JP2008029400A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for performing a main game and a sub-game in combination, which can convert a sub-game control device for performing the sub-game into a Japanese-style pachinko machine. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, the sub-game control device 200 obtains 2-bit level signals as a first instruction signal and a second instruction signal, in which voltage is changed and each bit is transmitted through a different signal line, and detects level change of the level signals. Every time the sub-game control device 200 detects level change of the first instruction signal, one sub-game is performed and a first response signal is outputted. Every time the sub-game control device 200 detects level change of the second instruction signal, a second response signal is outputted. A main game control device 100 changes a level of the first instruction signal once so as to instruct to perform one sub-game. When the main game control device 100 confirms connection with the sub-game control device, the control device 100 instructs response of connection by the second instruction signal and obtains a second response signal for judging the connection. The first response signal and the second response signal are transmitted through a common signal line. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that places a secondary game in a playable state based on a result of a main game.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine in which a so-called Japanese-style pachinko machine is diverted to another use, for example, an amusement use is known. This gaming machine includes a ball game part as a first game part, and a second game part is provided so as to be integrated therewith via a housing. A game can be played in the second game unit only when a specific game state is established in the first game unit. That is, on the premise that a specific gaming state is established in the first gaming unit, games in both the first gaming unit and the second gaming unit are performed in association with each other in one flow. As a result, it is possible to enjoy complex gaming fun that cannot be enjoyed by either one of the game units alone (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-325556 A

  Such a gaming machine includes a second game control unit that controls the second game unit (see FIG. 8 of Patent Document 1). The second game control unit is connected to the first game control unit in a predetermined signal form, and is configured not to be driven unless it is a signal from the first game control unit (see FIG. 7 of Patent Document 1).

  Here, when diverting the second game unit to another game machine, for example, diverting to a pachinko machine, when the game ball is launched and the ball enters the predetermined winning opening, the variable display of the second game unit When the device fluctuates and stops in a specific combination, a pachinko machine in which the variable winning device is activated is configured.

  In this case, it is preferable that the second game control unit can also be diverted to a pachinko machine, but the second game control unit of Patent Document 1 does not have a function of detecting a winning game ball or a function of discharging the winning ball at the time of winning. . Therefore, in order to be used as a control device for a pachinko machine, it is necessary to newly provide a game ball detection function, a prize ball discharge function, and the like. That is, the second game control unit of Patent Document 1 is configured as a conventional control device dedicated to a gaming machine, and is not intended to divert the second gaming unit to a pachinko machine at all. For this reason, since the second game control device cannot be used in common during game machine development, development efficiency is low.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine that executes a main game and a sub-game in cooperation with each other, and can only use a slave game control device that executes the sub-game for a Japanese-style pachinko machine. Objective.

  According to a representative aspect of the present invention, a valuable value that is a value at which a game can be executed is received, a game consisting of a main game and a slave game is executed while consuming the received valuable value, and the result of the game is In a gaming machine that awards a prize based on the result of the main game controlled by the master game control device that controls the overall progression of the game and the execution of the master game, and the master game control device, A 2-bit level signal whose voltage changes from the master game control device to the slave game control device via a different signal line for each bit. The game control device individually acquires the 2-bit level signal output from the main game control device for each bit as a first command signal and a second command signal, and the first command signal and the second command signal Level signal acquisition means for detecting a level change of the command signal, slave game control means for performing control to execute the slave game once when the level signal acquisition means detects the level change of the first command signal; Each time the level signal acquisition means detects a level change of the first command signal, the first response signal output means outputs a first response signal to the main game control device, and the level signal acquisition means causes the first response signal output means to output the first response signal. 2 a second response signal output means for outputting a second response signal to the main game control device each time a level change of the command signal is detected, wherein the main game control device indicates that the result of the main game is Sub game execution command means for instructing the sub game control device to execute one sub game by changing the level of the first command signal once when a special result is obtained; When confirming the connection with the slave game control device, a connection response command means for commanding a response of connection to the slave game control device by changing the level of the second command signal; and the second response signal Connection determination means for acquiring a second response signal from the output means and determining that the connection with the slave game control device is established, wherein the first response signal and the second response signal are common It is a signal form that is transmitted using a signal line and that can be distinguished from each other.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the first command signal is a 1-bit level signal and has the same format as a signal used in a so-called Japanese-style pachinko machine. Can be diverted to the machine. That is, when the slave game control device and the game ball detection sensor used in the Japanese-style pachinko machine are connected so that the first command signal becomes the start winning signal, the game can be played on the Japanese-style pachinko machine by the winning signal. Therefore, the slave game control device can be used as it is for a Japanese-style pachinko machine. This makes it possible to develop a slave game control device that can be used in common with a game machine composed of a master game and a slave game and a Japanese-style pachinko machine, which is economical.

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

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

  The gaming machine 1 includes a hinge on the left side, and a front panel 3 that can be opened and closed in a single-opening manner with the hinge as an axis. A rectangular main opening 32 that is horizontally long is formed slightly above the center of the front panel 3 of the front panel 3. A sub-opening 33 that is laterally long and smaller than the main opening 32 is formed below the main opening 32. Below the sub opening 33, a bill accepting machine 2 and a prize dispenser 4 are provided.

  On the back side of the front panel 3, a main light source unit (not shown) having substantially the same shape and area as the main opening 32 and a sub light source unit (not shown) having substantially the same shape and area as the sub opening 33 are provided. Is placed.

  On the front surface of the main light source unit, a main LCD 5a for displaying a game image of the main game and a transmission plate 6a made of glass or transparent resin for protecting the main LCD 5a are arranged. The main light source unit includes a backlight (light source) (not shown) that irradiates the main LCD 5a from the back side.

  Similarly, on the front surface of the sub light source unit, a sub LCD 5b exemplified as a display unit for displaying a sub game variable display image and the like, and a transmission plate 6b made of glass or transparent resin for protecting the sub LCD 5b are arranged. The The sub light source unit includes a backlight (light source) (not shown) that irradiates the sub LCD 5b from the back side.

  The gaming machine 1 changes the displayed symbol (identification information) on each display screen (variable display), stops the change of the displayed symbol (stops display), produces a variable display game, etc. Is displayed.

  A display screen (window) like the main screen 51 is provided on the display screen displayed by the main LCD 5a, and an effect of the main game that is started by the operation of the game start button 24 by the player on the main screen 51 is displayed. Is done. The main game is a game that gives an opportunity to start a sub-game to be described later. By limiting the number of executions per unit time of the main game, the consumption of valuable value can be controlled.

  On the main screen 51, a target second character 55 at the upper left of the main screen 51 and a first character 53 of a cannonball flying aiming at the target second character 55, which are images related to the main game, are displayed. .

  Further, the display screen displayed by the sub LCD 5 b is provided with a display screen (window) such as the sub screen 71, and the sub game is executed on the sub screen 71. The sub screen 71 is an image related to the sub game, and a variable display area 73 (eg, “7”, “7”, “7”, etc.) including three symbols is displayed.

  Above the main opening 32, a decoration unit 8 is provided for displaying effects and information related to the variable display game. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, a pilot lamp (not shown) provided in the decoration unit 8 is turned on and a message to that effect is displayed. The decoration unit 8 is controlled by the main game control device 100 (see FIG. 2), and the display content changes.

  A decorative light emitting device (not shown) made up of a lamp, an LED, or the like is provided at a key point of the front panel 3. The decorative light emitting device emits light corresponding to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 when a big hit state or abnormality occurs.

  A speaker (sound output device) (not shown) is provided above the decoration portion 8. The speaker is controlled by the sub display control device 250 (see FIG. 2) and outputs a sound effect in the big hit state to improve the fun of the game.

  The banknote accepting machine 2 includes a slot 21, a game start button 24, and a banknote determination device (not shown). The bill accepting machine 2 is a device that accepts a bill inserted by the player into the insertion slot 21.

  The insertion slot 21 receives bills inserted by the player. When the banknote accepting machine 2 accepts the banknote, a banknote acceptance signal is transmitted to the main game control device 100 via the I / O port 110.

  The game start button 24 is a button for instructing the start of the game when operated by the player. When the game start switch 24A, which is an operation detection means, detects the operation of the game start button 24 by the player, a detection signal is output from the game start switch 24A.

  A banknote determination apparatus is an apparatus which determines the authenticity and money amount of a banknote.

  The prize payer 4 includes a payout exit 41 for paying a prize to a player. The prize dispenser 4 is an apparatus that dispenses prizes to the player according to the game result. When the payout machine 4 detects a payout command signal output from the main game control device 100, the payout machine 4 pays out a predetermined prize (for example, a gift certificate) stored in the prize hangar from the payout exit 41. A prize is paid out when a specific prize (specific valuable value) is obtained or when a given prize reaches a predetermined amount.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main part of the control system centering on the main game control device 100, the main LCD control device 150, the sub game control device 200, and the sub display control device 250 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  The control system of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main game control device 100, a main LCD control device 150, a sub game control device 200, and a sub display control device 250.

  The main game control device 100 controls the overall progress of the game (a process of accepting banknotes by the banknote accepting machine 2, a process of converting inserted banknotes into the number of credits, a process of digesting the number of credits and executing a main game, CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, communication port 114, and I / O are control devices that perform processing for transmitting game results to the sub game control device 200, processing for paying out prizes by the prize dispenser 4 according to the results of the sub games, etc. A port 110 is provided. The main game control device 100 functions as a main game control device.

  The CPU 111 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the game control of the main game and the control of the entire gaming machine. The ROM 112 is a memory that stores invariant information for game control of the main game and control of the entire gaming machine. The RAM 113 is a memory that stores a program and control data for executing control processing and is used as a work area during control. The communication port 114 and the I / O port 110 are input / output ports for the main game control apparatus 100 to transmit / receive signals to / from other devices.

  These CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, communication port 114, and I / O port 110 are connected by a bus. The bus is configured by an address bus and a data bus used by the CPU 111 for reading and writing data.

  The CPU 111 includes a calculation unit and performs various calculation processes for game control. The ROM 112 stores a program for executing control processing and control data (for example, a determination value for lottery).

  The RAM 113 stores a lottery random number storage area generated by the CPU 111, and other various data (for example, the number of credits accepted by the gaming machine 1 when the player inserts banknotes, the prize (specific value) obtained by the player, etc.) ) And a work area in which data necessary for the operation of the CPU 111 is temporarily stored.

  Also, a start signal monitoring counter, a count signal monitoring counter, and a general-purpose signal monitoring counter are allocated to the RAM 113. The start signal monitoring counter is a counter indicating a difference between the number of times of transmission of the start signal to the sub game control device 200 and the number of times of reception of the response signal (response signal corresponding to the start signal) from the sub game control device 200. . The count signal monitoring counter is a counter indicating a difference between the number of transmissions of the count signal to the sub game control apparatus 200 and the number of receptions of the response signal (response signal corresponding to the count signal) from the sub game control apparatus 200. . The general-purpose signal monitoring counter is a counter indicating a difference between the number of times of transmission of the general-purpose signal to the sub game control device 200 and the number of times of reception of the response signal (response signal corresponding to the general-purpose signal) from the sub-game control device 200. .

  The I / O port 110 includes a low-pass filter and a buffer gate, and functions as an input / output interface from the game start switch 24 </ b> A, the bill accepting machine 2, and the prize dispenser 4. In addition, the I / O port 110 transmits and receives various signals such as a start signal, a count signal, a general-purpose signal, a response signal to these signals, and a special prize signal with the sub game control device 200 via the relay board 300. Functions as an input / output interface. The I / O port 110 is connected to the relay 81.

  In the relay 81, the power supply circuit 80 operates supply to the sub game control device 200 based on an instruction from the main game control device 100 via the I / O port 110.

  The communication port 114 is connected to the main LCD control device 150. The communication port 114 transmits a main display control command signal regarding display of the main game from the CPU 111 to the main LCD control device 150 and receives a response signal.

  The main game control device 100 is connected to the game start switch 24 </ b> A, the bill accepting machine 2, and the prize dispenser 4 via the I / O port 110. The game start switch 24A is a switch that detects that the game start button 24 has been operated.

  From the main game control device 100 to the main LCD control device 150, the CPU 111 and the communication port 114, as a main display control command signal, a main game effect pattern command for designating the effect pattern of the main game, and display of the standby screen in the customer waiting state Demo display command for instructing, main game result command for instructing the result mode of the main game, jackpot command for instructing display during jackpot, credit number display command for instructing display of remaining value of received value, award awarded An award display command for instructing the display of the amount of payment, a settlement display command for instructing the display of the settlement state, an error command for instructing display of the error contents in error, a recovery method from the error, and the like are transmitted.

  The sub game control device 200 is a control device for controlling a sub game, and includes a game microcomputer 201, an input interface 202, an output interface 203, and an external communication terminal 204. The sub game control device 200 functions as a slave game control device.

  The gaming microcomputer 201 includes a CPU that controls the game control of the subgame, a ROM that stores invariant information for the game control of the subgame, and a RAM that is used as a work area during the game control of the subgame. Further, the gaming microcomputer 201 is a one-chip microcomputer in which a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM are housed in one IC package.

  An identification number uniquely set in the gaming microcomputer 201 can be output from the external communication terminal 204, and an inspection device or a management computer (so-called hall control) is connected to the external communication terminal 204. be able to.

  The inspection apparatus can detect an illegal act such as replacement or modification of the gaming microcomputer 201 based on the identification number of the gaming microcomputer 201. The management computer can identify the gaming machine by the identification number of the gaming microcomputer 201.

  The gaming microcomputer 201 receives a start signal and a count signal via the input interface 202 and performs various processes such as a big hit lottery.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 201 transmits a display control command signal according to the sub display control device 250 via the output interface 203 to cause the sub display control device 250 to generate a display image related to the sub game.

  Receiving the start signal, the sub game control device 200 extracts the sub-game random number counter value at the timing of receiving the start signal. The extracted random number counter value is stored in the sub game start storage area in the sub game control device 200 with a predetermined number (for example, 4) as an upper limit. The sub game control device 200 executes the sub game based on the random number counter value.

  Also, if the result of the sub game is to generate a special prize, the sub game control apparatus 200 changes the gaming state to the special prize state (big hit state), and the main game control apparatus 110 is awarded a special prize via the output interface 203. In addition to outputting a signal, a sub display control command signal for causing the sub display control device 250 to start displaying the big hit effect of the sub game is output.

  Further, the sub game control device 200 detects either a predetermined number of count signals transmitted from the main game control device 100 (for example, 15 × 9 = 135) or a predetermined time elapses. ) Is completed, the special prize state is terminated, the output of the special prize signal to the main game control device 100 is stopped, and the sub display control command signal for causing the sub display control device 250 to end the display of the big hit effect of the sub game is issued. Output. Here, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, the sub game control apparatus 200 detects the level change of the count signal.

  Specifically, when the sub game control device 200 receives the start signal, the sub LCD 5b starts a sub game (variable display game) in which the symbol displayed on the sub screen 71 changes, and an image related to the sub game is displayed. The

  When the start signal is received at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the sub game random number counter value extracted at the start signal reception timing is a winning value), the sub game has a predetermined symbol combination ( For example, the game stops when three symbols displayed on the sub-screen 71 are aligned, that is, a jackpot symbol), and the result of the subgame is a jackpot.

  Further, the game microcomputer 201 transmits a special prize signal to the main game control device 100 via the relay board 300 to notify the main game control device 100 of the big hit of the sub game.

  When the main game control device 100 receives the special prize signal transmitted from the sub game control device 200, the main game control device 100 outputs a prize payout signal to the prize payout device 4. That is, a predetermined prize is given to the player by the big hit of the sub game (see step S304 in FIG. 5).

  From the sub game control device 200 to the sub display control device 250, the game microcomputer 201 and the output interface 203 are used to change the display control command signal as a change pattern command, a symbol command, a symbol stop command, a start memory display command, and a demonstration display command. A jackpot command, an error command, etc. are transmitted. Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the probability variation state, the variation time shortening state or the like is transmitted.

  Communication from the sub game control device 200 to the sub display control device 250 is a unidirectional connection, and a response from the sub display control device 250 to the sub game control device 200 is not communicated. This is to eliminate illegal signal input to the sub game control device 200.

  The sub display control device 250 functions as display control means together with the main game control device 100, the main LCD control device 150, and the sub game control device 200, and specifically controls the generation of the display image of the sub game and the display of the sub LCD 5b. To do. The sub display control device 250 includes a gaming microcomputer 251, an input interface 252, an output interface 253, a GDP (Graphic Display Processor) 256, and an image ROM 257.

  The gaming microcomputer 251 includes a CPU that controls display control of the subgame, invariant information for display control of the subgame (for example, control data for the image data (display control sequence data corresponding to the change display command, etc. A ROM that stores model-dependent data))) for which data is specified for each model and a RAM provided with a work area for display control of the subgame are provided. Further, the gaming microcomputer 251 is a one-chip microcomputer in which a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM are housed in one IC package.

  The image ROM 257 is a memory that stores image data (symbol data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.).

  The CPU provided in the gaming microcomputer 251 is an arithmetic processing unit for display control. The CPU executes the program stored in the ROM included in the gaming microcomputer 251 and thereby executes image control information for the variable display game according to the gaming state based on the signal transmitted from the sub gaming control device 200. (Symbol display information composed of sprite data, polygon data, etc., background screen information, video object screen information, etc.) is calculated. Then, the CPU instructs the GDP 256 to generate an image signal to be displayed on the sub LCD 5b.

  The GDP 256 draws an image (polygon image or normal bitmap image) based on the image data stored in the image ROM 257 and the contents calculated by the game microcomputer 251. For example, when a polygon image is drawn, the polygon image is drawn and a predetermined texture is pasted on each polygon and stored in a frame buffer included in the GDP 256. The frame buffer temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the sub LCD 5b.

  The GDP 256 also performs drawing processing such as point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, texture mapping, alpha blending, shading processing (such as glow shading), and hidden surface removal (such as Z buffer processing). The image signal subjected to these drawing processes is stored in a frame buffer provided in the GDP 256.

  Then, the GDP 256 transmits the image stored in the frame buffer to the sub LCD 5b through the output interface 253 at a predetermined timing (timing based on the vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC and the horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC).

  Here, a plurality of frame buffers are set, and the GDP 256 can be superimposed on an arbitrary image and output.

  An oscillator (not shown) that supplies a clock signal is connected to the GDP 256. The clock signal generated by the oscillator defines the operating period of the GDP 256. Also, a vertical synchronization signal (V_SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H_SYNC) are generated based on the clock signal output from the oscillator, and are output as timing signals to the sub LCD 5b via the output interface 253.

  The output interface 253 converts the image related to the sub game generated by the sub display control device 250 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the sub LCD 5b.

  The sub display control device 250 is connected to an LED and a lamp (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 1. The sub display control device 250 controls these LEDs and lamps to perform decoration according to the gaming state of the sub game.

  The sub display control device 250 is connected to a speaker that outputs sound effects based on a control signal transmitted from the sub display control device 250.

  The main LCD control device 150 functions as a display control device together with the main game control device 100, the sub game control device 200, and the sub display control device 250, and is connected to the main LCD 5a. Specifically, the main LCD control device 150 controls generation of a display image of the main game and display of the main LCD 5a.

  The main LCD control device 150 is connected to the main game control device 100 and receives a control signal from the main game control device 100. The connection is a unidirectional connection from the main game control device 100 to the main LCD control device 150.

  The main LCD control device 150 has the same configuration as the sub display control device 250. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the main LCD control device 150 is omitted.

  The relay board 300 relays transmission and reception of signals between the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200.

  Specifically, the relay board 300 has various information related to the execution of the subgame game and the image display in the gaming machine 1, for example, a start signal for instructing the execution start of the subgame, a count signal for proceeding the display display of the subgame, General-purpose signals used for other communications, response signals output by the sub game control device 200 in response to signals from these main game control devices 100, commands that a big game has been won as a result of the internal lottery in the sub game Relaying signals for transmitting / receiving special prize signals, video signals for displaying display images of subgames, and the like. Note that the relay substrate 300 may be provided with a photocoupler that removes noise from each signal and shapes the waveform of the signal.

  A power supply device (not shown) of the gaming machine includes a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to the power supply circuit 80. When detecting the voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure monitoring circuit sequentially outputs a power failure detection signal and a reset signal to the main game control device 100, the sub game control device 200, and the like.

  When the main game control device 100 or the like receives a power failure detection signal, the main game control device 100 or the like performs a predetermined power failure process, and when receiving a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU. The backup power supply unit supplies backup power to the RAM of the main game control device 100 and the like, so that the number of credits, specific value and game data (game state information indicating a game state such as jackpot, start signal, special prize signal and count signal) Etc.), etc.

  The power supply circuit 80 uses the AC power received by the gaming machine 1 via the external terminal (not shown) from the power supply provided in the game store for the operation of each control device (the main game control device 100, the sub game control device 200, etc.). It is converted into a DC power source of necessary voltage (12V, 18V, etc.) and supplied to each control device 100, 200, etc. Although details will be described with reference to FIG. 3, when the gaming machine 1 is activated, first, the main game control device 100 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 80, and after the main game control device 100 is activated, the main game control device 100. With this instruction, the relay 81 is turned on, and the power from the power supply circuit 80 is supplied to the sub game control apparatus 200.

  In the present embodiment, the main game control device 100 and the main LCD control device 150 are connected via the communication port 114 and a communication port provided in the main LCD control device 150 (not shown). The communication port 114 and the main LCD control device 150 may be directly connected by a bus without using the communication port. In this case, the bus is constituted by an address bus and a data bus used for reading and writing data.

  In the present embodiment, since the main LCD control device 150 is provided separately from the main game control device 100 and the sub display control device 250, the sub LCD has a function of determining the result of the sub game (secondary game). Since the game control device 200 can be separated from the main game control device 100 that determines the result of the main game (main game), the processing load on the main game control device 100 can be reduced.

  Here, the operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  When a player inserts a banknote into the insertion slot 21, the banknote determination device provided in communication with the insertion slot 21 determines the authenticity and amount of the banknote, and the inserted banknote is a regular banknote. Will accept this bill. When the banknote accepting machine 2 accepts the banknote, a banknote acceptance signal is transmitted to the main game control device 100 via the I / O port 110.

  When the CPU 111 receives a bill acceptance signal transmitted from the bill acceptor 2, the CPU 111 adds the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the accepted bill to the RAM 113. In addition, the CPU 111 outputs a display control signal for adding the display of the balance of the number of credits displayed on the main LCD 5 a to the main LCD control device 150.

  The banknote accepted by the banknote accepting machine 2 is stored in a banknote storage (not shown). Further, the current credit amount is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, upper left) of the main screen 51. A balance display unit composed of a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal display may be provided, and the current credit number may be displayed on the balance display unit.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 provides a game by accepting a bill, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to a coin, a valuable medium such as a predetermined coin or medal that is given a value capable of executing the game, or a prepaid card. The game may be provided based on the recorded valuable data having a value capable of executing the game.

  In short, it is only necessary to play a game based on a value corresponding to money (valuable value). In the present embodiment, the number of credits displayed on the main LCD 5a is treated as a valuable value, and the game is performed while consuming the number of credits.

  Incidentally, a prepaid card is a card on which valuable data is recorded using magnetism, IC (integrated circuit) or the like. In this case, a card unit that communicates with the insertion slot 21 and reads / writes information stored in a prepaid card or the like is provided. The gaming machine 1 reads valuable data stored in the prepaid card by the card unit and executes the game.

  Further, a game may be provided by using an ID card having a uniquely defined ID number and a server that manages valuable data. In this case, the ID data of the ID card possessed by the player is associated with the valuable data managed by the server to identify the valuable data of the ID card possessed by the player. The gaming machine 1 uses the card unit to read the ID number of the ID card inserted into the gaming machine 1 by the player, reads valuable data stored in the server corresponding to the ID number, and executes the game.

  By operating the game start button 24, the player can execute a game while consuming a predetermined number of credits (for example, one credit) corresponding to one game. When the number of remaining credits is less than a predetermined unit, the player cannot execute the game.

  Then, when the game start switch 24A detects the operation of the game start button 24 by the player, a detection signal is output. When the CPU 111 receives the detection signal for detecting the operation of the game start button 24 output from the game start switch 24A via the I / O port 110, the CPU 111 subtracts the credit stored in the RAM 113 by a number corresponding to one game. Run the main game. Further, the CPU 111 outputs a display control signal for instructing subtraction of the display of the balance of the credit amount displayed on the main LCD 5 a to the main LCD control device 150.

  In the main game, as shown in FIG. 1, a first character 53 simulating a bullet of a cannon displayed on the upper right portion of the display screen on the main screen 51 is the first simulating a target displayed on the upper left portion of the display screen. A state of flying toward the second character 55 is displayed. A game in which whether or not the first character 53 hits the second character 55 is determined by lottery is executed as the main game. When the first character 53 hits the second character 55, the sub game is executed on the sub screen 71.

  Further, when the player operates the game start button 24 and the execution of the main game is started, the CPU 111 determines whether the game is a success or a game failure, that is, the first character 53 of the cannon bullet is the target second character 55. A random number for lottery that determines whether or not to hit is generated. Then, the CPU 111 extracts the generated random number, compares the extracted random value with the winning value, and performs a lottery to determine whether the random value is the winning value of the main game. It should be noted that most of the random number values used for the main game lottery are constituted by winning values, and outliers may be extracted with a low probability (for example, 1/20).

  Instead of generating internal lottery random numbers by software processing executed by the CPU 111, a random number generator for generating random numbers is provided in the main game control device 100, and lottery random numbers output from the random number generator are used. You may draw lots.

  Based on the result of the lottery, the CPU 111 controls the execution of the main game displayed on the main screen 51.

  When the result of the main game is a game success, a start signal instructing the start of the sub game is transmitted from the I / O port 110 to the sub game control device 200 via the relay board 300.

  When the result of the main game is a game success, a main display control command signal for instructing an image for producing the main game for displaying an image corresponding to the game success on the main LCD 5a is displayed on the main LCD control device 150. Via the communication port 114. On the other hand, when the result of the main game is a game failure, a main display control command signal for instructing an image for producing the main game for displaying an image corresponding to the game failure on the main LCD 5a is sent to the main LCD control device 150. Sent.

  The main LCD 5a displays an image corresponding to the result of the main game lottery based on the main display control command signal.

  When the sub game control device 200 receives the start signal transmitted from the main game control device 100, the sub game control device 200 executes the sub game.

  In the sub game, as shown in FIG. 1, an effect of the sub game executed according to the result of the main game is displayed on the sub screen 71. The sub game is a game for determining whether to give a prize to a player.

  The display areas provided on the left, middle, and right of the variable display area 73 displayed in the sub screen 71 of the sub LCD 5b include symbols (for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and “A”. , The display of 12 types of symbols (“B”) is changed, and a variable display game as a sub game is played.

  Then, the gaming machine 1 determines that the main game win is detected by the sub game control device 200 (described later) when the start of the sub game due to the success of the main game is determined at a predetermined timing. When the sub-game random number counter value extracted at times is a winning value), the sub-game has a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, three symbols displayed in the variable display area 73 of the sub-screen 71 are aligned) That is, the game is stopped at the jackpot symbol), and the result of the sub game is a jackpot state.

  Then, the sub game control device 200 receives a special signal from the output interface 203 of the sub game control device 200 toward the I / O port 110 of the main game control device 100 through the relay board 300 during the special prize period. Send.

  When the main game control device 100 receives the special prize signal, it outputs a payout command signal. Further, the result of the sub game is output from the main game control device 100 to the main LCD control device 150 via the communication port 114 based on the special prize signal.

  Thereafter, the sub game control device 200 ends the sub-game big hit state and stops outputting the special prize signal.

  In addition, on the sub screen 71, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, a big hit display which is a display for notifying that the result of the sub game is a big hit, a fanfare display or a sub game which is a display for producing a big hit of the sub game) Ending display or the like indicating that the big hit effect is finished and the next sub game is displayed is displayed.

  When the result of the sub game is a big hit state, a prize is awarded to the player. Specifically, prizes such as gift certificates stored in the prize storage are automatically paid out from the payout exit 41 by the prize dispenser 4 that has received the payout command signal from the main game control device 100.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is configured to automatically pay out a prize based on the big hit of the subgame. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a prize payout button (not shown) and a prize payout machine 4 are provided. A prize payout switch (not shown) connected to the prize payout button is provided, and the player waits for detection of a detection signal output from the prize payout switch to detect the operation of the prize payout button. The prize stored in the prize hangar may be paid out from the payout exit according to the acquired specific value.

  In this case, the prize dispenser 4 transmits a prize dispense signal to the main game control apparatus 100 via the I / O port 110, and the CPU 111 receives the prize dispense signal transmitted from the prize dispenser 4 in the RAM 113. A specific valuable value storage area may be provided, and the number of specific valuable values corresponding to the paid out prize may be subtracted from the specific valuable value stored in the specific valuable value storage area. Further, the CPU 111 may output a display control signal for subtracting the display of the balance of the specific value displayed on the main LCD 5 a to the main LCD control device 150.

  In this case, the current specific value may be displayed at a predetermined position (for example, upper right) of the main screen 51. In addition to the main LCD 5a, a balance display unit including a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal display may be provided, and the current specific value may be displayed on the balance display unit.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the main game control process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This main game control process is executed by the CPU 111 provided in the main game control device 100.

When the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 111 first clears the RAM 113, prohibits timer interruption, and executes an initialization process that sets initial values for various control parameters (S101). At this time, the start signal monitoring counter, the count signal monitoring counter, and the general-purpose signal monitoring counter assigned to the RAM 113 are initialized to zero.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102. The reason why the timer interruption is prohibited is that the main game control timer interruption described in FIG. 4 is not executed until the connection confirmation at the time of activation is completed.

  Next, the CPU 111 turns on the relay 81 (S102). As a result, the power from the power supply circuit 80 is supplied to the sub game control device 200. Then, the sub game control device 200 is activated.

  Next, the CPU 111 waits for the elapse of a predetermined time required for starting the sub game control device 200 after power is supplied to the sub game control device 200 (S103). A signal is output (S104). At this time, simultaneously with the output of the signal, 0 is set in the connection confirmation timer used for connection confirmation.

  Next, CPU111 determines whether the response signal (refer FIG. 9) which the sub game control apparatus 200 output with respect to the general purpose signal used for connection confirmation was received (S105). By receiving the response signal, it is confirmed that the signal lines of the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200 are connected. If a response signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the response signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S106.

  Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the connection confirmation timer has timed out (for example, one second has elapsed from the output of the general-purpose signal) (S106). If the connection confirmation timer has not expired, the CPU 111 updates the connection confirmation timer and returns the process to step S105 because the response signal waiting time for the general-purpose signal output in S104 has not elapsed. On the other hand, if the connection confirmation timer has timed out, it is determined that the waiting time of the response signal for the general-purpose signal has expired, and the process proceeds to step S107.

  Next, the CPU 111 counts the number of times that the response signal of the general-purpose signal output in step S104 has not been received, that is, the number of times that the connection confirmation has failed, and the number of times that the connection confirmation has failed is a predetermined number (for example, 3 times). It is determined whether or not (S107). If the number of failed connection confirmations is less than the predetermined number, the process returns to step S104 to confirm the connection again. On the other hand, if the number of failed connection confirmations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, a connection abnormality is notified (S119), and the main game control process is terminated.

  In this abnormality notification, the CPU 111 displays a message notifying the connection abnormality with the sub-game control device 200 at the time of activation on the main LCD 5a, and notifies the connection abnormality to the game clerk and the like, and then the gaming machine 1 is displayed. Stop. Instead of this message or together with the message, a warning sound may be emitted and notified. Further, by outputting a signal for notifying the connection abnormality to an external device such as a management device connected to the gaming machine 1, the connection abnormality may be notified to a store clerk or the like of the game hall via the external device. In addition, the CPU 111 may attempt to restart the game machine 1 with a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) as an upper limit without stopping the gaming machine 1.

  In step S108, since the connection confirmation has succeeded, the prohibition of the timer interrupt made in step S101 is canceled in order to start the normal operation of the gaming machine 1. Note that the general-purpose signal monitoring counter initialized in step S101 remains zero until it reaches step S108.

  In this way, first, the main game control device 100 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 80, and the main game control device 100 is activated. Thereafter, the relay 81 is turned on by a command from the main game control device 100, the power from the power supply circuit 80 is supplied to the sub game control device 200, and the sub game control device 100 is activated.

  As a result, the game control can be started after matching the activation timings when the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200 are turned on, so that the malfunction of the game machine 1 can be prevented. Can be stable.

  Next, in step S109, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a game start operation of the game start button 24 by the player is being performed. If the game start operation is not being performed, the CPU 111 repeats the process of step S109. On the other hand, if the game start operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step S110.

  Here, whether or not the game start operation is being performed is determined by whether or not the game start switch 24A detects the operation of the game start button 24 by the player.

  Next, in step S110, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 113 is greater than zero. When the balance of the number of credits is 0 or less, the CPU 111 returns the process to step S109. On the other hand, if the balance of credits is greater than 0, the CPU 111 subtracts a predetermined unit necessary for executing one game from the balance of credits (S111), and proceeds to step S112.

  Next, the CPU 111 extracts a random value from the main game random number counter (S112). In the main game start memory, random numbers are extracted from the game random number counter and stored when the game start switch 24A detects the operation of the game start button 24 by the player.

  Then, the CPU 111 determines whether the main game is successful or unsuccessful depending on whether the value of the game random number (the random value of the extracted main game random number counter value) is a winning value (S113). When the main game random number counter value is a winning value, the CPU 111 stores main game winning information in the RAM 113. Based on the main game winning information, a start signal is output from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200 in step S116 described later.

  Thereafter, the CPU 111 executes image display output processing for effect display of the main game on the main LCD 5a (S114). Specifically, the CPU 111 confirms the presence / absence of main game winning information stored in the RAM 113, and the result of the main game prepared in advance in the image ROM (not shown) included in the main LCD control device 150 (game success). Or, an effect pattern corresponding to the game failure) is selected. Thereafter, CPU 111 transmits a control signal edited corresponding to the selected effect pattern to main LCD control device 150.

  Next, if the determined result of the main game is not successful (game success), the process proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if the determined result of the main game is a win (game success), the CPU 111 outputs a start signal (S116), adds 1 to the start signal monitoring counter (S117), and step S118. Proceed with the process. Note that the sub game control device 200 executes the sub game based on the output start signal.

  In step S118, the CPU 111 executes a game interval adjustment process. In this game interval adjustment process, the CPU 111 sets a predetermined time limit (for example, 4 seconds), updates the time limit timer, and determines whether or not the time limit timer is up.

  The game interval adjustment process is provided to limit the number of games executed within a predetermined time. If the time limit timer has expired, the CPU 111 sets the time limit timer again and then returns the process to step S109. On the other hand, if the time limit timer has not expired, the CPU 111 repeats the process of step S118. Thereby, the execution of the main game is not started until the time limit timer expires.

  For example, when the set time is set to 4 seconds, there will be 4 seconds or more from a lottery of a main game to a lottery of the next main game. Thereby, the number of executions of the main game can be limited to, for example, 15 times or less per minute.

  Therefore, an interval of a certain time or more is ensured from the start of execution of a certain main game to the start of execution of the next main game, and the number of main game executions per unit time is limited. Thereby, it is possible to limit the amount of money consumed by the player around a certain time to a certain amount or less.

  Note that the number of execution times of the main game per unit time by the time limit timer may be limited at other timings.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main game control timer interrupt process according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the main game control timer interrupt process, when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined time period (for example, every 1 millisecond) by the CPU 111 provided in the main game control apparatus 100, the main game control timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. .

  First, the CPU 111 performs a process of updating the game random number counter (S201).

  Next, CPU111 determines whether insertion of the banknote by the player was detected (S202). If it is not detected that the bill has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when the insertion of a banknote is detected, the authenticity and amount of the inserted banknote are determined, and when the banknote is authentic, a credit (valuable for executing a game) according to the amount of the inserted banknote (Value) is added and stored in the RAM 113 (S203), and the process proceeds to step S204.

  Next, the CPU 111 checks the monitoring counter to determine whether there is a monitoring counter that is not 0 (S204). Here, as described above, the monitoring counter is a counter for monitoring the response signal of the start signal, the general-purpose signal, and the count signal. The monitoring counter is provided with monitoring counters corresponding to the start signal, the general-purpose signal, and the counter signal (start signal monitoring counter, general-purpose signal monitoring counter, and counter monitoring counter). If there is a non-zero monitoring counter, there is a possibility of receiving a response signal, so the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if all the monitoring counters are 0, there is no possibility of receiving a response signal, so the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S205, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a response signal (see FIG. 9) from the sub game control apparatus 200 has been received. There are three types of response signals: response signals for start signals, response signals for count signals, and response signals for general-purpose signals. If no response signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if any response signal is received, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S206, the CPU 111 updates the monitoring timer. Thereafter, the CPU 111 advances the process to step S207. Here, the monitoring timer is a timer that measures an elapsed time after the main game control device 100 outputs the confirmation signal.

  Next, in step S207, the CPU 111 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, that is, whether the monitoring timer has expired.

  If the monitoring timer has not expired, the CPU 111 advances the process to step S211. On the other hand, when the monitoring timer expires, the CPU 111 executes abnormality handling processing (S208), and proceeds to step S211. As a result, after the monitoring timer times out due to no response signal being received for a certain period of time, an abnormality handling process is executed.

  In this abnormality handling process, the CPU 111 displays a message notifying the connection abnormality with the sub game control device 200 at the time of activation on the main LCD 5a, and notifies the connection abnormality to a game clerk or the like. Instead of this message or together with the message, a warning sound may be emitted and notified. Further, by outputting a signal for notifying the connection abnormality to an external device such as a management device connected to the gaming machine 1, the connection abnormality may be notified to a store clerk or the like of the game hall via the external device.

  In step S209, since the CPU 111 has received any response signal, the CPU 111 sets 0 to the monitoring timer. Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of the monitoring counter corresponding to the received response signal (for example, the monitoring counter for the general-purpose signal when a response signal for the general-purpose signal is received) (S210), and the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 111 updates the periodic timer. Then, the process proceeds to step S212. Here, the periodic timer is a timer that checks the passage of a certain time (for example, 1 second).

  In step S211, the CPU 111 determines whether it is a connection confirmation timing (for example, every second) by using a periodic timer. If it is not the timing for confirming the connection, the CPU 111 ends the main game control timer interrupt process and returns to the main game control process (FIG. 3). On the other hand, if it is the timing of the connection confirmation, the CPU 111 outputs a general-purpose signal to confirm the connection (S213), and adds 1 to the connection check target monitoring counter (the general-purpose signal monitoring counter) (S214). The main game control timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main game control process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main game control special prize interrupt process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This main game control timer interrupt process is executed by generating an interrupt when the main game control device 100 detects a special prize signal output from the sub game control device 200 by the CPU 111 provided in the main game control device 100. The

  First, the CPU 111 outputs a count signal once to the sub game control device 200 (S301), adds 1 to the monitor counter of the count signal (S302), and detects a special prize signal from the sub game control device 200. It is determined whether or not (S303). When the special prize signal is detected, the CPU 111 returns the process to step S301. On the other hand, if the special prize signal is no longer detected, the CPU 111 advances the process to step S304.

  In step S304, the CPU 111 pays out a predetermined prize (for example, a gift certificate) from the payout port 41 within the range of the awarded prize after giving a specific prize based on the big hit of the sub game.

  Here, the count signal output in step S301 is determined from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200 in order to determine whether or not the main game control device 100 or the sub game control device 200 has been illegally exchanged. Is a signal output toward the. When the number of detected count signals reaches a predetermined number, the sub game control device 200 ends the sub game jackpot display.

  Also, the main game control device 100 can know that the sub-game big hit effect by the sub game control device 200 has ended because the special signal is no longer detected. Accordingly, if the special prize signal is no longer detected in step S303, the CPU 111 determines that the sub-game big hit effect has ended, and executes the payout of the prize in step S304. Thereafter, the main game control special prize interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main game control process (FIG. 3).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main process of the game control of the sub game according to the embodiment of the present invention. The main process of the game control of the sub game is executed by the game microcomputer 201 of the sub game control apparatus 200.

  When the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming microcomputer 201 executes, for example, initialization processing for setting initial values for various control parameters (S501), and sets the sub gaming control device 200 to an initial state. To do. Subsequently, random number update processing 1 (S502) is performed. Thereafter, the random number update process 1 is repeated.

  The random number update process 1 is a process for updating an initial value of a random number update process 2 described later.

  Explaining this process, the process executed by the gaming microcomputer 201 includes several random number processes. For example, when a start signal output from the main game control device 100 is detected, a process of extracting a random number for a lottery for deriving an aspect of a corresponding sub game result is included.

  In addition, a process of extracting a random number may be included in order to impart randomness to the effect or decoration when the sub game is advanced based on the lottery result.

  As an example of these lottery processes, the value of the counter is incremented by 1 in a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) between 0 and 249, and is returned to 0 again when the value exceeds 249. There is. This random number update process corresponds to the random number update process 2 (S605 in FIG. 7).

  This counter value is extracted when the sub game control device 200 detects the start signal output from the main game control device 200 described above.

  However, random numbers depend on the randomness of the random number extraction timing, and if the above processing is repeated, the random number values extracted at a cycle of 250 milliseconds will be the same value, reducing the randomness. To do. Therefore, randomness is further given by agitating the counter value in the random number update process 1.

  Instead of starting the update of the counter value in the above-described example from 0 each time, the value obtained in the random number update process 1 is updated as the initial value of the counter value, and when the update is completed after the counter has made one round, The new value obtained by the random number update process 1 is set as the initial value of the next counter.

  In this way, the initial value when the counter value fluctuates is updated one after another. Since the random number update period in the random number update process 1 is different from the random number update period in the random number update process 2, the randomness of the counter described above can be increased.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the game control timer interrupt process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This timer interrupt process is executed by the game microcomputer 201 provided in the sub game control apparatus 200.

  After power is turned on to the gaming machine, the main process (see FIG. 6) of sub game gaming control is executed. When a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined time period (for example, every 1 millisecond), the timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. The processes of S601 to S610 are not necessarily performed every time an interrupt occurs.

  For example, the input process (S602) monitors the input signal every time, but the output process (S603) may be executed every other interrupt occurrence. That is, instead of completing all the processes in one interrupt process, the interrupt process may be repeatedly executed a plurality of times to complete a series of game control processes.

  First, the gaming microcomputer 201 sets interrupt prohibition and saves the register (S601).

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 performs processing such as waveform shaping of a start signal, a count signal, and a general-purpose signal input from the main game control apparatus 100 input via the input interface 202, and determines input information ( S602).

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 outputs data relating to game control such as a special prize signal and a response signal to a predetermined output destination (the main game control device 100 or the like) via the output interface 203 (S603).

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 performs a command transmission process for outputting a control signal to be described later to the sub-display control device 250 (S604).

  After that, the gaming microcomputer 201 uses each random number counter such as a subgame random number counter for determining whether or not the subgame (variable display game) is won, and effects or decorations when the subgame is advanced (variable display pattern). And random number update processing 2 for incrementing the value of each random number counter for imparting randomness to each other (S605).

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 performs an error monitoring process for monitoring whether there is no fraud or whether the sub game is being executed normally in relation to the execution of the sub game (S606).

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 detects whether or not a start signal, a count signal, and a general-purpose signal input from the main game control device 100 are input, and updates the count number of the sub game start memory according to the result. An input determination process is performed (S607).

  When the start signal is detected in the input determination process, if the maximum number (for example, 4) of sub-game start memories is not stored, the gaming microcomputer 201 generates in step S605 based on the start signal. Referring to the sub game random number counter value, one sub game random number counter value is newly added and stored as the sub game start memory, and 1 is added to the current sub game start memory number.

  On the other hand, when the sub game start memory is stored up to the maximum number, the gaming microcomputer 201 does not store the sub game random number counter value based on the start signal and does not update the sub game start memory number.

  When a start signal is detected in the input determination process, a response signal to the start signal is output to the main game control device 100 via the output interface 203 regardless of the number of sub game start memories. Accordingly, a response signal to the start signal is output to the main game control device 100 every time the level of the start signal changes (every time it rises).

  In addition, if the current gaming state of the sub game is a big hit state, when the count signal is detected in the input determination process, the gaming microcomputer 201 determines the cumulative value of the count signal detection number based on the count signal. 1 is added to the count storage number. When the count storage number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 135), the sub-game big hit state ends.

  On the other hand, if the current gaming state of the sub-game is not a big hit state, even if the count signal is detected in the input determination process, the gaming microcomputer 201 updates the count storage number that is the cumulative value of the detected number of count signals. do not do.

  When a count signal is detected in the input determination process, a response signal to the count signal is output to the main game control device 100 via the output interface 203 regardless of the current gaming state of the sub game. Therefore, a response signal to the count signal is output to the main game control device 100 every time the level of the count signal changes (every time it rises).

  When a general-purpose signal is detected in the input determination process, a response signal for the general-purpose signal is output to the main game control device 100 via the output interface 203. Therefore, a response signal for the general-purpose signal is output to the main game control device 100 every time the level of the general-purpose signal changes (every time it rises).

  Thereafter, a game process (S608) for controlling the progress of the sub game is executed.

  In the game process, when the execution result of the main game is a successful game as described above, the gaming microcomputer 201 stores the sub game start memory based on the detection of the start signal transmitted from the main gaming control device 100. It is determined whether or not the sub game random number counter value stored as (the random number related to the result of the sub game extracted and stored in step S607) is hit, and processing for changing the display of the symbol displayed on the sub LCD 5b is performed.

  If the sub-game random number counter value stored in the sub-game start memory is a winning value, the symbol that has been changed and displayed in the sub-game (variable display) will stop at the symbol and the gaming state of the sub-game will be a big hit state It becomes. Further, when the big hit state is reached, a special prize signal is transmitted to the main game control device 100, and a predetermined prize is given to the player.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 performs external information editing processing for editing the board external information for outputting the state of the gaming machine to the management computer connected via the external communication terminal 204 (S609). The board external information includes information related to the progress state of the variable display game, such as whether the symbol is confirmed, whether it is a big hit state, whether the probability is changing, or the like.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 201 performs processing for restoring the temporarily saved register and processing for setting permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited (S610), ends the timer interrupt processing, and performs main processing of the sub game. Return to FIG.

  Then, the gaming microcomputer 201 repeats the random number update process 1 (S502 in FIG. 6) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the game display control process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The game display control process is a display control process for the main game and the sub game, but the same process is separately executed for the main game and the sub game. The game display control process of the sub game is executed by the game microcomputer 251 provided in the sub display control device 250. The game display control process for the main game is executed by a CPU (not shown) included in the main LCD display control device 150. Here, the display control process for the sub game will be described based on FIG. 8 and the description for the display control process for the main game will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the same process is also performed for the display control process for the main game. Is executed by the main LCD display control processing device 150.

  First, when the gaming microcomputer 251 receives the slave display control command signal transmitted from the sub game control device 200, the gaming microcomputer 251 performs reception data analysis processing for developing a display control sequence from the received slave display control command signal (S701). ).

  The display control sequence is display control procedure information for instructing display control contents in time series.

  Then, the gaming microcomputer 251 generates a display control sequence based on the analysis result of the command of the slave display control command signal in step S701 (S702). The display control sequence is display control data that defines how display contents are controlled according to the elapsed time of display.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 251 follows the generated display control sequence to display character data (for example, character data represented as sprite data having a predetermined pixel size) or attribute data (character data to be displayed). Enlarging / reducing, moving direction / moving speed, and data for designating which one is to be displayed on the front side when a plurality of characters are overlapped, transparency, etc. are determined.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 251 performs a data transfer process for transferring display data and attribute data to the GDP 256 (S703).

  The GDP 256 receives the transferred data and expands the image data in a frame buffer provided in the GDP 256.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 251 waits until the vertical synchronization flag is set and adjusts the timing (S704).

  Thereafter, when a vertical synchronization signal is transmitted from the video signal synthesizer 450 and the vertical synchronization flag is set, the gaming microcomputer 251 transmits a drawing command to the GDP 256 (S705). The GDP 256 receives this drawing command and outputs the display image data (display unit image information) stored in the frame buffer to the sub LCD 5b.

  Thereafter, the gaming microcomputer 251 clears the vertical synchronization flag, and then ends the sub game display control process.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart regarding signal lines between the main gaming machine control device 100 and the sub gaming control device 200 in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As described above, a start signal, a count signal, and a general-purpose signal are output from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200. In addition, a response signal is output from the sub game control device 200 to the main game control device 100. In this embodiment, these start signal, count signal, general-purpose signal, and response signal are all output as level signals.

  Here, the level signal is a signal represented by output states of two signals of high (H) and low (L) values (for example, two voltage values having a difference in voltage).

  Different signal lines are used for transmission of the start signal, the count signal, and the general-purpose signal (individual signal lines are used for each signal). When a signal is output, the level indicates ON, and when the signal is not output, the level indicates OFF. The sub game control device 200 detects each signal by the rise of the level signal output to each signal line. For example, the start signal is detected when the rise of the level signal output to the signal line of the start signal is detected. The signal detection is not limited to the rising edge, but may be detected by the falling edge, or may be detected by both the rising edge and the falling edge.

  For the response signal, a total of five signal lines including one control signal line (STB) and four parallel data signal lines (D0 to D3) are used. The signal line used for the response signal is not independent for each response signal (start signal, count signal, general-purpose signal), and is common so that all the response signals can be transmitted through the same signal line. A signal line is used. Therefore, each response signal is distinguished by a combination of each level of the parallel data signal lines (D0 to D3).

  The response signal is composed of two parts, a rising part (first command) and a falling part (second command) of the signal. The first command is positive logic and commands the timing for detecting the parallel data signal at the rise timing of STB. The second command is negative logic and instructs the timing for detecting the parallel data signal at the falling timing of STB.

  When any one of the start signal, the count signal, and the general-purpose signal output from the main game control device 100 is received by the sub game control device 200, the sub game control device 200 responds to the received signals. Output a signal.

  For example, in (a), since the start signal is output (ON state), the sub game control apparatus 200 outputs a response signal corresponding to the start signal ((b) and (c) in the figure). Similarly, in (d), since the count signal is output, the sub game control apparatus 200 outputs a response signal corresponding to the count signal ((e) and (f) in the figure). Further, in (g), since the general-purpose signal is output, the sub game control apparatus 200 outputs a response signal corresponding to the general-purpose signal ((h) and (i) in the figure).

  As shown in the figure, the response signal to the start signal is a signal in which the first command is “H, L, H, L” and the second command is “L, H, L, H”. “H, L, H, L” expresses combinations of levels of each bit from D0 to D3 in order, and D0 = H, D1 = L, D2 = H, and D3 = L. means. As described above, since the first command is positive logic and the second command is negative logic, each bit from D0 to D3 is expressed as “1, 0, 1, 0” in the response signal to the start signal. That is, a signal indicating a decimal number “5”.

  Similarly, since the first command is “H, H, H, H” and the second command is “L, L, L, L”, each bit from D0 to D3 is “ 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, that is, a signal indicating decimal number “15”. Furthermore, since the first command is “L, H, L, H” and the second command is “H, L, H, L”, the response signal to the general-purpose signal is “0” for each bit from D0 to D3. 1, 0, 1 ”, that is, a signal indicating the decimal number“ 10 ”. Each response signal uses the same signal line, but since the signal patterns of the signal lines D0 to D3 are different, the main game control device 100 that has received the response signal is a response signal to any type of confirmation signal. Can be identified.

  In a general Japanese-style pachinko gaming machine (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2006-006560 and 2006-034489), when a game ball enters a start winning opening (start winning prize), a predetermined number (for example, 5 Game balls are discharged. When a game ball enters the special winning opening (special winning), a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are discharged. In addition, when a game ball enters the general winning opening (general winning), a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are discharged. Since this Japanese-style pachinko gaming machine is provided with a discharge control device that controls the discharge of gaming balls as a prize, the sub-game control device 200 used in this embodiment is diverted to a Japanese-style pachinko gaming machine. In this case, the response signal output from the sub game control device 200 is input to the discharge control device of the Japanese pachinko gaming machine.

  With such a configuration, the response signal of the start signal is a signal indicating the decimal number “5”, so that it can be diverted to a discharge signal that commands the payout of five game balls in response to the start winning signal of the pachinko machine. It is. Similarly, since the response signal of the count signal is a signal indicating the decimal number “15”, it can be diverted to a discharge signal for instructing the payout of 15 game balls to the special winning signal of the pachinko machine, Since the response signal of the general-purpose signal is a signal indicating the decimal number “10”, it can be diverted to a discharge signal for instructing the payout of 10 game balls with respect to the general winning signal of the pachinko machine.

  Accordingly, the sub game control device 200 of the present embodiment can be diverted to a game control device of a pachinko gaming machine that discharges game balls as a prize based on the start winning signal, the count signal, and the winning signal.

  In the present embodiment, the number of signal lines of the signal transmitted from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200 is 3, and the response signal transmitted from the sub game control device 200 to the main game control device 100 is the same. Although the number of signal lines is five, the number of these signal lines can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the specifications of a Japanese pachinko gaming machine to be diverted later.

  In this embodiment, the number indicated by the response signal of the start signal is “5”, the number indicated by the response signal of the count signal is “15”, and the number indicated by the response signal of the general-purpose signal is “10”. Specific numbers and signal level patterns are not limited to these, and can be arbitrarily set within a range in which numerical values and signal patterns do not overlap.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the start signal (first command signal) is a 1-bit level signal and has the same format as a signal used in a so-called Japanese-style pachinko machine. It can be diverted to a Japanese-style pachinko machine as an output signal of a sensor that detects a starting winning ball. That is, if the sub game control device 200 and the game ball detection sensor used in the Japanese-style pachinko machine are connected so that the start signal becomes the start-winning signal, the game can be played on the Japanese-style pachinko machine by the start-up winning signal. Therefore, the sub game control device 200 can be used as it is for a Japanese-style pachinko machine. This makes it possible to develop a slave game control device that can be used in common with a game machine composed of a master game and a slave game and a Japanese-style pachinko machine, which is economical.

  The general-purpose signal (second command signal) is also a 1-bit level signal and has the same format as the signal used in the pachinko machine. Therefore, the output signal of the sensor for detecting a winning ball for a general winning other than the start winning ( It can be diverted to a pachinko machine as a so-called general winning signal. In other words, the general-purpose signal can function as a signal for confirming the connection between the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200, and can function so that the general-purpose signal becomes a general winning prize signal.

  In addition, since the sub game control device 200 notifies the outside that the first command signal and the second command signal are input as the first response signal and the second response signal, the sub game control device 200 of the present invention is indicated by the pachinko machine. When diverted to a machine, a pachinko machine made by diverting can receive this signal output from the sub game control device 200 and discharge the prize ball. As a result, the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200 can communicate with each other, and can also perform processing related to winning ball detection. The sub game control device 200 that can be used in common with the machine can be developed and is economical.

  As a result, the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200 can communicate with each other and can also perform processing related to winning ball detection. Sub-game control devices that can be used in common with so-called Japanese pachinko machines can be developed and are economical.

  Further, since the count signal (third command signal) can be used as the count signal of the pachinko machine, it can be used for the pachinko machine. In this case, the response signal of the count signal is the third response signal.

  In addition, the game control can be started after matching the activation timings when the main game control device 100 and the sub game control device 200 are turned on, thereby preventing malfunction and the like, and making the operation of the gaming machine 1 more stable. Can be.

  Instead of outputting a general-purpose signal from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200 and confirming the connection, a count signal is output from the main game control device 100 to the sub game control device 200 to confirm the connection. Is also possible. That is, the count signal can be configured to function as the second command signal. Specifically, in step S104 in FIG. 3, the count signal is output as a connection confirmation signal, and in step S105, it is confirmed that the response signal of the count signal has been received.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to determine that communication of the count signal for ending the special gaming state (special prize state) is possible at the time when the connection confirmation is performed using the count signal. Therefore, by using a small number of signal lines, it is possible to confirm the communication at the start of the sub game as described above and to confirm the communication at the end of the special gaming state.

  In addition, if it is the structure which outputs a count signal as a signal of a connection confirmation in FIG.4 S213, a regular connection monitoring can be performed also at the normal time, but step S213 is during the special gaming state generation | occurrence | production. The count signal output must be suppressed. That is, when the special prize signal from the sub game control device 200 is OFF, steps S212 to S214 are executed, but when the special prize signal is ON, the process is returned without executing the processing of steps S212 to S214. There must be. If it is desired to monitor the connection even during the occurrence of the special gaming state, it is preferable to check the connection using the general-purpose signal as described above.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the invention described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the control system of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main game control process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main game control timer interruption process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main game control special prize interruption process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of the game control of the sub game of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the game control of the subgame of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the game display control process of embodiment of this invention. 4 is a timing chart regarding signal lines between a main gaming machine control device and a sub gaming control device in the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 5a main LCD
5b Sub LCD
24 game start button 24A game start switch 51 main screen 71 sub screen 80 power supply circuit 81 relay 100 main game control device 110 I / O port 111 CPU
112 ROM
113 RAM
114 Communication Port 150 Main LCD Control Device 200 Sub Game Control Device 201 Game Microcomputer 202 Input Interface 203 Output Interface 204 External Communication Terminal 250 Sub Display Control Device 251 Game Microcomputer 252 Input Interface 253 Output Interface 256 GDP
257 Image ROM

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine that accepts a valuable value that is a value capable of executing a game, executes a game consisting of a main game and a sub-game while consuming the received valuable value, and grants a prize based on the result of the game,
A main game control device for controlling the overall progression of the game and the execution of the main game;
A secondary game control device that executes a secondary game based on the result of the primary game controlled by the primary game control device,
A two-bit level signal whose voltage changes is transmitted from the main game control device to the slave game control device via a different signal line for each bit,
The slave game control device
The 2-bit level signal output from the main game control device is individually acquired for each bit as a first command signal and a second command signal, and level changes of the first command signal and the second command signal are obtained. Level signal acquisition means for detecting;
If the level signal acquisition means detects a level change of the first command signal, slave game control means for performing a control to execute the slave game once,
A first response signal output means for outputting a first response signal to the main game control device each time a level change of the first command signal is detected by the level signal acquisition means;
A second response signal output means for outputting a second response signal to the main game control device each time a level change of the second command signal is detected by the level signal acquisition means,
The main game control device
A sub game execution command for instructing the sub game control device to execute one sub game by changing the level of the first command signal once when the result of the main game is a special result. Means,
A connection response command means for commanding a response of connection to the slave game control device by changing the level of the second command signal when confirming the connection with the slave game control device;
Connection determination means for obtaining a second response signal from the second response signal output means and determining that the connection with the slave game control device is provided;
The gaming machine characterized in that the first response signal and the second response signal are transmitted using a common signal line and are in a form of signals that can be distinguished from each other. Another level signal whose voltage changes is transmitted from the main game control device to the sub game control device via a signal line different from the first command signal and the second command signal power,
The level signal acquisition means of the slave game control apparatus acquires the another level signal as a third command signal, detects a level change of the third command signal,
The slave game control device
Special game state generating means for generating a special game state capable of giving the prize when the sub game has a special result;
In a state where the special gaming state has occurred, when the level signal acquisition means detects a level change of the third command signal a predetermined number of times, special gaming state ending means for ending the generated special gaming state;
A third response signal output means for outputting a third response signal to the main game control device each time a level change of the third command signal is detected by the level signal acquisition means;
Special game state notification means for notifying the main game control device whether or not the special game state has occurred,
The main game control device includes special game state end command means for outputting the third command signal while the special game state notification means is notified that a special game state is occurring. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The slave game control device
Special game state generating means for generating a special game state capable of giving the prize when the sub game has a special result;
Special gaming state ending means for ending the generated special gaming state when a level change of the second command signal is detected a predetermined number of times by the level signal acquisition means while the special gaming state is generated;
Special game state notification means for notifying the main game control device whether or not the special game state has occurred,
The main game control device includes special game state end command means for outputting the second command signal while being notified that the special game state is generated by the special game state notification means,
The connection response command means changes the level of the second command signal while the special gaming state notification means is informed that no special gaming state has occurred, thereby responding to the connection response. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is instructed to a gaming control device. Power supply means for supplying power to the slave game control device;
Power supply start means for starting power supply to the slave game control apparatus by the power supply means when the main game control apparatus is activated,
The slave game control device is activated when power supply from the power supply means is started,
The connection response command means, after starting the main game control device, changes the level of the second command signal to command a connection response to the slave game control device,
When the connection determination means obtains the second response signal from the second response signal output means and determines that it is connected to the slave game control apparatus after starting the main game control apparatus, the game control is started. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine.

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