JP2012170564A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with improved accuracy concerning the date and time in the inside thereof.SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a main controlling means and a sub-controlling means. The main controlling means is provided with a volatile information retention means for retaining game information related to a game by a supply voltage from either a main power source means or an auxiliary power source means. On the condition of the start of power supply from the main power source means in an electric power interrupted condition, a determination process is executed to determine whether or not the condition is a retention fault condition where the game information is not correctly retained by comparing the game information before power interruption with the game information after power supply. If the determination process determines the condition as a retention fault condition, a process for sending retention fault information to the sub-controlling means is executed. The sub-controlling means executes a process to make a performance means to announce that time information needs to be corrected in response to the receipt of the retention fault information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

  In recent game machines, a clock that measures the date and time is provided inside the game machine, and the time and date are stored in association with various information, or an effect corresponding to the time and date is given. An amusement machine is known.

  Specifically, on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted and the start lever has been operated, the reel with a plurality of types of symbols is rotated, and the set value is set in advance. The winning combination is determined internally by the internal lottery based on the corresponding winning probability, the reels are stopped based on the result of the internal lottery and the operation result of the stop button, and a prize is awarded according to the display mode displayed by all the stopped reels. In a slot machine that determines the combination and pays out the number of game media corresponding to the winning combination, the setting value is changed to determine whether or not the above setting has been changed illegally (during business hours). There has been proposed a game machine that stores information on whether or not a change was made and the time when the change was made (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4285937

  In this way, using the date and time that is timed inside the game machine is an effective means for improving the security of the game machine and improving the fun of the game, but the time and time being timed are not accurate in the first place Has a problem that the above-mentioned effects cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the accuracy of the date and time being measured inside the gaming machine. And

  The present invention provides a predetermined process including a main control means for executing a game progress process relating to the progress of a game, and a process based on information transmitted from the main control means that is connected to the main control means so as to allow one-way communication. A sub-control means for executing a game, an effect means connected to the sub-control means and executing an effect related to a game based on information transmitted from the sub-control means, and at least one of date and time Timekeeping information is timed and information indicating the timekeeping information is transmitted to the sub-control means, and the time-keeping means for correcting the time-keeping information based on the correction information transmitted from the sub-control unit, A game machine comprising: main power supply means for supplying a voltage; and auxiliary power supply means for supplying a predetermined voltage to the game machine in an uninterrupted state without voltage supply from the power supply means. Has volatile information holding means for holding game information relating to a game by a supply voltage from at least one of the main power supply means and the auxiliary power supply means, and the voltage from the main power supply means in the power interruption state. Comparing the game information before the power interruption state and the game information after the voltage supply on the condition that the supply is started, it is determined whether or not the game information is in a holding abnormal state where the game information is not normally held. When the determination processing determines that the holding abnormality state has occurred, the processing for transmitting holding abnormality information to the sub-control unit is executed, and the sub-control unit stores the holding abnormality information. The game machine is characterized in that, based on the received information, a process for causing the effecting means to perform a suggestion notification suggesting that the timekeeping information needs to be corrected is executed.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the date and time being measured inside the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. (A) It is a front view which shows the slot machine of the state which opened the front door. (B) It is the elements on larger scale of the site | part shown by the code | symbol A of (a). It is an external appearance perspective view of a production button. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the power supply and control information flow of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a power-on process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a RWM abnormality determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an electrical disconnection process. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU of a 1st sub control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a 1st sub control part. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of a 1st sub control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of production control processing. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU of a 2nd sub control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a 2nd sub control part. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of a 2nd sub control part. (D) It is a flowchart of the image control process of a 2nd sub control part. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the date adjustment at the time of RWM abnormality. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the date determination at the time of RWM abnormality. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the RWM abnormality determination process which concerns on a modification. It is an example of the front view of a pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the gaming machine (a spinning machine such as the slot machine 100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right The down line and the upper right line may be set as valid pay lines, and the same number of pay lines may be set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The effect button 136 is a button for accepting various operations by the player (details will be described later). The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of speakers 272 and 277 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 (effect) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 is displayed on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100. It has a structure that appears. In addition, the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information. , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  2A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 in a state where the front door 102 is opened, and FIG. 2B is a partially enlarged view of a portion indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.

  The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores the main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. Below the three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply 252 (a power management unit 350 to be described later) is disposed, and a power switch 294 for switching on / off of power supply from the power supply 252 is disposed in front of the power supply 252.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. Yes.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. An upper speaker 272 is provided. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 180.

  In addition, a reset button 290, a setting change button 291 and a setting value display 292 are provided below the symbol display window 113 as shown in FIG. The reset button 290 is a button for resetting (initializing) the slot machine 100 or canceling the error state. The setting change button 291 is a setting value of the slot machine 100 that is any of setting 1 to setting 6. It is a button for switching between crab. The set value display 292 is a display for displaying the current set value. Further, on the right side of the reels 110 to 112, a setting change key 293 for enabling the setting value to be changed by the setting change button 291 is provided.

<Direction button>
Next, the above-described effect button 136 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is an external perspective view of the effect button 136.

  The effect button 136 includes six buttons, an upper button 136a, a lower button 136b, a left button 136c, a right button 136d, an OK button 136e, and a cancel button 136f. This effect button 136 is used not only for games but also for date and time adjustment described later. For example, the date and time can be changed with the upper button 136a and the lower button 136b, and the year can be changed with the left button 136c and the right button 136d. Switch between items such as date and time.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 306 for storing position, RWM (also referred to as RAM; hereinafter the same) 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, time, number of times, etc. Counter timer 312 and WDT (watchdog timer) 314 are mounted. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RWM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 performs various sensors 318 (medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, a start lever 135 sensor, a stop button 137 for each interruption time. Sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, index sensor for reel 111, index sensor for reel 112, reset button Reset button sensor for detecting pressing of 290, setting change button sensor for detecting pressing of setting change button 291, setting change key sensor for detecting operation of setting change key 293, power switch The status of the power switch sensor) for detecting the 94 on / off operation being monitored. The main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 331. The CPU 304 monitors the state of the bet button sensor 332 (the bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor) at every interruption time. Yes.

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medal electronically stored in the RWM 308 is inserted as an inserted medal into the game. A date determination operation (details will be described later) for confirming the input operation and the date and time adjustment when detecting the date and time is detected.

  The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 328 for driving the device 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, an RWM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 includes a sensor circuit 432, and the CPU 404 monitors the state of the bet button sensor 332 (the bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor) at every interruption time. Yes. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a sensor circuit 434, and the CPU 404 performs an effect button sensor 436 (an upper button 136a, a lower button 136b, a left button 136c, a right button 136d, an effect button 136 for each interruption time). The state of the sensor of the OK button 136e and the cancel button 136f) is monitored.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are provided to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. It is connected. Further, the first sub-control unit 400 includes an RTC (Real Time Clock) 436 for acquiring date and time (year / month / day and hour / minute / second) information.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the effect image display device 157, a control unit that controls various drive devices for effect (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). ), And the like.

  The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, an RWM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives a motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is provided with a shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interruption time.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRWM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRWM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Power supply and control signal flow>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the power supply and control information flow of the slot machine 100.

  The power management unit 350 corresponding to the above-described power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the external power source 352 provided outside the slot machine 100 into a direct current and converts it into a predetermined voltage by the power generation unit 350a. , The control unit such as the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500, the speakers 272 and 277, the effect image display device 157, and the like. Further, a power storage unit 350b for supplying power to each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the sub control units 400 and 500 for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power from the external power source 352 is cut off. It has.

  Each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500, the devices such as the speakers 272 and 277, and the effect image display device 157 include a transformer circuit 354 included in each control unit, Electric power is supplied via 356 or the like.

  Each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the sub-control units 400 and 500 includes voltage monitoring circuits 330 and 430 that monitor the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit 350 to each control unit. These voltage monitoring circuits output a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9 v in this embodiment) to the basic circuits 302 and 402 of each control unit. , 502 and the like. Further, each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the sub-control units 400 and 500 is set to a predetermined part (for example, RWM308, RTC436, RWM408, RWM508, etc.) even after the power supply from the power management unit 350 is cut off. Auxiliary power sources (for example, capacitors) 390 and 490 for supplying power during the period (for example, 10 days).

  Further, as described above, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is connected to the basic circuit 402 of the first sub control unit 400. A signal such as a command can be transmitted.

<Power-on processing>
Next, a power-on process executed by the CPU 310 of the main control unit 300 when the slot machine 100 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of power-on processing in the main control unit 300.

  When the power switch 294 is turned on, the slot machine 100 is turned on, and when power is supplied from the power management unit 350 to the main control unit 300, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 supplies the power described below. The input process is executed first.

  First, in step S101, various initialization processes (initial processes) are performed. In this initial setting, initialization of a waiting timer, which will be described later, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 310, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RWM 308 , Initialization processing such as operation permission to WDT 314 and initial value setting is executed. After the process of step S101 is completed, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, it is monitored whether power-on is detected, that is, whether the low voltage signal output from the voltage monitoring circuit 330 is on or off. When the low voltage signal is on (when the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9v in the present embodiment)), the power-on monitoring is continued in step S102, and the low voltage signal is off. In this case (when the voltage value of the power supply is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (9v in the present embodiment)), the process proceeds to step S103, and RWM abnormality determination processing (details will be described later) is performed. Although details will be described later, in this RWM abnormality determination process, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RWM 308 of the main control unit 300.

  In step S104, the setting key switch sensor determines whether the setting key switch 293 is ON or OFF. When it is determined that the setting key switch 293 is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S105, and when it is determined that the setting key switch 293 is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step 105, a setting value change process is performed. In this setting value change processing, the currently set value (game mode) is displayed on the setting value display 292, and it is determined whether or not the setting change button 291 has been pressed by the setting change button sensor. When the setting change button 291 is pressed, each time the setting change button 291 is pressed once, the setting values 1 to 6 that are currently set are added and updated one by one. When the value exceeds 6, the process returns to 1 repeatedly. In addition, a signal input from the start lever sensor 321 is detected to determine whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. When the start lever 135 has been operated, it is currently displayed on the set value display 292. The set value is stored in the set value storage area of the RWM 308, and the set value is determined. Also, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 293 has been changed from the ON state to the OFF state. If the setting key switch 293 has been changed to the OFF state, the setting value changing process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not the RWM abnormality flag stored in the RWM 308 is set. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S107, and if not, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S107, it is determined whether or not a date and time determination operation has been performed (in this embodiment, whether or not any one of the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 has been pressed). If there is, the process proceeds to step S111. If there is no date / time determination operation, the process of step S107 is repeatedly executed until the date / time determination operation is performed.

  In step S108, it is determined whether or not the above-described RWM abnormality flag is set. If the flag corresponds to the infinite loop state, the process proceeds to step S109. That is, it is determined in step S104 that the setting key switch 293 is in the ON state so that the process can proceed to the subsequent processing in the state where the RWM abnormality flag is set (the RWM abnormality flag is present). Only when the setting value changing process is executed and it is determined in step S107 that a date / time determination operation has been performed.

  In step S109, it is determined whether forced RWM clear is in an ON state. Specifically, the forced RWM clear is set to the ON state when the power is turned on and the above-described reset button 290 is pressed for a long time (for example, pressed for 5 seconds or more). If the forced RWM clear is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S110. If the forced RWM clear is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S110, a return process for returning the slot machine 100 to the state before the power is shut off is performed. In this restoration process, the value of the stack pointer, register, etc. that was saved at the previous power failure (when the previous low voltage signal was detected) is restored to the original stack pointer or register. Do.

  In step S111, the storage areas of all the RWMs 308 are cleared (initialized), and then the process proceeds to step S112 to shift to a main control unit main process described later.

<RWM abnormality determination processing>
Next, the RWM abnormality determination process in the power-on process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the RWM abnormality determination process.

  In step S121, the RWM abnormality determination data stored in the RWM abnormality determination data storage area of the RWM 308 in the power interruption process described later is acquired, and in step S122, stored in the checksum data storage area of the RWM 308 in the power interruption process described later. Get checksum data.

  In step S123, it is determined whether or not there is an RWM abnormality. Specifically, it is determined whether the data stored in advance in the predetermined storage area of the ROM 306 matches the RWM abnormality determination data acquired in step S121, and the checksum data acquired in step S122. , Adding all the data stored in a predetermined area (all areas in this embodiment) of the RWM 308 to calculate an added value, and whether the checksum is OK or NG depending on whether the added value is 0 or not. judge. As a result of these determinations, if the RWM abnormality determination data match and the checksum is OK, it is determined that there is no RWM abnormality and the process proceeds to step S125. Otherwise, it is determined that there is an RWM abnormality and step S124 is performed. Proceed to In step S124, after setting the RWM abnormality flag, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, it is determined whether or not the RWM abnormality flag is set, and if applicable (for example, when the power is cut off / recovered while waiting for the date / time determination operation after the RWM abnormality flag is set) ) Proceeds to step S126, and if not, the process ends.

  In step S126, effect data for notifying the RWM abnormality is set. In step S127, preparation is made for transmitting the RWM abnormality command including the effect data set in step S126 to the first sub-control unit 400, and the process ends.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.
In step S151, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S152.

  In step S152, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In step S153, the random number generated by the random value generation circuit 316 is acquired. In step S154, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S153. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is set to ON. In step S155, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S156, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In step S157, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step S155. Stop based on data. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S158. In step S158, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell.

  In step S159, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In step S160, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step S151, the game proceeds by repeating the processing of steps S151 to S160.

<Main controller 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed. In step S203, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and the RWM 308 is partitioned for each of the various sensors 318. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S207, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process). In step S209, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, various timers are updated in respective time units. For example, when an initial value is set in the determination timer in the device monitoring process described later, for each timer interrupt process A process of subtracting 1 from the value of the determination timer is performed.

  In step S211, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, and operation of stop buttons 137 to 139. Bits 0 to 10 are command data (a stop button reception command accompanying the stop processing of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command accompanying the medal payout processing, a payout end command, a command indicating a gaming state, etc.). Predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S213, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RWM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 that is separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in the above-described step S205 are read, and the presence or absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. If it is detected, error processing is executed.

  In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main process. On the other hand, in step S221, a power interruption process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this power interruption process, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power interruption state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RWM 308 to initialize the input / output port. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

<Power interruption processing>
Next, the power interruption process (step S221) in the above-described main control unit timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of a power interruption process.

  In step S301, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RWM 308 as return data. In step S302, information indicating suspend is set in the power status stored in the RWM 308.

  In step S303, all the data stored in a predetermined area (all areas in this embodiment) of the RWM 308 are added to calculate an added value, and a numerical value that is 0 with the added value is used for the checksum. The data is stored in a checksum storage area provided in the RWM 308 as data. In step S304, the RWM abnormality determination data described above is acquired from the ROM 306 and stored in the RWM abnormality determination data storage area provided in the RWM 308. In step S <b> 305, after setting to prohibit access of the RWM 308, the process ends.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  When the power switch 294 is turned on, the slot machine 100 is powered on, and when power is supplied from the power management unit 350 to the first sub control unit 400, the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 performs the same operation. The main process shown in FIG.

  In step S1001, various initial settings are performed. In this initial setting, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RWM 408, and the like are performed. In step 1002, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S1004, command processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this command processing, processing according to the command received from the main control unit 300 is performed.

  In step S1005, an effect control process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this effect control process, for example, when there is a new command in step S1004, a process corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the production instruction information from the RWM 408, and performing a production data update process when the production data needs to be updated.

  In step S1006, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S1005. In this sound control process, for example, when there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect instruction information read in step S1005, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S1007, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S1005. In this lamp control process, for example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect instruction information read in step S1005, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S1008, information output processing is performed to perform setting for transmitting a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S1005. For example, when there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect instruction information read out in step S1005 (when there is information on the effect image display device 157, etc.), a setting for outputting this control command is made. And return to step S1002.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S1101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RWM 408 as an unprocessed command.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S1201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RWM 408 described in step S1002 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Therefore, in step S1002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step 1202, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S1008, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed. In step S1202, date / time data (year / month / day or hour / minute / second data) is acquired from the RTC 436 and stored in the date / time data storage area provided in the RWM 408.

<Production control processing>
Next, the effect control process (step S215) in the first sub control unit main process described above will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect control process.

  In step S1301, it is determined whether or not an RWM abnormality command has been received from the main control unit 300. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1302, the second sub-control unit 500 is prepared to transmit the date / time data stored in the date / time data storage area. In step S1303, information indicating the date and time setting state is set (stored) in the date and time setting state storage area provided in the RWM 408.

  In step S1304, the state of the effect button sensor 436 is acquired, and any one of the upper button 136a, the lower button 136b, the left button 136c, the right button 136d, the OK button 136e, and the cancel button 136f of the effect button 136 is pressed. It is determined whether or not. If any button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1305. If no button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1308.

  In step S1305, it is determined by referring to the date / time setting state storage area described above, whether or not it is a date / time setting state, the process proceeds to step S1306 if applicable, and to step S1307 if not applicable. In step S1306, the date / time data stored in the date / time data storage area is updated based on the operation of the effect button 136, and the updated date / time data is transmitted to the RTC 436. In step S1307, the second sub-control unit 500 is updated. On the other hand, preparation for transmitting the effect button operation command including the updated date and time data is made.

  In step S1308, the state of the effect button sensor 436 is acquired, it is determined whether or not the OK button 136e of the effect button 136 is pressed, the state of the bet button sensor 332 is acquired, and the bet button 130 and the bet button 131 are acquired. Then, it is determined whether any one of the bet buttons 132 has been pressed. If any of the buttons is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1309. If no button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1312.

  In step S1309, it is determined by referring to the date / time setting state storage area described above, whether or not it is a date / time setting state, the process proceeds to step S1310 if applicable, and the process proceeds to step S1312 if not applicable. In step S1310, the date / time data stored in the date / time data storage area described above is confirmed. In step S1311, the second sub-control unit 500 is prepared to transmit a date / time setting state end command, and the process proceeds to step S1312. . In step S1312, the process ends after performing other effect control processes.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, the process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  When the power switch 294 is turned on, the slot machine 100 is powered on, and when power is supplied from the power management unit 350 to the second sub control unit 500, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 performs the same operation. The main process shown in FIG.

  In step S1401, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initial setting is first executed in step S1401. In this initial setting, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization processing in the RWM 508, and the like are performed. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SF05.

  In step S1403, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S1404, command processing is performed. In this command processing, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S1405, effect control processing is performed. In this effect control process, for example, when there is a new command in step S1403, a process corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated. In the present embodiment, when an effect button operation command is received from the first sub-control unit 400, the effect data for displaying the year, month, day and hour / minute / second is displayed on the ROM 506 based on the date / time data included in the command. Processing such as reading from is performed. In addition, when a date / time setting state end command is received from the first sub-control unit 400, processing such as reading effect data for notifying an RWM abnormality (RWM error) from the ROM 506 is performed.

  In step S1406, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S1405. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S1405, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step S1407, image control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S1405. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S1405, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to step S1402.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S1501 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RWM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S1601, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RWM 508 described in step S1402 in the second sub control unit main process, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S1402, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S1602, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S1407 in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S1701, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the drawing areas of the display area A and the display area B of the VRWM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRWM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRWM 536), etc. in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information etc. table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRWM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRWM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S1702, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from VDP 534 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S1703. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step S1703, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRWM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRWM 536 in step S1701, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis and image size of the VRWM 536). , VRWM coordinates (arrangement coordinates), etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S1704, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step S1705, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S1706. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step S1706, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RWM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Processing when RWM is abnormal>
Next, processing when the RWM is abnormal will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of date and time adjustment when the RWM is abnormal, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of date and time determination when the RWM is abnormal.

  As described above, when the power switch 294 is turned on, the slot machine 100 is turned on. When power is supplied from the power management unit 350 to the main control unit 300, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 turns on the power. Processing is executed.

<Processing when RWM is abnormal / Notification of date / time setting>
When determining that there is an RWM abnormality in the RWM abnormality determination process of the power-on process, the main control unit 300 sets an RWM abnormality flag in step S124 of the RWM abnormality determination process, and then sets a first RWM abnormality command in step S127. Preparation for transmission to the sub-control unit 400 is performed. This RWM abnormality command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 in the command setting transmission process of step S211.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received this RWM abnormality command prepares to transmit the date / time data stored in the date / time data storage area to the second sub-control unit 500 in step S1302 of the effect control process described above. This date / time data is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the information output process of step S1008. Further, in step S1303 of the effect control process, the first sub-control unit 400 sets (stores) information indicating that the date / time setting state is in the date / time setting state storage area.

Upon receiving the date / time data, the second sub-control unit 500 performs the above-described image control process, as shown in FIG. ) 2010/01/01 00:00 date and time display) and information that suggests the need to set the time (in this example, "Caution! Set the time!"). a display) that "information for adjusting the date and time (in this example to be displayed in the effect image display apparatus 157 images) for prompting a message" 2010/01/01 00:00 operations performance button 136 .

<Processing when RWM is abnormal / Date adjustment>
When the main control unit 300 determines that the setting key switch 293 is in the OFF state in step S104 of the power-on process after the RWM abnormality determination process ends, in this example, the RWM abnormality flag is set. Therefore, the process proceeds to an infinite loop state in step S108. On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting key switch 293 is in the ON state, in this example, since the RWM abnormality flag is set, the main control unit 300 performs the date / time determination operation (in this embodiment, the bet Any one of the button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 is in a waiting state.

  In steps S1304 to S1305 of the effect control process, the first sub-control unit 400 uses any one of the upper button 136a, the lower button 136b, the left button 136c, the right button 136d, the OK button 136e, and the cancel button 136f of the effect button 136. Is pressed and the date / time setting state is determined. In this example, since the date / time setting state is set, the effect button 136 has an upper button 136a, a lower button 136b, a left button 136c, a right button 136d, and an OK button. When one of the buttons 136e and 136f is pressed, the date data stored in the date data storage area is updated based on the operation of these buttons, and the updated date data is transmitted to the RTC 436. Thereafter, the second sub-control unit 500 includes the updated date / time data. And it prepares to send a button operation command. This effect button operation command is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the information output process of step S1008. Further, the RTC 436 that has received the updated date / time data rewrites the date / time data stored in its own storage unit with the date / time data received from the first sub-control unit 400 to correct the date / time data.

  The second sub-control unit 500 that has received the effect button operation command performs processing such as reading out effect data for displaying the date and time and the hour, minute, second from the ROM 506 based on the date and time data included in the command. The updated date / time is displayed on the effect image display device 157.

<Processing at the time of RWM abnormality / date determination>
In addition, in steps S1308 to S1309 of the effect control process, the first sub-control unit 400 is operated by pressing any one of the OK button 136e, the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 of the effect button 136, In this example, since it is in the date / time setting state, when any one of the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 is pressed, the date / time data is set. The date and time data stored in the storage area is finalized, and preparations for transmitting a date and time setting state end command to the second sub-control unit 500 are made. This date / time setting state end command is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the information output process of step S1008.

  Upon receiving this date / time setting state end command, the second sub-control unit 500 performs processing such as reading effect data for notifying the RWM abnormality (RWM error) from the ROM 506, as shown in FIG. While notifying the RWM abnormality (RWM error), it notifies that the setting value needs to be changed.

  In step S107, the main control unit 300 that has been waiting for the date / time determination operation (in this embodiment, any one of the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 is pressed) determines the date / time determination. When the operation is accepted, the process proceeds to the main process of the main control unit in step S112 after initialization of the RWM.

<Modification of RWM abnormality determination process>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the RWM abnormality determination process according to the modification, and corresponds to the RWM abnormality determination process of FIG.

  In the RWM abnormality determination process according to this modification, the process of step S128 is added to the RWM abnormality determination process of FIG. Specifically, if it is determined in step S123 that there is an RWM abnormality, or if it is determined in step S125 that there is an RWM abnormality flag, any one of the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 is pressed. When it is pressed, the above date / time setting notification and RWM abnormality (RWM error) notification (for example, the display 126 in the main control unit 300 and the effect image in the second sub control unit 500) Notification using the display device 157).

  As described above, the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes the main control means (for example, the main control unit 300) for executing the game progress process (for example, the main control unit main process) related to the progress of the game, and the main control unit. Sub-control means (for example, the first sub-control unit 400) that is connected to the control means so as to be capable of one-way communication and that executes predetermined processing including processing based on information transmitted from the main control means, and the sub-control Time information constituted by at least one of date and time, and effect means (for example, effect image display device 157) that is connected to the means and executes an effect relating to the game based on information transmitted from the sub-control means. (E.g., date, hour, minute, second) is timed and information (e.g., date / time data) indicating the time information is transmitted to the sub-control unit and transmitted from the sub-control unit. Clocking means (for example, RTC 436) for correcting the clocking information based on the correct information (for example, updated date and time data), main power supply means (for example, external power supply 352) for supplying a predetermined voltage to the game machine, An auxiliary power supply means (for example, a power storage unit 350b, an auxiliary power supply 390, and an auxiliary power supply 490) that supplies a predetermined voltage to the gaming machine in a power-off state without voltage supply from the power supply means; The main control means has volatile information holding means (for example, RWM 308) for holding game information related to a game by a supply voltage from at least one of the main power supply means and the auxiliary power supply means, On the condition that the voltage supply from the main power supply means is started in the power interruption state (for example, on the condition that the power-on is detected in step S102) Judgment processing for determining whether or not the gaming information is in a holding abnormal state in which the gaming information is not normally held by comparing the gaming information before the state and the gaming information after the voltage supply (for example, RWM abnormality determination processing) When the determination processing determines that the holding abnormality state is present (for example, when it is determined that there is an RWM abnormality in step S123), the processing for transmitting the holding abnormality information to the sub-control unit is executed, The sub-control means suggests notification (for example, as shown in FIG. 14) that suggests that the timing means needs to be corrected based on the reception of the holding abnormality information (for example, the RWM abnormality command). , "Caution! Please set the time." Is displayed, and only the information on the date and time and the hour / minute / second contained in the date / time data may be displayed). Features It is a game table.

  According to the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the sub-control unit makes an abnormality in the information holding unit (RWM) of the main control unit as a trigger for determining whether the date / time correction of the clock unit (RTC) is necessary, It is possible to handle a state that requires correction of the date and time as much as an abnormality of the main control means, and suggests that the correction of the date and time is necessary when installing the slot machine 100 in which an abnormality of the information holding means (RWM) occurs. It is possible to improve the accuracy of date and time information that is very important for a game machine.

Further, the gaming table further includes a plurality of correction operation means for correcting the timekeeping information (for example, the effect button 136 upper button 136a, lower button 136b, left button 136c, right button 136d, OK button 136e, cancel button 136f). The sub-control unit is configured to receive the holding abnormality information until a predetermined end condition is satisfied (for example, until a date determination operation is received), based on the operation result of the correction unit, While performing the process which sets the correction state which transmits the said correction information, the notification (for example, shown in FIG.15 (b) which shows that this correction state is set to the said production | presentation means as said suggestion notification). 2010/01/01 display of 00:00 and, also perform processing to perform the image) to facilitate the operation of the performance button 136 There.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to clearly notify that the date / time correction is necessary by setting the correction state based on the RWM abnormality of the main control unit, and it is possible to perform the date / time correction quickly.

  Further, the sub-control unit is configured to operate one or more specific correction operation units of the correction operation unit according to a predetermined operation condition during the setting of the correction state (for example, an effect button 136) When the OK button 136e, the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132 are pressed down, the process for ending the setting of the correction state is executed, and the holding means You may perform the process which performs notification (for example, notification of RWM abnormality (RWM error) shown in FIG.15 (b)) which suggests that it is a state.

  With such a configuration, notification of the RWM abnormality of the main control unit after the correction state is completed in the sub-control unit can clearly separate the notification of the correction state and the RWM abnormality state, and date correction is necessary. Can be clearly recognized.

  Further, the sub control means sets the correction state based on one or more specific correction operation means being operated according to a predetermined operation condition among the correction operation means during the setting of the correction state. The main control means executes a process of setting the gaming machine to an error state by prohibiting the execution of the game progress process based on the determination that the holding abnormality state is determined by the determination process. And the specific correction operation means is operated in accordance with a predetermined operation condition (for example, when any pressing operation of the bet button 130, the bet button 131, or the bet button 132 is detected in step S128 in FIG. 16). ) And an initialization process for initializing a predetermined information holding area among the information holding areas in the information holding means is executed. It may execute a process to release the over state.

  The correction operation means is not limited to the bet button 130, the bet button 131, and the bet button 132, but may be an operation unit (for example, the start lever 135) whose operation can be detected by the main control unit.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from proceeding without correcting the date and time by adding the end of the correction state to the error state cancellation condition based on the RWM abnormality.

  The configuration of the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the above embodiment. For example, the configuration of the control unit of the slot machine according to the present invention includes the main control 300, the second control unit, and the like. The first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 are not limited to three, “the main control means for executing the game progress process relating to the progress of the game, and the main control means are connected to be capable of one-way communication, What is necessary is just to be comprised by the "sub control means which performs the predetermined | prescribed process including the process based on the information transmitted from the main control means".

  In addition, the timekeeping information according to the present invention is not limited to date / time and hour / minute / second information, and may be only hour / minute information, month / day information only, hour / minute and month / day information, for example.

  Further, the correction operation means according to the present invention is not limited to the exemplified operation means. Furthermore, although the example which performs the presence or absence of RWM abnormality using the data for RWM abnormality determination and the data for checksum was shown, either one may be employ | adopted and another method may be employ | adopted.

In the above embodiment, an example of a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball) is used as a game medium. The present invention can also be applied to the slot machines and pachinko machines described above.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the gaming table according to the present invention can enter “a launching device 1010 for launching a game ball in a predetermined game area 1002 and a game ball launched from the launching device 1010. A winning opening 1006 configured in the above, a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening 1006, a payout means 1012 for paying out a gaming ball (prize ball) when the detecting means detects a gaming ball, The variable display device 1004 that variably displays the symbol (identification information) is displayed, and when the game ball enters the winning opening 1006 and wins, the variable display device 1004 stops the display after changing the symbol, and the game It is also suitable for a pachinko machine 1000 "that notifies the state transition.

  If the present invention is applied to such a pachinko machine 1000, the sub control means makes an abnormality of the information holding means (RWM) of the main control means as a trigger for determining whether or not the date and time correction of the time measuring means (RTC) is necessary. Thus, it is possible to handle a state requiring date and time correction as much as an abnormality of the main control means, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of date and time information that is very important for the game machine.

Furthermore, even if the present invention is applied to an arrangement ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, a smart ball, and a casino machine, the same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to things.

  The game machine of the present invention can be used particularly in the field of game machines represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (such as a pachinko machine).

100 slot machine 135 start lever 137 to 139 stop button 290 reset button 291 setting change button 292 setting change key 294 power switch 300 main control unit 330, 430 power monitoring circuit 350 power management unit 352 external power source 400 first sub control unit 500 first 2 sub-control unit

Claims (4)

Main control means for executing a game progress process relating to the progress of the game;
Sub-control means connected to the main control means so as to be capable of one-way communication, and executing predetermined processing including processing based on information transmitted from the main control means;
Production means connected to the sub-control means and executing an effect relating to the game based on information transmitted from the sub-control means;
Timekeeping information configured with at least one of date and time is timed and information indicating the timekeeping information is transmitted to the sub-control means, and the time-keeping information is based on correction information transmitted from the sub-control unit. A time measuring means for correcting
Main power supply means for supplying a predetermined voltage to the game machine;
Auxiliary power supply means for supplying a predetermined voltage to the game stand in an uninterrupted state without voltage supply from the power supply means,
The main control means includes
Volatile information holding means for holding game information relating to a game by a supply voltage from at least one of the main power supply means and the auxiliary power supply means, and voltage supply from the main power supply means in the power interruption state Comparing the game information before the power interruption state with the game information after the voltage supply on the condition that the game information has been started, it is determined whether or not the game information is in a holding abnormal state where the game information is not normally held Execute a determination process, and when the determination process determines that the holding abnormality state has occurred, execute a process of transmitting holding abnormality information to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control means is
A game machine that executes a process of causing the effecting means to perform a suggestion notification that suggests that the timekeeping information needs to be corrected based on receiving the holding abnormality information. The game stand according to claim 1,
The game table further comprises:
A plurality of correction operation means for correcting the time information,
The sub-control means is
The timing unit executes a process of setting a correction state for transmitting the correction information based on an operation result of the correction unit until a predetermined end condition is satisfied after receiving the holding abnormality information, and the effect unit A game stand that executes a process of causing the notification to suggest that the correction state is set as the suggestion notification. The game stand according to claim 2,
The sub-control means is
During the setting of the correction state, a process of ending the setting of the correction state is executed based on one or more specific correction operation means being operated according to a predetermined operation condition among the correction operation means. , A game table characterized by executing a process for causing the effecting means to perform a notification that suggests that it is in the abnormal holding state. The game stand according to claim 2 or 3,
The sub-control means is
Executing a process of ending the setting of the correction state based on the fact that one or more specific correction operation means among the correction operation means are operated according to a predetermined operation condition during the setting of the correction state;
The main control means includes
Executing the process of prohibiting the execution of the game progress process based on the determination that the holding abnormal state has been determined and setting the gaming machine to an error state;
The error state is determined based on the fact that the specific correction operation unit is operated in accordance with a predetermined operation condition and an initialization process for initializing a predetermined information holding area of the information holding area in the information holding unit is executed. A game machine characterized by executing processing for releasing.