JP2017093826A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress development costs of a control program of a game machine.SOLUTION: A state of a related movable body is determined based on an event flag before starting operation (S102), and processing is switched depending on whether operation is restricted (S103-S105, S106, and S107). Thus the need for determination of the state of a movable body by a program is eliminated, thus reducing a burden of creation of the program. It is not necessary to prepare a dedicated program for determination for each movable body, and built-in contents can be used as a part of an analysis program of an operation table. Therefore, a flexible operation definition can be performed only by creating data without the need for a special program skill.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a plurality of movable bodies including movable elements such as bars and shutters used for effects and a drive unit for moving the movable elements.

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  Various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a display lamp for display (electric decoration), and a sound generator (sound device, speaker) are provided in the gaming machine as devices that play a role of enhancing the interest of the player. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part. In the following description, not only the liquid crystal display device, the electrical decoration, and the sound generation device itself but also their control devices may be referred to as “effect devices”.

JP 2003-210764 A lamp control CPU subtracts the value of the process timer currently in use during production, and if the process timer times out, it is set to the next address if the production does not end. Set the process timer value. Depending on the contents of the table (lamp execution table, operation execution table) set corresponding to the set process timer value, the lamp / LED ON / OFF and the game effect device ON / OFF setting are switched. In this way, since the control of the accessory is sequentially executed according to the contents of the table, the control burden for the control of the accessory can be reduced. JP, 2002-200355, A When a predetermined command is inputted from a player when a player character and a display object are adjacent to each other in an image screen of a game machine, equipment information of an item slot designated by the player Is referenced. Based on this equipment information, it is determined whether or not the player character is equipped with equipment corresponding to the object. If the equipment is equipped with the corresponding equipment, the event flag is turned on. A desired reaction can be spontaneously extracted from the object.

  There may be a relationship (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) in which a plurality of movable bodies (movable accessories) of a gaming machine are restricted in their movements according to the state of other movable bodies.

  An example of such a relationship will be described with reference to FIGS.

  11 and 12 show the movable elements 51-1 to 51-3 of three movable bodies. 11 and 12 show, for example, a state in which the gaming machine is viewed from the front (player viewpoint). In addition, the display of the drive part which moves a movable element, and the sensor which detects the state of a movable element is abbreviate | omitted.

  The movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 rotate about 90 degrees around the fulcrums P1 and P2, respectively. By default, the movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 are in the horizontal state (solid line) in FIG. 11A and are driven to a vertical state (dotted line).

  The movable element 51-3 moves up and down on a straight line. By default, the movable element 51-3 is located below the movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 (solid line in FIG. 11A), and when driven, above the movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 (see FIG. 11A). Move to the dotted line in FIG.

  The movable elements 51-1 to 51-3 of the three movable bodies cannot move freely at any time independently of each other. These have the above relationships (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship). That is, in order to move each movable element as shown in FIG. 11 (a) to FIG. 12 (b), first the movable element 51-1 is opened, then opened to the movable element 51-2, and finally the movable element 51-3. Is moved upward (FIGS. 11B to 13B). The movable element 51-3 cannot be moved before the movable elements 51-1, 51-2.

  Conversely, when returning from FIG. 12B to FIG. 11A, the movable element 51-3 is first lowered, then closed to the movable element 51-2, and finally the movable element 51-1 is closed. If this procedure is not followed, one movable element will collide with another movable element and cannot operate normally.

  11 and 12 show the relationship due to mechanical / physical constraints, but other relationships (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) may occur due to other electrical constraints. For example, when the current consumption of the motor is large and if all of them are moved at the same time, the power supply will be overburdened, specific combinations are set so that the sum of the motor current consumption falls within the allowable range of the power supply. It is conceivable to move the movable body in order according to these combinations. Alternatively, a relationship (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) may occur due to production restrictions.

  When there is a relationship as described above (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship), these controls must be managed in a program for each movable body and each production, depending on the situation. It is necessary to write an optimal program.

  This will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, the effect P is to move three movable bodies as shown in FIG. 11A to FIG. First, the movable element 51-1 is opened (operation process of the movable body A), then opened to the movable element 51-2 (operation process of the movable body B), and finally the movable element 51-3 is moved upward (movable body C). Action processing). On the contrary, the effect P ′ is returned from FIG. 12 (b) to FIG. 11 (a). First, the movable element 51-3 (operation process of the movable body C) is lowered, then closed to the movable element 51-2 (operation process of the movable body B), and finally the movable element 51-1 is closed (operation of the movable body A). processing). Since the order of movement of the movable elements is reversed, the effects P and P ′ cannot be described by a common program.

  The production Q uses only two movable bodies. Although the movable element 51-2 is opened, the movable element 51-1 needs to be opened before that.

  The effect R uses only one movable body. Although the movable element 51-1 is opened, since it is possible to freely open the movable element 51-1 independently, there is no need to move other movable elements.

  The number of movable bodies to be operated in each production is different, and the contents of each program are greatly different. Therefore. The programs of effects P, P ′, Q, and R cannot be shared.

  As described above, when the relationship as described above (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) exists, it is necessary to prepare a program for each effect, which leads to an increase in development cost. In addition, when creating a program, attention must always be paid to the above relationship between the movable bodies (movable elements), which is troublesome and may hinder the productivity of program creation.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and in a gaming machine including a plurality of movable bodies that are in a relationship in which restrictions are imposed on the movement of each other according to the state of other movable bodies, their control programs It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can easily create the game machine and can suppress development costs.

The present invention includes a processing unit (sub-board) that performs processing related to an effect, a movable element, a drive unit that moves the movable element, and a sensor that detects the movable element, and includes a plurality of movable bodies used for the effect. In the game machine provided,
The plurality of movable bodies are in a relationship in which restrictions are imposed on their movement according to the state of the other movable bodies.
A first storage unit (ROM) for storing a plurality of operation tables for causing each of the plurality of movable bodies to perform a predetermined operation;
A second storage unit (RWM) that stores an event flag in which information corresponding to the state of the plurality of movable bodies is set;
The operation table includes event flag verification setting data for determining whether or not movement is restricted by another movable body when moving the movable body,
When the processing unit causes any of the plurality of movable bodies to perform a predetermined operation related to the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effect operation”),
A first step of reading the event flag verification setting data corresponding to the presentation operation from the operation table;
A second step of comparing the read event flag verification setting data with the event flag;
When it is determined from the comparison result of the second step that the state of the other movable body does not impose restrictions on the performance operation, a third step of causing the movable body to perform the performance operation is executed.

The operation table further includes information (movement destination address) that specifies processing related to movement that is not restricted by the other movable body,
The processing unit executes processing based on the information (destination address) when the comparison result of the second step does not determine that the state of the other movable body does not restrict the effect operation. And
Thereafter, the second step is executed again.

The process to be executed based on the information (destination address) is a process of moving the other movable body so as to remove the restriction on the state of the other movable body that restricts the rendering operation. ,
A first step of reading the event flag verification setting data corresponding to the presentation operation from the operation table;
A second step of comparing the read event flag verification setting data with the event flag;
When it is determined from the comparison result of the second step that the state of the other movable body does not impose restrictions on the presentation operation, a third step is executed for causing the movable body to perform the presentation operation. .
Further, when it is determined from the comparison result of the second step that the state of the other movable body does not impose restrictions on the performance operation, a process is executed based on the information (movement destination address) (movement First, further execute the first to third steps),
Thereafter, the second step may be executed again.

When causing the movable body to perform the production operation,
Substituting the event flag verification setting data into the event flag,
Adding the event flag verification setting data to the event flag, or
The event flag may be updated by obtaining a logical sum or a logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data.

In the third step,
When the event flag and the event flag verification setting data match,
When the event flag is greater than or equal to the event flag verification setting data, or
When the logical sum or logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data is true, it may be determined that the state of the other movable body does not restrict the effect operation.

A unique identification number (ID) is given in advance to the drive units of the plurality of movable bodies,
When the movable body performs the effect operation, the event flag may be updated by setting or canceling a bit at a position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag.

In the third step,
When the bit of the position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag matches the content of the bit of the position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag verification setting data, the state of the other movable body is the It may be determined that there is no restriction on the performance operation.

  According to the present invention, since the state of the movable body related to the start of the operation is determined based on the event flag, it is not necessary to determine the program and the burden of creating the program can be reduced. In the present invention, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated program for determination for each movable body, and the contents incorporated as part of the operation table analysis program can be used. For this reason, no special program skill is required, and flexible operation definition can be performed only by creating data.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a hardware block diagram of the sub board | substrate of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement table which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the event flag which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the movable body control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a processing flowchart concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the event flag setting (operation) command and event flag verification command which concern on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the some movable body which has the relationship by which restrictions are added to the movement according to the state of another movable body mutually based on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the several movable body which has the relationship by which restrictions are added to the movement according to the state of another movable body mutually based on embodiment of invention (continuation). It is explanatory drawing of the conventional movable body control process.

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel LCD2 is provided on almost the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game processing) such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10. The sub-board 20 includes means for generating random numbers used for production.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are attached to the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit (insertion accepting means) 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, if a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and if the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal (the frame detected by the reel index) of the spinning cylinder based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation. By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, the liquid crystal display device or the like can notify that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LED boards 202B and 202L, speaker SP, bass speaker SPL, solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and switch SW. The LED boards 202B and 202L incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the board). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  The sub-board 20 drives a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, a speaker SP, a sound controller for generating sound by driving a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML. It has a built-in drive circuit.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes a solenoid SN and an LED substrate 202B, and the upper door block BU includes a liquid crystal panel LCD1, a motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body thereby, and the lower door block BL includes a liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED substrate 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. The flow of commands is only one from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, a suggestion for obtaining a ball is displayed on a liquid crystal display device so as to provide (assist) the player with the convenience of operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the sub-board 20. A CPU (processing device), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), an RWM (readable and writable memory), an I / O (input / output device), and the like are connected to a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings).

  The I / O is an IC for communication processing, for example, and performs data communication according to a predetermined protocol. By setting addresses and data in a register (not shown), communication is performed with a plurality of movable body drive units and sensors, specifically, sensors SENU, SENL, motor MU, ML, solenoid SN, and the like.

  Even if the structure of the movable body is greatly different in the gaming machine, the operation itself has relatively limited elements such as the rotation direction, the operation speed, the movement distance, and the sensor detection target. For this reason, the motor / sensor is often operated by using a program that tabulates each element as data and analyzes the contents. At this time, a master-slave relationship or an exclusive relationship may occur in a plurality of movable bodies due to the structural relationship, and the event flag is used in the embodiment of the invention so that the operation is performed in consideration of the contents.

  The DTL is an operation table for causing a plurality of movable bodies to perform predetermined operations. An operation table is prepared in advance for each of the plurality of movable bodies. EVF is an event flag in which information corresponding to the states of a plurality of movable bodies is set.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation table DTL. The motion table DTL has a relationship (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) in which a plurality of movable bodies are restricted in their movements depending on the state of the other movable bodies, as shown in FIGS. However, this is for controlling a gaming machine having such a plurality of movable bodies (movable accessories).

  The plurality of movable bodies in FIGS. 11 and 12 show the movable elements 51-1 to 51-3 of the three movable bodies as described above, and the display of the drive unit that moves the movable elements and the sensor that detects the movable elements. Is omitted.

  The movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 rotate about 90 degrees around the fulcrums P1 and P2, respectively. By default, the movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 are in the horizontal state (solid line) in FIG. 11A and are driven to a vertical state (dotted line).

  The movable element 51-3 moves up and down on a straight line. The movable element 51-3 is on the lower side (solid line) in FIG. 11A by default, and moves to the upper side (dotted line) when driven.

  To move each movable element as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) to 12 (b), first open the movable element 51-1, then open the movable element 51-2, and finally move the movable element 51-3 upward. (FIGS. 11B to 13B). Conversely, when returning from FIG. 12B to FIG. 11A, the movable element 51-3 is first lowered, then closed to the movable element 51-2, and finally the movable element 51-1 is closed. If this procedure is not followed, one movable element will collide with another movable element and cannot operate normally.

  11 and 12 show the relationship due to mechanical / physical constraints, but other relationships (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) may occur due to other electrical constraints. For example, when the current consumption of the motor is large and if all of them are moved at the same time, the power supply will be overburdened, specific combinations are set so that the sum of the motor current consumption falls within the allowable range of the power supply. It is conceivable to move the movable body in order according to these combinations. Alternatively, a relationship (dependency relationship, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) may occur due to production restrictions.

  The operation table of the effect P in FIG. 6 is for moving the movable element 51-3 upward as shown in FIG. 12B, for example. The operation table of the effect Q is for jumping up the movable element 51-2 to the upper right as shown in FIG. The operation table of the effect R is for jumping up the movable element 51-1 to the upper left as shown in FIG. 11B, for example.

  Each operation table has an event flag verification setting for determining whether or not the movement is restricted by another movable body when moving the movable body (whether there is no problem if the specified operation is performed immediately). The data includes a destination address that is information for designating processing (operation of other effects) for eliminating the restriction when the data is restricted by another movable body. To be exact, when it is not determined in S102 of FIG. 9 described later that the state of the other movable body does not limit the rendering operation, that is, the rendering process to be executed based on the motion table (movable body motion processing). Is determined to be unexecutable due to the influence of another movable body, the process is executed based on the destination address (jump to the destination address).

  The destination address is determined so as to eliminate the restriction. This point will be further explained later.

  Note that the above is an example, and the destination address may simply be one that causes other arbitrary processing to be performed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the event flag EVF. This figure shows 3-bit flags A to C. This is an example corresponding to the movable body (movable elements 51-1 to 51-3) in FIGS. The number of bits of the flag can be increased or decreased according to the number of movable bodies.

  In FIG. 7, A to C are event flags of the movable elements 51-1 to 51-3, respectively. As for the numerical value in the square box, 0 indicates that the event flag is not set (in the effect P, the movement of the movable body is restricted), and 1 indicates that the event flag is set (in the effect P). The movement of the movable body is not restricted). In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12, 0 is set in the solid line state of FIG. 11A, and 1 is set in the dotted line state.

  It should be noted that adding / not adding restrictions in the above is for convenience of explanation, and the meaning of the effects of 0 and 1 varies depending on the operation. For example, in the case of the effect P for moving the movable element 51-3 upward, 1 indicates that no restriction is imposed on the movement of the other movable body. When -1 is closed, 0 indicates that no constraint is imposed on the movement of other movable bodies. Therefore, it can be said that 0 and 1 of the event flag EVF indicate the restriction of movement and the state of the movable body.

  FIGS. 7B to 7E show event flags when the movable elements 51-1 to 51-3 are in the states of FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B, respectively. The contents of EVF are shown.

  The movement destination address of the operation table DTL is determined so as to eliminate the above-mentioned restriction. Specifically, the event flag EVF is changed (changed to 0 or 1 so as not to restrict the movement of other movable bodies). ) Is the jump destination of the process of moving the movable body.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of processing according to the embodiment of the invention. Reference numeral 2000 in this figure corresponds to the operation table DTL in FIG. The process of FIG. 8 (and the process of FIG. 9) is executed by the CPU of the sub-board 20.

  The processes P to R of the effects P to R perform the processes 2100 to 2300 of the movable body A to the movable body C independently of each other. Processing 2000P thru | or 2000R performs operation with respect to one movable body. For example, the process of effect P operates only the movable body C (movable element 51-3). This is different from the effect P processing for operating the plurality of movable bodies A, B, and C in FIG.

  The processes 2100 to 2300 include event flag processes 2110 to 2310, respectively, and access the common event flag EVF during the processes.

  The processes 2100 to 2300 of the movable body A to the movable body C are common processes, for example, as shown in FIG.

S100: The operation definition of the movable body X is set.
The movable body X shows arbitrary movable bodies A, B, and C. When processing a movable body, an operation table for one effect is designated from the operation table. A motion definition is set based on the motion table of the effect. For example, in the case of production P, a series of operation definitions for moving the movable body C (movable element 51-3) upward is set.

S101: The event flag EVF is read.

S102: The content of the read event flag EVF is compared with the event flag verification setting data of the designated performance table.
As a result of the comparison, when it is determined that the state of the other movable body does not impose restrictions on the rendering operation based on the motion definition of the movable body, the processes of S103 to S105 are performed. If not so determined, the processing of S106 and S107 is performed.

S103: The movable body X is moved according to the operation definition. Since this process is known, a description thereof will be omitted.

S104: Write the state after the operation of the movable body to the event flag EVF.
For example, the event flag EVF is set as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7E when any of the states shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B is reached after the operation. To do.

S105: After moving the movable body X, the process returns to a predetermined process.
When the operation process of the movable body is directly called, the process returns to the original process (for example, main loop process). On the other hand, if the process is called from another process of the operation table DTL (for example, the process of effect Q called from the process of effect P), the process returns to the original process (effect P).

S106: The process of the movable body X is once stopped.
Since the movable body X cannot be moved due to restrictions, the operation is stopped. After the restriction is resolved and the process returns (S105), the process is resumed (the process of S101 is executed again).

S107: Jump to the destination address.
The jump destination moves to a process (for example, effect P to effect Q) using another operation table. Therefore, the processing from S100 is executed.

  The jump destination may not be another operation table. For example, the production P may be discontinued and another completely different process may be performed. You may make it return to the process of a main loop.

  Further, S103 may be executed only when there is no restriction, and the processing itself of the movable body X may be aborted without executing S107 when there is a restriction.

  The above processing will be specifically described with reference to the examples of FIGS.

  The action table of the effect P in FIG. 6 as the action definition of S100 is to move the movable element 51-3 upward as shown in FIG. 12B. For this purpose, A = 1 and B of the event flag EVF are used. = 1 (where 1 indicates a state in which the movable elements 51-1 and 51-2 are flipped up). The event flag verification setting data for the production P is “* 11” (the leftmost bit may be 0 or 1). If B = 0, it is necessary to perform processing for changing this to 1, for example, processing Q, and jump to that (S106). In this case, the destination address of process P is the address of effect Q.

  The operation table of the effect Q of FIG. 6 is specified as the operation definition of S100. In order to jump up the movable element 51-2 in the process Q, A = 1 must be satisfied. The event flag verification setting data for the production Q is “** 1” (* may be 0 or 1). If A = 0, it is necessary to perform processing for changing this to 1, for example, processing R, and jump to that (S106). In this case, the destination address of the process Q is the address of the effect R.

  The operation table of the effect R in FIG. 6 as the operation definition of S100 is designated. The event flag verification setting data for the production Q is “***” (* may be 0 or 1). Since there is no restriction by other movable bodies for jumping up the movable element 51-1 in the process R (determined as “no restriction” in S102), the movable element 51-1 is flipped up in the process R (S103). , A = 1 can be set (S104). Then, the process returns to the original process (in this case, process Q and process P). According to the above procedure, even if the event flag is “000”, the process R becomes “001”, the process Q becomes “011”, and the process P can be executed.

  The case of A = 1 or B = 1 is different from the above. In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12, if B = 1, naturally A = 1, so that the movable element 51-3 can be moved up immediately in the process P (without executing the processes Q and R). Yes (“No restriction” in S102, S103, S104). That is, since the event flag is “011”, the process P can be executed immediately.

  If A = 1 and B = 0, the process can be executed in the order of process Q and process P (without executing process R), and the movable element 51-3 can be moved upward. Even if the event flag is “001”, the process Q becomes “011” and the process P can be executed.

  In the embodiment of the invention, by specifying the process P, when there is a restriction, the process R, the process Q, and the process P are executed in order, and the restriction is automatically released. In other words, the process is executed in a nested manner (the movable structure can be moved only when there is no restriction without using a nested structure, and the process can be aborted without moving the movable body when there is a restriction) .

  As can be understood from the above description, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to judge the state of the movable body related to the operation before starting the operation and confirm that there is no problem. The burden can be reduced. In the embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated determination program for each movable body, and the contents incorporated as part of the operation table analysis program can be used. For this reason, no special program skill is required, and flexible operation definition can be performed only by creating data.

  In addition, when performing an effect by a movable body, it is sufficient to prepare an operation table only for the movable body to be moved. The effect P in FIG. 6 is a table / program that defines the movement of only the movable element 51-3. The productions Q and R are the same. As shown in FIG. 13, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of programs / tables for causing a plurality of movable bodies to perform a series of movements when moving one movable body.

  As described above, when developing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary to pay attention to the relationship between each movable body (movable element) when creating a program / table, and is simple. Expected to improve the productivity of program creation.

  An instruction (command) for performing the event flag processing 2110, 2210, 2310 will be described.

  FIG. 10A shows an event flag setting (operation) command. This instruction is used in S104 of FIG.

  This command includes at least an “event flag setting mode” portion (a predetermined code is set here) indicating an event flag setting (operation) command and “event flag verification” which is data to be set. “Setting data” (predetermined data is set here). In addition, a header for identifying an event flag operation instruction (including a subcode indicating an event flag setting (operation) instruction), and when there are a plurality of event flags, one of them is specified. Event flag ID may be included.

  The “event flag setting mode” includes not only information indicating an event flag setting (operation) instruction but also information specifying a method for setting an event flag. This method is as follows, for example.

(1) Substitute event flag verification setting data into the event flag.

(2) Read the contents of the event flag, add event flag verification setting data to the read value, and write the result to the event flag.

(3) Obtain the logical sum of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data and write it to the event flag.

(4) Find the logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data and write it to the event flag.

(5) When a unique identification number (ID) is given in advance to each of the drive units of the plurality of movable bodies, a bit at a position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag is set.

(6) When a unique identification number (ID) is given in advance to each of the drive units of the plurality of movable bodies, the bit at the position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag is canceled.

  Any one of (1) to (6) is selected according to the information specifying the method for setting the event flag.

  (1) Substitution has no problem in the above-described effect R, but in the case of effects P and Q, it is not preferable because bits of other movable bodies are released. In the case of effects P and Q, (2) or (4) is preferable. When returning from FIG. 12B to FIG. 11A, (3) is preferable.

  (5) and (6) can be used to easily determine the number of drive units that are simultaneously driven by counting the number of set bits (1 bit), and to determine whether or not to produce effects according to the number. Is preferred. For example, if there is a relationship (dependency, master-slave relationship, exclusive relationship) due to electrical restrictions, for example, if the current consumption of the motor is large and if all of them are operated simultaneously, the power supply will be overburdened It can be considered that the operation is performed so that the sum of the current consumptions falls within the allowable range of the power source.

  Whether to use any of (1) to (6) is appropriately set according to the contents of the production and the contents of the event flag verification setting data.

  FIG. 10B shows an event flag verification instruction. This instruction is used in S102 of FIG.

  This command includes at least an “event flag comparison mode” portion (a predetermined code is set here) indicating that it is an event flag verification command, and “event flag verification setting data” which is data to be set. (Predetermined data is set here) and a “movement destination address” that is a jump destination when the verification result is false. In addition, a header (including a subcode indicating an event flag verification instruction) for identifying that it is an event flag operation instruction, and an event for specifying one of them when there are multiple event flags A flag ID may be included.

  The “event flag comparison mode” includes not only information indicating an event flag verification command but also information specifying a method for verifying an event flag. This method is as follows, for example.

(1) Whether the event flag matches the event flag verification setting data.

(2) Whether the event flag is greater than or equal to the event flag verification setting data.

(3) The logical sum of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data is obtained, and whether the result is true or false. For example, it is assumed that a logical sum = 0 is true.

(4) Obtain the logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data, and whether the result is true or false. For example, it is assumed that the logical product = 1 is true.

(5) When a unique identification number (ID) is given in advance to each of the drive units of the plurality of movable bodies, the bit of the position corresponding to the identification number (ID) of the event flag and the identification of the event flag verification setting data It is checked whether the contents of the bit at the position corresponding to the number (ID) match. When it corresponds, it determines with the said state of the other said movable body not constraining the said performance operation. Alternatively, the number of bits set (= 1) by the event flag may be counted. In this case, the branch destination differs depending on the number of bits set in S102 of FIG.

  Any one of (1) to (5) is selected according to the information specifying the method for verifying the event flag.

  Whether to use any of (1) to (5) is appropriately set according to the contents of the production and the contents of the event flag verification setting data.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

20 Sub-board (processing section)
51-1 to 51-3 Movable Element DTL Operation Table EVF Event Flag SN Solenoid (Drive Unit)
MU, ML motor (drive unit)
SENU, SENL Sensor ROM Read-only memory (first storage unit)
RWM read / write memory (second storage unit)

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, a movable element, a drive unit that moves the movable element, and a sensor that detects the movable element, and includes a plurality of movable bodies used for the effect.
The plurality of movable bodies are in a relationship in which restrictions are imposed on their movement according to the state of the other movable bodies.
A first storage unit that stores a plurality of operation tables for causing each of the plurality of movable bodies to perform a predetermined operation;
A second storage unit that stores an event flag in which information corresponding to the state of the plurality of movable bodies is set;
The operation table includes event flag verification setting data for determining whether or not movement is restricted by another movable body when moving the movable body,
When the processing unit causes any of the plurality of movable bodies to perform a predetermined operation related to the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effect operation”),
A first step of reading the event flag verification setting data corresponding to the presentation operation from the operation table;
A second step of comparing the read event flag verification setting data with the event flag;
When it is determined from the comparison result of the second step that the state of the other movable body does not impose restrictions on the performance operation, a third step is executed to cause the movable body to perform the performance operation. A gaming machine. The operation table further includes information designating processing related to movement that is not restricted by the other movable body,
The processing unit performs processing based on the information when it is not determined by the comparison result of the second step that the state of the other movable body does not restrict the effect operation,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second step is executed again thereafter. When causing the movable body to perform the production operation,
Substituting the event flag verification setting data into the event flag,
Adding the event flag verification setting data to the event flag, or
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the event flag is updated by obtaining a logical sum or a logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data. In the third step,
When the event flag and the event flag verification setting data match,
When the event flag is greater than or equal to the event flag verification setting data, or
4. When the logical sum or logical product of the event flag and the event flag verification setting data is true, it is determined that the state of the other movable body does not restrict the effect operation. The gaming machine described. A unique identification number is given in advance to the drive units of the plurality of movable bodies,
The event flag is updated by setting or canceling a bit at a position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag when the movable body performs the presentation operation. Item 3. The gaming machine according to Item 2. In the third step,
When the bit of the position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag matches the content of the bit of the position corresponding to the identification number of the event flag verification setting data, the state of the other movable body is the The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that no restriction is imposed on the performance operation.

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