JP2018089072A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly determine that a device is normally operating.SOLUTION: A game machine which draws a lottery for granting a game profit advantageous for a player on the basis of a prescribed trigger, advances a game according to the lottery result and executes a performance accompanying the advance of the game includes a sub CPU 330a which determines data related to the performance and a device (image IC 340a) which executes the performance on the basis of the determined data. The device includes a state holding part 350 which holds a state of the device itself and a state determination part 352 which determines whether the device itself is normally operating and causes the state holding part to hold a normality identifier which is an identifier of normality when the device is normal. The CPU includes a normality determination part 334 which determines whether the state holding part holds the normality identifier and a processing transition part 336 which transits to processing under assumption that the device is normal when determining that the state holding part holds the normality identifier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a game profit to a player.

  Generally, in a gaming machine (pachinko machine), a game ball is launched toward the game area in the game board by a player's handle operation, and the game ball that has flowed down the game area enters the starting port. A lottery related to the symbol is executed. Then, the special symbol display variably displays the special symbol, and the special symbol determined by the lottery is stopped and displayed, so that the player is notified of the lottery result. At this time, if a special symbol indicating that a big hit is displayed on the special symbol display is stopped and displayed, a big game that is advantageous to the player compared to a normal game is started. In this big game, the attacker device opens and closes a predetermined number of times, allowing game balls to enter the big prize opening, so that the player can receive a lot of prize balls.

  In such a gaming machine, there is a case where the program cannot escape from the loop process for some reason and cannot move to the next process. If it does so, not only will the game not progress, it will also affect the appearance. Thus, a technique is known in which a WDT (Watch Dog Timer) is provided outside and a microcomputer is restarted when a timeout occurs due to loop processing (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4865347

  In recent years, a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) in which a CPU and a plurality of devices such as an image IC and a music IC are integrated into one chip has been realized from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and simplification of design and manufacturing processes. . However, even if they are integrated on one chip, the functions of each device are independent. For example, it may occur that the CPU operates normally but other devices do not operate normally. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm that each device is operating normally in order to appropriately advance the game.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately determine that a device is operating normally.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the present invention performs a lottery for giving a gaming profit advantageous to the player based on a predetermined opportunity, proceeds the game according to the lottery result, A gaming machine that executes an effect as it progresses, comprising: a CPU that determines data associated with the effect; and a device that executes the effect based on the determined data, the device itself A state holding unit that holds the state of the device, and a state determination unit that determines whether or not the device itself is operating normally and, if normal, causes the state holding unit to hold a normal identifier that is normal And when the CPU determines that the normal identifier is held in the state holding unit, and determines that the normal identifier is held in the state holding unit, Above Vice is characterized in that it comprises a processing transitions to shift to a process of assuming that it is normal.

  When the reset signal is not received for a predetermined time, the CPU includes a WDT that outputs an initialization signal to the CPU, and the CPU shifts the process to a process based on the assumption that the device is normal. A reset signal may be output to the WDT.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine that a device is operating normally.

It is a perspective view of the gaming machine showing a state where the door is opened. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control aspect of a production | presentation display part, a production | presentation actor device, a production | presentation illumination device, and a music output device in a sub control board. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control aspect of image IC. It is a flowchart for showing a flow of processing of the sub CPU. It is a flowchart for showing a flow of processing of WDT. It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, the mechanical configuration and electrical configuration of the gaming machine will be briefly described, and then specific processing on each board will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, showing a state in which the door is opened. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, The middle frame 104 includes a front frame 106 that is attached to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism.

  As with the outer frame 102, the middle frame 104 has an enclosed space formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in the enclosed space. The front frame 106 holds a transmission plate 110 made of glass or resin. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 face each other substantially in parallel with a predetermined distance from the front side of the gaming machine 100. The game board 108 can be visually recognized through the transmission plate 110.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, an operation handle 112 that projects to the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided below the front frame 106. The operation handle 112 is provided so that the player can perform a rotation operation. When the player rotates the operation handle 112 to perform a launch operation, the operation handle 112 has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 112 and is not illustrated. A game ball is launched by the launch mechanism. The game ball thus fired is raised between the rails 114 a and 114 b provided on the game board 108 and guided to the game area 116.

  The game area 116 is a space formed between the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 and is an area where the game ball can flow down or roll. The game board 108 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and a game ball guided to the game area 116 collides with the nails and windmills, and flows down and rolls in an irregular direction.

  The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b that differ in the degree of entry of the game ball according to the firing strength of the launch mechanism. The first game area 116 a is located on the left side of the game area 116 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second game area 116 b is the game area 116 viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. Located on the right side. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, the game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch intensity less than the predetermined intensity enter the first game area 116a and launch with a launch intensity greater than the predetermined intensity. The played game ball enters the second game area 116b.

  In addition, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning port 118, a first starting port 120, and a second starting port 122 through which a game ball can enter, and the general winning port 118, the first starting port 120, the first starting port 120, and the like. 2. When a game ball enters the start port 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more, and the number of prize balls to be paid out at each of the general prize opening 118, the first start opening 120, and the second start opening 122 may be different. The same number of prize balls may be set. At this time, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls that the game ball enters and pays out at the first start port 120 smaller than the number of prize balls that the game ball enters and pays out at the second start port 122. is there.

  Note that a first start region is provided in the first start port 120, and a second start region is provided in the second start port 122. When a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122 and enters the first start region or the second start region as a predetermined opportunity, a plurality of special symbols provided in advance are provided. A lottery for determining any one of the special symbols is performed. Each special symbol is associated with various game profits such as whether or not a big game that is advantageous to the player can be executed and what kind of gaming state the subsequent gaming state will be. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, the player acquires a predetermined prize ball and at the same time acquires an opportunity for acquiring a right to receive various game benefits. It becomes.

  The second starting port 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and the ease of entry of the game ball into the second starting port 122 changes depending on the state of the movable piece 122b. It has become. Specifically, when the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, it is impossible to enter the game ball into the second start port 122. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the entrance area in the gate 124 provided in the game area 116, a normal symbol lottery is performed, and if the winning is won by this lottery, the movable piece 122b is in an open state for a predetermined time. Controlled. As described above, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second start port 122, so that the game ball can easily enter the second start port 122. Note that, here, when the second start port 122 is in the closed state, it is impossible to enter the game ball into the second start port 122, but the second start port 122 is in the closed state. Even in some cases, it may be configured such that game balls can enter at a certain frequency.

  Furthermore, the game area 116 is provided with a large winning opening 128 through which a game ball can enter. The big winning opening 128 is provided with an open / close door 128b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the open / close door 128b closes the big winning opening 128 so that a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 128. It has become. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned big game is executed, the opening / closing door 128b is opened, and a game ball can be inserted into the big winning opening 128. Then, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

  At the bottom of the game area 116, game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, or the big winning opening 128 are played from the gaming area 116. A discharge port 130 for discharging is provided on the back side of the panel 108.

  The gaming machine 100 is controlled by an effect display device 200 made up of a liquid crystal display device, an effect agent device 202 made up of a drive device, and various lighting modes and light emission colors as an effect device for making an effect while the game is in progress. There are provided an effect lighting device 204 composed of a lamp, a music output device 206 composed of a speaker, and an effect operation device 208 that accepts the player's operation.

  The effect display device 200 includes an effect display unit 200a including an image display unit that displays an image. The effect display unit 200a can be viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 100 at a substantially central portion of the game board 108. It is arranged. In the effect display unit 200a, the effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are variably displayed as shown in the drawing, and the effect of lottery lottery is notified to the player by the stop display mode of these effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. Will be executed.

  The stage effect device 202 is arranged in front of the stage display unit 200a and is normally retracted to the back side of the game board 108, but during staged variation display of the stage symbols 210a, 210b, 210c, etc. The player moves to the front of the display unit 200a to give the player a big hit expectation.

  The effect lighting device 204 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is provided in the effect actor device 202, the game board 108, and the like, and various lighting controls are performed according to the image displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Is done.

  The music output device 206 is provided at an upper position of the front frame 106 or a lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and various music is directed toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 according to an image displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Is output. Note that music includes all concepts related to sound, such as musical sounds, stuttering, voice, and onomatopoeia.

  The effect operation device 208 includes a button that accepts a player's pressing operation, and a rotation operation unit (for example, a jog dial) that accepts a player's rotation operation. It is provided at a position below the transmission plate 110. The effect operation device 208 is activated in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display unit 200a. When the player's operation is received within the operation effective period, various effects are executed according to the operation. .

  Further, behind the effect operation device 208, there is an upper plate 132 to which a prize ball paid out from the gaming machine 100 and a game ball lent out from the game ball lending device are guided, and when the upper plate 132 is filled with game balls. The game ball is guided to the lower plate 134. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower plate 134 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower plate 134. The ball release hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but the opening / closing plate slides integrally with the ball removal knob 134a by sliding the ball removal knob 134a in the horizontal direction in the figure. In addition, it is possible to discharge the game ball from the ball hole to the lower side of the lower plate 134.

  Further, the game board 108 has a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, and a first special symbol hold at a position outside the game area 116 and visible to the player. A display 164, a second special symbol hold display 166, a normal symbol display 168, a normal symbol hold display 170, and a right-handed notification display 172 are provided. Each of these indicators 160 to 172 is a device for displaying various situations relating to the game.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 300 includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 300b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 300c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

  The main control board 300 has a general winning port detection switch 118s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 118, and a first start port for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start port 120. The detection switch 120s, the second start port detection switch 122s that detects that a game ball has entered the second start port 122, the gate detection switch 124s that detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, and the big winning port 128 A big prize opening detection switch 128s for detecting that a game ball has entered is connected, and a detection signal is inputted to the main control board 300 from each of these detection switches.

  Further, the main control board 300 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second start port 122, and a large winning port solenoid 128c that operates the opening and closing door 128b that opens and closes the large winning port 128. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting port 122 and the special winning opening 128.

  Further, the main control board 300 includes a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol hold indicator 164, a second special symbol hold indicator 166, a normal symbol indicator 168, and a normal symbol indicator 168. The symbol hold display 170 and the right-handed notification display 172 are connected, and the main control board 300 controls the display of each display.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment is started by a special game that is started mainly by entering a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122 and when the game ball passes through the gate 124. It is roughly divided into ordinary games. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for proceeding with special games and ordinary games, and data and tables necessary for various games.

  The main control board 300 is connected to a payout control board 310 and a sub control board 330.

  The payout control board 310 performs control for launching a game ball and control for paying out a prize ball. The payout control board 310 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to the payout control board 310, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is passed through the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312. This is output to the hall computer of the amusement store.

  The payout control board 310 is connected to a payout motor 314 for paying out a game ball stored in the storage unit as a prize ball to the player. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300 so as to pay out a predetermined prize ball to the player. At this time, the number of game balls that have been paid out is detected by the payout ball counting switch 316 s so that it can be determined whether or not the prize ball to be paid out has been paid out to the player.

  Further, a dish full tank detection switch 318 s for detecting a full tank state of the lower dish 134 is connected to the dispensing control board 310. This dish full tank detection switch 318 s is provided in a path for guiding game balls to be paid out as prize balls to the lower dish 134, and each time a game ball passes through the path, a game ball detection signal is sent to the payout control board 310. It is designed to be entered.

  When a predetermined amount or more of the game balls are stored in the lower plate 134 and become full, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower plate 134 toward the payout control board 310 from the plate full tank detection switch 318s. The game ball detection signal is continuously input. The payout control board 310 determines that the lower tray 134 is full when a game ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time, and transmits a full dish command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, if the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted after the dish full tank command is transmitted, it is determined that the full tank state has been released, and the dish full tank release command is transmitted to the main control board 300.

  Further, the payout control board 310 is provided with a launch control circuit 320 that performs launch control of the game ball. Connected to the payout control board 310 are a touch sensor 112s that is provided on the operation handle 112 and detects that the player has touched the operation handle 112, and an operation volume 112a that detects an operation angle of the operation handle 112. ing. When a signal is input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 performs control to energize the launch solenoid 112c provided in the game ball launch device to launch the game ball.

  The sub-control board 330 mainly controls each effect such as playing or waiting. The sub control board 330 includes a sub CPU 330a, a sub ROM 330b, and a sub RAM 330c, and communicates with the main control board 300 in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub control board 330 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. Connected as possible. The sub CPU 330a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 330b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 300, an input signal from a timer, and the like, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the execution of effects. At this time, the sub RAM 330c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 330a.

  Specifically, the sub control board 330 performs image display control for displaying an image on the effect display unit 200a. The sub ROM 330b stores a large number of image data such as symbols and backgrounds to be displayed on the effect display unit 200a, and the sub CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) to display the effect display unit 200a. Control image display. In addition, the sub control board 330 performs drive control of the effect actor device 202, lighting control of the effect lighting device 204, and music output control for outputting music from the music output device 206.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of the effect display unit 200a, the effect actor device 202, the effect illumination device 204, and the music output device 206 in the sub control board 330. A sub CPU (CPU) 330a provided on the sub control board 330 decodes a command transmitted from the main control board 300, determines an effect pattern (effect contents) corresponding to the command, and executes execution data of the effect pattern. Are read from the sub ROM 330b. Then, the sub CPU 330a transmits a command to the effect display unit 200a, the effect actor device 202, the effect illumination device 204, and the music output device 206 based on the determined effect pattern.

  For example, with the determination of the effect pattern, the sub CPU 330a determines image data based on the effect pattern, and transmits an image command that can specify the image data to the image IC 340a. The image IC 340a is also called a VDP (Video Display Processor), reads image data specified by an image command from the image ROM 340b to an image RAM (VRAM) 340c, and sequentially outputs the image data to the effect display unit 200a.

  Note that the image RAM 340c has different layers, and each layer can hold different image data. Then, the image IC 340a superimposes the image data held in the plurality of layers, and the superimposed image data is output to the effect display unit 200a.

  Further, the sub CPU 330a determines an accessory pattern based on the effect pattern, and outputs a 1 (ON) or 0 (OFF) command to the accessory driver 342 at predetermined time intervals according to the accessory pattern. In accordance with such a command, the accessory driver 342 turns on or off an FET (Field Effect Transistor) that drives the effect accessory device 202.

  Further, the sub CPU 330a determines an illumination pattern based on the effect pattern, and outputs a 1 (ON) or 0 (OFF) command to the illumination driver (LED driver) 344 at predetermined time intervals according to the illumination pattern. The lighting driver 344 turns on or off the FET that drives the effect lighting device 204 in accordance with the command.

  Further, the sub CPU 330a determines music data based on the effect pattern, and transmits a music command that can specify the music data to the music IC 346a. The music IC 346a reads the music data specified by the music command from the music ROM 346b to the music IC 346a, and sequentially outputs the music data to the music output device 206.

  The music IC 346a has a plurality of music buffers (buffers), and each music buffer can hold different music data. Then, the music IC 346 a superimposes music data held in a plurality of music buffers, and the music data superimposed is output to the music output device 206.

  Here, a series of functional units such as the sub CPU 330a, the sub RAM 330c, the image IC 340a, the image ROM 340b, the image RAM 340c, the music IC 346a, and the music ROM 346b are integrated in one integrated circuit as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip). ing. However, it can be arbitrarily set which functional unit is integrated in such SoC. Further, the functional units such as the sub CPU 330a, the sub RAM 330c, the image IC 340a, the image ROM 340b, the image RAM 340c, the music IC 346a, and the music ROM 346b may be integrated as different integrated circuits and electrically connected.

  Furthermore, the sub-control board 330 has detection signals from a push detection switch 208s that detects that the effect operation device 208 has been pressed, and a rotation detection switch 209s that detects that the effect operation device 208 has been rotated. Is entered. When a detection signal is input from the push detection switch 208s or the rotation detection switch 209s, various effects such as an image displayed on the effect display unit 200a are executed.

  Note that a power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power supply via the power supply board.

(Image IC 340a)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of the image IC 340a. Hereinafter, the control of the image IC 340a by the sub CPU 330a will be described in detail.

  The sub CPU 330a functions as an image data determination unit 332, a normality determination unit 334, and a processing transition unit 336 in cooperation with the sub RAM 330c based on a program stored in the sub ROM 330b.

  The image data determination unit 332 determines image data used for the effect based on the determined effect pattern. Then, an image command capable of specifying image data is transmitted to the image IC 340a. As described above, the image IC 340a reads the image data specified by the image command from the image ROM 340b to the image RAM 340c, and outputs an image based on the image data to the effect display unit 200a.

  In the image IC 340a, a state holding unit 350 that holds the state of the image IC 340a itself is secured in a part of the internal register. Here, an example in which the state holding unit 350 is arranged in the register is described. However, as long as the storage area is secured, for example, the present invention can be applied to various updatable storage media such as the image RAM 340c.

  The image IC 340a includes a state determination unit 352 that functions in cooperation with the image RAM 340c based on a program executed by the image IC 340a itself. The state determination unit 352 determines whether the image IC 340a itself is operating normally. For such normal determination, various existing techniques relating to self-diagnosis can be employed. If the state determination unit 352 determines that the image IC 340a itself is normal, the state determination unit 352 causes the state holding unit 350 to hold an identifier indicating that the image IC 340a itself is normal (normal identifier).

  Specifically, here, the state holding unit 350 holds a 32-bit device code indicating the state of the image IC 340a. The device code is a specific code indicating a normal identifier, which indicates that the image IC 340a itself is normal. Such a device code is different for each device such as the image IC 340a and the music IC 346a and for each SoC.

  As described above, the image IC 340a has a function of actively (voluntarily) determining whether the image IC 340a is normal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, using the self-determination function, the determination result is used on the sub CPU 330a side. Specifically, the normality determination unit 334 of the sub CPU 330a determines whether or not the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350 of the image IC 340a (normality determination process).

  Then, when it is determined that the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350, the process transition unit 336 of the sub CPU 330a performs processing (normality confirmation) following the normality determination process on the assumption that the device is normal. Move to post-processing. In other words, since the normality determination unit 334 repeatedly refers to the state holding unit 350 until the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350, the process transition unit 336 causes the state holding unit 350 to specify the specific code. It is not possible to shift to the normal confirmation post-processing until is maintained. Here, the post-normal confirmation process is a process that is executed only after confirming that all devices are normal. For example, to establish a connection with each device and to give a game profit advantageous to the player. The process performed when progressing a game, such as a game progress process including a lottery, and an effect execution process using each device, are shown.

  In the sub control board 330, after starting the sub control board 330, the sub CPU 330a first determines whether devices such as the image IC 340a and the music IC 346a are operating normally, and confirms that all the devices are normal. After that, connection with each device is established and each device is linked. Then, the sub CPU 330a starts the progress of the game including the lottery for giving the game profit advantageous to the player, and performs the effect using each device. Here, after the activation of the sub control board 330, the state holding unit 350 holds 00000000h (hex) as an initial value of the device code, and the device code is, for example, a specific code according to the start of device operation. The specific code is changed to “00000007h (hexa)”. Here, when the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350, the connection between the sub CPU 330a and the device is established.

  In this embodiment, although each device is made into one chip as SoC, since the function for each device is independent, for example, the CPU is operating normally, but other devices are operating normally. It can happen that there is no. Here, by using the device code of the image IC 340a, the configuration that the process does not proceed to the normal confirmation process until the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350, the problem due to the image IC 340a not operating normally is avoided in advance. can do.

  Further, if one of the plurality of devices, for example, the image IC 340a is abnormal, there is a high possibility that another device in the SoC is also abnormal. Here, even if it is determined that the device that should normally detect an abnormality is normal, if the abnormality is determined by any device in the SoC, the SoC as a whole does not shift to the normal confirmation post-processing. Therefore, it is possible to avoid in advance problems caused by any one of the plurality of devices not operating normally.

  Further, as described above, the device code is different for each SoC. For example, while the specific code described above is “00000007h (hexa)”, the specific code “00000005h (hexa)” is adopted in other SoCs. Therefore, even if the combination of the device code indicated by the program included in the sub ROM 330b and the device code set in the SoC in the sub control board 330 is different, the mistake in the combination is specified by the device code. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from proceeding with the wrong combination.

  The sub control board 330 is provided with a WDT (Watch Dog Timer) 348 separately from the sub CPU 330a. The WDT 348 outputs an initialization signal to the sub CPU 330a if a reset signal is not received from the outside for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

  For example, the sub CPU 330a outputs a reset signal to the WDT 348 every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses while executing the program. The WDT 348 does not output an initialization signal while receiving a reset signal from the sub CPU 330a. However, if an arbitrary device does not operate normally and a normal response cannot be obtained from that device, the program of the sub CPU 330a can not escape from the loop processing for some reason, and the reset signal cannot be output. An initialization signal is output to the sub CPU 330a when a predetermined time elapses. In this way, the sub CPU 330a operates the initialization determination means (not shown) for executing the initialization process in the sub control board 330 according to the initialization signal, forcibly exits the loop process, and the program is first reset (power reset). It is possible to re-execute from (status).

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the specific code is held in the state holding unit 350, the process transfer unit 336 completes the normal determination process and shifts to the normal check post-process. At this time, the sub CPU 330a outputs a reset signal to the WDT 348. Therefore, initialization of the sub CPU 330a by the WDT 348 is not executed. However, if the state where the specific code is not held in the state holding unit 350 continues for a predetermined time, the WDT 348 not only does not shift to the post-normal check process following the normal determination process but also cannot output a reset signal to the WDT 348. The initialization signal is output to the sub CPU 330a to initialize the sub CPU 330a. In this way, the normality determination process for the image IC 340a can be executed again.

  The configuration using the WDT 348 enables the device to be restarted when the waiting state continues even after a predetermined time elapses in addition to setting the processing transition unit 336 to the waiting state and not shifting to the processing after normal confirmation. . Therefore, even if the image IC 340a is normal, even if the device code cannot be properly recognized due to some accidental factor that makes it difficult to identify the cause, such as an access error of the sub ROM 330b or SoC. Return processing is possible. Hereinafter, a specific processing flow of the sub CPU 330a and the WDT 348 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating the flow of processing of the sub CPU 330a. First, the process transition unit 336 outputs a reset signal to the WDT 348 in order to reset the timing of the WDT 348 (S10).

  Subsequently, the normality determination unit 334 reads the device code held in the state holding unit 350 (S11). Then, the normality determination unit 334 determines whether the device code read from the state holding unit 350 is a specific code (S12). As a result, if it is not a specific code, the processing from step S11 is repeated. If the device code is a specific code, the process transition unit 336 outputs a reset signal to the WDT 348 (S13) to reset the time count of the WDT 348. In this way, the process transition unit 336 can transition to the post-normal confirmation process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing the flow of processing of the WDT 348. First, the WDT 348 measures a timer provided in itself (S20). Here, the timer is used to determine the passage of a predetermined time. Specifically, the timer realizes time measurement by incrementing the timer value held by itself by the loop time.

  Subsequently, the WDT 348 determines whether or not a reset signal has been received from the sub CPU 330a (S21). As a result, if a reset signal is received (YES in S21), the timer is reset (S22). If the reset signal has not been received (NO in S21), the process proceeds to step S23.

  Next, the WDT 348 refers to the timer value of the timer and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S23). As a result, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S23), the processing from step S20 is repeated. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S21), an initialization signal is output to the sub CPU 330a (S24), and the timer is reset for the next time measurement (S25). In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine that the image IC 340a is operating normally.

  Here, an example has been described in which the WDT 348 is configured by hardware separately from the SoC (external WDT), but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in the SoC. Further, when the WDT (soft WDT) in the SoC is used in parallel with the separate WDT 348, the sub CPUs 330a may be initialized by any of the initialization signals by connecting them with a wired OR. In this case, the predetermined time of the separate WDT 348 is determined, for example, between 1.6 and 4 seconds, and the predetermined time of the WDT in the SoC is determined, for example, between 128 and 256 msec.

  In addition, here, the image IC 340a has been described as a device that performs an effect based on the data determined by the sub CPU 330a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accessory driver 342, the lighting driver 344, the music IC 346a, and the like. Applicable to various devices. In this case, the accessory driver 342 drives the effect actor device 202 according to the command, the illumination driver 344 drives the effect illumination device 204 according to the command, and the music IC 346a reproduces the music data. The production will be executed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as a gaming machine, a symbol determining means for determining one of a plurality of types of symbols including a jackpot symbol, and a symbol display when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed since the symbol was determined A symbol display means for displaying a symbol on the part, a big role game executing means for executing a big game consisting of a plurality of round games when a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display part, and a round game in the big game During a specific round game set in advance, when a game ball that has entered the big prize opening enters a specific area, a game profit granting means for giving a predetermined game profit, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during the big game However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and based on the operation of the start switch, one of a plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by a winning combination lottery. In accordance with the selection lottery means and the start switch operation, the rotation control of a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged therein is controlled, and the winning combination is determined according to the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel. Also in a slot machine comprising reel control means for controlling each of the rotating reels corresponding to the operated stop switch based on the lottery result of the lottery means, and effect control means for executing one of a plurality of kinds of effects. Applicable. Hereinafter, the slot machine 600 will be described in detail.

(Mechanical structure of slot machine 600)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 8 and 9, the slot machine 600 can be opened and closed by a housing 602 that is a substantially rectangular box and a connecting member that can rotate with respect to the front opening of the housing 602. A front upper door 604 that is attached to the front door 604, a front lower door 606 that is located below the front upper door 604 and that can be opened and closed with respect to the front opening of the housing 602, as well as the front upper door 604. It is located in the lower part of the door 606, and is provided with the saucer part 608 for storing the medal paid out from the medal discharge port 608a.

  An operation unit installation base 622 is formed in the upper part of the front lower door 606. The operation unit installation base 622 is provided with a medal insertion unit 624, a bet switch 626, a start switch 628, a stop switch 630, an effect switch 632, and the like. ing.

  The medal insertion unit 624 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 622 accepts insertion of a medal as a game medium through the medal insertion port 624a, and receives a medal at a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 606. Send. The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period during which medals can be inserted or a non-standard medal to the medal outlet 608a, and a medal within the standard that is inserted within the insertion period. And a inserted medal detection unit 624b for detecting the passage of. Here, the medal guided to the medal discharge port 608a is discharged to the tray portion 608. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number of medals required to start one game, a predetermined number of medals exceeding the prescribed number (for example, 50) ) Is electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credit) in the slot machine 600. The one game will be described in detail later.

  Here, the specified number of inputs is set to “3” or “2”. In addition, when the number of medals required to execute one game can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of specified insertion numbers, the maximum of the plurality of specified insertion numbers is called the maximum specified insertion number, and the minimum number Is called the minimum specified number of inputs. If the specified number of inputs is selectable between 1 and 3, the maximum specified number of inputs is “3” and the minimum specified number of inputs is “1”.

  The bet switch 626 is a push-type button switch that inserts (bets) a predetermined number of medals out of credited medals. When the bet switch 626 is pressed in a state where medals equal to or more than the prescribed insertion number are credited, one game can be started, and the credited medals are reduced by the prescribed insertion number.

  The start switch 628 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 622 is configured by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player. The start switch 628 can also be configured by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

  A colorless and transparent symbol display window 636 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at a substantially lower center of the front upper door 604. A reel corresponding to the symbol display window 636 in the housing 602 is provided at the position corresponding to the reel. A unit 634 is provided. As shown in the reel symbol arrangement of FIG. 10, the reel unit 634 includes three rotating reels (left reel 634a, middle reel 634b, right The reels 634c) are rotatably provided independently, and the player can visually recognize the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c through the symbol display window 636. The reel unit 634 starts to rotate the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c in response to the operation of the start switch 628.

  A stop switch 630 located at the center of the operation unit installation base 622 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. A player's stop operation to stop each of the reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c is detected. Note that the three button switches related to the stop switch 630 are particularly referred to as stop button switches, and are referred to as a stop button switch 630a, a stop button switch 630b, and a stop button switch 630c in order from the left according to their positions.

  The effect switch 632 includes a push-type button switch and a jog dial switch that is rotatably arranged around the button switch, and detects a player's pressing operation and rotating operation. The effect switch 632 is mainly used during the effect, and the effect mode can be changed by the player's operation.

  A liquid crystal display unit 638 that displays various images associated with effects is provided at the upper center of the front upper door 604. In addition, an effect lamp 642 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper and left and right sides of the front upper door 604.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, speakers that produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 638 on the back surface of the front upper door 604 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 606. 640 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 634 in the housing 602, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 764 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 608a is provided. The medal payout device 764 includes a medal storage unit 764a for storing medals, a payout control unit 764b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 764a from the medal discharge port 608a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 608a. And a payout medal detection unit 764c. Specifically, the payout control unit 764b is rotatably supported on the main body exterior of the payout control unit 764b, and has a plurality of medal insertion holes in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 764a are inserted one by one from above. And a disk motor (not shown) for rotating the disk. The medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are rotated one by one through the pushing mechanism. The medals are continuously discharged one by one by discharging them to the outside and sequentially inserting the next medals into the medallion insertion holes vacated by the discharge.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, among the symbols provided on the left reel 634 a, the middle reel 634 b, and the right reel 634 c, a symbol display window is provided inside each rotary reel 634 a, 634 b, 634 c. Reel backlight 644 that irradiates the upper, middle and lower symbols of each rotary reel 634a, 634b and 634c independently from the back surface corresponding to 636 (which may be the target of an effective line which is a payout target line) (See FIG. 11). In addition, a reel upper light 646 that directly irradiates the front of all of the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c is also provided on the upper rear surface of the symbol display window 636.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the operation unit installation base 622, a main credit display unit 652 and a main payout display unit are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of the step unit 622 a provided between the symbol display window 636 and the stop switch 630. 654 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display unit 656 and a sub-payout display unit 658 are provided between the symbol display window 636 and the operation unit installation base 622. The main credit display unit 652 and the sub-credit display unit 656 display the number of credits, and the main pay-out display unit 654 and the sub-payout display unit 658 display the number of medals paid out. Note that the sub-credit display unit 656 and the sub-payout display unit 658 can also display various numerical values associated with effects.

  A power switch 648 is provided at an arbitrary position in the housing 602. The power switch 648 includes a switch that can detect a pressing operation, such as a rocker switch, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 600 to switch between two states of a power-off state and a power-on state. Used.

  In the present embodiment, in the one game, the medal insertion through the medal insertion unit 624, the insertion of a credited medal through the operation of the bet switch 626, or the replay combination is displayed on the active line. In response to the player's operation of the start switch 628, which is a predetermined opportunity after one of the automatic insertions of medals based on the game, the rotation reels 634a, 634b, 634c are controlled to rotate and the winning combination The lottery is executed, and the reels 634a, 634b corresponding to the operated stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c according to the lottery result of the winning combination lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c by the player. , 634c are controlled to stop, and medals are paid out. If you prize to the winning combination to get, say a game until payout of the medals are executed. Further, when the winning combination that can receive a medal is not won or when the winning combination is not won, one game is ended when all of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, and 634c are stopped. However, the start of one game may be read as an operation of the start switch 628 by the player, instead of inserting the medal or winning the replay role. In addition, the number of such one game repeated is the number of games.

(Electrical configuration of slot machine 600)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 600. As shown in FIG. 11, the slot machine 600 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of the control board, the main control board 700 and the sub control board 702 that share the functions of the control board will be described. For example, among the programs related to the progress of the game, a particularly important process such as a lottery for winning a role to be used for a game or winning the prize is executed on the main control board 700, and other processes related to effects, for example, are performed on the sub-control board 702. Running in. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, electrical signal transmission between the main control board 700 and the sub control board 702 is performed from the main control board 700 to the sub control board 702 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. Limited to direction only. However, if there is no such limitation, two-way electrical communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 700)
The main control board 700 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 700a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 700b that stores programs, a main RAM 700c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 600. To do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 700c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is not erased unless the setting is changed and the initialization process of the main RAM 700c is executed. Retained.

  The main control board 700 functions by the main CPU 700a cooperating with the main RAM 700c based on a program stored in the main ROM 700b. The initialization means 800, the betting means 802, the winning combination lottery means 804, and the reel control means. 806, a determination unit 808, a payout control unit 810, a state transition unit 812, a command determination unit 814, a command transmission unit 816, and the like.

  The initialization unit 800 executes an initialization process in the main control board 700. The betting means 802 bets medals for use in games. Here, the bet is based on the case where a medal credited through the operation of the bet switch 626 is inserted, the case where a medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 624, and the fact that the replay combination is displayed on the active line. Including any of the cases of automatically feeding The winning combination lottery means 804 is based on a bet of medals and an operation of the start switch 628 as a predetermined opportunity, and a plurality of types of winning combinations including a small combination, a replay combination, and a bonus combination as game profits, and , One of the losers is determined by lottery. Here, the operation of the start switch 628 is given as a predetermined opportunity. For example, as a game profit advantageous to the player, a lottery for giving a bonus game based on the winning of the bonus role is performed. For example, various game profits can be applied, and the game profits can be drawn on the basis of various opportunities.

  The reel control means 806 controls the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c in accordance with the operation of the start switch 628, and a plurality of stop button switches 630a respectively corresponding to the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c. , 630b, 630c, the stop reel switches 634a, 634b, 634c corresponding to the operated stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c are controlled to stop. In addition, the reel control means 806 activates the operation of the stop switch 630 in the previous game according to the operation of the start switch 628 and then displays the lottery result of the winning combination lottery by the player. The time until the operation is validated (invalidated by the completion of the operation of the stop switch 630 in the previous game) is extended from the specified time, and the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c are rotated in various manners during that time. A reel effect (freeze effect) may be performed. In reel production, any switch that should be originally enabled is not enabled for a predetermined time, processing that should be originally executed is suspended for a predetermined time, or a signal of any switch that should be originally transmitted / received is transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can be realized by not having.

  The determination unit 808 determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. Here, displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery on the active line may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control means 810 pays out medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line (winned). . The state transition means 812 transitions the gaming state based on winning of a bonus combination or winning.

  The command determining means 814 sequentially determines commands relating to the game in accordance with the operations of the betting means 802, winning combination lottery means 804, reel control means 806, determination means 808, payout control means 810, state transition means 812, and the like. The command transmission unit 816 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination unit 814 to the sub control board 702.

  The main control board 700 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection unit 624b, the bet switch 626, the start switch 628, and the stop switch 630, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 802 and the winning combination lottery means. A reel control unit 806 and a determination unit 808 execute the various processes described above. A main credit display unit 652 and a main payout display unit 654 are connected to the main control board 700, and the payout control unit 810 displays the number of medals credits and the number of payouts on both the display units 652 and 654. Control.

  Further, a reel drive control unit 758 is connected to the main control board 700. The reel drive control unit 758 drives the stepping motor 762 based on the rotation start signal of each of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c transmitted from the reel control means 806 according to the operation signal of the start switch 628, and stops. The stepping motor 762 is driven based on the stop signal of the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 760, which are transmitted from the reel control means 806 according to the operation signal of the switch 630. To stop.

  In addition, a medal payout device 764 is connected to the main control board 700. A detection signal from the payout medal detection unit 764c is input to the main control board 700, and the payout control means 810 counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, from the payout control unit 764b. Control the discharge of medals.

  The main control board 700 is provided with a random number generator 700d. The random number generator 700d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536) (0 to 65535), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. The random number generated by the random number generator 700d of the main control board 700 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used for the game profit given to the player, for example, the winning combination lottery means 804 to execute the winning combination lottery. It is done.

(Sub-control board 702)
Similarly to the main control board 700, the sub control board 702 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 702a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 702b that stores programs, a sub RAM 702c that functions as a work area, and the like. Based on the command from the main control board 700, the effect is controlled. Similarly to the main RAM 700c, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 702c, and data is retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. The sub-control board 702 is also provided with a random number generator 702d like the main control board 700, and random numbers generated by the random number generator 702d (hereinafter referred to as production lottery random numbers) mainly have the aspect of production. Used to determine.

  Further, the sub control board 702 functions as a result of the sub CPU 702a cooperating with the sub RAM 702c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 702b, such as an initialization determining unit 830, a command receiving unit 832, an effect control unit 834, and the like. It has a functional part.

  The initialization determining unit 830 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 702. The command receiving unit 832 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 700 and performs processing on the command. The effect control means 834 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 632 and determines the effects of the game performed in each effect device of the liquid crystal display unit 638, the speaker 640, and the effect lamp 642 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control means 834 includes image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 638, an effect lamp 642, a reel backlight 644, a reel upper light 646, a sub credit display unit 656, a sub payout display unit 658, and the like. In addition to determining the illumination data for presentation through the illumination device, the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 640 is determined. Then, the effect control means 834 executes the determined game effect.

  The effects include an effect executed by the main control board 700 such as the reel effect described above and an effect executed by the sub-control board 702. The effects executed by the sub-control board 702 are the liquid crystal display unit 638, the speaker 640, the effect lamp 642, the reel backlight 644, the reel upper light 646, the sub credit display unit 656, and the sub payout display unit as the game progresses. Visual and auditory expression means provided through 658 and the like, which can give a story to the game and can suggest the result of the winning lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting winning of a bonus game can be performed over a plurality of games, and the player's expectation can be enhanced. In addition, even if you have not won any of the winning roles, you can make the player have a high expectation of high dividends through the production as if the player is also winning, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes possible.

  The normality determination unit 334, the process transition unit 336, the state holding unit 350, and the state determination unit 352 described above function in the sub-control board 702 also in the slot machine 600.

330, 702 Sub control board 330a, 702a Sub CPU (CPU)
330b, 702b Sub ROM
330c, 702c Sub RAM
334 Normality determination unit 336 Processing transition unit 340a Image IC (device)
350 state holding unit 352 state determining unit

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that performs a lottery to give a gaming profit advantageous to a player based on a predetermined opportunity, advances a game according to the lottery result, and executes an effect as the game progresses,
A CPU for determining data associated with the production;
A device for executing the effect based on the determined data;
With
The device is
A state holding unit for holding the state of the device itself;
It is determined whether or not the device itself is operating normally, and if it is normal, a state determination unit that holds a normal identifier that is an identifier indicating that the state holding unit is normal, and
With
The CPU
A normality determining unit that determines whether or not the normal identifier is held in the state holding unit;
When it is determined that the normal identifier is held in the state holding unit, a process transfer unit that shifts to a process that assumes that the device is normal;
A gaming machine comprising: A WDT that outputs an initialization signal to the CPU when a reset signal is not received for a predetermined time;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the CPU outputs the reset signal to the WDT when the process shift unit shifts to a process based on the assumption that the device is normal.

Images