JP2019213982A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of optimizing a configuration for storing information in advance.SOLUTION: A sub MPU 82 of a sound light control board 81 determines a presentation content for a prescribed period on the basis of a command from a main control device, and performs light emission controls corresponding to the content to various kinds of light emission parts 44a to 44k. Also, the sub MPU 82 performs, according to the determined presentation content, a sound output instruction to a sound output LSI 86, and causes the sound output LSI 86 to control an output control of sound from a speaker part 45. In this case, the light emission data is also stored in a common ROM 87 for storing sound data in advance. And in the sound output LSI 86, the light emission data is read between interval time for reading the sound data by time sharing, and the light emission data thus read is transmitted to the sub MPU 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. These gaming machines include a general-purpose control element such as a CPU and a read-only storage element such as a ROM, and a series of processing is performed by the general-purpose control element according to a program read from the read-only storage element. The game is being controlled. It is also known that a general-purpose control element, a read-only storage element, and the like are integrated into one chip.

  In the above-mentioned gaming machine, in order to reduce the processing load on one general-purpose control element, a configuration including a general-purpose control element separately or a configuration including a dedicated control element provided as a dedicated circuit for executing a predetermined process is also available. It is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-58366A

  Here, in a gaming machine such as the example described above, it is necessary to optimize the configuration for storing information in advance, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of optimizing a configuration in which information is stored in advance.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a first control unit that executes a first control using first control information that is at least one of a program and data;
A second control unit that executes the second control using information for the second control, which is at least one of a program and data;
A specific route used when communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means,
Information storage means for storing at least a part of the first control information in advance;
Transfer execution means for transmitting the first control information stored in the information storage means to the first control means via the specific path;
With
The information storage means is electrically connected to the second control means,
The second control means includes
Said transfer execution means,
Read storage means for storing information read from the information storage means,
An operation control unit configured to control an operation of a predetermined device by using the information for the second control as the second control;
With
The transfer execution unit transmits the information read from the information storage unit and stored in the read storage unit to the first control unit through the specific path, so that the information stored in the information storage unit is (1) transmitting information for control to the first control means;
The information for the second control is stored in the information storage means,
The operation control means can control the operation of the predetermined device even during a period in which the transfer control means transfers the first control information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize a configuration in which information is stored in advance.

It is a front view showing the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success or failure lottery. 5 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed by a main MPU. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process executed by a main MPU. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure concerning execution control of an effect. (A) is an explanatory view for explaining the data structure of the direct ROM, and (b) is an explanatory view for explaining the data structure of the common ROM. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a sound waveform by an analog signal, and (b) is a diagram showing the waveform by a digital signal. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for describing a configuration of a register provided in a sound output LSI. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control processing performed by a sub MPU. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for transferring light emission data executed by a sub MPU. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a sound data processing unit provided in the sound output LSI. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a data transfer unit provided in the sound output LSI. FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining how light emission data stored in a common ROM is transferred to a sub-MPU. (A) is a timing chart for explaining the relationship between the transfer timing of the sound data and the transfer timing of the emission data in the first embodiment, and (B) is the transfer timing of the sound data in the second embodiment. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the relationship with the transfer timing of light emission data.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a type of gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine body 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. . The gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame (not shown), a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame, and a back pack unit (not shown) arranged behind the inner frame.

  An inner frame of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the left and right side portions serving as a support side. Further, the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame, and can be rotated forward by using one of the left and right side portions as a support side. Further, the back pack unit is rotatably supported by the inner frame, and can be rotated backward with one of the left and right side portions as a support side.

  Note that the gaming machine body 12 is provided with a locking device (not shown) at its rotating tip, and has a function of locking the gaming machine body 12 to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. In addition, the front door frame 14 has a function of locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame so as not to be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 17 provided exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlocking key.

  A game board 20 is mounted on the inner frame. The game board 20 has a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 21, a variable winning device 22, an upper operating port 23, a lower operating port 24, a through gate 25, a variable display unit 26, a main display unit 33, an accessory display unit 34, and the like. ing.

  When a ball enters the general winning port 21, the variable winning device 22, the upper operating port 23, and the lower operating port 24, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) disposed on the back side of the game board 20, Based on the detection result, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In addition, an out port 27 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 20, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 27. The game board 20 is provided with a large number of nails 28 and various members such as a windmill in order to disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls as appropriate.

  Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and is not only a mode of being discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but is discharged from the game area after passing through the opening. Embodiments that are not included are also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 27, the game ball enters the variable winning device 22, the upper operating port 23, the lower operating port 24 or the through gate 25. Is also expressed as a prize.

  The upper operating port 23 and the lower operating port 24 are unitized as operating port devices and are installed in the game board 20. Both the upper working port 23 and the lower working port 24 are opened upward. Further, both the operation ports 23 and 24 are arranged in the vertical direction so that the upper operation port 23 is on the upper side. The lower working port 24 is provided with an electric accessory 24a as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. In the closed state (non-supported state or non-guided state) of the electric accessory 24a, the game ball cannot win the lower operating port 24, and the electric operating member 24a is in the open state (supported state or guide state). It is possible to win 24.

  The variable winning device 22 includes a large winning opening 22a that leads to the back side of the game board 20, and an open / close door 22b that opens and closes the large winning opening 22a. The open / close door 22b is normally in a closed state where a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and a predetermined game ball is likely to win when winning the opening / closing execution mode (open / close execution state) in the internal lottery. It can be switched to the open state. Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a big win is won. As a release mode of the variable winning device 22, the variable winning device 22 is repeatedly opened with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. There is an embodiment.

  The main display section 33 and the accessory display section 34 are provided on the lower side of the game area. In the main display unit 33, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the winning to the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24 is achieved. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the display is clearly shown. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, the winning to the upper working port 23 and the winning to the lower working port 24 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and are performed based on the winning to the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24. The result of the internal lottery is displayed on the main display section 33 which is a common display area. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the main display unit 33. After the display and the change display are stopped, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode.

  The main display unit 33 is configured by a segment display in which a plurality of segment light emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner. However, the main display unit 33 is not limited to this, and a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, You may be comprised by other types of display apparatuses, such as CRT and a dot matrix. In addition, as a pattern that is variably displayed on the main display unit 33, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, or a plurality A configuration in which the color of the seed is switched and displayed can be considered.

  The accessory display unit 34 displays a variation of the picture triggered by a winning to the through gate 25, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning to the through gate 25 as a result of stopping the variation display. Explicit by display. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 25 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric role open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display unit 34 and displayed in a variable manner. After is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 24a provided in the lower working port 24 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  The variable display unit 26 is provided with a symbol display device 31 that performs variable display (or variable display or switching display) of a symbol that is a kind of symbol. The variable display unit 26 is provided with a center frame 32 so as to surround the symbol display device 31. The center frame 32 has an upper portion extending forward of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, the game balls are prevented from falling in front of the display screen G of the symbol display device 31, and the inconvenience such that the visibility of the display screen G is reduced due to the fall of the game balls does not occur. ing.

  The symbol display device 31 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. The symbol display device 31 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

  In the symbol display device 31, the variation display of the symbol is started based on the winning in the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24. That is, when variable display is performed on the main display unit 33, variable display is performed on the symbol display device 31 accordingly. For example, in the game times in which the game result is a jackpot result, the symbol display device 31 stops and displays a predetermined combination of symbols on a preset active line.

  In addition, the mode of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol display device 31 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of the symbol variable display in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed. Also, the pattern that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 31 is not limited to the above-described pattern. For example, only a numeral may be variably displayed as the pattern.

  In addition, based on the winning of any one of the operating ports 23 and 24, the main display unit 33 and the symbol display device 31 start the variable display, display a predetermined stop result, and stop the variable display. It corresponds to one game time.

  In the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 32, a first holding light emitting portion (first holding lamp portion) 35 corresponding to the main display portion 33 and the symbol display device 31 is provided. The maximum number of game balls won in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 is reserved up to four, and the reserved number is displayed when the first holding light emitting unit 35 is turned on.

  In the upper right portion of the center frame 32, a second reserved light emitting unit (second reserved lamp unit) 36 corresponding to the accessory display unit 34 is provided. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 25 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of held balls is displayed by turning on the second holding light emitting unit 36. In addition, it is good also as a structure by which the function of each holding | maintenance light emission parts 35 and 36 is fulfilled by the display in the one part area | region of the symbol display apparatus 31. FIG.

  A rail portion 37 is attached to the game board 20, and a guide rail is constituted by the rail portion 37, and the game board 20 is fired from a game ball launching mechanism (not shown) mounted below the game board 20 in the inner frame. A game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area. In the game ball launching mechanism, a launch operation of a game ball is performed by operating a launch handle 41 provided on the front door frame 14 as a launch operation means.

  A front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame. The front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 42 so that almost the entire game area can be visually recognized from the front. The window part 42 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a window panel (not shown) is fitted therein. The window panel is made colorless and transparent with glass, but is not limited thereto, and may be made colorless and transparent with synthetic resin.

  A plurality of light emitting means are provided around the window 42. Specifically, light-emitting portions 44a to 44c are provided above the window portion 42 at a central portion in the horizontal direction, at both left and right sides, and at left and right corners. In addition, a plurality of light emitting units 44d to 44k are provided even from the left and right sides of the window 42 to below. Each of the light-emitting portions 44a to 44k includes a light-emitting substrate on which a light-emitting body such as an LED is mounted, and a light-emitting cover that forms the surface of the front door frame 14 and is provided on the front side in the light irradiation direction of the corresponding light-emitting body. Since the light-emitting cover is formed so as to transmit light, light emitted from the light-emitting body can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Further, as each illuminant, one that can emit light of a plurality of colors is used, but one that emits light of a single color may be used.

  Around the window 42, in addition to the light emitting units 44a to 44k, a speaker unit 45 for outputting sound (including sound) such as a melody corresponding to the effect and a sound effect corresponding to the game state. Is provided. The speaker unit 45 is provided one at each corner on the upper side of the front door frame 14, but is not limited to this, and is provided on the lower side of the front door frame 14 or on the outer frame 11 side. May be. Each speaker unit 45 includes a speaker device serving as a sound output unit (or an audible sound output unit), a speaker cover that forms a surface of the front door frame 14 and is provided on a sound output destination side of the corresponding speaker device, And the speaker cover is formed so that sound can be transmitted to the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  Below the window portion 42 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 46 and a lower bulging portion 47 that bulge to the near side are provided in parallel. An upper pan 46 a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 46, and a lower pan 47 a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 47. The upper plate 46a has a function of temporarily storing the game balls dispensed from the dispensing device provided in the back pack unit, and guiding the game balls to the game ball firing mechanism side while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 47a has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 46a. The game balls paid out from the payout device mounted on the back pack unit are discharged to the upper plate 46a and the lower plate 47a.

  On the rear side of the inner frame, a main controller, a sound light controller, and a display controller are mounted. As described above, a back pack unit is provided on the back of the inner frame. The back pack unit includes a payout mechanism including a payout device, a payout control device, a power supply and a firing control device. It is installed. Hereinafter, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 50 includes a main control board 51 for controlling a main game, and a power failure monitoring board (power interruption monitoring board) 55 for monitoring a power supply. The main control board 51 has a main MPU 52 mounted thereon. The main MPU 52 incorporates a ROM 53 and an RWM 54 in addition to a CPU which is a central processing unit including a control unit and an operation unit.

  The ROM 53 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory that does not require external power supply for storage and storage (that is, a nonvolatile storage unit). The ROM 53 stores various control programs executed by the main MPU 52 and fixed value data.

  The RWM 54 is configured to use a memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM that requires an external power supply for storage retention (that is, a volatile storage unit) for both reading and writing. When compared with the data capacity of the ROM 53, the time required for reading is shorter than that of the ROM 53. The RWM 54 temporarily stores various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 53 is executed.

  The main MPU 52 or the main control board 51 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like, in addition to the above elements. It is not essential that the ROM 53 and the RWM 54 be integrated into a single chip with respect to the main MPU 52, and each may be configured as an individual chip.

  The main MPU 52 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the main MPU 52 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 55, a payout control device 61, various winning detection sensors 56a to 56h, and the like. A power supply and a launch control device 63 are connected to the power failure monitoring board 55, and power is supplied to the main MPU 52 via the power failure monitoring board 55. Further, based on the detection results of the various prize detection sensors 56a to 56h, the main MPU 52 performs a prize determination for each sphere (a sphere determination). In addition, the main MPU 52 executes a jackpot lottery based on a winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24, and executes a support lottery based on a winning in the through gate 25.

  The output side of the main MPU 52 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 55, the payout control device 61, and the sound / light control device 71. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 61 based on the result of the prize determination for the above-mentioned ball entry section. Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, a final stop command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the sound light control device 71.

  Also, on the output side of the main MPU 52, a variable winning drive unit 57 for opening and closing the opening / closing door 22b of the variable winning device 22, an accessory driving unit 58 for opening and closing the electric accessory 24a of the lower operating port 24, a main display unit 33 and an accessory display unit 34 are connected. The main control board 51 is provided with various driver circuits, and the main MPU 52 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits. Although not shown, the main MPU 52 also controls the light emission of the first and second reserved light emitting units 35 and 36.

  The power failure monitoring board 55 relays between the main control board 51 and the power supply and the firing control device 63, and monitors the DC stable 24V voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and the firing control device 63. The payout control device 61 controls the payout of the prize ball or the loaned ball by the payout device 62 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 50.

  The power supply and the launch control device 63 are connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the operating power required for each of the main control board 51 and the payout control device 61 is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. I do. The power supply and launch control device 63 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launch mechanism 64 and drives the game ball launch mechanism 64 based on the fact that a predetermined launch operation on the launch handle 41 has been specified.

  The sound light control device 71 drives and controls the light emitting units 44 a to 44 k and the speaker unit 45 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 50, and controls the display control device 72. Things. The display control device 72 executes display control of the symbol display device 31 based on a command input from the sound light control device 71.

<Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 52>
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 52 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main MPU 52 uses the various counter information during the game to perform a jackpot occurrence lottery, set the display on the main display unit 33, set the symbol display on the symbol display device 31, set the display on the accessory display unit 34, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery of the jackpot occurrence, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 31 are displaced and changed. Random number counter C3 used for reach generation lottery at the time, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, and variation type for determining display continuation time in main display unit 33 and symbol display device 31 And a counter CS. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 is in the electric utility open state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the lottery counter area 54a of the RWM 54.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. The information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the holding storage area 54b as the acquired information storage means when a prize occurs in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. Is done.

  The hold storage area 54b includes a hold area RE and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first holding area RE1, a second holding area RE2, a third holding area RE3, and a fourth holding area RE4, and matches the winning history to the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. , The numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in any of the holding areas RE1 to RE4 as holding information.

  In this case, in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4, when the winning to the upper operation port 23 or the lower operation port 24 is continuously generated a plurality of times, the first reservation area RE1 → the second reservation area. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third reserved area RE3 → fourth reserved area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 as described above, up to four game balls winning histories to the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 are stored on hold.

  Note that the number that can be reserved and stored is not limited to four, but may be any other number such as two, three, or five or more.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display on the main display unit 33, and at the start of one game round. Based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE, determination of whether or not is made is performed.

  Each of the counters will be described in detail.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be added one by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 599, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically, and is stored in the hold storage area 54b at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a success / failure table (a success / failure information group) in a success / failure table storage area as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 53. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode (low probability success / failure information group) and a high probability mode's success / failure table (high probability success / failure information group) are set. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the low-probability mode winning / failing table is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers for winning the big hit is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers that win the jackpot is 20. If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number of random numbers to be won is arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured so that 1 is added in order within a range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically, and is stored in the hold storage area 54b at the timing when the game ball has won the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are: (1) the mode of opening / closing control of the variable winning device 22 in the opening / closing execution mode, (2) the lottery mode in the winning lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and (3) the bottom after the opening / closing execution mode ends. A plurality of jackpot results are set by providing a difference in the three conditions of the support mode in the electric accessory 24a of the operating port 24.

  As an aspect of the opening / closing control of the variable winning device 22 in the opening / closing execution mode, the variable winning device 22 can be controlled so that the frequency of occurrence of winnings in the variable winning device 22 is relatively high from the start to the end of the opening / closing execution mode. A frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode are set. Specifically, in any of the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, the game is executed with a predetermined number of round games as an upper limit.

  Here, the round game is one of the conditions that a predetermined upper limit duration time (upper limit duration time) elapses and that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls win the large winning opening 22a. Is a game that continues until is satisfied. In addition, the number of round games in the opening / closing execution mode triggered by the jackpot result is the same for a fixed number of rounds regardless of the type of jackpot result triggered by the transition. Specifically, the upper limit number of round games is set to 15 rounds (15R) in any case of the jackpot result.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 10, one opening mode of the variable prize winning device 22 is set by setting a plurality of types of opening continuation time (opening continuation period) from opening of the special winning opening 22a to closing thereof. Have been. More specifically, a long-time mode (long-term mode) in which the open duration is set to 29 seconds, which is a long time, and a short time in which the open duration is set to 0.06 seconds, which is a short time shorter than the long time Mode (short-term mode) is set.

  In the present pachinko machine 10, when the firing handle 41 is operated by the player, the game ball firing mechanism 64 is drive-controlled so that one game ball is fired toward the game area in 0.6 seconds. . In the round game, the upper limit number of end conditions is set to nine. Then, in the long time mode among the above open modes, the open duration time is set longer than the product of the game ball firing cycle and one round game. On the other hand, in the short-time mode, an opening duration time is set that is shorter than the product of the game ball launch cycle and one round game, more specifically, shorter than the game ball launch cycle. Therefore, when the variable prize device 22 is opened once in a long time mode, it is expected that prizes corresponding to the upper limit number in one round game will be generated in the large winning opening 22a, When the variable prize device 22 is opened once in a short time mode, it is expected that no prize will be generated in the special winning opening 22a, or even if a prize is generated, the number will be about one.

  In the high frequency winning mode, the large winning port 22a is opened once in a long time mode in each round game. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the opening of the special winning opening 22a in a short time mode is performed once in each round game.

  The number of times the large winning opening 22a is opened and closed in the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, the number of round games, the opening duration for one opening, and the upper limit number in one round game are set in the high frequency winning mode. Is not limited to the above value as long as the frequency of winning in the variable winning device 22 during the period from the start of the opening / closing execution mode to the end thereof is higher than that in the low frequency winning mode. It is.

  As the support mode of the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24, when compared in a situation where the launch of the game ball is continued in the same manner with respect to the game area, the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 is High-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) and low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) so that the frequency of the open state per unit time is relatively high and low. Is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the power combination open state in the electric combination release lottery using the electric combination release counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric utility item 24a is opened is set more frequently than in the low frequency support mode. The time is set longer. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is selected and the open state of the electric accessory 24a occurs a plurality of times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state is started The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, a shorter time is secured as a minimum secured time after the next electric character opening lottery is performed after the electric character object opening lottery is performed than in the low frequency support mode. Is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, there is a higher probability of winning a prize to the lower working port 24 than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability that a prize will be generated in the upper operating port 23 than in the lower operating port 24, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operating port 24 is connected to the lower operating port 24. The probability of winning a prize increases. When a prize is awarded to the lower operating port 24, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of possessed balls so much. be able to.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency at which the high frequency support mode is set to the power release state per unit time as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration, for example, the electric component release lottery It is good also as a structure which makes high the probability that it will be elected in the electric character open state in. In addition, a secured time (for example, on the display part 34 based on a winning to the through gate 25) secured after the next electrification opening lottery is performed after the first electrification opening lottery is performed. In the configuration in which multiple types of variable display time) are prepared, the short support time is more easily selected in the high frequency support mode or the average secure time is shorter than in the low frequency support mode. May be. Further, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is lengthened, and the secured time that is secured when the next electric winning combination opening lottery is performed after the first electric winning combination releasing lottery is shortened (that is, In this case, one condition or any combination of conditions is applied among shortening the average time of the reserved time and increasing the winning probability. Thus, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be increased.

  The game result distribution destination for the big hit type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area as a distribution information group storage means in the ROM 53. Then, as the distribution destinations, a low-probability jackpot result (low-probability special game result), a low winning high-probability jackpot result (explicit high-probability corresponding game result or a result of a sudden probability change state), and a most advantageous jackpot result ( High probability corresponding special game result) is set.

  The low-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift.

  The low-winning, high-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. is there. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode are continued until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery becomes a big hit state win and shifts to the big win state by that.

  The most advantageous jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / raising lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode are continued until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery becomes a big hit state win and shifts to the big win state by that.

  Note that the normal game state in relation to each of the above game states is not the open / close execution mode, but also a state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low frequency support mode. Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the low prize-winning high probability hit result is not set as a game result.

  In the distribution table, among the values of the big hit type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the low probability big hit result, and “10 to 14” corresponds to the low winning high probability big hit result. “15 to 29” corresponds to the most favorable jackpot result.

  In addition, as a kind of the high-accuracy jackpot result, the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / rejecting lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, and the support mode is maintained in the previous mode. An unspecified low winning high-probability jackpot result (a non-explicit high-probability corresponding game result or a result of a latent probability change state) may be included. In this case, the jackpot results are further diversified.

  Furthermore, as a kind of losing result in the winning / losing lottery, there may be included a special losing result that shifts to the opening / closing execution mode of the low-frequency winning mode and that does not shift to the winning / losing lottery mode and the support mode after the completion. . In a configuration in which both the unspecified low winning award winning jackpot result and the special outlier are set as described above, the opening / closing execution mode shifts to the low frequency winning mode, and the support mode changes to the previous mode. While it is common that the mode is maintained in the mode, the transition mode of the winning / rejecting lottery mode is different, for example, in the normal gaming state, one of the unspecified low winning prize winning jackpot result or the special off result is When this occurs, it becomes possible for the player to predict which result it actually corresponds to.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically, and is stored in the hold storage area 54b at the timing when the game ball has won the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  Here, the reach display is set in the pachinko machine 10 as a kind of display effect on the symbol display device 31. The reach display includes a symbol display device 31 capable of performing a variable display (or a variable display) of a symbol (picture), and a variable display in a game time in which the open / close execution mode of the variable prize device 22 is a high-frequency prize mode. In a gaming machine in which the later stop display result is a special display result, the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 31 is started and before the stop display result is derived and displayed, This is a display state for causing the player to think that the display state is a variable display state that is likely to be a special display result.

  In the reach display, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is obtained by stopping and displaying symbols for some of the symbol sequences displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device 31. A display state is displayed in which combinations of reach symbols that may be established are displayed, and in that state, symbols in the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol columns, and a reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image. In addition, there are those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  The reach display is executed irrespective of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game cycle in which the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode that is the high-frequency winning mode. In the game times that do not shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the reach random number counter C3 obtained at a predetermined timing is referred to the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 53 in response to the occurrence of the reach display. It is executed when

  The variation type counter CS is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used by the main MPU 52 to determine the variation display time (display duration) on the main display unit 33 and the symbol variation display time (display duration) on the symbol display device 31. The variation type counter CS is updated in each of a main process and a timer interrupt process, which will be described later. The variation type counter CS is used to determine a variation pattern when the variation display is started on the main display unit 33 and when the symbol display device 31 starts changing the symbol. The value of CS is obtained. In determining the variable display time, the variable display time table (variable display time information group) stored in advance in the variable display time table storage area (variable display time information storage means) of the ROM 53 is referred to.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is, for example, configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 250 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The electric accessory open counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric utility holding area 54c provided in the RWM 54 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 25. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 24a to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4.

<Regarding Various Processes Executed by Main MPU 52>
Next, each processing executed to advance the game in the main MPU 52 will be described. The processing of the main MPU 52 is roughly classified into a main processing started upon power-on and a timer interrupt processing started periodically.

<Main processing>
First, the main processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, power-on wait processing is executed. In the power-on wait process, for example, the process waits for one second after the main process is started without proceeding to the next process. In the following step S102, the access of the RWM 54 is permitted, and the internal function register of the main MPU 52 is set in step S103.

  Then, in a step S104, it is determined whether or not the power supply and the RWM erasure switch provided in the firing control device 63 are manually operated. In a succeeding step S105, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag of the RWM 54 is set to “1”. Is determined. In step S106, a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum is executed. In subsequent step S107, whether or not the checksum matches the checksum stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is checked. judge.

  In the pachinko machine 10, when the RWM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the game hall is opened, the power is turned on while pressing the RWM erase switch. Therefore, if the RWM erasure switch has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S108. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the checksum, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the RWM 54 is cleared as initialization of the RWM 54. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  On the other hand, if the RWM erasure switch has not been pressed, step S109 is performed without executing step S108 on condition that the power failure flag is set to “1” and the checksum is normal. Proceed to. In step S109, a power-on setting process is executed. In the power-on setting processing, a predetermined area of the RWM 54 such as initialization of a power failure flag is set to an initial value, and a command corresponding to the current game state is transmitted to the sound light control device 71 to recognize the current game state. I do. In addition, a payout initialization command indicating that the RWM of the payout control device 61 should be initialized is transmitted to the payout control device 61. Further, an interrupt permission setting is performed to permit the occurrence of the timer interrupt processing.

  Then, it progresses to the residual process of step S110-step S113. That is, the main MPU 52 is configured to periodically execute the timer interrupt process, but a remaining time is generated between one timer interrupt process and the next timer interrupt process. The remaining time varies depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt process, but the remaining processes in steps S110 to S113 are repeatedly executed using such irregular time. In this regard, it can be said that the remaining processes in steps S110 to S113 are non-periodic processes that are performed irregularly.

  In the remaining process, first, in step S110, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit occurrence of the timer interrupt process. In the following step S111, a random number initial value updating process for updating the random number initial value counter CINI is executed, and in step S112, a variation counter updating process for updating the variation type counter is executed. In these updating processes, the current numerical information is read from the corresponding counter of the RWM 54, a process of adding 1 to the read numerical information is executed, and then a process of overwriting the counter of the read source is executed. In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value. Thereafter, in step S113, an interrupt permission setting for switching from a state in which the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited to a state in which the timer interrupt process is permitted is performed. If the process of step S113 is performed, it will return to step S110 and will repeat the process of step S110-step S113.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a hardware configuration for periodically executing the timer interrupt process in the main MPU 52 will be described. The main control board 51 is provided with a clock circuit as a pulse signal output means for outputting a pulse signal at a predetermined cycle. Further, the frequency is divided so that the clock circuit is located at an intermediate position in a signal path between the clock circuit and the main MPU 52. A circuit is provided.

  The frequency dividing circuit functions as frequency changing means for changing the cycle of the pulse signal from the clock circuit, and is configured to output a pulse signal for specifying the start timing of the timer interrupt processing by the main MPU 52. That is, a pulse signal is supplied from the frequency dividing circuit to the main MPU 52 at intervals of a specific period of 4 msec. The main MPU 52 executes a process of confirming the occurrence of a specific signal form such as the rising or falling of the pulse signal, and starts a timer interrupt process under the condition that the occurrence of the specific signal form has been confirmed at least as one condition. Execute.

  In this case, when the occurrence of the specific signal form is confirmed in the situation where the start of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, the timer is changed when the interrupt is permitted from the state where the interrupt is prohibited. Interrupt processing is started. In other words, depending on the execution status of the process in the main MPU 52, the next timer interrupt process may be started 4.1 msec after the previous timer interrupt process was started. Is started 3.9 msec after the immediately preceding timer interrupt process is started.

  However, since the output of the pulse signal from the frequency dividing circuit is performed at a specific cycle such as 4 msec regardless of the progress of the processing in the main MPU 52, the timer interrupt processing is basically started at a specific cycle. Furthermore, the processing configuration of the main MPU 52 is such that even if the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined timing is started after a period exceeding a specific period has elapsed since the previous timer interrupt processing was started, the processing following the predetermined timing is performed. The timer interrupt processing at the timing absorbs the amount exceeding the specific period, and the timer interrupt processing at the next timing is set to be started at the timing when the input of the pulse signal is confirmed.

  In the timer interruption process, first, a power failure information storage process is executed in step S201. In the power failure information storage processing, it is monitored whether or not a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of the power interruption has been received from the power failure monitoring board 55, and when the occurrence of the power failure is identified, the power failure processing is executed.

  In subsequent step S202, a lottery random number update process is executed. In the random number update process for lottery, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, after performing the processing of sequentially reading the current numerical information from the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4, and adding one to each of the read numerical information, Then, a process of overwriting the read source counter is executed. In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value.

  Thereafter, in step S203, the random number initial value update process is executed in the same manner as in step S111, and in step S204, the variation counter update process is executed in the same manner as in step S112. In a succeeding step S205, a game stop determination process is executed. In the game stop determination process, it is monitored whether or not the progress of the game is to be stopped. If the progress of the game is to be stopped, the execution of the process for progressing the game is stopped.

  Thereafter, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the progress of the game is stopped, and the processing after step S207 is executed on the condition that the progress of the game is not stopped.

  In step S207, port output processing is executed. In the port output process, when output information has been set in the previous timer interrupt process, a process for performing output corresponding to the output information to the various driving units 57 and 58 is executed. For example, when the information for switching the special winning opening 22a to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the variable winning drive unit 57 is started, and when the information for switching to the closed state is set, The output of the drive signal is stopped. When the information to switch the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the accessory drive unit 58 is started, and the information to switch to the closed state is set. If so, the output of the drive signal is stopped.

  In a succeeding step S208, a reading process is executed. In the reading process, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in future processing.

  In subsequent step S209, a winning detection process is executed. In the prize detection processing, the signals received from the respective prize detection sensors 56a to 56h are read, and at the same time, the general prize port 21, the large prize port 22a, the upper operation port 23, the lower operation port 24, and the prize to the through gate 25 are determined. Execute the process to specify the presence or absence.

  In a succeeding step S210, a timer updating process for updating numerical information of a plurality of types of timer counters provided in the RWM 54 collectively is executed. In this case, the timer counter that is updated by subtracting the stored numerical information is handled in an integrated manner. However, both the updating of the subtracting timer counter and the updating of the adding timer counter are performed collectively. It is good also as a structure.

  In subsequent step S211, a fraud detection process for monitoring whether or not a predetermined event set as a fraud monitoring target has occurred is executed. In the fraud detection process, the occurrence of a plurality of types of events is monitored, and by confirming that a predetermined event has occurred, the setting for stopping the game is performed in step S205 in the next timer interrupt process, An affirmative determination is made in step S206.

  In the subsequent step S212, a launch control process for controlling the launch of the game ball is executed. In a situation where the firing operation is being performed on the firing handle 41, as described above, one game ball is fired in a predetermined firing cycle of 0.6 sec.

  In the subsequent step S213, as input state monitoring processing, based on the information read in the reading processing in step S208, disconnection confirmation of each of the winning detection sensors 56a to 56h and confirmation of opening of the gaming machine main body 12 and the front door frame 14 are performed. Do.

  In the following step S214, special figure special power control processing for performing execution control of the game times and execution control of the opening / closing execution mode is executed. In the special figure special power control process, when a winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 occurs in a situation where the number of the hold information stored in the hold storage area 54b is less than the upper limit number, at that time, A process of storing the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 as the hold information in the hold storage area 54b in time series is executed. Also, in the special figure special electric control process, whether or not the hold information corresponds to the big win is determined on the condition that the hold information is not stored during the game rotation and the opening / closing execution mode and is stored. If it corresponds to the process and the jackpot winning, a distribution determination process for determining which jackpot result the hold information corresponds to is executed. In addition, in the special figure special power control processing, in addition to the hit / fail judgment processing and the distribution judgment processing, if the hold information does not correspond to the jackpot winning, whether or not the hold information corresponds to the occurrence of reach is determined. In addition to executing the reach determination process for determining, the continuation time selection process for selecting the continuation time of the game times is performed using the numerical information of the variation type counter CS at that time. Then, a variation command including information on the duration according to the result of each of these processes and a type command including information on the game result are transmitted to the sound-light control device 71, and the variation of the pattern on the main display unit 33 is performed. Start the display. As a result, one game round is started, and the effect for the game round is started on the main display unit 33 and the symbol display device 31.

  Also, in the special figure special power control process, it is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the game round during execution of one game round, and if it is the end timing, the display corresponding to the game result is performed. Then, a process for ending the game round is executed. In this case, a final stop command (or confirmation command) indicating that the game round should be ended is transmitted to the sound light control device 71. In the special figure special power control process, when the result of the game times is a result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, a process for starting the opening / closing execution mode is executed. At the start, an opening command indicating that the open / close execution mode is started is transmitted to the sound light control device 71. In the special figure special electric control process, a process for starting each round game and a process for ending each round game are executed. In each of these processes, an open command indicating that the round game is started (or the variable winning device 22 is opened) is transmitted to the sound light control device 71, and the round game is ended (or variable). A closing command indicating that the winning device 22 is in the closed state) is transmitted to the sound-light control device 71. In addition, in the special figure special power control process, when the opening / closing execution mode is to be ended, an ending command indicating the end is transmitted to the sound / light control device 71, and the success / failure lottery mode and the support mode after the opening / closing execution mode are set. Execute the process.

  After executing the special figure special power control processing of step S214 in the timer interrupt processing, the general figure general power control processing is executed in step S215. In the general-purpose general-purpose control process, a process for acquiring the general-purpose side hold information is executed when a winning in the through gate 25 occurs, and the general-purpose side hold information is stored. Then, a release determination is made for the hold information, and a process for performing an effect for ordinary drawing is executed with the release determination as an opportunity. In addition, a process of opening and closing the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 is executed based on the result of the opening determination.

  In the subsequent step S216, based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S214 and S215, output information for reflecting the increase / decrease number of the hold information related to the main display unit 33 in the first hold light emitting unit 35 is set, and The output information for reflecting the increase / decrease number of the hold information related to the accessory display unit 34 on the second hold light emitting unit 36 is set. In step S216, output information for updating the display content of the main display unit 33 is set based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S214 and S215, and the display content of the accessory display unit 34 is changed. Set the output information to be updated.

  In a succeeding step S217, a demo display process for changing the display content of the symbol display device 31 to the one for the standby display is executed in a situation where neither the game round nor the open / close execution mode is executed, and in the step S218, Then, the contents of the command and the signal received from the payout control device 61 are confirmed, and a payout state receiving process for performing a process corresponding to the confirmation result is executed. In step S219, a payout output process for setting the prize ball command as an output target is executed.

  In the following step S220, an external information setting process for controlling the start and the end of the output of the external signal according to the processing result of the various processes executed in the current timer interrupt process is executed. In step S221, a process for editing the trial test information is executed.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S206, or after executing the processing of steps S207 to S221, the process proceeds to step S222. In step S222, an interrupt end declaration is set. In the main MPU 52, once the timer interrupt processing is started, it is defined that an interrupt end declaration is set as one of the conditions for starting the next timer interrupt processing. Set an interrupt end declaration to enable execution of timer interrupt processing. In step S223, interruption permission is set. In the main MPU 52, once the timer interrupt processing is started, the state is set to the interrupt disabled state. Therefore, in step S223, the setting of the interrupt permission is performed so that the next timer interrupt processing can be executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated.

<Electrical configuration related to production execution control>
Next, an electrical configuration related to the effect execution control will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As described above, the sound light control device 71 and the display control device 72 are provided as control devices for controlling the execution of the effect based on the instruction from the main control device 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the sound light control device 71 includes a sound light control board 81 on which a sub-MPU 82 is mounted. The sub-MPU 82 includes a direct ROM 84 and a RWM 85 in addition to a CPU 83 which is a central processing unit including a control unit and an operation unit. The CPU 83, the direct ROM 84, and the RWM 85 are interconnected via a bus.

  The direct ROM 84 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory which does not require an external power supply for storing and storing data (that is, a nonvolatile storage unit). The direct ROM 84 stores various control programs and fixed value data used when executing processing according to the programs, and the CPU 83 executes processing according to the control programs stored in the direct ROM 84. Thus, the execution of the effect based on the instruction from main controller 50 is controlled. It is relatively difficult to increase the data capacity of the direct ROM 84 due to being connected to the CPU 83 via the internal bus in the sub-MPU 82. Specifically, the data capacity is 2M. Bytes.

  The RWM 85 is configured to use a memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM that requires an external power supply for storage retention (that is, a volatile storage unit) for both reading and writing. When compared with the data capacity of the direct ROM 84, the time required for reading is shorter. The RWM 85 temporarily stores various data and the like when the control program stored in the direct ROM 84 is executed. It is not essential that the direct ROM 84 and the RWM 85 be integrated into one chip for the sub-MPU 82, and each may be configured individually as a chip.

  The sub-MPU 82 determines the content of the effect in a predetermined period based on the instruction from the main control device 50, and transmits a command corresponding to the determined content of the effect to the display control device 72. Such a command uses a signal path provided to connect the sub-MPU 82 and the display MPU 102.

  The display control device 72 includes a display control board 101 on which a display MPU 102, a VDP 103 provided as a drawing LSI, and an image ROM 104 are mounted, and the display MPU 102 performs a display effect for a predetermined period according to a command received from the sub-MPU 82. Is determined, and an internal command corresponding to the determined display effect is periodically transmitted to the VDP 103.

  The VDP 103 reads image data from the image ROM 104 in response to the internal command received from the display MPU 102, and creates drawing data at the update timing of each image using the read image data. Then, by outputting a drawing signal corresponding to the created drawing data to the symbol display device 31, an image corresponding to each update timing is displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 31.

  Returning to the description of the sound light control device 71, when determining the contents of the effect in the predetermined period, the sub-MPU 82 executes the light emission control of not only the display control device 72 but also the various light emitting units 44a to 44k. In this case, in FIG. 6, the sub MPU 82 and the various light emitting units 44a to 44k are described as being directly connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub MPU 82 and the various light emitting units 44a to 44k are connected. A driving circuit may be interposed therebetween, or a relay board may be interposed.

  When determining the contents of the effect in the predetermined period, the sub-MPU 82 controls the driving of the speaker unit 45. In controlling the drive of the speaker unit 45, a sound output LSI 86 and a common ROM 87 are used.

  The common ROM 87 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory that does not require external power supply for storage and storage (that is, a nonvolatile storage unit). Since the common ROM 87 is not directly connected to the CPU 83 but is externally connected to the sound output LSI 86, it is easier to increase the data capacity than the direct ROM 84. Specifically, the data capacity is 1 Gbit. However, the data capacity is arbitrary, and may be 500 Mbits or 4 Gbits.

  The sound output LSI 86 includes an I / F 91, a register 92, a sound data processing unit 93, a DAC 94, and a data transfer unit 95, and outputs sound from the speaker unit 45 according to data transmitted from the sub MPU 82. Execute the control to perform

  The I / F 91 is an interface for the sound output LSI 86 to communicate with the sub-MPU 82 via the bus B1 provided as a signal path group for bidirectional communication. The bus B1 connected to the I / F 91 is composed of eight signal paths L1 to L8, and data is transmitted and received between the sub-MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86 via each of the signal paths L1 to L8. Be done.

  The register 92 has a function as a storage means for temporarily storing various data used in the sound output LSI 86, and uses a memory which requires an external power supply for storage and storage for both reading and writing. It is configured to In addition, random access is possible, and the time required for reading is shorter than that of the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87 when compared with the same data capacity.

  The register 92 has a data capacity of many bytes, and has a data capacity of kilobytes or megabytes so that a plurality of data can be stored and held at the same time. Specifically, it has a data capacity of about 10 kilobytes.

  The sound data processing unit 93 converts the sequence data and parameter data transmitted from the sub-MPU 82 and stored in the register 92 so that the sequence data and parameter data can be used for outputting a sound, and the contents of the conversion result and the common ROM 87. Has a function of creating digital musical sound data using the sound data read from the. Incidentally, the sequence data includes time data indicating the output start timing and output order of a series of sounds, and the parameter data includes data that determines the pitch, volume, tone, and the like of the sound at a predetermined timing. Have been.

  The sound data processing section 93 has a function of a plurality of sounding channels so that a plurality of different sounds can be output at the same time, and synthesizes digital sound data created for each sounding channel to generate digital synthesized sound data. Has the function of creating In addition, although a function for 16 channels is provided as a plurality of sounding channels, the number of channels is arbitrary. Also, by using virtual tracks, a larger number of tracks (for example, 64 tracks) than the actual number of sounding channels can be used. However, a configuration in which such virtual tracks are not used may be employed.

  The DAC 94 is a digital / analog converter. The DAC 94 has a function of converting digital tone data or digital synthesized tone data created by the sound data processing unit 93 into an analog signal and outputting the analog signal to the speaker unit 45 as an analog audio signal.

  The data transfer unit 95 is connected to the common ROM 87 via a bus B2 provided as a signal path group for bidirectional communication, and has a function of transferring data read from the common ROM 87 to the register 92. ing. The bus B2 provided between the data transfer unit 95 and the common ROM 87 is composed of 16 signal paths, and the number of the signal paths is larger than that of the bus B1 between the sub-MPU 82 and the I / F 91. It is a large number. The data communication speed between the data transfer unit 95 and the common ROM 87 is higher than the data communication speed between the sub-MPU 82 and the I / F 91. The data transfer unit 95 reads out sound data necessary for sound output from the common ROM 87 based on the data converted from the sequence data and the parameter data in the sound data processing unit 93 and stores the read sound data in the register 92.

  Here, the data transfer unit 95 not only has a function of transferring necessary sound data in the sound data processing unit 93 to the register 92, but also reads necessary data in the sub-MPU 82 from the common ROM 87 and stores the read data in the register 92. It has a function of transferring the data stored in the register 92 to the sub-MPU 82. The configuration related to such data transfer will be described below.

<Data Structure of Direct ROM 84 and Common ROM 87>
First, the data configuration of the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data configuration of the direct ROM 84, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data configuration of the common ROM 87.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the direct ROM 84 has a program and processing data (1) for executing the effect control processing by the CPU 83 of the sub-MPU 82, a program and processing data (2), .., A program and processing data (P) are stored in advance. These programs and processing data include a data table used to execute each effect, and sequence data and parameter data to be provided to the sound output LSI 86. All the programs and processing data necessary for the CPU 83 to execute the effect control processing are stored in the direct ROM 84.

  The direct ROM 84 stores not only the program and processing data (1), the program and processing data (2),..., The program and processing data (P), but also the light emission control of the various light emitting units 44a to 44k. Light emission data (1), light emission data (2),..., Light emission data (Q) used for performing the operation are stored in advance. In each of these light emission data, information on the type of the light emitting unit to be turned on, the lighting period, and the lighting order among the various light emitting units 44a to 44k is set in a predetermined effect period. The content differs depending on the type of each light emission data. Each light emission data stored in the direct ROM 84 has a different light emission control period and a different light emission pattern.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the common ROM 87, sound data (1), sound data (2),. Data (S) is stored in advance. Each of these sound data includes a melody actually produced by an instrument corresponding to various tones and waveform data obtained by sampling a sound, and a melody with lyrics is produced by an instrument corresponding to various tones. In addition to the melody performed, waveform data obtained by sampling audio is included. The sound data is all stored in the common ROM 87.

  Here, the details of the sound data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound waveform by an analog signal, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the waveform by a digital signal.

  The sound data is obtained by converting an analog signal as shown in FIG. 8A into a pulse train by pulse code modulation (PCM) at a predetermined sampling frequency and a predetermined number of quantized signals as shown in FIG. 8B. Of the digital signal obtained. Specifically, the sampling frequency is 44.1 kHz, and the number of quantized signals is 16 bits. Therefore, the waveform data of a sound composed of an analog signal for one second has a data amount of 1 × 44.1k × 16 bits. Incidentally, the sampling period T1 in this case is 22.7 μsec.

  The sound data is set so as to be readable from the common ROM 87 for each pulse code-modulated data of one pulse, that is, data of one sample. That is, an address is set for each data of one sample, and the data transfer unit 95 of the sound output LSI 86 can transfer data from the common ROM 87 in data units of one sample.

  Note that the sampling frequency is not limited to 44.1 kHz as long as good sampling can be realized, and may be, for example, 32 kHz, 48 kHz, or 96 kHz. Also, the number of quantized signals is not limited to 16 bits, and any number of bits other than 16 bits may be used as long as good quantization can be realized.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 7B, the common ROM 87 stores not only the sound data (1), the sound data (2),... The sound data (S) but also the light emission data (Q + 1) and the light emission data (Q + 2). ),..., Light emission data (R) are stored in advance. Each of these light emission data has a different light emission control period and a different light emission pattern.

  As described above, the light emission data used by the sub MPU 82 is stored not only in the direct ROM 84 directly connected to the CPU 83 of the sub MPU 82 via the bus but also in the common ROM 87 connected to the sound output LSI 86. It is remembered. In other words, the light emission data is distributed and stored in the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87.

  By storing the light emission data in the common ROM 87 in this way, the data capacity of the light emission data can be increased without increasing the storage capacity of the direct ROM 84. Particularly, as described above, it is relatively difficult to increase the data capacity of the direct ROM 84 due to being connected to the CPU 83 via the internal bus in the sub-MPU 82. However, it is necessary to increase the internal bus width, and it is not easy to cope with the increase. On the other hand, the common ROM 87 is not directly connected to the CPU 83 but is externally connected to the sound output LSI 86 as described above, so that its data capacity is increased. It is relatively easy. By storing the light emission data in the common ROM 87, it is possible to appropriately cope with an increase in the data capacity of the light emission data.

  Basically, when setting data in the ROM, about several percent (for example, about 2%) of the total data capacity is blank (unused area). In this case, for example, assuming that the data capacity of the common ROM 87 is 1 Gbit, the blank is 20 Mbits. This data capacity is larger than the data capacity of the direct ROM 84 of 2 Mbytes. According to this configuration, light emission data can be distributed and stored using such a blank.

  Furthermore, since the sound data corresponds to a melody or a sound for a predetermined period, the data capacity for performing a series of output is relatively large. In this case, the sound data has a difficulty in accommodating the data capacity, and from this point, the common ROM 87 is likely to be blanked. Then, according to this configuration, it is possible to distribute and store the emission data using such a blank.

  The light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 is used by the sub-MPU 82. When the light emission data needs to be used by the sub-MPU 82, the light emission data is transmitted to the sound output LSI 86 in accordance with a transfer instruction from the sub-MPU 82. Light emission data is read from the common ROM 87, and the read light emission data is transferred to the sub-MPU 82. In this transfer, a bus B1 for connecting the sub-MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86 is used. In other words, the light emission data distributed and stored in the common ROM 87 is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 using the signal path for transferring data from the sub-MPU 82 to the sound output LSI 86 or from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82. . Thereby, for example, compared to a configuration in which a ROM different from the direct ROM 84 is externally attached to the sub-MPU 82 and the extra light emission data is stored in the ROM, the extra ROM can be stored without increasing the number of signal paths. Can be stored.

  Of the program and processing data used by the sub-MPU 82 and the light emission data, all of the program and processing data are stored in the direct ROM 84, and a part of the light emission data is stored in the common ROM 87. With this configuration, data can be distributed well. That is, if the program and the processing data are distributed to the common ROM 87, a program and the processing data for transferring the program and the processing data to the RWM 85 of the sub-MPU 82 are separately required, and the design of the program is required. It becomes complicated. On the other hand, the light emission data is a method in which the address at which the light emission data is stored is originally grasped, the light emission data is read out and transferred based on the address, and the data is developed so that it can be used. Therefore, even if the light emission data is distributed, the design of the program is not likely to be complicated.

  When a command for an effect system is transmitted from the main control device 50, the sub-MPU 82 first executes a predetermined process corresponding to the command using a program, and emits light emission data during the execution of the predetermined process. The various light-emitting units 44a to 44k are controlled by using them. That is, the program needs to be read out suddenly in response to the reception of the command from the main controller 50, and the readout timing is highly arbitrary, whereas the light emission data is used in the execution process of the predetermined processing. Arbitrary read timing is low. In addition, since the emission data is used on the assumption that a predetermined process using the program is performed, the read priority of the program is higher, and if the read of the program is delayed, the process is in a waiting state. Under such circumstances, the program is stored in the direct ROM 84, and at least a part of the light emission data is stored in the common ROM 87, so that the program is independently stored in the sub-MPU 82 regardless of the state of the sound output LSI 86. It is possible to satisfactorily increase the data amount of the luminescence data whose data amount is likely to be larger than that of the program, while enabling the reading.

  Furthermore, instead of storing all of the light emission data in the common ROM 87, a part of the light emission data is stored in the direct ROM 84 and the rest is stored in the common ROM 87. The above-described excellent effects can be achieved while suppressing an excessive increase in the capacity.

<Configuration of Register 92 of Sound Output LSI 86>
Next, the configuration of the register 92 used to issue a sound output instruction from the sub MPU 82 to the sound output LSI 86 and to transfer the sound data stored in the common ROM 87 from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub MPU 82 will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for describing the configuration of register 92.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86, areas 111 to 115 where data setting is performed when the sub MPU 82 issues a sound output instruction to the sound output LSI 86, and a data transfer instruction from the sub MPU 82. Buffers 116 to 120 for temporarily storing data read from the common ROM 87 based on the data, an area 121 for setting data when a data transfer instruction is issued to the sound output LSI 86, An area 122 for allowing the sub MPU 82 to recognize the internal state of the LSI 86 is provided separately.

  More specifically, each of the areas 111 to 122 is an area where data is set when a sound output instruction is issued, as an area 111 for a first parameter, an area 112 for a second parameter, and an area 113 for a third parameter. And a plurality of parameter areas 111 to 114 such as a fourth parameter area 114. In addition, an area 115 for sequence data is provided.

  Each of the parameter areas 111 to 114 stores parameter data necessary for outputting a melody and a sound effect, and also stores parameter data necessary for outputting a voice. Since a plurality of parameter areas 111 to 114 are provided, a plurality of sounds can be generated simultaneously. The sequence data area 115 stores the already described sequence data.

  Incidentally, since the sound output LSI 86 has a function for 16 channels, parameter data for a plurality of (specifically, 4) channels is stored in one parameter area. In a configuration using a virtual track, a larger number of parameters may be stored in one parameter area.

  A transfer instruction area 121 is provided as an area in which data setting is performed when a data transfer instruction from the sub-MPU 82 to the sound output LSI 86 is issued. The transfer instruction area 121 stores address data of light emission data necessary for the sub-MPU 82 and data for giving an instruction to transfer the light emission data read out from the common ROM 87 to the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82. Is done.

  A plurality of external read buffers 116 to 120 are provided as an area for temporarily storing data read from the common ROM 87 based on a data transfer instruction from the sub-MPU 82. Light emission data required in the sub-MPU 82 is temporarily stored in buffers 116 to 120 for external reading, and is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 at a predetermined reading timing.

  As an area for the sub MPU 82 to recognize the internal state of the sound output LSI 86, a flag area 122 is provided. In the flag area 122, for example, a read completion flag is provided, and in response to a data transfer instruction from the sub-MPU 82, the transfer of the corresponding data from the common ROM 87 to the external read buffers 116 to 120 is completed. In this case, “1” is stored in the read completion flag, and the fact is grasped in the sub-MPU 82.

  Each of the areas 111 to 115, 121 to 122 and each of the buffers 116 to 120 are areas accessible from the sub-MPU 82, and are simultaneously accessed to the respective areas 111 to 115, 121 to 122 and the buffers 116 to 120. Instead, the accessible target is switched. That is, the number of areas that can be simultaneously accessed in the sub-MPU 82 corresponds to the number of signal paths L1 to L8 constituting the bus B1 between the sub-MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86 (the signal paths L1 to L8 of the bus B1). See FIG. 6 for L8).

  Specifically, an area 111 for a first parameter and one buffer 116 for external reading are allocated as a first area 131 corresponding to a first signal path L1 configuring the bus B1, and the bus B1 is configured. As the second area 132 corresponding to the second signal path L2, the area 112 for the second parameter and one buffer 117 for external reading are allocated, and correspond to the third signal path L3 constituting the bus B1. An area 113 for a third parameter and one buffer 118 for external reading are allocated as the third area 133, and a fourth area 134 corresponding to the fourth signal path L4 configuring the bus B1 is set as the third area 133. Area 114 and one external read buffer 119 are allocated. Further, an area 115 for sequence data and one buffer 120 for external reading are allocated as a fifth area 135 corresponding to the fifth signal path L5 configuring the bus B1.

  A transfer instruction area 121 is assigned as an area corresponding to the sixth signal path L6 constituting the bus B1, and a flag area 122 is assigned as an area corresponding to the seventh signal path L7 constituting the bus B1. ing.

  A selector 136 is provided for the register 92 so as to correspond to each of the first area 131 to the fifth area 135, and the sub MPU 82 can be accessed as the first area 131 to the fifth area 135 by the selector 136. The area can be switched. This switching is performed through binary switching to a selector area 137 provided in the register 92 in correspondence with the eighth signal path L8 forming the bus B1.

  Specifically, when the information of the selector area 137 is “0” which is the initial value, the first area 131 to the fifth area 135 are used for sound output control by setting the area to be accessed by the selector 136. This corresponds to the areas 111 to 115. That is, when the information of the selector area 137 is an initial value, the sub-MPU 82 can access the areas 111 to 114 for each parameter and the area 115 for sequence data, A state in which a sound output instruction can be performed is provided. That is, the sound output LSI 86 enters the first interference state with the sub-MPU 82.

  When the information of the selector area 137 is “1” which is the switching execution value, the first area 131 to the fifth area 135 are changed to the external read buffers 116 to 120 by the setting of the area to be accessed by the selector 136. It corresponds to. That is, when the information in the selector area 137 is the switching execution value, the sub-MPU 82 can access the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading, and can read the data for which the transfer instruction has been issued. State. That is, the sound output LSI 86 enters the second interference state with the sub-MPU 82.

  On the other hand, the transfer instruction area 121, the flag area 122, and the selector area 137 are not switched by the selector 136. Therefore, the sub-MPU 82 can access the transfer instruction area 121, the flag area 122, and the selector area 137, regardless of the interference state of the sound output LSI 86.

<Regarding Various Processes Executed by Sub MPU 82>
Next, processing executed by the sub-MPU 82 based on a program will be described.

  The sub-MPU 82 performs the effect control process periodically (for example, 2 msec) when the operating power is supplied. Incidentally, a program for executing the effect control process is read from the direct ROM 84 before the effect control process is executed.

  In the effect control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not an effect-related command has been received from the main control device 50. The commands of the effect system include the already described combination of the variation command and the type command, the final stop command, the opening command, the opening command, the closing command, and the ending command. If any of the effects commands has been received, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, a data table reading process is performed. In the reading process, a data table corresponding to the effect-related command received this time is read from the direct ROM 84. The data table is stored in the direct ROM 84 as a program and data for processing, and a plurality of types are set according to the type of effect. Then, the sub-MPU 82 executes light emission control and sound output control in each effect by executing processing specified in the data table while referring to the data table. Specifically, in the data table, the outline of the corresponding effect is determined in accordance with the passage of time, and the sub-MPU 82 refers to the data table to obtain information on the type of light emission data to be read and to execute the light emission data. Information on the type and content of light emission data to be output, and information on the type of sequence data and parameter data to be output-instructed are grasped. Incidentally, the sub-MPU 82 specifies information to be referred to in the data table at each processing timing by using the update of the pointer in the data table.

  In a succeeding step S303, output processing of a display command is executed. In the output process, a display command corresponding to the data table read in step S302 is read from the direct ROM 84 on a one-to-one basis, and the read display command is output to the display control device 72. This allows the display control device 72 to display an image corresponding to the display effect according to the current execution instruction on the symbol display device 31. The display commands are stored in the direct ROM 84 as programs and processing data.

  If a negative determination is made in step S301, or if the process in step S303 is performed, it is determined in step S304 whether or not it is the emission data transfer instruction timing based on the information in the data table. If it is the transfer instruction timing, in step S305, based on the information in the data table, it is determined whether the emission data corresponding to the current transfer instruction timing is stored in the direct ROM 84 of the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87. Is determined.

  In the case of the direct ROM 84, in step S306, a transfer instruction is given to the direct ROM 84, so that the emission data to be transferred this time is read out by the attached RWM 85 and developed. This makes it possible to execute light emission control using the light emission data.

  On the other hand, in the case of the common ROM 87, in step S307, a read address setting process for the sound output LSI 86 is executed. Specifically, the address data in which the emission data to be transferred this time is stored in the common ROM 87 is read from the program and processing data in the direct ROM 84, and the read address data is read out via the bus B1. The output is sent to the LSI 86. The address data transmitted to the sound output LSI 86 is stored in the transfer instruction area 121 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86.

  In a succeeding step S308, a setting of a flag to the RWM 85 is set to a state of waiting for transfer of light emission data. By performing the setting of the transfer wait state, the sub-MPU 82 can recognize that the transfer wait state has been given after the light output LSI 86 has been given the light emission data transfer instruction.

  If a negative determination is made in step S304, if the process in step 306 is performed, or if the process in step S308 is performed, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, it is determined based on the information in the data table whether or not it is time to execute light emission control. If it is the execution timing of the light emission control, in step S310, the contents of the light emission data developed in the RWM 85 are confirmed, and in step S311, the light emission control corresponding to the confirmed light emission data is performed by various light emitting units. Execute for 44a-44k.

  If a negative determination is made in step S309, or if the process of step S311 is performed, the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, based on the information in the data table, it is determined whether it is time to execute sound output control. If it is the execution timing of the sound output control, in step S313, the sequence data and parameter data of the current sound output control are read from the program and the processing data in the direct ROM 84, and in step S314, the reading is performed. The transmitted sequence data and parameter data are transmitted to the sound output LSI 86 via the bus B1. In this case, the sound output LSI 86 is in the first interference state, the parameter data transmitted to the sound output LSI 86 is stored in the corresponding parameter areas 111 to 114 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86, and the sequence is The data is stored in an area 115 for sequence data in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86.

  If a negative determination is made in step S312, or if the process of step S314 is performed, the process proceeds to step S315. In step S315, it is determined whether or not the light emission data is in a transfer waiting state. If it is in the light emission data transfer waiting state, in step S316, a light emission data transfer process is executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S315, or if the process of step S316 is performed, the process proceeds to step S317. In step S317, it is determined whether or not the sound output signal is being received. The sound output signal is a signal that is periodically output from the sound output LSI 86 via the bus B1 in a state where the sound output LSI 86 can output the sound according to the output instruction from the sub-MPU 82. The sound output signal is periodically monitored in a process different from the effect control process. Then, when the sound output signal is not received in the situation where it should have been received, it is determined in step S317 that the sound output signal is not received.

  If the sound output signal has been received, an affirmative determination is made in step S317, and the present effect control processing ends. On the other hand, when the sound output signal has not been received, the non-output processing is executed in step S318, and then the present effect control processing ends. In the process at the time of non-output, a process for notification indicating that a situation in which sound output cannot be performed well is executed. As the notification process, for example, a configuration in which a predetermined light-emitting unit emits light in a predetermined mode is conceivable. In addition to or instead of this, the symbol display unit 31 outputs an error command to the display control device 72. A configuration for displaying an error is conceivable.

  Next, the light emission data transfer process in step S316 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the wait time for reading has been set. In response to the data transfer instruction from the sub-MPU 82, the data transfer unit 95 of the sound output LSI 86 reads the emission data according to the transfer instruction from the common ROM 87 and reads the external read buffer 116 to the register 92. This is a time for the sub-MPU 82 to wait for access to the external read buffers 116 to 120 until the data writing to the external data 120 is completed. Specifically, the setting of the read address for the transfer instruction area 121 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 is completed, and the area accessible by the sub-MPU 82 in the register 92 is set for data transfer (that is, the sound output LSI 86 is After setting the second interference state), the sub-MPU 82 waits for access to the external read buffers 116 to 120 until the sampling period × n (n is an integer of 2 or more) elapses. Is set. Note that the specific time of the sampling period × n is arbitrary, but may be set to wait for, for example, 48 sample periods or more.

  If a negative determination is made in step S401, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, it is determined whether the setting of the read address for the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 has been completed. If this setting has not been completed, the main transfer process ends.

  If the setting has been completed, a signal is output in step S403 so that the information in the selector area 137 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 is switched from “0” to “1”. The area accessible by the sub-MPU 82 is set for data transfer (that is, the sound output LSI 86 is set to the second interference state). In step S404, numerical information corresponding to the wait time for reading is set in a predetermined timer counter of the RWM 85. The read wait time set here is updated so as to be periodically decremented, and specifically, is decremented each time the effect control process (FIG. 10) is started. Thereafter, the transfer process ends.

  Here, as described above, the data table read by the sub-MPU 82 in step S302 of the effect control process (FIG. 10) includes information on the type of light emission data to be read and information on the type and content of light emission data to be executed. In addition, information on the type of sequence data and parameter data to be instructed to output is set. In this case, in the data table, when the sound output LSI 86 is in the first interference state, data reading from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 is not executed, and the sound output LSI 86 is in the second interference state. In such a case, the execution timing of each process is set in advance (that is, at the design stage of the pachinko machine 10) so that the setting of the sequence data and the parameter data related to the sound output is not executed.

  For example, when reading out the light emission data from the common ROM 87 in the sub-MPU 82, the sequence related to the sound output is performed in a section from when the transfer instruction is issued to when the reading of the light emission data according to the transfer instruction is completed. The data table is set so that setting of data and parameter data is not executed. Specifically, the section includes a time required to complete setting of a read address, a time required to set an accessible area for data transfer, a read wait time, and an external read time. And a time period required for reading out the light emission data from the buffers 116 to 120.

  By setting the wait time for reading in step S404, in the next process for transferring the light emission data, an affirmative determination is made in step S401, and the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, it is determined whether data is being transferred from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82. If the data transfer is not being performed, it is determined in step S406 whether the wait time for reading has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the main transfer process is terminated.

  If it has elapsed, in step S407, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the read completion flag provided in the flag area 122 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86, and the current time is determined. It is determined whether or not the transfer of the emission data according to the transfer instruction to the external reading buffers 116 to 120 has been completed. If “1” is not set in the read completion flag, the process for main transfer is terminated.

  If “1” is set in the read completion flag, the data transfer start instruction is executed in step S408, and then the transfer process ends. The transfer instruction is performed by outputting a signal through the sixth signal path L6 of the bus B1, and data (for example, data indicating that transfer should be started, data of a transfer destination address) related to the transfer instruction is performed. Are stored in the transfer instruction area 121 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86.

  When the transfer instruction is issued as described above, the sound output LSI 86 causes the light emitting data read to the external reading buffers 116 to 120 to be transferred to the RWM 85. In this transfer, since the light emission data is transferred using the first to fifth signal paths L1 to L5 of the bus B1 connecting the sub-MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86, a single signal path is used. Thus, the transfer speed can be increased as compared with the case where transfer is performed. The data capacity of the light-emitting data transferred in response to one transfer instruction is arbitrary. For example, light-emitting data having a data capacity of 192 bytes is divided and transferred to the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading. , And the divided light emission data is simultaneously transferred via a plurality of signal paths L1 to L5.

  When a data transfer start instruction is given, information indicating which address area of the RWM 85 should be used to write the emission data according to the current transfer instruction is supplied to the sound output LSI 86. Thereby, the light emission data is transferred to the area of the address designated by the sub-MPU 82 in the RWM 85. In this case, the common ROM 87 stores a plurality of types of light emission data. Therefore, the light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 and written into the RWM 85 at a predetermined timing after use is the light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 and When other light emission data is written to the RWM 85 at a timing different from the timing of the above, at least a part is erased by overwriting.

  When the data transfer start instruction is executed, in the next light emission data transfer process, an affirmative determination is made in step S405, and the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, it is determined whether or not the data transfer of the emission data according to the current transfer instruction has been completed. Incidentally, when the instruction to start the data transfer is executed in step S408, at the timing when the next light emission data transfer process is executed, the emission of the light emission data according to the start instruction is completed. Since the execution cycle of the data transfer process and the transfer speed of the data transfer via the first to fifth signal paths L1 to L5 of the bus B1 are set, basically a negative determination is made in step S409. Never. However, if the data transfer is delayed for any reason, or if the data transfer cannot be completed successfully due to noise and the data transfer is executed again, a negative determination is made in step S409. There is.

  If a negative determination is made in step S409, the main transfer process is terminated, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S409, the process proceeds to step S410. In step S410, a signal is output so that the information in the selector area 137 in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 is switched from "1" to "0", thereby controlling the area in the register 92 that can be accessed by the sub-MPU 82 in sound output. (Ie, the sound output LSI 86 is set to the first interference state). Thereafter, the transfer process ends.

<Operation in the sound data processing unit 93 of the sound output LSI 86>
Next, the operation of the sound data processing unit 93 of the sound output LSI 86 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The sound data processing unit 93 is provided as a dedicated circuit that operates independently of the sub-MPU 82 and the data transfer unit 95, and creates digital musical sound data based on the sequence data and parameter data transmitted from the sub-MPU 82, By supplying the created digital musical sound data to the DAC 94, a melody without lyrics, a melody with lyrics, a sound effect, and a voice are output from the speaker section 45.

  The operation will be described in detail. First, it is determined whether or not the sequence data and parameter data to be processed are stored in the parameter areas 111 to 114 and the sequence data area 115 in the register 92 (step S501). . In this determination, for example, “1” is set in the sequence data area 115 and the parameter areas 111 to 114 when new sequence data and parameter data are set by a signal output from the sub-MPU 82. In addition, there is provided an area in which “0” is set when the sound data processing unit 93 performs processing, and the sound data processing unit 93 determines the sequence data and parameter data to be processed based on the data in that area. Determine if it exists.

  If the sequence data to be processed and the parameter data exist (step S501: YES), each parameter data is stored in the register 92 according to the time data included in the sequence data to be processed. Is written to the corresponding area defined by the sequence data among the areas (step S502). Incidentally, the sound data processing section 93 can access the areas 111 to 114 for parameters and the area 115 for sequence data regardless of the state of the selector 136.

  The sequence data and each parameter data set once are set as data capable of creating digital musical tone data for a plurality of continuous samples for a plurality of tone generation channels. Then, according to the time data included in the sequence data, the parameter data for a plurality of corresponding samples is written in a time series to the area for each sounding channel, one sample at a time.

  In the parameter data to be written here, the address of the sound data required at the corresponding sounding channel and the corresponding output timing is set. The data transfer unit 95 can access the area for each sounding channel regardless of the state of the selector 136, reads out the sound data of the address set in the parameter data for the latest sample from the common ROM 87, and registers Write to 92.

  The plurality of samples may be all or a part of a series of sounds (for example, from the start to the end of a melody), but should be part of reducing the amount of data to be transferred at one time. Is preferred. Further, the sound data processing unit 93 stops based on an instruction from the sub-MPU 82 even if a series of sounds is being output in accordance with the already received sequence data and parameter data, and outputs a new series of sounds. The output may be started.

  The sound data processing section 93 determines whether or not it is time to create digital musical sound data based on a signal input from a clock circuit (not shown) provided in the sound output LSI 86 (step S503). The signal output cycle from the clock circuit corresponds to the sampling cycle.

  If it is the creation timing (step S503: YES), the digital tone data is converted for each sounding channel based on the parameter data of the corresponding sample and the sound data already transferred to the register 92 by the data transfer unit 95. It is created (step S504). Further, the digital tone data created for each of the tone generation channels is synthesized to create digital synthesized tone data (step S505). By the way, of the parameter data written in the area for each sounding channel, the data for which the creation of digital musical tone data has been completed is deleted, and the parameter data for the latest sample is updated.

  In the sound data processing section 93, the output timing of the digital synthesized tone data is determined based on a signal input from a clock circuit (not shown) provided in the sound output LSI 86 and outputting a signal at a timing different from that in step S503. It is determined whether or not there is (step S506). The signal output cycle from the clock circuit corresponds to the sampling cycle.

  If it is the output timing (step S506: YES), the digital synthesizing tone data created corresponding to the current output is supplied to the DAC 94 (step S507). The DAC 94 converts the digital synthesized tone data supplied from the sound data processing section 93 into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal to the speaker section 45 as an analog tone signal. As a result, a predetermined sound is output from the speaker unit 45. In some cases, a plurality of types of sounds may not be output at the same time. In this case, digital synthesized tone data is not created, a single digital tone data is supplied to the DAC 94, and a single tone corresponding to the digital tone data is output to the speaker 94. Output from the unit 45.

  In the sound data processing section 93, whether or not the sound data is transferred from the data transfer section 95 to the register 92 as necessary, and whether or not the analog tone signal is output from the DAC 94 to the speaker section 45 It is determined whether or not the sound is being output by monitoring whether or not the sound is being output (step S508). If a sound is being output (step S508: YES), a sound output signal is output via the bus B1 connecting the sub-MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86. In this case, the signal path used in the bus B1 is the eighth signal path L8 used when the sub-MPU 82 accesses the selector area 137, and the signal output via the eighth signal path L8 is used in the sub-MPU 82. The output of the sound output signal is performed at the non-performing timing.

<Operation in Data Transfer Unit 95 of Sound Output LSI 86>
Next, the operation of the data transfer unit 95 of the sound output LSI 86 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The data transfer unit 95 is provided as a dedicated circuit that operates independently of the sub-MPU 82 and the sound data processing unit 93. As described above, the data transfer unit 95 uses the common ROM 87 based on the parameter data written in the register 92. Transfer of the sound data to the register 92. Also, based on the read address transmitted from the sub-MPU 82, the transfer of the light emission data from the common ROM 87 to the external read buffers 116 to 120 of the register 92 and the transfer of the transferred light emission data to the sub-MPU 82 Execute.

  The operation will be described in detail. First, in the data transfer unit 95, a signal from a clock circuit (not shown) provided in the sound output LSI 86 and outputting a signal at a different timing from the case of steps S503 and S506 is used. Based on the input, it is determined whether or not it is time to transfer sound data (step S601). The signal output cycle from the clock circuit corresponds to the sampling cycle.

  If it is the transfer timing (step S601: YES), as described above, the sound data at the address set in the parameter data for the most recent sample is read from the common ROM 87 in the area for each sounding channel. Write to the register 92 (step S602).

  The data transfer unit 95 determines whether or not unprocessed address data is set in the transfer instruction area 121 of the register 92 (step S603). Incidentally, the data transfer unit 95 can access the transfer instruction area 121 regardless of the state of the selector 136.

  If unprocessed address data is set (step S603: YES), the light emission data corresponding to the address is read out to the external read buffers 116 to 120 in the register 92 (step S604). In this case, the reading priority of the emission data is set in advance in the external reading buffers 116 to 120, and when it is necessary to transfer the emission data exceeding the data capacity of the buffer 116 having the highest priority, The light emitting data including the buffer 117 having the next highest priority is set as the transfer destination of the light emitting data. If it is necessary to transfer the light emitting data exceeding the data capacity of both buffers 116 and 117, the next highest priority is given. The light-emitting data is set as a transfer destination including the buffer 118. It is possible to set up to a maximum of the light emission data of the sum of the data capacities of the external read buffers 116 to 120 as a single transfer target. In this regard, the light emission data set as one transfer target includes data of various data capacities up to the sum of the data capacities of the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. In each of the external read buffers 116 to 120, the address of the transfer destination of the light emission data from the common ROM 87 is instructed from the sub MPU 82 together with the above read address (that is, address data). May be adopted.

  The data transfer unit 95 determines whether the emission data is being read from the common ROM 87 to the external read buffers 116 to 120 (step S605), and if the emission data is being read (step S605: YES). It is determined whether or not the reading has been completed (step S606). If the reading has been completed (step S606: YES), “1” is set to the reading completion flag provided in the flag area 122 of the register 92 (step S607).

  The data transfer unit 95 determines whether an instruction to start data transfer has been issued from the sub-MPU 82 (step S608). If a data transfer start instruction has been issued (step S608: YES), the light emission data corresponding to the current transfer instruction target stored in the external read buffers 116 to 120 is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 (step S608). S609). In this case, the light emitting data is transferred to the area of the address specified by the sub-MPU 82 in the RWM 85.

  The data transfer unit 95 determines whether or not the transfer of the emission data has been completed (step S610). If the transfer of the light emission data has been completed (step S610: YES), the read completion flag provided in the flag area 122 of the register 92 is cleared to "0" (step S611).

<Transmission of Light Emission Data Stored in Common ROM 87 to Sub MPU 82>
Next, how the light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  FIG. 14A shows a setting state of address data in the transfer instruction area 121 in the register 92, and FIG. 14B shows a reading state of light emission data in the external reading buffers 116 to 120. 14C shows the setting status of the information of the read completion flag, FIG. 14D shows the setting status of the area accessible by the sub-MPU 82 in the register 92, and FIG. 14E shows the setting of the read address. FIG. 14 (f) shows a situation where the setting is performed in the selector area 137, and FIG. 14 (g) shows the reading of the light emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120. 14 (h) shows a setting situation of sequence data and parameter data.

  At the timing of t1, the setting of the read address for the sound output LSI 86 by the sub-MPU 82 is started, and the setting of the address is completed at the timing of t2. When the setting of the address is completed, the transfer of the emission data corresponding to the address from the common ROM 87 to the external reading buffers 116 to 120 is started. At the timing of the above-described t2 when the setting of the read address is completed, the switching of the selector area 137 in the register 92 from “0” to “1” is started. Then, at the timing of t3, the area accessible in the sub-MPU 82 is switched from the sound output control areas 111 to 115 to the external read buffers 116 to 120.

  That is, the state of the sound output LSI 86 is switched from the first interference state to the second interference state, and the switching of the interference state is performed after the setting of the read address of the emission data according to the transfer instruction is completed. This makes it possible to set the sequence data and parameter data while overlapping with the timing of setting the read address. The external read buffers 116 to 116 can be set at a timing before the setting of the read address is completed. As compared with the configuration in which the switching to 120 is performed, there is more time to set the sequence data and parameter data.

  At the timing t3, not only the accessible area is switched, but also the sub-MPU 82 starts measuring the read wait time T2. Thereafter, at the timing of t4, the reading of the emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 is completed, and the reading completion flag is set to "1". However, at the timing of t4, the reading of the emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 is not completed because the measurement of the reading wait time T2 is being performed in the sub-MPU 82. After that, at the timing of t5, the measurement of the read wait time T2 is completed, so that the transfer of the light emission data from the external read buffers 116 to 120 to the sub-MPU 82 is started.

  As described above, the conditions for starting the reading of the emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 include not only that the reading completion flag is set to “1” in the sound output LSI 86 but also that the sub-MPU 82 , The condition that the measurement of the read wait time T2 is completed is completed, so that the electrical noise may not be actually transferred to the external read buffers 116 to 120 even though the transfer is not completed. When the read completion flag is set to "1" due to the influence of the above, it is possible to prevent the reading of the emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 from being started. In addition, not only that the measurement of the wait time T2 for reading is completed in the sub-MPU 82, but also that a communication abnormality or the like occurs due to the condition that the reading completion flag is set to “1” in the sound output LSI 86. As a cause, when the time required for reading the emission data from the external reading buffers 116 to 120 exceeds the reading wait time T2, the reading for the external reading is not completed even though the reading of the emission data is not completed. Starting reading from the buffers 116 to 120 is prevented.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t6, the reading of the emission data according to the current transfer instruction is completed, so that the reading completion flag is cleared to “0” and the selector area 137 in the register 92 is changed from “1” to “0”. Switching to is started. Then, at the timing of t7, the area accessible in the sub-MPU 82 is switched from the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading to the areas 111 to 115 for sound output control.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 14 (h), in the sequence data area 115 and the parameter areas 111 to 114 of the register 92, the light emitting data transfer instruction based on the setting of the read address is performed. The sequence data SD1 and the parameter data PD1 are set until the timing of t8, which is the timing after the transmission of the emission data according to the transfer instruction to the sub-MPU 82 is completed and the sound output LSI 86 returns to the first interference state. to continue. This timing of t8 is during a period during which sound output based on the sequence data SD1 and the parameter data PD1 is being performed, and during this period, new sequence data SD2 and parameter data are output based on the signal output from the sub-MPU 82. PD2 is set in an area 115 for sequence data and areas 111 to 114 for each parameter.

  That is, in the sound output period that overlaps the period in which the emission data of the common ROM 87 is read out to the sub-MPU 82, the period in which the corresponding sequence data and parameter data are read out starts. The period in which digital tone data can be created based on the set sequence data and parameter data and the period in which the reading is performed ends (that is, the transfer to the sub-MPU 82 is completed). The output LSI 86 is configured to include the output LSI 86 even after returning to the first interference state. Accordingly, even when the sound output LSI 86 is set to the second interference state in order to transfer the light emission data in the sound output LSI 86, the sound output can be continued without interruption. Become.

<Relationship between transfer timing of sound data and transfer timing of light emission data>
Next, the relationship between the transfer timing of the sound data and the transfer timing of the light emission data will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  As described above, the sound data is read from the common ROM 87 to the register 92 by one sample for each sounding channel corresponding to the sampling period. More specifically, referring to FIG. 15A, each time the sampling period T1 elapses, the sound data is changed, such as a timing from t1 to t3, a timing from t3 to t5, and a timing from t7 to t9. Is started. Incidentally, a period corresponding to a plurality of sampling periods exists between the timing of t6 and the timing of t7.

  The time required for transmission of the sound data at each timing (time from t1 to t2, time from t3 to t4, time from t5 to t6, time from t7 to t8, and time from t9 to t10) is T3. The transmission period T3 is a time sufficiently shorter than the sampling period T1. Incidentally, the number of sounding channels may be different depending on the type of a series of sounds to be output, and the transmission period T3 may be changed depending on the number of sounding channels. In this case, even when the sound data for the maximum number of sounding channels is transmitted, the transmission period T3 is sufficiently shorter than the sampling period T1.

  As described above, a configuration in which sound data for a series of sounds is transmitted by a predetermined number of samples, specifically, by “one sample” × “the number of used sounding channels” in a time-division manner corresponding to a sampling cycle. In, a period in which the sound data is not transmitted occurs between the sound data of each transmission unit. The light emission data is transmitted using the non-transmission period.

  Specifically, the transfer of the sound data of one transmission unit to the register 92 is started after the timing of t2 when the transfer of the sound data to the register 92 is completed, and the sound data of the next transmission unit is started. At the timing of t11, which is a timing before the timing of t3, the transfer of the light emission data from the common ROM 87 to the register 92 is started. Then, the transfer of the emission data is completed at a timing t12, which is a timing before the timing t3 when the transfer of the sound data of the next transmission unit to the register 92 is started. As a result, the light emission data can be transferred to the register 92 using the idle time of the data transfer due to the existence of the sampling period.

  As described above, the emission data transferred to the register 92 as described above requires that the sub-MPU 82 completes the measurement of the read wait time and sets the read completion flag to “1” in the sound output LSI 86. Is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 under the condition In this case, the transfer of the light emission data to the sub-MPU 82 is started after a lapse of a plurality of sampling cycles after the transfer of the light emission data to the register 92 is completed.

  More specifically, referring to FIG. 15A, the transfer to the sub-MPU 82 is started at the timing t13 after the transfer of the sound data of the transmission unit started at the timing t7. Then, the transfer of the light emission data to the sub-MPU 82 is completed at the timing t14, which is a timing before the timing t9 when the transfer of the sound data of the next transmission unit to the register 92 is started.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  The common ROM 87 is configured to store not only the sound data used by the sound output LSI 86 but also the light emission data used by the sub-MPU 82, so that the direct use ROM directly connected to the sub-MPU 82 is stored. The data capacity of the light emission data can be increased without increasing the storage capacity of the ROM 84. In particular, it is relatively difficult to increase the data capacity of the direct ROM 84 due to being connected to the CPU 83 via the internal bus in the sub-MPU 82. Then, the internal bus width needs to be expanded, and it is not easy to cope with it. On the other hand, since the common ROM 87 is not directly connected to the CPU 83 but is externally attached to the sound output LSI 86, it is relatively easy to increase its data capacity. It is. By storing the light emission data in the common ROM 87, it is possible to appropriately cope with an increase in the data capacity of the light emission data.

  The light emission data read from the common ROM 87 to the sound output LSI 86 is transferred to the sub MPU 82 via the bus B1 for transmitting sequence data and parameter data for instructing sound output from the sub MPU 82 to the sound output LSI 86. . A signal indicating that sound is being output is also transmitted from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82 via the bus B1. As a result, the light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 is transferred to the sub MPU 82 by using the bus B1 provided to execute various controls in the sub MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86. The hardware configuration for transfer can be simplified.

  The register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 stores the sequence data and the parameter data transmitted from the sub-MPU 82 for giving a sound output instruction, that is, an area for a parameter accessed by the sub-MPU 82 for giving a sound output instruction. 111 to 114 and an area 115 for sequence data, and external read buffers 116 to 120 for storing light emission data to be transmitted to the sub MPU 82, that is, accessing the sub MPU 82 to read out light emission data. It is provided separately. This makes it possible to separately store the sound output control data and the light emission data on the sound output LSI 86 side, so that the sound output instruction timing from the sub-MPU 82 and the light emission data from the common ROM 87 can be stored. Read timing can be easily adjusted.

  The sound output LSI 86 is provided with a selector 136, and the area accessible in the sub-MPU 82 is divided between the parameter areas 111 to 114 and the sequence data area 115 and the external reading buffers 116 to 120. Can be switched. This makes it possible to increase the number of addresses accessible in the sub-MPU 82 while suppressing the number of signal paths L1 to L8 of the bus B1. Therefore, the above-described excellent effects can be achieved while simplifying the hardware configuration related to data communication.

  Switching between the first interference state in which the sub-MPU 82 can access the parameter areas 111 to 114 and the sequence data area 115 and the second interference state in which the external read buffers 116 to 120 can be accessed. Is executed based on an instruction from the sub-MPU 82. This makes it easier to adjust the timing of the sound output instruction from the sub-MPU 82 and the timing of reading the light emission data from the common ROM 87.

  A register area 137 is provided in the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86, and the sub MPU 82 accesses the selector area 137 to switch the information in the area 137, so that the first interference state and the second Switching to the interference state is performed, and the sub-MPU 82 is accessible in any interference state. As a result, the processing load on the sub MPU 82 for switching the interference state is reduced. In particular, since the interference state is switched through the binary switching of the selector area 137, the effect of reducing the processing load is enhanced.

  The sound output LSI 86 reads out sound data from the common ROM 87 as time-division data (or time-division information), and reads out emission data from the time when one time-division data is read until the next time-division data is read. I do. This makes it easier to adjust the timing at which sound data is read from the common ROM 87 and the timing at which light emission data is read.

  The reading of the sound data by time division is performed periodically based on the sampling period, and the emission data is read without disturbing the periodic reading. Since the sound data is transmitted in a time-division manner, if the reading is delayed, there is a high possibility that the sound cannot be output satisfactorily. In this case, the light emission data is read out without disturbing the periodic readout of the sound data by time division, so that the excellent effects as described above can be obtained while the sound output can be performed well. be able to.

  The time-division data is sound data for a predetermined number of samples, specifically, one sample. That is, the digitalized sound data is read out in a time-division manner, and the light-emitting data is read out by using the configuration read out in the time-division manner. As a result, the above-described excellent effects can be achieved by effectively utilizing the idle time for reading the sound data.

  The sub MPU 82 and the sound output LSI 86 are provided on the sound light control board 81. Accordingly, when the light emission data stored in the common ROM 87 is transferred to the sub-MPU 82, the light emission data can be transferred while suppressing the influence of noise during the transfer.

<Second Embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, for one sounding channel, the generation cycle of the digital musical sound data is set in accordance with the sampling cycle, and the reading of the sound data from the common ROM 87 is made to correspond to the sampling cycle by one sample. Configuration. Instead, in the present embodiment, the generation period of the digital musical sound data is set to a predetermined plurality (for example, “3”) of sampling periods (hereinafter, this period is also referred to as one frame). The sound data is read from the common ROM 87 in correspondence with the period of the one frame for each of the plurality of specific samples (that is, one frame).

  More specifically, in the sound data processing unit 93, when making the determination in step S503 in FIG. 12, a signal input from a clock circuit provided in the sound output LSI 86 is used as a trigger for making a positive determination. Corresponds to the above-described period of one frame. When making the determination in step S506, the signal input from the clock circuit provided in the sound output LSI 86 is used as a trigger for the affirmative determination, and the signal output cycle from the clock circuit also has the cycle of one frame. It corresponds to.

  Similarly, when the data transfer unit 95 makes the determination in step S601 in FIG. 13, the signal input from the clock circuit provided in the sound output LSI 86 is used as a trigger for the affirmative determination. The output cycle corresponds to the cycle for one frame.

  As described above, for one sounding channel, the unit of sound data transferred from the common ROM 87 in response to one transfer instruction to the common ROM 87 is one frame corresponding to a plurality of specific sampling periods. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the header information attached to the sound data as compared with the case where the sound data is transferred one sample at a time.

  The relationship between the transfer timing of the sound data and the transfer timing of the light emission data in the above configuration will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  As described above, the sound data is read from the common ROM 87 to the register 92 for each sounding channel one frame at a time corresponding to the period of one frame. More specifically, referring to FIG. 15B, transmission of sound data is started every time a period T4 of one frame elapses, such as from timing t1 to timing t3.

  The time required for transmitting the sound data at each timing (the time from t1 to t2 and the time from t3 to t4) is T5, and the transmission period T5 is a time sufficiently shorter than the period T4 for one frame. Has become. Incidentally, the number of sounding channels may be different depending on the type of a series of sounds to be output, and the transmission period T5 may be changed depending on the number of sounding channels. In this case, even when sound data for the maximum number of sounding channels is transmitted, the transmission period T5 is sufficiently shorter than the period T4 for one frame.

  As described above, the sound data for a series of sounds is a predetermined number of frames, specifically, one frame (a plurality of specific samples) × (the number of used sounding channels) for one frame. In the configuration in which the sound data is transmitted in a time-division manner corresponding to the period, a period during which the sound data is not transmitted occurs between the sound data of each transmission unit, and the period during which the sound data is not transmitted is longer than in the case of the first embodiment. Is also longer. Then, the light emission data is transmitted using the non-transmission period.

  Specifically, the transfer of the sound data of one transmission unit to the register 92 is started after the timing of t2 when the transfer of the sound data to the register 92 is completed, and the sound data of the next transmission unit is started. At a timing t5, which is a timing before the timing t3, the transfer of the light emission data from the common ROM 87 to the register 92 is started. Then, the transfer of the emission data is completed at a timing t6, which is a timing before the timing t3 when the transfer of the sound data of the next transmission unit to the register 92 is started. This makes it possible to transfer the light emission data to the register 92 by utilizing the idle time of the data transfer due to the existence of the cycle of one frame, and to allow the transfer to be more leeway than in the first embodiment. It is possible to carry it. Further, the data amount of the light emission data transmitted in response to one transfer instruction can be made larger than that in the first embodiment.

  Incidentally, as in the first embodiment, the measurement of the read wait time is completed in the sub-MPU 82 and the read completion flag is set to "1" in the sound output LSI 86, as in the first embodiment. Is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 on the condition that the Further, the point that the light emission data is transferred to the sub-MPU 82 so as not to overlap with the entire sound data transfer period is also the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when sound data is read out, the number of samples included in one piece of time-sharing data does not need to be fixed to a specific plural number. And the number of samples included in the time-division data may be different. For example, the configuration may be such that at least one of the two time-division data that interposes the transfer of the light emission data includes a smaller number of samples than the case where the transfer of the light emission data is not interposed. In this case, it is possible to increase the data capacity of the emission data read at one time.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, you may change as follows.
By the way, the following different configurations may be individually applied to the configurations of the above embodiments, or may be applied in combination.

  (1) The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which a part of the light emission data is stored in the direct ROM 84 and the rest is stored in the common ROM 87, and the entire light emission data is stored in the common ROM 87. It may be configured.

  (2) The light emission data as well as the sound data may be read out from the common ROM 87 in a time-division manner. That is, both the first information and the second information stored in the common ROM 87 may be read out in a time-division manner. In this case, a means for adjusting the timing so that the readout timings of the information do not overlap may be provided, and the readout cycles of the information are made constant so that the readout timings of the information do not overlap. May be set.

  (3) The data stored in the common ROM 87 connected to the sound output LSI 86 is not limited to a combination of sound data and light emission data. For example, a combination of sound data used by the sound output LSI 86 and a program used by the sub MPU 82 may be used. In this configuration, a part of the program is stored in the direct ROM 84, and the rest is stored in the common ROM 87. At least an initial startup program is stored in the direct ROM 84, and processing based on this program is performed. The following processing program may be read from the common ROM 87 during the execution of. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the entire program is stored in the common ROM 87, a circuit may be provided so that the program for the initial startup is transferred from the common ROM 87 through the sound output LSI 86 at the time of initial startup. A configuration in which a memory is separately provided may be employed.

  Further, a combination of sound data used by the sound output LSI 86, a program used by the sub MPU 82, and light emission data used by the sub MPU 82 may be used. In this case, the direct ROM 84 is not required in the configuration in which all of the program and the light emission data are stored in the common ROM 87. Of the programs used in the sub-MPU 82, only the boot program may be stored in a memory directly connected to the CPU 83 of the sub-MPU 82, and the rest may be stored in the common ROM 87.

  (4) The memory in which the program or data used in the sub-MPU 82 is stored may not be the memory connected to the sound output LSI 86 but may be the memory connected to the VDP 103 provided as the display MPU 102 or the drawing LSI. .

  (4-1) For example, the image ROM 104 may be configured to store at least one of the program of the sub-MPU 82 and the light emission data together with the image data. In this case, the sub MPU 82 and the VDP 103 may be electrically connected without the display MPU 102 interposed therebetween, and the VDP 103 may read out light emission data from the image ROM 104 and transmit the light emission data from the VDP 103 to the sub MPU 82. . Alternatively, the signal path between the sub-MPU 82 and the display MPU 102 can be bidirectionally communicated, and the signal path between the display MPU 102 and the VDP 103 can be bidirectionally communicated. May be transmitted to the sub-MPU 82 via the display MPU 102. In this case, an existing signal path can be used as compared with a configuration in which the sub-MPU 82 and the VDP 103 are directly connected.

  Here, the image data is read out in accordance with the update timing of the image displayed on the display screen G, and in the image update period including a plurality of update timings, the image data used at each update timing is time-divided. Can be considered as data. In this configuration, it is preferable that the information used in the sub-MPU 82 is read from the image ROM 104 by utilizing the time between image data read in a time-division manner.

  (4-2) Further, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which at least one of the program of the sub-MPU 82 and the emission data is stored in a program ROM built in the display MPU 102. In this configuration, the signal path between the sub-MPU 82 and the display MPU 102 is made bidirectionally communicable, so that an existing signal path can be used.

  By the way, in the configurations of (4-1) and (4-2), a plurality of different control devices have a common ROM.

  (5) A common ROM may be used among a plurality of CPUs that execute a predetermined process using a program. In this case, one CPU may appropriately read out a program from a common ROM as the game progresses, and the other CPUs may read out necessary programs at the time of power-on or the like. .

  (6) A common memory for storing data in advance is used between the control means for executing sound output control using sound data and the control means for executing image display control using image data. May be adopted. For example, a common ROM may be used between the sound output LSI 86 and the VDP 103 provided as a drawing LSI. In this configuration, the ROM connected to the sound output LSI 86 may store at least a part of the image data together with the sound data. Instead, the ROM connected to the VDP 103 stores the sound together with the image data. At least a part of the data may be stored. In this case, the sound output LSI 86 and the VDP 103 may be directly connected without passing through their dependent MPUs 82 and 102, or may be connected via the dependent MPUs 82 and 102.

  Further, for example, in a configuration in which the MPU, the sound output LSI, and the drawing LSI are provided on one control board, the configuration having the common memory as described above may be applied. In the configuration in which the sound data and the image data are stored in advance in the common memory as described above, the reading of the sound data is performed in a time-division manner, and the reading of the image data is also performed in a time-division manner. May be adjusted so that the time division timings do not overlap.

  (7) The areas to be switched by the sub-MPU 82 by switching the information to the selector area 137 include areas for sound output control such as areas 111 to 114 for parameters and an area 115 for sequence data. That is, in the sound output LSI 86, the area for instructing the sound output control of the speaker unit 45, which is the device to be controlled, need not be all, but may be a part.

  For example, the area 115 for sequence data in which data for instructing the flow of operation of the device to be controlled during a predetermined period is excluded from the area to be switched, and any interference state of the sound output LSI 86 may occur. May be configured to be accessible by the sub-MPU 82. In this case, it is possible to instruct the flow of the operation of the device to be controlled even when the interference state for transferring the emission data (that is, the first interference state) occurs.

  Further, in addition to the area 115 for the sequence data, some of the areas 111 to 114 for each parameter are also excluded from the areas to be switched, and the sub-MPU 82 can access the sound output LSI 86 regardless of the interference state. It may be configured. In this case, even if the interference state for transferring the emission data (that is, the first interference state) occurs, it is still possible to set the parameters for some of the plurality of sounding channels.

  (8) The common ROM 87 is directly connected to the sound output LSI 86 and not directly connected to the sub-MPU 82. Instead, the common ROM 87 is connected to the bus connecting the sound output LSI 86 and the sub-MPU 82. ROM 87 may be connected. In this case, it is preferable to separately provide a circuit for adjusting the access timing of the sound output LSI 86 and the sub-MPU 82 so that the sub-MPU 82 does not access the common ROM 87 at the same time.

  (9) The signal path for transmitting the sound output signal from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82 is not limited to the eighth signal path L8 used when the sub-MPU 82 accesses the selector area 137. The signal paths L1 to L5 used when the sequence data or the parameter data is transmitted from the sub-MPU 82 and the light emission data is transmitted from the sound output LSI 86.

  (10) In a configuration in which light emission data is stored in advance in each of the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87 as in the above-described embodiment, the direct ROM 84 has an optional property to be selected as an execution target as compared with the common ROM 87. A configuration in which high light emission data is stored in advance may be adopted.

  (10-1) For example, the start timing of the game time depends on the winning timing of the game ball to the operating ports 23 and 24, and the emission data at the start of the game time is in the middle of the game time, for example, at the time of the reach. Is more arbitrarily selected as an execution target than the light emission data of the above or the light emission data in the open / close execution mode. Therefore, the light emission data used at the start of the game round is stored in the direct ROM 84, and the subsequent light emission data such as at the time of the reach or in the open / close execution mode is stored in the common ROM 87. Thus, when it becomes necessary to suddenly start the game round, the light emission data can be read directly from the ROM 84, so that the start timing of the light emission control based on the light emission data can be advanced, and the subsequent game Since the timing at which the light emission data is to be executed can be known in advance for the light emission data according to the content, the light emission data may be read out from the common ROM 87 in advance.

  (10-2) In addition to or instead of the configuration of (10-1), a configuration may be adopted in which light emission data for abnormality notification is stored directly in the ROM 84. The abnormality notification executed when a predetermined abnormal event is detected also has a high degree of arbitrariness in the execution timing related to the arbitrary occurrence timing of the abnormal event. Therefore, by storing the light emission data for abnormality notification directly in the ROM 84, the abnormality notification can be promptly started in response to the occurrence of the abnormal event.

  Incidentally, as a specific configuration when the abnormality notification is performed, for example, an abnormality command is transmitted from the main control device 50 to the sub-MPU 82, and the sub-MPU 82 performs the abnormality control in step S301 in the effect control process (FIG. 10). If it is determined that the command has been received, a configuration in which a data table for abnormality notification is read in step S302 and light emission control is executed according to the data table is conceivable.

  Further, in the configuration in which the emission data for abnormality notification as described above is stored in the direct ROM 84, for example, the emission data corresponding to the emission control on the front side of the abnormality notification is stored in the direct ROM 84, and The light emission data corresponding to the light emission control may be stored in the common ROM 87. In this case, during the period in which the front-side emission control is performed using the emission data read from the direct ROM 84, the emission data corresponding to the rear-side emission control is read from the common ROM 87 in advance. This makes it possible to quickly and continuously execute light emission control using the light emission data while distributing and storing the light emission data for abnormality notification.

  (10-3) In addition to or instead of the configuration of (10-1) and (10-2), a configuration may be adopted in which light emission data for notifying an abnormality of the sound output LSI 86 is stored in the direct ROM 84. Good.

  Further, the configuration of (10-1) to (10-3) may be applied to a configuration in which the information to be distributed and stored is not emission data. For example, the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which image data is distributed and stored, a configuration in which sound data is distributed and stored, or a configuration in which a program is distributed and stored.

  (11) A configuration may be adopted in which reading of sound data from the common ROM 87 is not performed in a time-division manner. For example, a series of melodies, a series of sound effects, and sound data necessary for outputting a series of sounds from the speaker unit 45 are collectively read from the common ROM 87, and light is emitted using a period during which the sound data is not read. Data may be read out. However, in adjusting the read timing of the emission data, as in the above-described embodiments, the sound data is read out in a time-division manner and the time from reading out one time-divisional data until reading out the next time-division data. It is preferable that the light emission data is read out using the time between the two.

  (12) The method of the sound source in the sound output LSI 86 is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and for example, a waveform memory method, an FM method or an AM method may be adopted.

  Instead of providing the sound output LSI 86 as a dedicated circuit, the sound output LSI 86 may be configured to have a CPU and execute processing according to a program to realize the operation in the above embodiment. A configuration may be employed in which a CPU is provided in correspondence with each of the data transfer units 95 and each executes processing in accordance with a program, thereby realizing the operation in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the program may be stored in the common ROM 87 together with the sound data, or the program may be stored in a ROM provided separately from the common ROM 87.

  (13) The configuration in which the sub-MPU 82 accesses the register 92 of the sound output LSI 86 using the bus B1 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, no matter which area of the register 92 is accessed, information may be transmitted in parallel using all the signal paths L1 to L8 of the bus B1. Even in this case, the accessible area is switched using the selector 136 in consideration of the relationship between the number of signal paths L1 to L8 and the number of addresses accessible in the sub-MPU 82. Is preferred.

  (14) The sound data read from the common ROM 87 may be transferred not to the register 92 but to the sound data processing unit 93. In this case, the respective timings are set so that the period during which sound data is transferred from the common ROM 87 to the sound output LSI 86 and the period during which light emission data is transferred from the common ROM 87 to the sound output LSI 86 do not overlap. The period during which the light emission data is transferred from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82 may be the same as the period during which the sound data is transferred from the common ROM 87.

  In addition to the above configuration, the data obtained by analyzing the sequence data and the parameter data is not stored in the register 92, but is stored in the sound data processing unit 93. The data transfer unit 95 may perform the transfer of the sound data based on the data.

  (15) Instead of the configuration in which the switching of the interference state in the sound output LSI 86 is all performed based on the instruction from the sub MPU 82, for example, the switching from the first interference state to the second interference state is performed based on the instruction from the sub MPU 82 The switching from the second interference state to the first interference state may be performed by the sound output LSI 86 at the timing when the transfer of the emission data from the sound output LSI 86 to the sub-MPU 82 is completed or thereafter.

  (16) The sound output LSI 86 may be configured to perform not only sound output control but also image display control. In this case, three or more types of interference states may be set as interference states for the sound output LSI 86, including an interference state for sound output control, an interference state for image display control, and an interference state for data transfer. .

  (17) The manner in which the light emission data and the program used in the sub-MPU 82 are distributed to the direct ROM 84 and the common ROM 87 is not limited to those in the above embodiments. The light emission data and the program to be used may be stored in the common ROM 87, and the light emission data and the program to be used in the state other than the open / close execution mode may be directly stored in the ROM 84. In this case, the emission data and the program having a high degree of arbitrariness of the timing used by the sub-MPU 82 are stored in the direct ROM 84 which can complete the reading at an early stage, and are executed after the winning round is executed. The light emission data and the program at which the use timing occurs can be distributed to the common ROM 87.

  (18) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the area accessible from the sub MPU 82 is switched between the areas 111 to 114 for parameters and the area 115 for sequence data and the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading. Although the switching can be performed collectively by switching the information in the selector area 137, the present invention is not limited to this, and the selector area 137 may be provided for each switching target. A selector area 137 may be provided for each combination. In these cases, it is possible to switch the accessible area in the sub-MPU 82 more finely. For example, some data for giving an instruction to the sound output LSI 86 is stored in one of the buffers 116 to 120 for external reading. It is possible to write data while data is being read from the buffer of the unit.

  (19) In the above embodiments, by switching the information in the selector area 137, the area accessible in the sub-MPU 82 can be changed to the area 111-114 for each parameter, the area 115 for sequence data, and each external readout. The configuration is such that the data can be switched between the buffers 116 to 120, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by switching information in the selector area 137, the sub-MPU 82 can write data to the register 92. The state may be switched between a normal state and a state in which data can be read from the register 92.

  (20) The hold information related to winning in the upper working port 23 and the hold information related to winning in the lower working port 24 are stored separately, and the hold information related to winning in the lower working port 24 has priority. The structure digested may be applied, and conversely, the structure in which the hold information related to winning in the upper working port 23 is preferentially digested may be applied.

  Further, in the above configuration, the plurality of operating ports are not vertically arranged side by side, but the first operating port corresponding to the upper operating port 23 and the second operating port corresponding to the lower operating port 24 are arranged left and right. A configuration in which the two working ports are arranged side by side may be adopted. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which arrange | positions both operation openings apart so that only the winning to the 1st operation opening or the winning to the 2nd operation opening can be aimed according to the operation mode of the launching handle 41.

  Further, in the above configuration, the main display unit 33 is acquired based on the first display area for displaying the result of the determination of whether or not the hold information is acquired based on the winning of the upper operating port 23 and the winning of the lower operating port 24. A second display area for displaying the result of the determination of whether or not the held information is correct may be provided. In this case, the change display of the pattern in the first display area is based on whether the hold information acquired based on the winning to the upper working port 23 is the target of the determination of the success or failure. Is started and a stop result corresponding to the determination of the success / failure is displayed, and the change display for one game time is ended. In addition, the change display of the pattern is displayed in the second display area based on whether the hold information acquired based on the winning to the lower working port 24 is the target of the determination of the success or failure. At the same time, the stop result corresponding to the determination of success / failure is displayed, and the display of the variation of one game time is ended.

  (21) A player in the case where the hold information related to winning in the upper working port 23 becomes a target of the success / failure determination and the case where the hold information related to winning in the lower working port 24 becomes a target of the success / failure determination. It is good also as a structure from which the profit which is obtained differs. In a configuration in which a plurality of working ports are provided, the number of working ports is not limited to two, and may be three or more. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with only one working port.

  (22) Instead of the configuration in which the display control device 72 is controlled by the sound / light control device 71 based on a command output from the main control device 50, display control is performed based on a command output from the main control device 50. The device 72 may be configured to control the sound light control device 71. Further, instead of the configuration in which the sound light control device 71 and the display control device 72 are separately provided, a configuration in which both control devices are provided as one control device may be adopted. May be integrated in the main control device 50, and both functions of the two control devices may be integrated in the main control device 50. The configuration of commands output from the main control device 50 to the sound light control device 71 and the configuration of commands output from the sound light control device 71 to the display control device 72 are also arbitrary.

  (23) The device in which the effect for the game is executed is not limited to the symbol display device 31, and the effect for the game is executed by the operation of the movable decorative member. It may be configured such that an effect for game play is executed by turning on a predetermined light emitting unit, and an effect for game play is executed by a combination of all or a part of the above aspects. Good.

  (24) In each of the above embodiments, the main control unit 50 is configured to start one game round on the main display unit 33 based on the determination of success or failure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. No, based on the fact that the above-mentioned game times are started at a timing before the timing at which the actual determination is made in the case where the condition for performing the determination is established in the main control device 50, and the determination is made thereafter. The subsequent display mode, display continuation time, and stop result in the game round may be determined. In this case, the main control device 50 first transmits a variation command when the timing of starting the game is reached, and then determines whether or not it is correct, determines the display continuation time, and determines the type. The configuration may be such that the command is transmitted, and the transmission timing of the time command and the type command is also shifted.

  (25) In the above embodiments, the main display unit 33 is configured to display the stop result corresponding to each game result. However, the main display unit 33 may be omitted. Even if it is a game result, a common stop result may be displayed on the main display unit 33, and the stop result is randomly displayed on the main display unit 33, so that the display on the main display unit 33 is eventually ended. May not be able to identify which game result.

  (26) Other types of pachinko machines, such as pachinko machines, which are different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a ball enters and a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball and the like.

  In addition, a game machine that is not a ball-and-ball type, for example, includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are provided in a circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reels by inserting medals and operating a start lever, and operates a stop switch. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols has been established on the activated line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, a bonus such as a medal payout is provided to the player. The present invention can be applied to a slot machine.

  In addition, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable / closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts rotating the reel.

<About the inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, features of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses or the like.

<Feature A group>
Feature A1. First control means (sub-MPU 82) for executing first control using first control information (program and processing data, light emission data) which is at least one of a program and data;
Information storage means (common ROM 87) for previously storing second control information (sound data) which is at least one of a program and data;
A second control unit (sound output LSI 86) that executes a second control using the second control information stored in the information storage unit;
With
A gaming machine, wherein at least a part of the first control information used in the first control means is stored in the information storage means in advance.

  According to the feature A1, not only the information for the second control used by the second control means but also at least a part of the information for the first control used by the first control means is stored in the information storage means. Is stored. By providing the information storage means commonly used by the first control means and the second control means, it is possible to increase the amount of information to be stored in advance while suppressing the number of storage means. Therefore, it is possible to optimize a configuration in which information is stored in advance.

Feature A2. A first path (bus B1) used when communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means,
A second path (bus B2) used when the second control means reads information from the information storage means;
With
When the first control information stored in the information storage means is used by the first control means, the first control information is transmitted to the second control means via the second path. The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein the information is read by the first control means via the first path after being read.

  In the gaming machine of the characteristic A2, various controls are executed by performing communication using the first path between the first control means and the second control means, and the second control means performs the control on the second path. The second control is executed using the information for the second control read out from the information storage means. In this case, when the first control information stored in the information storage means is transferred to the first control means, the first path and the second path are used. Thereby, the information is transferred from the information storage unit to the first control unit using the paths provided for executing the various controls by the first control unit and the second control unit. The excellent effect as described in the feature A1 can be obtained while simplifying the hardware configuration for transferring the data.

Feature A3. The first control means executes a predetermined process using a first control program which is a part of the first control information, and executes a first process which is a part of the first control information. 1 controls the operation of the first device (various light emitting units 44a to 44k) by executing the predetermined process using the data for control.
The first control program is stored in advance in first control storage means (direct ROM 84) connected to the first control means,
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit in advance.

  In the gaming machine with the characteristic A3, the first control means executes predetermined processing using a program and controls operation of the first device using data for the first control. Various controls can be performed as control. In this case, among the first control information used by the first control means, the program is stored in the first control storage means, and at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage. Stored in the means. Accordingly, the first control data whose data amount tends to be larger than that of the program is reduced while the execution of the predetermined process is favorably ensured by suppressing the configuration from becoming complicated for reading the program. Can be satisfactorily realized.

Feature A4. An upstream instruction information (various commands) is transmitted to the first control means so as to control the progress of the game in accordance with the operation result generated based on the operation by the player and execute the control in accordance with the operation result. Upstream control means (main control device 50)
The first control means executes a predetermined process (effect control process) using a first control program which is a part of the first control information, thereby responding to the upstream instruction information. And causing the first device to perform an operation according to the determined control content using first control data that is a part of the first control information. Yes,
The first control program is stored in advance in first control storage means (direct ROM 84) connected to the first control means,
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit in advance.

  According to the feature A4, when the upstream instruction information is transmitted from the upstream control means, the first control means first executes a predetermined process corresponding to the upstream instruction information using a program, and executes the predetermined processing. During the execution of the process, the operation of the first device is controlled using the data. In other words, the first control program needs to be read abruptly in response to the reception of the upstream instruction information, and the read timing is highly arbitrarily determined. Since it is used in the process, the readout timing is less arbitrary. Furthermore, since the first control data is used on the assumption that the predetermined process using the program is executed, the read priority is higher in the first control program, and the reading of the program is delayed. If it does, it will be in a processing waiting state. Under such circumstances, the first control program is stored in the first control storage unit, and at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit. This allows the first control program to be independently read out by the first control means irrespective of the state of the second control means, while the data amount of the first control is likely to be larger than the program. It is possible to satisfactorily increase the data amount of data.

  Feature A5. The feature A3 or A4, wherein a part of the first control data is stored in advance in the first control storage unit and a part is stored in advance in the information storage unit. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  According to the feature A5, since the first control data is distributed and stored in each of the first control storage unit and the information storage unit, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the information storage unit from being extremely increased. However, excellent effects as described above can be obtained.

  Feature A6. The second control unit uses the second control information based on operation instruction information (sequence data and parameter data) transmitted from the first control unit via the first path, and uses a second device ( The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A5, which controls an operation of the speaker unit 45).

  According to the feature A6, the information is transferred from the information storage unit to the first control unit using the first path for transmitting the operation instruction information from the first control unit to the second control unit. The above-described excellent effects can be achieved while simplifying the hardware configuration for transferring the data.

  In addition, as a more specific configuration of the feature A6, "the second control means does not use a program based on the information transmitted from the first control means through the first path, and The second device controls the operation of the second device using the second control data which is the information for the second control. "

Feature A7. The second control means transmits information corresponding to an operation state of the second device through the first path,
The gaming machine according to Feature A6, wherein the first control means executes a process (the process of Step S318) according to a reception result of the information corresponding to the operation status.

  According to the feature A7, the first path provided to enable the two-way communication to control the operation of the second device satisfactorily and to make the first control means recognize the operation state is used. The information for the first control read from the information storage means can be transferred from the second control means to the first control means.

  Feature A8. The second control means has a storage area for operation instructions (areas 111 to 114 for parameters and an area 115 for sequence data) for storing the operation instruction information, and is read from the information storage means. A second control storage unit having a transmission waiting storage area (external read buffers 116 to 120) for storing the first control information until a timing for transmitting the first control information to the first control unit is reached; The gaming machine according to feature A6 or A7, further comprising a register 92).

  According to the feature A8, the second control unit can individually store the operation instruction information received from the first control unit and the first control information read from the information storage unit. Therefore, it becomes easy to adjust the transmission timing of the operation instruction information from the first control unit and the readout timing of the first control information from the information storage unit.

  Feature A9. The second control means includes a first state (a first interference state) in which the operation instruction information is transmitted to the second control means through the first path, and a first state read from the information storage means. A selection unit (selector 136) for selecting one of a second state (a second interference state) in which control information is transmitted to the first control unit through the first path. The gaming machine according to any one of features A6 to A8.

  According to the feature A9, the transmission of the operation instruction information toward the second control unit and the transmission of the first control information toward the first control unit are performed using the same first route. The hardware configuration for transmitting information is simplified.

  Feature A10. The feature A9 is characterized in that the first control means includes a switching means (a function of executing the processing of step S403 and the processing of step S410 in the sub-MPU 82) for switching a state selected by the selection means. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature A10, since the switching of the communication state of the first path between the first state and the second state is performed by the first control unit, the transmission timing of the operation instruction information toward the second control unit side And the transmission timing of the first control information toward the first control means can be easily adjusted.

Feature A11. The second control storage means has a storage area to be selected (selector area 137) for storing information corresponding to a state selected by the selection means,
The switching unit switches the information of the storage area to be selected based on transmitting information to the second control unit, and further includes a state in which the first state is selected by the selection unit and a state in which the first state is selected. The gaming machine according to Feature A10, wherein the information in the storage area to be selected can be switched in any of the two states being selected.

  According to the feature A11, since the first control means only needs to switch the information of the storage area to be selected by the second control means when switching the communication state of the first path, the control load of the first control means with respect to the switching is changed. Reduction is achieved.

Feature A12. The first control means, when reading the first control information stored in the information storage means, transmits read instruction information of the first control information to the second control means. (The function of executing the processing of step S307 in the sub-MPU 82).
When switching the state selected by the selection unit from the first state to the second state, the switching unit executes the switching after the transmission of the read instruction information by the read instruction unit is completed. The gaming machine according to feature A10 or A11.

  According to the feature A12, when the communication state of the first path is switched from the first state to the second state, it is possible to secure a long period for maintaining the first state, and In this case, there is more time to set the transmission timing of the operation instruction information.

Feature A13. The first control means includes:
When reading the first control information stored in the information storage means, a read instruction means (step S307 in the sub MPU 82) for transmitting read instruction information of the first control information to the second control means. Function to perform processing),
Transfer instruction means for transmitting, to the second control means, transfer instruction information for instructing the transfer of the first control information read from the information storage means to the second control means to the first control means ( A function of executing the process of step S408 in the sub-MPU 82);
With
The second control unit sets completion information when reading of the information specified by the read instruction information from the information storage unit is completed (performs the processing of step S607 in the data transfer unit 95). Function),
The transfer instructing unit executes the processing of step S404 in the measurement unit (the RWM 85 and the sub-MPU 82) that starts measuring a predetermined transfer instruction waiting period after the read out instruction information is transmitted from the read out instruction unit. And transmitting the transfer instruction information to the second control means when the measurement of the transfer instruction waiting period by the measurement means is completed and the completion information is set. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A12, characterized in that:

  According to the feature A13, even though the reading of the information corresponding to the read instruction from the first control means to the second control means has not been completed, the setting of the completion information is not performed due to the influence of electric noise or the like. Even in this case, the completion of the measurement of the transfer instruction waiting time on the side of the first control means is a condition for transmitting the transfer instruction information. Transfer does not start.

  In addition, the reading of the first control information from the information storage means in the second control means is behind schedule for some reason, and the reading of the information is not completed even though the transfer instruction waiting time has elapsed. However, since the setting of the completion information in the second control means is a condition for transmitting the transfer instruction information, the transfer of the information from the second control means to the first control means is not started.

  As described above, according to the present configuration, it is possible to accurately transfer the first control information stored in the information storage unit to the first control unit.

Feature A14. The second control means includes
Operation control means (sound data processing unit 93) for controlling the operation of the second device using the information for the second control;
A transfer execution unit (data transfer unit) for reading the first control information stored in the information storage unit based on a transfer instruction from the first control unit and transmitting the read information to the first control unit 95)
With
The operation control unit can control the operation of the second device even during a period in which the transfer control unit transfers the first control information. Features A2 to A2. The gaming machine according to any one of A13.

  According to the feature A14, since the second device can be operated even during the period in which the first control information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted, the first device stored in the information storage unit can be operated. It becomes easy to adjust the transfer timing of the control information.

Feature A15. The operation control means uses the information for the second control based on operation instruction information (sequence data and parameter data) transmitted from the first control means through the first path, and controls the second device. Control the operation,
The first control means, when the transfer of the first control information is performed by the transfer execution means, at least before the transmission of the first control information via the first path is started, The gaming machine according to Feature A14, wherein the amount of the operation instruction information necessary to control the operation of the second device is transmitted until a timing after the transmission is completed.

  According to the feature A15, it is possible to cause the second device to perform an operation according to an operation instruction from the first control unit even during a period in which the transfer of the first control information is performed. In particular, since the operation instruction information including the necessary information amount is transmitted in advance, it is not necessary to interrupt the transmission of the operation instruction information in the middle of the period in which the transfer is performed. The above-described excellent effects can be obtained while suppressing the complexity of the configuration according to the above.

Feature A16. The time-divisional information (series of sound data) corresponding to a predetermined period used in the second control means within the predetermined period is read out from the information storage means in the second control information. Reading means (a function of executing the processing of steps S601 and S602 in the data transfer unit 95);
Specific information (light emission data read at a time) of the first control information stored in the information storage means is read out from the information storage means, and the time division reading means reads one piece of time-division data. (The sound data for one sample in the first embodiment, the sound data for a plurality of samples in the second embodiment) from when the next time-division information is read out. A reading unit for specific information for performing the reading (a function of executing the processing of steps S603 and S604 in the data transfer unit 95);
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A15, comprising:

  According to the feature A16, it is easy to adjust the timing of reading the second control information from the information storage unit and the timing of reading the first control information.

Feature A17. The information corresponding to the predetermined period includes three or more pieces of the time-division information, and the reading means for the time-division periodically reads out the time-division information for each specific period,
The gaming machine according to Feature A16, wherein the reading unit for the specific information reads the specific information from the information storage unit within a range of the specific period.

  According to the feature A17, the information for the second control is divided and transmitted as time-division information, and if the reading thereof is delayed, there is a possibility that the second control by the second control means cannot be performed well. high. In this case, since the specific information relating to the first control information is read while the periodic reading of the time-division information is not hindered, the second control can be executed well, and the description has already been given. Excellent effects as described above can be obtained.

Feature A18. The second control information is sound data sampled and quantized at a predetermined sampling frequency,
The second control means creates digital tone data using the sound data, and causes the sound output means to output a predetermined sound using the created digital tone data,
The gaming machine according to feature A16 or A17, wherein the time-division information is sound data for a predetermined number of samples.

  According to the feature A18, the digitalized sound data is read out in a time-division manner, and the specific information relating to the first control information is read out by using the configuration read out in the time-division manner. As a result, the above-described excellent effects can be achieved by effectively utilizing the idle time for reading the sound data.

  Feature A19. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A18, wherein the first control means and the second control means are provided on the same control board (sound light control board 81).

  According to the feature A19, the above-described excellent effects can be obtained while suppressing the influence of noise during transfer.

  The invention of the above-described feature group A is effective for the following problems.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. These gaming machines include a general-purpose control element such as a CPU and a read-only storage element such as a ROM, and a series of processing is performed by the general-purpose control element according to a program read from the read-only storage element. The game is being controlled. It is also known that a general-purpose control element, a read-only storage element, and the like are integrated into one chip.

  In the above-mentioned gaming machine, in order to reduce the processing load on one general-purpose control element, a configuration including a general-purpose control element separately or a configuration including a dedicated control element provided as a dedicated circuit for executing a predetermined process is also available. Are known.

  To illustrate the former configuration, a main control device for centrally managing a game is provided with one general-purpose control element, and a sub-control device for controlling effects using speakers, lamps, display devices, and the like. A configuration in which one general-purpose control element is provided is known. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided in each of the main control device and the sub-control device. The general-purpose control element of the main control device executes main control based on a program read from the corresponding storage element, and The general-purpose control element of the control device controls the execution of the effect based on the program read from the corresponding storage element and the data input from the main control device.

  In addition, as an example of the latter configuration, a control device for controlling an effect using a speaker or the like is provided with one general-purpose control element, and performs sound output control using sound data to control the sound output from the speaker. There is known a configuration in which a dedicated control element for outputting a predetermined sound is provided. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided for each of the general-purpose control element and the special-purpose control element, and the general-purpose control element determines a sound output content for a predetermined period based on a program read from the corresponding storage element. And the dedicated control element executes control for outputting a sound corresponding to the command from the general-purpose control element using the sound data read from the corresponding storage element.

  Note that such control using the general-purpose control element and the dedicated control element is used in image display control on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in addition to sound output control from a speaker.

  Here, in the gaming machine, it is necessary to increase the degree of attention to the game, and as one of the methods, a method of diversifying or complicating the game content can be considered. However, when the capacity of programs and control data increases due to the adoption of such a method, simply increasing the number and capacity of read-only storage elements increases the cost accordingly. Would. Further, even if the capacity of the program or the control data does not increase, it is preferable to reduce the number or capacity of the read-only storage elements in order to suppress the cost of the gaming machine.

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. First control means (sub-MPU 82) for executing first control using first control information (program and processing data, light emission data) which is at least one of a program and data;
Second control means (sound output LSI 86) for executing the second control using information (sound data) for the second control, which is at least one of a program and data;
A specific path (bus B1) used when communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means,
Information storage means (common ROM 87) for storing at least a part of the first control information in advance;
A transfer execution unit (data transfer unit 95) for transmitting the first control information stored in the information storage unit to the first control unit through the specific path;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature B1, the information for the first control is transmitted to the first control means through the specific path used when communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means. As a result, the specific route can be shared, and it is possible to satisfactorily increase the capacity of information used by the first control means.

Feature B2. The first control means executes a predetermined process using a first control program which is a part of the first control information, and executes a first process which is a part of the first control information. 1 controls the operation of the first device (various light emitting units 44a to 44k) by executing the predetermined process using the data for control.
The first control program is stored in advance in first control storage means (direct ROM 84) connected to the first control means,
The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit in advance.

  In the gaming machine of Feature B2, the first control means executes predetermined processing using a program and controls operation of the first device using data for the first control. Various controls can be performed as control. In this case, among the first control information used by the first control means, the program is stored in the first control storage means, and at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage. Stored in the means. Accordingly, the first control data whose data amount tends to be larger than that of the program is reduced while the execution of the predetermined process is favorably ensured by suppressing the configuration from becoming complicated for reading the program. Can be satisfactorily realized.

Feature B3. An upstream instruction information (various commands) is transmitted to the first control means so as to control the progress of the game in accordance with the operation result generated based on the operation by the player and execute the control in accordance with the operation result. Upstream control means (main control device 50)
The first control means executes a predetermined process (effect control process) using a first control program which is a part of the first control information, thereby responding to the upstream instruction information. And causing the first device to perform an operation according to the determined control content using first control data that is a part of the first control information. Yes,
The first control program is stored in advance in first control storage means (direct ROM 84) connected to the first control means,
The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit in advance.

  According to the feature B3, when the upstream instruction information is transmitted from the upstream control means, the first control means first executes a predetermined process corresponding to the upstream instruction information by using a program, and executes the predetermined processing. The operation of the first device is controlled using the data in the process of executing the process. In other words, the first control program needs to be read abruptly in response to the reception of the upstream instruction information, and the read timing is highly arbitrarily determined. Since it is used in the process, the readout timing is less arbitrary. Furthermore, since the first control data is used on the assumption that the predetermined process using the program is executed, the read priority is higher in the first control program, and the reading of the program is delayed. If it does, it will be in a processing waiting state. Under such circumstances, the first control program is stored in the first control storage unit, and at least a part of the first control data is stored in the information storage unit. This allows the first control program to be independently read out by the first control means irrespective of the state of the second control means, while the data amount of the first control is likely to be larger than the program. It is possible to satisfactorily increase the data amount of data.

  Feature B4. The feature B2 or B3, wherein a part of the first control data is stored in advance in the first control storage unit, and a part is stored in advance in the information storage unit. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  According to the feature B4, since the first control data is distributed and stored in each of the first control storage unit and the information storage unit, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the information storage unit from being extremely increased. However, excellent effects as described above can be obtained.

  Feature B5. The second control unit controls the operation of the second device (speaker unit 45) based on operation instruction information (sequence data and parameter data) transmitted from the first control unit through the specific path. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4.

  According to the feature B5, the information is transferred from the information storage unit to the first control unit by using the specific path for transmitting the operation instruction information from the first control unit to the second control unit. The above-described excellent effects can be achieved while simplifying the hardware configuration for the transfer.

  In addition, as a more specific configuration of the feature B5, "the second control means performs the second control without using a program based on the information transmitted from the first control means through the specific path. The operation of the second device is controlled using the data for the second device. "

Feature B6. The second control means transmits information corresponding to an operation state of the second device through the specific path,
The gaming machine according to Feature B5, wherein the first control means executes a process (the process of Step S318) according to a reception result of the information corresponding to the operation status.

  According to the feature B6, using a specific path provided to enable two-way communication to control the operation of the second device satisfactorily and to make the first control means recognize the operation state, The first control information read from the information storage means can be transferred from the second control means to the first control means.

  Feature B7. The second control means has a storage area for operation instructions (areas 111 to 114 for parameters and an area 115 for sequence data) for storing the operation instruction information, and is read from the information storage means. A second control having a transmission waiting storage area (external read buffers 116 to 120) for storing the first control information until a timing at which the transfer execution means transmits the first control information to the first control means; The gaming machine according to feature B5 or B6, further comprising storage means (register 92).

  According to the feature B7, the second control means can individually store the operation instruction information received from the first control means and the first control information read from the information storage means. Therefore, it becomes easy to adjust the transmission timing of the operation instruction information from the first control unit and the readout timing of the first control information from the information storage unit.

  Feature B8. The second control means includes a first state (a first interference state) in which the operation instruction information is transmitted to the second control means through the specific path, and a first control state read from the information storage means. Selecting means (selector 136) for selecting any one of a second state (second interference state) in which information for transmission is transmitted to the first control means through the specific path by the transfer executing means. The gaming machine according to any one of features B5 to B7, characterized in that:

  According to the feature B8, the transmission of the operation instruction information to the second control means and the transmission of the information for the first control to the first control means are performed by using the same specific path. Simplification of the hardware configuration related to the transmission of the data.

  Feature B9. The feature B8 is characterized in that the first control means includes switching means (a function of executing the processing of step S403 and the processing of step S410 in the sub-MPU 82) for switching a state selected by the selection means. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature B9, since the switching of the communication state of the specific route between the first state and the second state is performed by the first control means, the transmission timing of the operation instruction information toward the second control means and This makes it easier to adjust the transmission timing of the first control information toward the first control means.

Feature B10. The second control storage means has a storage area to be selected (selector area 137) for storing information corresponding to a state selected by the selection means,
The switching unit switches the information of the storage area to be selected based on transmitting information to the second control unit, and further includes a state in which the first state is selected by the selection unit and a state in which the first state is selected. The gaming machine according to Feature B9, wherein the information of the storage area to be selected can be switched in any of the two states being selected.

  According to the feature B10, since the first control means only needs to switch the information of the storage area to be selected by the second control means when switching the communication state of the specific path, the control load of the first control means for the switching is reduced. Is achieved.

Feature B11. The first control means, when reading the first control information stored in the information storage means, transmits read instruction information of the first control information to the second control means. (The function of executing the processing of step S307 in the sub-MPU 82).
When switching the state selected by the selection unit from the first state to the second state, the switching unit executes the switching after the transmission of the read instruction information by the read instruction unit is completed. The gaming machine according to feature B9 or B10, characterized in that:

  According to the feature B11, when the communication state of the specific path is switched from the first state to the second state, it is possible to secure a long period of time in which the first state is maintained, and the second control unit is directed to the second control unit. There is ample time for setting the transmission timing of the operation instruction information.

Feature B12. The first control means includes:
When reading the first control information stored in the information storage means, a read instruction means (step S307 in the sub MPU 82) for transmitting read instruction information of the first control information to the second control means. Function to perform processing),
Transfer instructing means for transmitting, to the transfer executing means, transfer instruction information for instructing the first control means to transfer the first control information read from the information storage means to the second control means; A function of executing the process of step S408 in the MPU 82);
With
The transfer executing means sets completion information when the information specified by the read instruction information is completely read from the information storage means (performs the processing of step S607 in the data transfer unit 95). Function),
The transfer instructing unit executes the processing of step S404 in the measurement unit (the RWM 85 and the sub-MPU 82) that starts measuring a predetermined transfer instruction waiting period after the read out instruction information is transmitted from the read out instruction unit. And transmitting the transfer instruction information to the transfer executing means when the measurement of the transfer instruction waiting period by the measuring means is completed and the completion information is set. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B11.

  According to the feature B12, even though the reading of the information corresponding to the read instruction from the first control means to the second control means has not been completed, the setting of the completion information is not performed due to the influence of electric noise or the like. Even in this case, the completion of the measurement of the transfer instruction waiting time on the side of the first control means is a condition for transmitting the transfer instruction information. Transfer does not start.

  In addition, the reading of the first control information from the information storage means in the second control means is behind schedule for some reason, and the reading of the information is not completed even though the transfer instruction waiting time has elapsed. However, since the setting of the completion information in the second control means is a condition for transmitting the transfer instruction information, the transfer of the information from the second control means to the first control means is not started.

  As described above, according to the present configuration, it is possible to accurately transfer the first control information stored in the information storage unit to the first control unit.

Feature B13. The second control unit includes the transfer execution unit and an operation control unit (sound data processing unit 93) that controls the operation of the second device using the information for the second control. ,
The operation control unit can control the operation of the second device even during a period during which the transfer of the first control information is performed by the transfer execution unit. The gaming machine according to any one of B12.

  According to the feature B13, since the second device can be operated even during the period in which the first control information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted, the first device stored in the information storage unit can be operated. It becomes easy to adjust the transfer timing of the control information.

Feature B14. The operation control means uses the information for the second control based on operation instruction information (sequence data and parameter data) transmitted from the first control means through the specific path, and operates the second device. Control the
When the transfer of the first control information is performed by the transfer execution unit, the first control unit may perform the transmission at least before the transmission of the first control information via the specific path is started. The gaming machine according to Feature B13, wherein the amount of operation instruction information necessary to control the operation of the second device is transmitted until a timing after the completion of the operation.

  According to the feature B14, it is possible to cause the second device to perform an operation according to an operation instruction from the first control unit even during a period in which the transfer of the first control information is performed. In particular, since the operation instruction information including the necessary information amount is transmitted in advance, it is not necessary to interrupt the transmission of the operation instruction information in the middle of the period in which the transfer is performed. The above-described excellent effects can be obtained while suppressing the complexity of the configuration according to the above.

  The invention of the feature B group is effective for the following problems.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. These gaming machines include a general-purpose control element such as a CPU and a read-only storage element such as a ROM, and a series of processing is performed by the general-purpose control element according to a program read from the read-only storage element. The game is being controlled. It is also known that a general-purpose control element, a storage element for reading, and the like are integrated into one chip and provided as one control element.

  In the above-mentioned gaming machine, in order to reduce the processing load on one general-purpose control element, a configuration including a general-purpose control element separately or a configuration including a dedicated control element provided as a dedicated circuit for executing a predetermined process is also available. Are known.

  To illustrate the former configuration, a main control device for centrally managing a game is provided with one general-purpose control element, and a sub-control device for controlling an effect using a speaker, a lamp, a display device, and the like. A configuration in which one general-purpose control element is provided is known. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided in each of the main control device and the sub-control device. The general-purpose control element of the main control device executes main control based on a program read from the corresponding storage element, and The general-purpose control element of the control device controls the execution of the effect based on the program read from the corresponding storage element and the data input from the main control device.

  In addition, as an example of the latter configuration, a control device for controlling an effect using a speaker or the like is provided with one general-purpose control element, and performs sound output control using sound data to control the sound output from the speaker. There is known a configuration in which a dedicated control element for outputting a predetermined sound is provided. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided for each of the general-purpose control element and the special-purpose control element, and the general-purpose control element determines a sound output content for a predetermined period based on a program read from the corresponding storage element. And the dedicated control element executes control for outputting a sound corresponding to the command from the general-purpose control element using the sound data read from the corresponding storage element.

  Note that such control using the general-purpose control element and the dedicated control element is used in image display control on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in addition to sound output control from a speaker.

  Here, in order to increase the capacity of a program or control data used in a predetermined control element, a storage element is not newly integrated with the predetermined control element, but separately from the predetermined control element. It is conceivable to store an increased amount of program or control data in the provided storage element. In this case, it is possible to increase the capacitance without largely changing the design of the predetermined control element. However, when the number of input terminals of a predetermined control element is increased in order to input a signal from the separately provided storage element, a change in design is required in accordance with the increase in the number of input terminals.

<Feature C group>
Feature C1. A control unit (sub-MPU 82) on the instruction issuing side and a control unit (sound output LSI 86) on the instruction receiving side are provided. Based on an instruction from the control unit on the instruction issuing side, the control unit on the instruction receiving side performs specific control (a speaker unit). In the gaming machine in which the output control of the sound from 45 is executed,
The control means on the instruction receiving side includes:
Receiving-side storage means (register 92) which is accessed via a specific path (bus B1) by the instruction-issuing-side control means;
First execution means (sound data processing unit 93) for executing the first specific control;
A second execution unit (a function of reading and transmitting light emission data in the data transfer unit 95) for executing a second specific control to control a target different from the case of the first specific control;
A first interference state in which the instruction issuing side control means accesses the receiving side storage means so as to cause the first execution means to execute the first identification control; and a second interference control in which the second execution means causes the second identification control to execute. Selecting means (selector 136) for selecting an interference state to be executed from a plurality of interference states including a second interference state in which the instruction issuing side control means accesses the receiving side storage means to execute
With
The game machine characterized in that the control means on the instruction issuing side includes a switching means (a function of executing the processing of step S403 and the processing of step S410 in the sub-MPU 82) for switching the interference state selected by the selection means. Machine.

  According to the feature C1, the control means on the instruction receiving side executes not only the first specific control but also the second specific control based on the instruction from the control means on the instruction issuing side, so that the control target is diversified and the game content is diversified. Can be made more complicated. In this case, the selecting unit selects the interference state by the control unit on the instruction issuing side, and when accessing the receiving-side storage unit to execute the first specific control and for executing the second specific control. In either case of accessing the receiving-side storage unit, the control unit on the instruction-issuing side uses the same specific path. As a result, the above-described excellent effects can be obtained while simplifying the hardware configuration related to the access by the control unit on the instruction issuing side.

  Furthermore, since the switching of the interference state is performed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side, the timing for accessing to execute the first specific control and the timing for accessing to execute the second specific control are adjusted. It will be easier.

  As described above, it is possible to provide a plurality of functions to the control means on the instruction receiving side while improving the configuration relating to the communication between the control means on the instruction issuing side and the control means on the instruction receiving side.

Feature C2. The receiving side storage unit has a first storage area (areas 111 to 114 for parameters and an area 115 for sequence data) accessed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side in the first interference state. A second storage area (external reading buffers 116 to 120) accessed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side in the second interference state;
The selecting unit sets the storage area to be accessed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side via the specific path as the first storage area when the first interference state is selected, and The gaming machine according to Feature C1, wherein the second storage area is used when the second interference state is selected.

  According to the feature C2, the first storage area accessed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side in the first interference state and the second storage area accessed by the control unit on the instruction issuing side in the second interference state are individually set. Since it is provided, it is easy to adjust the timing at which the control means on the instruction issuing side accesses to execute the first specific control and the timing at which the control means on the instruction issuing side accesses to execute the second specific control. Become.

Feature C3. The receiving side storage means has a storage area (selector area 137) to be selected for storing information corresponding to the interference state selected by the selection means,
The switching unit switches information of the storage area to be selected based on transmitting information to the control unit on the instruction receiving side, and the first interference state is selected by the selection unit. The gaming machine according to feature C1 or C2, wherein the information of the storage area to be selected can be switched in any of a situation and a situation in which the second interference state is selected.

  According to the feature C3, the control unit on the instruction issuing side only needs to switch the information of the storage area to be selected by the control unit on the instruction receiving side when switching the interference state. The load can be reduced.

Feature C4. The second interference state is a state in which the control unit on the instruction issuing side reads the information stored in the receiving storage unit by accessing the receiving storage unit,
When reading out the information stored in the receiving side storage means, the instruction issuing side control means transmits the information read instruction information to the instruction receiving side control means (step S307 in the sub MPU 82). Function to execute the process).
When switching the state selected by the selection means from the first interference state to the second interference state, the switching means executes the switching after the transmission of the read instruction information by the read instruction means is completed. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, characterized in that:

  According to the feature C4, when the interference state is switched from the first interference state to the second interference state, it is possible to secure a long period during which the first interference state is maintained, In this case, a time margin is provided for access by the control unit on the instruction issuing side.

  Feature C5. The first execution means is configured to control the operation of a predetermined device (speaker unit 45) as the first specific control, and to control the operation of the predetermined device even if the interference state is the second interference state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C4, wherein the operation can be controlled.

  According to the feature C5, it is possible to operate a predetermined device even in the second interference state, so that it is easy to adjust the setting timing of the second interference state.

Feature C6. The first execution unit controls an operation of a predetermined device (speaker unit 45) based on operation instruction information transmitted from the instruction issuing side control unit,
When the second interference state is set, the control unit on the instruction issuing side sets the predetermined device before switching to the second interference state until a timing after the end of the second interference state to be switched. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, wherein the operation instruction information is transmitted in an amount of information necessary to control the operation of the gaming machine.

  According to the feature C6, even in the second interference state, it is possible to cause a predetermined device to perform an operation according to an operation instruction from the control unit on the instruction issuing side. In particular, since the operation instruction information including the necessary information amount is transmitted in advance, it is not necessary to interrupt the transmission of the operation instruction information in the middle of the second interference state. The above-described excellent effects can be achieved while suppressing the complication of the configuration.

  Feature C7. The control unit on the instruction issuing side executes a predetermined process using a program, while the control unit on the instruction receiving side executes an instruction from the control unit on the instruction issuing side without using a program. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6, wherein the first specific control and the second specific control are executed based on the first control.

  According to the feature C7, in the configuration in which the general-purpose control element is provided as the control unit on the instruction issuing side and the dedicated control element is provided as the control unit on the instruction receiving side, the above-described excellent effects can be obtained.

  The invention of the feature C group is effective for the following problems.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. In order to reduce the processing load on a single control unit, these gaming machines are known to have a control unit on the instruction issuing side and a control unit on the instruction receiving side.

  When the configuration is exemplified, a control device for controlling an effect using a speaker or the like is provided with a general-purpose control element that executes a process for determining an effect content as a control unit on the instruction issuing side, As a control unit on the instruction receiving side, a configuration in which a dedicated control element for outputting a predetermined sound from a speaker based on an instruction received from a general-purpose control element is provided is known.

  In this case, a read-only storage element is provided for each of the general-purpose control element and the special-purpose control element, and the general-purpose control element determines a sound output content for a predetermined period based on a program read from the corresponding storage element. And the dedicated control element executes control for outputting a sound in accordance with the instruction from the general-purpose control element using the sound data read from the corresponding storage element.

  Note that such control using the general-purpose control element and the dedicated control element is used in image display control on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in addition to sound output control from a speaker.

  Here, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, it is necessary to increase the degree of attention to the game, and as one of the methods, a method of diversifying or complicating the game content is considered. In order to adopt such a method, the instruction receiving side is used. It is conceivable to provide a plurality of functions to the control means. When a plurality of functions are provided in the control unit on the instruction receiving side, information communication corresponding to each function is performed between the control unit on the instruction receiving side and the control unit on the instruction issuing side. . In this case, when the number of signal paths between the control unit on the instruction issuing side and the control unit on the instruction receiving side is increased with the increase in the function, the existing hardware configuration related to signal communication is greatly changed. The need arises, which is not preferable.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1. An information storage means (common ROM 87) for storing in advance information that is at least one of a program and data;
The first control information (light emission data) is read out from the information storage means via a predetermined path (bus B2), and the second control information (sound data) different from the first control information is stored in the information storage means. Reading means for reading through a predetermined path (a function of reading data from the common ROM 87 in the data transfer unit 95);
A first control unit (sub-MPU 82) that executes first control (light emission control based on the processing of steps S309 to S311) using the first control information read by the reading unit;
A second control means (sound output LSI 86) for executing a second control (sound output control based on the processing of steps S503 to S507) using the second control information read by the reading means; ,
With
The reading means,
The time-divisional information (series of sound data) corresponding to a predetermined period used in the second control means within the predetermined period is read out from the information storage means in the second control information. Reading means (a function of executing the processing of steps S601 and S602 in the data transfer unit 95);
The specific information (light emission data read at a time), which is at least a part of the first control information stored in the information storage means, is read by the time-division reading means for one time-division Information is read from the time when information (sound data for one sample in the first embodiment, the sound data for a plurality of samples in the second embodiment) is read until the next time-division information is read. Reading means for specific information (function of executing the processing of steps S603 and S604 in the data transfer unit 95);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature D1, since the information for the first control and the information for the second control are stored in advance in the information storage means, the information of the storage means is compared with the configuration in which each information is stored in different storage means. It is possible to increase the amount of information stored in advance while suppressing the number.

  In addition, the information for the second control is read out in a time-division manner, and the information for the first control is read out during the time-divisional readout. Accordingly, in a configuration in which the information for the first control and the information for the second control are stored in the information storage means in advance, the timing for reading the information for the first control from the information storage means and the timing for the second control It is easy to adjust the timing for reading information.

  As described above, it is possible to optimize a configuration in which information is stored in advance.

  Feature D2. The second control means executes the second control by using the time-division information which has been already read while the reading of the specific information is being performed by the reading means for the specific information. The gaming machine according to feature D1, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine.

  According to the feature D2, it is possible to achieve the above-described excellent effects while ensuring the continuous execution of the second control by the second control means.

Feature D3. The information corresponding to the predetermined period includes three or more pieces of the time-division information, and the reading means for the time-division periodically reads out the time-division information for each specific period,
The gaming machine according to feature D1 or D2, wherein the reading unit for the specific information reads the specific information from the information storage unit within a range of the specific period.

  According to the feature D3, the information for the second control is divided and transmitted as time-division information, and if the reading thereof is delayed, there is a possibility that the second control by the second control means cannot be performed well. high. In this case, since the specific information relating to the first control information is read while the periodic reading of the time-division information is not hindered, the second control can be executed well, and the description has already been given. Excellent effects as described above can be obtained.

Feature D4. The second control information is sound data sampled and quantized at a predetermined sampling frequency,
The second control means creates digital tone data using the sound data, and causes the sound output means to output a predetermined sound using the created digital tone data,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3, wherein the time-division information is sound data for a predetermined number of samples.

  According to the feature D4, the digitalized sound data is read out in a time-division manner, and the specific information relating to the first control information is read out by using the configuration read out in the time-division manner. As a result, the above-described excellent effects can be achieved by effectively utilizing the idle time for reading the sound data.

  Feature D5. The gaming machine according to Feature D4, wherein the time-division information is sound data for one sample.

  According to the feature D5, a period during which the reading of the sound data is not performed easily occurs, and the timing of reading the first control information is easily adjusted.

  Feature D6. The gaming machine according to Feature D4, wherein the time-division information is sound data for a plurality of samples, and the number of samples included in each time-division information is the same.

  According to the feature D6, it is possible to reduce the amount of data attached when reading data as compared with a configuration in which sound data is read one sample at a time. In this case, since the number of samples included in each time-division information is the same, the time-division information can be periodically read out, and a fixed free time can be obtained in any of the time-division periods. Will occur. Therefore, no matter which timing is used to read the first control information, it is not necessary to adjust the amount of information.

Feature D7. Information storage means (common ROM 87) for previously storing data used for controlling predetermined devices (various light emitting units 44a to 44k, speaker unit 45);
The first control data (light emission data) is read from the information storage means via a predetermined path (bus B2), and the second control data (e.g., the device to be controlled is different from the first control data). Reading means (a function of reading data from the common ROM 87 in the data transfer unit 95) for reading out sound data) through the predetermined path;
A first control unit (sub-MPU 82) that controls the operation of the first device (the various light emitting units 44a to 44k) using the first control data read by the reading unit;
Second control means (sound output LSI 86) for controlling the operation of the second device (speaker unit 45) using the second control data read by the reading means;
With
The reading means,
A time-divisional data (a series of sound data) corresponding to a predetermined period used in the second control means within a predetermined period is read out from the information storage means in the second control data. Reading means (a function of executing the processing of steps S601 and S602 in the data transfer unit 95);
The specific data (light emission data read at a time), which is at least a part of the first control data stored in the information storage means, is read by the time-division reading means into one time-division data. Data is read from the time when data (sound data for one sample in the first embodiment, the sound data for a plurality of samples in the second embodiment) is read until the next time-division data is read. Reading means for specific data (function of executing the processing of steps S603 and S604 in the data transfer unit 95);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature D7, since the data for the first control and the data for the second control are stored in the information storage means in advance, the storage means of the storage means is compared with the configuration in which each data is stored in different storage means. It is possible to increase the amount of information stored in advance while suppressing the number.

  Further, the data for the second control is read out in a time-division manner, and the data for the first control is read out while the data is read out in the time-division manner. Accordingly, in the configuration in which the data for the first control and the data for the second control are stored in the information storage means in advance, the timing for reading the data for the first control from the information storage means and the timing for the second control It becomes easy to adjust the timing for reading data.

  As described above, it is possible to optimize a configuration in which data is stored in advance.

Feature D8. An information storage means (common ROM 87) for storing in advance information that is at least one of a program and data;
The first control information (light emission data) is read out from the information storage means via a predetermined path (bus B2), and the second control information (sound data) different from the first control information is stored in the information storage means. Reading means for reading through a predetermined path (a function of reading data from the common ROM 87 in the data transfer unit 95);
A first control unit (sub-MPU 82) that executes first control (light emission control based on the processing of steps S309 to S311) using the first control information read by the reading unit;
A second control means (sound output LSI 86) for executing a second control (sound output control based on the processing of steps S503 to S507) using the second control information read by the reading means; ,
With
The reading means,
Reading for division for reading out information (a series of sound data) corresponding to a predetermined period used in the second control means within a predetermined period in the second control information from the information storage means. Means (a function of executing the processing of steps S601 and S602 in the data transfer unit 95);
The specific information (light emission data read at one time), which is at least a part of the first control information stored in the information storage means, is converted into one division information ( In the first embodiment, the sound data for one sample, and in the second embodiment, sound data for a plurality of samples) is read out, and after the next division information is read out, the specific information is read out. (A function of executing the processes of steps S603 and S604 in the data transfer unit 95)
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature D8, since the information for the first control and the information for the second control are stored in the information storage means in advance, the information of the storage means is compared with the configuration in which each information is stored in different storage means. It is possible to increase the amount of information stored in advance while suppressing the number.

  In addition, the information for the second control is read out in divisions, and the information for the first control is read out while the information is read out in the divisions. Accordingly, in a configuration in which the information for the first control and the information for the second control are stored in the information storage means in advance, the timing for reading the information for the first control from the information storage means and the timing for the second control It is easy to adjust the timing for reading information.

  As described above, it is possible to optimize a configuration in which information is stored in advance.

  The invention of the feature D group is effective for the following problems.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. These gaming machines include a general-purpose control element such as a CPU and a read-only storage element such as a ROM, and a series of processing is performed by the general-purpose control element according to a program read from the read-only storage element. The game is being controlled. It is also known that a general-purpose control element, a read-only storage element, and the like are integrated into one chip.

  In the above-mentioned gaming machine, in order to reduce the processing load on one general-purpose control element, a configuration including a general-purpose control element separately or a configuration including a dedicated control element provided as a dedicated circuit for executing a predetermined process is also available. Are known.

  To illustrate the former configuration, a main control device for centrally managing a game is provided with one general-purpose control element, and a sub-control device for controlling an effect using a speaker, a lamp, a display device, and the like. A configuration in which one general-purpose control element is provided is known. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided in each of the main control device and the sub-control device. The general-purpose control element of the main control device executes main control based on a program read from the corresponding storage element, and The general-purpose control element of the control device controls the execution of the effect based on the program read from the corresponding storage element and the data input from the main control device.

  In addition, as an example of the latter configuration, a control device for controlling an effect using a speaker or the like is provided with one general-purpose control element, and performs sound output control using sound data to control the sound output from the speaker. There is known a configuration in which a dedicated control element for outputting a predetermined sound is provided. In this case, a read-only storage element is provided for each of the general-purpose control element and the special-purpose control element, and the general-purpose control element determines a sound output content for a predetermined period based on a program read from the corresponding storage element. And the dedicated control element executes control for outputting a sound corresponding to the command from the general-purpose control element using the sound data read from the corresponding storage element.

  Note that such control using the general-purpose control element and the dedicated control element is used in image display control on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in addition to sound output control from a speaker.

  Here, in the gaming machine, it is necessary to increase the degree of attention to the game, and as one of the methods, a method of diversifying or complicating the game content can be considered. However, when the capacity of programs and control data increases due to the adoption of such a method, simply increasing the number and capacity of read-only storage elements increases the cost accordingly. Would. Further, even if the capacity of the program or the control data does not increase, it is preferable to reduce the number or capacity of the read-only storage elements in order to suppress the cost of the gaming machine.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player, game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, a ball path for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in an area, and gives a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

  Revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a picture display device for variably displaying a plurality of pictures, variably starting display of the plurality of pictures due to the operation of the start operation means, and due to the operation of the stop operation means In addition, the game machine is configured such that the variable display of the plurality of patterns is stopped when a predetermined time elapses and a privilege is given to the player according to the pattern after the stop.

  Reference numeral 10: pachinko machine, 44a to 44k: various light emitting units as first devices, 45: speaker unit as second device or predetermined device, 50: main control device as upstream control means, 82: first control means A sub-MPU as a control means on the instruction issuing side; 84 a direct ROM as a storage means for the first control; 85 a RWM; 86 a sound output LSI as a control means on the second control means or the instruction receiving side; 87: ROM for common use as information storage means; 92, register as storage means for second control or receiving side storage means; 93, sound data processing unit as operation control means or first execution means; 95, transfer execution Means or a data transfer unit as a second execution means, 111 to 114: a storage area for operation instructions or an area for parameters constituting the first storage area, 115: a storage area for operation instructions Are areas for sequence data constituting the first storage area, 116 to 120... A storage area for waiting for transmission or a buffer for external reading constituting the second storage area, 136... A selector as selection means, 137. B1... Bus as a first route or a specific route, B2. Bus as a second route or a predetermined route.

Claims (1)

First control means for performing first control using information for first control, which is at least one of a program and data;
A second control unit that executes the second control using information for the second control, which is at least one of a program and data;
A specific route used when communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means,
Information storage means for storing at least a part of the first control information in advance;
Transfer execution means for transmitting the first control information stored in the information storage means to the first control means via the specific path;
With
The information storage means is electrically connected to the second control means,
The second control means includes
Said transfer execution means,
Read storage means for storing information read from the information storage means,
An operation control unit configured to control an operation of a predetermined device by using the information for the second control as the second control;
With
The transfer execution unit transmits the information read from the information storage unit and stored in the read storage unit to the first control unit through the specific path, so that the information stored in the information storage unit is (1) transmitting information for control to the first control means;
The information for the second control is stored in the information storage means,
A gaming machine, wherein the operation control means is capable of controlling the operation of the predetermined device even during a period during which the transfer execution means transfers the first control information.

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