JP2018075309A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve data creation efficiency for game machines.SOLUTION: In a game machine comprising a ROM for storing data in advance related to games, as the data to be stored in the ROM, there is provided a first data to be used in common with a plurality of kinds of models and a second data to be individually prepared for each of the plurality of kinds of models. The ROM is one piece and the memory space therein is divided (a first memory space and a second memory space). The first data is provided in the first memory space and the second data is provided in the second memory space. Since a space for storing data to be commonly used and a pace for storing data to be used not commonly are divided within the one piece of ROM, efficiency in developing models can be achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit (CPU) and a storage unit (ROM), and more particularly to a method for storing data stored in a ROM.

  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.

JP, 9-215819, A It aims at improving the development efficiency of software. A control board having a common ROM storing programs and data that can be commonly used in each of a plurality of pachinko machine models and a non-common ROM storing programs and data not common to each model is provided. Yes.

  In order to execute a game-related process such as a lottery process and an effect process performed using an effect device, the gaming machine includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes various processes according to a predetermined program. The program is stored in a ROM (read only memory). Further, the ROM stores data such as audio data and image data used for various processes (the data may include a program, the same applies hereinafter).

  By the way, with the diversification of production contents, data such as audio data and image data has been increasing, and a large-capacity semiconductor memory has been used as a ROM. Even a new large-capacity ROM has the same usage as a conventional ROM and can be used without problems with a conventional CPU and program.

  In Patent Document 1, common use data and non-common use data are stored in separate ROMs to improve the efficiency of model development. The method of Patent Document 1 has a point in that separate independent ROMs are prepared. In a gaming machine having a large-capacity ROM for data, it is necessary to provide a plurality of large-capacity ROMs in order to realize the technique of Patent Document 1. This is inefficient and increases costs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. In one ROM for data, a space for storing commonly used data and a space for storing non-commonly used data are separated, thereby increasing the cost. The purpose is to improve the efficiency of model development while suppressing it.

This invention
In a gaming machine comprising a central processing unit and a first storage unit that stores data relating to a game in advance,
As data stored in the first storage unit, there are first data (Extra) commonly used for a plurality of types of models and second data (Anime) prepared individually for each of a plurality of types of models. ,
The first storage unit includes one read-only memory (Read Only Memory: ROM), and the memory space of the read-only memory is divided (the divided memory spaces are defined as a first memory space and a second memory space, respectively). ), The first data is arranged in a first memory space, and the second data is arranged in a second memory space.

  The first memory space and the second memory space are continuous, and the first data and the second data are arranged without a gap.

A second storage unit capable of writing and reading; and a timer circuit for outputting a signal at a predetermined interval. The central processing unit is started to execute based on a program of a main loop and an output of the timer circuit. In a gaming machine that executes processing related to a game based on an interrupt processing program,
The central processing unit includes a program for obtaining a checksum of the first storage unit,
The second storage unit stores a value in the middle of the checksum calculation,
further,
Information on what is divided into a plurality of areas for checksum calculation in the first storage unit in advance for each of the first memory space and the second memory space (hereinafter referred to as “divided areas”) is divided into the respective divided areas. A checksum processing division instruction table that is stored in advance in association with the order of checksum calculation,
A checksum value storage unit that stores in advance the checksum value of the first storage unit,
The central processing unit, in the interrupt processing,
A first step of confirming the checksum calculation order and proceeding to the second step when the order is not completed, and ending the process when the order is completed;
A second step of calculating a checksum for any of the divided areas based on the checksum processing division instruction table;
A third step of adding the checksum value calculated in the second step to the intermediate value;
A fourth step of comparing the checksum value stored in the checksum value storage unit as the checksum value with the intermediate value added in the third step when the checksum calculation order is last; ,
A fifth step for performing a predetermined error process when the comparison in the fourth step is inconsistent;
When the checksum calculation order is not the last, the sixth step of executing the checksum calculation order next is executed.

A second storage unit capable of writing and reading; and a timer circuit for outputting a signal at a predetermined interval. The central processing unit is started to execute based on a program of a main loop and an output of the timer circuit. In a gaming machine that executes processing related to a game based on an interrupt processing program,
The central processing unit includes a program for obtaining a checksum of the first storage unit,
further,
Information on what is divided into a plurality of areas for checksum calculation in the first storage unit in advance for each of the first memory space and the second memory space (hereinafter referred to as “divided areas”) is divided into the respective divided areas. A checksum processing division instruction table that is stored in advance in association with the order of checksum calculation,
A plurality of checksum values (hereinafter referred to as “divided checksum values”) corresponding to each of the divided areas of the first storage unit,
The central processing unit, in the interrupt processing,
A first step of confirming the checksum calculation order and proceeding to the second step when the order is not completed, and ending the process when the order is completed;
A second step of calculating a checksum for any of the divided areas based on the checksum processing division instruction table;
A third step of comparing the checksum value calculated in the second step with a corresponding one of the plurality of divided checksum values in the checksum value storage unit;
A fourth step for performing a predetermined error process when the comparison in the third step is inconsistent;
And a fifth step of advancing the checksum calculation order.

  According to the present invention, since the space for storing commonly used data and the space for storing non-commonly used data are separated in one ROM, the efficiency of model development can be improved. Furthermore, the number of members can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

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 block diagram of the process part (a main board | substrate, a sub board | substrate) which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the memory space of ROM which concerns on embodiment of invention, and the data stored there. It is a block diagram of the process part (a main board | substrate, a sub board | substrate) which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing (timing chart) of the interruption process and main loop which concern on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the division | segmentation checksum calculation which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the memory space of ROM (1st memory | storage part) which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its division | segmentation. It is explanatory drawing of the checksum process division | segmentation instruction | indication table which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the checksum process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of the process part (a main board | substrate, a sub board | substrate) which concerns on a modification. It is explanatory drawing of the checksum process division | segmentation instruction | indication table and division | segmentation checksum value table which concern on a modification. It is a flowchart of the checksum process which concerns on a modification.

<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 lower door 130L, 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 in the lower front portion of the lower door 130L. 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 an RWM 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 an RWM 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. Further, the prescribed number of throws may be set according to the game state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and 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 determination result to that effect is performed when a big win or the like is won.

  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 the storage means (RWM).

  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, when 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 when 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 the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RWM) (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 medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection time of the sensors S1 and S2 is 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, 202U and 202L, a speaker SP, a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and a switch SW. The LED boards 202B, 202L, and 202U 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.

  Although not shown, the model-specific block BB and the lower door block BL have a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, and a sound for generating sound by driving the speaker SP. A drive circuit (not shown) for driving the controller, solenoid SN, motors MU and ML is incorporated.

  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, a speaker SP, and an LED 202B, and the upper door block BU includes a liquid crystal panel LCD1, an LED 203U, a motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body. The lower door block BL includes a liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED substrate 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL that detects the operation of the movable body by the motor ML, 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. 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 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, suggestions for obtaining a ball are displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in order to provide convenience (assist) for the player's operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases. Note that the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the sub board displays AT (notifies) based on a command from the main board. For example, the main board may display (notify) the AT by a display (notification means) under the control of the main board. The following description also applies to such a form.

  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, and notifies the player of a prize or the like, or plays a specific small role for a certain game during a certain game at a so-called assist time (AT) to the user with some action. It is for teaching. (Assist Time (AT): Even if a specific small role is won, the player will not be paid out unless the symbol combination corresponding to this small role is aligned on the winning judgment line. , After the big bonus is over (or at the time of winning) or at any other opportunity, the assist time will be drawn in order to align the symbol combination corresponding to a specific small role on the winning judgment line for a certain game (That tells the player about the stop operation with some action)

  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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the winning symbol combination corresponding to the lottery flag is aligned on the winning determination line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether 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 symbol combinations aligned on the winning determination line 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 main board 10 and / or the sub board 20. The main board 10 and / or the sub-board 20 has a CPU (processing device), ROM1 and ROM2 (nonvolatile storage unit, read-only storage unit), RWM (readable and writable) in a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings). A memory), a timer circuit TM and an I / O (input / output device). The ROM 1 and the ROM 2 may be a single ROM.

  The data stored in the ROM 2 that is one IC includes the first data (Extra) that is commonly used by multiple types of models, and the second data (Anime) that is individually prepared for each of the multiple types of models. There is. Further, in FIG. 5, a menu that is positioned between Extra and Anim in terms of data sharing is also stored in the ROM 2. The size of Extra / Anime / Menu varies, for example, about 200 MB, 6 GB, and 30 MB. Anim, which is data of effects that differ for each model, is the largest.

  Extra is data used in common by a plurality of types of models, such as error display data. Anim is data that is not commonly used in a plurality of types of models, such as data of character effects (model-specific battles, etc.) of images (animations) displayed on the liquid crystal panel. Menu is data that is used in common in several types of models such as menus (user menus) for game-linked functions with information terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones (for example, the menu background is replaced, but others are Diverted).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the ROM memory space and the data stored therein according to the embodiment of the invention.

  The ROM 2 (first storage unit) in FIG. 5 is composed of one read-only memory (ROM). As shown in FIG. 6A, the memory space of the ROM 2 is divided into DE (first memory space), DA (second memory space), and DM (unused areas are not labeled). ). Each data of Extra / Anime / Menu in FIG. 6B is arranged in DE (first memory space), DA (second memory space), and DM, respectively. DE (first memory space), DA (second memory space), and DM are continuous, and each data of Extra / Anime / Menu is arranged without a gap.

  According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, since data for common use (Extra) and data for non-common use (Aim) are separated for multiple types of models, when developing a new model of gaming machine, Although data is newly designed for data (Anime), data can be diverted for data (Extra) commonly used for a plurality of types of models. A person in charge who creates data of different effects for each model needs to create only Aim, and does not need to create Extra. The work efficiency is improved because the work assignment is clearly divided. Development efficiency can be improved.

  According to the arrangement of FIG. 6, the frequency of generation or correction of data (Extra) that is commonly used for a plurality of types of models is reduced, and problems such as the occurrence of bugs can be suppressed.

  In FIG. 6, Extra is arranged close to the head address or this before Anim. Since the size of Extra does not change, it is possible to avoid changing the address when referring to Extra data by a program by arranging Extra before Anim. Reduction of program modifications can improve work efficiency.

  As shown in FIG. 6, by dividing the memory space of the ROM 2 into a plurality of parts, it is advantageous for calculation of the checksum.

  The checksum is one of error detection codes, and a data string (for example, a plurality of data stored in the ROM 2) is regarded as an integer value string to obtain a sum, and a remainder obtained by dividing this by a certain constant (surplus) Is used as inspection data. It is one of the simplest error detection methods, and its error detection accuracy is low, but the principle is simple and can be easily implemented, and the calculation cost is low. Therefore, it is widely used as a simple error detection method.

  By using the checksum, it is possible to check whether the data is recorded accurately. Before recording, checksum is calculated and stored (for example, the checksum of ROM2 is stored in ROM1), and the checksum of the same location is recalculated as described below, and the two must match. For example, it can be seen that an error has occurred in any of the data included in the section (changed or altered due to noise or the like).

  Since the data stored in the ROM is important, it is necessary to detect and notify when the contents change due to noise or the like or are altered by unauthorized means. Specifically, it is confirmed that the data is the same by checking with a checksum.

  When collating by checksum for a large-capacity (64GB) ROM such as ROM2 is performed immediately after the game machine is started, it takes time until the game machine can be operated and the start of the game is delayed. is there. On the other hand, when the gaming machine is in operation, since the CPU executes various processes relating to the game, it is impossible to collate with a checksum. However, unintentional changes in the ROM contents can occur even while the gaming machine is running (when the CPU is executing processing related to the game). In such a case, it can be immediately detected, recorded, and notified. desirable. Therefore, processing as described below is performed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the main board 10 and / or the sub board 20.

  The CPU operates according to the program. Execution of the program is started by the CPU being read by the CPU sequentially (for example, the program code is read in order from the start address of the memory) (main loop) and the interrupt signal generated at a predetermined interval. There is something to be done (interrupt processing).

  The timer circuit TM interrupts the processing unit CPU at regular intervals, and is realized by hardware such as a dedicated IC, for example, but may be realized by software (program). The I / O is an IC for communication processing, for example, and performs data communication according to a predetermined protocol. Communication with a substrate or the like is automatically performed by setting an address and data in a register (not shown). The board and the like are the reel unit 203, the hopper device 121 and the like in the main board 10, and the sub board 20 is a liquid crystal panel LCD1, LED 202U, motor MU, model-specific block BB, lower door block BL, upper door block BU. The sensor SENU or the like (the liquid crystal panel LCD1 or the like includes a substrate on which those control devices are mounted).

  When the power is turned on, the CPU transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1 to the timer circuit TM via the data bus. The timer circuit TM determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU at each interrupt time. The CPU executes interrupt processing such as monitoring of each sensor or the like in response to this interrupt request. For example, when the CPU system clock is set to 8 MHz, the timer circuit TM frequency division value is set to 1/256, and the ROM frequency division data is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1. 504 ms.

  The RWM (second storage unit) stores data used for processing related to the game and also stores “intermediate values” of checksum calculation for collating the data in the ROM 2.

  In the following description, obtaining a checksum is referred to as checksum calculation or processing, and a value obtained by checksum calculation or processing is referred to as a checksum value.

  The ROM 1 (first storage unit) is a read-only storage unit that stores a program for causing the CPU to execute processing relating to the game. The ROM 1 stores the checksum value (preliminarily obtained value) of the ROM 2 and the checksum processing division instruction table (see FIG. 11 for the address and FIG. 10 for the address) for performing the divided checksum processing described below. Yes. The checksum processing division instruction table stores in advance information on what is divided into a plurality of areas to be subjected to checksum calculation in the ROM 2 (divided areas) in association with the order of checksum calculation for each divided area. Is.

  The ROM 1 stores a main loop program and an interrupt processing program that starts executing based on the output of the timer circuit TM as a program for executing processing related to the game.

    In the following description, data stored in the ROM 2 is a target of checksum processing. Note that the contents of the ROM 1 may also be included. For example, ROM 1 can be the target of checksum processing. Alternatively, the ROM 1 and the ROM 2 can be combined for checksum processing (in this case, the checksum value and the checksum processing division instruction table are also added during the checksum processing).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the main loop and interrupt processing. The CPU of the main board 10 and / or the sub board 20 sequentially reads out the program and executes the main loop, and also executes an interrupt process by an interrupt signal generated at a predetermined interval by the timer circuit TM. The CPU executes the interrupt process and the main loop alternately. The main loop is a process in which the CPU starts operating and reads and executes an instruction from a predetermined head address.

  The CPU executes the interrupt process and the main loop alternately. The interrupt process and the main loop are executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals by the interrupt signal, while the latter is different in that it does not depend on the interrupt signal, but it is not different as a program. Can be performed in the interrupt process, and conversely, the interrupt process can be performed in the main loop. In general, the interrupt process is often used for a program that receives a signal from a sensor or the like that cannot know in advance when the signal is generated and executes a specific process.

  In FIG. 8, paying attention to the repetition cycle of the output of the timer circuit TM, the interrupt process is executed by the output (interrupt signal) of the timer circuit TM, and then the main loop is executed. Assuming that the repetition cycle of the timer circuit output is constant (reference symbol Tt in FIG. 8), if the time required for the interrupt processing becomes longer, the time that can be used for the main loop becomes shorter accordingly. Therefore, if the balance between the interrupt processing and the execution time (processing load) of the main loop is not taken into consideration, there is a problem that time is taken for the interrupt processing and the processing of the main loop becomes slow. In addition, the checksum process must be performed without affecting both the main loop and the interrupt process.

  In order to perform verification by checksum for a large-capacity ROM, a large load is applied to the CPU and a long time is required for the processing. Therefore, when the gaming machine is in operation (FIG. 8), the main loop and interrupt processing are performed. The checksum process cannot be completed in a short amount of time. Therefore, the checksum process can be divided into small parts to the extent that the gap between the main loop and the interrupt process can be performed, and the ROM contents can be collated by the checksum while the gaming machine is in operation. Like that. For example, a split checksum process is executed at the end of the interrupt process.

  Consider the time available for split checksum processing. As shown in FIG. 8, the output interval of the timer circuit TM is Tt, and the processing time of the main loop is Tm (this time fluctuates, so in FIG. 8, it is shown as different such as Tm1 and Tm2. The same applies to the above), and the time obtained by subtracting the checksum calculation time from the interrupt processing time is Ti, and the checksum calculation time is Ts. Since Tm and Ti vary (Ti1 ≠ Ti2, Tm1 ≠ Tm2), the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and the like are used for the calculation described below.

  Since Tt is constant, Ti + Ts + Tm ≦ Tt. From this, the checksum calculation time Ts satisfies the formula: Ts ≦ Tt−Tm−Ti (the time for checksum processing is almost the same every time). In other words, the size of each of the divided checksum areas in the divided checksum process is selected so that the checksum process time is within Ts.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the divided checksum processing according to the embodiment of the invention. In the example of this figure, the checksum process is divided into 10 parts, and each one is executed in the interrupt process (for example, at the end as shown in FIG. 8).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the memory space of the ROM 2 to be subjected to checksum processing and the checksum processing division instruction table. The checksum processing division instruction table divides the memory space of the ROM 2 into a total of 10 areas of identification codes D1 to D10. Addresses A0 to A1 indicate an address space that is greater than or equal to A0 and less than A1. Checksum processing is executed in the order of identification codes D1 to D10 (in the example of FIG. 10, D8 to D10 are undefined, so these processing can be skipped). In FIG. 10, the size of the left box corresponds to the size of the memory space (Anime> Extra> Menu), but the right side corresponds to the order 1 to 10 in the checksum processing division instruction table of FIG. The size of the box on the right side is independent of the size of the memory space.

  In the example of FIG. 10, Extra is divided into two, D1 and D2, Aime is divided into four, D3 to D6, and Menu is combined into one D7. In this way, by dividing each of Extra / Anime / Menu, the checksum can be executed in units of Extra / Anime / Menu. The check result can be notified for each Extra / Anime / Menu, and can be quickly notified when there is an abnormality. For example, in S13 of FIG. 12 described later or S22 of FIG. 15, it is not the end of the checksum processing division instruction table (D10, D7 when undefined D8 to D10 are skipped), but the end of Extra (D2 It is possible to quickly complete the check for Extra. The same applies to Aim / Menu.

  For example, when there is an abnormality in Extra at the top, the order of the identification codes D1 to D10, i.e., i = 1, 2,. Abnormality can be notified when the second D2 check is completed. Compared to the last check, the time can be greatly reduced.

  From the viewpoint of prompt notification when an unintended change in the contents of the ROM occurs even during operation of the gaming machine, a priority order for checking may be provided. If game-important data (program) is stored in Extra, the Extra checksum is obtained first. When the checksum is repeatedly obtained, the frequency may be changed. For example, the frequency of Extra is increased as the order of processing, such as Extra, Aim, Extra, Menu, Extra,.

  The process is executed in the interrupt process for one Di with the order of the identification codes D1 to D10, i.e., i = 1, 2,. However, the order is arbitrary, and can be executed in ascending order, descending order, and other orders for each Extra / Anime / Menu. For example, it is conceivable to check more important data first and shorten the time until anomaly notification. Note that when a part of the addresses A0 to A10 is used, only a part of the address is targeted (D8 to D10 are not targeted in the example of FIG. 10). In the following description, all are targeted for convenience.

  The number of divisions, that is, the divided regions, is set in advance so as to satisfy the above formula: Ts ≦ Tt−Tm−Ti. If the ROM has a large capacity and its memory space increases, it is desirable to increase the number of divisions so that the division checksum processing can be completed within the interruption processing, and to make the size of each divided area substantially constant.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a checksum processing division instruction table. The checksum processing division instruction table stores information (specifically, ROM addresses A0 to A10) for specifying divided areas obtained by dividing a checksum calculation target area into a plurality (ten) of the divided areas. Pre-stored in association with the checksum calculation order. In the example of FIG. 11, the identification codes D1 to D10 are processed in the order of 1 to 10 in the divided areas.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the divided checksum processing according to the embodiment of the invention. Hereinafter, description will be added with reference to this figure. The process in this figure is executed at the end of the interrupt process, for example.

S10a: The CPU confirms whether or not the checksum calculation state (order i) has been completed. Checksum calculation is performed for the ROM to be processed, and the process is completed when the necessary checksum is obtained. In the example of FIG. 10, since D8 to D10 are undefined, these processes may be skipped. This state (order i) is stored in the RWM, for example, in the form of a counter or a flag. If not completed, the process proceeds to the next step S11. If completed, the checksum calculation state (order i) is returned to the initial value (= 0) (S10b), and the process of FIG. 12 is terminated. Note that S10b is not performed when the checksum calculation is completed in one cycle. S10b is executed when the checksum calculation is repeatedly performed.

S11: The CPU calculates a checksum based on the checksum processing division instruction table. If i = 1, the data at addresses A0 to A1 are added, and the resulting data is added to the value in the middle of the RWM. When i = 1, the intermediate value is reset (S17), so the intermediate value after the addition is the added value of the data at addresses A0 to A1.

S12: S11 is performed for a predetermined address range. If i = 1, the process is performed for addresses A0 to A1. In addition, although it is a method of addition to the intermediate value, either of adding data one by one or adding all the data of the addresses A0 to A1 and adding the result to the intermediate value may be used.

S13: The CPU switches processing depending on whether or not the checksum calculation state (order i) confirmed in S10 is the last. If it is not the last, S14 and S19 are executed, and if it is the last, S15 to S19 are executed.

  When the check result is notified for each Extra / Anime / Menu, it is determined whether it is any of the last of Extra (D2), the last of Aim (D6), or Menu (D7).

S14: If not the last, the checksum value calculated in S11 and S12 is stored as an intermediate value. In the example of FIG. 12, since the intermediate value is a checksum value, no particular processing is required. Then, the checksum calculation state (order i) is advanced (S19), and the process of FIG.

S15: If it is the last, the intermediate value added in S11 and S12 is compared with the checksum value stored in advance in ROM1 (checksum value storage unit) as the checksum value.

S16: The CPU determines that the comparison result in S15 matches, resets the intermediate value (S17, for example, sets to 0), and advances the checksum calculation state (order i) to the next (S19). The order is returned to the beginning), and the processing of FIG. If they do not match, error processing is executed (S18). Error processing is, for example, memorizing that an error has occurred, maintenance mode (a special mode for inspecting and managing the state of the gaming machine, etc., for example, by turning on a maintenance setting change switch (not shown) In the transition to the maintenance mode), the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, an error occurrence signal is output to the outside of the gaming machine (for example, a hall computer), or notified on the gaming machine display device.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, the checksum processing for a large-capacity ROM is performed while being divided so as not to increase the processing load, so that the checksum processing can be performed even while the gaming machine is in operation. It became so.

  In order to execute verification using a checksum for a large-capacity ROM, a large load is applied to the CPU and a long time is required for the processing. Therefore, it is impossible to perform checksum verification while the gaming machine is in operation. According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the checksum processing division instruction table is provided and the checksum processing is divided and executed in the interrupt processing, the checksum is collated even while the gaming machine is in operation. Therefore, a change in the contents of the first read-only memory (ROM) can be quickly detected.

  Next, a modification will be described.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, checksum processing is performed for each divided area, and checksum verification is performed after the processing is completed for all the divided areas. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and checksum verification may be performed every time the checksum value of one divided area is obtained.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a modification. The ROM 1 stores a checksum value (divided checksum value) in advance for each of a plurality of divided areas. The RWM does not need to store the intermediate values shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the checksum processing division instruction table and the divided checksum value table. Corresponding to each order, the address (information) of the divided area and the divided checksum value are stored.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the divided checksum process according to the modification. Hereinafter, description will be added with reference to this figure. The process in this figure is executed at the end of the interrupt process, for example.

S20a: The CPU confirms whether or not the checksum calculation state (order i) has been completed. Checksum calculation is performed for the ROM to be processed, and the process is completed when the necessary checksum is obtained. In the example of FIG. 10, since D8 to D10 are undefined, these processes can be skipped. This state (order i) is stored in the RWM, for example, in the form of a counter or a flag. If not completed, the process proceeds to the next step S21. If completed, the checksum calculation state (order i) is returned to the initial value (= 0) (S20b), and the process of FIG. 15 is terminated. Note that S20b is not performed when the checksum calculation is completed in one cycle. S20b is executed when the checksum calculation is repeatedly performed.

S21: The CPU calculates a checksum based on the checksum processing division instruction table. If i = 1, the data at addresses A0 to A1 are sequentially added.

S22: The CPU determines whether addition of a predetermined address range is completed. If not completed, S20a and S21 are executed, and if completed, the process proceeds to S23.

S23: The checksum value obtained in S21 and S22 is compared with the divided checksum value stored in advance in ROM1 (checksum value storage unit). For example, when data at addresses A0 to A1 are added in order 1, the result is compared with checksum value 1.

S24: The CPU determines that it is normal if the comparison results in S23 match, advances the checksum calculation state (order i) to the next (S25), and ends the processing of FIG. If they do not match, error processing is executed (S26).

  According to this modification, the checksum processing for a large-capacity ROM is performed while being divided so that the processing load does not increase, so that the checksum processing can be performed even while the gaming machine is in operation. became.

  According to this modified example, each time the checksum processing of one divided area is finished, a match / mismatch determination is performed, so that when an error occurs in data, this can be detected quickly (in the process of FIG. This could only be detected after the process was completed for all of the divided areas, regardless of the occurrence position.

  Further, it is possible to know in which part of the divided area the error has occurred, and it is possible to obtain more detailed information regarding the error. For example, when an error occurs in order 5 in FIG. 14, it can be determined that data has changed at addresses A4 to A5.

  In the above description, a slot machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines).

  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.

10 Main board 20 Sub board CPU Central processing unit ROM1 Read-only memory (first memory)
ROM2 Read-only storage unit (first storage unit)
RWM write / read storage unit (second storage unit)
TM Timer circuit Extra Data (area) commonly used by multiple types of models
Data that is not commonly used in multiple types of models (area)
Menu Data (area) used in common for multiple types of models

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine comprising a central processing unit and a first storage unit that stores data relating to a game in advance,
As data stored in the first storage unit, there are first data commonly used for a plurality of types of models, and second data separately prepared for each of a plurality of types of models,
The first storage unit includes one read-only memory, and the memory space of the read-only memory is divided (the divided memory spaces are defined as a first memory space and a second memory space, respectively), and the first data is A gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is arranged in a first memory space, and the second data is arranged in a second memory space.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first memory space and the second memory space are continuous, and the first data and the second data are arranged without a gap. A second storage unit capable of writing and reading; and a timer circuit for outputting a signal at a predetermined interval. The central processing unit is started to execute based on a program of a main loop and an output of the timer circuit. Based on the interrupt processing program to be executed,
The central processing unit includes a program for obtaining a checksum of the first storage unit,
The second storage unit stores a value in the middle of the checksum calculation,
further,
Information on what is divided into a plurality of areas for checksum calculation in the first storage unit in advance for each of the first memory space and the second memory space (hereinafter referred to as “divided areas”) is divided into the respective divided areas. A checksum processing division instruction table that is stored in advance in association with the order of checksum calculation,
A checksum value storage unit that stores in advance the checksum value of the first storage unit,
The central processing unit, in the interrupt processing,
A first step of confirming the checksum calculation order and proceeding to the second step when the order is not completed, and ending the process when the order is completed;
A second step of calculating a checksum for any of the divided areas based on the checksum processing division instruction table;
A third step of adding the checksum value calculated in the second step to the intermediate value;
A fourth step of comparing the checksum value stored in the checksum value storage unit as the checksum value with the intermediate value added in the third step when the checksum calculation order is last; ,
A fifth step for performing a predetermined error process when the comparison in the fourth step is inconsistent;
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the checksum calculation order is not the last, a sixth step of advancing the checksum calculation order is executed.

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