JP2001087459A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain the capacity-up of a control board and to smoothly restart a game at the time of recovery from power source off. SOLUTION: A main control board 70 for controlling peripheral equipment 75 for play while loading a main CPU 71 and a RAM 74 for control and a sub-control board 80 for controlling peripheral equipment 85 for direction while loading a sub-CPU 81 and a RAM 84 for control are provided in separate bodies. The main control board 70 backs up game information when turning off a power source, discriminates whether the backed-up game information can be initialized or not when turning on the power source and transmits an initializing instruction to the sub-control board 80 at the time of initialization. The sub- control board 80 backs up the output information of the peripheral equipment 85 for direction when turning off the power source, discriminates whether recovery into state before power source off is enabled or not and whether the initializing instruction is received or not after turning on the power source, recovers the state before power source off based on the backed-up output information when recovery is enabled, and initializes the output information when the recovery is disabled or initializing instruction is received.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine having a main control board and a sub control board separately.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a slot machine, a main CP
A control board on which U and a sub CPU are mounted is provided. Peripheral devices such as switches, motors, lamps, sensors, and LEDs provided in the slot machine are all electrically connected to the control board. The main CPU of the control board manages and controls these peripheral devices as a whole. The loudspeaker is connected to the control board, but is controlled by the sub CPU only for sound output from the loudspeaker.

[0003] During a game, the main CPU is turned on / off, for example, for an effect lamp to perform various effects.
Send a command to turn off the light. Further, the sub CPU receives a command from the main CPU and controls to output a predetermined sound from the speaker.

Here, when the power of the slot machine is turned off, the main CPU executes various kinds of information at that time,
For example, game state information, effect information, and the like are backed up in a predetermined memory. When the power is turned on, the main CPU returns the game to the state before the power was turned off under certain conditions based on the backed up information.
However, the command sent from the main CPU to the sub CPU is erased by the power off, and the sub CPU is erased.
Will not be able to output sound. Therefore,
The main CPU is configured to transmit a command relating to a sound to be output from the speaker to the sub CPU again when returning from the power-off state.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the storage capacity of the memory of the control board has a certain limit, a sufficient amount of effect information (data, programs, etc.) is stored. There was a problem that it was not possible. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a trend to provide more in-depth productions by diversifying the announcement production of the possibility of winning the role,
There is a concept that a liquid crystal display panel or the like is provided in a slot machine to display various images for effects.

Here, in order to display various images on a liquid crystal display panel or the like, it is necessary to store data of the images, a program for controlling the image display, and the like. However, storing such image information requires a larger storage capacity than information such as sound output from a speaker. Therefore, the storage capacity of the conventional control board is not sufficient, and it is extremely difficult to produce effects by displaying various images. When the power is turned off, various information at that time needs to be backed up. However, it is extremely difficult to back up large-capacity image information.

In order to increase the memory capacity of the control board, it is conceivable to use a plurality of control boards. However, the control board is designed to prevent unauthorized
It must be housed in a highly secure case.
At this time, if there are a plurality of control boards, there is a problem that the single control board cannot be accommodated in the case where the single control board has been accommodated and the compatibility is lost. In addition, if the number of control boards is simply plural, it becomes a problem which control board is in charge of what kind of control.
In addition, there is a problem that the circuit structure and control of the control board are complicated.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to allow sufficient information for effects to be stored, to increase the capacity of the control board, to enable a wider variety of effects, and to reduce the need for power-off. The purpose is to efficiently back up important information so that the game can be smoothly resumed even when returning after power-off.

[0009]

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by the following means. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main control board on which a main CPU and a main memory are mounted, and a sub control board on which a sub CPU and a sub memory are mounted separately from the main control board. A peripheral device for performing an effect during a game, and a peripheral device other than the peripheral device for effect, the peripheral device being used for a predetermined operation relating to a game; and the peripheral device for game and the main device. Control board, the effect peripheral device and the sub-control board, and the main control board and the sub-control board are each electrically connected, and the main control board controls the gaming peripheral device, Transmit the information on the output of the effect peripheral device to the sub-control board in one direction, the sub-control board refers to the information transmitted from the main control board Characterized in that it is a slot machine that controls the peripherals the presentation.

Further, the main control board includes a game information backup means for backing up predetermined game information at that time in the main memory when the power is turned off, and the game information backed up in the main memory when the power is turned on. Game information initialization determining means for determining whether or not to initialize, and when the game information initialization determining means determines to initialize, the game information backed up in the main memory is initialized. A game information initialization executing means, and an initialization command transmitting means for transmitting an initialization command to the sub-control board when performing initialization by the game information initialization executing means. .

Further, the sub-control board includes an output information backup means for backing up predetermined output information of the effect peripheral device at the time of power-off in the sub-memory when power is turned off, and after power-on and before power-off. The sub-side return possibility determining means for determining whether the state can be returned to the state described above, and when the sub-side return possibility determining means determines that the state before the power is turned off can be backed up, the backup is stored in the sub memory. A sub-side return unit that returns to a state before power is turned off, based on the output information, and an initialization command reception determination unit that determines whether an initialization command has been received from the initialization command transmission unit. When the sub-return-possibility determining unit determines that it is not possible to return to the state before power-off, or when the initialization-command receiving determining unit determines that an initialization command has been received. Characterized by comprising an output information initialization execution unit that executes an initialization of the output information backed up in the sub-memory.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control board of the slot machine has a separate main control board and a sub-control board. Then, the slot machine is controlled by the main CPU and the sub CPU mounted respectively. Gaming peripherals are connected to the main control board, and the gaming peripherals are controlled by the main control board. Further, effect peripheral devices are connected to the sub-control board, and the effect peripheral devices are controlled by the sub-control board.

Further, the main control board and the sub control board are connected so that information can be transmitted in one direction from the main control board to the sub control board. Then, the main control board transmits information on the output of the effect peripheral device to the sub control board. The sub-control board controls the effect peripheral device with reference to this information. Therefore, the load on the capacity of the main memory on the main control board side can be reduced. That is, although the storage capacity of the main memory of the main control board has a certain limit, the specific output information of the effect peripheral device is given to the sub memory of the sub control board side, so that the main memory of the main control board is provided. Capacity can be given a margin.

When the power is turned off, predetermined game information at that time is backed up in the main memory on the main control board side, and predetermined output information of the effect peripheral device is backed up in the sub memory on the sub control board side. You. Accordingly, since the output information of the effect peripheral device is backed up on the sub control board side, the load on the backup capacity on the main control board side can be greatly reduced.

Further, after the power is turned on, the main control board determines whether or not to initialize the backed-up game information, and when it is determined to be initialized, the backed-up game information is initialized. When further initializing the game information, an initialization command is transmitted to the sub-control board. Upon receiving the initialization command, the sub-control board initializes output information of the sub-memory. Therefore, when the game information is initialized on the main control board side, the output information is also initialized on the sub control board side, so that consistency between the two is achieved.

After the power is turned on, the sub-control board determines whether or not the power can be restored. When the power can be restored, the sub-control board determines whether or not the power can be restored based on the output information backed up in the sub-memory. It returns to the state of. Therefore, the sub-control board returns independently without receiving an instruction from the main control board. Therefore, the sub-control board can be returned without burdening the main control board. If it cannot be recovered, the output information of the sub memory is initialized.

(Claim 2) The invention of claim 2 is based on claim 1.
Wherein the game information initialization determination means determines that the game information is to be initialized when a setting operation of a payout rate of the slot machine is performed.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine is stored in the main memory. When the setting operation of the payout rate of the slot machine is performed, it is necessary to change the set value stored in the main memory and return the gaming state to the initial state. Therefore, when the setting operation of the payout rate of the slot machine is performed, it is determined that the game information is initialized, and the game information backed up in the main memory is initialized. Further, an initialization command is transmitted to the sub-control board, and the output information backed up in the sub-memory is also initialized on the sub-control board side. Therefore, when the set value is changed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency between the two can be achieved.

(Claim 3) The invention according to claim 3 is based on claim 1.
Alternatively, in the slot machine according to claim 2, the game information initialization determining means determines that the game information is to be initialized when an operation of clearing the main memory is performed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when an operation of clearing the main memory is performed by a memory clear button or the like provided on the slot machine, the game information backed up in the main memory is initialized after the power is turned on. Is done. Further, an initialization instruction is transmitted to the sub-control board,
The output information backed up in the sub memory is also initialized on the sub control board side. Therefore, when the operation of clearing the main memory is performed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency between the two can be achieved.

(Claim 4) The invention according to claim 4 is based on claim 1.
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main control board, when the game information initialization determining means determines that the game information is not initialized, returns to a state before power-off. When the main-side return-possibility determining means determines whether or not the power can be returned, and when the main-side return-possibility determining means determines that the power can be returned to the state before the power is turned off, the power returns to the state before the power is turned off. And a main-side return means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, after the power is turned on, when the game information backed up in the main memory is not initialized, the main control board determines whether or not it is possible to return to the state before the power was turned off. . When it is determined that the power can be restored, the state returns to the state before the power was turned off.
Therefore, when both the main control board and the sub control board can return to the state before the power is turned off, they can automatically return.

(Claim 5) The invention of claim 5 is based on claim 4
In the slot machine described in the above, when the main control board determines that the main control board cannot be returned to the state before the power is turned off by the main-side return possibility determination means, the main control board causes an error display to be performed by predetermined display means. It is characterized by comprising a return error display means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the main control board determines that the game information is not initialized and determines that the game cannot be returned, the game cannot proceed. Therefore, in this case, an error display indicating that a return error has occurred on the main control board is performed by a predetermined display means, for example, a lamp or an LED. As a result, it is possible to notify outside that a return error has occurred on the main control board side.

(Claim 6) The invention of claim 6 is claim 1
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sub-control board sets an output of the effect peripheral device to an initial state when the output information initialization execution means executes initialization. It is characterized by doing.

In the invention according to claim 6, when the sub-memory of the sub-control board is initialized, the output of the effect peripheral device is initialized. For example, a process of turning off the lamp and muting the sound from the speaker is performed. Therefore, the effect peripheral device can be returned to the initial state only by transmitting the initialization command from the main control board.

[0027]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an outline of the slot machine will be described. (Slot machine) 3
Two reels (turning body) are juxtaposed. Correspondingly, three transparent display windows are provided on the front of the slot machine, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the reel can be seen from each of the display windows. Each reel is a ring-shaped body, and a plurality of winning symbols (symbols constituting a winning combination) are arranged on an outer peripheral surface thereof. From the display window, three symbols continuous above and below the reel can be seen. The reel is rotated by a (reel) motor, and the symbol on the reel is moved up and down in the display window by this rotation.

A start switch and a stop switch are provided on the front of the slot machine.
The start switch is a switch (lever) operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reel. The stop switches are three switches (buttons) that are arranged independently for each reel and are operated when the player stops the rotation of each reel. The player inserts a medal through the medal slot and turns on the start switch. Thereby, each reel is started. Then, the player stops the rotation of the reel by pressing the stop switch. Here, when the combination of the symbols of the reels stopped on the activated activated line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of any combination, a winning is achieved, and medals are paid out according to the established combination. When the combination of the symbols matches the combination of the symbols of the special combination, the game shifts from the normal game to the special game.

Next, the system configuration of the slot machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine of the present embodiment. A main control board 70 and a sub control board 8 are provided inside the housing of the slot machine.
0, and both are configured separately. (Main Control Board) The main control board 70 is
U71, a program ROM 73 and a control RAM 74 are mounted. The main CPU 71 controls the entire slot machine. Program ROM 7
Reference numeral 3 denotes storage means for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the game. The control RAM 74 corresponds to the main memory of the present invention, and
When the PU 71 performs various controls, the PU 71 temporarily stores fetched data and the like, and backs up data when the power is turned off. That is, this control RAM
Since 74 is also used for backup,
This is a memory in which stored data is not lost even when the power is turned off.

The main CPU 71 includes a BPU (basic processing unit), that is, a device or a circuit for reading (fetching), interpreting (decoding) and executing instructions constituting a program, and includes a program counter, an accumulator, an arithmetic circuit, It consists of a register, an interrupt control circuit and the like. Then, the main CPU 71 controls the I / O port 72 to take in the program from the program ROM 73 and write it into the control RAM 74. Next, the main CPU 71 controls the control RAM 74 to fetch the first instruction, interpret it, call up necessary data, and execute processing. Note that the main CPU 71
However, the program ROM 73 and the control RAM 74 are not necessary if a memory that plays the role of the program ROM 73 and the control RAM 74 is built in in advance.

The I / O port 72 is connected to the main control board 70
And a gateway for exchanging information with a gaming peripheral device 75, a sub-control board 80, and the like, which will be described later. The program ROM 73 and the input game peripheral device 75 are connected to the input side of the I / O port 72.
In addition, the game peripheral device 75 for output is connected to the I / O port 7.
2 is connected to the output side. The main CPU 71 and the control RAM 74 are connected to the input side and the output side of the I / O port 72.

(Gaming Peripheral Equipment) Gaming Peripheral Equipment 75
Are electrically connected to the main control board 70 and are not connected to the sub control board 80. The game peripheral device 75 is a peripheral device directly related to the game among the peripheral devices of the slot machine, and is a peripheral device 85 for effect described later.
It is something other than. The gaming peripheral 75 is divided into an input device and an output device. The gaming peripheral device 75 for input is
The game peripheral device 75 for output includes switches and sensors, and includes motors and lamps (including LEDs and the like).
And However, it is not limited to these.

The following are examples of the gaming peripheral device 75. A. Gaming Peripheral Equipment 75 for Input (1) Switches As the switches, the start switch 75a described above is used.
And the stop switch 75b and the RAM clear button 7
5c, a setting key switch 75d, a bet button, a clearing button, an error release switch, a stop setting switch, an automatic clearing switch, and the like.

The RAM clear button 75c is used for the control RA
This button is used to clear (initialize) areas other than the storage area of the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine in the storage area of M74. That is, it is a reset button used when returning the gaming state to the initial state. For example, it becomes effective when the power is turned on while the RAM clear button 75c is turned on. The setting key switch 75d is
This switch is used to set the payout rate of the slot machine in stages. The stage setting is one of a plurality of stages provided in advance.
Set to one. The bet button is a button for specifying the number of medals to be bet when the player inserts medals, and includes, for example, a three-insert button, a one-insert button, and a two-insert button.

The settlement button is a button for paying out medals in the credit and for turning on / off the credit function. The error release switch is a switch for detecting an operation of turning a door key of the front door in a predetermined direction.
The hitting presence / absence setting switch is a switch for setting whether to hit or not to hit after the end of the special game. The automatic clearing presence / absence switch is a switch for setting whether or not to perform automatic clearing when medals are stored after the end of the special game.

(2) Sensors The sensors include a sensor for detecting the home position of the reel, a hopper (for storing medals,
Sensor for paying out medals when winning or clearing)
A sensor of a medal selector (a part for selecting whether or not a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot by a player is within a receivable range and returning without receiving a medal according to a game state) No. The sensor that detects the home position of the reel detects whether or not the reference position of the reel has passed when the reel rotates. The hopper sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of medals when paying out medals from the hopper. The sensor of the medal selector is a sensor for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot.

B. Output Peripheral Equipment 75 (1) Motors The motors include, in addition to the (reel) motor 75e described above, a hopper motor, a medal selector blocker, and the like. The hopper motor rotates a disk provided in the hopper to move medals to a payout port. The blocker of the medal selector discharges the inserted medals from the medal return port when the medals cannot be accepted according to the game state.

(2) Lamps (Including LEDs, etc.) Lamps including LEDs include a frequency display LED 75f.
And medal payout number display LED, stored medal number display L
An ED, a valid line lamp, a game state display lamp, a medal insertion display lamp, a weight display lamp, a stop switch LED, an error display lamp, and the like. The number-of-times display LED 75f displays the number of games, the number of wins, and the like during the game when the normal game is shifted to the special game.
ED. The medal payout number display LED is an LED that displays the medal number according to the payout number at the time of winning.

The stored medal number display LED is an LED for displaying the number of stored medals. The activated line lamp illuminates and displays activated lines activated according to the number of inserted medals. The game state display lamp is a lamp that displays a message indicating a game state, particularly a special game state other than the normal game state. The medal insertion display lamp is a lamp that indicates a state in which medal insertion can be accepted. The weight display lamp is a lamp that lights up during the reel rotation disabled state after the operation of the start switch 75a is received.

The stop switch LED is, for example, an LED provided around the stop switch 75b. The stop switch LED displays an operation receivable state and an operation rejection state of the stop switch 75b by emitting light in a predetermined color. LED. The error display lamp is a lamp for notifying when an error occurs in the slot machine. Note that the gaming peripheral device 75 is not limited to the above.

(Sub-control board) The sub-control board 80 is responsible for, in particular, the part related to production in the control of the slot machine.
3 and a control RAM 84. Sub CPU8
Reference numeral 1 controls overall control of the sub-control board 80. It should be noted that the sub CPU 81 has no restriction on the processing capability, the development language, and the like. Program ROM 83 and control R
The AM 84 is a storage unit that stores programs, data, and the like related to the output of the effect peripheral device 85. In particular, the control RAM 84 corresponds to a sub memory in the present invention.

The sub CPU 81 and the program RO
The M83 and the control RAM 84 have the same functions as the main CPU 71, the program ROM 73, and the control RAM 74 of the main control board 70, respectively. The program ROM 83 and the control RAM 84 may be the same as the program ROM 73 and the control RAM 74, respectively, or may be larger than these.

The I / O port 82 is a portion serving as an entrance for exchanging information between the sub-control board 80 and the peripheral device 85 for effect and the main control board 70 and the like. The program ROM 83 is connected to the input side of the I / O port 82, and the sub CPU 81 and the control RAM 84
/ O port 82 is connected to the input side and output side.
Further, a main control board 70 is connected to an input side of the I / O port 82. Here, the main control board 70 is not connected to the output side of the I / O port 82. Thus, the main control board 70 and the sub control board 80 are electrically connected, but are configured to transmit predetermined information from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 80 in one direction. I have. In this case, the number of signal lines is about 8 to 32.

(Peripheral Equipment for Production) Peripheral Equipment for Production 85
Is connected to the output side of the I / O port 82 of the sub-control board 80, and is not connected to the main control board 70. The effect peripheral device 85 is a peripheral device that is not directly related to the game, and outputs the effect during the game (including the effect of notifying the possibility of winning the role). In the present embodiment,
It comprises a back lamp 85a, a speaker 85c, other lamps (including LEDs, etc.), a liquid crystal display panel 85b, and the like. Note that the present invention is not limited to these.

The back lamp 85a is arranged inside the reel and performs an effect of illuminating a symbol on the reel. The speaker 85c is a start switch 75 for the player.
A predetermined sound relating to the effect is output in accordance with the operation of the a and the stop switch 75b, the operation of the reels, the winning, and the like. The liquid crystal display panel 85b displays various images (color moving images, etc.) when performing an effect during a game.
Is displayed.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, when the effect peripheral device 85 is a speaker 85c, a sound source IC for processing audio signals and a power amplifier as an amplifier are mounted on the sub-control board 80. , And the speaker 85c are connected to the I / O port 82 via these. When the effect peripheral device 85 is a liquid crystal display panel 85b, an image control IC for controlling an output image, a character ROM and a video RAM as storage means for display image data, etc. are mounted on the sub-control board 80. , Liquid crystal display panel 85b
Is connected to the I / O port 82 via the image control IC. Further, a character ROM and a video RAM are connected to the image control IC so that information can be exchanged.

By making the above connection, the main control board 70 can be used alone, that is, the sub control board 80 can be used.
Even if there is no, it is possible to control the game peripheral device 75 and proceed with the game. Thus, for example, even when the sub-control board 80 has failed and is in an inoperable state, or is in a disconnected state with the main control board 70, the effect peripheral device 85
Although it is not possible to output (produce) from the game, it is possible to play the game itself.

Next, the main CPU of the main control board 70
71 and the sub CPU 81 of the sub control board 80 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 shows the main CPU 71 and the sub C
It is a block diagram explaining the outline of control of PU81. The main CPU 71 has the following units. In addition,
The main CPU 71 has, in addition to the illustrated means, game control means for controlling the progress of the game and the like, and is not limited to the illustrated means.

(Gaming Peripheral Equipment Control Means) The gaming peripheral equipment control means 71a detects input from switches, sensors and the like, which are input gaming peripheral equipment 75, and performs predetermined control. Outputs (operations, displays, etc.) of motors, lamps, etc., which are output gaming peripherals 75
Is controlled. For example, the game peripheral device control means 71a detects inputs from switches and sensors connected to the input side of the I / O port 72. More specifically, when a medal is inserted by the player, an input signal is transmitted from the sensor of the medal selector to the gaming peripheral device control means 71a. Thereby, the gaming peripheral device control means 71a detects that a medal has been inserted.

When the start switch 75a is turned on by the operation of the player, the input signal is transmitted to the game peripheral device control means 71a, and the game peripheral device control means 71a turns on the start switch 75a. Detect that And the peripheral device control means 71a for the game,
The (reel) motor 75e is driven to start the reel. Further, the game control means (not shown) performs a lottery or the like of a winning combination.

Further, when the stop switch 75b is turned on by the operation of the player, the input signal is transmitted to the game peripheral device control means 71a, and the stop switch 75b is turned on. Detect that Then, the game control means determines the reel stop position from the lottery result of the winning combination, the reel position when the stop switch 75b is turned on, and the like. Thereafter, the gaming peripheral device control means 71a controls the drive of the (reel) motor 75e so that the reel stops at the determined position, and stops the reel at a predetermined position.

(Output information transmitting means) Output information transmitting means 7
1b is connected to the main C via I / O ports 72 and 82.
The information on the output of the effect peripheral device 85 is transmitted from the PU 71 to the sub CPU 81 in one direction. The main CPU 71 determines what effect is to be output from the effect peripheral device 85 in accordance with the game state, the operation of the player, and the like, and creates information to be transmitted. here,
Although information on the output of each effect peripheral device 85 may be transmitted one by one, a plurality of effect peripheral devices 85 may be transmitted.
When a series of effects are performed, an event command (command) including the series of effects may be transmitted.

An event instruction that includes a series of effects is
One event command outputs a sound pattern A from the speaker 85c, blinks the back lamp 85a in accordance with the lighting pattern B, displays the image display pattern C on the liquid crystal display panel 85b, and repeats the sequence. Means the production of

(Game Information Backup Means) The game information backup means 71c is used when the power is turned off (when the power supply is cut off, such as when the power switch is turned off or when a power failure occurs).
The predetermined game information at that time is backed up in the control RAM 74. The predetermined game information refers to, for example, a game state at the time of power-off, specifically, whether or not a special combination is won in a lottery of a combination, a stop position of a reel, and an output of the peripheral device 85 for effecting the game. Information. Since the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine is stored in a predetermined storage area of the control RAM 74 in advance, there is no need to back up the set value at this time.

(Game Information Initialization Determining Means) The game information initialization determining means 71d determines whether or not to initialize the game information backed up in the control RAM 74 after the power is turned on. Here, when the setting value of the payout rate of the slot machine is changed by the setting key switch 75d, the game information initialization determining means 71d determines that the game information is to be initialized. The same applies when the power is turned on while the RAM clear button 75c is turned on.

(Game Information Initialization Executing Unit) The game information initialization executing unit 71e executes the initialization of the game information backed up in the control RAM 74 when it is determined that the initialization is performed by the game information initialization determining unit 71d. Is what you do. Here, in the storage area of the control RAM 74,
Initialize all storage areas except the storage area of the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine. Setting key switch 75d
When the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine is changed, the changed set value is written in the set value storage area of the control RAM 74, and all the storage areas other than the set value storage area are initialized. Become

(Initialization Instruction Transmitting Means) The initialization instruction transmitting means 71f transmits an initialization instruction to the sub-control board 80 when performing initialization by the game information initialization executing means 71e. . This is the main control board 7
When the control RAM 74 on the 0 side is initialized, the control RAM 84 on the sub-control board 80 also needs to be initialized. Therefore, an instruction (command) for initializing the output information backed up in the control RAM 84 is transmitted. Things.

(Main-side return possibility determination means) The main-side return possibility determination means 71g is a game information initialization determination means 71.
If it is determined in d that the game information is not to be initialized, it is determined whether or not the main control board 70 can return to the state before the power was turned off. Here, all the game information necessary to return to the state before the power was turned off is stored in the control RAM.
It is checked at 74 whether or not the data is backed up, and if it is backed up, it is determined that the data can be restored. On the other hand, when a part of the required game information is missing or when the backed up game information is determined to be abnormal, such as when the game information for returning to the state before the power-off is insufficient. Are determined to be unrecoverable.

(Main-side return means) Main-side return means 7
1h is to return to the state before power-off when the main-side return-possibility determining means 71g determines that the state before power-off can be restored. That is, when the main-side return unit 71h returns to the state before the power is turned off, the state does not become the initial state.

(Main-side return error display means) When the main-side return error determination means 71g determines that it is not possible to return to the state before the power was turned off, the main-side return error determination means 71g uses a predetermined display means. The main control board 70 displays an error indicating that a return error has occurred. Here, the predetermined display means may be, for example, one of the lamps and the LE of the output game peripheral device 75.
D or the like can be used. Alternatively, a dedicated display means (a lamp, an LED, or the like) may be provided separately from the gaming peripheral device 75. Further, an LED or the like may be mounted on the main control board 70 to display an error by emitting light. The reason why the error display is performed in this way is that the game cannot be progressed if the control RAM 74 is not initialized and the state cannot be returned to the state before the power was turned off. This is to inform.

The sub CPU 81 has the following units. In addition, it is not limited to these illustrated means. (Performance peripheral device control means) Peripheral device control means for production 8
Reference numeral 1a refers to information on the output of the effect peripheral device 85 transmitted from the output information transmitting means 71b, and controls the effect peripheral device 85. That is, the effect peripheral device control means 81a receives the information from the output information transmitting means 71b, decodes the received information, and controls the effect peripheral device 85 while referring to the contents. For example, when the transmitted information is the above-described event command, the meaning of the event command is decoded, and what output from which effecting peripheral device 85 and at what timing are output. to decide. If the transmitted information is an event command, the contents of each event command may be stored in advance in the program ROM 83, for example.

As specific control, for example, the back lamp 85a is turned on / off in accordance with the progress of the game, a sound is output from the speaker 85c, and an effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 85b. Here, when the output (image display) is performed by the liquid crystal display panel 85b, the effect peripheral device control means 81a extracts predetermined image data from the character ROM, and performs predetermined signal processing on the image data by the image control IC. Then, control is performed so that the image is transmitted to the liquid crystal display panel 85b and displayed.

(Output Information Backup Means) The output information backup means 81b stores predetermined output information of the effect peripheral device 85 at that time when the power is turned off.
4 is backed up. The sub CPU 81
When the output from the effect peripheral device 85 is performed, the output information is temporarily stored in the control RAM 84. Then, when the power is turned off, the output peripheral device 8 of the output information is output.
If there is any data that has not been output yet, the output information is directly backed up in the control RAM 84. The output information to be backed up includes the main C
Necessary information of the output-related information transmitted from the output information transmitting unit 71b of the PU 71 is also included.

(Sub-side return enable / disable determination means) The sub-side return enable / disable determination means 81c determines whether or not the sub-control board 80 can return to the state before the power is turned off after the power is turned on. Here, it is checked whether or not all of the output information necessary to return to the state before the power was turned off is backed up in the control RAM 84, and if it is backed up, it is determined that it can be returned. On the other hand, when some of the necessary output information is missing or when the backup output information is determined to be abnormal, the output information necessary to return to the state before the power was turned off is insufficient. When it is present, it is determined that it is impossible to return.

(Sub-side return means) Sub-side return means 81g
When the sub-return enable / disable determining means 81c determines that the power can be returned to the state before the power is turned off, the control RAM 84
Then, based on the output information backed up, the state before the power is turned off is restored. As a result, the sub-control board 80 returns independently after receiving power without receiving an instruction from the main control board 70 under certain conditions.

(Initialization command reception determining means) The initialization command reception determining means 81h determines whether or not an initialization command has been received from the initialization command transmitting means 71f. (Output information initialization executing means) Output information initialization executing means 8
1d is a control signal when the sub-return enable / disable judging means 81c determines that it is not possible to return to the state before the power is turned off, or when the initialization command reception determining means 81h determines that the initialization command has been received. The initialization of the output information backed up in the RAM 84 is executed. The sub CPU
When the initialization is executed by determining that it is impossible to return to the state before the power is turned off, all the effect peripheral devices 85
To the initial state. In addition, after returning to the state before the power is turned off, the sub CPU 81 returns the output of the effect peripheral device 85 to the initial state when it determines that the initialization command has been received and executes the initialization. That is, the output image of the liquid crystal display panel 85b is returned to the initial image, the back lamp 85a is turned off,
Processing such as silencing the sound of the speaker 85c is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, control of the effect peripheral device 85 is performed on the sub-control board 80 side, and depending on the progress of the game and the game state, the effect peripheral device 85 is controlled by the effect peripheral device 85 during the game. When it is necessary to output an effect, the request is transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 8.
It is transmitted to the 0 side.

As a result, the load on the control RAM 74 and the program ROM 73 on the main control board 70 can be reduced. That is, since the storage capacity of the main control board 70 has a certain limit, by giving specific effect data and the like to the sub-control board 80, the storage capacity of the main control board 70 is given a margin. be able to. In particular, when the liquid crystal display panel 85b is provided, a large amount of image data is required. However, the image data does not squeeze the storage capacity of the main control board 70, and the image display of the liquid crystal display panel 85b is not performed. Can be controlled.

When the power is turned off, the sub control board 80 is turned off.
Since the output information of the effect peripheral device 85 is backed up on the side, the load on the backup capacity on the main control board 70 side can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 determines whether or not the sub-control board 80 can be independently restored without receiving an instruction from the main control board 70. When the sub-control board 80 can be restored, the sub-control board 80 returns independently. The control load on the sub-control board 80 by the board 70 can be reduced.

Next, a description will be given of a flow of a return process after the power is turned on in the slot machine of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the flow of the return process on the main control board 70 side. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the flow of the return process on the sub-control board 80 side, which proceeds in parallel with the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the power of the slot machine is turned on in step S 1 of FIG. 3, the power is supplied to the main control board 70. Thereby, the process proceeds to step S2,
On the main control board 70 side, predetermined processing is started according to a program stored in the program ROM 73.
In the next step S3, the game information initialization determining means 71d
Determines whether the power is turned on while the RAM clear button 75c is on. RAM clear button 75c
When it is determined that the power is turned on while the power is on, the process proceeds to step S5, and when it is determined that the power is turned on when the power is off, the process proceeds to step S4.

At step S4, the game information initialization determining means 71d determines whether or not the setting key switch 75d has been operated, that is, whether or not the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine has been changed. If it is determined that the setting key switch 75d has been operated to change the set value, the process proceeds to step S
Then, if it is determined that the setting key switch 75d has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S12.

When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5, the game information initialization executing means 71e sets the control RAM
All the game information other than the set value of 74 is initialized. Then, in the next step S6, the initialization command transmitting means 71f
An initialization command for initializing the output information backed up in the control RAM 84 is transmitted to the sub-control board 80. Next, the process proceeds to step S11, in which a normal game progress process is performed.

On the other hand, steps S4 to S
When the process proceeds to step S7, step S7 and the next step S8
In step S5 and step S5, respectively,
Similarly to 6, the control RAM 74 is initialized and an initialization command is transmitted. Next, proceeding to step S9, the main C
The PU 71 performs a process of writing the changed set value to the area of the control RAM 74 for storing the set value. Next, proceeding to step S10, the game information initialization executing means 71e initializes again the storage area of the control RAM 74 other than the area storing the set value.

As described above, steps S7 and S
In 10, the reason why the control RAM 74 is initialized before and after the process of writing the changed set value is to ensure the reliability of the initialization. Therefore, if the initialization has been performed in step S7, there is no particular problem even if the processing in step S10 is omitted. After step S10, step S10
The process proceeds to 11 to perform the progress processing at the time of the normal game.

On the other hand, when proceeding from step S4 to step S12, the main-side return possibility determination means 71g checks the game information backed up in the control RAM 74, and returns the main control board 70 to the state before the power was turned off. It is determined whether or not it is possible. If it is determined that it is possible to return, the process proceeds to step S13. And step S13
Then, the main-side return unit 71h returns the main control board 70 to a state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the return cannot be made, the main C
The PU 71 proceeds to step S14 and determines that a return error has occurred. Then, the main-side return error display means 71j
An error display is performed by lighting a lamp or an LED.

On the sub-control board 80 side, the return processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed in parallel with the above processing. When the power of the slot machine is turned on in step S21 of FIG. 4, the power is also supplied to the sub control board 80 via the main control board 70. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S22, where the sub control board 80 stores the program ROM
According to the program stored in 83, predetermined processing is started. In the next step S23, the sub-return enable / disable judging means 81c checks the output information backed up in the control RAM 84 and determines whether or not the sub-control board 80 can be restored to the state before the power is turned off. When it is determined that the return is possible, the process proceeds to step S24, and when it is determined that the return is not possible, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S24, the sub-side return means 81
g returns the sub-control board 80 to the state before the power was turned off. Thus, the effect peripheral device control means 81a controls the output of the effect peripheral device 85 based on the output information backed up in the control RAM 84. Next, proceeding to step S25, the initialization command reception determining means 81h determines whether an initialization command has been received from the initialization command transmitting means 71f. If it is determined that it has been received, step S2
6; if it is determined that the data has not been received, step S
Proceed to 28. Step S26, that is, step S23
When it is determined in step S25 that it is not possible to return to the state before the power is turned off, or when it is determined in step S25 that the initialization command has been received, the output information initialization executing unit 81d backs up the data in the control RAM 84. Performs initialization of output information. Then, proceeding to step S27, the output of the effect peripheral device 85 is set to the initial state.

In the next step S28, the sub CPU 81
Waits until output information (command) is transmitted from the output information transmitting means 71b of the main CPU 71. Then, when the command is received, the process proceeds to step S29, and the effect peripheral device control means 81a performs an output process of the effect peripheral device 85 according to the received command. After the end of the process, the process returns to step S28, and waits until output information (command) is transmitted again from the output information transmitting unit 71b.

[0080]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
By giving specific output information of the effect peripheral device to the sub-memory on the sub-control board side, the load on the capacity of the main memory of the main control board can be reduced. When the power is turned off, the game information at that time is backed up in the main memory on the main control board side, and the output information of the effect peripheral device is backed up in the sub memory on the sub control board side. Therefore, there is no need to back up the output information of the effect peripheral device on the main control board side, so that the load on the backup capacity on the main control board side can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, when the game information is initialized on the main control board side after the power is turned on, the output information is also initialized on the sub control board side, so that consistency between the two can be achieved. . Further, after the power is turned on, when the sub-control board can be restored on the sub-control board side, the sub-control board returns to the state before the power was turned off based on the output information backed up in the sub-memory. Therefore, the sub control board can return independently without receiving an instruction from the main control board. Therefore, the sub-control board can be returned without burdening the main control board.

(Claim 2) According to the invention of claim 2, when the set value of the payout rate of the slot machine is changed, the game information backed up on the main control board and the output backed up on the sub control board Information is now initialized. Therefore, when the set value is changed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency between the two can be achieved. (Claim 3) According to the invention of claim 3, when the operation of clearing the main memory is performed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state,
Consistency between the two can be achieved.

(Claim 4) According to the invention of claim 4, when both the main control board and the sub-control board can be restored, it is possible to automatically return to the state before the power is turned off. (Claim 5) According to the invention of claim 5, when the game information is not initialized and cannot be returned, an error display is performed. Therefore, it is possible to notify outside that an error has occurred on the main control board side.

(Claim 6) According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to return the effect peripheral device to the initial state only by transmitting the initialization command from the main control board.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of control of a main CPU and a sub CPU.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a flow of a return process on a main control board side.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a flow of a return process on the sub-control board side, which proceeds in parallel with the flowchart of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

 70 Main Control Board 71 Main CPU 71a Game Peripheral Equipment Control Means 71b Output Information Transmission Means 71c Game Information Backup Means 71d Game Information Initialization Judgment Means 71e Game Information Initialization Execution Means 71f Initialization Instruction Transmission Means 71g Main-side Return Permission Judgment Means 71h Main-side return means 71j Main-side return error display means 72 I / O port 73 Program ROM 74 Control RAM (main memory) 75 Gaming peripherals 75a Start switch 75b Stop switch 75c RAM clear button 75d Setting key switch 75e ( Reel) Motor 75f LED for displaying the number of times 80 Sub-control board 81 Sub-CPU 81a Peripheral equipment control means for effecting 81b Output information backup means 81c Sub-return enable / disable judging means 81d Output information initial Execution means 81g sub-side return means 81h initialization command reception determining unit 82 I / O port 83 a program ROM 84 for controlling RAM for peripherals (sub-memory) 85 directing device 85a back lamps 85b LCD panel 85c speaker

Claims (6)

[Claims] A main control board on which a main CPU and a main memory are mounted; and a sub-CP which is formed separately from the main control board.
U and a sub-control board equipped with a sub-memory, a peripheral device for performing an effect during the game, a peripheral device other than the peripheral device for the effect, a gaming peripheral device used for a predetermined operation related to the game, The gaming peripheral device and the main control board, the production peripheral device and the sub-control board, and the main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, respectively, the main control board Controlling the gaming peripheral device, and transmitting information about the output of the staging peripheral device to the sub-control board in one direction, wherein the sub-control board refers to the information transmitted from the main control board. A slot machine for controlling the effect peripheral device, wherein the main control board, when power is turned off, stores predetermined game information at that time in the main memory. Game information backup means for backing up the game information, game information initialization judgment means for judging whether or not to initialize the game information backed up in the main memory when the power is turned on, and game information initialization judgment means. When it is determined that the game information is to be initialized, game information initialization execution means for executing the initialization of the game information backed up in the main memory; and when the game information initialization execution means executes the initialization, An initialization command transmitting means for transmitting an initialization command to the control board, wherein the sub-control board backs up predetermined output information of the effect peripheral device at that time in the sub-memory when power is turned off. Output information backup means for performing the operation and a sub-return enable / disable judging means for judging whether or not the power can be restored to a state before the power is turned off after the power is turned on. When the sub-side return possibility determination unit determines that the state before power-off can be restored, the sub-side that returns to the state before power-off based on the output information backed up in the sub-memory. Return means, initialization command reception determination means for determining whether or not an initialization command has been received from the initialization command transmission means, and the sub-side return enable / disable determination means cannot return to a state before power-off. When it is determined that there is, or when it is determined that the initialization command has been received by the initialization command reception determination means, output information initialization execution means for executing the initialization of the output information backed up in the sub memory; A slot machine comprising: 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game information initialization determining means determines that the game information is to be initialized when a setting operation of a payout rate of the slot machine is performed. A slot machine characterized by the following. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game information initialization determining unit determines that the game information is initialized when an operation of clearing the main memory is performed. A slot machine characterized by: 4. One of claims 1 to 3
In the slot machine described in the paragraph, when the game information initialization determining means determines that the game information is not initialized, the main control board determines whether or not it is possible to return to a state before power-off. A main-side return possibility determination unit, and a main-side return unit that returns to a state before power-off when the main-side return possibility determination unit determines that the state before power-off can be restored. A featured slot machine. 5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the main control board determines a predetermined display means when the main-side return possibility determination means determines that the main control board cannot return to a state before power-off. A slot machine comprising: a main-side return error display means for displaying an error by the main unit. 6. Any one of claims 1 to 5
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sub-control board sets an output of the effect peripheral device to an initial state when the output information initialization executing means performs initialization.