JP2016163846A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of appropriately detecting occurrence of an error when the error occurs in receiving a command, and reducing the possibility of causing inconsistency in control.SOLUTION: Performance control means includes: a reception buffer for storing a command received from game control means; a reception data ready bit to which information enabling confirmation on whether or not the command is stored in the reception buffer is set; an error bit to which information indicating whether or not an error has occurred when receiving the command is set; and means for reading the command from the reception buffer. The error bit is configured to be cleared when the information of the reception data ready bit is read. The error bit is read and stored before reading the command from the reception buffer. Whether or not an error has occurred in the command is determined on the basis of the stored error bit when reading the command from the reception buffer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine capable of playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game media are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Also, when a game medium is inserted, a predetermined number of bets are set, multiple types of symbols are rotated by operating the operation lever, and a combination of stop symbols is specified when the symbols are stopped by operating the stop button There are cases where a predetermined number of game media are paid out to the player. In addition, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result, a predetermined game value Are configured to give the player.

  The game value is the right that the state of the special variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. Or a condition where a condition for paying out a winning ball is easily established.

  In addition, a game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer) that performs game control uses an effect control means (for example, effect control) that performs effect control on a command (for example, a variation pattern command) that includes effect contents in the variable display unit. To the microcomputer). Then, the effect control means controls the effect electric parts (electrically driven parts) such as the variable display unit in accordance with the effect contents indicated in the received command.

  In addition, in a gaming machine that pays out prizes such as prize balls, the game control means transmits a command that can specify the number of payouts to a payout control means that controls an electric part for prize payout (for example, a ball payout device). To do.

  In an electrical component control means (for example, an electrical component control microcomputer) that receives a command from the game control means and controls the electrical component, a plurality of command storage areas are provided for storing the received multiple commands. There is a gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 uses a FIFO (First In First Out) as a command storage area. When the CPU of the electrical component control microcomputer reads the data in the command storage area constituted by the FIFO, the data in the first FIFO is overwritten with the data in the second FIFO. When all commands are read, there are no commands in the command storage area. That is, the command storage area is cleared.

JP 2011-92346 A

  The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 immediately reads all commands from the command storage area when an overrun error (overflow of the command storage area) occurs, and does not increase the number of commands lost due to the overrun error. It is configured as follows.

  However, the microcomputer for controlling electrical parts has an overrun error in a command storage area that can store a plurality of received commands (when a command storage area is full, a new command is received and an existing received command is overwritten. When this occurs, all commands are unconditionally read from the command storage area, so that command reception control is executed without considering the existence of commands that have been overwritten and disappeared. Then, command reception control is executed without recognizing which command has been lost, and there is a possibility that an inconsistency may occur in the control of electrical components based on the received command.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately detect the occurrence of an error when an error occurs during command reception, and can reduce the possibility of inconsistency in control.

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and includes first control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) and second control means (for example, effect control as effect control means). Microcomputer 100), and the first control means can execute a predetermined process executing means for executing a predetermined process in a first cycle and a process for transmitting a command to at least the second control means as the predetermined process. Command transmission means (for example, a part of the game control microcomputer 560 that executes the processing of steps S401 to S404), and the second control means includes a plurality of commands for storing commands received from the first control means. Commands are stored in the command storage area (for example, the FIFO reception buffer shown in FIG. 14) and the command storage area. A command presence / absence confirmation area (for example, a reception data ready bit in the reception control register shown in FIG. 15) and information indicating whether an error has occurred during command reception are set. Command error confirmation area (for example, an error bit in the reception control register shown in FIG. 15) and reading means for reading a command from the command storage area (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S604 in the production control microcomputer 100) Information in the command error confirmation area is cleared when information is read from the command presence / absence confirmation area, and the second control means executes the command before the reading means reads the command from the command storage area. Read and save information in error check area Information on the error information storage means (for example, the part that executes the processing of steps S601 and S602 in the production control microcomputer 100) and information on the command error confirmation area that is stored when the reading means reads a command from the command storage area. Based on the determination means for determining whether or not an error has occurred in the command based on the information (for example, the portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the process of step S605) and the information set in the command presence / absence confirmation area, Command presence / absence determining means for executing processing for determining whether or not a command is stored in the command storage area in a second period different from the first period, and the determining means determining that an error has occurred in the command If this happens, use command discarding means to discard the command. In addition, the reading means reads the command from the command storage area based on the determination that the command is stored by the command presence / absence determining means.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent information indicating whether or not an error has occurred when receiving a command from being lost. Therefore, when an error occurs when receiving a command, the occurrence of an error is appropriately detected. be able to.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the reading means confirms the command presence / absence information in the command presence / absence confirmation area after the error information storage means stores the information in the command error confirmation area (step S602 in FIG. 17). , S603), when the command presence / absence information indicates that the command is stored, the command is read out from the command storage area (see steps S603 and S604 in FIG. 17), and the determining means is the command stored in the reading means. After reading the command from the area, it may be configured to determine whether or not an error has occurred in the command (see steps S604 and S605 in FIG. 17).
According to such a configuration, in the configuration in which the information in the command error confirmation area is cleared when information is read from the command presence / absence confirmation area, whether or not an error has occurred in the command before the command is read from the command storage area. Compared with the case of determining whether or not, it is possible to simplify the process related to the command reading. If it is configured to determine whether an error has occurred in the command before reading the command from the command storage area, if no error has occurred, the command is read from the command storage area and a predetermined process is performed, causing an error. This is because the process of reading the command from the command storage area (discarding the read command) is performed.

(3) In the above gaming machine of (1) or (2), the command transmission means repeatedly executes a process for transmitting a command in a first cycle (for example, 4 ms), and the reading means uses a command The process for reading a command from the storage area may be repeatedly executed in a second period (for example, 1 ms) shorter than the first period.
According to such a configuration, the second control unit can reliably read out all commands transmitted from the first control unit from the command storage area.

(4) In the gaming machines of the above (1) to (3), the command storage area is configured to be cleared when a command is read, and the reading means is configured to start power supply to the gaming machine. Regardless of whether or not a command is stored in the command storage area, a process of reading a command from the command storage area may be executed (for example, the process of step S503 shown in FIG. 16 is executed). .
According to such a configuration, since the command storage area is surely initialized before the second control means starts actual control, it is possible to prevent problems such as malfunction in the control based on the received command. be able to.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the data register with which a serial communication circuit is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the table memory for jackpot determination. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a serial communication circuit setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a command control process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a receiving buffer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a reception control register. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process which CPU for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a command reception process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is the front view which looked at the slot machine which is an example of the game machine by this invention from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural examples, such as a game control board (main board) and an effect control board, in a slot machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. In the effect display device 9, variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of decorative symbols as identification information. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer executes the effect display using the effect display device 9 along with the variable display. 2 When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the special symbol display device 8b, the effect display is executed using the effect display device 9 along with the variable display. It becomes easy to grasp.

  A first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8 a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the top of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying a number (or a 2-digit symbol) of 00 to 99. . That is, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 00 to 99. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b that variably displays a second special symbol as identification information is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. The second special symbol display device 8b is also realized by a simple and small display device (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 00 to 99. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is also configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 00 to 99.

  In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both numbers of 00 to 99), but the types may be different.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  Although the gaming machine of this embodiment includes two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b, the gaming machine may include only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 (after the game ball may pass through the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of stored memories is not 0) The variable display time (variable time) is started based on the fact that the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed and the jackpot game is not executed. The display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed when the time elapses, and winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening, and the display result is derived and displayed. You And is to be stopped and displayed symbols (the example of identification information) eventually.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b. The display design (decorative design) is variably displayed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the start time and end time of variable display are substantially the same (may be exactly the same) and the variable display period is substantially the same (may be exactly the same). Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the decorative display that reminds the jackpot on the effect display device 9 The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured so that it is difficult to win, but it is possible to win (that is, the game ball is difficult to win).

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  Below the first special symbol display 8a, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed 4. There is provided a first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a composed of two indicators (for example, LEDs). The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Below the second special symbol display 8b is a second special symbol hold comprising four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. A storage indicator 18b is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  In addition, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there is provided a total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total number of total pending storage) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. ing. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when is displayed and displayed, the big winning opening that becomes the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided below the effect display device 9. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit). For example, if the lower lamp is lit at the end of variable display, it is a win. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of indicators that are lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 The opening time becomes longer and the number of opening times is increased. That is, the game ball is controlled to be in a high base state that is controlled so as to make it easier for the game ball to start and win (that is, the variable display execution conditions in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 are easily established). Transition. Further, in this embodiment, even in the short time state (the game state in which the special symbol variable display time is shortened), the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 becomes long and the number of times of opening is increased.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to the normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 will be a hit symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In this case, by controlling the transition to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the start winning state becomes easy (high base state). That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. It changes to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to win a start). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol time-short state, since the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, by increasing the frequency with which the normal symbol is hit, the frequency with which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, the transition time of special symbols and decorative symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and decorative symbols is shortened. (In other words, the digestion of the stored memory becomes faster), and as a result, it is easier to start a winning and the possibility of playing a big hit game is increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it is easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state).

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27R and 27L that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame LED 28a, a left frame LED 28b, and a right frame LED 28c provided on the front frame are provided on the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball LED 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame LED 28b, and a ball cut LED 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame LED 28c. . The top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED 25 are examples of effects light emitters provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition to the above-described various LEDs for production (decoration), LEDs and lamps for production are installed.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the first special symbol display 8a starts variable display (variation) of the first special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of decorative symbols. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display unit 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the decorative symbol. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol and the decorative symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the decorative symbol variable display state starts after the variable symbol variable display is started. There is a case where a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that do not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a decorative display variable display mode is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal shift”) variable display mode when the variable display result is an out-of-order design.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the decorative symbol variable display state starts after the variable symbol variable display is started. After reaching the reach state, the reach effect is executed, and a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that does not eventually become a big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the decorative design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the decorative symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas of the effect display device 9.

  Among the big hits, the “15R probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and shifts to the promiscuous state after the big hit gaming state ends. The “15R normal big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to a normal state (non-probability change state) after the big hit gaming state ends.

  Hereinafter, the 15R probability variation jackpot and the 15R normal jackpot may be collectively referred to as “15R jackpot”.

  Among the big hits, “sudden probability change big hit (surprise big hit)” is the number of times that the winning opening is less than “15R probability change big hit” or “15R normal big hit” (in this embodiment, 0.1 second The jackpot is allowed up to 2), but suddenly shifts to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state based on the probability change jackpot. “Suddenly probable big hit” is also called “surprise big hit”. In this embodiment, as will be described later, there are multiple types of “suddenly probable big hits”.

  When the display result (small hit symbol) that is a small hit is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b, the effect display device 9 has a variable symbol display mode of “decorative symbol”. In the same manner as in the case of “suddenly probable big hit”, after the decorative symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (same as the sudden probable big hit symbol, for example, “135”) may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. In this embodiment, as will be described later, there are multiple types of “small hits”.

  The “small hit” is a hit that is allowed up to the number of times that the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is smaller than that of the big hit (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 seconds is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In this embodiment, in the big hit gaming state and the small hit gaming state based on the sudden probability change big hit, the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, in this specification, it is set as the round of opening times also about a small hit.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 is configured to select a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit selection selection function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using the ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54 (an ID number assigned with a different value for each product of the game control microcomputer 560). The numerical data obtained by the execution is set as the initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data as random R from the random number circuit 503 when a start winning to the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a occurs, and performs a specific display based on the random R. It is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a result, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot. When it is determined that the game is a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received, and display control with the effect display device 9 that variably displays decorative symbols is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77 and the effect control board 80. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101a and a RAM for storing information related to effects such as an effect control process flag. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101a operates according to a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown). The effect control microcomputer 100 has a built-in serial communication circuit 101b that inputs / outputs (transmits / receives) signals with the game control microcomputer 560 through serial communication.

  The main board 31 is mounted with a serial communication circuit 505 that inputs / outputs (transmits / receives) signals with the production control microcomputer 100 through serial communication. In this embodiment, the serial communication circuit 505 is built in the game control microcomputer 560.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101a causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 uses the effect device such as the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command received from the game control means to notify the effect related to the big hit game or the possibility of a big hit. Perform the notice effect.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  The effect control CPU 101a outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores in advance character image data and moving image data to be displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including decorative symbols), and background image data. ROM. The VDP 109 reads the image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101a. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 a outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. In addition, the production control CPU 101 a outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, signals for driving LEDs and lamps are input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 supplies current to light emitters provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c based on a signal for driving the lamp. In addition, a current is supplied to the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data register built in the serial communication circuit 505 in the game control microcomputer 560. The data register is a register that stores data transmitted and received by the serial communication circuit 505. As shown in FIG. 4, the data register is an 8-bit register. In the data register, bit 0 to bit 7 can be written and read.

  In this embodiment, when the serial communication circuit 505 transmits transmission data, the data register is used as a transmission data register.

  An interrupt control circuit built in the serial communication circuit 505 makes various interrupt requests to the CPU 56. For example, when the transmission of the transmission data to the transmission data register is completed, the interrupt control circuit outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 56 and bit 6 of a status register (not shown) built in the serial communication circuit 505. An interrupt request is made by setting “1” to (TC). The interrupt control circuit may output an interrupt signal different for each interrupt factor to the CPU 56 instead of making the interrupt factor identifiable by the set value of the status register bit.

  When the reception data register is stored in the reception data register (when reception data full is detected), the interrupt control circuit outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 56 and sets “1” to bit 5 (RDRF) of the status register. ”Is set to make an interrupt request.

  Further, when various communication errors occur, the interrupt control circuit outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 56 and sets an interrupt request by setting “1” in bits 0 to 3 of the status register according to the type of the communication error. I do.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the jackpot determination table memory. The jackpot determination table memory stores a plurality of jackpot determination tables used by the CPU 56 to determine whether or not the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a jackpot symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the big hit determination table memory stores a normal time big hit determination table used in a gaming state (referred to as a normal state) other than the probability variation state. Also, the jackpot determination table memory stores a probability change jackpot determination table used in the probability variation state, as shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. 6 and 7 show main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is a flowchart which shows. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the CPU 56 starts outputting a connection signal to the payout control microcomputer 370 (step S4). Note that the CPU 56 starts outputting the connection signal in the process of step S4, and then supplies the payout control microcomputer 370 to the payout control microcomputer 370 unless the power supply of the gaming machine is stopped or output becomes impossible due to some communication error. The connection signal is output continuously.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S5). By the processing in step S4, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) are set (initialized). The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). Further, the CPU 56 sets the RAM 55 in an accessible state (step S6).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). If the clear switch is not on, it is confirmed whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped ( Step S8). In this embodiment, when the power supply is stopped, the CPU 56 performs a power supply stop process for protecting data in the backup RAM area. In the power supply stop process, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area. In step S8, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop process has been performed after confirming that the flag is set.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (in this example, checksum calculation) (step S9).

  The checksum is calculated even when the power supply is stopped, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the CPU 56 compares the calculated checksum with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). If the check result is not normal, initialization processing (steps S10 to S14) is executed.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S91), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S92). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S91 and S92, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S93), and proceeds to step S15. After the pointer is set in step S93, the backup command is transmitted after the serial communication circuit setting process in step S15a is performed.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Also, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a winning ball flag, a ball-out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing the above. In addition, a bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal). When the bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set, the bit corresponding to the output port 0 that outputs the connection confirmation signal is output by the output processing in step S31.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the effect display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used. After the pointer is set in step S13, the initialization command is transmitted after the serial communication circuit setting process in step S15a is performed.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting each random number circuit 503 (step S15). That is, the setting for causing each random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R is performed.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a serial communication circuit setting process for initial setting of the serial communication circuit 505 (step S15a). In this case, the CPU 56 sets the data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 54 in the serial communication circuit 505 in accordance with the serial communication circuit setting program so that the serial communication circuit 505 communicates serially with the effect control microcomputer 100. Set up.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the serial communication circuit setting process. In the serial communication circuit setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the baud rate of the serial communication circuit 505 (step S1511). Further, the CPU 56 sets a data format of data transmitted / received by the serial communication circuit 505 (step S1512). For example, the data length (8 bits or 9 bits) of transmission / reception data and the use / nonuse of the parity function are set.

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets whether to permit each interrupt request generated by the serial communication circuit 505 (step S1513). For example, the CPU 56 sets whether or not to permit a transmission interrupt request (a transmission interrupt request that is an interrupt request that is performed when data is transmitted or a transmission completion interrupt request that is performed when transmission is completed) and a reception interrupt request.

  When the serial communication circuit 505 is initialized, the CPU 56 initializes the priority of interrupt processing executed in response to the interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 (step S15b). For example, the CPU 56 sets a higher priority for interrupt processing that causes the occurrence of a communication error as the cause of the interrupt.

  In this embodiment, when a timer interrupt and an interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 are generated at the same time, the CPU 56 preferentially performs an interrupt process by the timer interrupt.

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as an effect display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the gaming machine, or When the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round in a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming apparatus control process), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In addition, as display random numbers, there are a variation pattern determination random number for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, and a reach determination random number for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  When the interrupt-permitted state is set in step S19, the timer interrupt or interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 is permitted until the next step S17 is executed and the interrupt-prohibited state is set. . When a timer interrupt occurs while the interrupt permission state is set, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a timer interrupt process to be described later. When an interrupt request is generated from the serial communication circuit 505 while the interrupt permission state is set, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 causes each interrupt process (communication error interrupt process, reception time interrupt, Load processing, transmission completion interrupt processing).

  It should be noted that the processing of step S15 and step S15a may be executed before the processing of step S1, and the microcomputer for game control is automatically set before the processing of step S1 is executed. 560 may be used.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) that detects whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether or not it has been turned on) (step S21). Then, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 through the input driver circuit 58, and detects the input of each switch ( Switch processing: Step S22). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S23). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S24).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command or the like related to a decorative symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer 100 (command control process: step S25). Note that the fact that the variation of the decorative symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes processing for transmitting / receiving (input / output) signals to / from the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505, and when a winning occurs, the first start port switch 13a. Then, a winning ball process for setting the number of winning balls based on the detection signals of the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 is executed (step S26). In this embodiment, the lower 4 bits of the winning ball number command are made different according to winning detection based on the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 being turned on. Thus, data indicating the number of prize balls is set in the prize ball number command, and the set prize ball number command is output to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505. The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to receiving a prize ball number command in which data indicating the number of prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a test terminal process which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine (step S30). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 determines the contents related to the connection confirmation signal in the RAM area of the output port 0 and the output port. The contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area 2 are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S32), and the process ends.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S22 to S31 (except for steps S29 and S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S27) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a start port switch passing process (step S321). Further, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the value of the special symbol process flag.

  In the starting port switch passing process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the total pending storage number by +1 when the passing of the game ball to the first starting winning port 13 or the second starting winning port 14 is confirmed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether the display result of variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit or a small hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. If it is a small hit, the small hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. Note that the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset when the big hit game or the small hit game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. After the display result of the special symbol is derived and displayed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example) when the big hit flag is set. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0).

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting a presentation control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer 100 for the presentation control, a process for confirming that the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). It should be noted that although the pre-opening process for small hits is executed for each round, the pre-opening process for small hits is also a process for starting a small hit game when starting the first round.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of a decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of a special symbol. (Corresponding to variation pattern XX, respectively). “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of decorative symbols.

  Command 8CXX (H) is an effect control command indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative symbol in response to the reception of the command 8CXX (H), so the command 8CXX (H) is referred to as a display result designation command.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed.

  Command A001 (H) is an effect control command (also referred to as a jackpot start designation command or a fanfare designation command) for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of a jackpot game.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a special winning opening) indicating a display of the number of times (round) indicated by XX while the special winning opening is open. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot end designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the jackpot game.

  In this embodiment, production control commands other than the production control commands shown in FIG. 11 are also used to perform production control. FIG. 11 shows main production control commands.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the command control process in step S25. In the command control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a command (effect control command to be transmitted) is stored in the command transmission buffer (step S401). If no command is stored, the process ends.

  Note that the command transmission buffer is a part of the area of the RAM 55, and for example, a ring buffer type command transmission buffer that can store six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command transmission buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of transmission command buffers 1 to 12. A write pointer that indicates in which area in the command transmission buffer the command to be transmitted is stored is used. The write pointer takes a value from 0 to 11. Note that the command transmission buffer does not necessarily have the ring buffer format. A read pointer is used as a pointer indicating from which area in the command transmission buffer the command should be read and output to the serial communication circuit 505.

  If the value of the write pointer does not match the value of the read pointer, the CPU 56 determines that the command is stored in the command transmission buffer.

  The CPU 56 writes the effect control command (see FIG. 11) in the command transmission buffer and adds +2 to the value of the write pointer in the special symbol process. The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are written in the command transmission buffer. For example, a change pattern designation command and a display result designation command are written when a change (variable display) of special symbols and decorative symbols is started.

  When determining in step S401 that the command is stored in the command transmission buffer, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the transmission circuit in the serial communication circuit 505 (see FIG. 3) is ready for command transmission. (Step S402). The serial communication circuit 505 has a transmission control register (not shown), and if the command transmission is possible, the corresponding bit of the transmission control register is turned on (set state). The CPU 56 can confirm whether the command transmission is possible or not based on whether the corresponding bit of the transmission control register is on.

  Note that the serial communication circuit 505 includes a shift register, and when data is written in the data register (see FIG. 4), the data is transferred to the shift register. The data transferred to the shift register is serially output to a signal line (in this case, a serial communication line reaching the effect control board 80) in synchronization with a predetermined clock signal. The serial communication circuit 505 turns on the corresponding bit of the transmission control register after the output of the data in the shift register to the signal line is completed.

  When confirming that the command transmission is possible, the CPU 56 reads the effect control command from the area indicated by the read pointer in the command transmission buffer and outputs it to the data register of the serial communication circuit 505 (step S403). Also, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S404). Then, the process proceeds to step S401.

  Since the data register of the serial communication circuit 505 has a 1-byte configuration, the 2-byte presentation control command is actually output byte by byte to the data register of the serial communication circuit 505, and the CPU 56 stores the 1-byte data. Each time the data is output, the value of the read pointer is incremented by one.

  By the transmission control as described above, the effect control command is transmitted to the effect control board 80, but when a plurality of effect control commands are stored in the command transmission buffer, by executing the command control process once, All effect control commands stored in the command transmission buffer are transmitted to the effect control board 80.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101a) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101a starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main process, first, an initialization process is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (1 ms in this embodiment). (Step S701).

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101a executes a random number update process for updating the counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (step S702). Then, the timer interrupt flag is monitored (step S703). If the timer interrupt flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S702. When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101a sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101a clears the flag (step S704), and executes the effect control process of steps S705 to S707.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101a first executes a command reception process for receiving an effect control command (step S705). Further, the received effect control command is analyzed, and a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command is performed (command analysis process: step S706).

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is stored in a ring buffer type command reception buffer (formed in the RAM) capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands. . Then, a write pointer indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The write pointer takes a value from 0 to 11. In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101a analyzes which command (see FIG. 11) is the effect control command stored in the command reception buffer.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101a performs effect control process processing (step S707). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reception buffer built in the serial communication circuit 101b. In this embodiment, the reception buffer has a FIFO configuration. In this embodiment, the reception buffer is composed of 16 bytes (reception buffers # 1 to # 16), but 16 bytes is an example. The serial communication circuit 101b has a reception data register, and the effect control CPU 101a reads data from the reception buffer via the reception data register.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reception control register built in the serial communication circuit 101b. In the example shown in FIG. 15, bit 1 (b1) of the reception control register is a bit (error bit) indicating whether or not an error has occurred when receiving a command. Examples of errors include a parity error (when a parity bit is added to a command to be transmitted, it indicates that a data error has occurred as a result of the check based on the parity bit), a framing error (when a command is transmitted) When the start bit and stop bit for synchronization are added to, it indicates that the polarity of the stop bit (high level or low level) is different from the normal polarity.), Overrun error (data from the receive buffer The data is not read but is overwritten with newly received data, ie, the data is lost).

  Bit 0 (b0) of the reception control register is a bit (reception data ready bit) indicating that there is reception data in the reception buffer (in this example, the received effect control command).

  The effect control CPU 101a reads data from the reception buffer when the reception data ready bit is on (1 in this example). Further, when the received data ready bit is read (specifically, when the contents of the reception control register are read), the serial communication circuit 101b has no received data in the reception buffer (when all are read). The received data ready bit is turned off (in this example, 0).

  The serial communication circuit 101b is configured to turn off the error bit (in this example, 0) when the received data ready bit is read.

  Since the error bit is turned off when the received data ready bit is read, it is not necessary for the presentation control CPU 101a to execute control for turning off the error bit of the reception control register. Therefore, the burden required for receiving the command of the effect control CPU 101a is reduced. Even if the program executed by the effect control CPU 101a does not include an instruction to turn off the error bit, the error bit is surely cleared (turned off).

  On the other hand, the error bit is cleared every time the received data ready bit is read in order to check whether or not the received data exists in the reception buffer. Then, if no control is performed, it will not be possible to accurately confirm whether or not an error has occurred during command reception.

  Thus, as will be described later, in this embodiment, when the content of the reception control register is read out, the presentation control CPU 101a temporarily stores the read content in the RAM, and there is an error when receiving a command based on the saved content. Check if it has occurred.

  In this embodiment, the reception data ready bit and the error bit are both set in the reception control register, but the reception data ready bit and the error bit are read at a time by the effect control CPU 101a (1 Two registers). Even when the received data ready bit and the error bit are set separately (for example, specified as a bit of another register), the error bit is turned off when the received data ready bit is read. In this case, the control in this embodiment can be applied.

  In a gaming machine that generates a random number using a random number circuit built in a microcomputer or a random number circuit configured outside the microcomputer, a counter in the random number circuit (a value is incremented based on a predetermined clock signal). For example, a mechanism including a latch circuit having a bit indicating that the value of the portion) is latched by an output signal of the start switch and the latch is indicated may be used. Then, when the microcomputer reads the latched value from the latch circuit, the bit indicating the latch may be reset. The bit need not be reset by the microcomputer, but is not a bit that the microcomputer should store. In other words, the present invention is not conceived based on the concept of such a latch mechanism.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the initialization process (step S701). In the initialization process, the effect control CPU 101a performs initial setting of the serial communication circuit 101b (step S501). For example, the data format of the data to be received is set, the data length (8 bits or 9 bits) of the received data, and whether to use the parity function are set. Further, the RAM is initialized (step S502).

  In general, the serial communication circuit has a function of generating an interrupt to the microcomputer when data is received, and the microcomputer can read the data by the interrupt process. Then, without using an interrupt, the CPU 101a for effect control appropriately checks whether or not the received data ready bit is in an ON state. Therefore, in the process of step S501, the effect control CPU 101a sets the serial communication circuit 101b to a mode that does not generate an interrupt.

  In normal reception control described later, data is read from the reception buffer if the reception data ready bit is on. However, in the initialization process, regardless of the state of the reception data ready bit (specifically, the reception data ready bit is read). Data is read from the reception buffer without checking the bit state (step S503).

  By executing the processing of step S503, the command storage area is surely initialized before starting the control of the actual electrical component, and it is possible to eliminate problems such as malfunctions in the control based on the received command. it can.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101a unconditionally reads the data from the reception buffer when power supply to the gaming machine is started, but unconditionally receives the reception data ready. The reception buffer may be initialized by reading the bits.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing command reception processing (step S705). In the command reception process, the effect control CPU 101a reads the contents (8-bit data) of the reception control register of the serial communication circuit 101b (step S601). Then, the read data (in this example, an effect control command) is stored in the RAM (step S602). The error bit is stored in the RAM by the process of step S602.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101a checks whether or not b0 (reception data ready bit) of the reception control register is in an on state (data is present in the reception buffer by FIFO) (step S603). If the received data ready bit is not on, the process is terminated.

  The effect control CPU 101a reads the data in the reception buffer when the reception data ready bit is on (step S604). Next, the state of the error bit stored in the RAM is confirmed (step S605). If the error bit is on, the effect control CPU 101a discards the data read from the reception buffer in step S604 (step S606). The effect control CPU 101a does not actually execute the process of step S606. That is, the process of actively discarding data is not executed. This is because the data read from the reception buffer is not stored in the command reception buffer (which is one area of the RAM), so that the read data is substantially discarded.

  If the error bit is off, the effect control CPU 101a stores the data read from the reception buffer in the command reception buffer (step S607). Further, the value of the write pointer is incremented by 2 each time one effect control command (2-byte configuration) is written to the command reception buffer (step S608). Then, the process proceeds to step S601.

  Note that the serial communication circuit 101b reads data from the reception buffer, but still stores data in the reception buffer (when a plurality of commands are received at once (specifically, in a short period of time)). In this case, the reception data ready bit is kept on.

  Therefore, the effect control CPU 101a can read out all received data stored in the reception buffer in one command reception process.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the command reception buffer. The command reception buffer is a part of the RAM area. For example, a ring buffer type command reception buffer that can store six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the command reception buffer is composed of 12-byte areas of reception command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a write pointer that indicates in which area in the command reception buffer the received command (specifically, read from the reception buffer of the serial communication circuit 101b) is used. The write pointer takes a value from 0 to 11. The command reception buffer does not necessarily have to be a ring buffer format. A read pointer is used as a pointer indicating from which area in the command reception buffer the command should be read.

  In this embodiment, when the content control CPU 101a reads the content (including the error bit) of the reception control register of the serial communication circuit 101b, the content is temporarily stored in the RAM. Then, when reading data from the reception buffer of the serial communication circuit 101b, the state of the error bit stored in the RAM is confirmed. Therefore, even when the serial communication circuit 101b is configured to turn off the error bit when the received data ready bit is read, an error relating to command reception can be reliably detected.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101a determines whether or not an error has occurred in the command after reading the command from the reception buffer of the serial communication circuit 101b (see steps S604 and S605), so before reading the command from the reception buffer. Compared with the case where it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the command, the process related to reading the command can be simplified. If it is configured to determine whether or not an error has occurred in the command before reading the command from the reception buffer, if no error has occurred, the command is read from the reception buffer to perform a predetermined process, and an error has occurred. This is because in this case, a process of reading a command from the reception buffer (discarding the read command) is performed.

  In this embodiment, the timer interruption process (corresponding to the game control process by the game control means (game control microcomputer 560)) shown in FIG. 9 is started at intervals of 4 ms, and the effect control means (effect control micro) The computer 100) executes the processes of steps S705 to S707 at intervals of 1 ms. Therefore, the game control means performs control for transmitting the effect control command at a cycle of 4 ms, and the effect control means performs control for receiving the effect control command at a cycle of 1 ms (specifically, the reception buffer of the serial communication circuit 101b). Process to read data from). Therefore, the effect control means can surely read all commands transmitted from the game control means from the command storage area.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing (step S706). In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101a confirms the contents of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the write pointer with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time. If no received command is stored, the process ends.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 stores the read reception command in the storage area of the RAM or sets a flag corresponding to the reception command (step S614).

  When the received effect control command itself is used in the effect control process (for example, when a variation pattern command is received), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received command in the storage area of the RAM. Further, if it is only necessary to be able to recognize that the effect control command has been received in the effect control process (for example, when the symbol confirmation designation command is received), the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received command. .

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S707). In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101a performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of decorative symbols is realized.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command reception flag (a flag indicating that a variation pattern command has been received) set in the command analysis processing is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802).

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the ornament symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): When the big hit or the small hit, the control for displaying the screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit or the small hit on the effect display device 9 is performed after the end of the variation time. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game or small hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S806).

  Big hit end effect process (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state or the small hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the effect control means includes a reception buffer (see FIG. 14) having a plurality of command storage areas for storing commands received from the game control means, and a reception buffer. A received data ready bit in which information for confirming whether or not the command is stored is set, an error bit in which information indicating whether or not an error has occurred during reception of the command, and a command from the reception buffer. The error bit is configured to be cleared when the information of the received data ready bit is read, and before the command reading means reads the command from the reception buffer, the error bit is read and stored, When the command reading means reads a command from the receive buffer, the stored error Since it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the command based on the bit, it is possible to prevent the information indicating whether or not an error has occurred when receiving the command from being lost. When an error occurs in the received command It is possible to properly detect the occurrence of an error.

  As described above, the effect control means executes the effect or the notice effect related to the big hit game based on the effect control command received from the game control means. Production is performed based on a command that is not a command. For example, if the game control means recognizes that the effect control means has received a command indicating a loss even though it has transmitted a display result designation command corresponding to the jackpot, the effect display is performed despite the jackpot game being performed. On the device 9, a shifted symbol is derived and displayed. Further, when an error occurs in the command related to the notice effect, there is a possibility that a kind of notice effect that causes the player to be reminded that there is a high possibility of being a big hit despite being out of place. When such a situation occurs, the player may feel suspicious. However, in this embodiment, when an error occurs in the received command, it is possible to appropriately detect the occurrence of the error, so that such a situation can be prevented from occurring.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In the above embodiment, the effect control means is taken as an example of the electric component control means for controlling the electric parts provided in the gaming machine, but other electric component control means, for example, from the game control means. The present invention can also be applied to a payout control means (a payout control microcomputer) that controls the payout device based on a command.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a slot machine which is another example of the gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 21 and 22). As shown in FIG. 21, the slot machine 601 is composed of a housing (not shown) having an open front surface and a front door pivotally supported on a side end of the housing.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 601 of this embodiment, reels 602L, 602C, and 602R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are provided in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 21, three consecutive symbols out of symbols arranged on the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 603 provided on the front door.

  For example, “red 7 (outline 7 in the figure)”, “BAR”, “replay”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell” can be distinguished from each other on the outer periphery of the reels 602L, 602C, 602R. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn 21 in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R are displayed on the perspective window 603 in upper, middle, and lower three stages.

  The reels 602L, 602C, and 602R are provided in correspondence with each other and rotated by reel motors 632L, 632C, and 632R (see FIG. 22), so that the symbols of the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R are continuously provided in the see-through window 603. In addition to being displayed while changing, by stopping the rotation of the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R, three continuous symbols can be derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 603 as display results.

  Further, on the front door, a medal insertion unit 604 capable of inserting medals, a medal payout exit 609 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a player's own game value) are used for one medal. A single bet switch 605 that is operated when setting the bet number of the bet, and using a credit, a specified number of bet numbers determined according to the game state within the range (in this embodiment, in the normal game state, “ 3 ”, MAXBET switch 606 operated when setting“ 1 ”for the regular bonus), medals stored as credits and the medals used for setting the bet amount are settled (for setting the credit and bet number) A check switch 610 operated when the medal used is returned), a start switch 607 operated when starting the game, Le 602L, 602C, stop switch 608L is operated to stop each rotation of the 602R, 608C, 608R are provided.

  Also, on the front door, a credit indicator 611 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game that displays the number of medals acquired in a big bonus, which will be described later, and an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, etc. An auxiliary indicator 612 and a payout indicator 613 for displaying the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a winning are provided.

  Also, on the front door, 1 BETLED 614 that notifies that the bet number is set by 1 is lit, 2 BETLED 615 that notifies that the bet number is set is 2 and lit that 3 bets are set 3BETLED 616 to be notified by, lighting request LED 617 to notify that the medal can be inserted by lighting, start valid LED 618 to notify that the game start operation by operating the start switch 607 is effective, weight (previous game) (Waiting to start reel rotation since a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start) LED 619 during waiting to notify that it is on, LED during replay 620 to notify that it is in a replay game to be described later Is provided.

  Further, inside the MAXBET switch 606, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 621 (see FIG. 22) for notifying by light that the betting number setting operation by the operation of the single BET switch 605 and the MAXBET switch 606 is valid. In the stop switches 608L, 608C, 608R, the left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 622L, 622C, 622R that notify that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 608L, 608C, 608R is valid are turned on. (See FIG. 22).

  A liquid crystal display 651 capable of displaying an effect image or the like related to a game is provided at the upper center position inside the front door, and a display image displayed on the display screen through a liquid crystal display window 670 disposed in front of the liquid crystal display 651. Can be visually recognized. Further, on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 651, two movable accessories 675L and 675R that perform effects related to the game are respectively disposed, and are disposed in front of the left and right movable combinations 675L and 675R. As described above, the internal movable accessory 675L and 675R can be seen through from the production perspective windows 671L and 671R made of a transparent panel provided on the front door.

  Further, between the left and right movable combination objects 675L and 675R and the production perspective windows 671L and 671R, there is a concealment state in which the left and right movable combinations 675L and 675R are hidden from the production perspective windows 671L and 671R so that they cannot be seen through. An endless shutter sheet is provided that constitutes two shutter devices (not shown) that can be changed to a non-hidden state in which the left and right movable accessories 675L, 675R can be seen through the viewing see-through windows 671L, 671R. It has been.

  Further, inside the front door, a reset switch 623 for detecting a reset operation for canceling an error state and a stop state excluding a RAM abnormality error by a predetermined key operation, changing a set value or checking a set value A set value indicator 624 for displaying the set value at that time, and a flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 604 is connected to a hopper tank (not shown) side provided in the housing or a medal payout opening 609. A flow path switching solenoid 630 for selectively switching to either one of the two sides is provided, and a insertion medal sensor 631 for detecting a medal that has been inserted from the medal insertion unit 604 and has flowed to the hopper tank side is provided.

  Inside the housing, a reel unit (not shown) including reel sensors 633 capable of detecting the reel reference positions of the reels 602L, 602C, 602R, reel motors 632L, 632C, 632R, and reels 602L, 602C, 602R, respectively. ), A hopper tank (not shown) for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 604, a hopper motor 634 for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank from the medal payout outlet 609, and driving by the hopper motor 634. A payout sensor 635 for detecting a medal that has been put out and a power supply box (not shown) are provided.

  On the front face of the power supply box, a stop switch 636 for selecting enable / disable of a stop function for controlling the stop state at the end of the big bonus (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed), An automatic checkout switch 629 for selecting whether the automatic checkout function is valid / invalid for controlling automatic checkout processing (processing for adjusting (returning) medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation) at the end of the big bonus, Setting key switch 637 for switching to the setting change mode at startup, functioning as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state except for a RAM abnormality error in normal times, and winning probability of internal lottery in the setting change mode A reset / setting switch 638 that functions as a setting switch for changing the setting value of (delay rate) Power switch 639 is operated to ON / OFF the power is provided.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 601 of this embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 604, or credits are used to set the number of bets. In order to use the credit, the single BET switch 605 or the MAX BET switch 606 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the pay lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 21) are valid, and the operation of the start switch 607 is valid, that is, the game can be started. It becomes a state. In the present embodiment, as the specified number of bets, three are determined in the normal gaming state, and one is determined in the regular bonus. If medals are inserted beyond the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

  When the start switch (also referred to as a lever) 607 is operated while the game can be started, the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R continuously change. When any one of the stop switches 608L, 608C, and 608R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 602L, 602C, and 602R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 603.

  Then, when all the reels 602L, 602C and 602R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) is set on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5. When the reels 602L, 602C, and 602R are stopped as a display result, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit number (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout exit 609 (see FIG. 21). If a combination of symbols with a medal payout is available on a plurality of activated pay lines, the total number of payouts determined for each combination of symbols on the activated pay line is totaled. The total number of medals is awarded to the player. However, an upper limit (15 in this embodiment) is set for the number of medals to be awarded in one game. When the total number of medals exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit number of medals is awarded. The Rukoto. In addition, when a combination of symbols accompanying the transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 602L, 602C, 602R on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5, a game corresponding to the combination of symbols Transition to the state.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 601. As shown in FIG. 22, the slot machine 601 includes a game control board 640 (corresponding to the game control board (main board) 31 shown in FIG. 2) and an effect control board 690 (corresponding to the effect control board 80 shown in FIG. 3). A power supply substrate 600 is provided. The gaming state is controlled by the gaming control board 640, the presentation according to the gaming state is controlled by the presentation control board 690, and the power supply board 600 generates the driving power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 601 and supplies them to each part. .

  The game control board 640 is connected to the above-described single BET switch 605, MAXBET switch 606, start switch 607, stop switches 608L, 608C, 608R, checkout switch 610, reset switch 623, insertion medal sensor 631, and reel sensor 633. In addition, the above-described payout sensor 635, stop switch 636, automatic settlement switch 629, setting key switch 637, reset / setting switch 638 are connected via the power supply board 600, and the detection signals of these connected switches are detected. Entered.

  The game control board 640 includes the credit indicator 611, the game auxiliary indicator 612, the payout indicator 613, 1 to 3 BET LEDs 614 to 616, the insertion request LED 617, the start valid LED 618, the waiting LED 619, the replaying LED 620, and the BET. A switch valid LED 621, left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 622L, 622C, and 622R, a set value display 624, a flow path switching solenoid 630, and reel motors 632L, 632C, and 632R are connected. The hopper motor 634 is connected, and these electric components are driven based on the control of the main control unit 641 (corresponding to the game control microcomputer 560 shown in FIG. 2) mounted on the game control board 640.

  The game control board 640 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 641a, a ROM 641b, a RAM 641c, and an I / O port 641d, and a main control unit 641 for controlling a game, random numbers in a predetermined range (0 to 16383 in this embodiment). Random number generation circuit 642 for generating, sampling circuit 643 for obtaining random numbers from the random number generation circuit, detection signals input from switches such as sensors and switches connected directly to game control board 640 or via power supply board 600 Switch detection circuit 644, a motor drive circuit 645 that controls the drive of the reel motors 632L, 632C, and 632R, a solenoid drive circuit 646 that controls the drive of the flow path switching solenoid 630, various displays connected to the game control board 640, LED drive circuit 6 for controlling LED drive 7. When the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 601 is monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a power drop detection circuit 648 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the main control unit 641, A reset circuit 649 for providing a reset signal to the CPU 641a when an initialization command is not input from the CPU 641a, and other various devices and circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 641a transmits various commands to the effect control board 690 via the I / O port 641d. A command transmitted from the game control board 640 to the effect control board 690 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 690 to the game control board 640. A transmission line for commands transmitted from the game control board 640 to the effect control board 690 includes a strobe (INT) signal line, a data transmission line, and a ground line, and is connected via the effect relay board 680. The game control board 640 and the effect control board 690 are not directly connected.

  On the effect control board 690, a liquid crystal display 651 (see FIG. 21) disposed on the front door of the slot machine 601, an effect LED 652, speakers 653 and 654, a reel LED 655, a shutter motor 810, a shutter sensor 811, and a movable object Electrical components such as the LED 881, the movable object motor 805, and the movable object sensor 829 are connected, and the electrical components are driven based on control by the sub-control unit 691 mounted on the effect control board 690.

  The effect control board 690 is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 691a, a ROM 691b, a RAM 691c, and an I / O port 691d in the same manner as the main control part 641, and is connected to the sub control part 691 for effect control and the effect control board 690. A liquid crystal driving circuit 692 for controlling the driving of the liquid crystal display 651, an LED LED 652 for controlling the driving of the effect LED 652, the reel LED 655, and the movable object LED 881, and a sound output for controlling a sound output from the speakers 653 and 654. A detection signal input from a circuit 694, a reset circuit 695 that gives a reset signal to the CPU 691a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not input from the CPU 691a, a shutter sensor 811, a movable object sensor 829, and switches such as a switch. Switch to detect A motor drive circuit 697 for performing drive control of the detection circuit 696, the shutter motor 810, and the movable object motor 805, and other circuits are mounted. The CPU 691a receives a command transmitted from the game control board 640, and While performing various control for performing an effect, each part of the control circuit mounted in the effect control board 690 is controlled directly or indirectly.

  The command reception process shown in FIG. 17 and the like can also be applied to the slot machine configured as described above.

  That is, the sub-control unit 691 is a state command (command indicating a big bonus state, command indicating a regular bonus state, RT (Replay Time) state) as an effect control command from the main control unit 641. Or the like, or a big bonus start command and a big bonus end command, a regular bonus start command and a regular bonus end command, an RT state start command and an RT state end command, etc.), etc. However, if an error occurs when a command is received, the effect is executed based on a command that is not a regular command. For example, when the main control unit 641 as the game control unit recognizes that the sub control unit 691 as the effect control unit has received the command corresponding to the big bonus state even though the command corresponding to the regular bonus state is transmitted. In effect, the effect corresponding to the big bonus state is executed in the effect device in spite of the regular bonus state. When such a situation occurs, the player may feel suspicious. However, by applying the command reception process shown in FIG. 17 and the like, it is possible to appropriately detect the occurrence of an error when an error occurs in the received command, so that such a situation does not occur. can do.

  In the above embodiment, the game machine uses a game medium as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media, and a game ball The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses game media such as the above and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine capable of a predetermined game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101a Production control CPU
101b Serial communication circuit 109 VDP

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
First control means;
Second control means,
The first control means includes
Predetermined processing execution means for executing predetermined processing in the first cycle;
Command transmitting means capable of executing processing for transmitting a command to the second control means as at least the predetermined processing;
The second control means includes
A plurality of command storage areas for storing commands received from the first control means;
A command presence / absence confirmation area in which information capable of confirming whether or not a command is stored is set in the command storage area;
A command error confirmation area in which information indicating whether or not an error has occurred during command reception is set;
Reading means for reading a command from the command storage area,
The command error confirmation area information is configured to be cleared when information is read from the command presence / absence confirmation area,
The second control means includes
Error information storing means for reading and storing information in the command error confirmation area before the reading means reads a command from the command storage area;
Determining means for determining whether or not an error has occurred in a command based on information stored in the command error confirmation area when the reading means reads a command from the command storage area;
Presence / absence of a command for executing processing for determining whether or not a command is stored in the command storage area based on information set in the command presence / absence check area in a second cycle different from the first cycle A determination means;
A command discarding unit for discarding the command when the determining unit determines that an error has occurred in the command;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads a command from the command storage area based on the determination that the command is stored by the command presence / absence determining unit.

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