JP2009261661A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the displacement generated between the operation of a player and the advancement of a game. <P>SOLUTION: A microcomputer constituted mainly of a CPU 102 is mounted in a main control device 101. A first clock circuit 103, an input and output port 104 in addition to a power device 91 are connected to the CPU 102 via an inner bus. Various kinds of sensors such as a start detecting sensor 41a are connected to the input side of the main control device 101 and the signals from the various kinds of sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input and output port 104. Here, the CPU 102 carries out interruption waiting processing before carrying out a predetermined determination processing when carrying out the determination processing based on the signal input condition from sensors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  For example, in a slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols given to each reel is visible through a display window. Then, when the player inserts a medal, an effective line is set, and then the player operates the start lever to play a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) role or small role in the slot machine. In addition, a lottery such as a re-game is performed and each reel starts to rotate. After each reel starts to rotate, each reel is sequentially stopped to finish one game. When all reels stop rotating, the winning combination will be awarded if the combination of the winning combination on the active line is stopped, and the player will receive a medal reward or a game state transition privilege. Is done. In this way, in the slot machine, the game progresses by operating operation members such as a start lever and a stop switch. Moreover, it is common to determine whether or not the above operation has been performed based on a signal input state from a sensor connected to the operation member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-325888 A

  By the way, in a gaming machine in which a game progresses by operating an operation member, a time lag generated between a process of checking a signal input state from a sensor and a process of determining whether or not an operation by a player has been performed is reduced. It is desirable to make it. This is because, depending on the situation, there is a concern that there may be a difference between the operation performed by the player and the actual progress of the game.

  The above problem is not limited to the slot machines as exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that advance a game based on detection of a predetermined condition.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing a deviation that occurs between detection of a predetermined condition and progress of a game. is there.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. Operating means (such as credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to advance the game;
Signal output means (credit input detection sensors 56a to 56a) which outputs a first signal based on the operation means being operated and which does not output the first signal based on the operation means not being operated. 58a etc.), and a gaming machine that advances the game based on the signal input status from the signal output means,
First process execution means (CPU 102) for performing a first process (normal process);
Second processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing second processing (timer interrupt processing) including status confirmation processing (sensor monitoring processing S107) for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means,
The first process execution means includes:
Specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
Third processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a third process (S307, S606, etc. in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific process executing means includes
Confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407 in the interrupt wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine, comprising: an end means (CPU 102) for ending the specific process when the confirmation process execution means confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there are a first process and a second process performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is terminated. By adopting a configuration in which the signal input status from the signal output means is confirmed in the second processing performed periodically, the processing configuration can be simplified. In addition, by configuring the specific process to be terminated when the second process is performed after the start of the specific process, the second process is performed at least once between the start of the specific process and the end of the specific process. Processing can be performed, and the signal input status from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the third process related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific process is completed, it is possible to shorten the interval from the completion of the second process to the third process being performed. Become. As a result, the third process can be performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process in accordance with the operating status of the operating means, and a deviation that occurs between the detection of a predetermined condition of operation by the player and the progress of the game Can be reduced.

  Mean 2. In the above means 1, the first process execution means repeatedly performs the first process until a prescribed condition (operation of the start lever 41 in the winning probability setting process, generation of a start command in the start waiting process) is satisfied. A gaming machine.

  According to this means, the first process is repeated until the specified condition is satisfied. With the configuration in which the specific process and the third process are performed in the first process, it is possible to avoid malfunction of the gaming machine. If the specific process is not performed in the previous stage of the third process, there is a possibility that the first process may be performed a plurality of times during the period from the situation confirmation process to the next situation confirmation process. When the first process is performed a plurality of times during the period, the third process is performed a plurality of times using the same processing result of the situation confirmation process. This means that an operation corresponding to one operation of the operation means is performed a plurality of times, which may result in an unintended operation by the player or the like. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the specific process is performed before the third process, the third process can be performed after waiting for the situation confirmation process to be performed at least once even when the first process is repeated. The above concerns can be preferably solved.

  Means 3. In the means 2, the predetermined operation means (start lever 41) operated by a player or the like and the first signal are output based on the operation of the predetermined operation means, and the predetermined operation means is operated. Predetermined signal output means (start detection sensor 41a) that does not output the first signal based on the fact that the first signal is not output, and the prescribed condition is that the first signal is output from the predetermined signal output means A game machine characterized by being established based on the above.

  According to this means, the prescribed condition is established based on the operation of the predetermined operation means. In such a configuration, the establishment timing of the prescribed condition depends on the operation of the predetermined operation means by the player or the like, and the number of repetitions of the first process changes depending on when the predetermined operation means is operated. For this reason, it is possible to preferably avoid malfunction of the gaming machine by performing the specific process before the third process performed in the first process.

  Means 4. In the means 1, the first process execution means includes a fourth process execution means (CPU 102) for performing a fourth process (S303 to S308 in the winning probability setting process, pre-start preparation processes S604 to S620), and the fourth process. Determination process (S305 in the winning probability setting process, S620 in the start waiting process) whether or not the prescribed conditions (operation of the start lever 41 in the winning probability setting process, generation of start command in the start waiting process) are satisfied. Determination processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing the processing), return processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing processing for returning to the fourth process when the prescribed condition is not satisfied, and the processing when the prescribed condition is satisfied. 4th process completion execution means (CPU102) which performs the process which complete | finishes a 4th process, The said 4th process execution means Gaming machine which comprises said specific process executing means and said third processing executing means.

  According to this means, there is a fourth process that is repeatedly performed until the prescribed condition is satisfied, and the specific process and the third process are performed within the fourth process. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid malfunction of the gaming machine. If the specific process is not performed in the previous stage of the third process, there is a possibility that the fourth process may be performed a plurality of times during the period from the situation confirmation process to the next situation confirmation process. When the fourth process is performed a plurality of times during the period, the third process is performed a plurality of times using the same processing result of the situation confirmation process. This means that an operation corresponding to one operation of the operation means is performed a plurality of times, which may result in an unintended operation by the player or the like. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the specific process is performed before the third process, the third process can be performed after waiting for the situation confirmation process to be performed at least once even when the fourth process is repeated. The above concerns can be preferably solved.

  Means 5. In the means 4, a predetermined operation means (start lever 41) operated by a player or the like and the first signal are output based on the operation of the predetermined operation means, and the predetermined operation means is operated. Predetermined signal output means (start detection sensor 41a) for not outputting the first signal based on the fact that the first signal is not output, and the determination processing execution means outputs the first signal from the predetermined signal output means Based on the above, it is determined that the prescribed condition is satisfied.

  According to this means, the prescribed condition is established based on the operation of the predetermined operation means. In such a configuration, the establishment timing of the prescribed condition depends on the operation of the predetermined operation means by the player or the like, and the number of repetitions of the fourth process changes depending on when the predetermined operation means is operated. For this reason, it becomes possible to avoid suitably that a gaming machine malfunctions by setting it as the structure which performs a specific process before the 3rd process performed within a 4th process.

  Means 6. In any one of the above means 1 to 5, the third process execution means is the operation means when the processing result of the status confirmation process is a process result indicating the input of the first signal as the third process. And a process for determining that the operation means is not operated when the process result of the status confirmation process is a process result indicating non-input of the first signal. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to this means, in the third process, a process for determining whether or not the operating means has been operated using the processing result of the status confirmation process is performed. By performing the specific process in the previous stage of the third process, it becomes possible to perform the third process using the processing result of the status confirmation process in accordance with the operation status of the operation means. It is possible to reduce the deviation that occurs during the progress of the process.

  Mean 7 Any one of the above means 1 to 5 includes storage means (sensor information storage area 112 of the RAM 106) for storing the processing result of the situation confirmation processing, and the storage means stores the latest processing result of the situation confirmation processing. The configuration has a first storage area (first area 112a) for storing and a second storage area (second area 112b, third area 112c) for storing the processing results before the latest processing result. A featured gaming machine.

  According to this means, the latest processing result of the status confirmation process and the previous processing result are stored in the storage means. With such a configuration, it is possible to store the history of the signal input status in the storage unit when the first signal is switched from the output state to the non-output state, or from the non-output state to the output state. .

  Means 8. In the above means 7, the third process execution means performs the third process by using information stored in the first storage area and information stored in the second storage area. To play.

  According to this means, the third process is performed using the history of the signal input status. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the third process using the timing at which the operation unit is started or the operation unit is ended. In particular, when applied to any of the configurations of means 2 to 5, even if the third process is repeatedly performed, the history of signal input status changes each time, so that the gaming machine malfunctions. Can be preferably avoided.

  Means 9. In the means 8, the third process execution means, as the third process, when the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is predetermined specific information ("011"). Processing for determining that the operation means has been operated, and determining that the operation means has not been operated when the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is not the specific information A gaming machine characterized by

  According to this means, in the third process, a process is performed for determining whether or not the operating means has been operated based on whether or not the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is specific information. By performing the specific process in the previous stage of the third process, it becomes possible to perform the third process using the processing result of the status confirmation process in accordance with the operation status of the operation means. It is possible to reduce the deviation that occurs during the progress of the process.

Means 10. Start condition detection means (function S620 for determining that a start instruction of the CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of the start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
Display control means (reel control processing of the CPU 102) starts the variable display of the picture based on the establishment of the start condition, and ends the variable display of the picture so that the stop result is based on the lottery result of the lottery means. Function)
When the lottery result of the lottery means is a win and a specific stop result (a stop result in which the combination of winning symbols stops on the active line), a privilege (medal payout, transition to the BB state, etc.) is given to the player. Bonus granting means (a medal payout processing function S507 of the CPU 102, a BB state processing function S508, etc.), and a game is started based on the establishment of the start condition, and the variable display of the pattern is completed or In the gaming machine in which the game ends based on the privilege granting means granting the privilege,
Operating means (such as credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to advance the game;
Signal output means (credit input detection sensors 56a to 56a) which outputs a first signal based on the operation means being operated and which does not output the first signal based on the operation means not being operated. 58a etc.)
First process execution means (CPU 102) for performing a first process (normal process);
Second processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing second processing (timer interrupt processing) including status confirmation processing (sensor monitoring processing S107) for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means,
The first process execution means includes:
Specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
Third processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a third process (S307, S606, etc. in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific process executing means includes
Confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407 in the interrupt wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine, comprising: an end means (CPU 102) for ending the specific process when the confirmation process execution means confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there are a first process and a second process performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is terminated. By adopting a configuration in which the signal input status from the signal output means is confirmed in the second processing performed periodically, the processing configuration can be simplified. In addition, by configuring the specific process to be terminated when the second process is performed after the start of the specific process, the second process is performed at least once between the start of the specific process and the end of the specific process. Processing can be performed, and the signal input status from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the third process related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific process is completed, it is possible to shorten the interval from the completion of the second process to the third process being performed. Become. As a result, the third process can be performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process in accordance with the operating status of the operating means, and a deviation that occurs between the detection of a predetermined condition of operation by the player and the progress of the game Can be reduced.

Means 11. Detection means for detecting a predetermined condition (such as credit insertion switches 56 to 58);
In a gaming machine comprising signal output means (such as credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a) for outputting a first signal based on the detection of the predetermined condition, and advancing a game based on a signal input status from the signal output means ,
First process execution means (CPU 102) for performing a first process (normal process);
Second processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing second processing (timer interrupt processing) including status confirmation processing (sensor monitoring processing S107) for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means,
The first process execution means includes:
Specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
Third processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a third process (S307, S606, etc. in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific process executing means includes
Confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407 in the interrupt wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine, comprising: an end means (CPU 102) for ending the specific process when the confirmation process execution means confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there are a first process and a second process performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming the signal input status from the signal output means. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is terminated. By adopting a configuration in which the signal input status from the signal output means is confirmed in the second processing performed periodically, the processing configuration can be simplified. In addition, by configuring the specific process to be terminated when the second process is performed after the start of the specific process, the second process is performed at least once between the start of the specific process and the end of the specific process. Processing can be performed, and the signal input status from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the third process related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific process is completed, it is possible to shorten the interval from the completion of the second process to the third process being performed. Become. As a result, the third process can be performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process in accordance with the detection of the predetermined condition, and the deviation that occurs between the detection of the predetermined condition and the progress of the game can be reduced. It becomes.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the operation means operated to advance the game, the first signal is output based on the operation means being operated, and the operation means is not operated. A first process execution unit that performs a first process in a gaming machine that includes a signal output unit that does not output the first signal based on the signal input status from the signal output unit; Second process execution means for periodically performing a second process including a status confirmation process for confirming a signal input status from the signal output means, wherein the first process execution means performs a specific process. And a third process execution means for performing a third process related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed, and the specific process execution means Start A confirmation processing execution means for performing confirmation processing for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed, and the identification processing is terminated when the confirmation processing execution means confirms that the second processing has been performed. And ending means. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce a deviation that occurs between the detection of the predetermined condition and the progress of the game.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case of application to a spinning cylinder type gaming machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the door 12, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The casing 11 as a whole is formed in a box shape with the front face open, and is attached by, for example, driving nails against a so-called island facility when installed in the game hall.

  A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a and 13b on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 has a bearing portion 14a at a position corresponding to each support shaft 13a and 13b. , 14b are provided. When the support shafts 13a and 13b are inserted into the bearing portions 14a and 14b, the front door 12 rotates about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a and 13b to the housing 11. The front door 12 can be opened and closed by rotating the front door 12 so as to be movable. Further, the front door 12 is brought into a locked state that cannot be opened by a locking device 20 provided on the back surface thereof. A key cylinder 21 that is integrated with the locking device 20 is provided on the upper right side of the front door 12, and is configured such that the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.

  A game panel 25 for notifying the player of the game state is provided above the center of the front door 12. The game panel 25 is formed with three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting variable display means is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are disposed on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R correspond to the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R on a one-to-one basis. . Accordingly, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is visible through the corresponding display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  Here, the configuration of the reel unit 31 will be briefly described.

  Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R can be individually rotated, that is, independently driven by the driving of each stepping motor. . For example, the stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal of 504 pulses (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse), and the rotation position of the stepping motor, that is, the rotation position of the reel is determined by this excitation pulse. Be controlled. In the reel unit 31, a reel index sensor for detecting that the reel has made one rotation is installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has made one rotation, a detection signal is output to the main controller 101 described later each time the reel is detected. Therefore, main controller 101 determines the angular position of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output until the detection signal is input. It can be confirmed and corrected.

  On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of symbols as identification information are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). More specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, in order to switch the symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol, it is necessary to output 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) of excitation pulses. Further, the main control device 101 grasps the symbols visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input, or displays the display window. It is possible to perform control to stop a predetermined symbol at a position where it can be visually recognized from 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  Next, the symbols drawn on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a symbol arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a line on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Further, numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. These numbers are symbols that are visible to the main controller 101 from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. Is a number for recognizing and not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As symbols, “star” symbol (for example, 20th of left reel 32L), “cherry” symbol (for example, 19th of left reel 32L), “youth” symbol (for example, 18th of left reel 32L), “ “Bell” symbol (for example, 17th of left reel 32L), “Replay” symbol (for example, 16th of left reel 32L), “White 7” symbol (for example, 15th of left reel 32L), “Watermelon” symbol ( For example, there are eight types of 14th of the left reel 32L) and “red 7” symbol (for example, the third of the left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the number and arrangement order of various symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are completely different.

  Each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R is formed so that there are three symbols from which the entire symbol can be visually recognized out of the twenty-one symbols attached to the corresponding reel. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  In this slot machine 10, a total of five combination lines are set, connecting three positions where these nine symbols become visible, three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction. ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, as a combination line in the horizontal direction, the upper line L1 connecting the upper symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and the middle symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R are connected. A line L2 and a lower line L3 connecting the lower symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set. Further, as a combination line in the oblique direction, a lower right line L4 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, and the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M. A right rising line L5 connecting the upper symbol of the symbol and the right reel 32R is set. And, when the combination line is activated, that is, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the effective line, a privilege that a predetermined number of medals as game media are paid out is given or the gaming state is shifted as winning establishment. Benefits are granted.

  FIG. 8 shows a combination of symbols for winning and a privilege to be given when winning.

  Small prizes for which medals are paid out include a bell prize, a watermelon prize, a single prize, and a cherry prize. When the “bell” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped on the effective line, eight medals are paid out as a bell winning, and the “watermelon” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are effective lines. If you stop side by side, 6 medals will be paid out as a watermelon prize, and if you stop alongside the “Red 7” symbol, “Youth” symbol, and “White 7” symbol in order from the left on the active line, One medal is paid out as one winning combination. In addition, when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line, two medals are paid out as a cherry prize. That is, in the case of a cherry winning, any symbol that stops on the active line may be used for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. In other words, if the combination of the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L and any symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stops on the active line, it can be said that the cherry prize is established. Therefore, when the “cherry” symbol stops at the position where the plurality of effective lines of the left reel 32L overlap (specifically, the upper stage and the lower stage), a cherry winning will be established on each effective line. 4 (= 2 × 2) medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops at the upper or lower level so that a cherry winning is achieved, so that when the cherry winning is achieved, four medals are paid out. .

  As a state transition prize in which only the game state transition is performed, there is a BB prize. When the “red 7” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop alongside the active line, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus state (hereinafter referred to as “BB state”) as a BB winning.

  As a prize to which a privilege other than medal payout or game state transition is given, there is a re-game prize. When the “replay” symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R stop side by side on the active line, the medals are not paid out or the game state is not transferred as a re-game winning, but the next game is not inserted without inserting medals. A re-game privilege that allows a game to be played is given.

  Hereinafter, a combination of symbols corresponding to each prize is also referred to as a combination of winning symbols. For example, the combination of replay symbols is a combination of symbols for a replay prize, that is, a combination of “replay” symbol, “replay” symbol, and “replay” symbol. The symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the winnings are also referred to as winning symbols. For example, the single-seat symbol is a “red 7” symbol on the left reel 32L, a “youth” symbol on the middle reel 32M, and a “white 7” symbol on the right reel 32R.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 25, a start lever 41 that is operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided. The start lever 41 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, that is, to start variable display of symbols. The start lever 41 is a lever that is pushed by the hand when the player starts the game, and automatically returns to the initial position after the hand is released. Incidentally, the start lever 41 in the slot machine 10 is configured to require several tens of milliseconds until it automatically returns to the initial position after the hand is released. When the start lever 41 is operated while a predetermined number of medals are inserted, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate.

  On the right side of the start lever 41, button-like stop switches 42 to 44 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are provided. Each of the stop switches 42 to 44 is disposed immediately below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop switch 42 is operated, the rotation of the left reel 32L is stopped. When the middle stop switch 43 is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 32M is stopped and the right stop switch 44 is operated. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 32R is stopped. The stop switches 42 to 44 constitute stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The stop switches 42 to 44 are configured to be in a stopable state when a predetermined time has elapsed after the left reel 32L starts to rotate. A lamp (not shown) is provided inside the stop switches 42 to 44. The lamp is turned on when the stop operation is possible, and the lamp is turned off when the stop operation is impossible such as when the reel is stopped. It has become so.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, a medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals is provided. The medal slot 45 constitutes an input means for inputting game media. If attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 45 is directly inserted by the player, it can be said that it constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting the game medium.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to either the storage passage 47 or the discharge passage 48 by a selector 46 as passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal path switching solenoid 46a. When the medal path switching solenoid 46a is not excited, the medal is guided to the discharge path 48, and when the medal path switching solenoid 46a is excited, the medal is switched. Is guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medal guided to the storage passage 47 is guided to the hopper device 51 housed inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medal guided to the discharge passage 48 is guided to the medal tray 50 from the medal discharge port 49 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

  The hopper device 51 includes a storage tank 52 that stores medals and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to a player. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge the medal to the opening 48 a provided in the discharge passage 48 and to pay out the medal to the medal tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. It has become. In addition, a reserve tank 54 is provided on the right side of the hopper device 51 to avoid storing a predetermined amount or more of medals in the storage tank 52. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a for discharging medals from the storage tank 52 to the reserve tank 54 is provided. Therefore, when medals are stored more than the height at which the guide plate 52 a is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank 54.

  A button-like return switch 55 is provided below the medal slot 45. When the return switch 55 is operated in a situation where a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 45 is jammed in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically operated so that the medal jammed in the selector 46 becomes a medal. It is returned from the discharge port 49.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, there is provided a first credit insertion switch 56 for inserting three credited virtual medals as game media at a time. Further, a second credit insertion switch 57 and a third credit insertion switch 58 are provided on the left side of the first credit insertion switch 56. The second credit insertion switch 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 constitutes input means for inputting a game medium together with the medal insertion slot 45. It should be noted that the medal insertion slot 45 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, whereas each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is only accompanied by an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. In other words, it can be said to constitute indirect input means for indirectly inputting game media. A lamp (not shown) is provided inside each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58, and the lamp is turned on when the insertion operation is possible, and the lamp is turned off when the insertion operation is impossible. .

  A settlement switch 59 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41. In other words, the slot machine 10 has a credit function for storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the settlement switch 59 is operated under the stored and stored condition, the virtual medal is paid out from the medal discharge port 49 as an actual medal. In this case, if paying attention to the function of paying out the credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the checkout switch 59 constitutes a checkout operation means for actually paying out the stored game media.

  Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25, a credit display unit 60 that displays the number of credited virtual medals, and a remaining payout number that displays the number of remaining medals to be paid out before the BB state ends. A display unit 61 and a payout number display unit 62 for displaying the number of medals paid out at the time of winning are provided. Although these display parts 60-62 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG.

  Here, the relationship between the number of medals bet and the activated combination line will be described with reference to FIG. If a medal is inserted from the medal slot 45 at the start of the game, a bet is placed.

  When the first medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the bet number is 1, and the middle line L2 is activated. When the second medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the number of bets becomes 2, and a total of three combination lines including the upper line L1 and the lower line L3 in addition to the middle line L2 are activated. When the third medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the number of bets becomes 3, and all the combination lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 45, if there are less than 50 virtual medals stored at that time, the surplus medals exceeding three are stored in the slot machine 10. The virtual medal number on the credit display unit 60 is added and displayed. On the other hand, when the number of virtual medals is 50 or reaches 50, the selector 46 switches from the storage passage 47 to the discharge passage 48, and the surplus medals are returned from the medal discharge port 49 to the medal tray 50. Is done.

  Further, virtual medals are stored and stored, and when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated at the start of the game, the virtual medals are inserted and a bet is made. When any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated, the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60 is subtracted by the number of inserted virtual medals. Is the same as the case where a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Incidentally, when any one of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated and the virtual medal to be inserted is not stored and stored, for example, the first display when the display of the credit display unit 60 is “2”. For example, when the credit insertion switch 56 is operated, all the numerical values in the credit display unit 60 are subtracted to 0, and a bet is made for the amount of virtual medals that can be inserted.

  The upper part of the front door 12 has an upper lamp 63 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that produce various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the gaming state. Speaker 64 and an auxiliary display unit 65 for giving various information to the player. The auxiliary display unit 65 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and it can be considered that the game by each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is caused by the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 65. A display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65 is provided on the back surface of the auxiliary display unit 65.

  A power supply box 70 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 51 inside the housing 11. The power supply box 70 accommodates a power supply device 91 therein, and includes a power switch 71, a reset switch 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 101. The reset switch 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. Further, the setting key insertion hole 73 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the appearance of medals. That is, the hall manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it ON. The reset switch 72 is operated not only when the error state is reset but also when the winning probability of the slot machine 10 is changed.

  Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 that manages and manages games is attached to the housing 11.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 102 which is arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 91, the CPU 102 includes a first clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave (first clock signal) having a predetermined frequency of 8.000 MHz, and an input / output port 104 (specifically, a connector and a driver IC). , An input / output port constituted by a chip select IC or the like), a basic random number generator 150 for generating basic random numbers, and the like are connected via an internal bus. The main control device 101 functions as a main board built in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 101, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation) and a start detection sensor that detects an operation of the start lever 41 are provided. 41a, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a that individually detect the operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44, a inserted medal detection sensor 45a that detects a medal inserted from the medal slot 45, and a medal paid out from the hopper device 51. Payment detection sensor 51a, credit insertion detection sensors 56a-58a that individually detect the operation of each credit insertion switch 56-58, settlement detection sensor 59a that detects the operation of the settlement switch 59, and reset detection that detects the operation of the reset switch 72 Sensor 72a, setting key insertion hole 7 Various sensors such as a setting key detection sensor 73 a for detecting that the setting key is inserted and turned ON are connected, and signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input / output port 104. It has become.

  The inserted medal detection sensor 45a is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the storage passage 47 from the medal slot 45 to the hopper device 51 is formed so that medals can pass in one row. The storage passage 47 is provided with the first sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are close to each other on the downstream side more than the width of the medal (a state where the same medal is detected at least at the same time occurs). In close proximity). The inserted medal detection sensor 45a includes these first to third sensors. The main control device 101 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor, and if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the main control device 101 regards that there is a medal clogging or fraud and sets an error state. When an error state occurs, an error state notification is performed and the operation by the player is invalidated until the error state is canceled. The main controller 101 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off. Specifically, both the second and third sensors are off, only the second sensor is on, both the second and third sensors are on, only the third sensor is on, and both the second and third sensors are off. It is determined that the medal has been normally taken in only when the time for shifting to each on / off switching is within a predetermined time. Otherwise, an error state is set. The reason for this is to prevent injustice that the medal is reciprocated in the vicinity of the inserted medal detection sensor 45a and misidentified as a medal inserted in addition to the clogging of the medal in the storage passage 47.

  A power supply device 91 is connected to the input side of the main control device 101 via an input / output port 104. The power supply device 91 includes a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 101, a power failure monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power-off state and generates a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also when the power switch 71 powers off. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 91a, and determines that the power supply has been shut off when this drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 102 and the input / output port 104. The CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later. The power failure signal is also supplied to the display control device 81.

  The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 101 even when the output voltage drops below 10 volts. As a time for outputting the stabilization voltage, a time sufficient for executing the power failure process by the main controller 101 is secured.

  On the output side of the main controller 101, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a stepping motor for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), a medal path switching solenoid 46a provided in the selector 46, a hopper device 51, a credit A display unit 60, a remaining payout number display unit 61, a payout number display unit 62, a display control device 81, an external concentration terminal board 121 that can transmit information to a hall management device (not shown), and the like are connected via an input / output port 104. Yes. Although not shown, a lamp provided in the stop switches 42 to 44 and a lamp provided in the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are also input / output on the output side of the main controller 101. It is connected via the port 104.

  The display control device 81 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65, and includes a substrate in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 101, the display control device 81 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65. Therefore, the display control device 81 is a sub-base for executing auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101 which is a main base for overall management of games. The various display units 60 to 62 may be configured to be driven and controlled by the display control device 81.

  The CPU 102 described above is a one-chip CPU, and the ROM 105 storing various control programs executed by the CPU 102 and fixed value data, and various data are temporarily stored when the control program stored in the ROM 105 is executed. In addition to the RAM 106 for securing a work area to be stored in memory, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, etc. are built in as well known, although not shown. Yes. The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing various processes shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 105 described above as a part of the control program.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the RAM 106, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing the lottery result of the winning combination, and a sliding table for storing a sliding table used when stop control of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed. In addition to the storage area 106b, the state information storage area 106c for storing the gaming state such as the BB state, etc., the random number storage area 110 for storing random numbers used when performing the lottery of the combination, and functions as various counters Various areas such as the counter area 111 and the sensor information storage area 112 for storing the signal input status from the various sensors described above are secured. The counter area 111 includes a first counter 111a and a second counter 111b that are used when generating random numbers, an update counter 111c that is used in an interrupt waiting process to be described later, a delay counter 111d that determines the acquisition timing of basic random numbers, and the number of credits For example, a credit counter (not shown). The sensor information storage area 112 includes a reel index detection area, a start detection area, a left stop detection area, a middle stop detection area, a right stop detection area, an inserted medal detection area, a payout detection area, and a first credit. An insertion detection area, a second credit insertion detection area, a third credit insertion detection area, a settlement detection area, a reset detection area, a setting key detection area, and the like. Each of these detection areas can store a history of presence / absence of signal input from a corresponding detection sensor, and includes three storage areas of a first area 112a, a second area 112b, and a third area 112c. It is composed of Each detection area has a 1-byte configuration, and the lower 3 bits are associated with each storage area. More specifically, they are associated with the first area 112a, the second area 112b, and the third area 112c in order from the lower bit.

  The RAM 106 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 91 even after the power to the slot machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 106 holds data in the RAM 106. A backup area is provided. The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 71; the same applies hereinafter). Yes, when the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 71; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power-off based on the backup area information. . Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is shut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 12), and restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main process (see FIG. 14) when the power is turned on.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 9, the power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b is inputted to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When the power is shut off, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure flag generation process is immediately executed.

  Here, the connection relationship among the basic random number generator 150, the start detection sensor 41a, and the CPU 102 will be described in more detail based on the block diagram of FIG.

  A CPU 102 is connected to the input side of the basic random number generator 150 and a second clock circuit 151 that outputs a rectangular wave (second clock signal) having a predetermined frequency of 7.915 MHz. The CPU 102 is connected to the output side of the basic random number generator 150.

  The basic random number generator 150 is hardware having a counter 150a and a latch circuit 150b. The counter 150a is a 16-bit free-run counter that is incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 65535, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 65535). A second clock circuit 151 is connected to the counter 150a, and when the second clock signal from the second clock circuit 151 is input, the count value of the counter 150a is updated. The latch circuit 150b is configured by combining a plurality of D flip-flop circuits, and can latch (hold) the count value of the counter 150a. The CPU 102 is connected to the latch circuit 150b. When a latch signal is input from the CPU 102, the count value of the counter 150a at that timing is latched in the latch circuit 150b. The latched count value is output to the input port built in the CPU 102 as a basic random number.

  A monitoring circuit 152 for monitoring the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CPU 102. The monitoring circuit 152 is composed of a D flip-flop circuit. That is, the monitoring circuit 152 has a data terminal (D terminal) and a clock terminal (CLK terminal) as input terminals, and has a positive logic output terminal (Q terminal) and a negative logic output terminal (Q bar terminal) as output terminals. is doing. A start detection sensor 41 a is connected to the D terminal via a waveform shaping circuit 153 and an input / output port 104, and a second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal via an inverter 154. The Q terminal is not connected, and the Q bar terminal is connected to an input port built in the CPU 102.

  The start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 is operated. More specifically, the start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 moves from the initial position, and stops outputting the operation signal when the start lever 41 returns to the initial position. The waveform shaping circuit 153 is configured by a Schmitt trigger circuit. A threshold is set in the waveform shaping circuit 153, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 sends a detection signal to the monitoring circuit 152 when the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a is larger than the voltage increase side threshold. The output of the detection signal is stopped when the operation signal is smaller than the voltage drop side threshold. In other words, the waveform shaping circuit 153 is a circuit for shaping a round (rise delay and fall delay) of the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a. The waveform shaping circuit 153 may be connected between the input / output port 104 and the monitoring circuit 152, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 may be provided on the main controller 101.

  The monitoring circuit 152 operates the operation signal (more specifically, from the waveform shaping circuit 153 at the timing when the inverted second clock signal (inverted clock signal) is input to the CLK terminal (more specifically, the rising timing of the inverted clock signal). When a detection signal) is input, a start signal is output to the CPU 102. The start signal is continuously output until the operation signal is not input at the timing when the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal. In other words, it can be said that the monitoring circuit 152 holds the input state of the operation signal until the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal.

  In addition to the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152, the latch circuit 150 b of the basic random number generator 150 and the first clock circuit 103 that outputs the first clock signal are connected to the input side of the CPU 102. Further, the latch circuit 150 b of the basic random number generator 150 is connected to the output side of the CPU 102. The first clock circuit 103 outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency of 8.000 MHz and is configured not to be synchronized with the second clock circuit 151. The CPU 102 performs various operations when the first clock signal is input. For example, whether or not a start signal is input is determined based on the input of the first clock signal, and a latch signal is output to the basic random number generator 150 based on the input of the start signal. The count value output from the basic random number generator 150 is acquired as the basic random number. The determination of whether or not the start signal is input will be described in more detail. Since the CPU 102 is connected to the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152, the input signal from the Q bar terminal is switched from the H level to the L level. It is determined that a start signal has been input.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 102 of the main control apparatus 101 will be described. The CPU 102 performs various processes based on the input of the first clock signal from the first clock circuit 103. The processing of the CPU 102 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal. NMI interrupt processing that is activated in response to the input of. In the following, for convenience of explanation, timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then main processing will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main control apparatus 101, and a timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 102 of the main control apparatus 101, for example, every 1.49 msec.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the CPU 102 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 106. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, an outline of the power failure process will be described.

  When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power failure signal is input to the main controller 101 via the NMI terminal. When a power failure signal is input, main controller 101 immediately executes NMI interrupt processing and sets a power failure flag in the power failure flag storage area provided in RAM 106.

  In the power failure process, it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process to terminate the command transmission. If the command transmission has been completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is stored in the backup area of the RAM 106. Thereafter, the output state of the output port in the input / output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a RAM determination value for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 106 is normal when the power failure is eliminated is stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is specifically a two's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 106. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 106 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 106 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited. After performing the above processing, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is recovered, so that writing to the RAM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered. Incidentally, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output even under an infinite loop, and when the power failure signal is not output, the main processing is performed.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed.

  That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed so that the next timer interrupt can be set for the CPU 102 itself. In step S106, in order to rotate each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a stepping motor control process for driving a stepping motor that is a respective rotating drum driving motor is performed. In step S107, a sensor monitoring process for reading the states of various sensors (see FIG. 9) such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input / output port 104 is performed.

  Here, the sensor monitoring process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S151, sensor information migration processing is performed. In the sensor information migration process, data stored in the first to third areas 112a to 112c of the detection area to be confirmed this time is shifted in order to the upper area side. For example, when reading the state of the reset detection sensor 72a, first the data in the third area 112c is cleared in the reset detection area, and then the second area → the third area, the first area → the second area, etc. Shift data in each area. In the subsequent step S152, the signal input state is read with reference to the port connected to the sensor to be checked this time. In step S153, it is determined whether an ON signal is input. If the ON signal is input, “1” is set in the corresponding first area 112a of the detection area in step S154, and if the ON signal is not input, it corresponds in step S155. “0” is set in the first area 112a of the detection area. Thereafter, in step S156, it is determined whether or not the states of all the sensors have been confirmed. If the states of all the sensors have been confirmed, this processing is terminated as it is, and if not confirmed, the processing returns to step S151 to confirm the state of the unconfirmed sensor. Thus, in the sensor monitoring process, a process of storing “0” or “1” in the first area 112a of the corresponding detection area is executed for various sensors connected to the input / output port 104. When reading the state of the start detection sensor 41a, in step S153, it is determined that an ON signal is input when an L level signal is input, and is ON when an H level signal is input. It is determined that no signal is input.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, in step S108, a timer calculation process for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S109, the value of the update counter 111c is updated by one. In step S110, a process of outputting the bet number of medals and the result of counting the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 121 is performed. In step S111, command output processing for transmitting various commands such as a lottery result command to be described later to the display control device 81 is performed. In step S112, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, and the payout number display unit 62 is performed. In step S113, segment data set processing in the segment data setting processing is supplied to the display units 60 to 62, and segment data display processing for displaying corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like is performed. In step S114, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 104 is performed. In step S115, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S101 is returned to the corresponding register in the CPU 102, respectively. In step S116, the value of the first counter 111a for generating the basic random number is updated by one. The first counter 111a is a 16-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106, and can generate a basic random number from 0 to 65535. In step S117, a delay counter process for adding or subtracting the value of the delay counter 111d is performed. Thereafter, in step S118, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and this series of timer interrupt processing ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main process in the main controller 101 that is executed after the power is turned on. The main processing is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 71.

  First, in step S201, as an initialization process, the stack pointer value is set in the CPU 101, and an interrupt mode for permitting an interrupt process is set. Thereafter, various settings for a register group in the CPU 101, an I / O device, and the like are set. And so on. When these initialization processes are completed, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and is turned ON. Specifically, the operation determination process shown in FIG. 15 is performed.

  In the operation determination process, first, in step S251, it is determined whether or not the current determination target is the reset switch 72. In step S252, the current determination target is one of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58. It is determined whether or not there is. When the current determination target is any one of the reset switch 72 and the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58, the entire area reference process shown in steps S253 to S256 is performed. On the other hand, if the current determination target is other than the above switches, specifically, if it is any of the start lever 41, the stop switches 42 to 44, the checkout switch 59, and the setting key, steps S257 to S260 are performed. 1 area reference process shown in FIG.

  In the all area reference process, in step S253, the first to third areas 112a to 112c of the sensor information storage area 112 corresponding to the current determination target are referred to. In step S254, it is determined whether or not the reference result is “011”, that is, whether or not “1” is stored in the first area, “1” is stored in the second area, and “0” is stored in the third area. To do. If the reference result is “011”, it is determined in step S255 that the current determination target has been operated, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the reference result is not “011”, it is determined in step S256 that the current determination target has not been operated, and the process ends. That is, in the all area reference process, it is determined whether or not the determination target has been operated based on the history of signal input from the corresponding detection sensor.

  In the one-area reference process, in step S257, only the first area 112a of the sensor information storage area 112 corresponding to the current determination target is referred to. In step S258, it is determined whether or not the reference result is “1”, that is, whether or not “1” is stored in the first area. If the reference result is “1”, it is determined in step S259 that the current determination target has been operated, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the reference result is “0”, it is determined in step S260 that the current determination target is not operated, and the present process is terminated. That is, in the one-area reference process, it is determined whether or not the determination target has been operated based on the latest information on the presence or absence of signal input from the corresponding detection sensor.

  Returning to the description of the main process, in step S202, since the determination target is the setting key, a one-area reference process is performed. That is, referring to the first area 112a of the setting key detection area, when “1” is stored, it is determined that the setting key is turned ON, and when “0” is stored. Determines that the setting key is not turned on. If the setting key has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S203 to perform forced RAM clear processing. In the forced RAM clear process, all the data stored in the RAM 106 other than the data (count values) stored in the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the delay counter 111d are cleared. That is, the values of the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the delay counter 111d are not cleared (initialized) even when the RAM is cleared. Note that the values of the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the delay counter 111d are not cleared (initialized) even when the reset switch 72 is operated to recover from the error state.

  In step S204, a winning probability setting process is performed. Here, the winning probability setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The slot machine 10 is prepared in advance with six stages of winning probabilities from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”, and the winning probability setting process sets which winning probability is used to execute the internal processing. It is a process to do.

  In step S301, the next timer interrupt is permitted. Thereafter, the current set value is read in step S302, and the current set value is displayed on the credit display unit 60 in step S303. However, in the process immediately after the setting key is inserted and turned on, the data in the RAM 106 is cleared by the previous forced RAM clearing process, so the setting value displayed on the credit display unit 60 is “1”. is there.

  In step S304, an interrupt waiting process is performed.

  In the interrupt waiting process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, a register saving process is performed in step S401. In step S402, the next timer interrupt is permitted and the current value of the update counter 111c is acquired. In step S403 to step S407, counter update processing is performed. In the counter update process, first, the next timer interruption is prohibited in step S403, and then the value of the delay counter 111d is updated by 1 in step S404, and the value of the second counter 111b is updated by 1 in step S405. The delay counter 111d is a 4-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106, and can generate a count value of 0 to 16. Similar to the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b is a 16-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106, and can generate a basic random number from 0 to 65535. After updating the delay counter 111d and the second counter 111b, in step S406, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and in step S407, it is determined whether or not the value of the update counter 111c has changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value acquired in step S402 matches the value of the update counter 111c. As described above, the value of the update counter 111c is updated in step S109 of the timer interrupt process. For this reason, when the value of the update counter 111c has not changed, it means that the timer interrupt process has not been performed after the process of step S402. In such a case, the process returns to step S403 to perform counter update processing. On the other hand, if the value of the update counter 111c has changed, it means that timer interrupt processing has been performed, so that register return processing is performed in step S408, and this processing ends.

  If the interrupt waiting process is completed, it is determined in step S305 whether the start lever 41 has been operated. Specifically, one area reference process of the above-described operation determination process is performed as the determination process. That is, referring to the first area 112a of the start detection area, when “1” is stored, it is determined that the start lever 41 is operated, and when “0” is stored, the start lever 41 is determined. Is determined not to be operated. When the start lever 41 is not operated, the setting update process shown in steps S306 to S308 is performed. In step S306, the above-described interrupt waiting process is performed, and in step S307, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated. More specifically, the entire area reference process of the operation determination process is performed. That is, referring to all the areas 112a to 112c of the reset detection area, it is determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated when “011” is stored, and the reset switch when “011” is not stored. 72 is determined not to be operated. If the reset switch 72 is not operated, the process directly returns to step S303. If the reset switch 72 is operated, the set value is updated by 1 in step S308, and then the process returns to step S303. That is, in the setting update process, every time it is determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated, the setting value is updated by 1, and the updated setting value is displayed on the credit display unit 60. If the reset switch 72 is operated when the set value is “6”, the set value is updated to “1”.

  If the start lever 41 is operated in step S305, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S309, and then it is determined in step S310 whether the setting key is continuously turned on. If the ON operation of the setting key is continued, the process returns to step S309, and if the ON operation is ended, the next timer interruption is prohibited in step S311. Thereafter, in step S312, the setting value is saved, and in step S313, data other than the setting value, the values of the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the delay counter 111d are cleared from the data stored in the RAM 106. This process ends.

  Returning to the description of the main process, after performing the winning probability setting process in step S204, a normal process for performing main control relating to the game is executed in step S205.

  On the other hand, if the setting key is not turned on in step S202, power recovery processing shown in step S206 and subsequent steps is performed. The power recovery process is a process for returning the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power is shut off. Therefore, in the power recovery process, it is necessary to first check whether the data in the RAM 106 is normal.

  Therefore, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the set value is normal. Specifically, when the set value is any one of 1 to 6, it is determined to be normal, and when it is 0 or 7 or more, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is confirmed in step S207 whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, it is further confirmed in step S208 whether or not the RAM determination value is normal. Specifically, the checksum value of the RAM 106 is checked to check whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 or not. If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0, it is determined that the data in the RAM 106 is normal.

  If it is determined in step S208 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S209, where the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 102, and the stack state before the power is shut off. Return to the state. Next, in step S <b> 210, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is transmitted to the display control device 81. Thereafter, in step S211, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed. In step S212, various sensors such as the start detection sensor 41a are initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S213, and the processing returns to the address before turning off the power. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watchdog timer clear process (step S104) is executed.

  On the other hand, if any of step S206 to step S208 is NO, that is, the set value is abnormal, the power failure flag that is set when the power is shut off is not set, or the RAM determination value is abnormal, There is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 106 has been destroyed. In such a case, the operation prohibiting process shown in steps S214 to S216 is performed. As the operation prohibition process, first, the next timer interrupt process is prohibited in step S214, and in step S215, all output ports in the input / output port 104 are cleared, so that all actuators connected to the input / output port 104 are removed. Control to off state. Thereafter, in step S216, an error notification process for notifying the occurrence of an error to the hall manager or the like using the upper lamp 63 or the like is performed. This operation prohibition state is maintained until the above-described winning probability setting process is performed.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S501, the next timer interrupt is permitted. In step S502, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the display control device 81 and the like finish initialization. When the initialization of the display control device 81 or the like is completed, the game management process shown in steps S503 to S508 is performed.

  As the game management process, in step S503, data such as various game information stored in the RAM 106 (for example, a random value used in the previous game) is cleared. Thereafter, in step S504, a start waiting process is performed.

  Here, the start waiting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is established in the previous game. If a re-game winning is established, an automatic insertion process is performed in step S602. The automatic insertion process is a process for automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the previous bet number. In the automatic insertion process, a virtual medal is inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60. That is, when a re-game winning is established in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals owned and without inserting medals. When a re-game winning is established in the previous game, first, the same value as the number of bets is added and displayed on the credit display unit 60, and the virtual medal is inserted after reducing the added display number in the automatic insertion process. It is good also as a structure which performs. If it is determined in step S601 that a re-game winning is not established, a medal acceptance permission process for permitting betting of medals is performed in step S603. In the medal acceptance permission process, the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is switched to the excited state, so that a medal can be inserted. Thereafter, the pre-start preparation process shown in steps S604 to S620 is repeated until a start command for starting the game is generated.

  As a pre-start preparation process, first, in step S604, an abnormality confirmation process for confirming whether an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result in the sensor monitoring process step S107 of the timer interruption process is performed. In the abnormality confirmation process, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, an abnormality occurrence process is performed to place the slot machine 10 in an error state and notify the occurrence of the error. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. If the sensor reading result is normal, the process advances to step S605 to perform an interrupt waiting process. In step S606, it is determined whether or not any of the clearing switch 59 and each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 has been operated.

  Specifically, with respect to the clearing switch 59, one area reference processing for operation determination processing is performed, and for each credit insertion switch 56 to 58, all area reference processing for operation determination processing is performed. That is, referring to the first area 112a of the settlement detection area, when “1” is stored, it is determined that the settlement switch 59 has been operated, and when “0” is stored, the settlement switch 59 is determined. Is determined not to be operated. When the clearing switch 59 is not operated, all areas 112a to 112c of the first credit insertion detection area are referred to. When “011” is stored, the first credit insertion switch 56 is operated. If “011” is not stored, it is determined that the first credit insertion switch 56 is not operated. When the first credit insertion switch 56 is not operated, all areas 112a to 112c of the second credit insertion detection area are referred to. When “011” is stored, the second credit insertion switch 57 is If it is determined that the second credit insertion switch 57 has not been operated, it is determined that the second credit insertion switch 57 has not been operated. When the second credit insertion switch 57 is not operated, all areas 112a to 112c of the third credit insertion detection area are referred to. When “011” is stored, the third credit insertion switch 58 is When it is determined that the third credit insertion switch 58 has not been operated, it is determined that the third credit insertion switch 58 has not been operated.

  If any of the switches 56 to 59 is operated, or if an automatic insertion process is performed in step S602, the process proceeds to step S607, and the medal payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 is cleared. . After that, or when neither the clearing switch 59 nor the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated, the value of the second counter 111b is updated by 1 in step S608, and the delay counter 111d is updated in step S609. Update the value by 1. In subsequent step S610, a medal return process is performed. In the medal return process, if it is determined in step S606 that the clearing switch 59 has been operated, a process of paying out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medal is performed.

  In step S611, whether or not a medal can be bet is determined based on the state of the medal path switching solenoid 46a, that is, whether it is in an excited state or a non-excited state. If the bet is possible, the process proceeds to step S613 after the credit insertion process is performed in step S612. In the credit insertion process, when it is determined in step S606 that any one of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 has been operated, the virtual medal number displayed on the credit display unit 60 is displayed by subtraction or an effective line is set. Process related to the insertion of virtual medals such as If the bet is impossible, the process proceeds to step S613 without performing the credit insertion process. By the way, as a state where betting is impossible, a representative example is a case where a re-game winning is established in the previous game and an automatic insertion process is performed in step S602. In step S613, input determination processing is performed. In the insertion determination process, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted based on a detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 45a. If a medal has been inserted, processing such as setting an effective line is performed.

  In step S614, it is determined whether or not a bet is made. If the bet is not made, a setting display process is performed in step S615. In the setting display process, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and is turned on. If the setting key is turned on, the current setting value is displayed in the credit display unit 60. Process to be displayed. In step S616, it is determined whether the demonstration effect has been started. The slot machine 10 is configured to perform a demonstration effect on the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the game information in the RAM 106 was cleared in step S503. Therefore, in step S616, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. When the predetermined time has elapsed, a demonstration start command for starting a demonstration effect has been transmitted to the display control device 81. It is determined whether or not there is. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, or if the demonstration start command has not been transmitted, after performing the effect waiting process in step S617, the process returns to step S604. In the effect waiting process, a counter for measuring an elapsed time after the game information in the RAM 106 is cleared is updated, and if a predetermined time has elapsed, a process of setting a demonstration start command is performed. However, in the effect waiting process, only the demonstration start command is set in the ring buffer, and the command is not transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the command output process S111 of the timer interrupt process described above. If it is determined in step S616 that the demonstration start command has been transmitted, the process directly returns to step S604 without performing the effect waiting process.

  If it is determined in step S614 that the bet has been placed, it is determined in step S618 whether or not the bet number has reached the specified number (3 in the present embodiment), and the bet number has reached the specified number. If not, the process returns to step S604. If the bet number has reached the specified number, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S619, and whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated in step S620, that is, “1” is set in the first area 112a of the start detection area. "Is set. If the start lever 41 is not operated, the process returns to step S604.

  On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated in a situation where a prescribed number of medals are betted. Means that a command has occurred. In such a case, a medal acceptance prohibition process is performed in step S621. In the medal acceptance prohibition process, the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is switched to a non-excited state to make it impossible to place a medal (bet). Thereafter, delay processing is performed in step S622, and this processing is terminated.

  In the delay process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, a delay flag is set in step S631. Here, the delay flag is a flag for changing the update process of the delay counter 111d. More specifically, in the delay counter process S117 of the timer interrupt process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not the delay flag is set in step S651. If the delay flag is not set, the value of the delay counter 111d is incremented by 1 in step S652, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the delay flag is set, 1 is subtracted from the value of the delay counter 111d in step S653, and this process is terminated. As described above, in the timer interrupt process, when the delay flag is not set, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically incremented by 1. When the delay flag is set, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically incremented by 1. Perform the subtraction process. Therefore, when the delay flag is set in step S631, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically subtracted by 1 in the subsequent timer interrupt processing. Accordingly, in step S632, it is determined whether or not the value of the delay counter 111d has become zero. When the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S633, and a latch signal is output to the basic random number generator 150. More specifically, in step S633, only a flag for outputting a latch signal is set, and the actual output of the latch signal is performed in the timer interrupt process. The latch signal is continuously output for one interrupt (that is, 1.49 msec) of the timer interrupt process. Thereafter, in step S634, the delay flag is cleared, and this process ends.

  As described above, when the latch signal from the CPU 102 is input, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value of the counter 150a at that timing in the latch circuit 150b. Therefore, operations of the CPU 102, the basic random number generator 150, and the monitoring circuit 152 when a start command is generated will be described based on the timing chart of FIG.

  The signal output from the second clock circuit 151 rises from the L level to the H level at the timing t1, that is, the second clock signal is switched to the output present state (the signal output from the second clock circuit is the H level state). Then, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated to n. n is any value from 0 to 65535. Further, since the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 via the inverter 154, in the monitoring circuit 152, the signal input to the CLK terminal changes from the H level to the L level at timing t1. Falling, inverted clock signal switches to no input state.

  The signal output from the second clock circuit 151 falls from the H level to the L level at the timing t2, that is, the second clock signal is not output (the signal output from the second clock circuit is in the L level). When the switching is performed, the monitoring circuit 152 switches the signal input to the CLK terminal from the L level to the H level, and switches the inverted clock signal to the input present state. At this time, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is not updated, and the count value remains n.

  When the inverted clock signal is switched to the input presence state, the monitoring circuit 152 outputs a signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal input to the D terminal at that time from the Q bar terminal. Since the operation signal (H level detection signal) is not input at timing t2, the start signal is not output from the Q bar terminal. Since the start signal is output from the Q bar terminal (negative logic output terminal), only the start signal is an L level signal instead of the H level.

  Thereafter, when the second clock signal is switched to the output enabled state at the timing t3, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a to n + 1. As described above, the basic random number generator 150 sequentially updates the count value at the timing when the second clock signal is switched from the non-output state to the output state.

  When the start lever 41 is operated at the timing t4, the signal input to the D terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 rises from the L level to the H level, and the operation signal is switched to the input presence state. However, since the inverted clock signal is not input at the timing t4, the start signal remains in the no output state.

  When the inverted clock signal is switched from the no-input state to the input-present state at the timing t5, since the operation signal is input to the D terminal in the monitoring circuit 152, the output signal from the Q bar terminal is changed from the H level to the L level. Fall to the level. As a result, at the timing t5, the start signal is switched from the no output state to the output present state. At this time, the latch signal output from the CPU 102 remains in the no-output state. That is, no latch signal is output at timing t5 when the start signal is output.

  At the timing t6, the inverted clock signal switches from the input present state to the no input state, but the output state of the start signal is not changed and the output present state is maintained as it is. That is, even if the inverted clock signal is switched from the input present state to the no input state, the start signal is held in the output present state.

  Thereafter, when the inverted clock signal is switched from the non-input state to the input state at the timing t7, a start signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal at the timing is output. Since the operation signal is in the input presence state at the timing t7, the start signal is continuously output in the output presence state.

  When the start signal is switched to the output enabled state at timing t5, the CPU 102 detects the input of the start signal in the sensor monitoring process S107 of the timer interrupt process, and sets “1” in the first area 112a of the start detection area. To do. In step S620 of the start waiting process, it is determined that a start command has been generated, and a delay process is performed. In the delay process, a latch signal is output at timing td when the value of the delay counter 111d becomes zero. That is, the CPU 102 latches at a timing td after a delay time (specifically, a value obtained by multiplying the value of the delay counter 111d by the timer interrupt period 1.49 msec) has elapsed since it was determined that the start command has occurred. The signal is switched from the no input state to the input present state. As a result, the operation timing of the start lever 41 and the timing at which the latch signal is output are shifted by the delay time.

  At timing t8 when the second clock signal is switched to the output present state, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a to m + 1. m is any value from 0 to 65535. At this time, a latch signal is input to the basic random number generator 150, but the count value is not latched in the latch circuit 150b at such timing. Then, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value m + 1 of the counter 150a in the latch circuit 150b at the timing t9 when the second clock signal is switched to the no-output state. That is, when the start lever 41 is operated at the timing t4, the count value m + 1 is acquired as the basic random number at the timing t9 instead of the timing t4.

  Here, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated at the timing (t1, t3, t6, etc.) when the second clock signal switches from the no-input state to the input-present state, and in the latch circuit 150b. The count value is latched at a timing (t9) at which the second clock signal switches from the input state to the no-input state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the count value update timing and the count value latch timing from being the same, and the latch timing comes while the count value is being updated, and the count value cannot be normally latched. It is possible to avoid problems.

  When the start lever 41 returns to the initial position at the timing t10, the operation signal input to the monitoring circuit 152 switches from the input present state to the no input state. Since the timing t10 is a timing at which the inverted clock signal is switched from the input present state to the no input state, the output state of the start signal does not change at this timing. Then, at timing t11 when the inverted clock signal switches from the no-input state to the input-present state, it is detected that no operation signal is input, and the start signal switches from the output-present state to the no-output state. Note that when the inverted clock signal is not input (for example, timing t10 <timing t <timing t11), the operation signal is switched from the input input state to the no input state, or the inverted clock signal is input (eg timing Even when the operation signal is switched from the input present state to the no input state at t9 <timing t <timing t10), the start signal is switched from the output present state to the no output state at timing t11.

  By the way, when the configuration is such that the timing at which the operation signal is inputted is not always grasped but at the timing at which the inverted clock signal is inputted, the operation signal is switched to the input present state after the one inverted clock signal is inputted. If the operation signal is switched to the no-input state until the next inverted clock signal is input, there is a possibility that the operation of the start lever 41 cannot be accurately grasped. However, the start lever 41 in the slot machine 10 is configured to have several tens of milliseconds until the hand is released and returns to the initial position. When the start lever 41 is operated, an operation signal is at least several tens of milliseconds. The signal is input to the monitoring circuit 152. The clock frequency of the second clock signal output from the second clock circuit 151 is 7.915 MHz, and the period is about 126 nsec. In other words, the cycle in which the inverted clock signal is input in the monitoring circuit 152 is sufficiently shorter than the time interval required for the operation signal to switch from the input state to the input state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that the operation signal is skipped in the monitoring circuit 152 even though the operation signal is output from the start lever detection sensor 41a.

  Further, when the latch signal is output from the CPU 102 instead of from the monitoring circuit 152, the CPU 102 and the basic random number generator 150 operate based on different clock signals, so that the latch signal is output from the CPU 102. There is a possibility that the basic random number generator 150 skips the latch signal. However, the latch signal is configured to be output for one interrupt of the timer interrupt process, that is, 1.49 msec, and the period of the second clock signal is about 126 nsec as described above. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that the latch signal is skipped in the basic random number generator 150 even though the latch signal is output from the CPU 102.

  Returning to the description of the normal process, if it is determined that the start command is generated in the start wait process, the lottery process in step S505, the reel control process in step S506, the medal payout process in step S507, and the BB state process in step S508. Are executed in order, and the process returns to step S503.

  Next, the lottery process of step S505 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S701, a random number generation process is performed to generate a random number used when determining whether or not a combination is appropriate. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24, in step S801 of the random number generation process, the basic random number generated by the basic random number generator 150 is stored in a random number storage area 110 composed of 16 bits. More specifically, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value at the timing when the latch signal from the CPU 102 is input, and outputs the latched count value to the CPU 102. The CPU 102 stores the count value input to the input port built in the CPU 102 in the random number storage area 110 as a basic random number. Thereafter, in step S802, the value of the first counter 111a is added to the random number storage area 110, and in step S803, the value of the second counter 111b is added to the random number storage area 110, and the random number generation process is terminated. That is, in the slot machine 10, a random number is created by adding the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the first counter 111a, and the count value of the second counter 111b.

  Here, in the series of processing in step S108 to step S118 in the timer interrupt processing, the time required for performing these series of processing is determined by the basic random number generator 150 latching the count value, and the latch result is sent to the CPU 102. It is configured to be longer than the time required for input. With this configuration, the basic random number acquisition timing (timing for performing the process of step S801) can be delayed from the timing at which the count value latched in the current game is input to the CPU 102. The latched count value can be reliably stored in the random number storage area 110 as a basic random number.

  After creating the random number, in step S702, a lottery table for determining whether or not the winning combination is selected is selected. Specifically, the current gaming state of the slot machine 10 is determined, and a lottery table corresponding to the gaming state is selected. The slot machine 10 is roughly divided into two game states, a normal state and a BB state, and a lottery table corresponding to each game state is selected. Further, when the setting state is “setting 1”, the lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when it is “setting 6”, the lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected.

  The lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 25 is a normal state lottery table selected in the normal state of “setting 3”. In the lottery table, the same number of index values IV as the number of combinations to be determined are set. Each index value IV is uniquely associated with each winning combination, and a point value PV is set. ing. That is, in the normal state of the slot machine 10, the determination is made for six types of re-game, bell, watermelon, cherry, one-piece combination, and BB.

  After selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S703, and a determination value DV used for determining whether or not the winning combination is determined is set in subsequent step S704. In the determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV to the current determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value created in step S701 is set as the current determination value DV, and a point value PV corresponding to 1 that is the current index value IV is added to the random value to obtain a new value. The determination value is DV.

  Thereafter, in step S705, whether or not the combination corresponding to the index value IV is determined. In the combination determination, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If 65535 is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S706, and the winning flag of the combination corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106. For example, if the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 3, the watermelon winning flag is set in the winning flag storage area 106a in step S706.

  By the way, if the winning flag that is set is one of the re-game winning flag, the bell winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the cherry winning flag, or the one-piece winning flag, this winning flag is the game with the corresponding winning flag set. It is reset after completion (see S503 of the normal process). On the other hand, when the winning flag is the BB winning flag, the BB winning flag is reset as one of the conditions that the BB winning is established. That is, the BB winning flag may be valid for a plurality of games. In step S706 in the state where the BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 1 to 5, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set. If the current index value IV is 6, the BB winning flag is set. Do not set the flag. In other words, in a game in which the BB winning flag is carried over, when winning one of replay, bell, watermelon, cherry, or one-player combination, the corresponding winning flag is set, while when winning a BB The BB winning flag is not set.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S705, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S707, and in the subsequent step S708, it is determined whether or not there is a combination corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index values IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined whether or not, the process returns to step S704, and the combination determination is continued. At this time, in step S704, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV (that is, the current determination value DV) used for the determination of whether or not the previous combination is a correct determination value DV, In step S <b> 705, the winning combination determination is performed based on the determination value DV. By the way, when the winning / failing determination of the combination is performed using the lottery table shown in FIG. 25, the winning probability of BB is about 1/200, the winning probability of replay is about 7.30, and the winning probability of Bell is The winning probability for watermelon is about 1/128, the winning probability for cherry is about 1/128, the winning probability for cherry is about 73.0, and the winning probability for single-player is 1/128. In addition, the probability of losing no winning combination is about 1.36.

  After the winning flag is set in step S706, or when it is determined in step S708 that there is no determination target to be determined whether or not the winning combination is determined, it means that the winning combination determination is finished. In such a case, a lottery result command is set in step S709. Here, the lottery result command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the result of the combination determination. By receiving the lottery result command, the display control device 81 executes drive control of the upper lamp 63 and the auxiliary display unit 65 to suggest a winning combination, for example. However, in the normal process, various commands such as the lottery result command are only set in the ring buffer, and the command is not transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the command output process S111 of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In step S710, a slip table setting process for setting a reel table (stop table) for reel stop control is performed, and the lottery process is terminated. Here, the slip table is a table in which it is determined how much the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are slid (rotated) and stopped from the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. In other words, the slip table is a symbol that has reached the base point position (lower stage in the present embodiment) when the stop switches 42 to 44 are pressed, and actually stops at the base point position. This is a stop data group from which a relationship with a stop symbol (stop symbol number) can be derived.

  In the slot machine 10, as a stop mode for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated, a stop mode for stopping the reaching symbol reaching the base position as it is is supported. Stop mode for stopping the reel to be slid after one symbol, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for two symbols, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for three symbols, Stop after sliding for four symbols There are prepared five patterns of stop modes. Then, a plurality of sliding tables each having one of the five patterns of stop modes set for each symbol number of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R are prepared for each combination.

  Thus, by setting the sliding table so that each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops from when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated until the specified time (190 msec) elapses, the display window 26L, It is possible to give the player an impression as if the symbol arrangement (hereinafter referred to as stop appearance) that stops within the range that can be visually recognized from 26M and 26R is determined by the player's operation. In addition, by making it possible to slide up to 4 symbols, it becomes possible to stop combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery on the active line as much as possible within the specified time. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination not won in the lottery from stopping on the active line.

  FIG. 26 is an example of a sliding table that is set when the “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L is stopped on the active line. The symbol having the number of slips of 0 is a symbol that actually stops in the lower stage. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 14th “watermelon” symbol of the left reel 32L reaches the lower stage, the left reel 32L stops without slipping and the 16th “replay” symbol. Stops at the top. In addition, a symbol whose number is not zero means that the reel slides by the number of symbols described. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 8th “bell” symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 32L slides by 4 symbols and the 12th “replay” symbol is displayed. Stop at the bottom. As described above, in the slip table, the number of slips when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at the timing when the symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reach the lower stage is set for each symbol number.

  In the smooth table setting process, the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is confirmed, and the smooth table uniquely corresponding to the set winning flag is stored in the smooth table storing area 106b of the RAM 106. set. At this time, in the slot machine 10, the middle reel 32 </ b> M and the right reel 32 </ b> R so that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination of the left reel 32 </ b> L (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbol”) stops at either the upper stage or the lower stage. Set the sliding table set so that the winning symbol of stops at the middle. Here, setting the sliding table set so that the winning symbol of the left reel 32L stops at either the upper stage or the lower stage generally rotates in the order of the left reel 32L → the middle reel 32M → the right reel 32R. This is to diversify the stop output in consideration that the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated to stop the operation.

  Here, the symbol arrangement of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be briefly described.

  The “replay” symbol is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbol that reaches the lower stage first and the symbol that reaches the next is 4 symbols or less. For example, the 4th “replay” symbol and the 7th “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L are arranged so that the interval is 2 symbols, and the 1st “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M and 6 The “replay” symbols of the numbers are arranged so that the interval is 4 symbols. As described above, the “replay” symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbols of the same type is 4 symbols or less. As described above, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped after sliding up to four symbols at the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. Therefore, by adopting such a symbol arrangement, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at an arbitrary position when the replay winning is established, regardless of the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. . For example, when the middle stop switch 43 is operated when the first “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M reaches the lower level, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at the lower level if the middle reel 32M is stopped as it is. If the middle reel 32M is slid after 3 symbols and then stopped, No. 6 "Replay" symbol can be stopped at the upper stage, and if the middle reel 32M is slid after 4 symbols and then stopped, No. 6 The “replay” symbol can be stopped in the middle.

  In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “replay” symbols, the “bell” symbols are also arranged on the reels 32 </ b> L, 32 </ b> M, and 32 </ b> R so that the intervals between the same symbols are 4 symbols or less. For this reason, even if the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at any timing, the “bell” symbol can be stopped at an arbitrary position when the bell winning is established.

  On the other hand, the “watermelon” symbols are not arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbols of the same type is 4 symbols or less. For this reason, for example, when the left stop switch 42 is operated when the third “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, even if the left reel 32L is slid by four symbols, the “watermelon” The symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. Therefore, even if the watermelon is won and the slide table set so that the “watermelon” symbol stops on the active line is set, depending on the timing of operation of the stop switches 42 to 44, “watermelon” There is a case where a symbol does not stop on the active line and a so-called spillover occurs in which a watermelon winning is not established. In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “watermelon” symbol, the “red 7” symbol is also arranged on each reel 32 </ b> L, 32 </ b> M, 32 </ b> R so that a section separated by 5 symbols or more is formed. Further, in the left reel 32L, the “cherry” symbols are arranged so as to form a section separated by 5 symbols or more, and in the middle reel 32M, the “youth” symbols form a section separated by 5 symbols or more. In the right reel 32R, the “white 7” symbols are arranged so as to form a section separated by 5 symbols or more. For this reason, when any one of BB, watermelon, cherry, and one winning combination is won, it is necessary to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so as to stop the winning symbol on the active line.

  Returning to the description of the smooth table setting process, when the BB winning flag and other winning flags are set, the following smooth table is set.

  When the BB winning flag and the re-game winning flag are set, a re-game winning slide table for preferentially establishing the re-game winning is set. In the re-game winning slide table, the “replay” symbols of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped with priority in the middle, so that the “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L is stopped with priority over the upper or lower row. Is set to

  When the BB winning flag and the small role winning flag (that is, any one of the bell winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the cherry winning flag, and the one-sheet winning flag) are set, the BB for preferentially establishing the BB winning. Set the priority winning slide table. However, since the “Red 7” symbol, which is the BB symbol, is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so as to form a section separated by five symbols or more as described above, it depends on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. May not be able to stop the “Red 7” symbol on the active line. Therefore, in the BB priority winning slide table, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are set as follows. For the left reel 32L, if it is possible to stop both the “red 7” symbol and the winning small role symbol on the active line, “red 7” so that both symbols are preferentially stopped on the active line. It is impossible to stop the “Red 7” symbol at the upper or lower level, so that if the symbol can be stopped at either the upper level or the lower level, it will be impossible to stop the symbol. If it is possible to stop at each position, the winning small role symbol is set to stop at each position. The middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are set so that the “red 7” symbol is stopped preferentially if possible, and the “red 7” symbol is placed at each position. If it is impossible to stop and the winning small symbol can be stopped at each position, the winning small symbol is set to stop at each position.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S506 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, in step S901, a rotation start process for starting the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed.

  In the rotation start process, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started to rotate in the previous game. Wait until When the wait time has elapsed, a wait time for the next game is reset, and a motor control initialization process for setting rotation start information in the motor control storage area provided in the RAM 106 is performed. By performing such processing, stepping motor acceleration processing is started in stepping motor control processing S106 of timer interruption processing, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate. For this reason, even if the player bets a specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start rotating. Thereafter, the process waits until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate at a constant rotation speed at a predetermined rotation speed, and the rotation start process ends. In addition, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches a constant speed, the CPU 102 can generate a stop command by lighting up a lamp (not shown) of each stop switch 42 to 44. Is notified to a player or the like.

  Following the rotation start process, a pre-stop process is performed in step S902.

  In the pre-stop process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, first, an interrupt wait process is performed in step S1001. In the subsequent step S1002, it is determined whether or not a start command is generated, more specifically, whether or not “1” is set in the first area 112a of the start detection area. If “1” is set in the first area 112a of the start detection area, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process in step S1001. That is, when “1” is set in the first area 112a of the start detection area, the process does not proceed to step S1003 and subsequent steps until the first area 112a of the start detection area is changed to “0”.

  Incidentally, as a situation where it is determined that the start command is generated in step S1002, the process of step S620 is performed when the start lever 41 remains pressed from the processing timing of step S620 to the processing timing of step S1002. When the start lever 41 is operated again after a short time, there may be a case where some abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 or the like and the start signal remains output.

  If no start command has been generated, the process proceeds to step S1003 to determine whether any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated. More specifically, the one-area reference process of the operation determination process described above is performed for each of the stop switches 42 to 44. For example, as to whether or not the left stop switch 42 is operated, the first area 112a of the left stop detection area is referred to. If “1” is stored, it is determined that the left stop switch 42 has been operated, and “0 "Is stored, it is determined that the left stop switch 42 has not been operated. If none of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process in step S1001. If it is determined that any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1004 to determine whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, whether or not a stop command has been issued. To do. If no stop command has been issued, the process returns to the interrupt wait process in step S1001. If a stop command has been generated, the process proceeds to step S1005 to determine whether or not the current stop command is a third stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switch has been operated when only one reel is rotating. . If the current stop command is the third stop command, an affirmative determination is made in step S1005, and the pre-stop processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, in the case of the first stop command that is generated when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating or the second stop command that is generated when two reels are rotating, the result is negative in step S1005. In addition to making the determination, the first change process of the slip table is performed in step S1006, and the pre-stop process ends.

  Here, the first change process of the slide table is a process of changing the slide table stored in the slide table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 before stopping the reel corresponding to the stop command. In the first change process of the slide table, it is assumed that the slide table is set in the slide table storage area 106b, for example, when the first stop command is generated by operating the stop switches 43 and 44 other than the left stop switch 42. When the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in an operation order different from the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, the sliding table is changed. By performing such processing, diversification of stoppages can be achieved, or the frequency of occurrence of so-called spillovers in which the winning flag is invalidated without establishing a winning corresponding to the set winning flag can be reduced. Can do.

  Returning to the description of the reel control process, when the pre-stop process is completed in step S902, it means that the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is operated to advance the game, and a stop command is generated. In such a case, stop control processing shown in steps S903 to S909 is performed to stop the rotating reel.

  That is, in step S903, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage at the timing when the stop switch is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage is confirmed by the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In subsequent step S904, the number of slips of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated from the data of the symbol number corresponding to the reaching symbol among the slip tables set in the slip table storage area 106b. After that, in step S905, the calculated number of slips is added to the symbol number of the reaching symbol, and the symbol number of the stop symbol that is actually stopped at the lower stage is determined. In step S906, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the reaching symbol of the reel to be stopped this time is equal to the symbol number of the stop symbol. If they are equal, a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed in step S907. Do. Thereafter, in step S908, it is determined whether all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, the slide table second change process is performed in step S909, and the process returns to the pre-stop process in step S902.

  Here, the second change process of the slide table is a process of changing the slide table stored in the slide table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 after the reels are stopped. In the second change process of the slide table, the slide table is changed based on the set winning flag and the stoppage of the stopped reel. For example, when the bell winning flag is set and the “bell” symbol of the left reel 32L stops at the upper stage, the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M is changed to a sliding table set to stop at the upper or middle stage. By performing such a process, it is possible to diversify the reel stop appearances to be stopped later according to the result of the reel stop, and to reduce the frequency of occurrence of missing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S908 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S910, and this process ends. The payout determination process is a process of setting the number of medals to be paid out as one of the conditions that a combination of winning symbols is arranged on an active line.

  In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each active line is derived from the symbol number of the stopped symbol stopped at the lower stage of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and whether or not a winning is achieved on the effective line. Determine. If a winning combination has been established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. If the winning combination combination matches the winning flag, the winning combination combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination combination are set in the payout information storage area provided in the RAM 106. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not match the winning flag, an abnormality occurrence process for notifying the occurrence of the error is performed while the slot machine 10 is in an error state. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. When the payout determination is completed for all the active lines, the payout determination process is ended.

  Next, the outline of the medal payout process in step S507 will be described.

  In the medal payout process, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is zero. When the number of payouts is 0, it means that it has been determined in the previous payout determination process that a winning for paying out medals has not been established. In such a case, based on the winning combination set set in the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is achieved. When the re-game winning is not established, the medal payout process is finished as it is, and when the re-game winning is established, the re-game setting process for changing the gaming state to the re-gaming state is performed, and the medal pay-out process is performed. finish. In the start waiting process S504 described above, an automatic insertion process is performed when it is determined that the current gaming state is the re-gaming state.

  On the other hand, when the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the same number of medals are paid out, and the medal payout process is ended. Specifically, regarding the payout of medals, when the count value of the credit counter has not reached the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50), the payout number is added to the count value of the credit counter and the value after the addition is added. It is displayed on the credit display unit 60. In addition, when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, or when the count value reaches the upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the medal payout rotating plate is driven and the medal is discharged from the hopper device 51. It is paid out to the medal tray 50 through the exit 49. In the medal payout process, a process of changing the payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 in accordance with the medal payout is also performed. When the current gaming state is the BB state, the payout number is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout number counter, which will be described later, and the remaining payout number displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61 is subtracted. .

  Next, the BB state process of step S508 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the description of the BB state process, the BB state will be described. The BB state is composed of a plurality of RB states. The RB state consists of 12 JAC games. A JAC game is a game in which the probability that a prize (for example, a bell prize or the like) to which a medal payout privilege is granted is established is higher than that in a normal state. If the winning is established 8 times during the JAC game, the RB state is ended even before the JAC game is played 12 times. Further, the BB state ends when the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number (specifically, 400). In addition, when the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number in the middle of the RB state, not only the BB state but also the RB state ends. This is a contrivance for suppressing the player's euphoria by giving an upper limit to the number of medals paid out during the BB state, and ensuring the soundness of the game. Further, in the present embodiment, the combination of symbols that shift to the RB state is not set, and the configuration shifts to the RB state immediately after the transition to the BB state and immediately after the RB state ends. Therefore, it can be said that the BB state is a game that continuously shifts to the RB state until a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the BB state process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If not in the BB state, BB determination processing shown in steps S1102 to S1105 is performed.

  In the BB determination process, it is determined in step S1102 whether or not the BB winning flag is set. If the BB winning flag is set, the process advances to step S1103 to determine whether or not a BB winning has been established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a BB winning is established, a BB start process is executed in step S1104 to shift the gaming state to the BB state. Specifically, the BB winning flag is cleared and the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the BB state. Further, a process of setting 400 in the remaining payout counter for counting the remaining number of medals that can be paid out during the BB state provided in the state information storage area 106c and displaying 400 on the remaining payout number display unit 61. I do. Thereafter, in step S1105, an RB start process is performed, and the BB state process is terminated. In the RB start process, the RB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the RB state. In addition, 8 is set in the remaining payout payout counter for counting the number of winnings established in the RB state, and 12 is set in the remaining JAC game counter for counting the number of remaining JAC games. The remaining payout / winning counter and the remaining JAC winning counter are provided in the state information storage area 106c. Further, the determination of the current gaming state in step S1101 or the like is executed based on whether or not the setting flag corresponding to the state information storage area 106c is set, and when no setting flag is set. Determines that the current gaming state is the normal state.

  On the other hand, when the BB winning flag is not set (when step S1102 is NO), or when the BB winning is not established (when step S1103 is NO), the BB start process or the like is not executed. The process ends.

  If it is determined in step S1101 that the current gaming state is the BB state, the process proceeds to step S1106, and it is determined whether or not a winning has been established based on the winning winning combination set in the previous payout determining process. . If a winning is achieved, 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout winning counter in step S1107. After that, or when it is determined in step S1106 that no winning has been established, one JAC game has been consumed. In step S1108, the value of the remaining JAC game counter is decremented by one. Subsequently, in step S1109, it is determined whether any of the remaining payout / winning counter or the remaining JAC game counter has become zero. If any of them is 0, that is, if the winning is established 8 times or the JAC game is digested 12 times, it means that the RB state end condition is established, so in step S1110 the remaining payout winning / winning counter And the RB end processing for clearing the value of the remaining JAC game counter is performed. In subsequent step S1111, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining payout counter is zero. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB state has not reached the predetermined number and the end condition for the BB state is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S1112 and the RB start described above is started. After performing the processing, the present processing is terminated.

  If neither the remaining payout / winning counter or the remaining JAC game counter is 0 in step S1109, that is, if the winning has not been established 8 times and the JAC game has not been consumed 12 times, step S1113 is performed. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining payout counter is 0. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB state has not reached the predetermined number and the end condition for the BB state is not satisfied. On the other hand, when the count value of the remaining payout number counter is 0, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied, so the special game state end process shown in steps S1114 to S1115 is performed. In the special game state end process, first, in step S1114, the above-described RB end process is performed. Thereafter, in step S1115, a BB end process is performed for appropriately clearing the BB setting flag, various counters, etc. or performing an ending process. Also, when the count value of the remaining payout number counter is 0 in step S1111, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied, and therefore the BB end process is performed in step S1115. After performing the BB termination process, the state transition process is executed in step S1116, and the BB state process is terminated. Here, the state transition process is a process for returning the gaming state to the normal state. For example, an end command transmitted to make the display control device 81 know that the BB state has ended, A process of waiting until a time (for example, a time until the ending display ends) elapses is performed.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  When the start lever 41 is operated and a start command is generated, the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched not at the operation timing of the start lever 41 but at a timing after the delay time has elapsed from the operation timing. It was set as the structure to do. Since the delay time varies depending on the value of the delay counter 111d, this configuration makes it possible to latch the count value latch timing of the basic random number generator 150 even if the start lever 41 is operated at a constant period. Can be changed. As a result, the main control is performed at the time when the start lever 41 is operated for the purpose of the count value of the basic random number generator 150 when the winning random number is created using a sensory device or the like, or when the count value is generated. It is possible to make it difficult to attach an unauthorized substrate that can output an unauthorized signal that causes the device 101 to erroneously recognize that a start command has been generated, and to make it difficult to illegally obtain a winning random number. It becomes possible.

  The system is configured to perform an interrupt wait process in a normal process that is started and repeated when the power is turned on, and the interrupt wait process ends when the value of the update counter 111c changes, that is, when a timer interrupt process is performed. The configuration. In the interrupt waiting process, the value of the delay counter 111d is repeatedly updated until the value of the update counter 111c changes. With this configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt wait process can be made random. While the timer interrupt process is periodically performed every 1.49 msec, the timing for starting the interrupt wait process, more specifically, the timing for acquiring the value of the update counter 111c in step S402, is from the power on to the interrupt wait process. Varies depending on other processes performed up to. For this reason, if the interrupt wait process is started immediately after the end of the timer interrupt process, a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the timer interrupt process from 1.49 msec can be secured as the update time of the delay counter 111d. Can be updated a plurality of times, on the other hand, if timer interruption processing is performed immediately after step S402, only a time for updating the delay counter 111d once can be secured. As a result, the update count of the delay counter 111d performed in the interrupt waiting process can be made random, and the delay time from when the start command is generated until the CPU 102 outputs the latch signal is made random. be able to.

  Certainly, for example, the start timing and end timing of timer interrupt processing are monitored in normal processing, and the delay counter 111d is updated from the end timing of timer interrupt processing to the start timing of the next timer interrupt processing, that is, interrupt wait processing It is also possible to make the start timing depend on the end timing of the timer interrupt process. Even in such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt wait process can be made random as in the above embodiment. However, with such a configuration, timer interrupt processing is started every 1.49 msec, so that there is a time restriction that the start timing of interrupt wait processing is within 1.49 msec from the start timing of timer interrupt processing. It becomes. In addition, there is a restriction that the interval between the start timing of the first interrupt wait process and the start timing of the next interrupt wait process, that is, the start interval of the interrupt wait process is less than two cycles of the timer interrupt process, that is, less than 2.98 msec. It will be. Therefore, based on these restrictions, there is a possibility that the count value of the delay counter 111d may be illegally aimed so that the delay time after the start command is generated becomes constant every game. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, since the start timing of the interrupt wait process does not depend on the start timing and end timing of the timer interrupt process, the above-described restrictions do not occur, and the value of the delay counter 111d is illegally targeted. It is possible to reduce the possibility.

  In the normal process, when the interrupt waiting process is completed, a process for determining whether the start lever 41 (for example, step S620) or the like has been operated using the result of the sensor monitoring process of the timer interrupt process is performed. By adopting a configuration in which the determination process is performed after the end of the interrupt waiting process, it is possible to shorten the interval from the end of the timer interrupt process until the determination process is performed. In the configuration in which interrupt waiting processing is not performed, the interval is a time obtained by subtracting the time required for timer interrupt processing from 1.49 msec at the maximum, while in the configuration in which interrupt waiting processing is performed, the interval is from 1.49 msec at the maximum. The time required for the timer interrupt process is reduced, and the time required for performing the processes of steps S403 to S406 once and the time required for performing the negative determination in step S407 and performing the process of step S408 are reduced. Because it becomes. As a result, it is possible to make a determination related to the progress of the game, such as whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated, the game situation, and the like using the results of the sensor monitoring process made at a closer timing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a time lag generated between the operation of the start lever 41 and the like performed by the player and the progress of the game and the like accompanying the operation. As a result, even when the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched after a delay time has elapsed since the start command is generated, the player is prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the time lag. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition to performing the interrupt waiting process before the operation determination process for determining whether or not the start lever 41 (for example, step S620) has been operated, the winning probability setting process steps S303 to S308 and the start waiting process start The configuration is such that it is performed in a looping process such as the preparatory process (steps S604 to S620). With this configuration, the slot machine 10 can be prevented from malfunctioning.

  Here, consider a configuration in which no interrupt wait processing is performed in the loop processing.

  For example, in the loop process of steps S303 to S308 of the winning probability setting process, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 72 is operated in step S307, and a process of updating the set value is performed when it is determined that the operation is performed. Since the CPU 102 operates when the first clock signal is input, the operating period of the CPU 102 is equal to the period of the first clock signal and is approximately 125 nsec. Further, since the timer interrupt process is performed every 1.49 msec, the CPU 102 can perform an operation (processing operation) 1000 times or more after the timer interrupt process until the next timer interrupt process is performed. . For this reason, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed in the loop process of the winning probability setting process, for example, when the timer interrupt process is performed immediately before the process of step S303, the steps S303 to S303 are performed until the next timer interrupt process is performed. The loop process of S308 can be repeated a plurality of times.

  In the process of determining whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated in step S307, an all area reference process is performed. That is, referring to all the areas 112a to 112c of the reset detection area, it is determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated when “011” is stored, and the reset switch when “011” is not stored. 72 is determined not to be operated. In such a case, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed, there is a possibility that the determination process in step S307 is performed a plurality of times under the situation where “011” is stored. This is because the reset switch 72 is operated only once. In spite of this, the setting value is updated a plurality of times, leading to a malfunction.

  On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed before determining whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated, the process of step S307 is performed in a situation where “011” is stored in the reset detection area. When the next processing of step S307 is performed, “110” or “111” is stored in the reset detection area, and it is avoided that affirmative determination is made that the reset switch 72 is operated in step S307. be able to. As a result, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in which the set value is updated a plurality of times in response to one operation of the reset switch 72, and it is possible to cause the game hall manager or the like to set the desired set value.

  Similarly, in the loop process of the pre-start preparation processes S604 to S620, it is determined whether or not the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated in step S606. If it is determined that the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated, the credit insertion process is performed in step S612. . Even in such a loop process, in a configuration that does not perform the interrupt wait process, for example, when the timer interrupt process is performed immediately before the process of step S604, the loop process of steps S604 to S620 is performed until the next timer interrupt process is performed. It can be repeated several times.

  In the process of determining whether or not the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 in step S606 have been operated, an all area reference process is performed. That is, referring to all areas 112a to 112c of each credit insertion detection area, if “011” is stored, it is determined that the corresponding credit insertion switch has been operated, and “011” is not stored. Is determined that the corresponding credit insertion switch has not been operated. In such a case, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed, there is a possibility that the determination process in step S606 is performed a plurality of times under the situation where “011” is stored, and the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated only once. There is a possibility that it is determined that the operation has been performed a plurality of times even though the operation has not been performed. For example, this leads to a malfunction in which a plurality of virtual medals are inserted even though the third credit insertion switch 58 is operated to insert only one virtual medal.

  On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed at the stage before determining whether or not the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated, the process of step S606 is performed in a situation where “011” is stored in the credit insertion detection area. When the next step S606 is performed, “110” or “111” is stored in the credit insertion detection area, and the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated in step S606. It is possible to avoid making a positive determination repeatedly. As a result, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in which a virtual medal corresponding to a single operation of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is inserted a plurality of times, and to insert a virtual medal intended by the player. It becomes possible.

  The sensor information storage area 112 of the RAM 106 is composed of three storage areas, the first to third areas 112a to 112c. With such a configuration, it is possible to store a history of presence / absence of signal input from each detection sensor, and it is possible to determine whether an operation has been performed using the history of presence / absence of signal input. Further, the reset switch 72 and the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are configured to perform all area reference processing, so that it is possible to preferably avoid malfunction of the slot machine 10. If the switches 56 to 58 and 72 are configured to perform one area reference processing, step S307 in the loop processing of steps S303 to S308 of the winning probability setting processing and the steps in the loop processing of pre-start preparation processing S604 to S620. In S606, only the first area 112a of the corresponding detection area is referred to. As described above, the operation cycle of the CPU 102 is sufficiently faster than the time required from the start of the operation of the switches 56 to 58, 72 to the end thereof. Therefore, when one area reference processing is performed for the switches 56 to 58, 72, “1” is repeatedly stored in the first area 112a for a certain period even if interrupt waiting processing is performed. This is because there is a possibility that it is determined that the operation is performed a plurality of times for one operation.

  The interrupt waiting process is configured to be performed in the preparation process before starting the normal process. The pre-start preparation process is a process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is generated, and the time from the end of the previous game until the start command is generated varies depending on the timing at which the player operates the start lever 41. . For this reason, the number of pre-start preparation processes performed before the start command is generated is random, and accordingly, the number of times the interrupt waiting process is performed is also random. As a result, the number of updates of the delay counter 111d performed before the start command is generated can be made random.

  Here, since the generation timing of the start command depends on the operation of the start lever 41 by the player, the start lever 41 is illegally set so that the time from the end of the previous game to the generation of the start command is constant. Possible operation. However, the time required to perform the pre-start preparation process once varies depending on the game situation and the like. For example, even when only the processing time necessary for betting medals is considered, the time required for the credit insertion processing and the insertion determination depending on whether the medals are inserted by operating the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 This is because the time required for processing changes. Also, in the configuration that performs the interrupt waiting process, the processing time required for the interrupt waiting process cannot be fixed, so that the time until the start command is generated after the previous game ends is fixed. Even if the lever 41 is illegally operated, the number of times of performing the pre-start preparation process, that is, the number of times of performing the interrupt waiting process within such time cannot be fixed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to operate the start lever 41 with the aim of the count value of the delay counter 111d so that the delay time after the start command is generated becomes constant every game.

  The interrupt waiting process is configured to be performed from step S1001 to step S1004 in the pre-stop process of the normal process, that is, from when the rotating reel can be stopped until a stop command is issued. The processes in steps S1001 to S1004 are repeatedly performed until a stop command is generated, and the player stops the time from when the spinning reel can be stopped until the stop command is generated. It changes depending on the timing of operating the switches 42-44. For this reason, the number of times of processing in steps S1001 to S1004 performed until the stop command is generated is random, and accordingly, the number of times that the interrupt waiting process is performed is also random. As a result, the number of updates of the delay counter 111d performed before the stop command is generated can be made random.

  A delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the CPU 102 updates the delay counter 111d. That is, the delay period is determined based on the value of the soft free counter. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the random numbers to be won to be illegally acquired. Certainly, the delay period may be determined using a count value generated by a hardware counter separate from the CPU 102. However, in such a configuration, there is a concern that the hardware counter may be changed to an illegal hardware counter that outputs only a value of 1, for example. When such a change is made, the delay period is set to the value of 1 for each game. It will be a certain period based on. Then, after setting the delay period to a fixed period, the illegal operation of operating the start lever 41 aiming at the count value of the basic random number generator 150 when the winning random number is created using a sensory device, etc. There is a concern that fraud may be performed by attaching an unauthorized substrate that can output an unauthorized signal that erroneously recognizes that a start command has been issued to the main control device 101 at a timing when a value is generated. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102 and the CPU 102 updates the delay counter 111d, the above fraud can be made difficult unless the CPU 102 itself is changed to an unauthorized CPU. .

  The value of the delay counter 111d is not cleared even when the RAM is cleared. With this configuration, an illegal signal indicating RAM clear is input to the CPU 102, and the value of the delay counter 111d is changed to an initial value, and then the random number to be won is generated, It is possible to prevent an unauthorized act of operating the start lever 41 aiming at the values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b.

  A first counter 111 a and a second counter 111 b are provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and in the random number generation process, the count values of these counters 111 a and 111 b are added to the basic random number generated by the basic random number generator 150. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make a random number to be created or a cycle in which a winning random number is created to be more random than a configuration in which a random number is created using the count value of one counter. It is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain the random number.

  The first counter 111a and the second counter 111b are provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the CPU 102 updates the counters 111a and 111b. That is, the random number is generated by adding the value of the soft free counter to the value of the basic random number generator 150 as a hardware counter. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the random numbers to be won to be illegally acquired. It is true that the count value latched by a hardware random number generator such as the basic random number generator 150 can be used as a random number as it is. However, when such a configuration is used, there is a concern that the hardware random number generator may be changed to, for example, an unauthorized hardware random number generator that always outputs a count value that is won by BB. The game arcade where the slot machine 10 is installed will suffer a great deal of damage. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b are provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the CPU 102 updates the counters 111a and 111b, even if the illegal hardware random number generator is changed, By adding the count values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b, it is possible to change to a random number that does not win the BB.

  The values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b are not cleared even when the RAM is cleared. With this configuration, an illegal signal indicating RAM clear is input to the CPU 102 and the values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b are changed to initial values, and then the basis for creating a winning random number is created. It is possible to prevent an unauthorized operation of the start lever 41 aiming at the values of the random number generator 150, the first counter 111a, and the second counter 111b.

  Further, when the count value latched by the hardware random number generator is used as it is as a random number, in addition to the possibility of being changed to the above-mentioned illegal hardware random number generator, there are also concerns about the following problems: Is done. That is, in the hardware random number generator, the oscillator outputs a clock signal to the counter at a fixed period, and the counter is updated based on the input of the clock signal. For this reason, for example, when the transmitter stops outputting a clock signal due to a failure or the like, the counter is not updated. Therefore, in the game after the clock signal is no longer output, the winning / failing determination is always performed using the same counter value, and there is a concern that the game place where the player or the slot machine is installed may suffer disadvantages. The

  Therefore, a monitoring circuit 152 composed of a D flip-flop circuit is provided in the main controller 101, and the start detection sensor 41a is connected to the D terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 and the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal. The CPU 102 was connected to the Q bar terminal. In such a configuration, when the second clock signal is not output from the second clock circuit 151 due to a failure or the like, or when the second clock signal remains output, the second monitoring circuit 152 causes the second clock signal to be output. Since the input state of the clock signal (more specifically, the inverted clock signal) does not change, the start signal is not output to the CPU 102. Therefore, even if an operation signal is output from the start detection sensor 41a under these circumstances, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R do not start rotating, and the game hall where the player or the slot machine 10 is installed is disadvantageous. It can be avoided. When the second clock signal is not input to the basic random number generator 150 or remains input, in a configuration in which a game can be played after that, a random number is always generated using the same basic random number. Because it will be.

  In this configuration, the reel 32L, 32M, 32R does not start rotating even if the start lever 41 is operated by the player or the manager of the game hall where the slot machine 10 is installed. It is possible to notify that an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it becomes possible to quickly find out that an abnormality has occurred in the second clock circuit 151, and the game hall in which the player or the slot machine 10 is installed suffers disadvantages due to the abnormality of the second clock circuit 151. Can be suitably avoided.

  Certainly, a monitoring means for monitoring whether the second clock circuit 151 periodically outputs the second clock signal is provided, and if the second clock signal is not periodically output, the CPU 102 is abnormal. Even when the abnormality is processed such as notifying the player, it is possible to notify the player or the manager of the game hall that a certain abnormality has occurred in the second clock circuit 151. However, with such a configuration, it is necessary to store a program for performing processing at the time of occurrence of abnormality in the main control device 101 or the CPU 102 itself, and there is a concern about an increase in storage capacity. In addition, if any abnormality occurs in the monitoring means instead of the second clock circuit 151, the abnormality cannot be found despite the occurrence of the abnormality in the second clock circuit 151, and the game continues. There is also concern about the possibility of this being done.

  On the other hand, in the case of the above embodiment in which the start detection sensor 41a and the CPU 102 are connected via the monitoring circuit 152, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R does not start rotating despite the start lever 41 being operated. It is possible to directly notify the person of the occurrence of the abnormality, and it is not necessary to perform processing at the time of occurrence of the abnormality on the CPU 102 side. In addition, if any abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 itself, the output state of the start signal and the latch signal will not change. It is possible to notify directly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the chances that the player or the game arcade where the slot machine 10 is installed suffers disadvantages with a relatively simple configuration, while solving the above-mentioned concerns, when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10. .

  In the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated at a timing when the second clock signal is switched from the non-input state to the input state, and the second clock signal is input to the latch of the count value in the latch circuit 150b. The configuration is performed at the timing of switching from the presence state to the no-input state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the count value update timing and the count value latch timing from being the same, and the latch timing comes while the count value is being updated, and the count value cannot be normally latched. It is possible to avoid problems.

  In main controller 101, since monitoring circuit 152 is provided separately from CPU 102, it is possible to notify abnormality of slot machine 10 without CPU 102 monitoring whether second clock circuit 151 is normal or not. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the CPU 102 and to eliminate the need for a program related to the monitoring control of the second clock circuit 151, and to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the CPU 102.

  Furthermore, even if some abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 itself instead of the second clock circuit 151, the abnormality can be easily found. That is, when any abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152, the output state of the start signal is constant regardless of the input state of the operation signal or the second clock signal. This is because the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R do not start rotating even though the player operates the start lever 41, or the start signal is output even though the player does not operate the start lever 41. It leads to the occurrence of an abnormal event such as being in a state where it has been done. Therefore, it becomes possible for a player, a game hall manager, or the like to easily discover that some abnormality has occurred in the slot machine 10. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10 while avoiding the occurrence of a problem such as the failure of the second clock circuit 151 being unable to be detected due to an abnormality occurring in the monitoring circuit 152. It is possible to reduce the chance that the player or the game hall in which the slot machine 10 is installed suffers disadvantages.

  A first clock circuit 103 that inputs a clock signal to the CPU 102 and a second clock circuit 151 that inputs a clock signal to the basic random number generator 150 are separately provided, and clock signals output from these clock circuits 103 and 151 are provided. The configuration is not synchronized. With this configuration, the timing at which the latch circuit 150b latches the count value in the basic random number generator 150 and the acquisition timing at which the CPU 102 acquires a random number from the latch circuit 150b are synchronized, and the CPU 102 normally acquires the basic random number. It is possible to avoid the problem that it cannot be performed.

  In the reel control process, it is configured to determine whether or not a stop command is generated on condition that the start command is not generated. That is, when the start command is generated while the reel is rotating, the stop command is invalidated. With such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the second clock circuit 151 while the second clock signal is still output, the abnormality can be quickly found. If the abnormality occurs in the middle of the game, it is impossible to stop the corresponding reel even if the stop switch is operated. This is because it is possible to notify the user of the fact. In addition, when the abnormality occurs and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate under the condition where the start lever 41 is not operated, the stop switch 42 is used to end the game while feeling uncomfortable. The possibility of operating ~ 44 is conceivable. However, even if the stop switch cannot be operated, the corresponding reel cannot be stopped, so that it is possible to notify the player or the game hall manager that some abnormality has occurred in the slot machine 10.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150, the first counter 111a, and the second counter 111b are provided, and the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the first counter 111a, Although the random number is created by adding the count value of the two counter 111b, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The first counter 111a and the second counter 111b are not provided, and the basic random number generator 150 is provided. The count value may be used as a random number as it is. In such a configuration, the basic random number generator 150 generates a winning count value at a constant period, and therefore, there is a possibility that a fraud in which a start command is generated targeting the count value is performed. However, in the configuration in which the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched after the delay time has elapsed from the generation of the start command, even if the start command is generated with a cycle that is a natural number multiple of the cycle, The timing for latching the count value of the generator 150 can be shifted from the period. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the winning random numbers to be obtained illegally.

  The basic random number generator 150 may not be provided, and the random number may be created by adding the count value of the first counter 111a and the count value of the second counter 111b, or the count value of the first counter 111a may be It goes without saying that a configuration in which the random number is used as it is or a configuration in which the count value of the second counter 111b is directly used as a random number may be used.

  (2) In the above embodiment, when a start command is generated, the subtraction process is performed until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. However, the addition process is performed until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. It is good also as a structure to perform. Even if it is a case where it is set as this structure, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment. Also, with such a configuration, the program configuration of the delay counter process can be simplified.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the process of subtracting until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0 is performed by the timer interrupt process, but may be configured by the normal process. Specifically, in the delay process of the normal process, a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the delay counter 111d after setting the delay flag, and then determining whether or not the value of the delay counter 111d is 0 is configured. . When the value of the delay counter 111d is not 0, the subtraction process is repeatedly performed until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. In such a configuration, the delay time can be shortened. When the subtraction process of the delay counter 111d is performed in the timer interrupt process, the subtraction process can be performed only every 1.49 msec. However, when the subtraction process of the delay counter 111d is performed in the normal process, This is because the subtraction process can be performed about every 125 nsec.

  (4) In the above embodiment, when a start command is generated, the latch signal is output after the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the delay counter 111d The latch signal may be output after the value of 1 becomes 1, or the latch signal may be output after the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 10. That is, any configuration may be used as long as the latch signal is output after a specific value irrelevant to the value of the delay counter 111d at that time.

  (5) In the above embodiment, one delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the value of the delay counter 111d is updated in the normal process and the timer interrupt process. However, the delay counter updated in the normal process is used. And a delay counter updated in the timer interrupt process may be provided separately.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 is provided, and the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the first counter 111a, and the count value of the second counter 111b are added. Although it was set as the structure which produces a random number by this, it cannot be overemphasized that it is good also as a structure which produces a random number by subtracting these count values.

  (7) The position where the interrupt waiting process is provided in the normal process is arbitrary as long as it is before the process of making a determination using the processing result of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, for example, an interrupt waiting process may be provided between step S1002 and step S1003 in the pre-stop process, or an interrupt waiting process may be provided in the middle of the input determination process. This is because in the insertion determination process, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted based on the detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

  Further, it may be before the process of making a determination using the processing result of the timer subtraction process, instead of the process of making a determination using the processing result of the sensor monitoring process as described above. For example, in the rotation start process, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined wait time (eg, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started rotating in the previous game. Therefore, if the subtraction of the timer for measuring the wait time is performed by the timer subtraction process, an interrupt waiting process is performed before confirming whether the wait time has elapsed. Alternatively, in the configuration in which it is determined whether or not the output of a predetermined command has been completed, and if the output is not completed, the process waits as it is, and the interrupt waiting process may be performed before the determination process is performed. . With these configurations, the standby time can be effectively used as the update time of the delay counter 111d.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the interrupt waiting process is terminated when the value of the update counter 111c changes, but the amount of change in the value of the update counter 111c is arbitrary. That is, in step S407, a negative determination may be made when the value of the update counter 111c has changed by three from the value acquired in step S402, or a negative determination may be made when the value has changed by one. That is, in the above embodiment, when the value of the update counter 111c changes, a negative determination is made regardless of the amount of change and the interrupt waiting process is terminated. However, the change counter is set in advance and the update counter 111c is set. When the timer value is changed by the amount of change, that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed a predetermined number of times, a negative determination may be made and the interrupt wait process may be terminated.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the first counter 111a updated in the timer interrupt process and the second counter 111b updated in the normal process are separately provided as counters used for generating random numbers. The counter value may be updated by normal processing and timer interrupt processing.

  In addition, when the above configuration is applied to a gaming machine that does not have a basic random number generator, the counter value may be used as a random number as it is, or a predetermined calculation process such as inverting the counter value. It is good also as a structure which uses the value obtained by performing as a random number.

  (10) In the above embodiment, when the number of updates of the delay counter 111d in the interrupt waiting process is excluded, the value of the delay counter 111d is updated by one each time the pre-start preparation process is performed once. It is good also as a structure updated two, and good also as a structure updated three or more. That is, the number of updates or the update value of the delay counter 111d per one pre-start preparation process is arbitrary.

  (11) In the above embodiment, in the start waiting process, the process from step S604 to step S620 loops. However, the process from step S601 to step S620 may loop. However, when the pre-start preparation process includes the processes in steps S601 to S603, it is determined whether it is the first process in the medal acceptance permission process and the automatic insertion process. In some cases, it is necessary to perform a corresponding process, and if it is not the first time, the corresponding process is not performed and the process proceeds to the subsequent processes (steps S604 and S607). In such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the pre-start preparation process can be made indefinite, and the update count of the delay counter 111d performed before the start command is generated is more random. It can be.

  As described above, the pre-start preparation process is a process that is started when the reel is not rotating and ends when a start command is generated, and may be a process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is generated. .

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, the update process for adding or subtracting 1 from the value of the delay counter 111d is performed. Yes. The same applies to the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the counter 150a of the basic random number generator 150.

  (13) The position where the delay counter 111d is updated in the pre-start preparation process is arbitrary. In other words, the delay counter 111d may be updated immediately after the abnormality confirmation process, or the delay counter 111d may be updated immediately after the input determination process. Even if it is a case where it is set as these structures, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  (14) The latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150 and the CPU 102 may be 16-bit inverted connection.

  (15) In the above embodiment, the counter 150a, the first counter 111a, and the second counter 111b of the basic random number generator 150 are each configured with 16 bits, but may be configured with 8 bits, It may be composed of 4 bits. Moreover, it is good also as a structure from which the bit number of each counter differs. The same applies to the delay counter 111d. The delay counter 111d is not limited to a 4-bit configuration, and may have an 8-bit configuration or a 16-bit configuration. However, when the number of bits of the delay counter 111d is increased, the delay time is increased accordingly. For this reason, in such a case, it is desirable to devise such as increasing the number of places where the delay counter 111d is subtracted in the timer interrupt process.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the values of the first counter 111a, the second counter 111b, and the delay counter 111d are not cleared (initialized) even when the RAM is cleared. Also good.

  (17) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 is provided outside the CPU 102. However, the CPU 102 may be built in.

  (18) The basic random number generator 150 in the above embodiment latches the count value at the timing when the latch signal from the CPU 102 is input and outputs the latched count value to the CPU 102. However, the configuration is changed. To do. For example, the basic random number generator 150 is configured to always output the count value of the counter 150a via the latch circuit 150b. That is, the CPU 102 is configured to always receive the count value of the counter 150a. When the delay time elapses, the CPU 102 latches the count value of the counter 150a input to the CPU 102 at that time and obtains it as a basic random number. Even if it is a case where it is set as this structure, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  (19) In the above embodiment, the delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102 and the basic random number acquisition timing is delayed from the start command generation timing. However, the delay counter 111d is not provided and the start command generation timing is set. It is good also as a structure which acquires a basic random number. In such a configuration, there is a possibility that the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is targeted, but the random number is obtained by adding the count values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b to the count value of the basic random number generator 150. In the configuration to be created, even when the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is aimed, the random number can be changed by the count values of the counters 111a and 111b. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the winning random numbers to be obtained illegally.

  When the basic random number acquisition timing is not delayed, the Q terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 and the latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150 are connected, and the monitoring circuit does not output a latch signal from the CPU 102. A latch signal may be output from the Q terminal of 152.

  (20) In the above embodiment, the monitoring circuit 152 configured by the D flip-flop circuit is provided. However, the monitoring circuit configured by sequential circuits such as the RS flip-flop circuit and the JK flip-flop circuit and various logic circuits. May be provided.

  (21) In the above embodiment, the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 is connected to the CPU 102, and the L level output signal output from the Q bar terminal is recognized as the start signal by the CPU 102. Even when the CPU 102 is connected via an inverter, it is apparent that the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Further, if the CPU 102 recognizes an H level output signal as a start signal, the Q terminal and the CPU 102 may be connected, or the Q bar terminal and the CPU 102 may be connected via an inverter. .

  (22) In the above embodiment, the waveform shaping circuit 153 and the monitoring circuit 152 are connected via the input / output port 104 of the main control device 102. The bar terminal and the CPU 102 may be connected via an input / output port.

  (23) In the above embodiment, the monitoring circuit 152 constituted by the D flip-flop circuit is provided to prevent the player or the playground from being disadvantaged when any abnormality occurs in the second clock circuit 151. The configuration is changed, but the configuration is changed.

  A watchdog timer that constantly monitors whether the second clock circuit 151 periodically outputs the second clock signal is connected to the second clock circuit. The watchdog timer is provided with a timer counter that is subtracted every predetermined time, and the timer value of the timer counter is set every time the input state of the clock signal changes. The watchdog timer outputs an H level normal signal when the timer counter is non-zero, and outputs an L level abnormality occurrence signal when the timer counter is zero. On the output side of the watchdog timer, an AND circuit that calculates the logical product of the operation signal from the start detection sensor 41a and the input signal from the watchdog timer is provided. Then, an inverted signal obtained by inverting an output signal from the AND circuit by an inverter is input to the CPU 102.

  In this case, if the second clock circuit 151 periodically outputs the second clock signal, the timer value is set repeatedly in the watchdog timer, and the timer counter does not become zero. Therefore, the output signal from the watchdog timer is always at the H level, and the output signal from the AND circuit is the operation signal from the start detection sensor 41a. When an operation signal is output, the output signal is inverted by an inverter and input to the CPU 102 as a start signal.

  On the other hand, when the output state of the second clock signal does not change due to an abnormality in the second clock circuit 151, the timer counter becomes zero in the watchdog timer, and the output signal becomes L level. For this reason, the output signal of the AND circuit is always at the L level regardless of whether or not the operation signal is input. Therefore, even if the start lever 41 is operated and an operation signal is output, no start signal is output from the AND circuit to the CPU 102. As a result, a situation occurs in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R do not start rotating even though the start lever 41 is operated, and it is confirmed that some abnormality has occurred inside the slot machine 10 or the player or the game hall. It is possible to notify those concerned.

  Note that the watchdog timer is used to determine whether the second clock signal is periodically output from the second clock circuit 151. Instead, the duty ratio of the second clock signal is detected, A duty ratio determination circuit that outputs an L level signal when the duty ratio is not within a predetermined normal range (for example, a range of 25 to 75%) may be provided.

  In general, the normal second clock signal is a pulse signal having a duty ratio of 50%. On the other hand, when the output state of the second clock signal does not change due to some abnormality in the second clock circuit 151, the duty ratio is 0% (in the case of constant or high impedance at L level) ) Or 100% (if it is constant at the H level). Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the second clock signal is periodically output by determining whether the actual duty ratio is within the normal range. In this configuration, when the output state of the second clock signal is not changed, an L level signal is output from the duty ratio determination circuit, and therefore the output signal of the AND circuit depends on whether or not the operation signal is input. Always L level. Therefore, even if the start lever 41 is operated and an operation signal is output, no start signal is output from the AND circuit to the CPU 102.

  Note that the normal range of the duty ratio of the second clock signal is not limited to the above example, and may be 10 to 90%, 40 to 80%, or the like. Further, it is not necessary to set the contrast centering on 50% during normal operation, and it may be 10-60% or 40-90%.

  (24) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a based on the input of the second clock signal, and latches the count value of the counter 150a at the timing when the latch signal is input. Although it is configured to latch at 150b, the following configuration may be used.

  The latch circuit 150b is configured to latch after appropriately replacing the bit arrangement of the count value of the counter 150a.

  As an example of such a configuration, a configuration in which the latch circuit 150b latches a bit arrangement from the lowest order to the highest order of the count value of the counter 150a in the reverse direction can be given. In such a configuration, the value latched by the latch circuit 150b changes irregularly with respect to the input of the second clock signal, and it is avoided that the player may intentionally acquire a predetermined basic random number. it can.

  In addition, the bit arrangement of the values latched by the latch circuit 150b may be changed as appropriate and output to the CPU 102. Even in such a configuration, the random number input to the CPU 102 changes irregularly with respect to the second clock signal, and it is avoided that a predetermined random number is intentionally acquired by the player. it can.

  A plurality of clock circuits for outputting clock signals of different frequencies are provided, and the count value of the counter 150a is updated based on these clock signals.

  In this case, a selection circuit that appropriately selects which clock circuit the clock signal output from is used is provided, and the clock signal selected by the selection circuit is input to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152. In such a configuration, since the cycle in which the count value of the counter 150a makes a round is changed by the selection of the clock signal by the selection circuit, it is possible to avoid a problem that the player intentionally acquires the predetermined basic random number.

  Instead of the counter 150a, an arithmetic unit is provided in which the random number changes every time the input state of the second clock signal changes.

  Examples of such arithmetic units include those that determine the current basic random numbers using the previous basic random numbers, those that generate basic random numbers using the average sampling method, and those that generate basic random numbers by adding prime numbers. Take an example. In these configurations as well, the value latched by the latch circuit 150b changes in a complex manner based on the change in the input state of the second clock signal, so that there is a problem in that a predetermined basic random number is intentionally acquired by the player. Can be avoided.

  (25) Although the second clock circuit 151 for random numbers is provided as a clock source for the hardware basic random number generator 150 in addition to the first clock circuit 103 for the CPU 102 in the above embodiment, the first clock circuit 103 May be used as a clock source. At this time, the clock signal of the first clock circuit 103 obtained by frequency modulation (frequency division, multiplication, etc.) may be used. In this case, if the clock signal input to the hardware basic random number generator 150 does not fluctuate due to, for example, an abnormality in a circuit unit that performs frequency modulation, there is a problem that the basic random number is always constant. By obtaining the same effect as in the embodiment, the abnormality can be found.

  (26) In the above embodiment, the second clock signal is input to the basic random number generator 150 and the monitoring circuit 152 without modulating the frequency of the second clock signal output from the second clock circuit 151. However, a configuration may be adopted in which frequency-modulated (frequency-divided or multiplied) signals are input. Specifically, a converter that performs frequency modulation may be connected to the second clock circuit 151, and the converter may be connected to the basic random number generator 150 and the monitoring circuit 152.

  (27) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not a start command is generated after three medals are bet. However, the start command is also issued after one bet or two bets. It goes without saying that it may be configured to determine whether or not it has occurred. In the case of such a configuration, by performing the interrupt waiting process immediately before the process of determining whether or not the credit insertion switch has been operated as in the above embodiment (see step S606, FIG. 19), the slot machine It is possible to more suitably avoid the malfunction of. This is because there is a chance that the game cannot be started with the number of bets desired by the player.

  (28) In the above-described embodiment, as a privilege to be given, the privilege is provided with a medal payout in addition to the privilege that the gaming state shifts and the privilege of replaying, but is limited to this configuration. Instead, any configuration may be used as long as a bonus is given to the player. For example, a configuration in which a prize other than a medal is paid out instead of a medal to pay out a medal may be used. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages credits owned by a player, an increase in credited medals corresponds to provision of a privilege.

  (29) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines.

  (30) In the above embodiment, a so-called A type slot machine has been described. However, a B type, a C type, a combined type of A type and C type, a combined type of B type and C type, and further a CT game are provided. The present invention may be applied to any slot machine, such as the above-mentioned type, and it is obvious that the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in any case. In addition, examples of bonus winning in each type include BB winning, RB winning, SB winning, CT winning and the like.

  (31) In the above embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been shown, but the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine. Further, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used.

It is a front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a rear view of a front door. It is a front view of a housing | casing. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of each reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the symbol which can be visually recognized from a display window, and a combination line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a prize mode and the privilege provided. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of RAM. It is a block diagram regarding operation detection of a start lever and acquisition of a basic random number. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a sensor monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows operation determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a winning probability setting process. It is a flowchart which shows interruption waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a delay process. It is a flowchart which shows a delay counter process. It is a time chart which shows the change of various signals. It is a flowchart which shows a lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number creation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for normal states. It is a figure which shows an example of a slip table. It is a flowchart which shows a reel control process. It is a flowchart which shows the process before a stop. It is a flowchart which shows a BB state process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a game machine, 31 ... Reel unit as variable display means, 32 ... Reel which comprises a circulation display means and a rotating body, 41 ... Start lever as start operation means or start operation means, 42- 44: Stop switch as stop operation means, 56: First credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 57: Second credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 58: Start operation means or Third credit insertion switch as input operation means, 63... Upper lamp constituting auxiliary effect section or auxiliary effect means, 64. Speaker constituting auxiliary effect section or auxiliary effect means, 65. Auxiliary effect section or auxiliary effect means. Auxiliary display unit 81, a display control device as a sub-control board, 101 ... main Main control device as control board, 102 ... CPU constituting various control means such as lottery means and main control means, 106 ... RAM, 111a ... first counter, 111b ... second counter, 111c ... update counter, 111d ... delay 150, basic random number generator as random number generating means, 150a, counter as numerical information generating means, 150b, latch circuit as numerical information acquiring means, 151 ... second clock circuit as clock signal output means, 152 ... A start signal output means, an acquisition signal output means and a monitoring circuit as a clock signal monitoring device, 153... A waveform shaping circuit, 154... An inverter as a delay means.

Claims (1)

Operating means operated to advance the game;
Signal output means for outputting the first signal based on the operation means being operated and not outputting the first signal based on the fact that the operation means has not been operated. In the gaming machine that advances the game based on the signal input status from the means,
First process execution means for performing the first process;
A second process execution means for periodically performing a second process including a situation confirmation process for confirming a signal input situation from the signal output means,
The first process execution means includes:
Specific processing execution means for performing specific processing;
And a third process execution means for performing a third process related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific process executing means includes
Confirmation processing execution means for performing confirmation processing for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine, comprising: an ending unit that terminates the specific process when the confirmation process execution unit confirms that the second process has been performed.

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