JP4694591B2 - Lamp control device, game machine, lamp control method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lamp control device that controls lighting of a lamp that is provided on a game board surface of a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and performs an effect, etc., a gaming machine including the lamp control device, a lamp control method, and a program.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board enters a specific start winning opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the display unit move from top to bottom. A game machine is widely used in which, when the same or related symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line), the game becomes a big win, the big winning opening is opened, and the big win game can be played.

  In such a gaming machine, not only the effect by the display unit, but also the fun of the game is improved by lighting the lamps composed of LEDs etc. provided on the game board around the display unit. ing. The lamp control is configured to be executed by a lamp control unit that is different from the main control unit that performs control related to the jackpot (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  In gaming machines and the like, full-color LEDs capable of emitting a plurality of colors with a single LED are beginning to be used for the effect. The full-color LED has a plurality of lamps as one lamp group, and the lighting color is controlled in units of the lamp groups. The lighting color control data is output as data indicating the ratio of R, G, and B, for example. Moreover, this brightness (gradation control) can be performed by setting the luminance for each lamp. In these lighting control and gradation control, the CPU constituting the lamp control means reads the lamp data and the scan data that change in time series in combination. Thereby, the lighting color of the lamp group and the luminance at the time of lighting can be changed with time. For example, it is possible to perform control to gradually increase or decrease the luminance at the time of lighting while lighting (ON) the lamp in a certain color.

  8 and 9 shown below are data referred to by the CPU when the full color LED is turned on in white and gradation control is performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of conventional lamp data (LMP_data) for white lighting. At the time of reading the lamp data 10, for a certain lamp group (LED1 to LED3), the time interval and the lighting information for each lamp (LED1 to LED3) by RGB ("1" ON / "0" OFF) and A gradation table to be referred to is set. During the time t1, since all the RGB values of the LED1 to LED3 are “1”, they are lit in white. In addition, during the time t1, it is indicated that scan data (scan_feed) described below is referred to.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of scan data (scan_feed) used for gradation control when white is lit. The gradation control using the scan data 20 uses PWM control, and uses 10 gradations with 9 being the highest luminance and 0 being extinguished. The example shown in FIG. 9 is an example in which the brightness is gradually lowered (fade out) as 9 → 8 → 7 →... (Omitted)... Note that when the time data is 0, the specification returns to the top of the table, and in the example of FIG. 9, a change from a high luminance state to a low state loops. FIG. 9 is an example of gradation control for gradually decreasing the luminance, but there is also gradation control for gradually increasing the luminance.

  If such lamp control is applied to a gaming machine, for example, the effect at the time of reaching can be enhanced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is applied to a general lighting device, for example, a stage lighting device, to provide a stage effect. It can also be used for enhancing purposes.

JP 2001-62116 A

  However, in the above-described example, the LEDs can only emit light in a combination of RGB, and different sets of lamp data and scan data are required to emit intermediate colors and the like and to control gradation.

  For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 shown below are data referred to by the CPU when the full color LED is lit in orange and gradation control is performed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data (LMP_data) for controlling orange lighting according to the related art. When the lamp data 30 is read, for a certain lamp group (LED1 to LED3), R and G of the RGB values of LED1 to LED3 are “1” for t1 time, so that the yellow light is on. become. It is shown that the scan data (scan_feed) in FIG. 11 is referred to during the time t1.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of scan data (scan_feed2) used for gradation control when orange is lit. The example shown in FIG. 11 is an example in which the brightness is gradually lowered (fade out) as 9 → 8 → 7 →... (Omitted)...

  However, since only the light equivalent to yellow can be emitted on the lamp data side shown in FIG. 10, R = 9, G = 6, B = 0 at a certain time t2 in order to produce orange in the scan data 40 of FIG. And the emission ratios of R and G are different. Similarly, at the next time t2, R = 8, G = 5, and B = 0 must be set in order to reduce the luminance while maintaining the same ratio. In order to reduce the luminance in the subsequent time, an operation for setting all the numerical values as shown in the figure occurs for the following data rows.

  In other words, in the conventional technology, in order to make a full-color LED emit multicolor light and to control gradation, it is necessary to set a combination of lamp data and scan data for each light emission color, and the setting work is troublesome. The amount of data has increased. In particular, it is necessary to adjust the ratio on the scan data side for intermediate colors other than those obtained by emitting white light by RGB lighting or by combining RGB single colors of red, green, blue, and other RGB at the same rate. It took.

  Furthermore, in the above example, only three lamp groups, LED1 to LED3, have been described in order to simplify the description. However, the number of LEDs in one lamp group is actually larger, and the lamp group also includes Because there are multiple, a huge amount of setting work was required. Not only the setting work but also the work of correcting the color and gradation took the same time.

  The present invention provides a lamp control device, a gaming machine, a lamp control method, and a program capable of easily controlling lighting of a multi-color light emission and gradation of brightness in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a lamp control device according to the present invention controls lighting of a plurality of lamps with a predetermined color in a lamp control device that controls lighting of a plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light. Lamp data, a color pallet in which information on the emission color at lighting indicated by the lamp data is set, and scan data for gradation control for a plurality of the lamps set as reference destinations in the lamp data. The stored data storage means and the lamp data are read from the data storage means at predetermined timings to control lighting of the plurality of lamps, and at the time of light emission using the scan data set in the lamp data The luminance is controlled to change, and the information on the hue of the luminescent color indicated by the lamp data is obtained from the color palette, and And control means for emitting the pump in emission color is set to the lamp data, characterized by comprising a.

  The lamp data is a table in which predetermined time unit information for controlling the lighting of the lamp, light emission color information, and reference scan data information is set, and the color palette is stored in the lamp. On the other hand, a ratio value of the three primary colors R, G, and B of light corresponding to the emission color is set, and the control means sets a plurality of values in a predetermined time unit set with reference to the lamp data table. The lamp is controlled to be turned on by the emission color, and the gradation of the lamp is controlled in units of the predetermined time based on scan data.

  Further, the color palette is a table in which the ratio values of the three primary colors R, G, and B of light for each gradation for each predetermined color are set.

  Further, the scan data is a table in which predetermined time unit information for gradation control and luminance information for each of the plurality of lamps in the predetermined time unit are set.

  According to the lamp control device having the above configuration, it is possible to control lighting of a plurality of lamps and to control gradation of luminance by combining lamp data and scan data. Only the information on the emission color is set in the lamp data, and the RGB ratio is set in the color palette. Thereby, the emission color can be easily set in the lamp data. Even if the emission color of the lamp data is changed, it is not necessary to change the setting content of the scan data, and the same scan data can be used for all the emission colors. This makes it easy to set and change the lamp pattern control for causing the lamp group to emit multicolor light.

  Further, the gaming machine of the present invention performs control related to the lamp control device according to any one of the above, a plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light arranged on a board surface of the gaming machine, and a jackpot of the gaming machine, And a main control board for outputting a command for controlling the lighting of the lamp with a predetermined color to the lamp control device.

  According to such a gaming machine having a lamp control device, it becomes possible to perform multicolor emission and gradation control with simple control for a large number of lamps arranged on the game board, and an effect using the lamp is effective. Will be able to do.

  Further, the lamp control method of the present invention is a lamp control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light. Lamp data for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamps with a predetermined color and a lighting time indicated by the lamp data At a predetermined timing from a data storage means for storing a color palette in which information on the emission color of the color is set, and scan data for gradation control for the plurality of lamps set as reference destinations in the lamp data. A lighting control step of reading the lamp data and controlling the lighting of the plurality of lamps with a predetermined color, reading the lamp data from the data storage means at predetermined timings, and controlling the lighting of the plurality of lamps. Using the scan data set in the data to control and change the luminance at the time of light emission, the lamp data Information hue of light emission indicating characterized in that it comprises a control step of emitting an emission color that is set in the ramp data the lamp from the color palette.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the lamp control method described above.

  According to the lamp control device of the present invention, it is possible to easily control lighting and luminance gradation control of a plurality of lamps that emit multicolor light, and to provide lamp patterns for lighting the lamp having various emission colors and gradations. Obtainable. By applying this lamp control device to a gaming machine, the lamps on the game board can be variously controlled with simple settings, and an effect using the lamps can be effectively performed.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of a lamp control device, a game machine, a lamp control method, and a program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lamp control device of the present invention. The lamp control device 100 includes an input unit 101, a control unit 102, a timer 103, a data storage unit 104, and an output unit 105. Data for lamp lighting control is input to the input unit 101 as a command or the like, and this command is output to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, analyzes the command, and outputs lamp control data corresponding to the command to the lamp group 108 via the output unit 105.

  At the time of this command analysis, the control unit 102 refers to the timing information of the timer 103, the lamp data 111 and the color palette 112 stored in the data storage unit 104, and the scan data 20 (see FIG. 9). Corresponding lamp control data is generated and output to the output unit 105. As illustrated, the lamp group 108 includes a plurality of lamp groups 1 to 5, and lighting control is individually performed for each lamp group. One lamp group is composed of a plurality of full-color LEDs, and can emit light in an arbitrary emission color.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of lamp data (LMP_data2) for lighting control. At the time of reading the lamp data 111, for one lamp group (LED1 to LED3), the time interval, the emission color for each lamp (LED1 to LED3), and the scan data to be referred (scan_feed) are set.

  First, during the time t1 based on the time measured by the timer 103, since the values of the LEDs 1 to 3 are all “W”, the color palette 112 is referred to and the light emission color information is obtained and turned on in white. Subsequently, since the values of LED1 to LED3 are all “Or” during the next t1, the color palette 112 is referred to and transferred in orange. Thus, LMP_data2 indicates that LEDs 1 to 3 are alternately turned on in white and orange at t1 time intervals. If no color is set, the corresponding lamp (LED) can be turned off. It should be noted that during each t1 time, by referring to the same scan data (scan_feed, see FIG. 9), during the time t1, the brightness of the LEDs that are turned on every t2 hours is sequentially lowered and looped. Output data.

  In the above example, the same lamp group (LED1 to LED3) emits light of the same color (white or orange) during the time t1, but it is also specified among the same lamp group (LED1 to LED3). The LED (for example, only LED 2) can be set to emit light with different emission colors.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an RGB conversion table for white in the color palette. In the white (W) conversion table 301, as shown in the figure, when the luminance is the maximum value “9”, the values of the three primary colors R, G, and B are the same as 9, 9, and 9, respectively. Even when the luminance value is “7”, the values of R, G, and B are set to the same values as 7, 7, and 7, respectively. As described above, the values of R, G, and B at the time of white lighting are all set to the same value according to the luminance.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an RGB conversion table for orange in the color palette. This orange (Or) conversion table 302 shows that when the luminance is the maximum value “9”, the R, G, and B values are 9, 6, and 0, respectively, as shown in FIG. When the R value is “9” without lighting, the G value is set to “6” so that orange light is emitted. In addition, even when the luminance value is “7”, the ratios of the R, G, and B values are set to 7, 4, and 0, respectively. As described above, the values of R, G, and B when the orange color is lit are set to values that cause the orange color to be emitted at any luminance by making the values of R and G different.

  In the above example, the white and orange colors have been described as an example of the color palette 112, but conversion tables corresponding to colors corresponding to other light emission colors are prepared. For example, blue, pink, green, two purple colors, and light blue are set. If 2 bits are used for the color designation value, 4 colors can be set, 8 colors can be set with 3 bits, and 18 colors can be set with 4 bits. Then, the color palette 112 corresponding to each color is referred to by setting the emission color in the lamp data (LMP_data2).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of lamp control processing executed by the lamp control device. The following processing is performed when the control unit 102 shown in FIG. 1 executes a predetermined lamp control program stored in a ROM or the like. First, the control unit 102 refers to a table of lamp data 111 that is read this time from the data storage unit 104 (step S401). Referring to FIG. 2, first, the first table is read out. For the lamps (LED1 to LED3) to be used set in this table (step S402: Yes), the following processing is executed. If there is a lamp that is not used, this lamp (LED) (Step S402: No), it transfers to step S406, without performing a process.

  Next, the color palette 112 set in the ramp data 111 is referred to (step S403). At this time, the color palette 112 corresponding to the color set in the ramp data 111 is referred to. In the example of FIG. 2, the emission color for the time t1 is white “W” first, and the color palette 112 (white RGB conversion table 301) shown in FIG. 3A is referred to. Next, the scan data 20 set in the lamp data 111 is referred to (step S404). At the time of this reference, the gradation data in the scan data 20 (see FIG. 9, scan_feed) set in the ramp data 111 is referred to.

  Thus, gradation data in one lamp group (LED1 to LED3) is set (step S405). Specifically, the lamp group (LED1) is selected based on the selection of the lamp to be turned on in step S402, the setting of the lighting color using the color palette 112 in step S403, and the setting of the luminance using the scan data 20 in step S404. -The gradation data for LED3) is set. Then, it is possible to perform the lighting color control of the lamp every time t1 by the lamp data and the gradation control of the luminance change every time t2 by the scan data within this time t1.

  Thereafter, a lamp table to be used next time is selected (step S406), and a series of processes is terminated. As described above, the lamp control (white lighting and brightness change) using the table shown in the first row shown in FIG. 2 is executed. In the next process, lamp control (orange color and luminance change) based on the setting of the table described in the second row of FIG. 2 is executed by executing the processes after step S401 again.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart of lamp control according to the present invention. It is a timing chart of the lamp control based on the processing content of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a control state of a lamp (LED2) having a lamp group based on the lamp data (LMP_data2) 111 of FIG. The scan data referred to in the ramp data is the scan data (scan_feed) shown in FIG.

  In the control of the LED2 based on the lamp data (LMP_data2) 111 in FIG. 2, the LED2 is turned on (ON) during the time t1 from the time T0 to the time T1 based on the timing of the timer 103. Then, the color palette 112 indicated in the ramp data (LMP_data2) 111 is referred to. Thereby, the RGB conversion table 301 corresponding to white is referred to, and lighting is performed in white.

  Then, according to the scan data (scan_feed), the brightness at the time of white lighting during the period from T0 to T1 is looped with the value of W being 9 → 8 → 7. At this time, the RGB conversion table 301 is read every time t2 elapses, and the R, G, and B values corresponding to W are read. For example, when W = 8, the values of R = 8, G = 8, and B = 8 are read, the brightness of the LED is reduced by one step, and the LED is lit in white.

  Similarly, the LED 2 is lit (ON) during the time t1 from the time T1 to T2. Then, the color palette 112 indicated in the ramp data (LMP_data2) 111 is referred to. Thereby, the RGB conversion table 302 corresponding to the orange color is referred to, and the orange color is turned on.

  Then, according to the scan data (scan_feed), the brightness of the orange light during the period from T1 to T2 is looped with the value of W being 9 → 8 → 7... (Omitted). At this time, the RGB conversion table 302 is read every time t2 elapses, and the R, G, and B values corresponding to Or are read. For example, when Or = 8, the values of R = 8, G = 5, and B = 0 are read, the luminance of the LED is lowered by one level, and is lit in orange.

  Similarly, during time t1 from time T2 to time T3, lamp control (white lighting and brightness change) using the table described in the first row shown in FIG. 2 is executed again, and white → orange → white The lighting is repeated. Note that reading of scan data (scan_feed) is once reset every time t1 in FIG. As a result, every time the times T1, T2, and T3 are reached, the scan data (scan_feed) is newly read again, and the luminance is started from the state of 9 each time.

  As described above, by using a combination of the lamp data, the color palette for each color, and the scan data, it is possible to easily set and control the lamp emission color and the luminance change state (lamp pattern). It becomes like this. In particular, the same scan data (see FIG. 9) can be shared by a plurality of lamp data even if the emission colors are different. In other words, only the emission color is specified in the lamp data, and the RGB value setting is referred to another table (color palette). Therefore, when changing the emission color, the emission color setting in the lamp data is changed. It is only necessary to change the RGB values. This saves the effort of creating lamp data for each lamp pattern, reduces the number of corrections when changing the lamp pattern, and easily executes lamp lighting control for changing the lighting color and brightness. It becomes like this.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
The lamp control device of the present invention can be applied to various devices, but can be applied to a gaming machine described below. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. This gaming machine includes a game board 601. At the lower position of the game board 601, an operation handle 613 that is a part of the launching unit is disposed. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 602a and 602b and reaches the upper position of the game board 601, and then falls within the game area 603. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 603, and a game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a prize opening that changes the fall direction of the game ball at a position in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  An image display unit 604 is disposed at the center of the game area 603 of the game board 601. As the image display unit 604, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the image display unit 604, a start winning opening 605a for starting winning is arranged. In addition, an electric tulip (electric chew) 605b is disposed below the start winning opening 605a. A winning gate 606 is disposed below the image display unit 604. Both the start winning opening 605a and the electric chew 605b can be changed in design by winning.

  The winning gate 606 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and perform a lottery to open the electric chew 605b for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 607 is disposed on the side of the image display unit 604, below, or the like. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 607, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 603, a collection port 608 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports. In addition, although not shown, the game area 603 may be provided with an accessory or a movable movable accessory.

  The above-described image display unit 604 starts a change in the display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins the start winning opening 605a and the electric chew 605b, and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the predetermined winning opening 609 located below is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning game balls is paid out. On the upper part of the image display unit 604, a reserved ball display unit 620 (620a to 620d) is provided.

  A frame member 610 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 603 of the game board 601. The frame member 610 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 603 on four sides of the game board 601. In the frame member 610, effect light portions (frame lamps) 611 are provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 603. Each effect light unit 611 includes a plurality of lights 612.

  An operation handle 613 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 610. The operation handle 613 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 610 described above, the operation handle 613 has a shape that protrudes from the surface of the game board 601 toward the player. The frame member 610 incorporates a speaker that outputs sound.

  In the frame member 610, an effect button (chance button) 617 that receives an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 603. The operation of the effect button 617 is effective, for example, while a guidance that prompts the user to operate the effect button 617 is displayed during a specific reach effect during the game.

  A plurality of lamps are provided in the game area 603 and the frame member 610 of the game board 601. As the lamp, for example, a full-color LED capable of emitting multicolor light is used, which is divided into a plurality of areas as shown in the figure, and constitutes a lamp group 108 having a plurality of LEDs for each area. The plurality of LEDs provided in the lamp group 108 are turned on by the above-described lamp control, and are subjected to brightness control at the time of ON by gradation control. For example, at the time of reach, lighting control that repeats ON / OFF for a certain lamp group 108 is performed, and the luminance is changed by gradation control, so that the effect at the time of reach can be enhanced.

(Internal configuration of control unit)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 700 includes a plurality of control units. In the illustrated example, a main control unit 701, an effect control unit 702, a prize ball control unit 703, and a lamp control unit 751 are provided. The main control unit 701 controls basic operations relating to gaming of the gaming machine. The effect control unit 702 controls the effect operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 703 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out. The lamp controller 751 performs lamp control on the lamp group 108 described above.

  The control unit 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 is executed by a CPU (not illustrated) inside the lamp control unit 751 or a CPU 741 provided in the effect control unit 702. The data storage unit 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be configured by a ROM (not shown) inside the lamp control unit 751 or a ROM 742 provided in the effect control unit 702. 1 is constituted by a CPU (for example, a CPU of a lamp control unit) provided in the control unit 700, a CPU 741 of an effect control unit 702, and a timer (not shown) connected to the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701. it can.

  The main control unit 701 includes a CPU 711 that executes basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 713 that functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the CPU 711, and the like based on a program stored in the ROM 712. . The main control unit 701 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board. Various commands set in the RAM 713 are sent to the effect control unit 702 and the prize ball control unit 703 at a predetermined timing.

  The main control unit 701 includes a start winning port detecting unit (starting port SW) 721a for detecting a winning ball won in the starting winning port 605a, and an electric chew winning port detecting unit for detecting a winning ball won in the electric chew 605b. (Electric Chu SW) 721b, a gate detection unit (gate SW) 722 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 606, and a normal winning port detection unit that detects a gaming ball that has won the normal winning port 607 (normal winning port) SW) 723 and a big prize opening detection unit (large prize opening SW) 724 that detects a winning ball won in the big prize opening 609 are connected. A plurality of the regular winning openings SW723 may be provided, such as SW1 and SW2 for each arrangement position of the normal winning openings 607. These detection units can be configured using proximity switches or the like.

  Detection results by the start winning port detecting unit 721a, the electric chew winning port detecting unit 721b, the gate detecting unit 722, the normal winning port detecting unit 723, and the big winning port detecting unit 724 are input to the main control unit 701.

  In addition, the main control unit 701 controls the driving of the electric chew solenoid 725 that opens the electric chew 605b for a certain period of time and the big prize opening solenoid 731 that opens and closes the big prize opening 609. The big prize opening solenoid 731 performs an operation of opening the big prize opening 609 for a certain period in a big hit. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  The main control unit 701 is connected to a reserved ball display unit 620. A game ball is detected by the start winning port detecting unit (starting port SW) 721a or the electric chew winning port detecting unit (electric chew SW) 721b, and display data of the number of reserved symbols for the next and subsequent symbol changes is displayed as the reserved ball display unit 620. Output to.

  Next, the effect control unit 702 controls the contents of the effect during the game. The effect control unit 702 controls an image and sound related to the effect based on a command sent from the main control unit 701. Therefore, the CPU 741 that executes the rendering process, the ROM 742 that stores the rendering program, various image data such as background images, design images, and character images and various sounds, and the data work area when the CPU 741 performs arithmetic processing functions. A RAM 743 and a VRAM 744 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 604 are provided. The effect button 617 is connected to the effect control unit 702, and the operation of the effect button 617 is input to the effect control unit 702.

  Based on the command sent from the main control unit 701, the effect control unit 702 reads the program stored in the ROM 742, determines the effect contents, background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, character image Various image processing such as display processing and sound processing are executed. At this time, necessary image data and audio data are read from the ROM 742 and written into the VRAM 744. The background image, the design image, and the character image written in the VRAM 744 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 604 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  In this case, when the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 743 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. . The effect control unit 702 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board.

  For the image display unit 604, the effect control unit 702 displays the contents of the effect during the game, for example, movement display of symbols, reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are aligned), and various display information at the time of jackpot Is generated and output. When the game is interrupted for a certain time, a screen waiting for the customer is displayed and output. In addition, the effect control unit 702 outputs data for outputting sound from the speaker 777. In addition, although not shown, when a movable accessory is provided on the game board 601, control is performed to move the movable accessory as part of the effect.

  The lamp control unit 751 corresponds to the lamp control device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and has the functional units shown in FIG. The lamp control unit 751 executes processing for lighting the lamp and outputs data for controlling lighting of the lamp group 108 and the effect light unit 611 provided in the game board 601 and the frame member 610.

  Next, the prize ball control unit 703 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 782. The prize ball control unit 703 includes a CPU 781 that executes prize ball control processing, and a RAM 783 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 781 performs arithmetic processing. The prize ball control unit 703 realizes its function by a prize ball board, for example.

  The prize ball control unit 703 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of winning a prize to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 791. The payout unit 791 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Further, an operation for launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 792 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The prize ball control unit 703 gives the number of prize balls corresponding to the game balls won to each payout slot (starting prize slot 605a, electric chew 605b, normal prize slot 607, and big prize slot 609) to the payout unit 791. Control to pay out. The launch unit 792 launches a game ball for gaming, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 703 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 792, the game ball 601 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 603 of the game board 601 A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 703 is connected to a detection unit (not shown) that detects the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a payout ball detection SW, a ball presence detection SW, a full tank detection SW, and the like.

  The main control unit 701, the effect control unit 702, the prize ball control unit 703, and the lamp control unit 751 configured as described above are provided on different printed circuit boards (main control board, effect control board, prize ball board, and lamp board). It is done. For example, the prize ball control unit 703 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 701.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
An example of the basic operation of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701, and the winning status of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 703. The winning ball control unit 703 has the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning status. Make a withdrawal.

  Further, every time a game ball wins at the start winning opening 605a or the electric chew 605b, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 702, and the effect control unit 702 displays the design of the image display unit 604 in a variable manner. Repeat to stop. When the big hit occurrence has been determined, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 702, and the effect control unit 702 stops with a predetermined design. At the same time, control for opening the special winning opening 609 is performed. In addition, the display data of the number of symbols on hold for the symbol variation is output to the hold ball display unit 620.

  The effect control unit 702 displays various effects in addition to the symbol variation display on the image display unit 604 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, or at the time of reach notice. . In addition, a specific drive is performed on the movable accessory, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the lamp group 108 are performed on the lamp control unit 751.

  When a big hit occurs, the big prize opening 609 is opened a plurality of times. For example, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the prize ball control unit 703 pays out with 15 prize balls per prize for each game ball to the big prize opening 609. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is canceled and the normal gaming state is restored.

  In the above embodiment, the lamp control for performing the effect using the lamp provided in the gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other lamps may be used as long as the luminance is changed with a certain lighting pattern. It can also be applied to control. For example, it can be similarly applied to various attractions and lighting control devices for stage lighting.

  According to the embodiment described above, lamp control is performed by combining lamp data for lighting control, a color palette that sets RGB values for each lighting color and is referred to by the lamp data, and scan data for gradation control. Since one scan data can be shared by a plurality of lamp data, brightness (gradation) can be controlled by using one scan data for all emission colors even if the emission colors are different. become. As a result, even when the emission color is changed, gradation control using other emission colors can be performed simply by changing the emission color setting bits in the lamp data, so that lamp data can be easily created and modified. It becomes like this.

  Note that the lamp control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer provided in the gaming machine. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a case where the lighting color of a lamp capable of emitting multiple colors and gradation control are used in combination, and a device for performing various effects using the lamp, such as a lamp of a lighting device or a gaming machine. Can be applied to.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the lamp | ramp control apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the lamp data (LMP_data2) for lighting control. It is a figure which shows the RGB conversion table for white among color palettes. It is a figure which shows the RGB conversion table for orange among color palettes. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the lamp control which a lamp control apparatus performs. 3 is a timing chart of lamp control according to the present invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the lamp data (LMP_data) for the conventional white lighting. It is a figure which shows an example of the scan data (scan_feed) used for the gradation control at the time of white lighting. It is a figure which shows an example of the lamp data (LMP_data) for orange lighting control by a prior art. It is a figure which shows an example of the scan data (scan_feed2) used for the gradation control at the time of orange lighting.

Explanation of symbols

20 Scan Data 101 Input Unit 102 Control Unit 103 Timer 104 Data Storage Unit 105 Output Unit 108 Lamp Group 111 Lamp Data 112 Color Palette 301,302 RGB Conversion Table 601 Game Board 604 Image Display Unit 701 Main Control Unit 702 Effect Control Unit 703 Award Sphere control unit

Claims (7)

In a lamp control device that controls lighting of a plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light,
Lamp data for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamps with a predetermined color, a color palette in which information on the emission color at the time of lighting indicated by the lamp data is set, and the lamp data set as a reference destination, the plurality of the lamps Data storage means for storing scan data for gradation control for
The lamp data is read from the data storage means at predetermined timings to control the lighting of the plurality of lamps, and the brightness at the time of light emission is changed and controlled using the scan data set in the lamp data.
Control means for obtaining information on the hue of the emission color indicated by the lamp data from the color palette and causing the lamp to emit light in the emission color set in the lamp data;
A lamp control device comprising: The lamp data is a table in which predetermined time unit information for controlling the lighting of the lamp, information on emission color, and information on scan data to be referred to are set.
In the color palette, the ratio values of the three primary colors R, G, and B corresponding to the emission color are set for the lamp.
The control means performs lighting control based on the emission color for the plurality of lamps in a predetermined time unit set with reference to the lamp data table, and the lamp in the predetermined time unit based on scan data. The lamp control device according to claim 1, wherein the gradation is controlled.   3. The lamp control device according to claim 2, wherein the color palette is a table in which values of ratios of three primary colors R, G, and B of light for each gradation for each predetermined color are set.   The scan data is a table in which predetermined time unit information for gradation control and luminance information for each of the plurality of lamps in the predetermined time unit are set. 4. The lamp control device according to any one of 3. The lamp control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light arranged on the surface of the gaming machine;
A main control board that controls a jackpot of a gaming machine and outputs a command for controlling the lighting of the lamp in a predetermined color to the lamp control device;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: In a lamp control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamps capable of emitting multicolor light,
Lamp data for controlling lighting of a plurality of lamps with a predetermined color, a color palette in which information on the emission color at the time of lighting indicated by the lamp data is set, and the lamp data set as a reference destination, the plurality of the lamps A lighting control step for reading out the lamp data at predetermined timings from a data storage unit storing grayscale control scan data, and controlling lighting of the plurality of lamps with a predetermined color;
The lamp data is read from the data storage means at predetermined timings to control the lighting of the plurality of lamps, and the brightness at the time of light emission is changed and controlled using the scan data set in the lamp data.
A control step of obtaining information on the hue of the light emission color indicated by the lamp data from the color palette and causing the lamp to emit light in the light emission color set in the lamp data;
A lamp control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 6.

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