JP2013022449A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that enables stable game control while performing branch processing corresponding to a processing status in a game control means.SOLUTION: This game machine includes a CPU executing multiple pieces of game control processing. The CPU performs at least one of main control and interrupt control to be executed at every predetermined period, for each of multiple pieces of game control processing. The CPU executes, in at least the interrupt control, first decision processing for deciding whether a predetermined condition has been satisfied or not by use of arithmetic processing and a result of the arithmetic processing, branch processing for branching into processing corresponding to the result of the first decision processing, and branch destination processing that is processing of a destination branched by the branch processing. The CPU executes the arithmetic processing, the first decision processing, and the branch processing based on a specific instruction that is a single instruction represented by control program data. The same time is required for the processing based on the specific instruction, so that the branch destination processing is started in the same timing both when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the first decision processing and when it is not determined.

Description

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

  A conventional game machine performs game control by performing branch processing according to the processing status in a game control means for performing processing related to a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-200302 A

  However, since the processing time differs depending on the processing executed by the branch processing, the progress speed of the game control is affected depending on the processing status, and the game control becomes unstable.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and a game that can stabilize game control while performing branch processing according to the processing status in the game control means. The purpose is to provide a stand.

  The present invention is a gaming machine provided with a game control means for executing a plurality of processes relating to a game, wherein the game control means has a first process, and the content of the process is first in response to a request for the first process. The process is executed in the order of the second process and the third process, which is one of the contents and the second contents, and the contents of the second process are any of the first contents and the second contents Even in this case, the game machine is characterized in that execution of the third process is started at the same timing.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to stabilize the game control while performing the branching process according to the processing status in the game control means.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front side (player side). It is the external view which looked at the pachinko machine from the back side. It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) An example of the stop symbol form of the special figure is shown. (B) An example of a stop symbol form of a decorative symbol is shown. (C) An example of a usual stop display symbol is shown. 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. (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. (D) It is a flowchart of the image control process of a 1st sub control part. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU504 of the 2nd sub control part 500 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a command setting transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command transmission processing for jackpots. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a block transfer process. (A)-(d) It is the figure which showed an example of the command table referred during a jackpot game. It is the flowchart which extracted and showed only the characteristic part of this invention. (A), (b) It is the flowchart which showed the characteristic part of this invention from the viewpoint different from the said FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of the prior art corresponding to the characteristic part of this invention, and is a flowchart corresponding to the said FIG. (A) It is the figure which showed the required time in the case of performing block transfer in the jackpot middle command transmission processing which concerns on this invention. (B) It is the figure which showed the required time in the case of performing block transfer in the jackpot middle command transmission processing which concerns on a prior art. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the arrangement | positioning place of correction | amendment time waiting | standby process. It is the figure which showed the flow of interruption processing typically. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine as viewed from the front side (player side). It is a front view showing the slot machine in a state where the front door is opened. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) It is the figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel, middle reel, right reel) planarly. (B) It is the figure which showed the kind of winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. 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. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU1404 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. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU1504 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 a flowchart which shows the flow of a command setting transmission process. (A)-(f) It is the figure which showed an example of the command table referred during a game.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, the gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on the front surface.

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop. The main body 104 is referred to as an inner frame, and is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside. In addition, when the main body 104 is opened, an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 104 is provided.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside Is a door member having an opening. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A game area 124 is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200. Further, a front frame door opening sensor (not shown) that detects opening of the front frame door 106 when the front frame door 106 is opened is provided.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player 200 ball launching handles 134 for launching into the game area 124, chance buttons 136 for changing the effects of the various effects devices 206 by the player's operation, and the chance button 136 to emit light. Sub button lamp 138, ball lending operation button 140 for instructing ball lending to a card unit (CR unit) installed in the game store, and return operation button for instructing the card unit to return the player's balance 142, and a ball rental display unit 144 for displaying the balance of the player and the state of the card unit. In addition, a lower plate full tank sensor (not shown) that detects that the lower plate 128 is full is provided.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side. The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to the dispensing device 152 located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 152 is formed of a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown) inside. The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the temporarily accumulated game balls are sent one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the dispensing control unit 600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches the upper plate 126 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The pachinko machine 100 has this configuration. To pay out the ball to the player.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 300 The first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400. An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the control unit 500, a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to the payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk Discharge board case 172 storing the payout board 170 having 168, launch base constituting the launch control unit 630 that performs control processing relating to the launch of the game ball A launch board case 176 that houses 174, a power control unit 660 that supplies power to various electrical gaming machines, and a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by the operation of a game store clerk and an RWM clear by being operated when the power is turned on A power board case 184 that houses a power board 182 that includes an RWM clear switch 180 that outputs a signal to the main controller 300, and a CR interface 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout controller 600 and the card unit are provided. ing.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front. In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. The effect device 206 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 208 substantially in the center, and around the normal symbol display device 210, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, and the ordinary device. A symbol holding lamp 216, a first special symbol holding lamp 218, a second special symbol holding lamp 220, and a high-probability medium lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 224, and details thereof will be described later. The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying a special figure, and are configured by 7 segment LEDs in this embodiment.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, there are predetermined ball entrances, for example, a general prize opening 226, a general start port 228, a first special view start port 230, a second special view start port 232, around the effect device 206. A variable winning opening 234 is provided.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detecting sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning, the payout device 152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is constituted by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general map starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general map variable game by the general map display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a payout device 152, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 126. The special figure changing game by the first special figure display device 212 is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu). In the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. The second special figure starting port 232 includes a wing member 232a that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the wing member 232a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball. When 210 hits and stops and displays the symbol, the blade member 232a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device 152 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls is discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure variation game by the second special figure display device 214 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 234 is called a large winning opening or an attacker, and in the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. The variable winning opening 234 includes a door member 234a that can be opened and closed. When the door member 234a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and the special figure display device stops the jackpot symbol when the special figure variable game is won. When displayed, the door member 234a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, After guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or start opening to the back side of the pachinko machine 100, an out opening is provided for discharging to the game island side.

  This pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 126 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and launches 146 Further, the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 are passed by the launcher 148 and driven into the game area 124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (Outside the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal start port 228, the out port 240 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding means are located behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.
The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b, a ball carried on by a nail of the game board 200, or the like, and the passed ball is a first special figure starting port 230 at the center of the stage 244. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate entry into the golf course.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm 224a and a forearm 224b imitating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm, and an upper arm motor and an elbow (not shown) that rotate the upper arm 224a to the position of the shoulder A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves. When the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding means shields the inner end portions thereof so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko 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 pachinko machine 100 is roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that mainly controls the progress of a game (for example, detection of an operation by a player, transition of a game state, game medium payout control, determination of success / failure, etc.) In response to a command signal transmitted by the main control unit 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”), the first sub control unit 400 that mainly controls the production and the command transmitted from the first sub control unit 400 A second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on it, a payout control unit 600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls in accordance with a command transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a launch that controls the launch of game balls A control unit 630 and a power control unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 are configured.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko 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, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 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 316b as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316a is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a predetermined ball detection sensor, for example, a sensor that detects a game ball passing through each start port, winning port, variable winning port, front frame door opening sensor, and inner frame opening sensor. And a sensor circuit 322 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320 including a lower plate full sensor and outputting a comparison result with an amplification result or a reference voltage to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302, and a predetermined symbol display device For example, a drive circuit 324 for performing display control of the first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214, a predetermined symbol display device, A drive circuit 326 for performing display control of the general-purpose display device 210, and various status display units 328 (for example, a general-purpose reservation lamp 216, a first special figure reservation lamp 218, a second special figure reservation lamp 220, a high-probability medium) A drive circuit 330 for performing display control of the lamp 222 and the like, and various solenoids 332 for opening and closing a predetermined movable member, for example, a blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232, a door member 234a of the variable winning port 234, and the like. A drive circuit 334 for controlling the above is connected.

  When the ball detection sensor 320 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 230, the sensor circuit 322 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 318. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 318 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 318 receives a signal indicating that the second special figure starting port 232 has won a ball, the counter circuit 318 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (details will be described later).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and for measuring time, frequency, etc. The counter timer 412 is mounted. 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 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and a shielding device 246. A drive circuit 432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 246, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a shielding device sensor 430, and a chance button detection sensor The sensor circuit 428 that outputs the detection signal from the 426 to the basic circuit 402, and the image data stored in the ROM 406 based on the signal from the CPU 404 are read, and the display image is generated using the work area of the VRAM 436 to decorate A VDP 434 (image) that displays an image on the symbol display device 208. Are connected Oh and display processor), the.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. 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, a RAM 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 is installed. 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, and controls a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and an image display A ROM 506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 502 includes a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 224, an effect movable body sensor 424 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 224, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 424. Is output to the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table frame lamp drive for controlling the game table frame lamp 542 The circuit 540 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 520 that performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp drive circuit 530 and the game stand frame lamp drive circuit 540.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power supply control unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 mainly based on a command signal or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a prize ball or a rental ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604 It is detected whether or not the payout has been completed, and communication with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 is performed via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Control of the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 146 and launcher 148, and control of the ball feeder 634 that supplies the launcher 110 with a ball from the upper plate 126 based on a control signal that indicates the launch intensity according to the amount. I do.

  The power control unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power supply control unit 660 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply control unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 5A to 5C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. FIG. 4A shows an example of the stop symbol form of the special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the ball has entered the second special figure start port 232 The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do. These “variation display of special figure 1” and “variation display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of the symbol fluctuation display according to the present invention. Then, when the variation time determined before the variation start of the special figure 1 (corresponding to the variation time referred to in the present invention) elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the special symbol form of the special figure 1. When the variation time determined before the start of variation 2 (this also corresponds to the variation time according to the present invention) has elapsed, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special diagram 2.

  Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display referred to in the present invention, hereinafter, after the “variable display of special figure 1 or 2” is started, the stop symbol form of special figure 1 or 2 is stopped and displayed. The series of displays up to is referred to as symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 10A shows 10 types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display, and the white portions in the figure are turned off. The location of the segment to be displayed is shown, and the black portion indicates the location of the segment to be lit.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  “Special figure C” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. "Special figure D" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “Special Figure B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1—decoration 1—decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot is displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” Stop display. On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combination other than the symbol combination shown in FIG. 5B is stopped in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. indicate.

  FIG.5 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that a sphere has passed through the general-purpose start opening 228, the normal symbol display device 210 repeats all lighting of the seven segments and lighting of the central one segment. Perform a “normal change display”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 6C, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<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.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value. In step S103, the value of the counter of WDT 314 is cleared and time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted.

  In step S105, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 338 supplies from the power supply control unit 660 to the main control unit 300 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step S103, and when the low voltage signal is off (when the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step is performed. The process proceeds to S107. Even when the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step S103, and step S105 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step S107, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S109, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before power interruption (before power interruption), and the state before power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step S113).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of an amusement store operates the RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (when the RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). When the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (when the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S111 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S113 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S111, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in step S115) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt process (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step S111, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power interruption, and is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step S113, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step S113) of the main control unit 300 has been performed, and in the same way as the power recovery command, in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S115, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a normal timer random number value is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Note that the initial value generation random number counter is also updated in step S207 described later. The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the process of step S115 except during a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main control unit 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 various sensors 320 including the above-mentioned front frame door open sensor, inner frame open sensor, lower pan full sensor, and various ball detection sensors are input via the input port of the I / O 310. The input is monitored for the presence or absence of a detection signal, and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each of the various sensors 320 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  Further, in step S205, the information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the above-mentioned detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interrupt process is activated, in step S205 described above, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before the previous time, there is a previous detection signal, and there is a detection signal this time. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step S205, information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning ports 226 and 234 and the starting ports 230, 232, and 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226. Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step S207 and step S209, basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step S115 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step S211, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  In step S213, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 212 are timed. Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step S215, winning prize counter update processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when winning holes 226, 234 and starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read out, 1 is added, and the original prize ball number storage area is set.

  In step S217, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, it is determined whether or not there has been a winning at the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, and the variable winning port 234. Here, the determination is made using the determination result of whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information in step S203. When a winning is made at the first special figure starting port 230 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is stored in the special counter value storage register of the counter circuit 318. And a value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 1 random value as a special figure 1 random value and storing it in the corresponding random value storage area. When a winning is made to the second special figure starting port 232 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is sent from the winning counter value storage register of the counter circuit 318 to the special figure 2 winning random number value. And a value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 2 random value as a special figure 2 random value and storing it in the corresponding random value storage area. If there is a win at the general figure starting port 228 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is obtained as a normal figure winning random number value from the random number counter for generating the normal figure winning random number value. Store in the corresponding random value storage area. When there is a winning at the variable winning opening 234, information indicating that a ball has entered the variable winning opening 234 is stored in the winning storage area for the variable winning opening.

  In step S219, a payout request number transmission process is performed. Note that the output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are composed of, for example, 1 byte, strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 6 Power-on information (if turned on, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 indicate encryption The number of payout requests after processing is shown.

  In step S221, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the above-described general symbol display symbol update timer value is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the win symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to be in the off symbol display mode. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed. Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 5C) or the off symbol (the common symbol B shown in FIG. 5C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the usual figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member 232a is opened to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). And a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in the closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 332, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Furthermore, if the result of the usual figure fluctuation game is out, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the off-normal flag is on, the normal state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing at which the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0) In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S223.

  In step S223, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Next, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step S225). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game). In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the rotation start setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-described transmission information storage area, and the process ends.

  In addition, the success / failure determination result storage area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, and a special figure probability. A flag for each of a variation flag and an ordinary probability variation flag is prepared. In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the second off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed. After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number, and if the subtraction result becomes 1 to 0, the special figure probability is changing. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  Further, the special transmission information indicating that the rotation stop setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-described transmission information storage area, and the design for stopping the variable display is shown in FIG. The special figure 2 identification information indicating the presence is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the winning effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Alternatively, the door member 234a is opened to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234 until a winning of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected at the variable prize opening 234. In addition to outputting a signal to be held at the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening release setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member 234a in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is stored in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information indicating. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening closing setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In addition, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the door member opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (15 rounds or 2 rounds in this embodiment) and finished, a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds) In other words, the effect standby period is stored in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. Set the information indicating. Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON. The short time here means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. There is a higher probability of hitting a general-purpose variable game in the high-probability state than in the low-probability state. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game and the fluctuation time of the special figure variable game are shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members 232a of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members 232a are more likely to open in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state. In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the end effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Also, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of the way, the off flag is turned on as will be described later. In the case where the miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S227.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step S227). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. In addition, the order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed, and according to the winning order (the winning order) to the first special figure start port 230 or the second special figure start port 232, Special figure state update processing corresponding to a special figure with a fast winning (winning) may be executed with priority.

  When the special figure state update process in step S225 and step S227 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, first, a special drawing related lottery process for special figure 2 (a special drawing 2 related lottery process) is performed (step S229), and then a special drawing related lottery process for special figure 1 (a special drawing 1 related lottery process). ) Is performed (step S231). Also for these special drawing related lottery processes, the main control unit 300 performs the special figure 2 related lottery processing before the special figure 1 related lottery processing, so that the special figure 2 variable game start condition and the special figure 1 fluctuation Even if the game start conditions are satisfied at the same time, since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step S233, command setting transmission processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in the command setting transmission processing, processing for transmitting various commands to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the presentation control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 and the output by the command type included in the output schedule information received from the main control unit 300. Based on the command data information included in the schedule information, the contents of the effect control can be determined.

  In step S235, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336.

  In step S237, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read, and the presence or absence of a predetermined error, for example, the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or the presence or absence of a full tray error is monitored. When the front frame door opening error or the lower pan full error is detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes device information indicating the presence or absence of the front frame door opening error or the lower pan full error. Set. Further, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210 and the first special symbol display via the display circuits 324, 326 and 330. Display data to be output to the device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S219) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step S239, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S243, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S241.

  In step S241, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, and the like, and then the process returns to the main control part main process.

  On the other hand, in step S243, 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 RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using 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 the strobe interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the timer variable update interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S301. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S303, 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 S305. In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300.

  In step S309, effect control processing is performed. For example, when there is a new command in S307, processing such as reading the effect data corresponding to this command from the ROM 406 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  If it is detected in step S311 that the chance button has been pressed, the effect data updated in step S309 is changed to effect data corresponding to the press of the chance button. In step S313, if there is a command to VDP 434 in the effect data read in S309, this command is output to VDP 434 (details will be described later).

  In step S315, if there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the effect data read out in S309, this command is output to the sound source IC 416. In step S317, if there is a command to the various lamps 418 in the effect data read in S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step S <b> 319, if there is a command to the shielding device 246 in the effect data read in S <b> 309, this command is output to the drive circuit 432. In step S321, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in S309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to S303.

  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 S401 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  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). Execute in the cycle.

  In step S501 of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub-control unit main process, and the original timer variable storage area is stored. To do. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S503 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 set in step S319, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

  Next, the image control process in step S313 in the main process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S601, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 404 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 436. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the decorative design display device 208. Next, the CPU 404 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 406), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 436) and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 434 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 434 transfers the image data from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 436 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 404.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S605. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step S605, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, the CPU 404 forms the display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 436 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 436 in step S601. , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 434. The VDP 434 sets parameters according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

  In step S607, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the VDP 434 to start drawing an image. The VDP 434 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404.

  In step S609, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 based on the end of image drawing is input. If a generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S611. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step S611, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, the processing 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.

  First, in step S701 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, first, initialization processing is executed in S701. In this initialization processing, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S703, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S705, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S707, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In step S709, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in S707, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 506, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step S <b> 711, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the game board lamp 532 or the game table frame lamp 542, this command is output to the serial communication control circuit 520.

In step S713, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the effect movable body 224, this command is output to the drive circuit 516, and the process returns to S703.
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 S801 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 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 a timer interrupt process is performed in response to this timer interrupt. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S901 of the second sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S703 in the second sub control unit main process, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. To do. Therefore, in step S703, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S903 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, an effect random number update process is performed.

<Command setting transmission processing>
Next, the command setting transmission process (step S233) in the above-described main control unit timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of command setting transmission processing.

  In step S1001 of the command setting transmission process, a jackpot middle command transmission process is performed. Although details will be described later, in the jackpot medium command transmission processing, a command to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 during the jackpot game is set. In the next step S1002, command setting transmission processing for setting other commands (for example, basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, power recovery command, etc.) is performed. After performing, the process is terminated.

<Big hit middle command transmission processing>
Next, the jackpot medium command transmission process (step S1001) in the command setting transmission process described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the jackpot middle command transmission process.

  In step S1101 of the jackpot middle command transmission process, the command storage area provided in the RAM 308 is cleared (initialized). Also, in step S1102, the ROM 306 is preliminarily stored in the ROM 306 based on the progress status of the jackpot game (at the start of the jackpot game, at the start of the round, at the end of the round, at the end of the jackpot game, etc.) Specific command data is extracted from a plurality of types of stored command data. Further, the start address of the storage area in which the extracted command data is stored is set (stored) in the transfer source address storage area provided in the RAM 308 as the transfer source address. Here, the RAM 308 is applied as the storage means for temporarily storing the transfer source address, but other storage means such as a register may be applied (transfer destination address, transfer number, etc. described below). Is the same).

  Next, in step S1103, the head address of the command storage area is set (stored) in the transfer destination address storage area provided in the RAM 308 as a transfer destination address. In step S1104, the number of bytes of command data is provided in the RAM 308. The transfer number is set (stored) in the transfer number storage area.

  In step S1105, block transfer processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this block transfer process, a process of transferring data stored in a storage area set as a transfer source address to a storage area set as a transfer destination address is performed. In step S1106, the command transferred to the command storage area is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, and then the process ends. Note that the process of transmitting the command to the first sub-control unit 400 may be executed by the main control unit main process described above.

<Block transfer processing>
Next, the block transfer process (step S1105) in the above-mentioned jackpot medium command transmission process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of block transfer processing.

  In step S1201 of this block transfer process, a correction time is set according to the number of transfers described above. The details will be described with reference to FIG. 17. For example, when the number of transfers is 1, the processing time of block transfer processing required when the number of transfers is 1, and block transfer processing required when the number of transfers is 3. When the transfer number is 2, when the transfer number is 2, the block transfer process time required when the transfer number is 2 and the block transfer process required when the transfer number is 3 are set. The difference from the processing time is set as the correction time.

  In step S1202, the data stored in the storage area indicated by the above-mentioned transfer source address in the command data is transferred to the storage area indicated by the above-mentioned transfer destination address in the command storage area. In step S1203, one transfer source address is added. In step S1204, one transfer destination address is added.

  In step S1205, 1 is subtracted from the transfer number. In step S1206, it is determined whether or not the transfer number after subtraction is 0, and if applicable (when all the command data transfer is completed). Proceeding to step S1207, if not applicable (if command data transfer remains), the process returns to step S1202 to continue the block transfer process. In step S1207, the process ends after waiting for the correction time set in step S1201 to elapse.

<Command table>
Next, a command table stored in advance in the ROM 306 will be described. FIGS. 13A to 13D are diagrams illustrating an example of a command table that is referred to during the jackpot game.

  These command tables are pre-stored in the ROM 306, and have a fixed length (in this example, 1 byte length) start address, a fixed length (in this example, 1 byte length) number of bytes, and a variable length command. It consists of data (in this example, a 1-byte command identifier and a variable-length command parameter).

  The head address indicates the address of the ROM 306 in which command data (command identifier in this example) of the first byte is stored, for example, 1 of the jackpot start command 1 shown in FIG. The command data (11H) in the byte indicates that it is stored in the address 100 of the ROM 306. The number of bytes indicates the data length of the command data. For example, the data length of the command data of the jackpot start command 1 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of a command table that is referred to when the big hit game is started. In this command table, command data having a 2-byte length of jackpot start commands 1 to 6 transmitted at the start of jackpot game is specified, and the command identifier (11H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the jackpot start Indicates a command. In the second byte of the command data, jackpot symbol identification information is stored. 01H is special figure A, 02H is special figure B, 03H is special figure C, 04H is special figure D, and 05H is special figure. E and 06H show that it is the special figure F.

  FIG. 5B is an example of a command table that is referred to when a big hit game round starts. In this command table, command data having a 3-byte length of round start commands 1 to 29 transmitted at the start of a round of jackpot game is specified, and a command identifier (12H) stored in the first byte of the command data is a round Indicates a start command. In the second byte of the command data, jackpot symbol identification information is stored. 01H is special figure A, 02H is special figure B, 03H is special figure C, 04H is special figure D, and 05H is special figure. E and 06H show that it is the special figure F. In the third byte of the command data, information for identifying the number of rounds is stored, and the number of rounds is indicated by a hexadecimal number.

  FIG. 3C is an example of a command table that is referred to at the end of the round of the big hit game. This command table defines 2-byte length command data of round end commands 1 to 15 transmitted at the end of the round of the big hit game, and the command identifier (13H) stored in the first byte of the command data is round Indicates an end command. Further, the round number identification information is stored in the second byte of the command data, and the round number is represented by a hexadecimal number.

  FIG. 4D is an example of a command table that is referred to at the end of the big hit game. This command table defines 1-byte command data of the jackpot end command 1 transmitted at the end of the jackpot game, and the command identifier (14H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the jackpot end command. It shows that there is. The jackpot end command is a command having no command parameter.

<Contrast of the present invention and the prior art>
Next, the difference between the present invention and the prior art will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing only the characteristic part of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in the above jackpot middle command transmission processing, immediately after the processing in step S1104 (processing for setting the correction time according to the number of transfers), immediately before the processing in step S1106 (command transmission processing). The block transfer processing executed until then can be divided into three, processing X, processing Y and processing Z.

  In the process X, immediately after the process of step S1201 (process for setting the correction time according to the number of transfers), it is determined whether or not the process of step S1206 (the number of transfers is 0), and step S1202 is performed according to the determination result. Alternatively, the process is executed immediately before the process jumping to S1207 (hereinafter may be referred to as a conditional branch process), and includes a plurality of processes in steps S1202 to S1205. The process Y includes a process from immediately before the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process) to immediately after the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process), that is, the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process). The process Z includes at least the process of step S1207 (correction time waiting process) immediately after the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process) and immediately before the process of step S1106 (command transmission process).

  FIGS. 15A and 15B are flowcharts showing the features of the present invention from a different viewpoint from that of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the above-mentioned jackpot middle command transmission process can be divided into the processes of steps S1301 to S1305. Specifically, step S1301 is a first process preparation process (condition setting process), for example, the process of step S1201 in FIG. 14 (a process of setting a correction time according to the number of transfers). To do.

  Step S1302 is a first process (conditional branch process), and corresponds to, for example, the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process) in FIG. Step S1303 is the second processing (first processing content), and is executed after, for example, the processing (step S1206 (conditional branching processing) of steps S1202 to S1205 in FIG. Process X) to be performed corresponds.

  Step S1304 is the second process (second process content), and includes, for example, the process of step S1106 (command transmission process) including at least the process of step S1207 (correction time standby process) in FIG. This corresponds to the processing up to immediately before (processing Z). The second process (second process content) in step 1304 includes a process of only a branch (jump) from the conditional branch process to the third process as shown in FIG. The present invention is not limited to instructions that operate on registers, memories, stacks, I / Os, and the like, such as arithmetic instructions, input / output instructions, and load instructions.

  Further, the first process and the second process include a plurality of instructions (for example, a first instruction for determining a predetermined condition, a second instruction for executing process A when the condition is satisfied, and a condition being satisfied. It is not limited to the case where it is configured with a third instruction that executes process B when there is no such condition, but a single instruction (for example, a predetermined condition is determined, and process A is executed when the condition is met, May be configured to be executable by an instruction that executes process B when the above is not established. As described above, if the first process and the second process can be executed with one instruction, the amount of program code corresponding to the first process and the second process can be reduced, In some cases, the number of states necessary for executing the process and the second process can be reduced.

  Further, as a variation of a single instruction, for example, if a predetermined condition is determined, a process B is executed when the condition is satisfied, and a process A is executed when the condition is not satisfied. There are cases where instructions can be used properly according to predetermined conditions, and the program can be simplified. In addition, a predetermined calculation is performed, and the process A is executed when the calculation result is the first result, and the process B is executed when the calculation result is the second result. Is provided with an instruction for executing process B when the result is the first result and executing process A when the operation result is the second result, the convenience of coding is improved and the development period of the program can be shortened. There is a case. Further, a predetermined condition is judged, and if the condition is satisfied, the process branches to the process A. If the condition is not satisfied, the instruction branches to the process B, or a predetermined calculation is performed, and the calculation result is the first result. In this case, an instruction may be provided that branches to the process A and branches to the process B when the operation result is the second result.

  Step S1305 is a third process, and corresponds to, for example, the process (command transmission process) of step S1106 in FIG. The processing content of the third processing is not particularly limited as long as it is a processing executed immediately after the second processing (first processing content) and the second processing (second processing content). Good.

  On the other hand, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the prior art corresponding to the characteristic part of the present invention, and is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. Considering this prior art process in the same manner as the flowchart of FIG. 14, immediately after the process of step S1401 (a process of setting the number of bytes of a command as the number of transfers) in the process corresponding to the jackpot command transmission process described above. Thus, the process executed immediately before the process of step S1407 (command transmission process) can be divided into three processes, a process X ′, a process Y ′, and a process Z ′.

  Process X ′ determines whether or not the process of step S1406 (the number of transfers is 0) immediately after the process of step S1401 (the process of setting the number of command bytes as the number of transfers), and performs a step according to the determination result. This process is executed immediately before the process jumping to S1402 or S1407 (hereinafter may be referred to as a conditional branch process), and includes a plurality of processes in steps S1402 to S1405. The process Y includes a process from immediately before the process of step S1406 (conditional branch process) to immediately after the process of step S1406 (conditional branch process), that is, the process of step S1406 (conditional branch process). The process Z includes a process from immediately after the process (conditional branch process) in step S1406 to immediately before the process (command transmission process) in step S1407.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the time required for performing block transfer in the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the present invention, and FIG. 17B shows the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the prior art. It is the figure which showed the required time when performing block transfer in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in the jackpot middle command transmission processing according to the prior art, when 1 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1401, only the first processing (processing Y ′) is performed. The total time is the processing time T1 of the processing Y ′ (one time). If 2 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1401, the first process (process Y ′) is performed twice, and the second process (of process X ′, the process of step S1406 (conditional branch process)) is performed. Since the processing X ′) to be executed later is performed once, the total required time is the processing time T1 obtained by adding the processing time T1 × 2 of the processing Y ′ (twice) and the processing time T2 of the processing X ′ (one time). X2 + T2. Further, when 3 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1401, the first process (process Y ′) is performed three times, and the second process (of process X ′, the process of step S1406 (conditional branch process)). Since the processing X ′) to be executed later is performed twice, the total required time is the sum of the processing time T1 × 3 of the processing Y ′ (one time) and the processing time T2 × 2 of the processing X ′ (twice). Time T1 × 3 + T2 × 2 is obtained.

  That is, in the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the conventional technique, the processing time differs depending on the number of transfer bytes. For this reason, it is necessary to design the program in consideration of the maximum processing time required to transmit the maximum transfer byte count after grasping the maximum transfer byte count. When the number of transfer bytes is changed, it is necessary to review the program, and the reusability of the program is lowered. Also, in debugging and testing, an operation that takes into account the difference in processing time due to the difference in the number of transfer bytes must be taken into account, which makes the operation complicated and makes it very difficult to shorten the development period.

  On the other hand, in the jackpot middle command transmission process according to the present invention, when 1 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1201, the first process (process Y) and the second process (waiting for correction time included in process Z) Therefore, the total required time is the processing time T3 of the processing Y (once) and the processing time T3 × 2 + T4 × 2 (2 bytes) of the correction time standby processing included in the processing Z. T3 × 3 + T4 × 2. If 2 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1201, the first process (process Y) is executed twice and after the second process (of process X, step S1206 (conditional branch process)). Processing X) is performed once and the second processing (correction time standby processing included in the processing Z) is performed, the total required time is the processing time T3 × 2 of processing Y (one time), and processing X The processing time T3 × 3 + T4 × 2 is obtained by adding the processing time T4 of (one time) and the processing time T3 + T4 (one byte) of the correction time standby processing included in the processing Z. If 3 is set as the number of transfer bytes in step 1201, the first process (process Y) is executed three times and the second process (of process X, after the process of step S1206 (conditional branch process)). Since the processing X) is performed twice, the total required time is the processing time T3 × 3 + T4 obtained by adding the processing time T3 × 3 of the processing Y (once) and the processing time T4 × 2 of the processing X (twice). X2.

  That is, in the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the present invention, the processing time is the same (T3 × 3 + T4 × 2) regardless of the number of transfer bytes. For this reason, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, specifically, there is no difference in processing time due to the difference in the number of transfer bytes, and the number of patterns that must be confirmed by debugging or testing is greatly reduced. As a result, it is possible to shorten the debugging and testing time and eliminate the need to consider the difference in processing time, thereby simplifying the program design and improving the reusability of the program. .

  Also, the start timing of the third process following the first process and the second process (the timing at which the third process is started based on the timing immediately before the start of the first process) is used as the number of transfer bytes. Regardless, since it can be made the same, there is no difference in the start timing of the third process due to the difference in the number of transfer bytes, and the pattern that must be confirmed in the debug or test can be greatly reduced. In addition to being able to shorten the time, it is not necessary to consider the difference in start timing, so that the program design can be simplified and the reusability of the program can be improved.

  14 and 15 show an example in which the correction time standby process is included in the second process, the correction time standby process is a third process immediately after the first process preparation process (condition setting process). The correction time standby processing may be arranged at any one of the positions indicated by the correction time standby processing arrangement positions 1 to 7 as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b). Good.

<Interrupt processing time>
Next, the processing time for interrupt processing will be described. FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams schematically showing the flow of interrupt processing. If the interrupt process is composed of a plurality of processes (for example, process 1, process 2, process 3,..., Process X), the processing time of each process varies depending on the interrupt timing. In the example shown in a), as a result of the processing times of processing 1, processing 2, and processing 3 at interrupt timing 2 being shorter than interrupt timing 1, execution start timing of processing X executed after these processing However, the interrupt timing 1 and the interrupt timing 2 are different. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the processing start time of the process X executed after these processes is reduced as a result of the process 2 processing time at the interrupt timing 2 being shorter than the interrupt timing 1. There is a difference between interrupt timing 1 and interrupt timing 2.

  When designing such an interrupt process (for example, the above-described main control unit timer interrupt process), in order to ensure the real-time property of the process interrupted by this interrupt process (for example, the above-described main control unit main process), It is necessary to consider the maximum processing time for interrupt processing. For example, assuming that the interrupt timing 1 shown in the upper part of FIGS. 10A and 10B indicates the maximum processing time, all processes at other interrupt timings are shown in the lower part of FIGS. It is necessary to verify whether or not the processing is within the maximum processing time of the interrupt timing 1, as in the interrupt timing 2 shown in FIG. 2, and whether or not the processing X can be started at the same timing.

  As described above, in the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the conventional technique, the processing time differs depending on the number of transfer bytes. Therefore, when such processing is included in interrupt processing, the program must be designed in consideration of the maximum processing time required to transmit the maximum transfer byte count after understanding the maximum transfer byte count. In addition, the program development becomes complicated, and when the maximum number of transfer bytes is changed, it is necessary to review the program and the reusability of the program is lowered. Also, in debugging and testing, an operation that takes into account the difference in processing time due to the difference in the number of transfer bytes must be taken into account, which makes the operation complicated and makes it very difficult to shorten the development period.

  On the other hand, in the jackpot medium command transmission processing according to the present invention, the processing time is the same regardless of the number of transfer bytes. For this reason, even when such processing is included in interrupt processing, there is no need to consider the difference in processing time for such processing, and the pattern that must be confirmed by debugging or testing can be greatly reduced. The test work time can be shortened, and since it is not necessary to consider the difference in processing time, the program design can be simplified and the reusability of the program can be improved.

  Furthermore, the timer interrupt process is usually designed to be executed at a predetermined cycle, but when an unexpected event occurs (for example, a part of the process included in the interrupt process has a longer processing time than expected). In such a case, a so-called fluctuation (jitter) may occur in a case where a waiting time longer than expected occurs due to an interrupt process having a high priority. When such fluctuations occur, there may occur a situation in which processing that should be executed at a predetermined cycle cannot be performed. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to unify the processing time in the interrupt processing. In some cases, it is possible to eliminate fluctuations in time and to make the execution start timing of the process the same.

  In particular, in the pachinko machine 100, the input port state update process in step S205 (a process for monitoring the presence or absence of a detection signal by inputting the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor) or in the slot machine 1100 in step S2205 described later. Input port state update processing (processing for inputting the detection signal of the sensor circuit 1320 of the various sensors 1318 and monitoring the presence / absence of the detection signal), command setting transmission processing of step S2211 (to be described later) Since the execution start timing of the processing to be transmitted to the section) can be made the same regardless of the interrupt timing, the game control can be stabilized and the fairness of the game can be secured in some cases.

<Embodiment 2>
Hereinafter, the gaming machine (slot machine 1100) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 1100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1100 as seen from the front side (player side).

  A slot machine 1100 shown in the figure includes a main body 1101 and a front door 1102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 1101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 1101. Inside the center of the main body 1101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 1110, middle reel 1111 and right reel 1112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 1100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 1110 to 1112 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 1110 to 1112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 1110 to 1112 are generally displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 1113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 1110 to 1112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 1110 to 1112 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 1100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Backlights (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 1113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the reels 1110 to 1112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 1100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each reel 1110 to 1112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of this 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 this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 1120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 1114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are 5 winning lines 1114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning 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. Note that the number of winning lines 1114 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 1123 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 1124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 1122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is unnecessary) when winning a replay that is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 1128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. In this embodiment, every time the bet button 1130 is pressed, a maximum of three cards are inserted, two are inserted when the bet button 1131 is pressed, and three are inserted when the bet button 1132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 1132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 1129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start is informed that a game start operation is possible. The lamp 1121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 1141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. In other words, the insertion of medals can be performed electronically by using the bet buttons 1130 to 1132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 1141, and the insertion includes both. is there. The stored number display 1125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. The game information display 1126 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 1127 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 1125, the game information display 1126, and the payout number display 1127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 1135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 1141 or when the bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are operated and the start lever 1135 is operated, the reels 1110 to 1112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 1135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 1136 is provided with stop buttons 1137 to 1139. Stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 1110 to 1112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 1135, and are associated with the reels 1110 to 1112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 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 1137 to 1139, and when the stop button 1137 to 1139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 1133 is a button for pressing and removing a medal when the inserted medal is clogged. The payment button 1134 is a button for adjusting the medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 1155. Door key hole 1140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking front door 1102 of slot machine 1100 is inserted. Below the stop button unit 1136, a title panel 1162 for displaying a model name and pasting various types of certificate stamps is provided. At the bottom of the title panel 1162, a medal payout opening 1155 and a medal tray 1161 are provided.

  The sound hole 1180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 1100 to the outside. Side lamps 1144 provided at the left and right portions of the front door 1102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 1160 is disposed above the front door 1102, and a sound hole 1143 is provided above the effect device 1160. This effect device 1160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 1163 including two right shutters 1163a and 1163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 1157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 1163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 1100 when the right shutter 1163a and the left shutter 1163b are opened horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display device 1157. It has become. It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , 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.

  FIG. 21 is a front view showing the slot machine 1100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 1101 is a box that is surrounded by an upper surface plate 1261, a left side plate 1260, a right side plate 1260, a lower surface plate 1264, and a back plate 1242 and opens to the front. Inside the main body 1101, a main control board storage case 1210 in which a main control board is stored is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 1249 provided in the upper part of the back plate 1242. Below the three reels 1110 to 1112 are arranged. On the side plate 1260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 1210 and the reels 1110 to 1112, a sub control board storage case 1220 storing the sub control board is disposed. The right side plate 1260 is attached with an external concentration terminal plate 1248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs information of the slot machine 1100 to an external device.

  The bottom plate 1264 is provided with a medal payout device 1180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 1180, that is, below the reels 1110 to 1112. A power supply device 1252 is provided, and a power switch 1244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 1252. The power supply device 1252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 1100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as a main control unit 1300 and sub-control units 1400 and 1500 described later. To do. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 1308 of the main control unit 1300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 1240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 1180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 1252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 1264, and the power cord 1264 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 1262 provided in the back plate 1242 of the main body 1101. Yes.

  The front door 1102 is hinged to the left side plate 1260 of the main body 1101 via a hinge device 1276, and an effect device 1160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 1160) are provided above the symbol display window 1113. An upper speaker 1272 is provided. At the bottom of the symbol display window 1113, a medal selector 1170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 1266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 1170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 1161, etc. are provided. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 1277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1180.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 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 1100 can be broadly divided into a main control unit 1300 that mainly controls the progress of a game (for example, detection of an operation by a player, transition of a game state, game medium payout control, determination of success / failure, etc.). In response to a command signal transmitted from the main control unit 1300 (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”), a first sub control unit 1400 that mainly controls production and a command transmitted from the first sub control unit 1400 And a second sub-control unit 1500 that controls various devices based on the above.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 1300 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The main control unit 1300 includes a basic circuit 1302 that controls the entire main control unit 1300. The basic circuit 1302 includes a CPU 1304, control program data, lottery data used during an internal lottery for a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 1306 for storing position, RAM 1308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 1310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 1312 for measuring time, frequency, etc. WDT (watchdog timer) 1314 is mounted. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 1306 and the RAM 1308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 1400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 1304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1306 to the counter timer 1312. The counter timer 1312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 1304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 1304 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 1314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 1312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division in the ROM 1306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 1300 includes a random number generation circuit 1316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and an activation signal output circuit that outputs an activation signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 1304 starts game control when a start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 1338 (starts main processing main processing described later).

  Further, the main control unit 1300 includes a sensor circuit 1320, and the CPU 1304 is inserted from various sensors 1318 (a bet button 1130 sensor, a bet button 1131 sensor, a bet button 1132 sensor, and a medal slot 1141 at every interruption time. Medal reception sensor, start lever 1135 sensor, stop button 1137 sensor, stop button 1138 sensor, stop button 1139 sensor, checkout button 1134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 1180, index sensor for reel 1110 , The index sensor of the reel 1111, the index sensor of the reel 1112, etc.).

  When the sensor circuit 1320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 1316. The random number generation circuit 1316 that has received this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 1141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 1135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 1135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 1137 sensor, the stop button 1138 sensor, and the stop button 1139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 1130 sensor, the bet button 1131 sensor, and the bet button 1132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 1130 to 1132, and the medal electronically stored in the RAM 1308 is inserted as an inserted medal into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 1134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 1134. When the settlement button 1134 is pressed once, medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 1180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 1110, the index sensor of the reel 1111, and the index sensor of the reel 1112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 1110 to 1112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 1304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the reel rotation position information to zero.

  The main control unit 1300 is provided in a drive circuit 1322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 1110 to 1112, a drive circuit 1324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 1170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 1180. A drive circuit 1326 for driving the motor, various lamps 1338 (a winning line display lamp 1120, a notification lamp 1123, a game medal insertion enable lamp 1124, a re-game lamp 1122, a game medal insertion lamp 1129, a game start lamp 1121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 1328 for driving a device 1125, a game information display 1126, and a payout amount display 1127).

  In addition, an information output circuit 1334 (external concentration terminal board 1248) is connected to the basic circuit 1302, and the main controller 1300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 1334. The gaming information (for example, gaming state) of the slot machine 1100 is output to the information input circuit 1652 provided.

  The main control unit 1300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 1330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 1300, and the voltage monitoring circuit 1330 includes the voltage of the power supply. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9 v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 1302.

  The main control unit 1300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 1400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 1400. Information communication between the main control unit 1300 and the first sub control unit 1400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 1300 is configured to transmit a signal such as a command to the first sub control unit 1400. However, the first sub-control unit 1400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 1300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 1400 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The first sub control unit 1400 includes a basic circuit 1402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 1300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub control unit 1400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1402 includes a CPU 1404, a RAM 1408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 1412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 1404 of the basic circuit 1402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 1400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 1404 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1406 to the counter timer 1412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a sound source IC 1418, and the sound source IC 1418 is provided with speakers 1272 and 1277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 1418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 1272 and 1277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 1404. The sound source IC 1418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored. The sound data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 1272 and 1277.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a drive circuit 1422, and various lamps 1420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 1144, title panel 1162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 1422 through an input / output interface. It is connected.

  The CPU 1404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 1500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 1500 performs various controls of effect device 1160 including display control of effect image display device 1157. Note that the second sub-control unit 1500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 1157 and a control unit that controls various driving devices for effects (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 1163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

  The second sub control unit 1500 includes a basic circuit 1502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub control unit 1400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub control unit 1500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1502 includes a CPU 1504, a RAM 1508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 1512. The CPU 1504 of the basic circuit 1502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub control unit 1500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 1504 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1506 to the counter timer 1512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

The second sub control unit 1500 is provided with a drive circuit 1530 for driving the motor of the shutter 1163, and the drive circuit 1530 is provided with a shutter 1163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 1530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 1163 in response to a command from the CPU 1504.
The second sub-control unit 1500 is provided with a sensor circuit 1532, and a shutter sensor 1538 is connected to the sensor circuit 1532 via an input interface. The CPU 1504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 1538 every interruption time.

  The second sub control unit 1500 is provided with a VDP 1534 (video display processor), and a ROM 1506 and a VRAM 1536 are connected to the VDP 1534 through a bus. The VDP 1534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 1506 based on a signal from the CPU 1504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 1536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 1157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 1110 to 1112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 1110, middle reel 1111, right reel 1112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 1110 to 1112, a plurality of types (eight types in the present embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the same figure are arranged by a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in the present embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 1110 to 1112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “Replay” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame on the left reel 1110, the “Bell” symbol is assigned to the number 0 frame on the middle reel 1111, and the “No. 2” symbol is assigned to the number 2 frame on the right reel 1112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 1100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are internally won, a flag indicating this is set (stored in the determination result storage area of the RAM 1308 of the main control unit 1300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in that game, The flag indicating the internal winning is kept until winning, and the BB1 and BB2 are still in the internal winning even after the next game, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 "white 7-white 7-white 7", corresponds to BB2. The symbol combination “Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good. “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 1110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 1111 and the right reel 1112 may be any symbol.

“Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.
<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The gaming state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 1100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal winning game may be a division included in the normal game.
<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In the normal game, the internal lottery result is almost lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), or any stop display result A setting is made so that the stop display result of the losing that does not correspond to the symbol combination of the combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals to be acquired is less than the total number of inserted medals. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, Consumption of medals used for games is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, resulting in a gaming state where the total number of medals exceeds the total number of medals inserted, which is beneficial to the player. May become a gaming state.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game a plurality of times. For example, when a combination (for example, replay-replay-replay) is set for starting the RB game, and this combination is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and a predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). The internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” is increased to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2, which is a predetermined value), and a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is a prize. In the RB game, when a predetermined number of times (at least 2 times) is won (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, (8 times). Since the BB game described above can execute the RB game a plurality of times, when a single RB game is performed, the number of medals less than the total number of medals obtained in the BB game is acquired and terminated. Become.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player. It should be noted that BB game and RB game are both game states that are beneficial to the player, and may be generally referred to as bonus games or special games.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 1300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 1338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 to which this activation signal has been input executes a main control unit main process in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 1306 after being reset by a reset interrupt.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S2101. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 1304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 1310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 1308, operation permission to the WDT 1314, and initial setting Set the value. In step S2103, 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 1120 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 1135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 1135, the process proceeds to step S2105.

  In step S2105, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined. In step S2107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 1316 is acquired. In step S2109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 1306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S2107. 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 turned ON. In step S2111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S2113, rotation of all reels 1110 to 1112 is started. In step S2115, the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 1110 to 1112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step S2111. Stop based on data. When all the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S2117. In step S2117, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 1114, 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 S2119, 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 S2121, a game state control process 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 S2103 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

<Main control unit 1300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 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 1300 includes a counter timer 1312 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 S2201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving the value of each register of the CPU 1304 to the stack area is performed. In step S2203, the WDT 1314 is periodically updated (not to detect a processing abnormality) so that the count value of the WDT 1314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interruption occurs. 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 S2205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 1320 of the various sensors 1318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 1310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 1318 is partitioned in the RAM 1308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S2207, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 1318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt statuses of the acquired stop buttons 1137 to 1139). Based on the stop button reception process). In step S2209, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S2211, command setting transmission processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this command setting transmission processing, processing for transmitting various commands to the first sub-control unit 1400 is performed. For example, if the medal insertion is confirmed in step S2103, a game start command is transmitted. If an operation of the start lever 1135 is accepted in step S2103, a lever reception command is transmitted, and the stop is performed in step S2115. When one of the buttons 1137 to 1139 is received, a corresponding command among the left reel stop command, the middle reel stop command, and the right reel stop command is transmitted, and when all the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped. Send all reel stop command.

  In this command setting transmission process, control data related to various motors (for example, a motor for driving the motor of the shutter 1163 controlled by the second sub-control unit 1500) is transmitted to the second sub-control via the first sub-control unit 1400. The process etc. which transmit to the part 1500 are also performed. Note that the first sub-control unit 1400 can determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 1300 according to the command type included in the output schedule information received from the main control unit 1300, and output it. Based on the command data information included in the schedule information, the contents of the effect control can be determined.

  In step S2213, external output signal setting processing is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 1308 is output to an information input circuit 1652 that is separate from the slot machine 1100 via the information output circuit 1334.

  In step S2215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 1318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S2205 are read, and the presence or absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 1170 (medal blocker in which a solenoid provided in the medal selector 1170 operates), various lamps 1338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step S2217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S2221. If the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S2219.

  In step S2219, 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 S2201 is set in each original register. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main process. On the other hand, in step S2221, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 1308, and power-off processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400. . FIG. 10C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400.

  First, in step S2301 in FIG. 11A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S2301. In this initialization process, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 1408, and the like are performed.

  In step S2303, 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 S2305. In step S2305, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S2307, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 1300.

  In step S2309, an effect control process is performed. In this effect control process, for example, when there is a new command in step S2307, a process corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 1406, and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S2311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step 2309. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 1418 in the effect data read out in step S2309, this command is output to the sound source IC 1418. In step S2313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step 2309. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 1420 in the effect data read in step S2309, this command is output to the drive circuit 1422.

  In step S2315, 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 2309. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub control unit 1500 in the effect data read in step S2309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S2303.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub control unit 1400 detects the strobe signal output from the main control unit 1300. In step S2401 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 1300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 1408 as an unprocessed command.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 1400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and this timer interrupt is used as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S2501, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 1408 described in step S2303 in the first sub control unit main process, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S2303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S2503, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 1500 set in step S2315, update processing of a random number for production, and the like are performed.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, processing of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 1504 of the second secondary control unit 1500, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second secondary control unit 1500. . FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 1500, and FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 1500.

  First, in step S2601 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S2601. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 1508, and the like are performed.

In step S2603, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S2605. In step S2605, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.
In step S2607, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400.
In step S2609, an effect control process is performed. In this effect control process, for example, when there is a new command in step S2607, a process corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 1506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S2611, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S2609. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S2609, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed. In step S2613, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S2609. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S2609, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the flow returns to step S2603.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 1500 detects a strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 1400. In step S2701 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 1400 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 1508 as an unprocessed command.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 1500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In step S2801, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 1508 described in step S2603 in the second sub-control unit main process, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S2603, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S2803, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S2613 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S2901, an image data transfer instruction is issued. Here, the CPU 1504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 1536. As a result, the one-frame image stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 1157. Next, the CPU 1504 sets the ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 1506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 1536) and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 1534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 1506 to the VRAM 1536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 1534 transfers image data from the ROM 1506 to the VRAM 1536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 1534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 1504.

  In step S2903, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from VDP 1534 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S2905. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step S2905, 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 VRAM 1536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 1536 in step S2901, the CPU 1504 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 1536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 1534. The VDP 1534 performs parameter setting according to the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S2907, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 1504 instructs the VDP 1534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 1534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1504. In step S2909, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 1534 based on the end of image drawing is input. If a generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S2911, and if not, a generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step S2911, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 1508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Command setting transmission processing>
Next, the command setting transmission process (step S2211) in the above-described main control unit timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of command setting transmission processing.

  In step S3001 of this command setting transmission process, the command storage area provided in the RAM 1308 is cleared (initialized). Further, in step S3002, based on the progress of the game (when the game is started, when the lever is received, when the left reel is stopped, when the middle reel is stopped, when the right reel is stopped, when all reels are stopped, etc.) Specific command data is extracted from a plurality of types of command data. Further, the start address of the storage area in which the extracted command data is stored is set (stored) in the transfer source address storage area provided in the RAM 1308 as the transfer source address. Here, the RAM 1308 is applied as the storage means for temporarily storing the transfer source address, but other storage means such as a register may be applied (transfer destination address, transfer number, etc. described below). Is the same).

  Next, in step S3003, the start address of the command storage area is set (stored) in the transfer destination address storage area provided in the RAM 1308 as a transfer destination address. In step S3004, the number of bytes of command data is provided in the RAM 1308. The transfer number is set (stored) in the transfer number storage area.

  In step S3005, block transfer processing is performed. The block transfer process is the same as the block transfer process described with reference to FIG. In step S3006, after the command transferred to the command storage area is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400, the process ends. Note that the process of transmitting the command to the first sub control unit 1400 may be executed by the main control unit main process described above.

<Command table>
Next, a command table stored in advance in the ROM 1306 will be described. FIGS. 29A to 29D are diagrams showing an example of a command table referred to during a game.

  These command tables are pre-stored in the ROM 1306, and have a fixed length (in this example, 1 byte length) head address, a fixed length (in this example, 1 byte length) number of bytes, and variable length command data. (In this example, it is composed of a 1-byte command identifier and a variable-length command parameter).

  The start address indicates the address of the ROM 1306 in which the command data of the first byte (command identifier in this example) is stored, for example, 1 of the game start command 1 shown in FIG. The command data (A1H) of the byte indicates that it is stored in the address 1000 of the ROM 1306. The number of bytes indicates the data length of the command data. For example, the data length of the command data of the game start command 1 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of a command table that is referred to when the game is started. In this command table, command data having a 2-byte length of game start commands 1 and 2 transmitted at the start of the game is defined, and the command identifier (A1H) stored in the first byte of the command data is a game start command. It shows that there is. In addition, re-game identification information is stored in the second byte of the command data, and 01H indicates that the re-game operation is performed and 02H indicates that the re-game operation is not performed.

  FIG. 5B is an example of a command table that is referred to when a lever (start lever 1135) is received. In this command table, command data having a 3-byte length of lever reception commands 1 to 12 transmitted at the time of lever reception is defined, and the command identifier (A3H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the lever reception command. It shows that there is. The second byte of the command data stores game state identification information, indicating that 01H is in the normal state, 02H is in the BB, 03H is in the RB, and 04H is in the bonus internal winning. Yes. Also, in the third byte of the command data, winning combination identification information is stored, indicating that 01H is a loss, 02H is a small role, 03H is a replaying role, 04H is RB, and 05H is BB. Yes.

  FIG. 3C is an example of a command table that is referred to when the left reel 110 is stopped. This command table defines 1-byte command data of the left reel stop command 1 transmitted when the left reel 110 is stopped, and the command identifier (A4H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the left reel. Indicates a stop command. The left reel stop command is a command having no command parameter.

  FIG. 4D is an example of a command table that is referred to when the middle reel 111 is stopped. This command table defines 1-byte length command data of the middle reel stop command 1 transmitted when the middle reel 111 is stopped, and the command identifier (A5H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the middle reel. Indicates a stop command. The reel stop command is a command having no command parameter.

  FIG. 4E is an example of a command table that is referred to when the right reel 112 is stopped. This command table defines 1-byte length command data of the right reel stop command 1 transmitted when the right reel 112 is stopped, and the command identifier (A6H) stored in the first byte of the command data is the right reel. Indicates a stop command. The right reel stop command is a command having no command parameter.

  FIG. 5F is an example of a command table that is referred to when all reels are stopped. This command table defines 2-byte length command data of all reel stop commands 1 to 5 transmitted when all reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and a command identifier (A7H) stored in the first byte of the command data. Indicates an all-reel stop command. In addition, in the second byte of the command data, winning combination identifying information is stored, indicating that 01H is a loss, 02H is a small role, 03H is a replaying role, 04H is RB, and 05H is BB. Yes.

  One, a plurality, or all of the features of the present invention described below can be applied to the main control unit 1300 of the slot machine 1100 as well.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 100 (or the slot machine 1100) according to the present embodiment includes the game control means (for example, the main control unit 300 (or the main control unit 1300) that executes a plurality of processes related to the game. In the gaming machine, the game control means includes a first process (for example, the first process in FIG. 15A), and the contents of the process according to the request for the first process are the first contents and the second contents. The process is executed in the order of the second process (for example, the second process in FIG. 15A) and the third process (for example, the third process in FIG. 15A), which is one of the contents of The contents of the second process are the first contents (for example, the first process contents in FIG. 15A) and the second contents (for example, the second process contents in FIG. 15A). In any case (for example, FIG. 15 ( ) With the same timing as the timing at which the third process is started, or the first process (conditions) in FIG. The game machine is characterized in that the execution of the third process is started, for example, when the third process is started at the same timing with reference to immediately before the start of the branch process).

  According to the pachinko machine 100 (or slot machine 1100) according to the present embodiment, even if the contents of the second process are different, the difference in the processing time of the second process can be eliminated, and it can be confirmed by debugging or testing. Since the number of patterns that must be reduced can be greatly reduced, debugging and testing work time can be shortened, and the difference in processing time does not have to be taken into account. In some cases, reusability can be improved. In addition, the game control unit may be able to stabilize the game control while performing a branch process according to the processing status.

  Further, the game control means executes one of the third content and the fourth content according to the content of the second process as the third process, and the first content in the second process. Is executed, the third content is executed as the third processing, and when the second content is executed in the second processing, the fourth content is executed as the third processing. May be.

  With such a configuration, game control may be stabilized even when different processing is executed as a result of branch processing.

  The game machine according to the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine 100 and the slot machine 1100 described above. Therefore, for example, although the example applied to the main control unit 300 (or the main control unit 1300) has been shown, it may be applied to other control units. Further, the storage means is not limited to ROM and RAM, and other storage means may be applied.

  Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of 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. Moreover, although several types of Example was shown, you may replace or combine each Example.

  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 Pachinko machine 300 Main control unit 304 CPU
306 ROM
308 RAM
310 I / O
400 First sub-control unit 500 Second control unit 1100 Slot machine 1300 Main control unit 1304 CPU
1306 ROM
1308 RAM
1310 I / O
1400 1st sub control part 1500 2nd control part

The present invention updates a numerical value within a predetermined numerical range , a predetermined sensor, a ROM that stores control program data, a CPU that executes a plurality of game control processes based on instructions indicated by the control program data And a random number circuit configured to be capable of transmitting the updated numerical value to the CPU, wherein the CPU performs each of the plurality of game control processes for main control and every predetermined cycle. A first determination process that is executed in at least one of the interrupt controls to be executed, and that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied using a calculation process and a result of the calculation process, the first Branch processing for branching to processing according to the determination result of the determination processing, and branch destination processing that is a branch processing by the branch processing, at least for the interrupt control. And executing the arithmetic process, the first determination process, and the branch process based on a specific instruction that is a single instruction indicated by the control program data, and performing the process based on the specific instruction. When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the first determination process, and when it is not determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the first determination process by making the time required to be the same In any case, the execution of the branch destination process is started at the same timing, the process of monitoring the signal output from the predetermined sensor, and the history of the monitoring result of the predetermined sensor are determined in advance. A second determination process for determining whether or not the predetermined pattern is matched, and the history of the monitoring result of the predetermined sensor matches the predetermined pattern by the second determination process. A process for acquiring a numerical value from the random number circuit based on the determination that the determination has been made is executed in the interrupt control, and a success / failure determination process using the numerical value acquired from the random number circuit is executed in the main control or the interrupt control. It is a game stand characterized by being a thing.

Claims (2)

A game machine having game control means for executing a plurality of processes relating to a game,
The game control means includes
In response to a request for the first process, the process is executed in the order of the second process and the third process in which the content of the process is one of the first content and the second content,
The game machine, wherein execution of the third process is started at the same timing regardless of whether the content of the second process is the first content or the second content. The game stand according to claim 1,
The game control means includes
Depending on the content of the second process as the third process, one of the third content and the fourth content is executed,
When the first content is executed in the second process, the third content is executed as the third process,
When the second content is executed in the second process, the fourth content is executed as the third process.