JP2017038814A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which allows a user to confirm whether or not there is abnormality on timing means.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: timing means for timing a time; performance means; and performance control means for controlling the performance means. The timing means generates time information which indicates the time which is being timed. The performance control means acquires the time information when a prescribed operation is performed, and is caused to perform a first performance corresponding to a time indicated by the acquired time information, when there is no abnormality on the timing means when the prescribed operation is performed, namely in a first case, and caused not to perform the first performance in a second case in which there is no abnormality on the timing means when the prescribed operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table.

  A conventional game machine has been proposed that includes a clocking means for clocking time and performs processing corresponding to the clocked time (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4285937

  In such a game machine, when the time and the processing result do not match, it is difficult to confirm whether the cause of the time is incorrect or whether the time measuring means itself is abnormal due to a failure or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game table that can confirm whether or not there is an abnormality in the timing means.

According to the present invention,
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Directing means;
A game machine comprising a production control means for controlling the production means,
The timing means is
It generates time information indicating the time being timed,
The production control means includes
The time information is acquired when a predetermined operation is performed,
In the first case where there is no abnormality in the time measuring means when the predetermined operation is performed, the first effect corresponding to the time indicated by the acquired time information is performed,
In the second case where there is an abnormality in the timing means when the predetermined operation is performed, the gaming machine is provided that does not allow the first effect to be performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which can confirm whether there exists abnormality in a time measuring means can be provided.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). The circuit block diagram of a control part. The front view which looked at the symbol display window 113 and each reel 110-112 provided in the slot machine 100 from the front. The figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) planarly. (A) is a figure which shows the kind of internal winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each combination, and payout, (b) is a figure which shows the lottery data of each combination. FIG. 7 shows transition transition diagrams and transition conditions of the gaming state of the slot machine 100. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the main control unit 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of timer interrupt processing of the main control unit 300. The flowchart which shows the flow of the game start process of the main control part 300. The flowchart which shows the flow of the medal insertion process of the main control part 300. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the medal settlement process of the main control part 300. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the various game processes of the main control part 300. The flowchart which shows the flow of the input reception process of the main control part 300. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the medal payout process of the main control part 300. FIG. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a timer of the first sub-control unit 400. The flowchart of an interruption process. The flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the medal insertion command effect data setting process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the production data setting process for medal adjustment commands of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of timer interruption processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is a command reception of the second sub-control unit 500. The flowchart of an interruption process, (d) is the flowchart of the image control process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between time and production pattern, (b) is a figure which shows the example of production content. (A) is a figure which shows the example of effect selection at the time of medal insertion command reception, (b) is a figure which shows the example of effect selection at the time of medal adjustment command reception. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine (here, a slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 3 is a front view of the symbol display window 113 and the reels 110 to 112 provided in the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed inside the center of the main body 101, and can be rotated inside the slot machine 100. Has been. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are roughly displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 (each may be referred to as a symbol display area), and a total of nine symbols can be seen. ing.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol is displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle reel 111 (position 5 in the drawing) is the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower reel 111 (position 6 in the drawing) is displayed. The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbols displayed in to 9 position) is called the right reel lower symbol respectively.

  Each of the symbols of each of the reels 110 to 112 is displayed in a vertical direction on the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 is provided in the slot machine 100 so that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate.

  In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as an effect image display device 157 can also be adopted as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. The main control unit 300, which will be described later, determines the position of the symbol in the rotation direction on the reel based on the detection result of the sensor, and stops the reels 110 to 112 so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line. .

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to the combination described in FIG. 5 described later is displayed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Middle line L1 composed of middle reel middle symbol and right middle symbol, upper left reel symbol, upper reel L2 composed of middle reel upper symbol and right reel upper symbol, left reel lower symbol, middle reel lower symbol and right Lower line L3 composed of lower reel design, left reel lower design, middle reel middle design and right reel upper design composed of right reel upper design, left reel upper design, middle reel middle design and right reel lower design There are five winning lines, a downward-sloping line L5.

  An effective winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as an “effective line”) can be determined by the number of medals bet as a game medium. In each case, for example, when one medal is bet, the middle line is valid, when two medals are bet, three lines with the upper line and the lower line are added, and three medals are bet The five lines to which the upper right line and the lower right line are added are effective as the winning line. In the case of the present embodiment, the betting of three medals (three) is required for the start of the game, and 5 lines are valid as winning lines in each game. The number of winning lines is not limited to 5 lines.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific combination (specifically, a special combination) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a special combination internal winning state has been established. . The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is unnecessary) when winning a replay role that is one of the roles in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet button 132 is a button for inputting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100, and may be referred to as a MAX bet button. In the present embodiment, when the bet button 132 is pressed while the bet number is 0, three cards are inserted within the credit range. The bet button 132 is an operation unit that receives a predetermined input instruction operation for a game medium electronically stored in the storage means. Further, more specifically, the bet button 132 accepts an operation for instructing to use the game medium electronically stored in the storage means for electronically storing the game medium to be used for the game. It is an operation unit.

  The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the insertion of medals can be made electronically by the bet button 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. The insertion means to include both. That is, operating the one-bet bet button 130, the two-bet bet button 131, and the MAX bet button 132, and inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 141 corresponds to an insertion operation. Further, as will be described later, since the game start operation can be accepted by performing the input operation, the input operation is one of a plurality of types of game operations for proceeding with the game.

  The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7 segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that is operated to start a game. That is, when a predetermined number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141, the bet button 132 is operated, or the automatic insertion by winning a re-gamer is performed, the game is started by operating the start lever 135, The reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

  The operation with respect to the start lever 135 instructs the start of the game, and corresponds to the start operation. Since the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started by performing the start operation, the start operation is one of a plurality of types of game operations for proceeding with the game. In addition, the start lever 135 is a predetermined operation unit among a plurality of operation units that receives the player's operation, and in particular, is a start operation reception unit that receives the start operation. In other words, the start lever 135 is a rotation instruction operation unit that receives an operation for an instruction to start rotation of the reels 110 to 112 by an operation by the player.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches that are operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels 110 to 112, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112.

  More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be The right reel 111 can be stopped by operating.

  Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The order of stopping the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to stop the reels 110 to 112 that are rotating is referred to as a stop operation order or simply an operation order.

  Each stop button 137 to 139 may be provided with a light emitter, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

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

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160.

  The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction before the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100. Yes. The effect image display device 157 displays various information related to the game and displays effect images.

  The display member shielded by the shutter 163 is not limited to the effect image display device 157, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display) , A dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen.

  Note that the speaker 272, the speaker 277, various lamps, and the like also correspond to the rendering means. That is, the effect means can include an effect image display device 157, various speakers, various lamps, and the like. The first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later, are control units (for example, the first sub-control unit 400, the second sub-control unit 500, etc.) that control these rendering means. That is, the first sub-control unit 400 or the second sub-control unit 500 controls the effect means and corresponds to the effect control means.

  Note that the control unit that directly controls the effect image display device 157 is the second sub-control unit 500, but what effect image the first sub-control unit 400 displays on the second sub-control unit 500. Since this is an instruction and the effect image display device 157 is indirectly controlled, it can be said that the first sub-control unit 400 controls the effect image display device 157.

  Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit (first control unit) that receives a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 and executes a process according to the command. A sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500). In the case of the present embodiment, the sub-control unit receives a command from the main control unit 300 and performs a process related to the control of the effect, and the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a role, and reel stop position. ROM 306 for storing etc., RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. A WDT (watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

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

  Further, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 performs various sensors 318 (medal insertion operation detection sensor of the medal selector, start lever 135 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, stop button 137 for each interruption time. Sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, and index sensors for the reels 110 to 112). The CPU 304 can acquire the state of each sensor from a predetermined port of the I / O 310.

  When the start operation is detected in a state where the start operation for the start lever 135 can be accepted, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random value generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random value generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

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

  The bet button 132 sensor is installed on the bet button 132 and detects an insertion operation when a medal electronically stored in the RAM 308 is inserted as an insertion medal into the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensors of the reels 110 to 112 become L level each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel passes, for example. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. Drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 339 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number display 125, a game information display 126, and a payout number display 127).

  In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9 v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

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

  The main control unit 300 outputs (or enables output) information to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 does not output information to the main control unit 300 (or does not output it). The reason (that is, the reason for the one-way communication) is that an illegal signal is input to the main control unit 300 from an external device or an illegally modified first sub-control unit. This is to prevent unauthorized processing from being performed in the process such as the lottery of the combination performed by the control unit. Another reason is that the one-way communication reduces the inspection burden of the inspection organization that inspects the game machine program. The main control unit 300 in this embodiment is provided so that the result of the process performed by the first sub-control unit 400 cannot be input.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is equipped with.

  The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

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

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

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are provided to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. It is connected.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with an RTC (real time clock). The RTC 14 measures the current time, generates time information indicating the time being measured, and transmits the time information to the CPU 404.

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

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

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

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

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

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 306 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (10 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, a “watermelon” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, a “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111, and a “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 2 frame of the right reel 112. The symbols “Seven 1” are arranged.

<Type of role>
Next, the types of roles of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the types of internal winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each combination, and payout of each combination (the number of medals paid out when winning). In the present embodiment, medals are awarded as profits according to the modes (here, symbol combinations) of the stopped reels 110 to 112.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing lottery data for each combination, and shows the internal winning probability for each gaming state. The gaming state includes a replay low probability state (sometimes referred to as RT0), a special combination internal winning state (sometimes referred to as RT1), and a special gaming state (sometimes referred to as RT2).

  “No.” in FIG. 5B indicates the type of the target for the internal lottery. The internal winning probability is a value obtained by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the lottery value by 65536 by 100. For example, in RT0, the lottery value of the small combination 1 is 512, and the winning probability of the small combination 1 is 512/65536 * 100≈0.8%.

  For the internal winning probability of each combination, the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each combination is obtained from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306. It is obtained by a value divided by (for example, 65535). The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. Although not shown in the drawing, the loss is one of the lottery results. In this lottery data, a plurality of settings (for example, settings 1 to 6) with different winning probabilities for at least one combination are prepared, and a game store staff or the like arbitrarily selects and sets one of the set values. Can do.

  The combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination, a replay combination, and a small combination (small combination 1 to small combination 3). Needless to say, the type of combination is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the combinations in the present embodiment, the special combination is a combination that makes a transition to the special gaming state, and the re-playing combination is called an “operating combination” as a combination that can be replayed without newly inserting medals. However, the “combination” in the present embodiment includes a special combination and a re-playing combination that are actuating combinations.

  In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator that does not accompany a medal payout (no medal payout) is displayed on the active line. Includes winnings for gamers.

  The special combination (special combination 1 to 3) is a combination (operating combination) in which a special game is started by winning a prize. In the case of this embodiment, when a special combination is won, medals are not paid out. Special roles can be won internally at RT0, and are not subject to internal lottery at RT1 and RT2.

  For special roles, carry over the flag. That is, when a special combination is won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but the flag indicating the internal win is maintained until winning, The special combination is being won internally, and the symbol combinations corresponding to the special combination are in a state of winning a prize.

  The main controller 300 shifts the gaming state to RT2 (special gaming state, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6) based on the display of the symbol combination.

  The re-game player is a player (operator) who can play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. When the re-gamer wins, the main control unit 300 automatically inserts the same bet number as the previous bet number. The re-game player can win internally at RT0 and RT1.

  A small combination (small combination 1 to small combination 3) is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combination “ANY-Cherry-ANY” of the small role 2 may be any symbol as long as the symbol of the middle reel 111 in the effective line is “Cherry”, and the symbol of the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. Means. The number of medals to be paid out when winning a small combination 1 to a small combination 3 is as shown in “Payout” in FIG.

  The small combination 1 and the small combination 2 can be internally won in RT0 and RT1, and the internal winning probability is set to be the same in any gaming state. The small role 3 can be won internally in any of RT0 to RT2. The internal winning probability is set to be the same in RT0 and RT1, and the internal winning probability is set to be higher than that in RT0 and RT1 in RT2. In this embodiment, 100% internal winning is achieved. For the small role 3, operation conditions for the stop buttons 137 to 139 may be set. In order to win the small role 3, it is necessary to win the small role 3 and satisfy the operation conditions. May be.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the type and transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing transition transition diagrams and transition conditions of the gaming state of the slot machine 100.

  With reference to FIG. 6, as described above, in this embodiment, the gaming state is divided into RT0 to RT3. The gaming state changes according to the arrows in the figure. RT0 is set in the initial state such as when the power is turned on. If the special combination is won internally at RT0 and the game is not won, the gaming state is set to RT1. With the reel stop control, when the special combination is won internally at RT0, the special combination can be prevented from winning in the game.

  When a special combination is won in RT1, the gaming state is set to RT2. In RT2, the gaming state is set to RT0 when the total number of medals paid out exceeds a prescribed number (here, 32 as an example).

<Processing of main control unit>
Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300. Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300, and the CPU 304 repeatedly executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG.

  When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, first, an initial setting process is executed in S1. In the initial setting process, for example, when the setting key is ON when the power is turned on, the setting change state is entered. When the setting key is OFF, based on the backup data For example, a process for returning to a normal state. The setting change is to change the setting (for example, 1 to 6) of the internal winning probability.

  The setting of the internal winning probability can be confirmed in the setting confirmation state. The setting confirmation state shifts to the case where the setting key is turned on after the initial setting process is finished and the game is not being performed. In the setting confirmation state, the set value of the internal winning probability is displayed on the game information display 126. The game is not progressed during the setting confirmation state, but when the setting key is turned off, the setting confirmation state is ended and the game can proceed.

  After the initial setting process, a process related to the game is executed. In general, the game starts based on the start lever being operated with the specified number of bets set in the game start process, and all reels are stopped based on the stop button operation. The game ends when the medal payout process is performed according to the mode of the game. This will be specifically described below.

  In S2, a game start process is performed. Here, the setting of the number of bets by permitting medal maintenance or bet button operation is permitted. Then, the game is started when the start lever is operated in a state in which a predetermined bet number is set. Details will be described later.

  In S3, an internal lottery process of the combination is performed. Here, a random number generated by the random value generation circuit 316 is acquired, and at least an internal lottery for lottery of the internal winning of the combination is performed. Moreover, you may perform the lottery (for example, the lottery which selects the content of production from multiple types) regarding an effect.

  In the internal lottery of a combination, a combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and a lottery is performed using the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316. For example, 2 bytes of lottery data are sequentially added to the acquired 2-byte random number, and a combination corresponding to the lottery data in which the carry has occurred is stored as an internal winning combination, and if no carry has occurred, it is determined to be lost. As a result of the internal lottery, when an internal winning is made for any combination, the internal winning flag of that combination is turned ON.

  In S4, a first stop preparation process is performed. Here, based on the internal lottery result of S3, reel stop data is selected, and the stop control corresponding to the first stop operation is made possible.

  In S5, a reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is performed. Furthermore, the acceptance of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is validated based on the fact that all the reels 110 to 112 are at a constant speed and all the reel index sensors have detected.

  In S6, a reel stop control process is performed. When a valid stop button is operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is brought into the pull-in control state, rotated to the target position based on the reel stop data, and when the target position is reached, the brake control state is set. To control the reel to stop. That is, the reel stop control is based on the result of the internal lottery in S5 and the timing of the stop operation. In the reel stop control, basically, if there is an internal winning combination, it is allowed to display a symbol combination corresponding to that combination, and in the case of a loss, any combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is allowed. The reel stop control such as so-called pull-in / kick-up is performed so as not to be displayed.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to S7. In S7, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the combination is won. Also, the internal winning flag is reset unless the flag is carried over.

  In S8, game state update processing is performed. In the game state update process, control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, when a special role is won, a special game state (RT2) is prepared so that it can be started from the next game. Prepare to start the gaming state (RT0). Further, for example, when the special combination is won internally, preparation is made so that the special combination internal winning game state (RT1) can be started from the next time.

  In S9, a medal payout process is performed. Here, if a winning combination is awarded, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. In this way, medals are awarded as profits according to the modes (here, symbol combinations) of the stopped reels 110 to 112.

  Thus, in this embodiment, a privilege is given to the player based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to S2 and repeating the above-described processing.

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 300.

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

  In S11, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed. In S12, WDT (watchdog timer) is restarted.

  In S13, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, a medal insertion operation detection sensor, a start lever 135 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, a medal selector medal detection sensor, a stop button 137 sensor, a stop button 138 sensor, a stop button 139 sensor, and a settlement button 134 sensor. Monitoring the detection results of a plurality of sensors connected to the sensor circuit 320, such as a medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180 and each index sensor of the reels 110 to 112, via an input port of the I / 0310; The monitoring result is stored in the RAM 308 in a signal state storage area provided for each sensor.

  In S24, various game processes are performed. Here, various processes according to the interrupt control state are performed. Conversely, the interrupt control state is information for selecting the content of the game process. For example, when the interrupt control state is the reel control state, the excitation data corresponding to the control state set for the motor provided in each reel is referred to by referring to the control state set for each reel. Are set sequentially to control each reel. For example, when the reel control state is the acceleration control state, excitation data corresponding to the acceleration control state is sequentially set, and the corresponding reel is accelerated.

  In S15, timer update processing is performed. Various timers such as the game interval counter described above are updated in units of time. In S16, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various set commands are transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 can determine the presentation control according to the state of the main control unit 300 and the change of the game control by the received command. In S17, an external signal setting process is performed. Here, predetermined information (for example, information relating to the gaming state) is transmitted from the information output circuit 334 to the information input circuit 652 of the external device.

  In S18, device monitoring processing is performed. Here, an error state of various devices such as the medal selector 170 is monitored. In S19, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to S31, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to S20.

  In S20, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in S21 is set in each original register. On the other hand, in S31, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of an input / output port is performed. .

<Game start processing>
The game start process in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the game start process. In S31, it is determined whether or not a re-game is won in the previous game. If a prize is won, the process proceeds to S32. If not, the process proceeds to S33. In S32, the bet number is set to 3. In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, the game start condition is that three cards are played, and when a replay is won, the bet number is automatically set to 3.

  In S33, it is determined whether or not the total of the current bet number and the medal storage number (the number of credits. Here, the upper limit is 50) is 53. If it is 53, the process proceeds to S35, and if it is not 53, the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the medal blocker is set to the acceptance state. The medal blocker is provided in the medal selector and is a mechanism for returning to the medal payout opening 155 when a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 141 is not accepted. . When the medal blocker is set to the accepting state in S34, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 141 is accepted.

  In S35, the interrupt control state is set during the medal insertion process. This is a state setting for interrupt control. In S36, medal insertion processing is performed. Details will be described later. In S37, a medal settlement process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S38, it is determined whether or not a game start operation has been performed on the start lever 135. If the start operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S39, and if not, the process returns to S36. In S39, it is determined whether or not the bet number is set to three. If the bet number is set to 3, the process proceeds to S40, and if not set, the process returns to S36.

  In S40, the medal blocker is set to a non-acceptance state. As a result, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141 are not accepted and returned to the medal payout opening 155. In S41, the interrupt control state is set without special processing. This is also a state setting for interrupt control. Thereafter, a valid pay line is determined and one unit of processing is completed, and the internal lottery processing in S3 of FIG. 7 is performed.

<Medal insertion processing>
The medal insertion process in S36 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the medal insertion process. In S51, it is determined whether the number of medals inserted is greater than 0 (1 or more). If the number of inserted medals is greater than 0, the process proceeds to S52. The number of medals inserted is a value added when a bet button operation is performed in a state where the credit is at the upper limit or when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 (care). 3 is added for one operation, and one is added for the detection of one insertion for the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion slot 141. In S52, it is determined whether or not the setting of the bet number is 3. If it is not 3, the process proceeds to S53, and one betting number setting is added. When it is 3, it progresses to S54 and adds one storage number (credit).

  In S55, the number of inserted medals is decremented by one. In S56, a setting for transmitting a medal insertion command is performed. With this setting, the medal insertion command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400 in S16 described above. In this embodiment, the medal insertion command is transmitted every time the medal insertion number is decremented by one, but may be transmitted at the timing when the medal insertion number becomes zero.

Then, it returns to S51 and repeats the same process. Thus, one unit of processing is completed. <Medal settlement process>
The medal settlement process in S37 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the medal settlement process. In S61, it is determined whether or not there is an operation on the settlement button 134. If there is an operation, the process proceeds to S62, and if there is no operation, the process of one unit is terminated.

  In S62, it is determined whether or not the setting of the betting number is greater than 0 (1 or more). If greater than 0, the process proceeds to S63, and if not greater than 0 (in the case of 0), the process proceeds to S64. In S63, when there is a bet number setting for setting the bet number in the medal payout number to be paid out for the settlement, if the settlement button 134 is operated, the payout is given priority over the bet number.

  In S64, it is determined whether the storage number (credit) is larger than 0 (1 or more). If it is greater than 0, the process proceeds to S65, and if it is not greater than 0 (in the case of 0), one unit of processing is terminated. In S65, the storage number (credit number) is set as the medal payout number to be paid out for settlement. When the checkout button is operated in a state where the bet number is not set, medals corresponding to the stored number are paid out. As described above, in the present embodiment, priority is given to the payout of medals for the number of bets as the settlement order. However, priority may be given to the payout of the number of bets. May be settled together.

  When one or more medal payout numbers are set by the processing of S63 or S65, medals are paid out by the processing (medal payout processing) described later. In S66, it is determined whether or not the medal payout number is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S66, and if it is not 0 (1 or more), the medal payout process is continued.

  In S67, it is determined whether or not the storage number (credit number) is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S68. If it is not 0 (1 or more), the process of one unit is terminated. In S68, a setting for transmitting a medal settlement command is performed. With this setting, the medal settlement command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400 in S16 described above. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

  In this embodiment, the medal settlement command is transmitted after the medal payout is completed. However, the medal payout command may be transmitted when the medal payout starts, and the medal is paid out. You may make it transmit every. Further, when the medal is not paid out, the medal settlement command is not transmitted, but may be transmitted only by operating the settlement button 134.

<Various game processing>
Various game processes in S14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of various game processes. In S71, it is determined whether or not the interrupt control state is a medal insertion process. If the medal insertion process is in progress, the process proceeds to S72. If the medal insertion process is not in progress, the process proceeds to S74.

  In S72, an input acceptance process is executed. Details will be described later. Details of executing the medal payout process in S73 will be described later. Thereafter, one unit of processing is terminated. In S74, other processing is executed according to the currently set interrupt control state. Interrupt control states other than during medal insertion processing include no special processing, no special processing, reel control controlling reels, during payout control for paying out medals by winning, error processing performed when an error is detected In S74, processing corresponding to each interrupt control state is executed. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Input acceptance processing>
The input acceptance process in S72 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the input acceptance process. In S81, it is determined whether or not the medal blocker is in the accepting state. If it is in the accepting state, the process proceeds to S82, and if it is in the non-accepting state, one unit of processing is terminated. In S <b> 82, it is determined whether or not a medal insertion (care) has been detected in the medal insertion slot 141. The insertion of a medal is detected by referring to the states of the two medal insertion operation detection sensors described above in a plurality of interruptions. If detected, the process proceeds to S87, and if not detected, the process proceeds to S83.

  In S83, it is determined whether or not there is a bet operation on the bet button 132. If there is a bet operation, the process proceeds to S84, and if there is no bet operation, one unit of processing is terminated. In S84, it is determined whether or not the betting number is set to 3. If it is 3, the process of one unit is terminated. If it is not 3, the process proceeds to S85.

  In S85, the betting number setting is updated. Considering the current number of bets and the number of stored (credits), set the upper limit as 3, and set the number of bets as much as possible. In S86, the number of medals inserted is added by the increase in the number of bets, and then one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S87, one medal insertion number is added. In S88, it is determined whether or not the total of the current bet number and the medal reserve number (credit number) is 53. If it is 53, the process proceeds to S89, and if it is not 53, one unit of processing is terminated. In S89, the medal blocker is set to the non-acceptance state, and one unit of processing is terminated.

<Medal payout processing>
The medal payout process in S73 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the medal payout process. In S91, it is determined whether or not the number of medals paid out by payment is greater than 0 (1 or more). If it is greater than 0, the process proceeds to S92. If it is not greater than 0 (in the case of 0), the process of one unit is terminated.

  In S92, it is determined whether or not the medal blocker is in the accepting state. If the medal blocker is in the accepting state, the process proceeds to S93, and if not, the process proceeds to S94. In S93, the medal blocker is set to a non-acceptance state. During the payout of medals, the medal blocker is set in a non-acceptance state, so that even if a medal is inserted in a maintenance, it is immediately paid out.

  In S94, the medal payout device (hopper) 180 starts to be driven. In S95, it is determined whether or not a single medal payout has been detected. The medal payout can be detected by detecting the medal with reference to the state of the medal payout detection sensor in a plurality of interruptions. If detected, the process proceeds to S96, and if not detected, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S96, the number of medals paid out by settlement is subtracted by one. In S97, the medal payout command is set to be transmitted. With this setting, the medal payout command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400 in S16 described above.

  In S98, it is determined whether or not the number of medals to be paid out is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S99, and if it is not 0 (1 or more), one unit of processing is terminated. In S99, the driving of the medal payout device (hopper) 180 is finished, and the medal blocker is set to the accepting state. As a result, the medal can be inserted by maintenance after the medal payout is completed.

<Processing of first sub-control unit>
The process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, and FIG. 15A is a flowchart of main processing. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing. FIG. 4C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process.

  The main process of the first sub control unit 400 is executed when a reset signal is input to the first sub control unit 400. First, various initial settings are performed in S101 of FIG. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S101. In this initialization process, initialization of the input / output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this initialization process, when the main control unit 300 enters a setting change state, a process related to the time setting of the RTC 424 is performed. The processing related to the time setting of the RTC 424 is also performed when the main control unit 300 enters the setting confirmation state in addition to the setting change state.

  In S102, it is determined whether or not the timer variable stored in the timer variable storage area which is a predetermined storage area of the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to S103. In S103, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In S104, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether or not a command has been received from the main control unit 300, and when receiving a command, performs a predetermined process according to the received command. For example, when the internal information of the main control unit 300 (game state, internal winning result, winning result, etc.) is updated, the internal information of the first sub control unit 400 is updated accordingly.

  In S105, effect control processing is performed. Here, processing related to effect control such as setting of effect data is performed based on the processing executed in S104. Details will be described later.

  In S106, when there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in S105, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In S107, when there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in S105, this command is output to the drive circuit 422. In S108, when there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in S105, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to S102. Thus, one unit of main processing is completed.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300.

  In S111, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command. Thus, one unit of command reception interrupt processing is completed.

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

  In S121, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in S102 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Therefore, in S102 of FIG. 9A, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In S122, various update processes are performed. For example, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500, update processing of various random numbers such as a rendering random number value, and the like are performed. Thus, one unit of timer interrupt processing is completed.

<Production control processing>
The effect control process of S105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the effect control process. In S131, it is determined whether or not the command received from the main control unit 300 is a medal insertion command. If it is a medal insertion command, the process proceeds to S132, and if it is not a medal insertion command, the process proceeds to S133. In S132, a medal insertion command effect data setting process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S133, it is determined whether or not the command received from the main control unit 300 is a medal settlement command. If it is a medal settlement command, the process proceeds to S134, and if it is not a medal settlement command, the process proceeds to S135. In S134, a medal settlement command effect data setting process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S135, effect data setting processing for other commands is performed, and one unit of processing ends.

<Direction corresponding to time>
In the present embodiment, the current time can be recognized by the RTC 424, and an effect corresponding to the time is possible. The effect corresponding to the time may be an effective effect in that a more timely effect can be given to the player. On the other hand, when the time acquired from the RTC 424 is inaccurate, the production may feel uncomfortable.

  As a cause when there is a deviation in the time, the RTC 424 is operating normally but the time measured is incorrect (if it is shifted), or the RTC 424 itself is abnormal (if it is broken). Can be mentioned. The former case can be handled by hall employees (for example, initial setting of S101 in FIG. 15A), but if the RTC 424 itself is abnormal, it is necessary to replace it, and it is difficult for hall employees to deal with it. There is.

  Therefore, it is necessary to take a countermeasure according to the cause when the time is incorrect, but it is not always easy to determine the cause immediately. In the present embodiment, when the RTC 424 itself is abnormal, it is easy to determine from the outside that there is an abnormality in the RTC 424 by not performing an effect corresponding to the time.

  Whether or not there is an abnormality in the RTC 424 itself can be determined by using the diagnosis result when an IC having a self-diagnosis function is used as the RTC 424. In the example described later, it is assumed that an RTC 424 uses an IC that self-diagnose a backup abnormality and outputs a signal indicating that abnormality.

  The CPU 404 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the RTC 424 itself. In the example described later, the CPU 404 determines whether the RTC 424 itself is abnormal based on whether or not the time information output from the RTC 424 is within a normal numerical range.

  In the example described later, when there is a backup abnormality or when the time information is not normal, it is assumed that there is an abnormality in the RTC. However, any one of the above may be determined to determine an abnormality.

  Examples thereof will be described below. In the present embodiment, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed, an effect corresponding to the time is performed. Predetermined operations include medal insertion (care, bet button operations) and medal settlement operations. When these operations start a new game or when the game ends, an effect corresponding to the time is performed. .

<Production data setting process for medal insertion command>
The medal insertion command effect data setting process in S132 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the medal insertion command effect data setting process.

  Here, mainly processing related to the effect (game start effect) when a medal is inserted (care, bet button operation) during the demonstration effect is performed. The demonstration effect is, for example, an effect in a so-called customer waiting state that starts after the medals are settled and ends when a medal is inserted. Alternatively, the demonstration effect may be an effect that is performed on the condition that the time from the end of one game to the start of the next game has reached a predetermined time. When a medal is inserted during the demonstration performance, the player has started anew or is trying to resume the game after a break.

  In S142, the state of the RTC 424 is acquired. Here, a process of confirming the self-diagnosis result (backup abnormality) of the RTC 424 is performed. The self-diagnosis result of the RTC 424 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408, and can be cleared when the time is set (for example, S101 initial setting process).

  In S143, it is determined whether there is a backup abnormality based on the state of the RTC 424 acquired in S142. That is, the abnormality of RTC424 itself is determined. When there is an abnormality, the process of one unit is terminated. Thereby, the production corresponding to the time is not performed. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to S144.

  In S144, time information indicating the time that the RTC 424 is measuring is acquired from the RTC 424. In S145, the abnormality of RTC424 itself is determined by determining whether the time information acquired in S144 is normal. For example, if the time information is within a predetermined normal value range (for example, the time is 0 to 24 and the minutes and seconds are 0 to 59), it is determined to be normal, and if it is out of the range, it is determined to be abnormal. If normal, the process proceeds to S146, and if abnormal, one unit of processing is terminated. Thereby, the production corresponding to the time is not performed.

  In S146, the game start effect data corresponding to the time indicated by the time information acquired in S144 is set. Specific examples will be described later.

  Thus, one unit of processing is completed. In this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the time information is normal is performed after the determination as to whether or not the backup is abnormal. However, the determination may be performed in the reverse order.

<Production data setting process for medal settlement command>
The medal settlement command effect data setting process in S134 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the effect data setting process for the medal settlement command.

  Here, mainly processing related to an effect (game end effect) when a medal settlement operation is performed.

  In S151, effect data for ending the game unrelated to the time information is set. In the case of the present embodiment, when the medal is settled, an effect corresponding to the time and an effect not corresponding to the time are performed.

  S152 to S156 are the same processes as S142 to S146 described above. In S152, the state of the RTC 424 is acquired. In S153, the backup abnormality is determined based on the acquired state. If there is a backup abnormality, the process proceeds to S157, and the effect corresponding to the time is not performed.

  If there is no backup abnormality, time information is acquired from the RTC 424 in S154, and it is determined whether or not the time information is normal in S155. If the time information is not normal, the process proceeds to S157, and the effect corresponding to the time is not performed. If the time information is normal, the process proceeds to S156, and the effect data for ending the game corresponding to the time indicated by the time information acquired in S154 is set. Specific examples will be described later.

  In S157, demonstration effect data is set. In the case of this embodiment, if there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, an effect that does not correspond to the time set in S151, an effect that corresponds to the time that is set in S156, and a demonstration effect that is set in S157 after the settlement of medals. Will be made at the same time. The demonstration effect data may be set not only when the medal settlement command is received but also after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) since the game state update command is received.

<Specific examples of effects related to time>
Fig.20 (a) has shown the example of the selection conditions of the production regarding time. In the drawing, “game start effect data corresponding to time information” exemplifies the selection conditions of effect data set in S146. There are four types of game start effect data A1 to A4. When the time indicated by the time information is from 7:00 to 12:00, the effect data of A1 is set. Thereafter, similarly, the production data of A2 is set from 12:00 to 17:00, the production data of A3 is set from 17:00 to 24:00, and the production data of A4 is set from 24:00 to 7:00 on the next day. The Since production data settings are also prepared outside of normal business hours, it becomes easier for hall clerk and the like to check for abnormalities outside business hours. If it is determined that the RTC 424 itself is abnormal, no effect data is selected.

  In FIG. 20A, “game end effect data corresponding to time information” exemplifies the selection conditions of effect data set in S156. There are four types of game end effect data B1 to B4. When the time indicated by the time information is from 7:00 to 12:00, the effect data of B1 is set. Thereafter, similarly, the B2 effect data is set from 12:00 to 17:00, the B3 effect data from 17:00 to 24:00, and the B4 effect data from 24:00 to 7:00 on the next day. The Since production data settings are also prepared outside of normal business hours, it becomes easier for hall clerk and the like to check for abnormalities outside business hours. If it is determined that the RTC 424 itself is abnormal, no effect data is selected.

  In FIG. 20A, “game end effect data irrelevant to time information” illustrates the effect data selection conditions set in S151. This game end effect data is prepared in one type (C) and is set at any time, and is also set particularly when the RTC 424 is determined to be abnormal.

  FIG. 20B illustrates the contents of the effect data A1 to C. Here, in both cases, the contents of the production are output as audio from the speakers 272 and 277. Since the effect data A1 to A4 are effects at the start or resumption of the game, the sound is suitable for the start of the game and corresponds to the time. For example, the production data A1 is set in the morning, so “Good morning”, and the production data A3 is set from the evening to the night, so “Good evening”. The production data A4 is set to dawn from midnight, so “I'll do my best”.

  Since the effect data B1 to B4 and C are effects at the end of the game, the sound is suitable for the end of the game and corresponds to the time. For example, the production data B1 is set in the morning, so there is a possibility that the game can be resumed in the afternoon, so “Let's meet again”, and the production data B3 is set from the evening to the night, so “Good night” It is said that. The effect data C is the content indicating that the payment has been accepted as “settled”, and is a voice that does not cause any sense of incongruity at any time.

  FIG. 21A shows the selection mode of the game start effect data in time series. If there is no abnormality in RTC 424 and first medal insertion command is received during demonstration production, first sub-control unit 400 selects any production data A1 to A4 corresponding to the time indicated by the time information from RTC 424. And run. When there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, it is possible to recognize whether the time information is correct by executing a game start effect (A1-A4) corresponding to the time information. For example, if an effect of A1 is performed between 17:00 and 24:00, it can be seen that the time of the time information is out of order. Therefore, the hall clerk can work to correct the time deviation.

  On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, an effect corresponding to the time is not performed. When there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, the game start effect effect (A1-A4) corresponding to the time information is not executed, so that it can be recognized that there is an abnormality in the RTC 424. Therefore, the hall clerk can take measures such as repair to replace the RTC 424.

  FIG. 21B shows the selection mode of the game end effect data in time series. When there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, the first sub-control unit 400, when receiving the medal settlement command, executes effect data (C) that does not correspond to the time, and corresponds to the time indicated by the time information from the RTC 424, One of the production data B1 to B4 is selected and executed.

  As in the case of the game start effect, when there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, it is possible to recognize whether the time information is correct by executing the game end effect (B1-B4) corresponding to the time information. .

  When there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, the effect corresponding to the time is not performed. As in the case of the game start effect, when there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, the game end effect (B1-B4) corresponding to the time information is not executed, and therefore it can be recognized that there is an abnormality in the RTC 424.

  On the other hand, regardless of whether or not there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, a game end effect (C) that does not correspond to the time is executed. In the present embodiment, in addition to the relationship shown in FIG. 21 (a), a game end effect unrelated to time information is performed both when there is no abnormality in the RTC 424 and when there is an abnormality in the RTC 424. By doing so, it is possible to make it easier for the operator (player or hall clerk) to recognize that the medal settlement command has been accepted, that is, that the operation of the settlement button 134 has been accepted. More specifically, if there is an abnormality in the RTC 424, the production corresponding to the time is not performed, so it may be difficult to determine whether or not the operation of the settlement button 134 has been accepted, but there is an abnormality in the RTC 424. Regardless of whether or not there is, it is easy to recognize that the operation of the settlement button 134 has been accepted by performing the production. The game end effect (C) that does not correspond to the time may not be performed when there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, and may be executed when there is an abnormality.

  In the present embodiment, when there is no abnormality in the RTC 424, after the game end effect (C) not corresponding to the time is performed, the game end effects (B1 to B4) corresponding to the time are performed. After performing the game end effect corresponding to the time information, the game end effect unrelated to the time information may be performed. However, as in this embodiment, the game end effect unrelated to the time information is performed. It is preferable to perform it before the game end effect corresponding to the time information, and this makes it easier to recognize that the medal settlement command has been accepted, that is, that the settlement button operation has been accepted. be able to. Further, the game end effect corresponding to the time information and the game end effect unrelated to the time information may be performed in parallel, but it is preferable to perform each effect independently as in the present embodiment. By doing so, it is possible to make the player easily recognize each effect.

  In addition, if the time corresponding | compatible effect and the time non-correspondence effect are performed as demonstrated using Fig.21 (a) and FIG.21 (b), it will be made to perform another effect in the period which is performing these effects. In this case, the above-described effects can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the case where a time-related effect is performed in response to a medal insertion operation (bet button operation or medal care) and a settlement button operation is described as an example. Various operations may be employed.

  In addition, as described above, the time corresponding effect and the time non-corresponding effect in the present embodiment are effects composed only of sound, but may be effects using the effect image display device 157 and the lamp, or these effects. It is good also as the production which combined the means. In the case of producing effects by combining the production means, it is preferable to make the productions different from each other by at least one production means because it is easier to recognize the production differences.

  Moreover, although the time corresponding effect in this embodiment is comprised by one kind of effect with respect to each time slot | zone, if it does not overlap in several time slots, the time corresponding effect of one time slot | zone will be carried out. You may be comprised by multiple types of production. The same applies to non-time-related effects.

  Further, in this embodiment, the time zone of the two types of time-related effects, the game start effect and the game end effect, is the same. However, these effects may be different. By providing such two types of time-corresponding effects, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determination as to whether or not the time information is correct when there is no abnormality in the RTC 424. For example, the game start effect is divided into 7 to 12 o'clock, 12 o'clock to 17 o'clock, 17 o'clock to 24 o'clock, 24 o'clock to 7 o'clock as shown in the examples of FIGS. The time intervals for the production are 6 am-11am, 11 am-16am, 16 am-23:00, 23 am-6pm, 7-10am, 10-13am, 13: 00-16pm 16:00 to 19:00, 19:00 to 22:00, 22:00 to 1 hour, 1 to 7 o'clock, and the like.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of the main process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 6C is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, various initial settings are made in S161 of FIG. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S131. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In S162, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to S163.

  In S163, the received command from the first sub control unit 400 is saved as an unprocessed command. In S164, 0 is substituted for the timer variable. In S165, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In S166, effect control processing is performed. For example, if it is determined in S165 that there is a new command, the effect data corresponding to the command is read from the ROM 506, and if the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated. .

  In S167, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in S166, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed. In S168, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in S166, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to S162. For example, when there is an image control command (image display command) related to an operation effect from the first sub-control unit 400, the effect image display device 157 is caused to perform an operation effect with an image based on this control command. Thus, one unit of main processing is completed.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In S181 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508. Thus, one unit of command reception interrupt processing is completed.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle. In S171, the timer variable referred to in S162 of FIG. In S172, various update processes are performed. Thus, one unit of timer interrupt processing is completed.

  Next, the image control process of S138 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In S191, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 536 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In S192, it is determined whether or not the transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input. If the transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to S193. If not, the transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for.

  In S193, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in S <b> 191, the CPU 504 stores information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis of the VRAM 536, the image size, VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In S194, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504. In S195, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If a generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to S196. If not, a generation end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In S196, the scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and one unit of image control processing ends.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the slot machine 100 is taken as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a launching device 1010 for launching a ball into a predetermined game area 1002 and a ball launched from the launching device 1010 as shown in FIG. A winning opening 1006 configured to be able to enter a ball, a detecting means 1008 for detecting a ball that has entered the winning opening, a payout means 1012 for paying out a ball when the detecting means 1008 detects a ball, and a predetermined pattern ( A variable display device 1004 that variably displays (identification information), and when the game ball enters the winning opening and wins, the variable display device 1004 stops and displays the symbols after the symbols are changed, and the transition of the game state is displayed. It is also suitable for the pachinko machine 1000 that notifies.

  As for the time-corresponding effect in the pachinko machine 1000, for example, when a game ball is first fired after a demonstration effect (such as when an operation on the launching device 1010 is detected), a game start effect can be performed. Also, for example, when a game end operation for displaying a two-dimensional code indicating the player's game information is performed, or when the player's game information is cleared after displaying the two-dimensional code, a game end effect It can be performed. Of course, it is also possible to perform a time-related effect under conditions other than the start and end of the game.

<Summary of Embodiment>
1. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
A timekeeping means (e.g. 424) for timekeeping,
Production means (for example, 272,277),
An effect control means for controlling the effect means (for example, 400),
The timing means is
It generates time information indicating the time being timed,
The production control means includes
The time information is acquired when a predetermined operation is performed (for example, S144, S154)
,
In the first case where there is no abnormality in the time measuring means when the predetermined operation is performed, a first effect (for example, A1-A4, B1-B4) corresponding to the time indicated by the acquired time information is given. One (e.g. S146, S156)
In the second case where there is an abnormality in the timing means when the predetermined operation is performed, the first effect is not performed (for example, S143, S153).

According to this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not there is an abnormality in the timing means, and in particular, it is possible to distinguish and recognize an abnormality in the time being measured and an abnormality in the timing means.
2. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The production control means includes
In the second case, a second effect (for example, C) that does not correspond to the time is performed (for example, S151).

According to this configuration, it is easy to recognize that a predetermined operation has been performed, and the above effect can be enhanced.
3. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The production control means includes
In the first case, the second effect is performed in addition to the first effect (for example, S151, S156, FIG. 21 (b)).

According to this configuration, the first case and the second case can be easily recognized, and the above effect can be enhanced.
4). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The production control means includes
In the first case,
The first effect is performed after the second effect is performed (for example, FIG. 21B).

  According to this configuration, it is easier to recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed, and the above effect can be enhanced.

100 slot machine

Claims (4)

A time measuring means for measuring time;
Directing means;
A game machine comprising a production control means for controlling the production means,
The timing means is
It generates time information indicating the time being timed,
The production control means includes
The time information is acquired when a predetermined operation is performed,
In the first case where there is no abnormality in the time measuring means when the predetermined operation is performed, the first effect corresponding to the time indicated by the acquired time information is performed,
A gaming machine characterized in that the first presentation is not performed in the second case where the timing means is abnormal when the predetermined operation is performed. The game stand according to claim 1,
The production control means includes
In the second case, the game table is characterized in that a second effect not corresponding to the time is performed. The game stand according to claim 2,
The production control means includes
In the first case, in addition to the first effect, the game table is characterized in that the second effect is performed. The game stand according to claim 3,
The production control means includes
In the first case,
A game machine characterized in that the first performance is performed after the second performance is performed.

Images