JP2002085776A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that sends a control command from a game control device to a plurality of subordinate control devices and generally controls a game with a game control device and can reasonably transmit a control command. SOLUTION: In each communication intercept executed as periodic intercept to game control main processing, transmission of a control command from a game control device 100 to each of subordinate control devices is executed only to selected some of the subordinate control devices. While transmission of a control command to a display control device 150 is executed in all communication intercepts, and transmission of a control command to a decoration control device 200, a sound control device 250, a discharge control device 400 is sequentially executed one by one for every communication intercept. Transmission of a control command to higher priority subordinate control devices is preferentially carried out first to the sound control device 250, followed by the decoration control device 200 and the discharge control device 400.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine which transmits a control command from a game control device to a plurality of subordinate control devices and controls the game in a comprehensive manner by the game control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In some gaming machines, a game control device (master control device) transmits control commands to a plurality of subordinate control devices so that the game control device controls the game as a whole. For example, in a pachinko machine, a control command is transmitted from a game control device to subordinate control devices such as a display control device, a decoration control device, a sound control device, and a discharge control device, and these subordinate control devices transmit control commands from the game control device. Display device, various light-emitting devices (lamp, etc.)
Controls sound output device and discharge device.

[0003]

The necessity of transmitting such a control command arises in accordance with the progress of the game, and is not particularly regular, so that a plurality of subordinate control devices can be transmitted at once. In some cases, a control command is transmitted. However, in the game control device, it is necessary to perform various processes such as a lottery in a special game state (big hit) in addition to the control command transmission to the slave control device. It is not preferable that it becomes long. Specifically, the control command transmission from the game control device to the slave control device is executed in an interrupt routine for the main routine of the control in the game control device. However, the processing time of this interrupt routine becomes longer in the main routine. Processing time is undesirably pressed.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a game machine which transmits a control command from a game control device to a plurality of subordinate control devices and controls the game comprehensively by the game control device. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of rationally transmitting a control command.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game control device for integrally controlling a game, and a plurality of subordinate control devices for controlling various electric devices based on control commands from the game control device. And a control command transmitting means for enabling transmission of a control command from the game control device to the slave control device in an interrupt routine periodically executed by the game control device. In one execution of the interrupt routine, the transmission of the control command can be executed only for some of the slave control devices selected from the plurality of slave control devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as the electric device,
A display device capable of variably displaying identification information is provided, and a display control device for controlling the display device is provided as the subordinate control device. Transmission is enabled.

[0007] In the third invention, the dependent control device capable of transmitting the control command at each execution of the interrupt routine is selected in a predetermined order.

In the fourth invention, priorities are assigned to the plurality of subordinate control devices, and the subordinate control devices capable of transmitting a control command at each execution of the interrupt routine are set based on the priorities. select.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time of each execution of the interrupt routine, transmission of a control command from the game control device to only some of the subordinate control devices selected from the plurality of subordinate control devices. Is executable, so
It is possible to reduce the time required for the transmission processing of the control command in the interrupt routine. Therefore, the time allotted to other processes can be lengthened accordingly, and various processes in the game control device can be executed without delay.

In the second invention, the transmission of the control command to the display control device can be executed at the time of executing all the interrupt routines, so that the control is synchronized with the progress of the game without delay. The control of the display device, which particularly requires the display device, is appropriately executed by the display control device based on a display command transmitted immediately at an accurate timing.

In the third invention, the dependent control devices capable of transmitting the control command at each execution of the interrupt routine are selected in a predetermined order. It is executed in a balanced manner without bias.

In the fourth invention, the dependent control device which can execute transmission of the control command at each execution of the interrupt routine is selected based on the priority order.
The higher the necessity of performing the control in synchronization with the progress of the game without delay, the higher the priority can be transmitted to the control command. Therefore, as a result, various effects of the game can be executed without giving the player any inconvenience or discomfort.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine.

As shown in the figure, a front frame (inner frame) 3 is attached to the front of a main frame (outer frame) 2 of the ball game machine 1 by an upper hinge 4A and a lower hinge 4B so as to be opened and closed. ing. The game board 10 is attached to the front frame 3.

A glass frame 5 on which a transparent glass 5A is mounted is attached to the front of the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable, and the front of the game board 10 is covered with glass. It can be seen through.

The glass frame 5 is provided with a key device 5B, and the front frame 3 and the glass frame 5 are usually locked. The opening of the front frame 3 is detected by a metal frame opening sensor (not shown).

The game board 10 is detachable from the front frame 3 and can be separated from the ball game machine main body (the structure other than the game board 10 of the ball game machine). Thereby, the game board 1
The type of game determined by the type of 0 can be changed.

A display device (image display device) 20 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 11. The display device 20 is controlled by the display control device 150 (see FIG. 3) to perform a variable image display corresponding to the progress state of the game, and is, for example, identification information indicating the game state as a main display. The right symbol, the middle symbol and the left symbol are displayed on the LCD screen. As these special symbols, for example, 16 numbers (“0” to “F”) expressed in hexadecimal notation are displayed, and it is possible to variably display while scrolling a band composed of these numbers. It has become. The display screen of the display device 20 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (CRT), and the like.

Further, a special symbol storage display 21 comprising four LEDs is provided below the display device 20. The special symbol storage display 21 displays the number of special symbol winning memories to be described later.

Below the display device 20, there is provided a special variable winning device 12 having a large winning opening therein. This special variable winning device 12 is a special winning opening solenoid 12A (FIG. 3)
Open / close by energizing the

Display device 20 and special variable winning device 12
, A plurality of general winning ports 13 are provided, and a starting port 14 is provided between the display device 20 and the special variable winning device 12. Further, a discharge port (out port) 16 is provided at the lowermost end of the game area 11.

The game ball hit into the game area 11
The rolling direction is changed by rolling guide members 17 such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area 11 to flow down the surface of the game area 11, and to any of the large winning opening, the general winning opening 13, and the starting opening 14. A player wins or enters the outlet 16 to be an out ball. Winning to each winning opening (large winning opening, general winning opening 13, starting opening 14) is detected by a sensor provided for each winning device. More specifically, winning in the general winning opening 13 is performed by the general winning opening sensors 51.1 to 51. N (see FIG. 3), the winning in the starting port 14 is achieved by the special symbol starting sensor 52 (see FIG. 3).
The winning in the special winning opening is detected by the count sensor 53, respectively. Based on these winning detections, a number of prize balls according to the type of the winning device that has won are paid out from the discharge device (discharge unit) 600 (see FIG. 2) to the supply tray 31.

Note that a V winning opening is provided inside the big winning opening, and the game balls that have won the big winning opening further have the V winning hole.
When the winning opening is won, the continuation sensor 55 (see FIG. 3) detects the winning.

The starting opening 14 is provided with a normal fluctuation winning device (electric gate) 15. The normal fluctuation winning device 15 operates by energizing a normal fluctuation winning device solenoid 15A (see FIG. 3), and changes the size of the entrance of the starting port 14.

On the right and left sides of the starting port 14, a pair of ordinary symbol starting gates 18A and 18B through which a game ball can pass are provided. The passing of the game balls to the normal symbol start gates 18A and 18B is performed by a normal symbol start sensor 53 provided for each of them.
(See FIG. 3).

On the right and left sides of the special variable winning device 12, a normal symbol display 22 and a normal symbol storage display 23 are provided, respectively. The ordinary symbol display 22 is an indicator for displaying an ordinary symbol (for example, a numerical display by 7-segment display). The normal symbol storage display 23 is composed of four LEDs, and is a display for displaying the accumulated number of the normal symbol start memory described later.

A front display panel (open / close panel) 30 is provided below the front frame 3. This front display panel 30
Is provided with a supply plate (upper plate) 31 for game balls. Game balls (prize balls or rental balls) from the discharge device (discharge unit) 600 are paid out to the supply tray 31 through the payout port 31A. A ball lending button 32 that is operated when purchasing a game ball and a card return button 33 that is operated when instructing the return of a prepaid card are provided on the front surface of the supply tray 31.

A front operation panel (fixed panel) 35 is provided below the front display panel. The front operation panel 35 is provided with a tray (lower plate) 36, an operation unit (operation knob) 501 of a hitting ball firing device (not shown), and the like.

The receiving tray 36 is operated by operating the operating lever.
The surplus game balls from the supply tray 31 are received through the ball receiving port 36A. Further, the game balls in the receiving tray 36 can be discharged downward by operating the operation lever 36B. When the receiving tray 36 is full of game balls (overflow), it is detected by an overflow sensor (not shown).

The ball game machine 1 has side lamps 71A,
71B and a plurality of decorative LEDs arranged on the game area
(Not shown), etc., are provided. Also, the sound output device 80
(See FIG. 3) so that a sound effect corresponding to the game state is output.

A card unit (ball lending machine) 90 is attached to the side of the ball game machine 1. A card insertion slot 91 is provided on the front surface of the card unit 90. By inserting a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 91 and operating the ball lending button 32, the ejection device 60 is provided.
The game balls discharged from 0 are paid out to the supply plate 31 from the payout port 31A.

FIG. 2 shows the back side of the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 90.

On the back side of the game board 6, a winning prize hole, a general winning prize port 13, a prize sphere collective cover (not shown) for guiding prize balls prize to the starting port 14, a display control device 150, a decoration control device 200 , A sound control device 250, a game board external output terminal 41, and the like.

On the back side of the storage frame of the front frame 3, a back mechanism board 60 is attached. At the center of the back mechanism board 60, each device (display control device 15) on the back side of the game board 6 is provided.
0, decoration control device 200, sound control device 250, etc.).

A ball storage tank 61 for storing game balls and a guide gutter 62 for guiding the balls of the ball storage tank 61 to a gutter unit (half-end sensor unit) 63 are attached to the upper part of the back mechanism board 60. The guide gutter 62 and the gutter unit 63 are formed in two channels. The gutter unit 63 is provided with an odd ball detection switch 64 for detecting a shortage of game balls to be supplied to the discharge unit 600.

A terminal board 42 is provided on the upper right side of the back mechanism board 60. An external signal line to a management device (a host computer that manages a plurality of gaming machines 1 in a game arcade) is connected to the frame external output terminal 42A provided on the terminal board 42. The terminal board 42 is a relay board to which a power supply line from the outside (island facilities of a game arcade) is connected.

On the right side of the opening window 65 of the back mechanism panel 60,
A discharge device (discharge unit) 600 that discharges the ball of the gutter unit 63 to the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 23 on the front side of the gaming machine is attached.

A power supply device 300 is mounted on the upper left side of the back mechanism panel 60. Further, below the back mechanism panel 60, a game control device 100 for controlling the game in general, a discharge control device 400 for controlling the discharge device 600, a firing control device 550 for controlling the hit ball firing device 500, a relay for a card unit. The substrate 43 and the like are attached.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine 1.

The game control device 100 is a main control device for controlling the progress of the game in a comprehensive manner.
102, RAM 103, input / output interface 104
And so on.

The CPU 101 is an IC that performs control (game control) by the game control device 100. ROM102
Stores constant information for game control, and stores various programs and constants such as a jackpot probability in game control.

The RAM 103 is used as a work area during game control by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is also supplied with power from a backup power supply 302 (to be described later) at the time of a power failure, so that necessary data is backed up. The RAM 103 includes a backup area and a control area. The backup area is an area in which data contents are not initialized even when returning from a power failure, and in addition to check data,
A special symbol random number counter, a special symbol random number storage, an ordinary symbol random number counter, an ordinary symbol random number storage, and the like are stored in the corresponding storage areas. On the other hand, the control area is an area other than the backup area, and stores a timer value and the like.

The CPU 101 has an interface 10
4, various detection devices (general winning opening sensor 51.1)
~ 51. N, detection signals from the special symbol start sensor 52, the normal symbol start sensor 53, the count sensor 54, and the continuation sensor 55) are input. The game control device 100 performs overall control of the game (game control) based on these detection signals by a program (game program) stored in the ROM 102.

In this game control, the game control device 10
Reference numeral 0 denotes various dependent control devices via the interface 104, that is, a display control device 150 (a control device that controls display on the display device 20), a decoration control device 200
(Control device for controlling various light emitting device groups 70 such as lamps and LEDs), sound control device 250 (control device for controlling sound output from sound output device 80), emission control device 400 (control for controlling emission device 600) Device), a display control command, a decoration control command, a sound control command, and a prize ball control command are transmitted, and these subordinate control devices are totally controlled. In addition,
“Electrical device” in the claims refers to a device that is electrically controlled by various dependent control devices,
Display device 20, various light emitting device group 70, sound output device 80,
Each of the discharge devices 600 corresponds to an “electric device”.

Further, the game control device 100, via an interface 104, a large winning opening solenoid 12A which is a driving solenoid of the special variable winning device 12, and a normal variable winning device solenoid 15A which is a driving solenoid of the normal variable winning device 15. By transmitting a control signal (solenoid control command) to the solenoid and controlling the energization of these solenoids, the opening and closing operations of the special variable winning device 12 and the normal variable winning device 15 are controlled. Also, a control signal is transmitted to the ordinary symbol display 22 via the interface 104 to control variable display on the ordinary symbol display 22. further,
External output data is transmitted from the interface 104 to the management device (host computer that manages a plurality of gaming machines 1 in the store at the amusement store) 900 via the game board external external output terminal 41.

In the game control, a lottery for a special symbol and a lottery for a normal symbol are performed.

First, a jackpot lottery for special symbols,
And the accompanying control will be described.

When the special symbol start sensor 52 detects a winning in the starting port 14, the timing of this winning (specifically, the value at the time of winning detection of the special symbol random number counter provided in the game control device 100) is As special symbol prize storage, the first to fourth special symbol random number storage areas provided in the RAM 103 of the game control device 100 are sequentially stored up to a maximum of four times. The number of special symbol prize memories stored in the special symbol random number storage area is indicated by the number of LEDs lit on the special symbol start storage display 21.

For each of the special symbol winning memories stored in this way, a jackpot lottery for the special symbol is performed. Specifically, when the special symbol random number counter value stored as the special symbol winning memory is a big hit,
When the timing of winning in the starting opening 14 is made at a predetermined big hit timing, it is determined to be "big hit", and otherwise, it is determined to be "losing".

The probability (frequency) of occurrence of a jackpot is determined as a ratio of a time (for example, 2 milliseconds) for the occurrence of a jackpot in a reference time (for example, 600 milliseconds). In other words, it is determined as a ratio of a time (for example, 2 milliseconds) in which the special symbol random number counter takes a jackpot value (for example, “7”) in one round of the special symbol random number counter (for example, 2 × 300 milliseconds).

Although the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is kept at a predetermined probability (for example, 1/300) in a normal game, it depends on the occurrence of a predetermined game state, for example, a specific special symbol (for example, “777”). It changes with the occurrence of the jackpot. That is, the game shifts to a probability fluctuation state in which the probability of occurrence of a jackpot is maintained at a higher probability (for example, 1/50) than the normal probability. In addition, this probability fluctuation state is a jackpot where the subsequent jackpot does not involve probability change,
That is, the process is continued until a jackpot occurs in a special symbol that is not a specific special symbol (for example, “777”).

When the existence of the special symbol winning memory is confirmed,
Along with such a jackpot lottery, the special symbol of the display device 20 starts to change (for example, scroll rotation) (start of the change display screen). When a big hit occurs, these special symbols stop at the one showing the big hit (for example, three symbols stop at the same symbol), and the special variable winning device 12 which is normally closed is opened. In this state, the game ball can enter the big winning opening, that is, the big hit state. This jackpot state is a kind of special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

Special fluctuation winning device 1 in jackpot state
The release of 2 is performed every round. In each round, the number of wins detected in the special winning opening (count number) by the count sensor 55 is a predetermined count (eg, 10 counts).
Or until the predetermined time elapses without reaching the predetermined count. As long as there is a winning in the V winning opening in each round of the jackpot, the jackpot round is repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 rounds). In the big hit state, a big hit screen is displayed on the display device 20, and the number of counts and the number of rounds are displayed in the big hit screen.

On the other hand, when no jackpot has been generated by the lottery, the display on the display device 20 is displayed after the change display screen.
The game is stopped in a mode indicating that the game is not a jackpot (for example, the game is stopped without three symbols being aligned), and a normal (non-jackpot) game is continued.

In such a symbol stop at the time of the jackpot lottery, a so-called reach display may be performed. Here, the reach display is a special display that is displayed before all of the plurality of symbols on the display device 20 stop changing.
As a specific example, for example, a display in which a plurality of symbols are aligned on the line with the same symbol (a symbol aligned with the line may be stopped or fluctuating) Good), and a display which is the preceding stage.

Next, a description will be given of a jackpot lottery with respect to a normal symbol in the game control device 100 and the control associated therewith.

Normally, when a game ball passes through the symbol start gates 18A, 18B, the passage is made by the respective gates 18A, 18B.
It is detected by the ordinary symbol start sensor 53 provided for each.
The timing of the passing of the game ball (specifically, the value at the time of passage detection of the normal symbol random number counter provided in the game control device 100) is a predetermined storage in the game control device 100 as the normal symbol winning memory. In the area (normal symbol random number storage area), a maximum of four consecutive times is stored. The storage number of the ordinary symbol prize memory is the ordinary symbol memory display 2
3 is indicated by the number of lit LEDs.

With respect to each of the thus-stored ordinary symbol prize memories, a lottery for the ordinary symbol is performed. Specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value stored as the normal symbol winning memory is a hit value, that is, when the game ball passing timing is made at a predetermined hit timing, it is determined as "hit", and Otherwise, it is determined to be "out".

The ordinary symbol displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 30 starts to fluctuate upon detection by the ordinary symbol start sensor 53. Then, when a hit occurs for the ordinary symbol, the ordinary symbol stops at the symbol (hit number), and the ordinary variable winning device 15 provided in front of the starting port 14 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 0. 5 seconds), the possibility of winning the game ball to the starting port 14 is increased.

The probability of hitting for a normal symbol is changed between a normal state and a probability varying state. For example, the probability of 1/10 in the normal state changes to a high probability of 9/10 in the probability fluctuation state. Further, the opening time of the normal fluctuation winning device 15 may be extended from, for example, 0.5 seconds in the normal state to 5 seconds in the probability fluctuation state. Thereby, in the game in the probability fluctuation state, winning in the starting port 14 is greatly facilitated, and the next jackpot can be acquired without almost reducing the number of balls.

The power supply device 300 is a device for supplying power to various devices of the gaming machine 1. For example, various control devices (game control device 100 and various dependent control devices) include:
5V power is supplied.

The power supply 300 includes a power failure detection circuit 301 and a backup power supply 302. When a power failure occurs, the game controller 1
At the same time, a signal notifying the occurrence of a power failure is input to the CPU 101 at 00, and backup power is supplied from the backup power supply 300 to the RAM 103 of the game control device 100.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the game control main process in the game control device 100.

When the power is turned on, the inside of the CPU 101 is initialized in step S1, and all output ports of the interface 104 are turned off in step S2.
Set to F state.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not the check data in the inspection area in the RAM 103 is normal, and the process proceeds to a power failure recovery process starting from step S4.01. On the other hand, if the check data is not normal, the process proceeds to step S5.01 and subsequent steps, and the RAM 10 including the backup area
3 is initialized (complete initialization processing in step S5.02).

In step S4.01, the stack pointer backed up in the backup area of the RAM 103 is restored inside the CPU 101. In a succeeding step S4.02, an initialization process for power recovery is executed. In this initialization process, the RAM 10
Processing for restoring the registers saved in the backup area of No. 3 to the state before the occurrence of the power failure, processing for clearing the RAM 103 control area, and the like are executed.

In step S4.03, data is output to the output port of the interface 104 based on the backup data, and the output port is returned to the state immediately before the occurrence of the power failure. In the data output at the time of restoration from the power failure, the transmission of the control commands to the various dependent control devices is executed in a predetermined order.

In step S4.04, various subordinate control devices are notified that the power failure recovery processing has been completed.
It should be noted that the emission control device 400 can know the recovery from the power failure by changing the prize ball number data of the output port from off data to data other than off data by the data output in step S4.03.
There is no need to notify repeatedly at 4.04.

In step S4.05, an interrupt timer is started. Normal interrupt processing described later (see FIG. 7)
Is executed each time the interrupt timer expires.

In step S4.06, it is determined whether or not the interrupt was disabled before the occurrence of the power failure with reference to the flag set in the power failure interrupt processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S4.07. The process advances to step S4.09 if the interrupt is disabled.

In step S4.07, the value of the program counter saved in the backup area of the RAM 103 is returned to the original register.
In step 4.08, the interruption is permitted, and the power failure recovery processing routine ends. On the other hand, in step S4.09, the RAM 10
The value of the program counter saved in the backup area of No. 3 is returned to the original register, the interrupt is prohibited in the subsequent step S4.10, and the power failure recovery processing routine is ended. By ending the power failure recovery processing routine, the CPU 101 returns to the state at the time of power failure detection, and resumes control from the program position at the time of power failure detection.

On the other hand, in step S5.01, acceptance of a normal interrupt is prohibited. In the subsequent complete initialization processing in step S5.02, the setting of the stack pointer, the RAM 1
The initialization of all areas 03, the writing of check data to the inspection area of the RAM 103, the setting of initial values of various registers and the like are executed. Subsequently, an interrupt timer is started in step S5.03, and an interrupt is permitted in step S5.04.

In step S5.05, similarly to step S3, it is determined whether or not the check data of the inspection area in the RAM is normal. If the check data is normal, step S5.06
If not, the process returns to step S5.01. As described above, the check data is checked at each round of the loop from step S5.05 to step S5.13 in the normal processing, and if an abnormality is found, the initialization processing is restarted.

In step S5.06, an error monitoring process is executed to check whether any abnormalities have occurred.

At step S5.07, a special symbol game process is executed. This special symbol game process is a core process of game control, and determines a jackpot based on the special symbol random number counter value stored in the special symbol random number storage area, determines the content of commands to various dependent control devices, and the like. You. The jackpot state related to the special symbol is a kind of special game state, and the determination of the jackpot based on the special symbol random number counter value corresponds to “a special game state lottery” in the claims. The details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

At step S5.08, a normal symbol game process is executed. In the ordinary symbol game process, a hit determination on the ordinary symbol is made based on the ordinary symbol random number counter value stored in the ordinary symbol random number storage area, similarly to the special symbol game process.

In step S5.09, a normal symbol variable control process is executed, and a process such as setting a flag for controlling the display of the normal symbol display device 22 is performed.

In step S5.10, a solenoid editing process is executed to edit a solenoid control command for the special winning opening solenoid 12A and the normal variable winning device solenoid 15A. In step S5.11, the external information editing process is executed, and the management device (hole computer) 90
External output data to be sent to 0 is edited.

In step S5.12, a command editing process is executed, and control commands to the various subordinate control devices (display control commands to the display control device 150, decoration control commands to the decoration control device 200, and decoration control commands to the sound control device) are made. The sound control command and the prize ball control command to the discharge control device 400 are edited.

In step S5.13, the jackpot initial random number is updated by +1. The jackpot initial value random number is a round initial value of the special symbol random number counter (see FIG. 8). When the jackpot initial value random number updating process is completed, the process returns to step S5.05, and the process returns to step S5.05.
Step S5.13 is repeated.

When a power failure occurs or when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off, a signal notifying the power failure is input from the power failure detection circuit 301 to the CPU 101 of the game control device 100, and the game control device 100 The currently executed process is interrupted, and the power failure interrupt process is executed.
In this power failure interrupt processing, the value of the address (program counter) at the time of interruption is saved in the RAM 103, and when the power is turned on again, the address at the time of interruption (address indicated by the program counter) is restored. The process is restarted from (step S4.01 to step S4.10 in FIG. 4). Therefore, even when the power supply is stopped, the game control device 100 repeats the processing of steps S5.05 to S5.13, which is the main routine, as in the case where the power supply has been continued. Therefore, the program for the game control in the main routine can be created without much consideration of the timing of stopping and starting the power supply, and the program can be easily developed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special symbol game process (the process of step S5.07 in FIG. 5).

In step S101, it is determined whether or not the time of the special figure processing timer has expired. If the time has expired, the process proceeds to step S102, and if not, the routine ends. Here, the special figure processing timer is a timer in which a time-up time is set corresponding to the duration of various game states related to the special symbol. It will be executed each time the timer expires. The special figure processing timer is updated in the timer update processing (step S22 in FIG. 7) during the normal interrupt processing.

After step S102, the processing branches according to the special figure processing number, and the processing corresponding to the special figure processing number is executed. Here, the special figure processing number is a numerical value serving as an index indicating in which progress state the game relating to the special symbol is in progress, and "0" to "0" associated with each state.
It takes any numerical value of “6”. Specifically,
Special figure processing number = 0 indicates the state of waiting for the special symbol to start changing, special figure processing number = 1 indicates the state where the special symbol is changing, and special figure processing number = 2 indicates that the special symbol stops changing. The special figure processing number = 3 indicates a state in which the start of the big hit operation is notified, the special figure processing number = 4 indicates a state in which the variable prize winning device 12 is open, The figure processing number = 5 indicates a state in which the variable prize winning device 12 is temporarily closed to prepare for opening in the next round, and the special figure processing number = 6.
Indicates a state in which the end of the jackpot operation is reported.

In step S102, the special figure processing number is 0
Is determined, and if it is 0, step S1 is performed.
03, if not 0, proceed to step S108.

In step S103, it is determined whether or not the special symbol start storage number is larger than 0 (whether or not there is a special symbol start memory). If it is larger than 0, step S10 is performed.
The routine proceeds to 4, and if not greater than 0, the routine ends.

In the jackpot determination process in step S104, the number of special symbol start memories is decremented by one, and it is determined whether the oldest special symbol start memory matches a predetermined jackpot value (for example, "7"). If they match, the jackpot determination flag is set, and if they do not match, the jackpot determination flag is cleared.

In the stop symbol determination process of step S105, a combination of three special symbols, left, middle, and right, is determined based on the jackpot determination flag set in step S104. Specifically, if the jackpot determination flag is set, a combination in which the three special symbols are the same symbol (for example, a combination of zigzag lines such as "777") is selected. Combinations where the special symbols are not the same (for example, "24
8) is selected.

In step S106, "1" is set as the special figure processing number, and a time value (for example, 10 seconds) required for the change of the special symbol is set in the special figure processing timer.

In the command setting process of step S107, a display control command to the display control device 150 is set so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special figure process number = 1 is performed.
Decoration control command to decoration control device 200, sound control device 25
Prepare a sound control command to 0.

In step S108, the display control device 15
0, the corresponding transmission preparation flags of the decoration control device 200 and the sound control device 250 are all set, and the routine ends. Here, the transmission preparation flag is a flag indicating that transmission is not being performed even though the control command is prepared, and the corresponding transmission preparation flag is individually set for each slave control device. Is provided.

On the other hand, in step S109, it is determined whether or not the special figure processing number is 1. If it is 1, the flow proceeds to step S110. If it is not 1, the flow proceeds to step S112. In step S110, 2 is set to the special figure processing number, and a time value (for example, 0.5 seconds) for making the special symbol stop appear to the player is set to the special figure processing timer. Further, a display control command to the display control device 150 is provided so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special map processing number = 2 is performed.
Decoration control command to decoration control device 200, sound control device 25
A sound control command to 0 is prepared, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S112, the special figure processing number is 2
Is determined, and if it is 2, step S1
The process proceeds to step S13, and if not 2, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S113, step S104
It is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred, based on the big hit determination flag set in step 2. If it is a big hit (if the big hit determination flag is set), the process proceeds to step S114. The process proceeds to step S115 (if cleared).

In step S114, 3 is added to the special figure process number.
Is set in the special figure processing timer, and a time value (for example, 10 seconds) required for reporting the occurrence of the big hit is set. Further, a display control command to the display control device 150, a decoration control command to the decoration control device 200, and a sound control command to the sound control device 250 so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special map process number = 3 is performed. Is prepared, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S115, the special figure processing number is set to 0.
Is set, and 0 seconds is set in the special figure processing timer to keep the time up. Further, a display control command to the display control device 150, a decoration control command to the decoration control device 200, and a sound control command to the sound control device 250 so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special map process number = 0 is performed. Is prepared, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S116, the special figure processing number is 6
Is determined, and if it is 6, step S1
Proceed to 15; if not 6, proceed to step S117.

In step S117, the special figure processing number is 3
Or, it is determined whether or not it is 5. If it is 3 or 5, the process proceeds to step S118, and if it is not 3 or 5, the process proceeds to step S119.

In step S118, 4 is added to the special figure processing number.
Is set, and the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) of the variable winning device is set in the special figure processing timer. The number of jackpot rounds is also updated by +1. Further, a display control command to the display control device 150, a decoration control command to the decoration control device 200, and a sound control command to the sound control device 250 are performed so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special map process number = 4 is performed. Is prepared, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S119, the processing differs depending on whether the big hit state should be ended or continued. When the jackpot state is to be terminated (when there is no winning in the V winning opening while the variable winning device 12 is opened, or when the number of rounds of the jackpot reaches a predetermined maximum value (for example, 16)). The special figure processing number is set to 6, and the special figure processing timer is set to a time value (for example, 20 seconds) required to notify the end of the big hit. Further, the display control device 1 is controlled so that an effect corresponding to the game state of the special figure processing number = 6 is performed.
50, a display control command to the decoration control device 200, a sound control command to the sound control device 250,
Proceed to step S108. On the other hand, when the jackpot state is to be continued (other than the case where the jackpot state is to be terminated), the special figure processing number is set to 5, and the special figure processing timer is notified that the big jackpot continues. The required time value (for example, 2 seconds) is set. Furthermore, special figure processing number = 5
A display control command to the display control device 150, a decoration control command to the decoration control device 200, and a sound control command to the sound control device 250 are prepared so that an effect corresponding to the game state is performed. move on.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a normal interrupt process in the game control device 100. This normal interrupt processing is executed every predetermined timer interrupt time (for example, every 2 ms) as an interrupt processing for the game control main processing (FIG. 4).

In step S11, various interrupt processes other than the forced interrupt (power failure interrupt) are prohibited. In step S12, the register value of CPU 101 is stored in RAM
It is saved (stored) in the stack area 103.

In step S13, the watch dog timer is reset. Here, the watchdog timer is
A timer for monitoring runaway of the CPU 101, and issues an alarm signal if not reset within a predetermined time. That is, when the CPU 101 runs away and the normal interrupt processing is not executed, the reset of step S13 is not performed, so that an alarm signal is issued and an abnormality can be detected.

In step S14, sensor reading processing is executed, and various detecting devices (general winning opening sensor 51.1) are read.
~ 51. N, the detection signals from the special symbol start sensor 52, the ordinary symbol start sensor 53, the count sensor 54, and the continuation sensor 55) are read in such a manner as to be distinguished for each detection device (see the flowchart of FIG. 8 for the detailed processing procedure). Note that the processing performed before the sensor reading processing in step S14 (interrupt inhibition processing in step S11, register saving processing in step S12, and processing for resetting the watchdog timer in step S13) are all executed in a fixed time. Therefore, in the normal interrupt processing, the processing is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the interrupt routine.

In step S15, output processing is executed, and step S5.10 of the game control main processing (FIG. 5).
Solenoid control command edited in step S5.11
The external output data edited in step is set to the output port. The corresponding device is driven or stopped according to the data set in the output port.

At step S16, a display control command transmission process is executed. If the transmission preparation flag corresponding to the display control device 150 is set, the process is prepared at step S5.12 of the game control main process (FIG. 4). The display control command is set to the output port, and then the display control device 150
Clear the transmission preparation flag corresponding to. The display control command set for the output port is transmitted to the display control device 150. Therefore, the timing at which the display control command can be transmitted occurs at every normal interrupt processing.

Following step S16, step S1
7, one of the emission control command transmission process, the sound control command transmission process of step S18, and the decoration control command transmission process of step S19 is selected and executed in a time division manner. In other words, three normal interrupt processes are considered as one cycle,
In the first normal interrupt process, the emission control command transmission process in step S17 is performed, in the second normal interrupt process, the sound control command transmission process in step S18 is performed, and in the third normal interrupt process, the decoration control command transmission process in step S19 is performed. , Respectively, and this cycle is repeated.

In the emission control command transmission process, the sound control command transmission process, and the decoration control command transmission process, the emission control device 400, the sound control device 250, and the decoration control device 200 are used, respectively.
Only when the transmission preparation flag corresponding to is set, the emission control command, the sound control command, and the decoration control command are set to the output port, and then the corresponding transmission preparation flag is cleared. Each control command set for the output port is transmitted to the emission control device 400, the sound control device 250,
It is transmitted to decoration control device 200. Note that the discharge control command is used in a sensor input determination process in step S21 described below.
Further, the sound control command and the decoration control command are prepared in step S5.12 of the game control main process.

As described above, the emission control command, the sound control command,
Since the decoration control command is different from the display control command and is not required to immediately transmit the edited command,
The transmission is performed by the time-division process, and the timing at which the transmission can be sequentially performed is obtained every three normal interrupt processes.

When the corresponding transmission preparation flag is not set, the transmission processing of the control command may be skipped and the transmission processing in the next order may be executed.
According to this, for example, even when the emission control command transmission process should be performed, the transmission preparation flag corresponding to the emission control device 400 is cleared, and the transmission preparation flag for the sound control device 250 is set. If so, the sound control command transmission processing in the next order should be executed.

In step S20, a game random number updating process is executed, and the special symbol random number counter and the ordinary symbol random number counter are updated (for the detailed processing procedure, see the flowchart of FIG. 10).

In step S21, a sensor input determination process is executed, the signal states of the various detection devices read in step S14 are determined, and the presence or absence of detection of a game ball is determined (refer to the flowchart of FIG. 11 for detailed processing procedures). ).
This determination is also performed separately for each detection device. Also,
A detecting device for discharging the prize ball in response to the detection, that is, various winning openings (large winning opening, general winning opening 13, starting opening 14).
(Count sensor 53, general winning opening sensors 51.1 to 51.N, special symbol start sensor 52)
Detection device (winning opening)
An emission control command for instructing the emission of the number of prize balls determined according to the type is prepared, and a transmission preparation flag corresponding to the emission control device 400 is set.

In step S22, a timer update process is executed to update the timer used in each process of the game control main process (FIGS. 4 and 5). Note that the special figure processing timer is decremented and updated in this timer update processing, but when the time has already expired (when the special figure processing timer = 0 seconds)
, The timer value is held at 0 seconds.

In step S23, the value of the register saved in the stack area is returned to the original register. In step S24, the interrupt prohibited in step S11 is permitted, and the routine ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sensor reading process (the process of step S14 in FIG. 7). FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the setting of the input edge in the sensor reading process.

In step S31, the signal level input from each detection device to the port of the interface 104 of the game control device 100 is determined by the CPU 1 of the game control device 100.
01. This capture is performed for each detection device. In FIG. 9, R1, R2,... Since the sensor reading process is normally executed for each interrupt process, these readings R1 and R
2,... Are executed for each timer interrupt time Ti.

At step S32, an input edge setting process is executed. Specifically, for each detection device, the input level (current level) captured in step S31
Based on the input levels (previous level, pre-previous level) read and stored in the previous and pre-previous sensor reading processes, the current level and previous level are high level (detected), and the pre-previous level is low level (detected). In the case of (none), it is determined that the detection device has detected a game ball. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, the input edge of the detection device is set to a high level.

In step S33, the previous input level stored in the previous input level area is stored in the input level area two times before. In step S34, the current input level is stored in the previous level area, and the routine ends.

Next, the input edge setting process (step S32) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown on the left side of FIG. 9, the level input of the port input is performed at the timing of R1, R2, R3, and R4. When the detection is performed by the detection device and the input level rises between the capture timings R1 and R2, the current level becomes a low level in R1 and a high level in R2.
In this case, both the previous level and the two-time previous level are low levels.

When the detection is performed by the detection device, the high level of the port input has a pulse width Ws in which the level is captured twice or more during one pulse. Therefore, at R3 following the capture timing R2, the current level and the previous level are at the high level, and the level two times before is at the low level. As a result, the input edge is set to the high level. This high level of the input edge is detected in the normal interrupt processing corresponding to the timing R4, and it is determined that the detection is performed by the detection device. Note that the input edge falls before the timing R5 of the next normal interrupt processing, so that it is not detected twice.

On the other hand, the right side of FIG. 9 shows a case where the rising of the input level is caused by noise. In the case of such noise, the pulse width Wn is equal to the time interval T of the level capture.
Since it is shorter than i, no input edge is set. That is, even if there is a rise due to noise between the capture timings R6 and R7, this high level falls by the next capture timing R8.
For this reason, the current level and the previous level do not become the high level, and the level before the previous time does not become the low level, and the input edge is not set.

As described above, when the detection is performed by any of the detection devices, an input edge is set up for the detection device, and when the input level is merely disturbed by noise or the like, The input edge does not stand.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a game random number updating process (the process of step S20 in FIG. 7).

In the step S41, the special symbol random number counter is updated by +1. In the following step S42, it is determined whether or not the special symbol random number counter has exceeded the upper limit (for example, 300) as a result of the update. If it is greater than or equal to the upper limit, the special symbol random number counter has the lower limit (for example, 300) in step S43. 0) is set, and the process proceeds to step S44. If the value is not equal to or larger than the upper limit, the process directly proceeds to step S44.
Thus, the special symbol random number counter is updated cyclically between the lower limit value and the upper limit value -1 (for example, 0 to 299).

In step S44, it is determined whether or not the value of the special symbol random number counter is the circling initial value. If the value is the circulating initial value, the process proceeds to step S45; if not, the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S45, the jackpot initial value random number (see steps S5 and S13 in FIG. 5) is set as the circulation initial value. In a succeeding step S46, the round initial value set in the step S45 is set in a special symbol random number counter, and the process proceeds to a step S47. In this way, the special symbol random number counter value is counted from the initial value of the lap until the cycle returns to the initial value of the lap,
When returning to the round initial value, a new count is started from the round initial value newly set based on the jackpot initial value random number.

In step S47, an updating process of the ordinary symbol random number counter is executed. In this updating process, the symbol random number counter is normally updated in increments of +1 by circulating in a predetermined range. In step S48, an effect random number update process is executed, and the routine ends. The production random number is
These are random numbers used to determine the contents of various effects (light emission operation of various light emitting device groups 70, sound output from a sound output device, and the like).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sensor input determination process (the process of step S21 in FIG. 7).

In step S51, it is determined whether there is an input edge of the special symbol start sensor 52 (high level or low level). If there is an input edge (detection by the special symbol start sensor 52), step S52 is performed. If there is no input edge (no detection by the special symbol start sensor 52), the process proceeds to step S55.

In step S52, it is determined whether or not the number of stored special symbol starts is smaller than 4. If it is smaller than 4, the process proceeds to step S53. If not, the process proceeds to step S55.

In step S53, the special symbol start storage number is updated by +1. In a succeeding step S54, the special symbol random number counter value at that time is stored as a special symbol starting memory, and the process proceeds to step S55. In this way, the special symbol start memory is stored up to a maximum of four, and even if the input edge is detected when the number of special symbol start memories is four,
It is not newly stored.

In step S55, an input determination process of the ordinary symbol start sensor 53 is executed in step S55. Further, in step S56, input determination processing of other various detection devices (general winning opening sensors 51.1 to 51.N, count sensor 54, continuation sensor 55) is executed. In these input determination processes, as in the case of the special symbol start sensor 52 described above, it is determined whether or not the input edge of each detection device has risen, and if it has risen, it is determined that detection has been performed. When the input determination processing in step S56 ends, the routine ends.

FIG. 12 shows a procedure of a normal interrupt process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that transmission priorities are set for display control commands, sound control commands, decoration control commands, and emission control commands. Is common in this respect.

In the normal interrupt processing of FIG. 12, in each processing of steps S61 to S66,
Steps S11 to S11 in the normal interrupt processing of FIG.
The same processing as in step S16 is performed. Therefore,
The display control command transmission process in step S66 is always executed in all normal interrupt processes. That is,
Since the display on the display device 20 needs to respond to the progress of the game at a particularly accurate timing, the display control command can be transmitted in all normal interrupt processing.

The processing of steps S67 to S72 is a characteristic part of the present embodiment.
Priority is given in the order of the sound control command, the decoration control command, and the emission control command.

In step S67, it is determined whether or not the sound control command is ready for transmission (whether or not the transmission preparation flag for the sound control device 250 is set).
If it is in the preparation state, a sound control command transmission process (the same process as step S18 in FIG. 7) is executed in step S68, and
Proceed to step S73. On the other hand, if the state is not the preparation state for transmitting the sound control command, the process proceeds to step S69.

In step S69, it is determined whether the apparatus is ready for decoration control command transmission (whether or not the transmission preparation flag for decoration control apparatus 200 is set). The decoration control command transmission process (the same process as step S19 in FIG. 7) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if it is not the preparation state of the decoration control command transmission, the process proceeds to step S71.

In step S69, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in a preparation state for transmission of the discharge control command (whether or not the transmission preparation flag for the discharge control device 400 is set). A discharge control command transmission process (the same process as step S17 in FIG. 7) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if it is not the preparation state of the decoration control command transmission, the process proceeds to step S73.

As described above, the sound control command, the decoration control command,
The emission control commands are prioritized in this order, and when a higher-priority control command is ready for transmission, only that control command is transmitted. It is sent for processing. Thereby, each control command is transmitted preferentially in the order in which accurate transmission timing is required in the course of the game, and as a result, the control of various devices by the various dependent control devices is provided to the player. Can be executed without giving a feeling of strangeness.

In each of the processes in steps S73 to S77, the same processes as those in steps S20 to S24 in FIG. 7 are executed, and the routine ends.

As described above, according to the present invention, from the game control device 100 to the subordinate control devices (display control device 100, decoration control device 200, sound control device 250, discharge control device 4).
00) is executed in the communication interruption process (FIGS. 7 and 12), and in each communication interruption process, a part of the slave control devices selected from the plurality of slave control devices is executed. , The control command transmission process is performed. Therefore, even if the transmission preparation state occurs simultaneously for a plurality of control devices, the processing time for transmitting the control command in each communication interrupt processing can be reduced, and the time allocated to other processing is accordingly increased. Thus, various processes in the game control device 100 can be executed without delay.

The processing for transmitting a display control command to the display control device 150 (step S16 in FIG. 7, FIG. 12)
Step S66) is executed in all communication interrupt processing. Accordingly, the display control command is transmitted without delay when the need for transmission occurs.
The display is correctly synchronized with the progress of the game.

In the communication interrupt processing of FIG. 7, the decoration control device 200, the sound control device 250, and the discharge control device 40
Since the control command transmission processing to 0 is executed in order, the transmission processing to each of the dependent control devices is performed equally. That is, the transmission of the control command to each slave control device is executed in a balanced manner without bias. Therefore, control such as production of a game by each slave control device is executed in a well-balanced manner.

In the communication interrupt process shown in FIG. 12, priorities are assigned to the various subordinate control devices, and the subordinate control device for executing the control command transmission process is selected based on the priorities. Specifically, the display control device 150
Means that the transmission process is executed in all communication interrupt processes, and the sound control device 2
The transmission process of the control command is performed with priority in the order of 50, the decoration control device 200, and the discharge control device 400. This allows
The higher the necessity for the control to be performed in synchronization with the progress of the game without delay, the higher the priority of the transmission of the control command. As a result, various effects of the game are inconvenient for the player. It can be executed without giving any discomfort.

The embodiment disclosed this time is an example in all respects, and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and includes all modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view showing the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a control system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a game control main process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the game control main processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of special symbol game processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a normal interrupt process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a sensor reading process.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating the setting of an input edge in the sensor reading process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a game random number updating process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a sensor input determination process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a normal interrupt process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 game control device 150 display control device 200 decoration control device 250 sound control device 400 emission control device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game control device for controlling a game as a whole, a plurality of subordinate control devices for controlling various electric devices based on a control command from the game control device, And a control command transmitting means for enabling transmission of a control command from the game control device to the slave control device in an interrupt routine to be executed. A game machine characterized in that the control command can be transmitted only to some of the slave control devices selected from the plurality of slave control devices. 2. An electric device, comprising: a display device capable of variably displaying identification information; and a display control device, which controls the display device, as the slave control device.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a control command can be transmitted to the display control device at all times of the execution of the interrupt routine. 3. The slave control device according to claim 1, wherein said slave control device capable of transmitting a control command at each execution of said interrupt routine is selected in a predetermined order. The gaming machine described. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein priorities are assigned to said plurality of slave control devices, and a slave control device capable of transmitting a control command at each execution of said interrupt routine is selected based on said priority order. Claim 1.
Or the gaming machine according to claim 2.