main image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A based on the acquired main image size and frame buffer size (step S3). Specifically, by using the following arithmetic expression, the minimum vertical pixel number L4 (see FIG. 15D) and the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 (see FIG. 15D) of the pixel data that can be drawn in the empty area. Is calculated.
Minimum vertical pixel number L4 = vertical pixel number L1-vertical pixel number L2
Minimum horizontal pixel number C4 = horizontal pixel number C1−horizontal pixel number C2
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, since the vertical pixel number L1 is “720” and the vertical pixel number L2 is “600”, “120” is calculated as the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and the horizontal Since the pixel number C1 is “960” and the horizontal pixel number C2 is “800”, “160” is calculated as the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 (see FIG. 16B).

Subsequently, the CPU 141 calculates the total number ST of pixel data constituting the sub-image and the total number VT of pixel data that can be drawn in the empty area using the following arithmetic expression, and whether the total number ST is smaller than the total number VT. It is determined whether or not (step S4).
Total number ST = vertical pixel number L3 × horizontal pixel number C3
Total number VT = vertical pixel number L4 × horizontal pixel number C1 + horizontal pixel number C4 × (vertical pixel number L1−vertical pixel number L4)
Here, the vertical pixel number L3 is the number of pixels in the vertical direction 11 of the pixel data constituting the sub-image, and the horizontal pixel number C3 is the number of pixels in the horizontal direction 12 of the pixel data constituting the sub-image. After calculating the total number ST and the total number VT, the CPU 141 determines whether or not the total number ST is smaller than the total number VT. If the total number ST is smaller than the total number VT, it can be determined that the sub-image can be drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A as it is or divided. On the other hand, if the total number ST is larger than the total number VT, it can be determined that even if the sub-image is divided, it cannot be drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A as it is.

  When determining that the total number ST is smaller than the total number VT (step S4: YES), the CPU 141 functioning as the division determination unit determines whether the sub image needs to be divided in order to draw the sub image in the empty area. Determine (step S5). Specifically, the number of vertical pixels L3 (see FIG. 15C) of the pixel data constituting the sub image is smaller than the minimum number of vertical pixels L4 (see FIG. 15D) of the empty area, or the sub image. Whether or not the number of horizontal pixels C3 (see FIG. 15C) of the pixel data constituting the image data is smaller than the minimum number of horizontal pixels C4 in the empty area (see FIG. 15D). Determine. Here, if the number of vertical pixels L3 is smaller than the minimum number of vertical pixels L4 or the number of horizontal pixels C3 is smaller than the minimum number of horizontal pixels C4, it is possible to draw the sub-image in an empty area without dividing it. It can be determined that there is. On the other hand, when the vertical pixel number L3 is larger than the minimum vertical pixel number L4 and the horizontal pixel number C3 is larger than the minimum horizontal pixel number C4, the sub image cannot be drawn as it is in the empty area, so the sub image is divided and drawn. It can be determined that it is necessary. As described above, the CPU 141 determines the necessity of dividing the sub image based on the size of the empty area and the sub image size.

  When the CPU 141 determines that the division is unnecessary (step S5: NO), the CPU 141 sets the division number SN to “0” (step S6). Here, the division number SN is information indicating the number of divided images drawn in the empty area. In other words, the division number SN is information indicating the number of divided images constituting the sub image. The division number SN set in step S6 is stored in the RAM 145 as setting information. This setting information is included in the control signal output to the VDP 142 and sent to the VDP 142. As will be described in detail later, when the division number SN is set to “0”, the divided image is not drawn in the empty area, and the sub image is drawn as it is.

When the CPU 141 functioning as a calculation unit determines that the division is necessary (step S5: YES), the CPU 141 calculates the divided image size SS and the division number SN based on the free area size and the sub image size (step S7). . Here, the divided image size SS is information indicating the size (the number of vertical pixels and the number of horizontal pixels) of one divided image when the sub-image is divided into the number of divided images indicated by the division number SN. is there. In step S7, the divided image size SS (the vertical pixel number SSL of the divided image and the horizontal pixel number SSC of the divided image) and the divided number SN are calculated using the following arithmetic expressions.
The number of vertical pixels of the divided image SSL = the minimum number of vertical pixels L4
The number of horizontal pixels SSC of the divided image = the minimum number of horizontal pixels C4
Number of divisions SN = (vertical pixel number L3 / minimum vertical pixel number L4) × (horizontal pixel number C3 / minimum horizontal pixel number C4)
As shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, in this embodiment, “120” is calculated as the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and “160” is calculated as the minimum horizontal pixel number C4. Therefore, the divided image size SS here is 120 × 160 (vertical pixel number SSL × horizontal pixel number SSC). The division number SN is calculated as “4” by (240/120) × (320/160).

  After calculating the divided image size SS and the number of divisions SN, the CPU 141 stores the calculated divided image size SS and the number of divisions SN as setting information in the RAM 145 (step S8). This setting information is included in the control signal output to the VDP 142 and sent to the VDP 142. When the setting process of step S6 is performed instead of the setting process of step S8, the divided image size SS is not calculated because there is no need to divide the sub-image, and the division number SN is set as “setting information”. Only information indicating “0” is sent to the VDP 142.

  Here, the relationship between the divided image size SS and the free area size when the divided image size SS and the number of divisions SN are changed will be described with reference to FIG. When the division number SN is set to “0” for the sub-image having the vertical pixel number L3 of “240” and the horizontal pixel number C3 of “320” (when the process of step S6 is performed). As apparent from FIGS. 16B and 16C, since the number of vertical pixels L3 exceeds the minimum number of vertical pixels L4 and the number of horizontal pixels C3 exceeds the minimum number of horizontal pixels C4, the first frame A sub-image cannot be drawn as it is in the empty area of the buffer 1426A.

  Further, if the division number SN is set to “2”, the first sub-image is drawn in the empty area as two divided images having a vertical pixel number of “240” and a horizontal pixel number of “160”. And a second method of drawing a sub-image in a free area as two divided images having a vertical pixel count of “120” and a horizontal pixel count of “320” (center of FIG. 16C). (Refer to the figure below.) However, when drawing a sub-image by the first method, it is possible to draw two divided images in a region (see FIG. 16B) extending in the vertical direction 11 in the empty region. However, a divided image cannot be drawn in an area extending in the horizontal direction 12 in the empty area. This is because the number of vertical pixels “240” of the divided image exceeds the minimum number of vertical pixels L4 (= 120) in the empty area. In addition, when considering sub-image drawing by the second method, it is possible to draw two divided images in a region (see FIG. 16B) extending in the horizontal direction in the empty region. Two divided images cannot be drawn in an area extending in the vertical direction 11 in the empty area. This is because the horizontal pixel number “320” of the divided image exceeds the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 (= 160) of the empty area. As described above, when the number of divisions SN is set to “2” when the sub image illustrated in this embodiment is drawn as a divided image in the empty area, the divided image is drawn in the empty area depending on the position where the divided image is drawn. Cases that cannot be done may occur.

  On the other hand, when the number of divisions SN is set to “4” as described above, the vertical pixel number SSL is an empty area, as is apparent from the diagrams on the right side of FIGS. 16B and 16C. Is set to “120” which is the same as the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and the horizontal pixel number SSC is set to “160” which is the same as the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 of the empty area. Then, four divided images of this divided image size SS are drawn in the empty area. In this case, each divided image can be drawn in either the area extending in the vertical direction 11 or the area extending in the horizontal direction 12 in the empty area. Therefore, unlike the case where the division number SN is set to “2”, there is no case where the divided image cannot be drawn in the empty area depending on the position where the divided image is drawn. As described above, the number of divisions SN and the divided image size SS are set to appropriate values so that the divided images can be surely fit in the empty area regardless of the arrangement of the divided images drawn in the empty area.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 141 determines that the total number ST is larger than the total number VT in step S4 (step S4: NO), even if the sub-image is divided, all the pixel data constituting the sub-image are set as free areas. It is impossible to draw. Therefore, when the CPU 141 determines that the total number ST is larger than the total number VT (step S4: NO), the CPU 141 calculates a reduction ratio (step S9), and stores the calculated reduction ratio in the RAM 145 as setting information (step S9). S10). Then, the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8, and the divided image size SS and the division number SN are set.

  Here, a method for setting the reduction ratio will be described. For example, when the reduction ratio is set to “0.5” in step S9, the sub-image (the figure on the left side of FIG. 16C) in which the vertical pixel number L3 is “240” and the horizontal pixel number C3 is “320”. As a sub-image having a vertical pixel number L3 of “120” (= 240 × 0.5) and a horizontal pixel number C3 of “160” (= 320 × 0.5), steps S7 and S8 are performed. Processing is performed. In this case, in the rendering process, a sub image in which the number of pixels in the vertical direction 11 and the horizontal direction 12 is halved is generated on the VRAM_RS 1425, and the sub image is a divided image based on the divided image size SS and the division number SN. Are drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A. These divided images are output to the EL display 6 after scaling processing (enlargement processing) for doubling the number of pixels in the vertical direction 11 and the horizontal direction 12 is performed by the drawing engine 1424. This makes it possible to draw a sub-image that cannot be drawn in the empty area even if it is divided, in the empty area. Therefore, in a pachinko gaming machine having an image display device having a large screen resolution with respect to the free space size, the problem that the conventional drawing process cannot display an image on the image display device is that the divided image size SS and the number of divisions. This can be solved by setting a reduction ratio in addition to SN.

  Note that the reduction magnification is such that, for example, the total number of sub-images after reduction (= the number of vertical pixels × the number of horizontal pixels) is less than or equal to the total number VT of pixel data that can be drawn in a free area (preferably smaller than the total number VT by a predetermined number or more) Value). This makes it possible to draw the sub image as a divided image in the empty area. However, if the reduction ratio is too small, the image quality of the image displayed on the EL display 6 as a result of the scaling process may be deteriorated. Therefore, the reduction ratio is set so that the total number of pixels of the sub-image after reduction is the total number VT. It is preferable to set the value as large as possible within a range not exceeding.

  When the setting process based on the flowchart of FIG. 14 described above is performed, information indicating whether or not the sub image needs to be reduced when the main image and the sub image are drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A, and the case where the reduction is necessary Is set with a reduction ratio, information indicating whether or not sub-image division is necessary, and a division image size SS and a division number SN (when the division number SN = 0, only the division number SN) is set. Information is stored in the RAM 145 as information. Drawing processing for two-screen display by the drawing engine 1424 described later is executed based on this setting information.

  When executing a one-screen display using only the liquid crystal display 5, the CPU 141 outputs a control signal that does not include the setting information stored in the RAM 145 by the setting process to the VDP 142. As a result, only the main image is drawn on the VRAM_FB 1426, and a one-screen display using only the liquid crystal display 5 is performed. On the other hand, when executing two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6, the CPU 141 outputs a control signal including setting information to the VDP 142. As a result, the main image and the sub image are drawn on the VRAM_FB 1426, and the two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 is performed. As described above, the CPU 141 switches and outputs the control signal not including the setting information and the control signal including the setting information, so that the VDP 142 can appropriately perform the drawing process. Further, by performing the setting process, for example, even when the screen resolution of the EL screen 60, that is, the sub image size changes due to reuse of the EL display 6, the first frame buffer 1426A or the second frame buffer 1426B has a free space. It is possible to appropriately draw the sub-image.

[Main processing]
Hereinafter, the main process of the effect performed by the effect control unit 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Here, FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing executed by the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130. In FIG. 18, an image that cannot be recognized alone is displayed on the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6, and the EL is appropriately overlapped with an image that cannot be recognized by itself on the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display 5. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow until the display apparatus 6 moves and the EL display apparatus 6 returns to an initial position again after that. In the following description, assuming that the effect image has already been displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 (one-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 has been performed), the variation display of the decorative symbols is reached on the liquid crystal screen 50. A description will be given of processing performed by the effect control unit 130 when an effect (hereinafter referred to as reach effect) indicating that the effect has been developed is displayed (see FIG. 18A1). Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 17 and the subsequent steps is performed according to a command issued by the CPU 131 itself or the CPU 131 based on a program stored in the ROM 132. In the following description, contents not directly related to the features of the present embodiment are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, first, the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 acquires information related to the effect performed by the image sound control unit 140 and determines whether or not the reach effect is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50. Determination is made (step S21). When the reach effect is not displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 (step S21: NO), the CPU 131 advances the process to step S22, instructs to continue the current one-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5, and ends the process. .

  On the other hand, when the reach effect is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 (step S21: YES), the CPU 131 causes the image sound control unit 140 to execute two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. Specifically, the CPU 131 instructs to switch from the one-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 performed in the previous frame to the two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. The command is transmitted to the image sound control unit 140. In response to this, the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140 causes the drawing engine 1424 and the output circuit 1427 to execute a process of drawing the main image and the sub image on the VRAM_FB 1426 and outputting them to the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6, respectively. . At this time, the main image and the sub image each include an image that cannot be recognized independently. Thereby, a drawing process including an image that cannot be recognized by itself is executed by the VDP 142, and these images and the like are displayed on the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 (see FIG. 18 (A1)). The two-screen display drawing process performed by the VDP 142 in accordance with the process in step S23 will be described in detail later.

  Following the processing of step S23, the CPU 131 appropriately sets the position of the EL screen 60 relative to the liquid crystal screen 50 to a predetermined position (an image that cannot be recognized by the liquid crystal screen 50 alone and an image that cannot be recognized by the EL screen 60 alone). It is determined whether or not the position is (overlapping position) (step S24). Here, the RAM 133 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the current position of the EL screen 60 with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 detected based on the detection result of the optical sensor 56. The ROM 132 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating a predetermined position of the EL screen 60 with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 described above. That is, in the process of step S <b> 24, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the position information on the EL screen 60 stored in the RAM 133 matches the position information indicating the predetermined position stored in the ROM 132.

  When the EL screen 60 is not at the predetermined position (step S24: NO), the CPU 131 moves the EL display 6 (step S25). Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing driving of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 to the lamp control unit 150. This command includes difference information between the current position of the EL screen 60 stored in the RAM 133 and a predetermined position stored in the ROM 132, and the CPU 151 functioning as a driving unit is based on this difference information. The driving of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 is controlled. As a result, the drive mechanism 10 (see FIG. 7) is driven and the EL display 6 moves, and as a result, the EL screen 60 moves toward a predetermined position (see FIG. 18A2).

  Then, the CPU 131 updates the position information of the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 moved by the process of step S25, and updates it to the RAM 133 (step S26). Specifically, the CPU 131 functioning as a detection unit updates the latest EL screen 60 based on the detection results (changes in electrical signals output from the respective optical sensors 56) by the respective optical sensors 56 provided on the liquid crystal screen 50. The position is detected, and the position information on the EL screen 60 is rewritten based on the detection result. Thereafter, the CPU 131 repeats the processes of step S23, step S24: No, step S25, and step S26 until the EL screen 60 reaches a predetermined position (step S24: YES). That is, the CPU 131 moves the EL display 6 while displaying an image that cannot be recognized independently on each of the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 until the EL screen 60 reaches a predetermined position.

  On the other hand, if the EL screen 60 is at a predetermined position as a result of the movement of the EL display 6 (step S24: YES), the CPU 131 determines whether or not the reach effect determined in step S21 has ended (step S21). Step S27). Specifically, the CPU 131 acquires information related to the effect performed by the image sound control unit 140, and determines whether or not the reach effect displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 has disappeared from the screen. If the reach effect has ended (step S27: YES), the CPU 131 advances the process to step S29. If the reach effect has not ended (step S27: NO), the CPU 131 advances the process to step S28. A two-screen display is instructed, and the process of step S27: NO and step S28 are repeated until the reach effect ends.

  That is, until the reach effect ends (step S27: NO), the CPU 131 continues to instruct the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 to display an image that cannot be recognized alone. At this time, since the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 are in a predetermined positional relationship, images that cannot be recognized individually overlap each other, and the meaning of the images can be recognized (FIG. 18 (A3)). reference). Therefore, the player can recognize the meaning of the overlapped images until the reach effect ends.

  On the other hand, when the reach effect is completed (step S27: YES), in the process of step S29, the CPU 131 turns off the display of the EL screen 60, that is, instructs one screen display (step S29, see FIG. 18 (A4)). Specifically, the CPU 131 instructs to switch from the two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 performed in the previous frame to the single-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5. The command is transmitted to the image sound control unit 140. In response to this, the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140 causes the drawing engine 1424 and the output circuit 1427 to execute a process of drawing only the main image on the VRAM_FB 1426 and outputting it to the liquid crystal display 5. Note that the main image at this time does not include an image that cannot be recognized alone. Further, the drawing process of the single screen display performed by the VDP 142 in accordance with the process of step S29 will be described in detail later.

  Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the EL screen 60 is at the initial position (step S30). Here, the RAM 133 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the current position of the EL screen 60 with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 detected based on the detection result of the optical sensor 56. The ROM 132 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the initial position of the EL screen 60 with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50. That is, in the process of step S <b> 30, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the position information on the EL screen 60 stored in the RAM 133 matches the position information indicating the initial position stored in the ROM 132.

  When the EL screen 60 is not in the initial position (step S30: NO), the CPU 131 moves the EL display 6 (step S31). Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing driving of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 to the lamp control unit 150. This command includes difference information between the current position of the EL screen 60 stored in the RAM 133 determined by the CPU 131 in step S30 and the initial position stored in the ROM 132, and the CPU 151 functioning as a driving unit Based on this difference information, the driving of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 is controlled. As a result, the drive mechanism 10 (see FIG. 7) is driven and the EL display 6 moves, and as a result, the EL screen 60 moves toward the initial position (see FIG. 18 (A5)).

  Then, the CPU 131 updates the position information of the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 moved by the process of step S30 and stores it in the RAM 133 (step S32). Specifically, the CPU 131 functioning as a detection unit updates the latest EL screen 60 based on the detection results (changes in electrical signals output from the respective optical sensors 56) by the respective optical sensors 56 provided on the liquid crystal screen 50. The position is detected, and the position information on the EL screen 60 is rewritten based on the detection result. Thereafter, the CPU 131 repeats the processes of step S29, step S30: No, step S31, and step S32 until the EL screen 60 reaches the initial position (step S30: YES). That is, after the display of the image on the EL screen 60 disappears, the EL display 6 moves until the EL screen 60 reaches the initial position.

  On the other hand, if the EL screen 60 returns to the initial position as a result of the movement of the EL display 6 (step S30: YES), the CPU 131 ends the series of main processes. That is, when the reach effect ends (step S27: YES), the image display on the EL screen 60 ends and the EL display 6 moves to the initial position.

  As described above, in the main process of the effect control unit 130, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the current effect displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 is a reach effect (step S21). If this is the case (step S21: YES), an image that cannot be recognized independently is displayed on each of the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 (see step S23, FIG. The EL display 6 is moved so that the screen reaches (step S24: YES) (see step S25, FIG. 18 (A2)). As a result of appropriately overlapping both images, an image whose meaning can be recognized is obtained. (See FIG. 18A3). Both images continue to be displayed while the reach effect continues (step S27: NO), and disappear when the reach effect ends (step S27: YES) (see step S29, FIG. 18 (A4)). Then, the EL display 6 moves so that the EL screen 60 returns to the initial position (step S31, see FIG. 18 (A5)).

[Drawing process]
Hereinafter, the drawing process performed by the VDP 142 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drawing process for two-screen display executed by the VDP 142. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for describing a drawing process performed by the VDP 142 when the division number SN is set to “0”. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for describing a drawing process performed by the VDP 142 when the division number SN is set to “4”. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for describing output processing of a divided image. Note that the drawing process performed by the VDP 142 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 19 and subsequent figures is performed based on a control signal generated by the CPU 141 itself or the CPU 141 based on a program stored in the control ROM 144. Further, in the following description, a case where drawing processing is performed using the first frame buffer 1426A out of the first frame buffer 1426A and the second frame buffer 1426B will be described as an example, but the second frame buffer 1426B is used. The drawn process is also performed in the same manner as the drawn process using the first frame buffer 1426A.

  When the control signal from the CPU 141 is input to the VDP 142, the drawing engine 1424 selects a frame buffer to be used for drawing processing of the main image and the sub image as shown in FIG. 19 (step S291). Specifically, among the first frame buffer 1426A and the second frame buffer 1426B, the frame buffer that outputs the image to the liquid crystal display 5 or the EL display 6 is specified, and the frame buffer that does not output the image Is selected as a frame buffer to be used for drawing processing of the current frame.

  Next, based on the command received from the effect control unit 130, the CPU 141 determines the contents of the main image and the sub-image including an image that cannot be recognized independently on the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6. (Step S292). Specifically, the control ROM 144 stores information for specifying an image that cannot be recognized independently when displayed on the main image and the sub image when two screens are displayed, and the CPU 141 stores this information. Is read from the control ROM 144 and stored in the RAM 145. This image content information is information indicating the contents of the main image and the sub image, and is included in the control signal and output to the VDP 142.

  If, for example, the first frame buffer 1426A is selected in step S291, the drawing engine 1424 draws the main image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 in the first frame buffer 1426A (step S293). Specifically, the drawing engine 1424 determines the main image based on the image content information including information specifying the content of the image that cannot be recognized independently determined in step S292 included in the control signal from the CPU 141. The material data necessary for generating the image data is read from the image ROM 148. For example, a first image indicating a decorative design, a character, and the like, a second image as a background image indicating a background of the decorative design, and a third image as a character image are read from the image ROM 148 to the VRAM_RS 1425, and these A main image, which is an image obtained by combining the images, is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A (see FIG. 20). At this time, the main image drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A includes an image that cannot be recognized alone.

  When the main image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A in the process of step S293 by the drawing engine 1424, the drawing engine 1424 of the VDP 142 cannot recognize by itself determined in step S292 included in the control signal from the CPU 141. Material data necessary to generate a sub-image is read from the image ROM 148 based on image content information including information for specifying the content of a possible image. Then, the drawing engine 1424 stores the read material data in the VRAM_RS 1425, and generates a sub-image including an image that cannot be recognized by itself using the material data (step S294).

  When the sub-image is generated, the drawing engine 1424 reduces the reduction ratio based on whether or not the control signal output from the CPU 141 includes information indicating the reduction ratio set by the process of step S10 (see FIG. 14). Is determined (step S295). When it is determined that the reduction ratio is set (step S295: YES), the drawing engine 1424 is based on the information indicating the reduction ratio extracted from the control signal for the sub-image generated in the process of step S294. Sub image reduction processing is performed (step S296). For example, when the reduction ratio is set to “0.5”, the drawing engine 1424 determines that the vertical pixel number L3 is “120” from the sub-image having the vertical pixel number L3 of “240” and the horizontal pixel number C3 of “320”. A sub-image having a horizontal pixel number C3 of “160” (= 320 × 0.5) at (= 240 × 0.5) is generated.

  When the drawing engine 1424 performs the process of step S296 or determines that the reduction ratio is not set (step S295: NO), the number of divisions SN included in the control signal output from the CPU 141 is “ Whether it is “0” or not is determined (step S297). If it is determined that the number of divisions SN is “0” (step S297: YES), the sub image in the VRAM_RS 1425 can be drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A without being divided. Drawing is performed in an empty area (step S298). As described above, when the CPU 141 determines in advance that the division is unnecessary, the drawing engine 1424 does not divide the sub-image into the empty area in the first frame buffer 1426A formed by drawing the main image. draw.

  FIG. 20 shows an example in which the sub image is drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A without being divided. As illustrated in FIG. 20, unlike the example described above for the main image having the vertical pixel number L2 of “600” and the horizontal pixel number C2 of “800”, the vertical pixel number L1 is “840” and the horizontal pixel. When a frame buffer having the number C1 of “1120” is prepared, the minimum vertical pixel number L4 of the empty area of the frame buffer is “240” (= 840−600), and the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 is “320”. (= 1120−800), the vertical pixel number L3 of the sub-image is equal to the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and the horizontal pixel number C3 is equal to the minimum horizontal pixel number C4. In such a case, the drawing engine 1424 can draw in the free area of the first frame buffer 1426A without dividing the sub-image.

  When the process of step S298 is performed, the drawing engine 1424 completes the process of displaying the image of the previous frame stored in the second frame buffer 1426B, and the first frame buffer 1426A is processed by the processes of steps S293 and S298. It is determined whether or not it is time to display the image of the next frame drawn in (Step S299). If the display timing has not come (step S299: NO), the process returns to step S299 to enter a standby state.

  If it is determined by the drawing engine 1424 that the display timing has come (step S299: YES), the output circuit 1427 reads the main image from the first frame buffer 1426A as shown in FIG. Are output from the first frame buffer 1426A and output to the EL display 6 (step S301).

  On the other hand, when the drawing engine 1424 determines that the division number SN included in the control signal output from the CPU 141 is not “0” (an even number equal to or greater than 2) (step S297: NO), the drawing engine 1424 proceeds to step S294. The sub image generated in the VRAM_RS 1425 by the process or the sub image reduced by the process of step S296 is rendered as a divided image in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A (step S303).

  In FIG. 21, when the number of divisions SN is “4” and the divided image size SS is set to 120 × 160 (the number of vertical pixels × the number of horizontal pixels) (the diagram on the right side of FIG. 16C). As shown in FIG. 16, the sub-image is drawn as four divided images (see FIG. 16C) in the empty area generated when the main image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A. . When the CPU 141 determines in advance that division of the sub image is necessary, the drawing engine 1424 divides the sub image into a plurality of regions (in this case, four images in this case) as illustrated in FIG. Are drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A.

  As described above, when the CPU 141 determines that the division is necessary and the divided image size SS and the number of divisions SN are set in advance, the drawing engine 1424 sets the first frame as a divided image based on the settings. Drawing is performed in an empty area of the buffer 1426A.

  When the divided image is drawn, the drawing engine 1424 determines whether it is time to display the image of the next frame drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A in the processes of steps S293 and S303 (step S304). If the display timing is not reached (step S304: NO), the process returns to step S304 to enter a standby state. On the other hand, when the drawing engine 1424 determines that the display timing has come, the output circuit 1427 reads the main image from the first frame buffer 1426A and outputs it to the liquid crystal display 5 as shown in FIG. 21 (step S305). ).

  Subsequently, the drawing engine 1424 determines whether or not a reduction magnification is set based on whether or not information indicating the reduction magnification is included in the control signal from the CPU 141 (step S306). When it is determined by the drawing engine 1424 that the reduction ratio is not set (step S306: NO), that is, the processing of steps S9 and S10 is not performed in the setting processing illustrated in FIG. 14, and thus step S296 is performed. When the reduction process is not performed, the output circuit 1427 reads the divided image from the first frame buffer 1426A and outputs it as a sub-image to the EL display 6 (step S307).

  By the way, the main image is stored in the first frame buffer 1426A in the same arrangement as the pixels (color liquid crystal element 52) constituting the liquid crystal screen 50. For this reason, the pixel data constituting the main image may be output to the liquid crystal display 5 in the same order. When the sub image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A without being divided (see FIG. 20), the sub image is stored in the first frame buffer 1426A in the same arrangement as the pixels constituting the EL screen 60. ing. For this reason, the pixel data constituting this sub-image may be output to the EL display 6 in the same order.

  On the other hand, when the sub-image is rendered as a divided image in the first frame buffer 1426A (see FIG. 21), the sub-image is stored in the first frame buffer 1426A in an arrangement different from the pixels constituting the EL screen 60. Stored. Therefore, in order for the sub image to be correctly displayed on the EL screen 60, the output circuit 1427 outputs each pixel constituting the divided image so that each pixel data constituting the sub image is output in the order that should be output. Read data. For example, when four divided images are stored in the first frame buffer 1426A in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 21, the output circuit 1427 displays the same display as the upper left area of the sub image, as shown in FIG. For the first divided image showing the content, processing for reading out and outputting pixel data for one line in the horizontal direction 12, and for the second divided image showing the same display content as the upper right region of the sub-image, The process of reading out and outputting pixel data for one line in the horizontal direction 12 is repeated alternately. Thereby, pixel data corresponding to the upper half of the sub-image is output. Subsequently, for the third divided image showing the same display content as the lower left region of the sub image, a process of reading out and outputting pixel data for one line in the horizontal direction 12, and a lower right region of the sub image The process of reading out and outputting pixel data for one line in the horizontal direction 12 is alternately repeated for the fourth divided image showing the same display content. As a result, pixel data corresponding to the lower half of the divided image is output.

  As described above, the output circuit 1427 reads the divided image so that the sub image is correctly displayed on the EL screen 60 even when the sub image is rendered as the divided image.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the drawing engine 1424 that the reduction ratio is set (step S306: YES), the drawing engine 1424 enlarges the divided image and then outputs it to the EL display 6 as a sub-image (step). S308). Specifically, an enlargement process is performed on each divided image in the first frame buffer 1426A using the reciprocal of the reduction ratio as an enlargement ratio, and the divided image subjected to the enlargement process is output to the output circuit 1427. As a result, pixel data having the same number of pixels as the screen resolution of the EL screen 60 is output. For example, when the reduction magnification is set to “0.5”, the drawing engine 1424 sets the enlargement magnification to 2 times (= 1 / 0.5). Then, each divided image stored in the first frame buffer 1426A is doubled on the VRAM_RS, and each divided image subjected to the enlargement process is output to the output circuit 1427 as a sub image.

  By executing the processing in steps S300 and S301, the processing in steps S305 and S307, or the processing in steps S305 and S308, a two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 is realized, and the liquid crystal screen 50 is displayed. An image that cannot be recognized alone is displayed on each of the EL screens 60.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the production EL display 6 is configured to be movable, there is an advantage that the viewpoint of the player is difficult to be fixed. Further, the image displayed on the EL display 6 cannot be recognized alone, and the EL display 6 moves and cannot be recognized by the liquid crystal screen 50 alone and the EL screen 60 alone. Only when the correct image overlaps properly can the meaning of the image be recognized. As a result, it is difficult to fix the player's point of view, and it is possible to provide an unprecedented and effective production that enhances the fun of the game that the meaning of the image is not known until the two screens overlap.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the sub-image is rendered in a state of being divided so as to fit in the free area of the first frame buffer 1426A. Therefore, the main image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 and the sub-image displayed on the EL screen 60 can be combined into one frame buffer (one frame engine) by the drawing engine 1424 without providing a frame buffer having a larger capacity than necessary. Drawing can be performed in the first frame buffer 1426A or the second frame buffer 1426B), and as a result, an increase in manufacturing cost due to the provision of two image displays can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the sub image is drawn as a divided image only when the sub image cannot be drawn unless the sub image is divided into the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A after the main image is drawn, and division is unnecessary. In this case, the sub image is drawn as it is in the empty area. For this reason, it is possible to perform an appropriate drawing process according to the size of the sub image with respect to the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A.

  By the way, when manufacturing a gaming machine to which an image display different from the main liquid crystal display that displays special symbols and the like is manufactured, the screen resolution of the image display (the number of vertical pixels of the sub-image × the number of horizontal pixels) is It is considered that the size varies depending on what size image display is added. According to the present embodiment, the divided image size and the number of divisions are calculated so as to fit in the free area of the first frame buffer 1426A, and the sub image is rendered as a divided image based on the calculation result. For this reason, even if the screen resolution of the added image display device changes, the drawing process to the first frame buffer 1426A can be appropriately performed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the position of the EL screen 60 is detected when the optical sensor 56 detects the actual position of the frame 61 of the EL display 6 to which the EL screen 60 is fixed. The position of the EL screen 60 can be detected more accurately than when the position of the EL screen 60 is detected based on the number of steps of the motors 29 and 30. As a result, an image that cannot be recognized by itself on the liquid crystal screen 50 and an image that cannot be recognized by itself on the EL display screen 60 can overlap in an optimal state, and the visibility of the overlapped images can be improved. Becomes higher.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the transparent EL screen 60 that displays an image in a single color is superimposed on the front surface of the liquid crystal screen 50 and a two-screen effect is performed, the liquid crystal obtained by overlaying another display screen on the liquid crystal screen 50 is displayed. An image with high visibility can be displayed on the EL screen 60 while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the image on the screen 50.

[Modification of Drive Mechanism 10]
FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing a modified example of the drive mechanism 10. In the above embodiment, the case where the EL display 6 is moved by the drive mechanism 10 including the lift drive mechanism 200 and the slide drive mechanism 220 has been described. However, the EL display 6 is moved by another drive mechanism. May be. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, an arm 602 that is rotatably connected to a base 601 via a shaft 605 and a arm 602 that is rotatable via a shaft 606. A drive mechanism including a connected arm 603 and an arm 604 rotatably connected to the arm 603 via a shaft 607 and to which the EL display 6 is fixed may be used.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 23B, a driving mechanism in which the transparent EL display 700 moves by rotating the transparent EL display 700 fixed to the tip of the arm 701 about the shaft 702 may be used. Good. In this case, since the structure of the drive mechanism is simpler than that of the drive mechanism 10, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be further reduced.

[Modification of main processing]
Hereinafter, a modification of the main process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a modification of the main process executed by the CPU 131 shown in FIG. In addition, about the process which is common in each process of the main process shown in FIG. 17, the same step number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  When the reach effect is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 (step S21: YES), the CPU 131 instructs the lamp control unit 150 to blink the button lamp 40 after instructing the two-screen display in the process of step S23. Then, the button lamp 40 incorporated in the effect key 38 (see FIG. 2) is blinked (step S41). Through the processing in step S41, the player is notified that the production key 38 is currently available. Note that this notification form may be any form as long as it notifies that the production key 38 is currently available.

  Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the peripheral keys of the effect key 38 have been operated (step S42). When it is determined that the peripheral key of the effect key 38 has been operated (step S42: YES), the CPU 131 moves the EL display 6 based on the operation information input from the peripheral key of the effect key 38 (step S43). . Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing driving of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 to the lamp control unit 150. This command includes operation information input from the peripheral keys of the effect key 38, and the CPU 151 functioning as a driving unit drives the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 based on this operation information. To control. As a result, the drive mechanism 10 (see FIG. 7) is driven, and the EL display 6 moves to a position corresponding to the operation of the peripheral keys of the effect key 38. As described above, when the CPU 131 receives input of operation information from the peripheral keys of the effect key 38 by the CPU 131, the CPU 151 moves the EL display 6 based on the operation information.

  Thereafter, the CPU 131 updates position information indicating the position of the EL screen 60 with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 stored in the RAM 133 (step S26), and the process proceeds to step S44. Also, when it is determined that the peripheral keys of the effect key 38 are not operated (step S42: NO), the CPU 131 advances the process to step S44.

  In the process of step S44, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the reach effect display on the liquid crystal screen 50 has ended. When the display of the reach effect has been completed (step S44: YES), the CPU 131 proceeds to the subsequent step S45, transmits a command to stop the blinking of the button lamp 40 to the lamp control unit 150, and is incorporated in the effect key 38. The blinking of the button lamp 40 is stopped (step S45). Through the processing in step S45, the player is notified that the effect key 38 is not currently available. The form of notification may be any form as long as it notifies that the production key 38 is not currently available.

  On the other hand, when the display of the reach effect has not ended (step S44: NO), the CPU 131 repeats the processes of steps S23, S41, S42, S43, and S26. That is, until the display of the reach effect on the liquid crystal screen 50 is completed, the CPU 131 causes the player to flash the effect key lamp while continuously displaying an image that cannot be recognized on the EL display device 6 alone. Is prompted to operate the production key 38, and the EL display 6 is moved in accordance with the operation information.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the player can move the EL display 6 by operating the effect key 38 himself, and as a result, the player cannot recognize the display alone. A possible image can be superimposed on an image that is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 and cannot be recognized alone, and as a result, the meaning of the image that cannot be recognized alone can be recognized. In other words, an image that could not be recognized can be recognized by the player's own operation, and the player can enjoy a highly entertaining and effective production that is not boring and is not boring.

[Modified sub screen]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the meanings can be recognized by appropriately overlapping the images that cannot be recognized independently displayed on the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50. However, the gaming machine 1 is a gaming board. 2 may be further provided with an EL display fixed to 2 (hereinafter referred to as a second EL display). In this case, the EL screen of the second EL display (hereinafter referred to as the second EL screen) and the EL screen 60 of the EL display 6 (hereinafter referred to as the first EL display) (hereinafter referred to as the first EL screen). The meanings may be recognized by appropriately overlapping images that cannot be recognized independently by being displayed on each of them.

[Configuration of Second EL Display]
The second EL display is fixed to the front side of the liquid crystal display 5 with a predetermined distance from the liquid crystal screen 50. The second EL display in this modification is a transparent EL display that displays an image in a single color on a transparent second EL screen. The second EL screen is fixed to the frame by being fitted into an opening formed in a resin frame (not shown) included in the second EL display. As the second EL screen, for example, a screen having a screen resolution of “240” in the vertical direction 11 and “320” in the horizontal direction 12 is used. Therefore, the second EL display is configured such that the screen resolution of the liquid crystal screen 50 is larger than that of the second EL screen. Note that the back surface (the surface facing the liquid crystal screen 50) of the frame of the second EL display is formed in black, similar to the frame 61 of the first EL display.

  Hereinafter, the main process in the above case will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. Here, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a modification of the main process executed by the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 shown in FIG. In addition, about the process which is common in each process of the main process shown in FIG. 17, the same step number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  In the processing of step S51 and step S53 of the main processing shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 causes the image sound control unit 140 to perform three-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5, the first EL display, and the second EL display. Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing switching from the one-screen display performed in the previous frame to the three-screen display to the image sound control unit 140. In response to this, the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140 draws the main image to be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50, the sub-image to be displayed on the first EL screen, and the sub-image to be displayed on the second EL screen on the VRAM_FB 1426 to draw on the liquid crystal display 5. In addition, the rendering engine 1424 and the output circuit 1427 are caused to execute processing for outputting to the first EL display and the second EL display, respectively. As a result, drawing processing for an image that cannot be recognized by itself is executed by the VDP 142, and the image or the like is displayed on the first EL screen and the second EL screen (see FIG. 26 (1)). The three-screen display drawing process performed by the VDP 142 in accordance with the processes in steps S51 and S53 will be described later.

  In the process of step S52 shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 appropriately overlaps the first EL screen with a predetermined position (an image that cannot be recognized by the first EL screen alone and an image that cannot be recognized by the second EL screen alone). Position). Here, the RAM 133 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the current position of the first EL screen detected with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 56. The ROM 132 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the fixed position of the second EL screen with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 described above. That is, in the process of step S <b> 52, the CPU 131 determines whether the position information of the first EL screen stored in the RAM 133 matches the position information of the fixed position of the second EL screen stored in the ROM 132.

  According to this modification, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the current effect displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50 is a reach effect (step S21). The first EL screen and the second EL screen display images that cannot be recognized independently (see step S51, FIG. 26 (1)), and the first EL screen appropriately overlaps the second EL screen (step S52: YES). The 1EL display is moved (see step S25, FIG. 26 (1)), and the result of the overlapping of both images is the image whose meaning can be recognized (see FIG. 26 (2)). Both images continue to be displayed while the reach effect continues (step S27: NO), and when the reach effect ends (step S27: YES), the display disappears (step S29). Then, the first EL display moves so that the first EL screen returns to the initial position (step S31).

(Main + sub (movable) + sub (movable) case)
In the above modification, the second EL display is fixed to the game board 2, but the drive mechanism 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first drive mechanism) of the first EL display (EL display 6) shown in FIG. The first EL display and the second EL display are directed to a predetermined position on the liquid crystal screen 50. The mechanism is called a second drive mechanism. It is good also as what moves (refer FIG. 27). In this case, in the process of step S52 of FIG. 25, the CPU 131 determines whether or not each of the first EL screen and the second EL screen is at a predetermined position with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50. Here, the predetermined predetermined position means that the first EL screen and the second EL screen are located at the predetermined position, and as a result, the image displayed on the first EL screen and the second EL screen cannot be recognized independently. It is the position where images that cannot be recognized alone on the screen overlap appropriately.

  The RAM 133 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating the current position of the first EL screen relative to the liquid crystal screen 50 and the current position of the second EL screen relative to the liquid crystal screen 50 detected based on the detection result of the optical sensor 56. ing. Further, the ROM 132 of the effect control unit 130 stores position information indicating a predetermined position of the first EL screen with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50 and a predetermined position of the second EL screen with respect to the liquid crystal screen 50. That is, in the process of step S52, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the position information on the first EL screen and the second EL screen stored in the RAM 133 matches the position information indicating the predetermined position stored in the ROM 132. To do. In order to distinguish whether the optical sensor 56 detects the position of the first EL screen or the position of the second EL screen, for example, the shapes of the frames of the first EL display and the second EL display are made different. Accordingly, the detection results of the optical sensor 56 may be different.

  In the process of step S25 shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 moves the first EL display and the second EL display. Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing driving of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism to the lamp control unit 150. This command includes the difference information between the current position of the first EL screen stored in the RAM 133 determined by the CPU 131 in step S52 and the predetermined position of the first EL screen stored in the ROM 132, and the current position of the second EL screen. Difference information with respect to a predetermined position of the second EL screen stored in the ROM 132 is included, and the CPU 151 functioning as a drive unit controls driving of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism based on this difference information. To do. Thereby, as a result of the movement of the first EL display and the second EL display, the first EL screen and the second EL screen move toward a predetermined position. Then, in the process of step S26 shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 updates the position information of the first EL screen and the second EL screen moved by the process of step S25, and updates the RAM 133.

  In the process of step S30 shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the first EL screen and the second EL screen are at the initial positions, and in the process of step S31, the CPU 131 returns to the initial positions. The first EL display and the second EL display are moved. Specifically, the CPU 131 transmits a command for instructing driving of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism to the lamp control unit 150. In this command, the CPU 131 determines the difference information between the current position of the first EL screen stored in the RAM 133 determined in step S30 and the initial position of the first EL screen stored in the ROM 132, and the current position of the second EL screen and the ROM 132. The difference information with respect to the initial position of the second EL screen stored in is included, and the CPU 151 functioning as a drive unit controls the driving of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism based on this difference information. Accordingly, as a result of the movement of the first EL display and the second EL display, the first EL screen and the second EL screen move toward the initial position. In the process of step S32 shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 131 updates the position information of the first EL screen and the second EL screen moved by the process of step S31, and updates the RAM 133.

  According to this modification, when a reach effect is made on the liquid crystal screen 50, an image that cannot be recognized by itself is displayed on the first EL screen and the second EL screen, and then the first EL display so that the images overlap each other. The display and the second EL display are moved to predetermined positions (see FIG. 27 (1)). As a result, the meaning becomes recognizable only when the images that cannot be recognized alone are properly overlapped (see FIG. 27B). Thus, according to this modification, by providing a plurality of movable EL displays, the player's viewpoint is more difficult to be fixed, and it is possible to provide a highly interesting and effective presentation that does not bore the player. it can.

  Although the first EL display and the second EL display are configured to be movable by the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism, they may be configured to be movable by the drive mechanism shown in FIG. For example, when the first EL display and the second EL display are configured to be movable by the drive mechanism of FIG. 23B, the first EL display and the second EL display rotate around the axis as shown in FIG. As a result of proper overlapping by moving, the meaning of an image that could not be recognized alone can be recognized.

[Drawing process for 3-screen display]
Hereinafter, the drawing process of the three-screen display in the above-described modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 29 to 31. Here, FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drawing process for three-screen display executed by the VDP 142. In addition, about the process which is common with each process of the drawing process (refer FIG. 19) for the two-screen display performed by VDP142 performed with the pachinko game machine 1 which concerns on the said embodiment, the same step number is attached | subjected and the process is attached. The description is omitted or simplified. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drawing process for three-screen display executed by the VDP 142 when the division number SN is set to “0”, and FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the division number SN. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing a drawing process for a three-screen display executed by the VDP 142 when “4” is set to “4”.

By the way, when performing the drawing process for the three-screen display, similarly to the drawing process for the two-screen display, the reduction ratio and the number of divisions of the sub-image are calculated by the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 and stored as setting information in the RAM 145. . However, in the case of the three-screen display drawing process, the total number ST of pixel data constituting the sub-image in the calculation means for determining these is the two sub-images (hereinafter referred to as the first sub-image) to be displayed on the first EL display and the second EL display. This is the sum of the pixel data of the sub image and the second sub image. Similarly, the number of divisions SN is the total number of divisions of the two sub-images. That is, the division number SN and the total number ST are calculated by the following arithmetic expression.
Number of divisions SN = (vertical pixel number L3a of first sub-image / lowest vertical pixel number L4) × (horizontal pixel number C3a of first sub-image / minimum horizontal pixel number C4) + (vertical pixel number L3b of second sub-image) / Minimum vertical pixel number L4) × (horizontal pixel number C3b of second sub-image / minimum horizontal pixel number C4)
Total number ST = vertical pixel number L3a of the first sub image × horizontal pixel number C3a of the first sub image + vertical pixel number L3b of the second sub image × horizontal pixel number C3b of the second sub image

  Next, the drawing process of the three-screen display executed by the VDP 142 will be described with reference to FIG. In the process of step S291 in FIG. 29, it is assumed that the drawing engine 1424 has selected the first frame buffer 1426A as a frame buffer that is not outputting an image.

  In the process of step S401 in FIG. 29, the CPU 141 of the image sound control unit 140, based on the command received from the effect control unit 130, displays an image to be displayed on the first EL display as the first sub image and the second sub image. The contents of the image to be displayed on the second EL display and the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 as the main image are determined. Specifically, the control ROM 144 has a pair of related image content information that cannot be recognized alone but associated with the reach effect image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50, but whose meaning can be recognized when they overlap. It is remembered. Then, the CPU 141 reads the sub image content information including one of the pair of image content information from the control ROM 144 and stores it in the RAM 145 in order to determine the content of the first sub image. Similarly, the CPU 141 reads the sub image content information including the other of the pair of image content information from the control ROM 144 and stores it in the RAM 145 in order to determine the content of the second sub image. The sub image content information is included in the control signal and output to the VDP 142. Note that the image content information for determining the content of the main image determined in step S401 does not include such image content information that cannot be recognized alone.

  In step S402, the drawing engine 1424 of the VDP 142 uses the material necessary for generating the first sub image and the second sub image based on the image content information determined in step S401 included in the control signal from the CPU 141. Data is read from the image ROM 148. The drawing engine 1424 stores the read material data in the VRAM_RS 1425, and uses the material data to generate a first sub-image and a second sub-image each including an image that cannot be recognized independently.

  Then, the reduction ratio determined in the process of step S295 in FIG. 29 and the division number determined in the process of step S297 are determined by the above-described calculation method, and the process proceeds based on the setting information stored in the RAM 145. When the drawing engine 1424 performs the process of step S296 or determines that the reduction ratio is not set (step S295: NO), the number of divisions SN included in the control signal output from the CPU 141 is “ Whether it is “0” or not is determined (step S297).

  When the division number SN is “0” (step S297: YES), the drawing engine 1424 can draw the sub image in the VRAM_RS 1425 in the free area of the first frame buffer 1426A without dividing the sub image. The two sub-images of the image and the second sub-image are drawn as they are in the empty area (step S403). As described above, the drawing engine 1424 divides the two sub-images into empty areas in the first frame buffer 1426A formed by drawing the main image when the CPU 141 determines in advance that division is unnecessary. Draw without

  FIG. 30 shows an example in which two sub-images are drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A without being divided. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the vertical pixel number L1 is “840” and the horizontal pixel number C1 is “1120” with respect to the main image having the vertical pixel number L2 of “600” and the horizontal pixel number C2 of “800”. Is prepared, the minimum vertical pixel number L4 of the empty area of the frame buffer is “240” (= 840−600), and the minimum horizontal pixel number C4 is “320” (= 1120−800). The vertical pixel number L3a (= 240) of the first sub-image is equal to the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and the horizontal pixel number C3a (= 320) is equal to the minimum horizontal pixel number C4. Also, the vertical pixel number L3b (= 240) of the second sub-image is equal to the minimum vertical pixel number L4, and the horizontal pixel number C3b (= 320) is equal to the minimum horizontal pixel number C4. In such a case, it is not determined that division is necessary in step S5 shown in FIG. 14 (step S5 in FIG. 14: NO), and the division number is set to “0” (step S6 in FIG. 14). That is, the drawing engine 1424 can draw in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A without dividing the sub-image.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the output circuit 1427 reads the main image from the first frame buffer 1426A and outputs it to the liquid crystal display 5 (step S300), and also outputs the first sub-image to the first frame. The data is read from the buffer 1426A and output to the first EL display, and the second sub-image is also read from the first frame buffer 1426A and output to the second EL display (step S404).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of divisions SN included in the control signal output from the CPU 141 is not “0” (an even number equal to or greater than 2) (step S297: NO), the drawing engine 1424 performs step S402. The two sub-images generated in the VRAM_RS 1425 by the process or the two sub-images reduced by the process of step S296 are drawn as divided images in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A (step S405).

  In FIG. 31, when the division number SN is “8” and the divided image size SS is set to 120 × 160 (the number of vertical pixels × the number of horizontal pixels), the diagram on the right side of FIG. The first sub-image is drawn as four divided images (see FIG. 16C) in the empty area generated when the main image is drawn in the first frame buffer 1426A. The sub-image is drawn as four divided images, and a state where eight divided images are drawn as a whole is shown. When it is determined in advance by the CPU 141 that the sub image needs to be divided, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the drawing engine 1424 splits the sub image into a plurality of regions (here, total images). (8 divided images) are drawn in the empty area of the first frame buffer 1426A.

  As described above, when the CPU 141 determines that the division is necessary and the divided image size SS and the number of divisions SN are set in advance, the drawing engine 1424 sets the first frame as a divided image based on the settings. Drawing is performed in an empty area of the buffer 1426A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 31, the output circuit 1427 reads the main image from the first frame buffer 1426A and outputs it to the liquid crystal display 5 (step S305), and when the reduction magnification is not set (step S305). Step S306: NO), the divided image of the first sub-image is also read from the first frame buffer 1426A and output to the first EL display, and the divided image of the second sub-image is also read from the first frame buffer 1426A and the second EL. Output to the display (step S406). On the other hand, when the reduction ratio is set (step S306: YES), the output circuit 1427 outputs the respective divided images enlarged on the VRAM_RS by the drawing engine 1424 to the first EL display and the second EL display ( Step S407).

  As described above, the output circuit 1427 reads out the divided images so that each of the sub images is correctly displayed on the first EL screen and the second EL screen even when the two sub images are drawn as the divided images. Do.

  As described above, the liquid crystal display 5, the first EL display, and the second EL display are used by executing the processes of steps S300 and S404, the processes of steps S305 and S406, or the processes of steps S305 and S407. 3 screen display is realized, and an image that cannot be recognized independently is displayed on each of the first EL screen and the second EL screen.

[Other variations]
In the present embodiment, the two-screen display using the liquid crystal display 5 and the EL display 6 is executed when the reach effect is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 50. However, the reach effect is performed in the process of step S21 in FIG. Instead of determining whether or not it is in progress, it is determined whether or not other effect contents (effects such as the movement of an accessory) are in effect. In steps S23 and S28 in FIG. Etc. may be displayed on the EL screen 60.

  In addition, if the content displayed on the EL screen 60 of the EL display device 6 and the liquid crystal screen 50 of the liquid crystal display device 5 that cannot be recognized by itself is content related to a game, it is exemplified in this embodiment. It is not limited to character information or the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an effect has been described in which images that cannot be recognized independently are displayed on the EL screen 60 and the liquid crystal screen 50 during the reach effect, and as a result of overlapping the images, the meaning can be recognized. However, there may be a case where the result of overlapping is an effect in which the meaning of the image remains unrecognizable. Such an effect can be a highly interesting effect, for example, when it is not a big win as a result of the special symbol lottery (losing).

(Sub + sub case only)
In the modification of the present embodiment, the case where the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the liquid crystal display 5 as an image display fixed to the game board 2 has been described. You may apply to the gaming machine which is not equipped. That is, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine having only a first EL display and a second EL display as an image display. In this case, an unrecognizable image is displayed on the first EL screen of the first EL display and the second EL screen of the second EL display under a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the movable accessory starts to operate). There may be an effect in which the meaning becomes recognizable only when two images overlap appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the position of the EL screen 60 is detected based on the detection result of the optical sensor 56 has been described. Instead, the number of steps of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 is described. The position of the EL screen 60 may be detected based on the above. In particular, when the initial position of the EL screen 60 and the predetermined position of the movement target are always fixed, the number of steps required for the movement is always constant, and therefore, it can be configured at a lower cost than using the optical sensor 56. Further, visible light and ultraviolet light are emitted from the backlight of the liquid crystal display 5 toward the EL display 6, and only the ultraviolet light among the reflected light from the frame 61 of the EL display 6 is directed to the optical sensor 56 side. A configuration including a UV filter to be transmitted may be employed to detect the position of the EL display 6 based on the result of receiving ultraviolet light by the optical sensor 56. In this case, since sensing is performed using invisible light, the influence of disturbance due to visible light such as hall illumination can be reduced, and the position detection accuracy of the EL display 6 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the EL display 6 is movable on the liquid crystal screen 50. However, the EL display 6 may be movable on the gaming area 20 beyond the range. In this case, the means for detecting the position of the EL screen 60 replaces the detection result of the optical sensor 56 and determines the position of the EL screen 60 based on the number of steps of the first stepping motor 29 and the second stepping motor 30 described above. You may make it detect. Needless to say, the second EL display may have the same configuration in the modification of the present embodiment.

  In addition, the shape, number, and installation position of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention may be applied to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 5 Liquid crystal display (an example of the 2nd image display of this invention)
6 EL display (an example of the first image display of the present invention)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Drive mechanism 29 1st stepping motor 30 2nd stepping motor 38 Production key 50 Liquid crystal screen (an example of the 2nd display screen of this invention)
52 color liquid crystal element (an example of the light emitting part of the present invention)
56 optical sensor 60 EL screen (an example of the first display screen of the present invention)
130 Production control unit 131 CPU
140 Image Sound Control Unit 141 CPU
142 VDP
150 Lamp control unit 151 CPU
1424 Drawing engine 1425 VRAM_RS
1426 VRAM_FB
1426A First frame buffer 1426B Second frame buffer 1427 Output circuit

Claims (7)

A gaming machine having a gaming board,
A first image display having a transmissive first display screen;
A second image display having a second display screen;
First driving means for moving the first image display with respect to the game board;
Based on the game information acquired by establishing the start condition, when it is determined to execute the specific effect, a specific effect control means for executing the specific effect,
When it is determined that the specific effect is to be executed, the display includes a suggestion display control unit that controls display of a suggestion image that suggests predetermined content;
The suggestion display control means includes
A first display control means for displaying on the first display screen a first image that is a part of the suggestion image and whose meaning cannot be recognized alone;
Second display control means for displaying on the second display screen a second image that is the other part of the suggestion image and whose meaning cannot be recognized alone;
First driving means for moving the first image display with respect to the game board;
The first driving means may suggest that the first image and the second image overlap each other during a period from when the first image is displayed on the first display screen to when the specific effect is ended. A gaming machine in which the first image display is moved so that an image can be visually recognized, and the first display screen is superimposed on the second display screen in a predetermined positional relationship .   The specific effect control means displays the specific effect on the second display screen,
  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the suggestion display control unit displays a suggestion image that suggests the content of the specific effect as the suggestion image. An input receiving means for receiving operation information input from an input means operated by a player;
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first driving unit moves the first image display unit based on operation information received by the input receiving unit. The suggestion display control means includes
First drawing means for drawing a main image displayed on the second display screen in a frame buffer;
Second drawing means for drawing in a free area of the frame buffer as a divided image obtained by dividing a sub-image displayed on the first display screen into a plurality of areas;
The main image is read from the frame buffer and output to the second image display, and the divided image is read from the frame buffer and output to the first image display as the sub image. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . Based on the size of the empty area and the size of the sub-image, a calculation unit that calculates the size of the divided image and the number of divisions indicating the number of the divided images constituting the sub-image,
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the second drawing unit draws an image of the size and the number of divisions calculated by the calculation unit as the divided image in the empty area. Based on the size of the empty area and the size of the sub-image, comprising a division determination means for determining whether or not division is necessary to draw the sub-image in the empty area;
The second drawing unit draws the sub-image as the divided image in the empty area when the division determination unit determines that the division is necessary, and the division determination unit determines that the division is not necessary Draw in the empty area without dividing the sub-image,
The output means performs a process of reading the divided image from the frame buffer and outputting the sub image as the sub image, or a process of reading the sub image from the frame buffer and outputting the first image display unit. The gaming machine according to claim 4. The second display screen of the second image display is transmissive,
Second driving means for moving the second image display with respect to the game board;
The image is meaningful only when both the first image display and the second image display move and the first display screen overlaps the second display screen in a predetermined positional relationship. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which can be recognized.

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