JP2002282511A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make externaly outputable a signal showing the generation of a communication failure or the like of a command group for displaying and controlling the information related to various lottery results. SOLUTION: A main control part 200 transmits a special pattern display control command group and a general pattern display control command group, and the CPU 1020 of a various lottery result display device 100 stores both the command groups in corresponding independent regions, respectively, so that a signal showing the operation state according to the stored command groups can be externally outputted. Accordingly, the signal showing the generation of communication failure or the like of the command group for displaying and controlling the information related to various lottery results can be externally outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a display control relating to a lottery for generating a specific game state and a display control relating to a lottery for generating a quasi-specific game state by transmitting and receiving a command group to each of them. Related to a gaming machine to be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, gaming machines for displaying special symbols and ordinary symbols have been proposed.
In the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent No. 682, a special symbol and a normal symbol are displayed on the same display device. And
In order to perform these displays by command transmission, it is conceivable that the main CPU that controls the game operation manages them.

However, in such a gaming machine, if a command communication failure occurs, the peripheral device does not operate at all or performs an operation that is not a desired operation. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique for analyzing occurrence of a command transmission failure or the like.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and can externally output a signal indicating occurrence of a communication failure of a command group for controlling display of various lottery results. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a main control means for controlling a game operation in a gaming machine configured to perform various lotteries and display information relating to the lottery. Are a first command group for performing display control relating to a lottery whether or not to generate a specific game state, and a second command group for performing display control relating to a lottery whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state. The sub-control means for controlling the operation of the display device includes a first command group and a second command group in separate areas respectively corresponding to the first command group and the second command group. The storage device includes a storage unit that stores the command and an external output unit that can externally output a signal indicating an operation state corresponding to the stored command group.

[0005] In the present invention, the main control means includes a first command group for performing a display control relating to a lottery for determining whether or not to generate a specific game state, and determining whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state. A second command group for performing display control relating to the lottery is transmitted to the sub control means. On the other hand, the sub-control means stores the first command group and the second command group in respective corresponding areas,
A signal indicating an operation state according to the stored command group can be externally output. Therefore, it is possible to externally output a signal indicating the occurrence of a communication failure of a command group for controlling display of various lottery results.

The external output means may be an external output means which can include an error signal indicating that a command loss has occurred in the signal, and further can include an information indicating a lottery result in the signal. Possible means are also possible. Further, the information indicating the lottery result may include information indicating a type of a fixed symbol (stop symbol) and information indicating a display color of the fixed symbol.

Then, the first command group and the second command group
It is also preferable that the transmission signal line of the command group is shared so as to simplify the configuration.

[0008] Such control can be realized by recording a control program on a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the control program recorded on the recording medium by a computer. Examples of such a recording medium include a semiconductor recording medium such as a ROM and a semiconductor IC, an optical recording medium such as a DVDROM and a CDROM, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO. Further, the control program can be downloaded from the information processing device via a communication network.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the general configuration and operation of the gaming machine will be described, and then the characteristic operation of the present invention will be described to facilitate the understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. As shown in FIG. At a substantially central portion of the game board 10, various lottery result display devices 100 capable of displaying various lottery results indicating whether or not to provide a game state advantageous to the player are provided, and a special symbol is provided immediately below the device. A starting port 104 is provided, and a normal symbol operating gate 10 is provided on both sides of the special symbol starting port 104.
2, 102 are provided. Also, a pair of opening / closing members 1
20 and 120 are provided so as to be separated and openable so as to form the special symbol starting port 104. In addition, the various lottery result display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can display a special symbol and a normal symbol for displaying various lottery results on the same display screen. In addition, the lottery result display device 100 can display a character image in a specific game state, an error notification image in which an error has occurred, and the like.

Further, a special winning opening 106 and an out opening 114 are arranged below the special symbol starting opening 104 in this order, and a lamp display device 110 is provided diagonally above both sides of the special symbol starting opening 104. , 110, and lamp display devices (more specifically, LED devices) 112, 112 are also provided near both side ends of the game board 10.

When a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a big hit value (a value that causes a specific game state),
The variable display of the special symbol is started in a special symbol display area 2800 to be described later, and thereafter, a predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed on the various lottery result display devices 10.
0, and the opening and closing of the special winning opening 106 is controlled in a predetermined pattern, so that a big hit game state (specific game state) advantageous to the player is achieved. In addition, there are a plurality of probabilities that the jackpot value is selected by the random number lottery described above (probability of displaying the predetermined pattern) when the probability is low (for example, 1/300) and when it is high (for example, 1/50). I do. This high probability state is called a probability variation state or a probability variation state.

When the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a small hit value (a value for generating a quasi-specific game state), various lottery results The winning result is displayed on the normal symbol display area 2810 of the display device 100, and thereafter, the opening / closing member 120 is opened for only a few seconds (semi-specific gaming state), and the game ball wins the special symbol starting port 104. Also in this case, a random number lottery is similarly performed, and when this random number is a big hit value, a special symbol display area 28 described later will be used.
00, a predetermined display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the lottery result display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern. It becomes a big hit state that is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, the shot that is not won is the out mouth 114
Is discharged through. When the special symbol has a high probability, it is configured to shorten and improve the fluctuation time of the ordinary symbol.

In the open state in which the game balls can be easily won in the special winning opening 106, when a game ball is won, ten game balls pass through a V zone (not shown) which is a specific area. If there is a game ball, the special winning opening 106 is closed once, and then the special winning opening 106 is opened again to facilitate the winning of the game ball. This is called one round, and when a maximum of 16 rounds have been completed, the big hit operation control for setting the special winning opening 106 in an advantageous state for the player is ended.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only a main part of the gaming machine in which such gaming machine control is performed according to the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 includes a microprocessor having a built-in CPU, and stores command data for storing various control commands including at least various commands for controlling the various lottery result display devices 100, which will be described later. A table area 202, a ROM 201 for storing a control program or control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a RAM 203 for forming a work area are provided, forming an integrated one-chip microcomputer.

The main control unit 200 has a special symbol start switch 304 provided inside the special symbol start port 104 through the input port 210 for detecting a winning of a game ball into the special symbol start port 104, a normal symbol operation gate. A normal symbol operation switch 306 provided inside the 102 and detecting a game ball passing through a gate, and a large winning opening switch 308 provided inside the large winning opening 106 and detecting a winning of the gaming ball in the large winning opening 106. The main control unit 200 is connected and can receive each detection signal. The V zone winning switch and the like are not shown.

The main control unit 200 has an output port 2
15, various lottery result display devices 100 realized by an LCD or the like, and a lamp display device 11 for controlling lighting of lamps
0, 112, a sound effect generator 116 for generating a sound effect,
A starting port operating solenoid 300 for opening and closing the opening and closing member 120 of the starting port, and a special winning opening operating solenoid 302 for controlling opening and closing of a wide opening and closing member of the special winning opening 106 are connected. A control signal for controlling each device can be transmitted.

The main controller 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing.
The CPU of the various lottery result display devices 100 performs fine display control based on the received command without depending on the main control unit 200. Further, the main control unit 2
The communication mode is one-way communication in which only commands are transmitted from 00 to various lottery result display devices 100. This command includes a special symbol display control command group and a normal symbol display control command group, and a signal line used for transmission of both command groups is shared so that the hardware scale does not increase. ing. The signal lines may be serial or parallel.

A power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 for outputting a reset signal at predetermined time intervals are connected to the main control unit 200. A pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input from the control unit 200, and a monitor signal for monitoring the current supply state from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

Now, as shown in FIG.
The command for display control sent from 0 to the various lottery result display devices 100 is a mode (MOD) which is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is 1-byte digital information.
E) and an event (EVENT) which is 1-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. FIGS. 6 to 9 and FIG.
Command data table area 20 stored in M201
2 shows a part of the display control command data.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the special symbol display control command group includes a command for designating a variation pattern for varying the special symbol and instructing a variation start (first command for the special symbol). ) "," Command for specifying stop symbol on left of special symbol (second command for special symbol) "," Command for specifying stop symbol in special symbol (second command for special symbol) "," Special symbol There is a command for designating the right stop symbol (second command for special symbol) and a command for stopping the special symbol (third command for special symbol). As described above, the mode data of the special symbol display control command group is “$ A0, $ B
0, $ B1, $ B2, $ C0 ".

On the other hand, the normal symbol display control command group includes:
"Command for designating a variation pattern for varying a normal symbol and instructing the start of variation (first command for a normal symbol)", "Command for designating a left normal symbol (second command for a normal symbol)" , A "command for designating a right normal symbol (second command for normal symbol)" and a command for stopping a normal symbol (third command for normal symbol). As described above, the mode data of the ordinary symbol display control command group is “$ E0, $ E1, $ E2, $ G
0 ”.

Note that the first command is a command including a design variation pattern, a staging operation of a character accompanying the design variation pattern, and a background image to be displayed, and these are collectively referred to as a variation pattern. Name. The main control unit 200 transmits these five commands (or four commands) to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing in one variation display control when a game situation that causes the symbol variation display to be started. Send. Further, the main control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery and performs a normal symbol display control command for displaying the lottery result to the various lottery result display devices 100 as appropriate.

Therefore, fine display control such as symbol change display speed change is performed by the various lottery result display device 100, so that the program for the main control unit 200 is simplified, and even if the display content is changed, the program is changed. A general-purpose program can be constructed without having to make any changes, and the main control unit 200 has a command defining a time (included in the fluctuation pattern) from the start of the fluctuation display of the symbol to the stop thereof. Since only the command for designating the symbol and the command for stopping the symbol are transmitted, the program is further simplified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the lottery result display device 100. Various lottery result display devices 100
A data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage conversion circuit for converting a data level) for receiving a strobe signal or command from the main control unit 200, a power supply circuit 1160 for supplying power to the voltage conversion circuit and the like, A CPU 1020 (display control means) for generating control data necessary for performing display control based on a command and outputting the control data to an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, and a program R containing a program describing an operation procedure of the CPU 1020
An OM 1040, a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area and a buffer memory, an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 for performing image expansion processing, and an image processing LSI
(VDP) 1060, a video RAM 1080 for temporarily storing the developed image data, and an image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060 stores character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for image development, and video RAM 10
An LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting image data temporarily stored in the memory 80;
An LC that outputs a display image using the image data transmitted from the LCD panel interface circuit 1100
D panel 1120.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character RO
M1180 is a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area storing actual character data, a pallet data area storing character color data, and a scenario data area storing information defining character movement. The character data is stored in the character image data area in a state where it is compressed by a specific compression method. Further, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of pairs of color numbers and color codes are stored.

Then, C of various lottery result display devices 100
The PU 1020 converts the control data generated in response to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 into an image processing LSI.
(VDP) 1060, the image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060 decompresses the character data obtained from the character image data area, colors it with the color data obtained from the pallet data area, and specifies the video RAM 10 specified by the information obtained from the scenario data area.
Temporarily store the data with the image expanded at the position on 80,
By sending the temporarily stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 1
By means of 120, various image displays including a change in the variable display speed are performed in detail.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the command transmission / reception timing. As previously mentioned,
The command consists of a 1-byte mode (MODE) and a 1-byte event (EVENT).
In this example, the main control unit 200 transmits mode (MODE) information at the first rising edge of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself at the time of a command change, and then transmits the two strobe signals (DUSTB). Event (EVENT) information is transmitted with the rise of the eyes. Then, in response to this, the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices sets the strobe signal (DUST signal).
When B) is transmitted, an interrupt is generated, and a command is received by this interrupt processing and stored in the RAM 1090.

Next, first, a normal control operation performed by the CPU 1020 of the main control unit 200 and the various lottery result display devices 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a general flowchart of game control) and FIG. The characteristic control of the present invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, but the predetermined time (for example, 4 ms)
ec) The process is executed from the first step by using a reset signal supplied every time as a trigger.

First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated. It is determined whether or not the first processing has been performed since the power-on. Step S11
0). In the case of the first processing after turning on the power (Yes)
The process proceeds to step S200, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S200, a clearing process of the storage area is executed as an initialization process of the RAM 203. Then, in step S210, data for performing an initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count values of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for large hit determination, small hit determination, and the like formed in the RAM 203 are incremented. Update the timer value of the timer.

Next, in step S140, a special symbol start switch 304, a normal symbol operation switch 306,
An input port process of reading and storing the detection signal output from the special winning opening switch 308 into a register (not shown) via the input port 203 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S150 to read and store the data read by the port input process. Switch check processing for grasping the condition.

Next, at step S160, each switch 3
A check is made to see if there is a disconnection or short-circuit in the lines 04, 306, 308, etc., and if any of these failures has occurred (Ye
s) The process proceeds to step S220, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S180 (step S180).
170).

Then, in step S180, commands necessary for display control of the various lottery result display devices 100 (including the commands described above with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9) are set to R.
The timer value of each of the various timers is stored in a predetermined area of the AM 203 (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines a command of a necessary mode and event according to the game control with reference to the command data table area 202, and stores digital information indicating the determined mode and event in the RAM 203 in a predetermined manner. Store in area.

Next, in step S195, the start port operating solenoid 300 and the special winning port operating solenoid 302 are driven in order to control the opening and closing of the special winning opening 106 and the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern. Then, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. Further, in steps S230, 240, and 250, a game (not shown) External information processing for outputting various game data to the machine management device, a display lamp control process for storing a command for lighting control of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 in accordance with a game state in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, sound effect generation Device 11
6 executes a sound effect process for storing a command for controlling the sound effect generation in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 in correspondence with the game state.

Next, in step S260, R
The data stored in the AM 203 is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output process), and the device that receives the data performs a control operation based on the data. Then, first, a strobe signal is output to the various lottery result display devices 100, and in step S180, the RAM 20
The data of the mode and the event stored in No. 3 are transmitted as shown in FIG. As a result, for example, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100 and received.

In step S270, the reset circuit 21
The reset standby process is executed until the reset signal is input from Step 3, and when the reset signal is input, the process shifts to Step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. Note that the reset standby process includes updating of the various random number generation counters described above.

Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the various lottery results display device 100 that has received the command will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer, initializes the RAM 1090, initializes itself such as clearing registers, and the like. In step S1102, the CPU 1020 determines whether a new command has been input. If it is determined that a new command for display control has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1104, otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S1110.

In step S1104, in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG.
Copies the received command to the RAM 1090, and checks whether the command is normal or not. Next, CPU1
020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) in order to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200. Then, in step S1108, the image processing LSI 1060 The data in the necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated in order to output the data to the RAM 1090.

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, and the symbol display position is set. Then, in step S1112, the symbol speed control is performed. Necessary data is stored in the program ROM
It is obtained from a speed table (not shown) built in the 1040 and set in the RAM 1090, and then the step S
At 1114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the speed data, and preparations are made for performing symbol fluctuation at the set speed.

Next, in step S1116, RA
Animation data is acquired from an animation processing table (not shown) storing the animation processing data set in M1090, and preparation for displaying a background image is performed.
Set in P output buffer, output enable flag is "1"
It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S1118).

If the output permission flag is not "1" (No), the flow returns to step S1102 to repeat a series of processing, while the output permission flag is "1" (Ye
In step S1120, the data set in the VDP output buffer is transferred to the image processing LSI 106 in step S1120.
Output to 0. The image processing LSI 1060 acquires the data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image in response to this. The developed data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be sent to the LCD panel 1120. Is displayed. In this manner, at the set display positions on the various lottery result display devices 100, the symbol variation display, the background image display, and the like are performed at the set speed.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams of an example of the transmission timing of the special symbol display control command group transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100, and the transmission commands related to the variation of the special symbol. As can be understood by referring to these figures, when a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, the main control unit 200 firstly starts “design variation and changes A command for designating a pattern is transmitted (), a command for designating a left stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T1 time (), and a command for designating a middle stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T2 time. (), To send a command to specify the right stop symbol after the elapse of T3 time (), and to stop all the symbols after the elapse of T time from the start of fluctuation It sends a command (),
Further, the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices 100 receiving these commands performs fine display control such as a change in symbol speed in accordance with the designated variation pattern upon receiving the command, and the variation is triggered by the reception of the third command. The display control ends.

The main control unit 200 is also configured to be able to transmit a symbol display control command group to the CPU 1020 side. As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 19, when the lottery of the ordinary symbol is performed, the main control unit 200 first starts the ordinary symbol variation and designates the first symbol for instructing the variation pattern. Send a command (),
After the elapse of the T1 time, a second command for designating the stop left symbol is transmitted (), and further, from the T2 time.
After a lapse of time, a second command for designating the right stop symbol is transmitted (). Then, a third command for stopping all symbols is transmitted after a lapse of T time from the start of the change (). Note that, as shown in FIG. 18, T, T1, and T2 are set according to the variation pattern.

In this embodiment, the departures are "37" and "7".
In case of deviation, the second
Command (for the left symbol) indicates "3" and "7",
"7" and "3" are designated by the second command (for the right symbol). On the other hand, if the hits are “33” and “77”, the second
Command (for the left symbol) indicates "3" and "7",
"3" and "7" are also designated by the second command (for the right symbol). Next, a third command () for stopping the symbol change after T has elapsed from the transmission of the first command ().
Send

On the other hand, the CP of various lottery result display devices 100
U1020 receives the first command, performs fine display control such as a normal symbol speed change in accordance with the designated variation pattern, terminates the variation display control in response to the reception of the third command, and executes the second command. The stop display is performed with the two stop symbols specified by the command. This allows the LCD panel 112
The normal symbol lottery result is displayed in the normal symbol display area other than the special symbol display area in 0. The display position of the normal symbol display area can be determined as appropriate.

Therefore, the main control unit 200 includes a first command for instructing the start of display control for notifying that a lottery has been performed to determine whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state, and a quasi-specific game state. A second command instructing first display information (left symbol) indicating a lottery result as to whether or not to generate the second display information indicating a lottery result as to whether or not to generate the quasi-specific game state ( A right command), a third command to end the display control,
A command group for normal symbol display control including
Send to

On the other hand, the CPU 1020 starts display control for giving a notification when the first command is received, terminates the display control when the third command is received, and is instructed by the second command. Since the symbol display according to the stopped left symbol and the stopped right symbol is performed, the CPU 1020 side performs a display control regarding a lottery as to whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state by transmitting a command from the main control unit 200, and performs the specific game state The control load of the main control unit 200 can be reduced when displaying the lottery result of whether or not to generate and the lottery result of whether to generate the quasi-specific game state.

Thus, the main control unit 200 is configured to transmit the special symbol display control command group and the ordinary symbol display control command group to the CPU 1020 side by sharing the signal line. Thereby, an increase in the number of wirings can be avoided, and the parts can be simplified. In addition, since the special symbol and the ordinary symbol are displayed on the same display device, the parts can be further simplified. The signal lines may be serial or parallel.

(Characteristic part of the present invention) (Structure) FIG. 20 is a structural diagram of a characteristic part of the present invention. C
PU 1020 is a RAM 1 as a single storage device.
Operation and control of reading and writing of a command group to / from the 090 are possible. The CPU 1020 is configured to be able to identify a special symbol or a normal symbol by the received command. In the RAM 1090, a special symbol command group buffer 2500 for storing a special symbol display control command group and a normal symbol command group buffer 2510 for storing a normal symbol display control command group are formed. . In the example shown in FIG. 20, a command group S1 (special symbol display control command group) is stored in a special symbol command group buffer 2500, while a command group U1 (ordinary symbol display control command) is stored in a normal symbol command group buffer 2510. Command group) is stored.

If the CPU 1020 determines that there is a command missing when receiving the special symbol display control command group, the CPU 1020 stores nothing in the position corresponding to the missing command, and Only the mode and event data of the received command are stored. FIG. 22 (a)
9 shows a storage example of a special symbol display control command when a command for designating a left special symbol is missing. In this case, the mode and event data of another command are stored in the special symbol command group buffer 2500 without storing anything in the mode and event data column corresponding to the second command.

Similarly, when the CPU 1020 determines that there is a command missing when receiving the normal symbol display control command group, the CPU 1020 does not store anything at the position corresponding to the missing command, and does not lose the command. Only the mode and the event data of the received command are stored in. FIG. 22 (b)
This shows an example of storing a normal symbol display control command when a command for designating a left ordinary symbol is missing. In this case, nothing is stored in the mode and event data section corresponding to the second command, and the mode and event data of another command are stored in the ordinary symbol command group buffer 2510.

Upon completion of the current symbol variation display control, the CPU 1020 clears the stored command group, and stores the newly received command group again in the corresponding buffer to accumulate the received commands. I will do it.

(Operation) First, the operation up to the storage of the command group will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 1020 receives the command group from the main control unit 200 in step S2600, and determines in step S2610 whether this command group is a special symbol display control command group. Specifically, the CPU 1020 determines that the mode data of one of the received commands is “$ A0, $ B0, $ B
If it is determined that the command group is any one of “1, $ B2, $ C0” (Yes), it is determined that the special symbol display control command group has been received, and the process proceeds to step S2620 to change the received command group to the special symbol command group. The data is stored in the buffer 2500. When there is a command missing, FIG.
As described above, no information is stored in the corresponding mode / event data storage column.

On the other hand, the CPU 1020 determines that the mode data of any of the received commands is “$ A0, $ B0, $ B
If it is determined that the command group is not any one of "1, $ B2, $ C0" (No), it is determined that the normal symbol display control command group has been received, and the flow proceeds to step S2630 to store the received command group in the normal symbol command group buffer. 2510. If a command is missing, no information is stored in the corresponding mode / event data storage column as described with reference to FIG.

Thus, the special symbol display control command group is stored in the special symbol command group buffer 2500, while the ordinary symbol display control command group is stored in the ordinary symbol command group buffer 2510. .

Next, a signal external output operation will be described.
Note that the CPU 1020 performs this operation by reading out the command groups stored in both buffers according to a predetermined rule. For example, the rule can be determined as appropriate, such as reading out the special symbol display control command after reading the special symbol display control command and performing this operation. FIG. 37 shows an example of a display screen when both commands are normally executed.
In this display screen 121, the special symbol display area 28
A normal symbol display area 2810 is displayed at the upper left of 00, and information to be displayed in one area is controlled so as not to protrude into the other area. In addition, the game machine side is provided with various signal output terminals and this is connected to an external tester by signal lines.However, when the game machine is shipped, this output terminal itself is removed. In short, the game machine may be provided with the following signal output function on the gaming machine side.

(Signal Output for Special Symbol Display Control Command Group) First, the signal output for the special symbol display control command group will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram summarizing this operation summary. In FIG. 23, “〇” indicates that the special symbol display control command has been received without transmission failure, and “×” indicates that the special symbol display control command has not been received due to transmission failure (command missing). . Accordingly, case 0 indicates a normal case where each command is normally received.

(Case 0) In this case, no command is lost. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. The CPU 1020
Upon receiving the variation pattern designation command, the symbol variation is started in the special symbol display area 2800, and the left symbol variation signal, the middle symbol variation signal, the right symbol variation signal, and the symbol variation signal are set to the OFF level (for example, 0 (V)) and output to the tester as an ON level (for example, 5 (V)) (FIGS. 24 (f) to (i)). Next, when the left symbol designation command, the middle symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are sequentially received, the left symbol data, the middle symbol data, and the right symbol data designated by these commands are transmitted to the tester upon receiving the command. It is output ((FIG. 24 (l)-(n)).
When the symbol stop command is received, the symbol determination signal (FIG. 24 (j)) is changed from the OFF level to the ON level (10).
(During 0 msec) to the tester, and outputs the left symbol changing signal, the middle symbol changing signal, the right symbol changing signal, and the symbol changing signal from the ON level to the OFF level to the tester. At this time, in the gaming machine, the stop display at the designated symbol is performed in the special symbol display area 2800. In this case 0, since no command omission has occurred, the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 24 (k)) remains at the OFF level.

(Case 1-1) In this case, the first command and the third command of the special symbol display control command group are normally received, and at least one of the second commands is controlled.
This is the case when a command is lost. In this example, it is assumed that the left symbol designating command is missing as indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
The operation of the PU 1020 will be described. The CPU 1020 receives the variation pattern designation command, starts the symbol variation, and outputs the left symbol variation signal, the middle symbol variation signal,
The right symbol changing signal and the symbol changing signal are output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester (FIG. 25 (f)).
-(I)). Next, when the left symbol designation command is missing and the middle symbol designation command and the right symbol designation command are received,
The middle symbol data and the right symbol data designated by these received commands are output to the tester upon receiving the command, and the left symbol data of the last stopped symbol is continuously output to the tester as the left symbol ((FIG. 25 (L) to (n)).

When a symbol stop command is received,
Turn the symbol confirmation signal (Fig. 25 (j)) from OFF level to ON
The signal is output to the tester as a level (for 100 msec) and the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 25 (k)) is
The FF level is output to the tester as the ON level, and the left symbol change signal, the middle symbol change signal, the right symbol change signal, and the symbol change signal are output from the ON level to the OFF level to the tester. At this time, in the special symbol display area 2800, the middle symbol and the right symbol are stopped at the designated symbol, the left symbol is the left symbol of the previous symbol, and the "X" symbol is displayed thereon. Display.

Therefore, in this case 1-1, the CP
U1020 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command, and when three symbol designation commands which are the number to be transmitted are not received, it is determined that at least one command omission has occurred in the symbol designation command. to decide. Then, a symbol "x" is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800 on the symbol of the previous stop symbol in place of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing command, and a symbol display device indicating that the command missing has occurred in the tester. Since the error signal is output to the tester at the ON level upon receipt of the symbol stop command, even if the symbol designation command is missing, the symbol is displayed without any trouble in data collection, and the symbol display device error signal is output. The tester can know that a command omission has occurred in the symbol designating command.

(Case 1-2) In this case, the symbol stop command (and at least one of the symbol designating commands in some cases) is not received. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In this example, as shown by a symbol B, it is assumed that the symbol stop command is missing, and the variation pattern designation command and all symbol designation commands are not missing.

The CPU 1020 receives the variation pattern designation command, starts the symbol variation display, and sets the left symbol variation signal, the middle symbol variation signal, the right symbol variation signal, and the symbol variation signal from the OFF level to the ON level. ((F) to (i) of FIG. 26). Next, the left symbol designation command, the middle symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are sequentially received, and the left symbol data, the middle symbol data, and the right symbol data designated by these received commands are continuously output to the tester (( 26 (l) to (n)).

Since the symbol stop command cannot be received due to transmission failure, the CPU 1020
Instead of stopping the fluctuation display by the symbol stop command, the fluctuation display is stopped after the lapse of the elapsed time (T) specified by the fluctuation pattern designation command, and the stop display is performed. When the time T elapses, the symbol determination signal (FIG. 26 (j)) is output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester, and the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 26).
(K)) is output from the OFF level to the ON level as an ON level to the tester.

In FIG. 26, it is assumed that no symbol designating command is missing. However, when at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 1-1, The symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command is a special symbol display area 2800 as the last stopped symbol.
And the symbol data may be continuously output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 1-2, the CP
U1020 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command and the three symbol designation commands that are the number to be transmitted,
If no symbol stop command is received, it is determined that a command omission has occurred in the symbol stop command. Then, when the time specified by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, the symbol variation display in the special symbol display area 2800 is stopped, and a signal indicating that the symbol stop command is missing is output to the tester.

On the other hand, if a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command of less than three which are to be transmitted are received and a symbol stop command is not received, a symbol designation command and a symbol stop command are received. It is determined that a command loss has occurred in the special symbol display area 2800 when the time specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command has elapsed, and the symbol fluctuation display in the special symbol display area 2800 is stopped, and the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing symbol specification command is replaced. The last stop symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800, and a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 1-2, if the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are normally received, the symbol variation display is stopped even if the symbol stop command is missing, so that the data collection is hindered. There is no error signal output, and the tester can know that a command drop has occurred in the symbol stop command. Furthermore, even if a part of the symbol designating command is not received, the previous stopped symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800, so that there is no trouble in data collection, and a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester to designate the symbol. The tester can recognize that a command missing has occurred in the command and the symbol stop command.

(Case 1-3) In this case, a variation pattern designation command (and at least one of the symbol designation commands in some cases) is not received. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In this example, it is assumed that, as indicated by reference numeral C, a variation pattern designation command is missing, and all symbol designation commands and symbol stop commands are not missing.

CPU 1020 first receives the left symbol designating command. At this time, it is determined that the variation pattern designation command to be received first is missing. At this point, the symbol variation display is started, the left symbol data designated by the received left symbol designation command is output to the tester, and the symbol display device error signal is output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester. In addition, since the fluctuation pattern designation command is not received, the left symbol fluctuation signal, the middle symbol fluctuation signal, the right symbol fluctuation signal, and the symbol fluctuation signal are OF.
It remains at the F level (FIGS. 27 (f) to (i)).

Next, the middle symbol designating command, the right symbol designating command, and the symbol stop command are received in order, and the variable display is stopped at the designated symbol, and the symbol stop signal is received for a period of 100 (msec). Only the ON state.

In FIG. 27, it is assumed that no symbol designating command is missing. However, if at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 1-1, The special symbol display area 280 uses the symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command as the last stop symbol.
0 may be displayed and the symbol data may be continuously output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 1-3, the CP
When the symbol designating command is received first, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designating command. Then, when the symbol designating command is received, a stop display is performed in the special symbol display area 2800 and a symbol display device error signal indicating that a command missing of the variable pattern designating command has occurred is output to the tester. Even if a command is missing in the fluctuation pattern specification command, the stop display is performed and there is no problem in data collection, and a symbol display device error signal is output to test that the fluctuation pattern specification command has a missing command. Can be grasped with a container.

Although not assumed in FIG. 27, the CP
If U1020 further receives a symbol designating command that is less than three, which is the number to be transmitted, U1020 determines that command omission has occurred in the symbol designating command. Then, the previously stopped symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800 in place of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing symbol designation command, and a symbol display device error signal indicating that the symbol designation command is missing is sent to the tester. If output is made, in the case shown in FIG. 27, even if the symbol designation command is further lost, the previous stopped symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800, so that there is no trouble in data collection, and the command is not included in the symbol designation command. Can be grasped by the tester.

(Case 1-4) In this case, when the variation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, the middle symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are not received, in other words, only the symbol stop command is received. Is the case. Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
20 will be described. In this example, the symbols D, E, F,
As shown by G, it is assumed that the variation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, the middle symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are missing.

After first receiving the symbol stop command, the CPU 1020 determines that the fluctuation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, the middle symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are not received. In this case, upon reception of the symbol designating command, all symbols are stopped and displayed as the symbols stopped last time, and "x" is displayed thereon.
These design data are output to the tester (FIG. 28 (l)-
(N)) At the same time, the symbol display device error signal is changed from the OFF level to the ON level and output to the tester, and the symbol determination signal is turned ON only for 100 (msec).
Level. In this case 1-4, since the variation pattern designation command is not received, the left symbol variation signal, the middle symbol variation signal, the right symbol variation signal, and the symbol variation signal remain at the OFF level (FIG. 28). (F)-
(I)).

Therefore, in this case 1-4, the CP
When only the symbol stop command is received, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command. Then, when the symbol stop command is received, a symbol “X” is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800 on the previous symbol in place of the symbol to be displayed by the missing symbol designation command, and the symbol display device is displayed. Since an error signal is output to the tester, even if the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are missing, "X" is stopped and displayed on the previously stopped symbol, and there is no problem in data collection, and the symbol display device error By the output of the signal, the lack of the command of the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command can be grasped by the tester.

(Case 1-5) In this case, the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command (and at least one of the symbol designation commands in some cases) are not received. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In this example,
As indicated by reference numerals H and I, a fluctuation pattern designation command,
It is assumed that a symbol stop command is missing and a symbol designating command is not missing.

The CPU 1020 first receives the left symbol designating command. At this time, it is determined that the variation pattern designation command to be received first is missing. At this point, a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester. Next, since the middle symbol designation command and the right symbol designation command are sequentially received but the symbol stop command is not received, in the special symbol display area 2800, the symbol designated by each designated command after a predetermined time has elapsed after the right symbol designation command is received. Will appear stopped. In this case 1-5, since the fluctuation pattern designation command is not received, the left symbol fluctuation signal,
The middle symbol changing signal, the right symbol changing signal, and the symbol changing signal remain at the OFF level (FIG. 29 (f) to (f)).
(I)).

In FIG. 29, it is assumed that no symbol designating command is missing. However, if at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 1-1, The special symbol display area 280 uses the symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command as the last stop symbol.
0 may be displayed, and the design data may be continuously output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 1-5, CP
If the symbol designating command is received first and then the symbol stop command is not received, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designating command and the symbol stop command. Then, the symbol designated by the received symbol designation command is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800, and the symbol display device error signal indicating that the command missing has occurred when the symbol designation command is first received. Is output, the symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800 even if the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are missing, there is no trouble in data collection, and the variation pattern designation command is output by outputting the symbol display device error signal. In addition, the tester can grasp the lack of the symbol stop command.

Although not assumed in FIG. 29, the CP
If U1020 further receives a symbol designating command that is less than three, which is the number to be transmitted, U1020 determines that command omission has occurred in the symbol designating command. Then, the previously stopped symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 2800 in place of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing symbol designation command, and a symbol display device error signal indicating that the symbol designation command has been lost is output to the tester. In the case shown in FIG. 29, even if the symbol designating command is further lost, the previous stop symbol is displayed, so that there is no problem in data collection, and it is tested that the command missing has occurred in the symbol designating command. Can be grasped with a container.

(Signal Output for Normal Symbol Display Control Command Group) Next, the signal output for the normal symbol display control command group will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram summarizing this operation summary. In FIG. 30, “〇” indicates that the normal symbol display control command has been received without transmission failure, and “×” indicates that the normal symbol display control command has not been received due to transmission failure (command missing). . Accordingly, case 0 indicates a normal case where each command is normally received.

(Case 0) In this case, no command is lost. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. The CPU 1020
Turn off all signals once. Then, a variation pattern designation command is received, the symbol variation in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 is started, and the first digit symbol variation signal,
The second digit symbol change signal and the symbol change signal are changed from the OFF level (for example, 0 (V)) to the ON level (for example, 5).
(V)) to the tester (FIG. 31 (e)-).
(G)). Next, when the left symbol designation command and the right symbol designation command are sequentially received, the left symbol data and the right symbol data designated by these commands are continuously output to the tester upon receiving the command (see FIG. 31 (j ) ~
(K)).

The symbol data is transmitted so as to include information indicating the type of the ordinary symbol and information indicating the display color of the symbol as shown in FIG. 38 (the same applies hereinafter). In the example shown in FIG. 28, the display colors are three types (red, blue, and green), but other colors may be used, and the information may be other than one byte. Similarly, the symbol type may be three or more, and the designation information may be other than one byte. Thus, even if the symbols are the same in number, symbols having different game values can be output separately, which is effective in data collection.

When the symbol stop command is received,
Turn the symbol confirmation signal (Fig. 31 (h)) from OFF level to ON
The signal is output to the tester as a level (50 msec or more) to the tester, and the first digit design change signal, the second digit design change signal and the design change signal are changed from ON level to OFF level to the tester. At this time, in the gaming machine, the stop display at the designated symbol is performed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810. In this case 0, since no command loss has occurred, the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 31 (h)) remains at the OFF level.

(Case 2-1) In this case, the first and third commands of the ordinary symbol display control command group are normally received, and at least one of the second commands is received.
This is the case when a command is lost. In this example, it is assumed that the left symbol designating command is missing as shown by reference numeral a in FIG.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
The operation of the PU 1020 will be described. The CPU 1020 temporarily turns off all signals. Then, it receives the variation pattern designation command, starts the symbol variation, and
The signal during the digit symbol change and the signal during the second symbol change and the signal during the symbol change are output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester (FIGS. 32 (e) to (g)). Next, when the left symbol designation command is missing and the right symbol designation command is received, the right symbol data designated by these received commands is output to the tester upon receipt of the command, and the left symbol as the previous symbol is stopped. The data of the left symbol is continuously output to the tester ((j) to (k) in FIG. 32).

When a symbol stop command is received,
Turn the symbol confirmation signal (Fig. 32 (j)) from OFF level to ON
In addition to outputting to the tester as a level (for 50 msec or more), the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 32 (i)) is output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester. The second digit symbol changing signal and the symbol changing signal are output from the ON level to the OFF level to the tester. At this time, the normal symbol display area 281
At 0, the right symbol is stopped at the designated symbol, and the left symbol is stopped and displayed as "x" on the left symbol that was stopped last time. This “x” display makes it easy to recognize that an error has occurred.

Therefore, in this case 2-1, the CP
U1020 receives the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command, and when two symbol designation commands, which are the number to be transmitted, are not received, it is determined that at least one of the symbol missing has occurred in the symbol designation command. to decide. Then, in place of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing command, an “X” is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 on the symbol stopped last time, and a symbol display device error indicating that the command missing has occurred in the tester. Since the signal is output to the tester at the ON level when the symbol stop command is received, the symbol is displayed even if the symbol designation command is missing, there is no trouble in data collection, and the symbol display device error signal is output and the symbol is output. The tester can know that a command missing has occurred in the specified command.

(Case 2-2) In this case, the third command, that is, the symbol stop command (and in some cases, at least one of the symbol designating commands) is not received. Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
The operation of U1020 will be described. In this example, as shown by a symbol b, it is assumed that the symbol stop command is missing, and the variation pattern designation command and all symbol designation commands are not missing.

CPU 1020 once turns off all signals.
To Then, receiving the variation pattern designation command, the symbol variation display is started, and the first digit symbol variation signal, the second digit symbol variation signal, and the symbol variation signal are turned on.
An output from the F level to the ON level is output to the tester (FIG. 3
3 (e)-(g)). Next, the left symbol designating command,
The right symbol designating command is received, and the left symbol data and the right symbol data designated by these received commands are output to the tester ((FIGS. 33 (j) to (k)).

Then, since the symbol stop command cannot be received due to transmission failure, the CPU 1020
Instead of stopping the variation display by the symbol stop command, the variation display is stopped and blinked after the elapsed time (T) designated by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed (not shown). Although not shown, this T
The symbol confirmation signal (FIG. 33)
(H)) is output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester, and the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 33)
(I)) is output from the OFF level to the tester as the ON level.

In FIG. 33, it is assumed that no symbol designating command is missing. However, when at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 2-1. The symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command is the symbol previously stopped and the ordinary symbol display area 281 is displayed.
0 may be displayed and the symbol data may be continuously output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 2-2, the CP
U1020 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command and the two symbol designation commands that are the number to be transmitted,
If no symbol stop command is received, it is determined that a command omission has occurred in the symbol stop command. Then, when the time specified by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, the symbol variation display in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 is stopped, and a signal indicating that the symbol stop command is missing is output to the tester.

On the other hand, when the variation designating command and the symbol designating command of less than two, which are the number to be transmitted, are received and the symbol stop command is not received, the symbol designating command and the symbol stop command are received. It is determined that a command missing has occurred, and when the time specified by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, the symbol variation display in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 is stopped, and the symbol that is originally displayed by the missing symbol designation command is replaced. The previously stopped symbol is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810, and a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester.

Therefore, in case 2-2, if the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are normally received, the symbol variation display is stopped even if the symbol stop command is missing, so that the data collection is hindered. There is no error signal output, and the tester can know that a command drop has occurred in the symbol stop command. Further, even if a part of the symbol designating command is not received, the previous stopped symbol is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810, so that there is no trouble in data collection, and a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester and the symbol designation is performed. The tester can recognize that a command missing has occurred in the command and the symbol stop command.

(Case 2-3) In this case, the first command, that is, the variation pattern designation command (and at least one of the symbol designation commands in some cases) is not received. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In this example, it is assumed that the variation pattern designation command is missing, and that all the symbol designation commands and the symbol stop command are not missing, as indicated by reference numeral c.

CPU 1020 first receives the left symbol designating command. At this time, it is determined that the variation pattern designation command to be received first is missing. At this point, the symbol variation display is started, the left symbol data designated by the received left symbol designation command is output to the tester, and the symbol display device error signal is output from the OFF level to the ON level to the tester ( FIG. 34 (i)). Since the variation pattern designation command is not received, the first digit symbol change signal, the second digit symbol change signal, and the symbol change signal remain at the OFF level (FIG. 34 (e) to (e)).
(G)).

Next, the right symbol designation command and the symbol stop command are sequentially received, and the variable display is stopped at the designated symbol.
The symbol confirmation signal is 5 when the symbol stop command is received.
0 (msec) or more (see FIG. 34)
(H)).

In FIG. 27, it is assumed that no symbol designating command is missing. However, if at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 2-1. The symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command may be displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 with "x" on the previous stopped symbol, and this symbol data may be output to the tester.

Therefore, in this case 2-3, the CP
When the symbol designating command is received first, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designating command. Then, when the symbol designating command is received, a stop display is performed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 and a symbol display device error signal indicating that a command missing of the variable pattern designating command has occurred is output to the tester. Even if a command is missing in the fluctuation pattern specification command, the stop display is performed and there is no problem in data collection, and a symbol display device error signal is output to test that the fluctuation pattern specification command has a missing command. Can be grasped with a container.

Although not assumed in FIG. 34, the CP
If U1020 further receives a symbol designating command that is less than two, which is the number to be transmitted, U1020 determines that a command missing has also occurred in the symbol designating command. Then, a symbol "X" is displayed in the normal symbol display area 2810 on the previous stopped symbol in place of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing symbol designating command, and a symbol display device error indicating that the symbol designating command missing has occurred. If the signal is output to the tester, in the case shown in FIG. 34, even if the symbol designating command is further lost, an “X” is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 on the previous stopped symbol, so that data collection is performed. There is no problem and the tester can grasp that the command designation command is missing.

(Case 2-4) In this case, if the variation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are not received, in other words, only the symbol stop command which is the third command is received. Is the case. Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
20 will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the fluctuation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are missing as indicated by reference numerals d, e, and f.

After first receiving the symbol stop command, the CPU 1020 determines that the fluctuation pattern designation command, the left symbol designation command, and the right symbol designation command are not received. In this case, the first digit symbol change signal, the second digit symbol change signal, and the symbol change signal are not turned on (FIGS. 35 (e) to (g)). Then, upon reception of the symbol designating command, "X" is displayed on the last stopped symbol for all symbols, and these symbol data are output to the tester (FIGS. 35 (j) to (k)). At the same time, the symbol display device error signal is changed from the OFF level to the ON level and output to the tester, and the symbol determination signal is set to the ON level for 50 (msec) or more.

Accordingly, in this case 2-4, the CP
When only the symbol stop command is received, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command. Then, when the symbol stop command is received, “X” is displayed in the normal symbol display area 2810 on the previous stop symbol in place of the symbol to be displayed by the missing symbol designation command, and the symbol display is performed. Since the device error signal is output to the tester, even if the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are missing, the previously stopped symbol is stopped and displayed without any trouble in data collection, and it fluctuates due to the output of the symbol display device error signal. The lack of the command of the pattern designation command and the design designation command can be grasped by the tester.

(Case 2-5) In this case, the first command, the fluctuation pattern designation command, and the third command, the symbol stop command (and in some cases, at least one of the symbol designation commands) are not received. Is the case. Referring to the timing chart of FIG.
The operation of U1020 will be described. In this example, the symbols h, i
As shown by, it is assumed that the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are missing and the symbol designation command is not missing.

First, the CPU 1020 receives the left symbol designating command. At this time, it is determined that the variation pattern designation command to be received first is missing. At this point, a symbol display device error signal is output to the tester (FIG. 36).
(I)). Next, since the right symbol designation command is received in order but the symbol stop command is not received, the symbol designated by each designated command is stopped and displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 after a lapse of a predetermined time after receiving the right symbol designation command. . In this case 2-5, since the variation pattern designation command is not received, the first digit symbol change signal, the second digit symbol change signal, the symbol change signal, and the symbol determination signal remain OFF level ( FIG. 36 (e)-
(H)).

In FIG. 36, it is assumed that the symbol designating command is not missing. However, if at least one symbol designating command is missing, as shown in case 2-1. The symbol corresponding to the missing symbol designation command is set as the previous stopped symbol, and the ordinary symbol display area 281 is used.
0 may be displayed as it is, and symbol data for changing the color of the background image may be output to the tester as a message for communication error notification.

Therefore, in this case 2-5, CP
If the symbol designating command is received first and then the symbol stop command is not received, U1020 determines that a command missing has occurred in the variation pattern designating command and the symbol stop command. Then, a symbol designated by the received symbol designation command is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810, and a symbol display device error signal indicating that a command missing has occurred since the symbol designation command was first received. Is output, the symbol is normally displayed in the symbol display area 2810 even if the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are missing, there is no trouble in data collection, and the variation pattern designation command is output by outputting the symbol display device error signal. In addition, the tester can grasp the lack of the symbol stop command.

Although not assumed in FIG. 36, the CP
If U1020 further receives a symbol designating command that is less than two, which is the number to be transmitted, U1020 determines that a command missing has also occurred in the symbol designating command. Then, the previously stopped symbol and the error notification display are displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 2810 instead of the symbol to be originally displayed by the missing symbol designating command, and a symbol display device error signal indicating that the symbol designating command is missing. 36 is output to the tester, in the case shown in FIG. 36, even if the symbol designating command is further lost, the last stop symbol is displayed, so that there is no trouble in data collection, and the command missing occurs in the symbol designating command. This can be understood with a tester.

Therefore, according to the above description of the embodiment, the main control unit 200 performs the first command group for performing the display control relating to the lottery as to whether or not to cause the specific game state, and the semi-specification. The CPU 1020 transmits a second command group for performing display control relating to a lottery as to whether or not to generate a gaming state, and the CPU 1020 stores the second command group in separate areas corresponding to both of the command groups. A signal indicating an operation state corresponding to the stored command group can be externally output. Therefore, it is possible to externally output a signal indicating the occurrence of a communication failure of a command group for controlling display of various lottery results.

Also, the CPU 1020 includes an error signal indicating that a command loss has occurred in the output signal and enables external output. Therefore, when an error occurs, a signal indicating this is output to the tester side. Can be.
Further, since the CPU 1020 further includes information indicating the lottery result in the signal to enable external output, the tester can grasp whether the command transmission operation is normal. In addition, since the information indicating the lottery result includes the information indicating the type of the determined symbol and the information indicating the display color of the determined symbol, the symbol type and the display color can be easily grasped on the tester side. become. Further, the CPU 1020
When an error is detected, an error signal is output immediately even when the symbol changes, so that the tester can quickly recognize the error and easily understand the cause of the error.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, when an error signal is output to an external tester, a function for notifying a warning sound or the like should be provided, and a signal indicating a symbol type and a symbol color can be output also on a special symbol side. And the like.

In the above description, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable not only to pachislot machines but also to other gaming machines.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to externally output a signal indicating occurrence of a communication failure of a command group for controlling display of various lottery results. The effect is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game board 10;

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a lottery result display device 100.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character ROM memory map and pallet data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of command transmission and reception.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a command stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 10 is a general flowchart for explaining a game control operation of the gaming machine.

FIG. 11 shows a CPU 102 of the lottery result display device 100.
7 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation of a zero.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a command.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a command transmission timing for symbol display.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining command transmission.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of command data for normal symbol display control.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing transmission timing of a command group for normal symbol display control.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol display control command group.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of transmission timing of each command.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of command transmission of a normal symbol display control command group.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a main part.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a command group storing operation.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a command group storing operation.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an operation outline.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a case where there is no command missing.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the 1-1 case.

FIG. 26 is a timing chart for explaining the operation in the 1-2 case;

FIG. 27 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the 1-3 case;

FIG. 28 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a 1-4 case;

FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining the operation in the 1-5 case;

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram summarizing the operation outline.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a case where there is no command missing.

FIG. 32 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the 2-1 case;

FIG. 33 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a 2-2 case;

FIG. 34 is a timing chart for explaining the operation in the 2-3 case;

FIG. 35 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a 2-4 case;

FIG. 36 is a timing chart for explaining the operation in the 2-5 case;

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an output signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Various lottery result display devices 102 Ordinary symbol operation gate 104 Special symbol start-up port 106 Special winning opening 110 Lamp display device 112 Lamp display device 114 Out port 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening / closing member 200 Main control unit 201 ROM 202 Command Data table area 203 RAM 210 Input port 213 Reset circuit 212 Power supply circuit 215 Output port 300 Starting port operating solenoid 302 Large winning opening operating solenoid 304 Special symbol starting switch 306 Ordinary symbol operating switch 308 Large winning opening switch 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM 1060 Image Processing LSI 1080 Video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 1140 Data receiving circuit 160 power supply circuit 1180 character ROM

Claims (5)

[Claims] In a gaming machine configured to perform various lotteries and display information related to the lottery, a main control unit that controls a game operation includes a display control related to a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a specific gaming state. And a second command group for performing a display control relating to a lottery of whether or not to generate a quasi-specific gaming state to the sub control unit. The sub-control means for controlling the operation of the display device includes: storage means for storing the first command group and the second command group in respective corresponding areas; and an operation state corresponding to the stored command group And an external output means capable of externally outputting a signal indicating the following. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the external output means is a means capable of externally outputting the signal so as to include an error signal indicating that a command missing has occurred. Machine 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the external output means is a means capable of external output so that the signal further includes information indicating a lottery result. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the information indicating the lottery result includes information indicating a type of the determined symbol and information indicating a display color of the determined symbol. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a transmission signal line of the first command group and a transmission signal line of the second command group are shared. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured as: