JP2020006205A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of making it difficult to acquired fraudulently and easily a random number allowing a lottery to be won.SOLUTION: A main control device 101 mounts a microcomputer mainly including a CPU 102, namely arithmetic processing means. The CPU 102 is connected to a first clock circuit 103, an I/O port 104, a basic random number generator 150 for generating a basic random number, and the like in addition to a power unit 91 via an internal bus. In this case, when a start signal is inputted, the CPU 102 uses the basic random number generated by the basic random number generator 150, a count value of a first counter updated by the CPU 102, and a count value of a second counter updated by the CPU 102, and creates a random number used for determining winning or losing of a winning combination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  For example, in a slot machine, a plurality of symbols are provided on an outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols provided on each reel is visible through a display window. Then, when the player inserts a medal, an activated line is set. After that, when the player operates the start lever, a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) role or a small role is formed inside the slot machine. In addition, a lottery of a role such as a re-game is performed, and each reel starts rotating. By operating a stop switch after each reel starts rotating, each reel is sequentially stopped and one game is ended. Then, when the combination of the winning combination on the activated line and the corresponding symbol is stopped when all the reels stop spinning, a winning is achieved, and a bonus such as a medal payout or a transition of a game state is given to the player. Is done. Here, inside the slot machine, it is common to obtain a random number by operating a start lever and perform a lottery selection using the random number (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-325888 A

  Here, in the slot machine as exemplified above, there is still room for devising the relationship between the process of checking the signal input status from the sensor and other processes.

  The above-described problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that advance a game based on detection of a predetermined condition.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably detecting a predetermined condition for a game.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation means operated to advance a game and a first signal is output based on the operation of the operation means, and the operation means is not operated. And a signal output unit for non-outputting the first signal, wherein the gaming machine advances a game based on a signal input state from the signal output unit. A first game having a start operation means to be operated and starting a game based on input of a first signal indicating that the start operation means has been operated after receiving a first number of game media; Start means, and second game start means for starting a game based on input of a first signal indicating that the start operation means has been operated after receiving a second number of game media, In periodically, and having a periodic processing execution means for performing regular processing including status confirmation process to confirm the signal input state from the signal output means, and a particular process performing means for performing a specific process.

  The detection of the predetermined condition can be suitably used for the game.

It is a front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing the state where the front door was opened. It is a rear view of a front door. It is a front view of a housing. It is a figure showing the symbol arrangement of each reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the pattern which can be visually recognized from a display window, and a combination line. It is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a winning mode and a privilege to be given. It is a block diagram of the slot machine. It is a block diagram regarding detection of operation of a start lever and acquisition of a basic random number. 6 is a time chart showing changes of various signals. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning probability setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number creation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for normal states. It is a figure showing an example of a sliding table. It is a flowchart which shows a reel control process. It is a flowchart which shows a pre-stop process. It is a flowchart which shows BB state processing. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing a configuration of a RAM according to a second embodiment. It is a block diagram regarding detection of operation of a start lever and acquisition of a basic random number. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a sensor monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows operation determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a delay process. It is a flowchart which shows a delay counter process. 6 is a time chart showing changes of various signals.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the present invention will be described separately as means, and description will be given while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, corresponding configurations in the embodiments of the present invention are appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses and the like.

Means 1. Variable display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a picture (symbol);
Start determining means for determining to start variable display of the picture (function S619 for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated);
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the determination result of the start determination means;
Display control means for starting variable display of the picture based on the determination result of the start determination means and display control of the variable display means so as to obtain a stop result based on the lottery result of the lottery means (reel control of the CPU 102) Processing function)
If the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning and a specific stop result (a stop result in which the winning symbol combination stops on the activated line) is given a bonus (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) to the player. In a gaming machine provided with a privilege giving means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for giving,
First process (timer interrupt process, basic random number) having a first update process (S116 in timer interrupt process, counter updating function of basic random number generator 150) for updating a predetermined value (the value of the first counter, the value of counter 150a) First processing execution means (CPU 102, basic random number generator 150) for periodically performing a counter updating function of the generator 150);
A second processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a non-periodic second processing (pre-start preparation processing) including a second update processing (S608 in the pre-start preparation processing) for updating a predetermined value (a value of the second counter); ,
Determining means (S619 in pre-start preparation processing) for determining whether or not a specific condition (generation of a start command) based on an operation by the player is satisfied;
Random number acquisition means (random number creation processing function S701 of CPU 102) for acquiring a random number used for the lottery based on the update result of each update process;
The second process execution means is configured to repeatedly execute the second process from when at least a second specific condition (performing S602 or S603 in the start waiting process) is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by that:
According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process that is performed in the second process. Then, a random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the update result of each update process. The second process is repeatedly performed at least from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the second update process is also repeatedly performed during the period. Here, by making the establishment of the specific condition based on the operation by the player, the time during which the second process can be repeatedly performed can be made random, and the time until the specific condition is satisfied can be made. The number of times of the second update process can be made random.
Further, in the case where the establishment of the specific condition is based on the operation by the player, there is a possibility that the operation is illegally performed so that the time from when the second specific condition is established to when the specific condition is established becomes constant. Can be considered. However, in this configuration, since the second process is performed irregularly, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, the second process is performed during this period. It is difficult to keep the number of times of the two processes constant. The random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the processing results of the second update processing performed in the second processing and the first update processing in the first processing performed periodically. For this reason, it is difficult to estimate the timing at which a random number to be won in the lottery is obtained.

  As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

  Means 2. In the above means 1, a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of the picture is provided, wherein the judging means is operated by the start operation means, and the start determination means is made by the variable of the picture. A gaming machine characterized in that when it is determined to start displaying, the specific condition is determined to be satisfied.

  According to this means, the specific condition is satisfied when the start operating means is operated and the start determining means determines to start the variable display of the picture. With this configuration, the end timing of the repetition of the second processing can be made dependent on the operation by the player, and the number of times of the second update processing can be made random.

  Means 3. In the above means 2, the second specific condition is satisfied when a predetermined process (S602 or S603 in the start waiting process) is performed while the variable display of the pattern is stopped. .

  According to this means, the second process is repeatedly performed after the predetermined process is performed in a state where the variable display of the pattern is stopped and before it is determined to start the variable display of the pattern. With the configuration in which the second specific condition is satisfied when the predetermined process is performed in a state where the variable display of the pattern is stopped, it is difficult to grasp the elapsed time from the start of the second process. It becomes possible.

  Means 4. In the above means 2 or 3, an acceptance detection means (CPU 102) for performing acceptance detection processing (credit insertion processing function S611, insertion judgment processing function S612) for detecting acceptance of a game medium, and permission to permit the acceptance of the game medium Means (medal acceptance permission processing function S603), and when the start operation means is operated after a predetermined number of game media have been received, the variable display of the picture is started. A gaming machine, wherein the second specific condition is established when the permission means permits the reception of the game medium.

  According to this means, the second process is repeatedly performed from the time when the acceptance of the game medium is permitted to the time when it is determined to start the variable display of the picture. It is difficult to fix the operation of receiving a predetermined number of game media and the operation of the start operation means to a fixed time in a game played repeatedly. Therefore, the number of times of the second update process can be made random.

  Means 5. In the above means 4, the second processing executing means has the acceptance detecting means.

  According to this means, the reception detection processing is performed in the second processing, so that the time from the start to the end of the second processing can be made indefinite.

  Means 6. In any one of the above means 1 to 5, a third processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing a third processing (timer interruption processing) is provided, and the second processing execution means is configured to execute n ( n is a natural number) A specific processing execution unit (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing) for repeatedly updating a predetermined value until the specific processing is performed, and using the processing result of the third processing when the specific processing is completed. A gaming machine comprising: a fourth processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a fourth processing (S606 and S619 in a start waiting processing).

  According to this means, in the second process, the specific process of repeatedly updating the predetermined value is performed until the periodically performed third process is performed n times. In such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the specific processing changes depending on the start timing of the specific processing. Therefore, the time from the start to the end of the second process can be made indefinite. Further, if the time from the start to the end of the specific process changes, the number of updates of the predetermined value in the specific process also changes, so that the number of updates of the predetermined value in the second process can be made random. Furthermore, the end of the specific process is made dependent on the number of times of the third process, and the fourth process is performed when the specific process is completed, so that the fourth process is performed after the third process is completed. It is possible to shorten the interval until the operation is performed. As a result, the fourth processing can be performed using the processing result of the third processing according to the game situation and the like.

  Means 7. In the above means 6, the third processing execution means includes detection means (start detection sensor 41a, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a) electrically connected to the processing means (main control device 101) having the third processing execution means. And the like, and a grasping process executing means (CPU 102) for performing a grasping process (sensor monitoring process S107) for grasping a signal input state from the above-mentioned grasping process executing means as the fourth process. A gaming machine characterized in that a predetermined judgment is made using the result of grasping.

  According to this means, in the fourth process, a predetermined judgment is made using the signal input status from the detecting means. In such a configuration, as the interval from the end of the third process to the execution of the fourth process is shorter, the fourth process can make a determination more suited to a game situation or the like. Therefore, by applying this configuration to the configuration of the means 6, the fourth processing can be performed in a suitable manner.

  Means 8. In any of the above means 1 to 7, a storage means (first counter) for storing the predetermined value updated in the first update processing, and a storage means (first counter) for storing the predetermined value updated in the second update processing. And two counters) are provided separately.

  According to this means, the storage means for storing the predetermined value updated in the first update processing and the storage means for storing the predetermined value updated in the second update processing are separately provided. If the predetermined value stored in one storage unit is updated by the first update process and the second update process, the timing for performing the other update process during the execution of one update process is reached. However, the value of the storage means may become an unreadable value, or the value of the storage means may be shifted. On the other hand, if a storage unit for storing the predetermined value updated in the first update process and a storage unit for storing the predetermined value updated in the second update process are separately provided, it is possible to avoid the above concern. Become.

  When the present means is applied to the means 6 or 7, it is preferable that the value of the storage means for storing the predetermined value updated in the first update processing be updated by the specific processing.

  Means 9. In the above means 8, the random number acquiring means creates the random number by performing a predetermined calculation using the value of each of the storage means.

  According to this means, the random number is created by performing a predetermined operation using the value of each storage means. In such a configuration, in a case where a random number to be won in the lottery is attempted to be illegally acquired, it is necessary to grasp not only the value of the storage means but also what kind of calculation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain random numbers to be won in the lottery.

  Means 10. In any one of the above means 1 to 7, storage means for storing a predetermined value is provided, and the first update processing and the second update processing are configured to update the value stored in the storage means, A gaming machine characterized in that when one update process is performed, the other update process is not performed.

  According to this means, the value of the storage means is updated in the first update processing and the second update processing. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery, while suppressing an increase in the number of storage units. Further, in such a configuration, when it is time to perform the other update process while performing the other update process, the value of the storage unit becomes an unreadable value or the value of the storage unit is shifted. It can roll. However, by adopting a configuration in which one update process is performed and the other update process is not performed, the above concern can be avoided.

  Means 11. In any one of the means 1 to 10, there is provided a storage calculation execution means (CPU 102) having the lottery means, the display control means, and the like, and performing processing relating to the progress of the game. A gaming machine comprising: a storage unit for storing a predetermined value updated in an update process; the first process execution unit; and the second process execution unit.

  According to the present means, the storage operation executing means for performing processing relating to the progress of the game includes a storage means for storing the predetermined value updated in each update processing, a first processing executing means, and a second processing executing means. , Are provided. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the storage unit from being changed to an unauthorized storage unit that stores only a value that can obtain a random number to be won in a lottery.

  Means 12. In any of the above means 1 to 11, an initialization means for changing the predetermined value to an initial value when a specific operation (such as an ON operation of a setting key at the time of turning on the power) is performed is not provided. A gaming machine.

  According to this means, even when the specific operation is performed, the predetermined value is not changed to the initial value. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a fraud in which a predetermined value is changed to an initial value and then a random number to be won in the lottery is acquired.

  Means 13. In any of the above means 1 to 12, a stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the fluctuation display of the pattern is provided, and the second specific condition is set to stop the fluctuation display of the pattern. And the determination means determines that the specific condition is satisfied when the stop operation means is operated in a situation where the variable display of the pattern can be stopped. A gaming machine characterized by determining.

  According to this means, the second process is performed between the time when the variable display of the pattern can be stopped and the time when the stop operation means is operated in a state where the variable display of the pattern can be stopped. Is repeated. With this configuration, the time during which the second processing can be performed can be made random, and the number of times of the second update processing can be made random.

  Means 14. In the above means 1, a random number generating means for generating a random number is provided, and the random number obtaining means is provided with a predetermined value updated in each of the updating processes when the start determining means determines to start the variable display of the picture. A game machine configured to acquire the random number generated by the random number generation means after a time corresponding to the time has elapsed.

  According to this means, when the start determining means determines to start the variable display of the picture, a random number is obtained after a lapse of time corresponding to the predetermined value updated in each updating process. With such a configuration, even in the case where a fraudulent decision is made to determine that the variation display of the pattern is started at the timing when a random number to be won in the lottery is generated, the acquisition timing of the random number is compared with the value of the storage means. It is possible to delay by the corresponding time. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

  Means 15. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 14, wherein the time from the start to the end of the second processing is undefined.

  According to this means, since the time from the start to the end of the second process is undefined, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, It is possible to make it difficult to keep the number of times of the second processing to be performed constant.

Means 16. Start condition detection means (function S619 for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
A bonus granting means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for granting a privilege (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) based on the lottery result of the lottery means winning; In the equipped gaming machine,
First process (timer interrupt process, basic random number) having a first update process (S116 in timer interrupt process, counter updating function of basic random number generator 150) for updating a predetermined value (the value of the first counter, the value of counter 150a) First processing execution means (CPU 102, basic random number generator 150) for periodically performing a counter updating function of the generator 150);
A second processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a non-periodic second processing (pre-start preparation processing) including a second update processing (S608 in the pre-start preparation processing) for updating a predetermined value (a value of the second counter); ,
Determining means (S619 in pre-start preparation processing) for determining whether or not a specific condition (generation of a start command) based on an operation by the player is satisfied;
Random number acquisition means (random number creation processing function S701 of CPU 102) for acquiring a random number used for the lottery based on the update result of each update process;
The second process execution means is configured to repeatedly execute the second process from when at least a second specific condition (performing S602 or S603 in the start waiting process) is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by that:

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process that is performed in the second process. Then, a random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the update result of each update process. The second process is repeatedly performed at least from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the second update process is also repeatedly performed during the period. Here, by making the establishment of the specific condition based on the operation by the player, the time during which the second process can be repeatedly performed can be made random, and is performed until the specific condition is established. The number of times of the second update process can be made random.

  Further, if the establishment of the specific condition is based on the operation by the player, there is a possibility that the operation is performed improperly so that the time from when the second specific condition is established to when the specific condition is established becomes constant. Can be considered. However, in this configuration, since the second process is performed irregularly, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, the second process is performed during this period. It is difficult to keep the number of times of the two processes constant. The random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the processing results of the second update processing performed in the second processing and the first update processing in the first processing performed periodically. For this reason, it is difficult to estimate the timing at which a random number to be won in the lottery is obtained.

  As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

Means 17. Start condition detection means (function S619 for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
A bonus granting means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for granting a privilege (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) based on the lottery result of the lottery means winning; In the equipped gaming machine,
First process (timer interrupt process, basic random number) having a first update process (S116 in timer interrupt process, counter updating function of basic random number generator 150) for updating a predetermined value (the value of the first counter, the value of counter 150a) First processing execution means (CPU 102, basic random number generator 150) for periodically performing a counter updating function of the generator 150);
A second processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a non-periodic second processing (pre-start preparation processing) including a second update processing (S608 in the pre-start preparation processing) for updating a predetermined value (a value of the second counter); ,
A gaming machine comprising: random number acquisition means (random number creation processing function S701 of CPU 102) for acquiring a random number used for the lottery based on an update result of each update process.

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process in the second process that is performed irregularly. . Then, a random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the update result of each update process. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to estimate the timing at which a random number to be won in the lottery is obtained. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

Means 18. Variable display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a picture (symbol);
Start condition detection means (function S619 for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
Display control means for starting variable display of the pattern based on the establishment of the start condition and display control of the variable display means so as to obtain a stop result based on the lottery result of the lottery means (reel control of the CPU 102) Processing function)
If the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning and a specific stop result (a stop result in which the winning symbol combination stops on the activated line) is given a bonus (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) to the player. A bonus awarding means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) to be provided, and the game is started based on the establishment of the start condition, and the variable display of the picture is completed or In the gaming machine in which the game ends based on the privilege granting means granting the privilege,
First processing having first update processing (S116 in timer interrupt processing, counter update function of basic random number generator 150) for updating a predetermined value (the value of the first counter, the value of counter 150a) regardless of the progress of the game First processing execution means (CPU 102, basic random number generator 150) for periodically performing (timer interrupt processing, counter updating function of basic random number generator 150);
A second processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a non-periodic second processing (pre-start preparation processing) including a second update processing (S608 in the pre-start preparation processing) for updating a predetermined value (a value of the second counter); ,
Random number acquisition means (random number creation processing function S701 of CPU 102) for acquiring a random number used for the lottery based on the update result of each update process;
A gaming machine, wherein the second processing execution means is configured to repeatedly execute the second processing from the end of the game to the start of the game.

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process that is performed in the second process. Then, a random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the update result of each update process. Since the second process is repeatedly performed irregularly from the end of the game to the start of the game, the second update process is also repeatedly performed during the period. Here, the time during which the second process can be performed can be made random by setting the second process to be repeatedly performed from the end of the game to the start of the game. The number of times of the second update process performed until the game is started can be made random.

  Further, in the case of such a configuration, there is a possibility that the game is illegally started so that the time from the end of the game to the start of the game is constant. However, in this configuration, since the second processing is performed irregularly, even if the time is fixed, it is difficult to keep the number of times of the second processing performed during this period constant. The random number used for the lottery is obtained based on the processing results of the second update processing performed in the second processing and the first update processing in the first processing performed periodically. For this reason, it is difficult to estimate the timing at which a random number to be won in the lottery is obtained.

  As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

Means 19. Variable display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a picture (symbol);
A start condition detecting means (a function S620a for determining that a start command of the CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting the establishment of a start condition for starting the variable display of the picture;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
Display control means for starting variable display of the pattern based on the establishment of the start condition and display control of the variable display means so as to obtain a stop result based on the lottery result of the lottery means (reel control of the CPU 102) Processing function)
If the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning and a specific stop result (a stop result in which the winning symbol combination stops on the activated line) is given a bonus (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) to the player. In a gaming machine provided with a privilege giving means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for giving,
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing first processing (timer interrupt processing) including first update processing (delay counter processing in timer interrupt processing) for updating a predetermined value (value of delay counter 111d);
A second processing execution unit (CPU 102) that irregularly performs a second process (pre-start preparation process) including a second update process (S609a in the pre-start preparation process) for updating the predetermined value (the value of the delay counter 111d). When,
Determining means (S620a in pre-start preparation processing) for determining whether or not a specific condition (generation of a start command) based on an operation by a player is satisfied;
Acquisition processing (basic random number acquisition processing S801) of acquiring numerical information (count value of the basic random number generator 150) as a random number used for the lottery or a basic random number as a basis of the random number based on the establishment of the start condition. ), An acquisition processing execution means (CPU 102);
When the start condition is satisfied, a delay process (delay process S622a and delay counter process S117a) that delays the acquisition timing at which the acquisition process execution unit acquires the numerical information from the timing at which the start condition is satisfied based on the predetermined value. ) For performing delay processing (CPU 102),
The second process execution means is configured to repeatedly execute the second process from when at least a second specific condition (performing S602a or S603a in the start waiting process) is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by that:

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process that is performed in the second process. Then, the random number used for the lottery or the numerical information as the basic random number that is the basis of the random number is obtained based on the establishment of the start condition, and the establishment of the start condition based on the predetermined value updated in each update process. It is acquired at a timing delayed from the timing. With such a configuration, even if the numerical information as the random number or the basic random number becomes a value that wins the lottery in a fixed cycle, even if the starting condition is satisfied at that timing, the random number or the basic By delaying the acquisition timing of the numerical information as a random number, it is possible to prevent a value to be won in the lottery from being acquired.

  Further, the second process is repeatedly performed at least from when the second specific condition is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied, and accordingly, the second update process is also repeatedly performed during the period. Here, by making the establishment of the specific condition based on the operation by the player, the time during which the second process can be repeatedly performed can be made random, and is performed until the specific condition is established. The number of times of the second update process can be made random.

  In addition, when the specific condition is satisfied based on an operation performed by the player, the operation is illegally performed so that the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is constant. There is a possibility. However, in this configuration, since the second process is performed irregularly, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, the second process is performed during this period. It is difficult to keep the number of times of the two processes constant. Further, the predetermined value is updated by a second update process performed in the second process and a first update process in the first process performed periodically. For this reason, it is difficult to make the predetermined value a constant value in each game round.

  Means 20. In the above-mentioned means 19, there is provided a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of the picture, the judgment means is operated by the start operation means, and the start condition detection means is operated by the start condition detection means. A game machine that determines that the specific condition has been satisfied when detecting that the condition is satisfied.

  According to this means, when the start operation means is operated and the start condition is satisfied, the specific condition is satisfied. With this configuration, the end timing of the repetition of the second processing can be made dependent on the operation by the player, and the number of times of the second update processing can be made random.

  Means 21. In the above means 20, the second specific condition is satisfied when a predetermined process (S602a or S603a in the start waiting process) is performed in a state where the variable display of the pattern is stopped. .

  According to this means, the second process is repeatedly performed from the time when the predetermined process is performed in a state where the variable display of the pattern is stopped to the time when the start condition is satisfied. With the configuration in which the second specific condition is satisfied when the predetermined process is performed in a state where the variable display of the pattern is stopped, it is difficult to grasp the elapsed time from the start of the second process. It becomes possible.

  Means 22. In the above means 20 or 21, an acceptance detecting means (CPU 102) for performing acceptance detection processing (credit insertion processing function S612a, insertion determination processing function S613a) for detecting acceptance of a game medium, and permission for permitting acceptance of the game medium Means (medal acceptance permission processing function S603a), and the start condition detecting means detects the establishment of the start condition when the start operating means is operated after a predetermined number of game media have been received. A gaming machine, wherein the second specific condition is satisfied when the permission means permits the reception of the game medium.

  According to this means, the second process is repeatedly performed from when the acceptance of the game medium is permitted to when the start condition is satisfied. It is difficult to fix the operation of receiving a predetermined number of game media and the operation of the start operation means to a fixed time in a game played repeatedly. Therefore, the number of times of the second update process can be made random.

  Means 23. The gaming machine according to claim 22, wherein the second processing execution means includes the acceptance detection means.

  According to this means, the reception detection processing is performed in the second processing, so that the time from the start to the end of the second processing can be made indefinite.

  Means 24. In any one of the means 19 to 23, a third processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing a third processing (timer interrupt processing) is provided, and the second processing execution means performs the processing by n ( a specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing a specific processing (interrupt waiting processing) for repeatedly updating the predetermined value until n is performed (n is a natural number), and using the processing result of the third processing when the specific processing is completed. And a fourth process executing means (CPU 102) for performing a fourth process (S606a and S620a in the start waiting process).

  According to this means, in the second process, the specific process of repeatedly updating the predetermined value is performed until the periodically performed third process is performed n times. In such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the specific processing changes depending on the start timing of the specific processing. Therefore, the time from the start to the end of the second process can be made indefinite. Further, if the time from the start to the end of the specific process changes, the number of updates of the predetermined value in the specific process also changes, so that the number of updates of the predetermined value in the second process can be made random. Furthermore, the end of the specific process is made dependent on the number of times of the third process, and the fourth process is performed when the specific process is completed, so that the fourth process is performed after the third process is completed. It is possible to shorten the interval until the operation is performed. As a result, the fourth processing can be performed using the processing result of the third processing according to the game situation and the like.

  Means 25. In the above means 24, the third processing execution means is a detection means (start detection sensor 41a, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a) electrically connected to a processing means (main control device 101) having the third processing execution means. And the like, and a grasping process executing means (CPU 102) for performing a grasping process (sensor monitoring process S107a) for grasping a signal input situation from the above. The fourth process executing means performs the grasping process executing means as the fourth process. A gaming machine characterized in that a predetermined judgment is made using the result of grasping.

  According to this means, in the fourth process, a predetermined judgment is made using the signal input status from the detecting means. In such a configuration, as the interval from the end of the third process to the execution of the fourth process is shorter, the fourth process can make a determination more suited to a game situation or the like. Therefore, by applying this configuration to the configuration of the means 24, the fourth processing can be performed in a suitable manner.

  Means 26. In any one of the above-mentioned means 19 to 25, there is provided a storage calculation execution means (CPU 102) having the lottery means, the display control means, and the like, and performing processing relating to the progress of the game. A gaming machine comprising: a storage unit for storing a predetermined value updated in an update process; the first process execution unit; and the second process execution unit.

  According to the present means, the storage operation executing means for performing processing relating to the progress of the game includes a storage means for storing the predetermined value updated in each update processing, a first processing executing means, and a second processing executing means. , Are provided. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the storage unit from being changed to an unauthorized storage unit that stores only a predetermined value of 1 and the delay period being fixed.

  Means 27. In any one of the means 19 to 26, an initialization means for changing the predetermined value to an initial value when a specific operation (such as an ON operation of a setting key at power-on) is performed is not provided. A gaming machine.

  According to this means, even when the specific operation is performed, the predetermined value is not changed to the initial value. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a fraud in which a predetermined value is changed to an initial value and then a random number to be won in the lottery is acquired.

  Means 28. In any one of the above means 19 to 27, a stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the fluctuation display of the pattern is provided, and the second specific condition is set to stop the fluctuation display of the pattern. And the determination means determines that the specific condition is satisfied when the stop operation means is operated in a situation where the variable display of the pattern can be stopped. A gaming machine characterized by determining.

  According to this means, the second process is performed between the time when the variable display of the pattern can be stopped and the time when the stop operation means is operated in a state where the variable display of the pattern can be stopped. Is repeated. With this configuration, the time during which the second processing can be performed can be made random, and the number of times of the second update processing can be made random.

  Means 29. In any one of the above means 19 to 28, the delay processing executing means updates the predetermined value as the delay processing until a specific value (0) irrelevant to the predetermined value when the start condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by performing processing.

  According to this means, when the start condition is satisfied, the predetermined value is updated until it becomes a specific value irrelevant to the predetermined value at that time. With such a configuration, a period from when the start condition is satisfied to when the numerical information as the random number or the basic random number is obtained is a period corresponding to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value when the start condition is satisfied from the specific value. The period from when the start condition is satisfied to when the numerical information as the random number or the basic random number is obtained can be made random.

  Means 30. In any one of the above means 19 to 29, a numerical information storage means (counter 150a of the basic random number generator 150) for storing numerical information acquired by the acquisition processing executing means, and a second numerical information (first counter 111a) Second numerical information storage means (first counter 111a, second counter 111b) for storing the count value of the second counter 111b, and the acquisition processing execution means stores the numerical information from the numerical information storage means. A gaming machine comprising: a random number generation unit (random number generation processing S701) for generating a random number using the numerical information and the second numerical information when acquired.

  According to this means, the random number is created using the numerical information and the second numerical information. With this configuration, it is possible to change the random number used for the lottery based on the second numerical information, even when the predetermined value and the numerical information are illegally targeted. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won in the lottery.

  Means 31. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 19 to 30, wherein the time from the start to the end of the second process is undefined.

  According to this means, since the time from the start to the end of the second process is undefined, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, It is possible to make it difficult to keep the number of times of the second processing to be performed constant.

Means 32. Start condition detection means (function S620a for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
A bonus granting means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for granting a privilege (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) based on the lottery result of the lottery means winning; In the equipped gaming machine,
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing first processing (timer interrupt processing) including first update processing (delay counter processing in timer interrupt processing) for updating a predetermined value (value of delay counter 111d);
A second processing execution unit (CPU 102) that irregularly performs a second process (pre-start preparation process) including a second update process (S609a in the pre-start preparation process) for updating the predetermined value (the value of the delay counter 111d). When,
Determining means (S620a in pre-start preparation processing) for determining whether or not a specific condition (generation of a start command) based on an operation by a player is satisfied;
Acquisition processing (basic random number acquisition processing S801) of acquiring numerical information (count value of the basic random number generator 150) as a random number used for the lottery or a basic random number as a basis of the random number based on the establishment of the start condition. ), An acquisition processing execution means (CPU 102);
When the start condition is satisfied, a delay process (delay process S622a and delay counter process S117a) that delays the acquisition timing at which the acquisition process execution unit acquires the numerical information from the timing at which the start condition is satisfied based on the predetermined value. ) For performing delay processing (CPU 102),
The second process execution means is configured to repeatedly execute the second process from when at least a second specific condition (performing S602a or S603a in the start waiting process) is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by that:

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process that is performed in the second process. Then, the random number used for the lottery or the numerical information as the basic random number that is the basis of the random number is obtained based on the establishment of the start condition, and the establishment of the start condition based on the predetermined value updated in each update process. It is acquired at a timing delayed from the timing. With such a configuration, even if the numerical information as the random number or the basic random number becomes a value that wins the lottery in a fixed cycle, even if the starting condition is satisfied at that timing, the random number or the basic By delaying the acquisition timing of the numerical information as a random number, it is possible to prevent a value to be won in the lottery from being acquired.

  Further, the second process is repeatedly performed at least from when the second specific condition is satisfied until the specific condition is satisfied, and accordingly, the second update process is also repeatedly performed during the period. Here, by making the establishment of the specific condition based on the operation by the player, the time during which the second process can be repeatedly performed can be made random, and is performed until the specific condition is established. The number of times of the second update process can be made random.

  In addition, when the specific condition is satisfied based on an operation performed by the player, the operation is illegally performed so that the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is constant. There is a possibility. However, in this configuration, since the second process is performed irregularly, even if the time from when the second specific condition is satisfied to when the specific condition is satisfied is fixed, the second process is performed during this period. It is difficult to keep the number of times of the two processes constant. Further, the predetermined value is updated by a second update process performed in the second process and a first update process in the first process performed periodically. For this reason, it is difficult to make the predetermined value a constant value in each game round.

Means 33. Start condition detection means (function S620a for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
A bonus granting means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) for granting a privilege (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) based on the lottery result of the lottery means winning; In the equipped gaming machine,
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for periodically performing first processing (timer interrupt processing) including first update processing (delay counter processing in timer interrupt processing) for updating a predetermined value (value of delay counter 111d);
A second processing execution unit (CPU 102) that irregularly performs a second process (pre-start preparation process) including a second update process (S609a in the pre-start preparation process) for updating the predetermined value (the value of the delay counter 111d). When,
Acquisition processing (basic random number acquisition processing S801) of acquiring numerical information (count value of the basic random number generator 150) as a random number used for the lottery or a basic random number as a basis of the random number based on the establishment of the start condition. ), An acquisition processing execution means (CPU 102);
When the start condition is satisfied, a delay process (delay process S622a and delay counter process S117a) that delays the acquisition timing at which the acquisition process execution unit acquires the numerical information from the timing at which the start condition is satisfied based on the predetermined value. A) a gaming machine comprising:

  According to this means, the process of updating the predetermined value includes a first update process in the first process that is performed periodically and a second update process in the second process that is performed irregularly. . Then, the random number used for the lottery or the numerical information as the basic random number that is the basis of the random number is obtained based on the establishment of the start condition, and the establishment of the start condition based on the predetermined value updated in each update process. It is acquired at a timing delayed from the timing. With such a configuration, even if the numerical information as the random number or the basic random number becomes a value that wins the lottery in a fixed cycle, even if the starting condition is satisfied at that timing, the random number or the basic By delaying the acquisition timing of the numerical information as a random number, it is possible to prevent a value to be won in the lottery from being acquired.

Means 34. Operating means (credit input switches 56 to 58, etc.) operated to advance the game;
A signal output unit that outputs a first signal based on the operation of the operation unit and that does not output the first signal based on the absence of the operation unit (the credit input detection sensors 56a to 56d). 58a), and the game machine proceeds with the game based on the signal input status from the signal output means,
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing first processing (normal processing);
A second process execution unit (CPU 102) for periodically performing a second process (timer interrupt process) including a status confirmation process (sensor monitoring process S107a) for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit;
The first processing execution means includes:
A specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
A third process execution unit (CPU 102) that performs a third process (eg, S307, S606a in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific processing execution means,
A confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407a in interruption wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine comprising: a termination unit (CPU 102) for terminating the specific process when the confirmation process execution unit confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there is a first process and a second process that is performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is completed. By adopting a configuration in which the state of signal input from the signal output unit is confirmed in the second processing that is performed periodically, it is possible to simplify the processing configuration. Further, by configuring the specific processing to be terminated when the second processing is performed after the start of the specific processing, the second processing is performed at least once between the start of the specific processing and the end of the specific processing. Processing can be performed, and the status of signal input from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, the configuration in which the third processing related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific processing is completed can shorten the interval from the completion of the second processing to the execution of the third processing. Become. As a result, the third processing can be performed using the processing result of the situation confirmation processing in accordance with the operating state of the operating means, and a shift occurs between the detection of the predetermined condition of the operation by the player and the progress of the game. Can be reduced.

  Means 35. In the above means (34), the first processing execution means repeats the first processing until a prescribed condition (operation of the start lever 41 in the winning probability setting processing, generation of a start command in the start waiting processing) is satisfied. A gaming machine.

  According to this means, the first process is repeatedly performed until the prescribed condition is satisfied. With the configuration in which the specific process and the third process are performed in the first process, it is possible to prevent the gaming machine from malfunctioning. If the configuration is such that the specific process is not performed before the third process, it is possible that the first process may be performed a plurality of times during the period from performing the status confirmation process to performing the next status confirmation process. If the first processing is performed a plurality of times during the period, the third processing is performed a plurality of times using the same processing result of the status confirmation processing. This means that the operation corresponding to one operation of the operation means is performed a plurality of times, and there is a possibility that the operation is not intended by the player or the like. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the specific processing is performed before the third processing, even when the first processing is repeatedly performed, the third processing can be performed after waiting for the situation confirmation processing to be performed at least once. In addition, the above-mentioned concerns can be suitably solved.

  Means 36. In the means 35, a predetermined operation means (start lever 41) operated by a player or the like, the first signal is output based on the operation of the predetermined operation means, and the predetermined operation means is operated. Predetermined signal output means (start detection sensor 41a) for non-outputting the first signal based on the fact that the first signal has not been output from the predetermined signal output means. A gaming machine characterized by being established based on:

  According to this means, the prescribed condition is established based on the operation of the predetermined operation means. In such a configuration, the timing at which the prescribed condition is satisfied depends on the operation of the predetermined operation means by the player or the like, and the number of repetitions of the first processing changes depending on when the predetermined operation means is operated. Therefore, by performing the specific process before the third process performed in the first process, it is possible to preferably prevent the gaming machine from malfunctioning.

  Means 37. In the above means 34, the first processing execution means performs fourth processing (S303 to S308 in the winning probability setting processing, pre-start preparation processing S604a to S620a), and the fourth processing execution means (CPU 102). Is completed (S305 in the winning probability setting process, S620a in the start waiting process) as to whether the prescribed conditions (operation of the start lever 41 in the winning probability setting process, generation of a start command in the start waiting process) are satisfied. ), A return process execution unit (CPU102) for performing a process of returning to the fourth process when the prescribed condition is not satisfied, and a return process executing unit (CPU102) for performing the process of returning to the fourth process when the prescribed condition is not fulfilled. A fourth processing completion executing means (CPU 102) for performing processing for ending the fourth processing. Line means, a game machine which comprises said specific process executing means and said third processing executing means.

  According to this means, there is the fourth process that is repeatedly performed until the prescribed condition is satisfied, and the specific process and the third process are performed within the fourth process. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a malfunction of the gaming machine. If the specific processing is not performed at the stage before the third processing, the fourth processing may be performed a plurality of times during a period from performing the status checking processing to performing the next status checking processing. When the fourth process is performed a plurality of times during the period, the third process is performed a plurality of times using the same processing result of the status confirmation process. This means that the operation corresponding to one operation of the operation means is performed a plurality of times, and there is a possibility that the operation is not intended by the player or the like. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the specific process is performed before the third process, even when the fourth process is repeatedly performed, the third process can be performed after waiting for the situation confirmation process to be performed at least once. In addition, the above-mentioned concerns can be suitably solved.

  Means 38. In the means 37, a predetermined operation means (start lever 41) operated by a player or the like, and the first signal is output based on the operation of the predetermined operation means, and the predetermined operation means is operated. Predetermined signal output means (start detection sensor 41a) for non-outputting the first signal based on the fact that the first signal is not output when the first signal is output from the predetermined signal output means. A gaming machine that determines that the specified condition has been satisfied based on the fact that the game has been completed.

  According to this means, the prescribed condition is established based on the operation of the predetermined operation means. In such a configuration, the timing at which the prescribed condition is satisfied depends on the operation of the predetermined operation means by the player or the like, and the number of repetitions of the fourth process changes depending on when the predetermined operation means is operated. Therefore, by performing the specific process before the third process performed in the fourth process, it is possible to preferably prevent the gaming machine from malfunctioning.

  Means 39. In any one of the above means 34 to 38, the third processing execution means may include, as the third processing, the operation means when the processing result of the status confirmation processing is a processing result indicating the input of the first signal. Performing a process of determining that the operation of the operation unit has been performed, and performing a process of determining that the operation of the operation unit has not been performed when the processing result of the status confirmation processing is a processing result indicating non-input of the first signal. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

  According to this means, in the third processing, processing is performed to determine whether or not the operating means has been operated using the processing result of the status confirmation processing. By performing the specific processing at the stage prior to the third processing, the third processing can be performed using the processing result of the situation confirmation processing according to the operation state of the operating means, and the operation by the player and the game Can be reduced during the progress of the operation.

  Means 40. In any one of the above means 34 to 38, a storage means (sensor information storage area 112 of the RAM 106) for storing the processing result of the situation confirmation processing is provided, and the storage means stores the latest processing result of the situation confirmation processing. A configuration having a first storage area for storing (first area 112a) and a second storage area for storing processing results before the latest processing result (second area 112b, third area 112c). A gaming machine characterized by:

  According to this means, the storage means stores the latest processing result of the status confirmation processing and the processing result before that. With this configuration, it is possible to store in the storage means that the first signal has been switched from the output state to the non-output state or that the first signal has been switched from the non-output state to the output state, that is, the signal input state history. .

  Means 41. In the above means 40, the third processing execution means performs the third processing using information stored in the first storage area and information stored in the second storage area. Gaming machine to do.

  According to this means, the third processing is performed using the history of the signal input status. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the third process using the timing at which the operation of the operation unit is started or the timing at which the operation of the operation unit is completed. In particular, when applied to any one of the means 2 to 5, even if the third processing is repeatedly performed, the history of the signal input state changes each time, so that the gaming machine may malfunction. Can be suitably avoided.

  Means 42. In the means 41, the third processing execution means may execute the third processing when the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is predetermined specific information (“011”). A process of determining that the operation of the operation unit has been performed, and determining that the operation of the operation unit has not been performed when the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is not the specific information. A gaming machine characterized by performing.

  According to this means, in the third process, a process is performed for determining whether or not the operating means has been operated based on whether or not the information stored in the first storage area and the second storage area is the specific information. By performing the specific processing at the stage prior to the third processing, the third processing can be performed using the processing result of the situation confirmation processing according to the operation state of the operating means, and the operation by the player and the game Can be reduced during the progress of the operation.

Means 43. Start condition detection means (function S620a for determining that a start command of CPU 102 has been generated) for detecting establishment of a start condition;
Lottery means (lottery processing function S505 of the CPU 102) for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the start condition;
A display control means (a reel control process of the CPU 102) for starting variable display of a picture based on the establishment of the start condition and ending variable display of the picture so as to obtain a stop result based on a lottery result of the lottery means. Function),
If the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning and a specific stop result (a stop result in which the winning symbol combination stops on the activated line) is given a bonus (medal payout, shift to BB state, etc.) to the player. A bonus giving means (medal payout processing function S507, BB state processing function S508, etc. of the CPU 102) to be provided, the game is started based on the establishment of the start condition, and the variable display of the picture is completed or In the gaming machine in which the game ends based on the privilege granting means granting the privilege,
Operating means (credit input switches 56 to 58, etc.) operated to advance the game;
A signal output unit that outputs a first signal based on the operation of the operation unit and that does not output the first signal based on the absence of the operation unit (the credit input detection sensors 56a to 56d). 58a) and
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing first processing (normal processing);
A second process execution unit (CPU 102) for periodically performing a second process (timer interrupt process) including a status confirmation process (sensor monitoring process S107a) for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit;
The first processing execution means includes:
A specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
A third process execution unit (CPU 102) that performs a third process (eg, S307, S606a in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific processing execution means,
A confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407a in interruption wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine comprising: a termination unit (CPU 102) for terminating the specific process when the confirmation process execution unit confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there is a first process and a second process that is performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is completed. By adopting a configuration in which the state of signal input from the signal output unit is confirmed in the second processing that is performed periodically, it is possible to simplify the processing configuration. Further, by configuring the specific processing to be terminated when the second processing is performed after the start of the specific processing, the second processing is performed at least once between the start of the specific processing and the end of the specific processing. Processing can be performed, and the status of signal input from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, the configuration in which the third processing related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific processing is completed can shorten the interval from the completion of the second processing to the execution of the third processing. Become. As a result, the third processing can be performed using the processing result of the situation confirmation processing in accordance with the operating state of the operating means, and a shift occurs between the detection of the predetermined condition of the operation by the player and the progress of the game. Can be reduced.

Means 44. Detecting means for detecting predetermined conditions (such as credit input switches 56 to 58);
A game output device for outputting a first signal based on the detection of the predetermined condition (credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a and the like), and a game machine that advances a game based on a signal input state from the signal output device. ,
First processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing first processing (normal processing);
A second process execution unit (CPU 102) for periodically performing a second process (timer interrupt process) including a status confirmation process (sensor monitoring process S107a) for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit;
The first processing execution means includes:
A specific processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing specific processing (interrupt waiting processing);
A third process execution unit (CPU 102) that performs a third process (eg, S307, S606a in the normal process) related to the progress of the game using the processing result of the situation confirmation process when the specific process is completed,
The specific processing execution means,
A confirmation processing execution means (CPU 102) for performing confirmation processing (S407a in interruption wait processing) for confirming whether or not the second processing has been performed after starting the specific processing;
A gaming machine comprising: a termination unit (CPU 102) for terminating the specific process when the confirmation process execution unit confirms that the second process has been performed.

  According to this means, there is a first process and a second process that is performed periodically. The second process includes a status confirmation process for confirming a signal input status from the signal output unit. The first process includes a specific process that is terminated when the second process is performed, and a third process that is performed using the processing result of the status confirmation process when the specific process is completed. By adopting a configuration in which the state of signal input from the signal output unit is confirmed in the second processing that is performed periodically, it is possible to simplify the processing configuration. Further, by configuring the specific processing to be terminated when the second processing is performed after the start of the specific processing, the second processing is performed at least once between the start of the specific processing and the end of the specific processing. Processing can be performed, and the status of signal input from the signal output means can be confirmed. Furthermore, the configuration in which the third processing related to the progress of the game is performed when the specific processing is completed can shorten the interval from the completion of the second processing to the execution of the third processing. Become. As a result, it is possible to perform the third processing using the processing result of the situation confirmation processing in accordance with the detection of the predetermined condition, and it is possible to reduce a difference between the detection of the predetermined condition and the progress of the game. Becomes

  An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a spinning-type gaming machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the housing 11, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 forming an outer shell thereof. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape with an open front surface as a whole, and is attached to a so-called island facility by hitting a nail or the like when installed in a game hall.

  On the front side of the housing 11, a front door 12 is attached so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a and 13b on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 has bearing portions 14a at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a and 13b. , 14b are provided. When the support shafts 13a and 13b are inserted into the bearing portions 14a and 14b, the front door 12 rotates around the opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a and 13b to the housing 11. It is movably supported, and the front opening side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed by the rotation of the front door 12. The front door 12 is locked by a locking device 20 provided on the rear surface thereof so that the front door 12 cannot be opened. A key cylinder 21 integrated with the locking device 20 is provided at the upper right end of the front door 12, and the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.

  A game panel 25 that informs a player of a game state is provided near the center of the front door 12. In the gaming panel 25, three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, 26R are formed side by side, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the respective display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting variable display means is mounted above the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a center reel 32M, and a right reel 32R formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is rotatably supported such that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are disposed on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R on a one-to-one basis. . Therefore, a part of the surface of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be visually recognized through the corresponding display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. When the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are projected through the respective display windows 26L, 26M, 26R as if they were moving from top to bottom.

  Here, the configuration of the reel unit 31 will be briefly described.

  Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is connected to a stepping motor, and each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by driving each stepping motor. . The stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal of, for example, 504 pulses (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse), and the rotation position of the stepping motor, that is, the rotation position of the reel, is set by the excitation pulse. Controlled. In the reel unit 31, a reel index sensor for detecting that the reel has made one rotation is installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has made one rotation, a detection signal is output to a main control device 101 described later each time the detection is performed. Therefore, main controller 101 determines the angular position of each of reels 32L, 32M, 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output until the detection signal is input. It can be confirmed and corrected.

  On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of symbols as identification information are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). More specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, in order to switch a symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol, it is necessary to output an excitation pulse of 24 pulses (= 504 pulses 励 21 symbols). Further, main controller 101 grasps a symbol visible from display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input, and displays the display window. Control for stopping a predetermined symbol at a position visible from 26L, 26M, 26R can be performed.

  Next, the symbols drawn on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a symbol arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a line on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, respectively, and these numbers are symbols that can be visually recognized by the main control device 101 from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. Is not actually assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the following description will be made using the numbers.

  As the symbols, a "star" symbol (for example, the 20th of the left reel 32L), a "cherry" symbol (for example, the 19th of the left reel 32L), a "youth" symbol (for example, the 18th of the left reel 32L), " "Bell" symbol (for example, 17th on left reel 32L), "Replay" symbol (for example, 16th on left reel 32L), "White 7" symbol (for example, 15th on left reel 32L), "watermelon" symbol ( For example, there are eight types of symbols, the 14th on the left reel 32L) and the "red 7" symbol (for example, the 3rd on the left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the numbers and arrangement orders of various symbols are completely different in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

  Each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R is formed such that three of the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reel are such that the entire symbol can be visually recognized. Therefore, in a state where all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols can be visually recognized through the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R.

  In this slot machine 10, three combination lines are set in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal cross direction so as to connect the positions at which these nine symbols are visible, for a total of five combination lines. ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, as a horizontal combination line, an upper line L1 connecting the upper symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and a middle symbol connecting the upper symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. A line L2 and a lower line L3 connecting lower symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set. Also, as a combination line in the oblique direction, a lower right line L4 connecting the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M, and the lower pattern of the right reel 32R, and the lower pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle of the middle reel 32M. An upper right line L5 connecting the upper symbol of the symbol and the right reel 32R is set. Then, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated combination line, that is, the activated line, it is determined that a prize has been won, a privilege of paying out a predetermined number of medals as game media is given, or the game state is shifted. Benefits are given.

  FIG. 8 shows a combination of symbols to be awarded, and a privilege to be awarded when a winning is achieved.

  The small prize winning in which the medals are paid out includes a bell prize, a watermelon prize, a single prize, and a cherry prize. When the "bell" symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped side by side on the activated line, eight medals are paid out as a bell prize, and the "watermelon" symbol on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is activated on the activated line. When stopping alongside, six medals are paid out as a watermelon prize, and when stopping along the "Red 7" symbol, "Youth" symbol, and "White 7" symbol from the left on the activated line, One medal is paid out as one winning combination. When the "Cherry" symbol of the left reel 32L stops on the activated line, two medals are paid out as a cherry winning. In other words, in the case of a cherry winning, any symbol that stops on the activated line may be any symbol for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. In other words, when the combination of the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and any symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stops on the activated line, it can be said that a cherry winning is established. Therefore, when the “Cherry” symbol stops at the position where the plurality of activated lines of the left reel 32L overlap (specifically, the upper and lower stages), a cherry winning is established on each activated line, and as a result, Four (= 2 × 2) medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, since the "Cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L stops at the upper or lower stage and a cherry winning is established, four medals are paid out when the cherry winning is established. .

  The state transition prize in which only the transition of the gaming state is performed includes a BB prize. When the “red 7” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped side by side on the activated line, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus state (hereinafter referred to as “BB state”) as a BB winning.

  The prize to which a privilege other than the medal payout or the transition of the game state is given includes a re-game prize. When the "replay" symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are stopped side by side on the activated line, the payout of the medal and the transition of the game state are not performed as a re-winning prize, but the medal is not inserted. A replay privilege that allows the player to play a game is provided.

  In the following, a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning is also referred to as a winning symbol combination. For example, the combination of the re-game symbols is a combination of the symbols to be the re-game prize, that is, the combination of the “replay” symbol, the “replay” symbol, and the “replay” symbol. The symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to the winnings are also referred to as winning symbols. For example, the single-segment symbol is a "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L, a "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and a "white 7" symbol on the right reel 32R.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 25, a start lever 41 operated to start rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is provided. The start lever 41 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, that is, to start variable display of symbols. The start lever 41 is a lever that is pressed by the player when the player starts the game, and automatically returns to the initial position after the hand is released. Incidentally, the start lever 41 in the slot machine 10 is configured so that it takes several tens of msec to automatically return to the initial position after the hand is released. When the start lever 41 is operated in a state where a predetermined number of medals are inserted, each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R starts rotating.

  On the right side of the start lever 41, button-shaped stop switches 42 to 44 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R are provided. The stop switches 42 to 44 are respectively disposed immediately below the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop switch 42 is operated, the rotation of the left reel 32L is stopped, and when the middle stop switch 43 is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 32M is stopped, and the right stop switch 44 is operated. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 32R stops. The stop switches 42 to 44 constitute stop operation means operated to stop variable display of symbols based on rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The stop switches 42 to 44 are in a state where a stop operation can be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the left reel 32L started rotating. A not-shown lamp is provided inside each of the stop switches 42 to 44. The lamp is lit when the stop operation is possible, and the lamp is turned off when the stop operation is impossible such as when the reel is stopped. It has become so.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, a medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals is provided. The medal slot 45 constitutes an input means for inputting a game medium. In addition, if it is noted that the medal insertion slot 45 involves an operation of directly inserting medals by a player, it can be said that the medal insertion port 45 constitutes a direct input unit for directly inputting a game medium.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to either the storage passage 47 or the discharge passage 48 by a selector 46 provided as a passage switching means provided on the back of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal passage switching solenoid 46a, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is not excited, the medal is guided to the discharge passage 48 side, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is excited, the medal is switched. Is guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medals guided to the storage passage 47 are guided to a hopper device 51 housed inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medals guided to the discharge passage 48 are guided to a medal tray 50 from a medal discharge port 49 provided at a lower part of the front surface of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

  The hopper device 51 includes a storage tank 52 that stores medals, and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to a player. The payout device 53 discharges medals to an opening 48a provided in the discharge passage 48 by rotating a medal payout rotating plate (not shown), and pays out medals to the medal tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. It has become. Further, on the right side of the hopper device 51, a spare tank 54 is provided to prevent a predetermined amount or more of medals from being stored in the storage tank 52. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a for discharging medals from the storage tank 52 to the spare tank 54 is provided. Therefore, when medals are stored at a height equal to or higher than the height at which the guide plate 52a is provided, the medals are stored in the spare tank 54.

  Below the medal slot 45, a button-shaped return switch 55 is provided. When the return switch 55 is operated in a situation where the medals inserted into the medal slot 45 are stuck in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically operated in conjunction with the medal, and the medals stuck in the selector 46 are medaled. It is designed to be returned from the outlet 49.

  A first credit insertion switch 56 for inserting three credited virtual medals as game media at a time is provided on the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. A second credit insertion switch 57 and a third credit insertion switch 58 are provided to the left of the first credit insertion switch 56. The second credit insertion switch 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 constitutes an input means for inputting a game medium together with the medal insertion slot 45. Also, note that while the medal insertion slot 45 involves an operation of directly inserting a medal by a player, each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 merely involves an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. For example, it can be said that it constitutes an indirect input means for indirectly inputting a game medium. A lamp (not shown) is provided inside each of the credit input switches 56 to 58. The lamp is displayed when the input operation is enabled, and is turned off when the input operation is disabled. .

  A settlement switch 59 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41. That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function of storing and storing surplus inserted medals and payout medals at the time of winning as a virtual medal until a predetermined maximum value (50 medals) is reached. When the settlement switch 59 is operated in the state where the data is stored and stored, the virtual medal is paid out from the medal outlet 49 as a real medal. In this case, paying attention to the function of paying out the credited virtual medals as real medals, it can be said that the settlement switch 59 constitutes a settlement operation means for actually paying out the game media stored and stored.

  Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25, a credit display unit 60 that displays the number of virtual medals that have been credited, and a remaining payout number that displays the remaining number of medals to be paid out until the BB state ends. A display section 61 and a payout number display section 62 for displaying the number of medals paid out at the time of winning are provided. Although these display units 60 to 62 are constituted by seven-segment displays, they can be replaced by liquid crystal displays or the like.

  Here, the relationship between the number of medals bet and the activated combination line will be described with reference to FIG. When a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 at the start of the game, a bet is made.

  When the first medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the bet number is 1, and the middle line L2 is activated. When the second medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the bet number is 2, and a total of three combination lines including the upper line L1 and the lower line L3 are activated in addition to the middle line L2. When the third medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the bet number is 3, and all of the combination lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 45, if the number of virtual medals stored and stored at that time is less than 50, surplus medals exceeding three are stored in the slot machine 10. , The number of virtual medals in the credit display section 60 is added and displayed. On the other hand, when the number of virtual medals is or reaches 50, the selector 46 switches the storage passage 47 to the discharge passage 48, and returns the surplus medals from the medal discharge port 49 to the medal tray 50. Is done.

  Also, virtual medals are stored and stored, and when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated at the start of the game, the virtual medals are inserted and a bet is made. When any one of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated, the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60 is reduced by the number of inserted virtual medals. Except for, the same as when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, the description is omitted.

  Incidentally, when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated, virtual medals to be inserted are not stored and stored. When the credit insertion switch 56 is operated or the like, all the numerical values of the credit display section 60 are subtracted to be 0, and a bet is made for a virtual medal that can be inserted.

  On the upper part of the front door 12, an upper lamp 63 that lights or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of right and left that emits various sound effects as the game progresses and informs the player of the game state. Speaker 64 and an auxiliary display section 65 for giving various information to the player. The auxiliary display unit 65 is for performing various display effects as the game progresses, and the game using the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be considered to be the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display section 65. On the back of the auxiliary display unit 65, a display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65 is provided.

  A power supply box 70 is provided inside the housing 11 to the left of the hopper device 51. The power supply box 70 accommodates a power supply device 91 therein and includes a power switch 71, a reset switch 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main control device 101. The reset switch 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. Further, the setting key insertion hole 73 is used by a hall manager or the like to adjust the medal pitching. That is, the hole manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting a setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and performing an ON operation. The reset switch 72 is operated not only when resetting the error state, but also when changing the winning probability of the slot machine 10.

  Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 for integrally managing a game is attached to the housing 11.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The main controller 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centered on a CPU 102 which is an arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply 91, the CPU 102 includes a first clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave (first clock signal) having a predetermined frequency of 8.000 MHz, an input / output port 104 (specifically, a connector, a driver IC, and the like). , An input / output port constituted by a chip select IC, etc.) and a basic random number generator 150 for generating a basic random number are connected via an internal bus. The main control device 101 functions as a main base built in the slot machine 10.

  The input side of the main controller 101 includes a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation), and a start detection sensor that detects an operation of the start lever 41. 41a, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a for individually detecting the operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45a for detecting medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, and detecting medals paid out from the hopper device 51. Payout detection sensor 51a, credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a for individually detecting the operation of each of the credit input switches 56 to 58, a settlement detection sensor 59a for detecting the operation of the settlement switch 59, and reset detection for detecting the operation of the reset switch 72. Sensor 72a, setting key insertion hole 7 Are connected to various sensors such as a setting key detection sensor 73a for detecting that the setting key is inserted and turned on. Signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input / output port 104. It has become.

  Note that the inserted medal detection sensor 45a is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the storage passage 47 from the medal insertion slot 45 to the hopper device 51 is formed so that medals can pass in one row. A first sensor is provided in the storage passage 47, and the second sensor and the third sensor are close to each other on the downstream side more than the medal width (a state where the same medal is simultaneously detected at least at one time). (Approximately close to each other). The inserted medal detection sensor 45a is constituted by these first to third sensors. The main control device 101 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor, and if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, it is considered that there is a medal clogging or illegal operation, and an error state is set. In the case of an error state, the error state is notified, and the operation by the player is invalidated until the error state is released. Main controller 101 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off. Specifically, both the second and third sensors are off, only the second sensor is on, both the second and third sensors are on, only the third sensor is on, and both the second and third sensors are off in this order. It is determined that the medal has been normally taken only when the time has elapsed and the time for shifting to each on / off switching is within the predetermined time, and otherwise, an error state is set. This is to prevent medals from being jammed in the storage passage 47 and fraudulent misrecognition of medals being inserted by reciprocating the medals near the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

  A power supply 91 is connected to the input side of the main controller 101 via an input / output port 104. The power supply unit 91 includes a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main control unit 101, a power failure monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power supply cutoff state and generates a power failure signal when the power supply is switched off by the power supply switch 71 as well as during a power failure. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 91a, and determines that the power has been cut off when the drive voltage has dropped to, for example, less than 10 volts. And a power failure signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 102 and the input / output port 104, and the CPU 102 recognizes the power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later. The power failure signal is also supplied to the display control device 81.

  The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main control device 101 even when the output voltage drops to less than 10 volts. As a time during which the stabilized voltage is output, a time sufficient for executing the power failure process by the main control device 101 is secured.

  On the output side of the main controller 101, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R), a medal passage switching solenoid 46a provided in the selector 46, a hopper device 51, a credit A display unit 60, a remaining payout number display unit 61, a payout number display unit 62, a display control device 81, an external centralized terminal plate 121 capable of transmitting information to a hole management device (not shown), and the like are connected via an input / output port 104. I have. Although not shown, a lamp provided inside the stop switches 42 to 44 and a lamp provided inside the credit input switches 56 to 58 are also provided on the output side of the main controller 101. It is connected via port 104.

  The display control device 81 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65, and includes a substrate on which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, upon receiving a signal from the main control device 101, the display control device 81 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65. Therefore, the display control device 81 is a sub-base that executes auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101 that is a main base that comprehensively manages the game. In addition, the various display units 60 to 62 may be configured to be driven and controlled by the display control device 81.

  The above-mentioned CPU 102 is a one-chip CPU, and stores various control programs executed by the CPU 102 and a ROM 105 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 105. In addition to a RAM 106 for securing a work area for temporarily storing, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built in, though not shown, as is well known. I have. In the RAM 106, areas for various counters such as a credit counter for counting the number of credits, a first counter and a second counter used for generating a random number, and an update counter used for an interrupt waiting process described later are secured. . The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing various processes shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and thereafter is stored in the ROM 105 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 106 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply 91 and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the slot machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 106 has a memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing a lottery result of a winning combination, and a sliding table used for performing stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In addition to a slide table storage area 106b for storing a game state, a state information storage area 106c for storing a game state such as a BB state, a backup area is provided.

  The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer at the time of power interruption (including power interruption by operating the power switch 71. The same applies hereinafter) when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Yes, when the power failure is turned off (including turning on the power by operating the power switch 71. The same applies hereinafter), the state of the slot machine 10 can be returned to the state before the power was shut off based on the information of the backup area. . The writing to the backup area is executed when the power is turned off by the processing at the time of power failure (see FIG. 12), and the restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main processing when the power is turned on (see FIG. 13).

  In addition, a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b is input to an NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. When the power is cut off, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure flag generation process is immediately executed.

  Here, the connection relationship between the basic random number generator 150, the start detection sensor 41a, and the CPU 102 will be described in more detail based on the block diagram of FIG.

  On the input side of the basic random number generator 150, a second clock circuit 151 for outputting a rectangular wave (second clock signal) having a predetermined frequency of 7.915 MHz, and a monitoring circuit 152 for monitoring the second clock circuit 151 Is connected. The output side of the basic random number generator 150 is connected to the CPU 102.

  The basic random number generator 150 is hardware having a counter 150a and a latch circuit 150b. The counter 150a is a 16-bit free-run counter, and is configured to be incremented by one in the range of 0 to 65535, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 65535). The second clock circuit 151 is connected to the counter 150a, and when the second clock signal from the second clock circuit 151 is input, the count value of the counter 150a is updated. The latch circuit 150b is configured by combining a plurality of D flip-flop circuits, and can latch (hold) the count value of the counter 150a. The monitoring circuit 152 is connected to the latch circuit 150b. When a latch signal from the monitoring circuit 152 is input, the count value of the counter 150a at that timing is latched by the latch circuit 150b. Then, the latched count value is output to a built-in input port of the CPU 102 as a basic random number.

  The monitoring circuit 152 is configured by a D flip-flop circuit. That is, the monitoring circuit 152 has a data terminal (D terminal) and a clock terminal (CLK terminal) as input terminals, and has a positive logic output terminal (Q terminal) and a negative logic output terminal (Q bar terminal) as output terminals. are doing. The start detection sensor 41a is connected to the D terminal via the waveform shaping circuit 153 and the input / output port 104, and the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal via the inverter 154. The Q terminal is connected to the latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150, and the Q bar terminal is connected to the CPU 102. More specifically, the Q bar terminal is connected to an input port built in the CPU 102.

  The start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 is operated. More specifically, the start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 moves from the initial position, and stops outputting the operation signal when the start lever 41 returns to the initial position. The waveform shaping circuit 153 includes a Schmitt trigger circuit. A threshold is set in the waveform shaping circuit 153, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 sends a detection signal to the monitoring circuit 152 when the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a becomes larger than the voltage rising side threshold. And stops outputting the detection signal when the operation signal becomes smaller than the voltage-drop-side threshold. That is, the waveform shaping circuit 153 is a circuit for shaping the dullness (rise delay and fall delay) of the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a. Note that the waveform shaping circuit 153 may be connected between the input / output port 104 and the monitoring circuit 152, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 may be provided on the main controller 101.

  The monitoring circuit 152 outputs the operation signal (more specifically, the waveform from the waveform shaping circuit 153) at the timing when the inverted second clock signal (the inverted clock signal) is input to the CLK terminal (more specifically, at the rising edge of the inverted clock signal). When the detection signal is input, the latch signal is output to the basic random number generator 150 and the start signal is output to the CPU 102. The latch signal and the start signal are continuously output at the timing when the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal until the operation signal is not input. In other words, it can be said that the monitoring circuit 152 holds the input state of the operation signal until the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal.

  In the CPU 102, a latch circuit 150 b of the basic random number generator 150 and a Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 are connected to an input port built in the CPU 102. In addition, a first clock circuit 103 that outputs a first clock signal is connected to the CPU 102. The first clock circuit 103 outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency of 8.000 MHz, and is configured not to synchronize with the second clock circuit 151. The CPU 102 performs various operations when the first clock signal is input. For example, the presence or absence of a start signal is determined based on the input of the first clock signal, and when the start signal is input, the count value latched by the latch circuit 150b is obtained as a basic random number. . The determination of the presence / absence of the input of the start signal will be described in more detail. Since the CPU 102 is connected to the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152, when the input signal from the Q bar terminal switches from H level to L level It is determined that the start signal has been input to.

  Next, the operations of the basic random number generator 150 and the monitoring circuit 152 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  At the timing of t1, the signal output from the second clock circuit 151 rises from the L level to the H level, that is, the second clock signal switches to the output state (the signal output from the second clock circuit is the H level). Then, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated to n. n is any value from 0 to 65535. Further, since the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 via the inverter 154, the signal input to the CLK terminal changes from the H level to the L level at the timing t1 in the monitoring circuit 152. Falling, the inverted clock signal switches to the state without input.

  At the timing of t2, the signal output from the second clock circuit 151 falls from the H level to the L level, that is, the second clock signal does not output (the signal output from the second clock circuit is the L level). When the switching is performed, in the monitoring circuit 152, the signal input to the CLK terminal rises from the L level to the H level, and the inverted clock signal switches to the input state. At this time, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is not updated, and the count value remains n.

  When the inverted clock signal is switched to the input state, the monitoring circuit 152 outputs a signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal input to the D terminal at that time from the Q terminal and the Q bar terminal. At timing t2, since the operation signal (H level detection signal) is not input, the latch signal and the start signal are not output from the Q terminal and the Q bar terminal. Since the start signal is output from the Q bar terminal (negative logic output terminal), only the start signal is a signal of L level instead of H level.

  Thereafter, when the second clock signal is switched to the output state at the timing of t3, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a to n + 1. As described above, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value is sequentially updated at the timing when the second clock signal switches from the non-output state to the output state.

  When the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t4, the signal input to the D terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 rises from the L level to the H level, and the operation signal switches to the input state. However, at the timing t4, since the inverted clock signal is in the non-input state, the latch signal and the start signal remain in the non-output state.

  When the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state at the timing of t5, the monitor circuit 152 changes the output signal from the Q terminal from the L level to the H level because the operation signal is input to the D terminal. And the output signal from the Q bar terminal falls from H level to L level. As a result, at the timing t5, the start signal and the latch signal are switched from the non-output state to the output state. In the basic random number generator 150, the count value n + 1 of the counter 150a at this time is latched by the latch circuit 150b when the latch signal from the monitoring circuit 152 switches from the non-input state to the input state. That is, when the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t4, the count value n + 1 is obtained as a random number at the timing t5, not at the timing t4.

  At the timing of t6, the inverted clock signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state, but the output states of the latch signal and the start signal are not changed, and the output state is maintained as it is. That is, even if the inverted clock signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state, both the latch signal and the start signal are maintained in the output state.

  Thereafter, when the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state at the timing of t7, a latch signal and a start signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal at the timing are output. At the timing t7, since the operation signal is in the input state, the latch signal and the start signal are continuously output in the output state.

  Here, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated at a timing (t1, t3, t6, etc.) at which the second clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state (t1, t3, etc.). The latch of the count value is performed at a timing (t5) at which the latch signal switches from the non-input state to the input state. The timing at which the latch signal switches from the non-input state to the input state is the timing at which the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state, that is, the timing at which the second clock signal switches from the input state to the non-input state. is there. That is, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value is updated at the timing when the second clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state, and the timing at which the second clock signal switches from the input state to the non-input state. Latches the count value. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid that the update timing of the count value and the latch timing of the count value are the same, and the latch timing comes during the update of the count value, and the count value cannot be latched normally. Problems can be avoided.

  When the start lever 41 returns to the initial position at the timing t8, the operation signal input to the monitoring circuit 152 switches from the input state to the non-input state. At timing t8, the inverted clock signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state, and the output state of the latch signal and the start signal does not change at this timing. Then, at timing t9 when the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state, it is detected that the operation signal is not input, and both the latch signal and the start signal are switched from the output state to the output state. Note that when the operation signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state while the inverted clock signal is in the non-input state (for example, timing t8 <timing t <timing t9), or the inverted clock signal is in the input-present state (for example, timing Even when the operation signal switches from the input state to the non-input state at t7 <timing t <timing t8), both the latch signal and the start signal switch from the output-present state to the output-less state at timing t9.

  By the way, in a configuration in which the timing of inputting the operation signal is not always grasped but is grasped at the timing of input of the inverted clock signal, the operation signal is switched to the input state after one inverted clock signal is input. If the operation signal is switched to the non-input state before the next inverted clock signal is input, there is a possibility that the operation of the start lever 41 cannot be accurately grasped. However, the start lever 41 of the slot machine 10 is configured to have several tens of msec before the hand returns and returns to the initial position. When the start lever 41 is operated, the operation signal is at least several tens of msec. The data is input to the monitoring circuit 152. The clock frequency of the second clock signal output from the second clock circuit 151 is 7.915 MHz, and its cycle is about 126 nsec. That is, the period at which the inverted clock signal is input to the monitoring circuit 152 is sufficiently shorter than the time interval required from when the operation signal is switched to the input state to when the operation signal is switched to the non-input state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that the operation signal is skipped in the monitoring circuit 152 even though the operation signal is output from the start lever detection sensor 41a.

  Subsequently, each control process executed by the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 will be described. The CPU 102 performs various processes based on the input of the first clock signal from the first clock circuit 103. The processing of the CPU 102 is roughly divided into a main processing started upon power-on, a timer interrupt processing started periodically (in the present embodiment, at a period of 1.49 msec), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal. There is an NMI interrupt process that is started in response to the input of the command. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then the main processing will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main controller 101. The CPU 102 of the main controller 101 generates a timer interrupt every 1.49 msec, for example.

  First, in the register save processing shown in step S101, the values of all registers in the CPU 102 used in the later-described normal processing are saved in the backup area of the RAM 106. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag has been set. If the power failure flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S103, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, the processing at the time of power failure will be outlined.

  When the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power failure signal is input to the main control device 101 via the NMI terminal. When a power failure signal is input, main controller 101 immediately executes an NMI interrupt process and sets a power failure flag in a power failure flag storage area provided in RAM 106.

  In the process at the time of power failure, it is first determined whether or not the transmission of the command has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, the present process is terminated, the process returns to the timer interrupt process, and the transmission of the command is terminated. If the transmission of the command has been completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is stored in the backup area of the RAM 106. Thereafter, the output state of the output port at the input / output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a RAM determination value for determining whether the data in the RAM 106 is normal at the time of the blackout is calculated and stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is, specifically, a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 106. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 106 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 106 to 0, the subsequent RAM access is prohibited. After the above processing is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed. In consideration of a case where the power failure flag is erroneously set due to, for example, noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure signal is being output until an infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal has not been output, it means that the device has recovered from the power failure state. Therefore, writing to the RAM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the output of the power failure signal is continuously performed, the operation enters an infinite loop. Incidentally, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure signal is output even under the infinite loop, and when the power failure signal is no longer output, the process shifts to the main processing.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes from step S104 are performed.

  That is, in step S104, a clearing process of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of a malfunction is performed. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process for enabling the next timer interrupt to be set for the CPU 102 itself is performed. In step S106, in order to rotate each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, a stepping motor control process for driving a stepping motor that is a respective drum drive motor is performed. In step S107, the state of various sensors (see FIG. 9) such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input / output port 104 is read, and whether the read result is normal is determined. Sensor monitoring processing for monitoring whether In the sensor monitoring process, it is determined whether a start signal from the monitoring circuit 152 is input, that is, whether an L-level signal is input from the monitoring circuit 152. Then, when the start signal is input, the start flag is set, and when the start signal is not input, the start flag is cleared. In step S108, a timer calculation process for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S109, the value of the update counter used in the interrupt waiting process described later is updated by one. The update counter is an 8-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106. In step S110, a counter process of outputting the result of counting the number of medals bet and the number of payouts to the external concentrated terminal board 121 is performed.

  In step S111, a command output process of transmitting various commands such as a lottery result command to be described later to the display control device 81 is performed. In step S112, segment data setting processing for setting segment data displayed on the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, and the payout number display unit 62 is performed. In step S113, the segment data set in the segment data setting process is supplied to each of the display units 60 to 62 to perform a segment data display process of displaying the corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like. In step S114, a port output process for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 104 is performed. In step S115, the value of each register saved in the backup area in step S101 is returned to the corresponding register in the CPU 102. In step S116, the value of the first counter for generating the basic random number is updated by one. The first counter is a 16-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106, and can generate basic random numbers from 0 to 65535. Thereafter, in step S117, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and this series of timer interrupt processing ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing main processing in main controller 101 executed after power-on. The main process is executed when the power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 71.

  First, in step S201, as the initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 101, and an interrupt mode for permitting the interrupt processing is set. And so on.

  When these initialization processes are completed, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and the ON operation is performed. More specifically, whether or not the ON signal from the setting key detection sensor 73a is input. Is determined. When the ON operation of the setting key has been performed, the process proceeds to step S203, and forcible RAM clear processing is performed. In the forced RAM clearing process, of the data stored in the RAM 106, all data other than the value of the first counter and the value of the second counter described later are cleared. That is, the values of the first counter and the second counter are not cleared (initialized) even when the RAM is cleared. Note that the values of the first counter and the second counter are not cleared (initialized) even when the reset switch 72 is operated to recover from the error state.

  In step S204, a winning probability setting process is performed. Here, the winning probability setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The slot machine 10 is provided with six stages of winning probabilities from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”, and the winning probability setting process sets which winning probability the internal process is to be executed based on. This is the process to perform.

  In step S301, the next timer interrupt is permitted. Thereafter, the current set value is read in step S302, and the current set value is displayed on the credit display unit 60 in step S303. However, in the process immediately after the setting key is inserted and the ON operation is performed, since the data in the RAM 106 has been cleared by the previous forced RAM clear process, the set value displayed on the credit display unit 60 is “1”. is there.

  In step S304, an interrupt waiting process is performed.

  In the interrupt waiting process, a register save process is performed in step S401 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S402, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and the current value of the update counter of the RAM 106 is acquired. In steps S403 to S406, a second counter updating process is performed. In the second counter updating process, the next timer interrupt is prohibited in step S403, and the value of the second counter is updated by 1 in step S404. The second counter, like the first counter, is a 16-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106 and can generate basic random numbers from 0 to 65535. After updating the second counter, in step S405, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and in step S406, it is determined whether or not the value of the update counter has changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value acquired in step S402 matches the value of the update counter. As described above, the value of the update counter is updated in step S109 of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, if the value of the update counter has not changed, it means that the timer interrupt processing has not been performed since the processing of step S402 was performed. In such a case, the process returns to step S403, and the second counter updating process is performed. On the other hand, if the value of the update counter has changed, it means that the timer interrupt processing has been performed, so that the register return processing is performed in step S407, and this processing ends.

  If the interrupt waiting process has been completed, it is determined in step S305 whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated, more specifically, whether or not the start flag has been set. The setting update processing shown in step S308 is performed. In step S306, the above-described interrupt wait process is performed. In step S307, it is determined whether the reset switch 72 has been operated, more specifically, whether an ON signal from the reset detection sensor 72a has been input. If the reset switch 72 has not been operated, the process returns to step S303. If the reset switch 72 has been operated, the process returns to step S303 after updating the set value by one in step S308. That is, in the setting update process, the set value is updated by one each time the reset switch 72 is operated, and the updated set value is displayed on the credit display unit 60. When the reset switch 72 is operated when the set value is “6”, the set value is updated to “1”.

  If the start lever 41 has been operated in step S305, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S309, and then it is determined in step S310 whether the setting key ON operation has been continuously performed. If the ON operation of the setting key has been performed continuously, the process returns to step S309, and if the ON operation has been completed, the next timer interrupt is prohibited in step S311. After that, in step S312, the set value is saved. In step S313, of the data stored in the RAM 106, data other than the set value, the value of the first counter, and the value of the second counter are cleared, and this processing ends. I do.

  Returning to the description of the main processing, after performing the winning probability setting processing in step S204, normal processing for performing main control related to the game is executed in step S205.

  On the other hand, if the setting key has not been inserted in step S202, the power restoration process shown in step S206 and thereafter is performed. The power restoration process is a process of restoring the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power was turned off. Therefore, in the power restoration process, it is necessary to first confirm whether the data in the RAM 106 is normal.

  Therefore, in step S206, it is determined whether the set value is normal. Specifically, when the set value is any one of 1 to 6, it is determined to be normal, and when it is 0 or more than 7, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is checked in step S207 whether the power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag has been set, it is further checked in step S208 whether the RAM determination value is normal. More specifically, the value of the checksum in the RAM 106 is checked to determine whether the value is normal, that is, whether the value of the checksum in consideration of the RAM determination value is 0 or not. When the value of the checksum in consideration of the RAM determination value is 0, it is determined that the data in the RAM 106 is normal.

  If it is determined in step S208 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S209, where the value of the stack pointer stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 102, and the state of the stack before the power is cut off. Return to the state. Next, in step S210, a power restoration command notifying the execution of the power restoration process is transmitted to the display control device 81. After that, in step S211 the game state is stopped and the automatic settlement setting saving process is performed, and in step S212, various sensors such as the start detection sensor 41a are initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S213, and the process returns to the address before the power was turned off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watchdog timer clear process (step S104) is executed.

  On the other hand, if any of steps S206 to S208 is NO, that is, if the set value is abnormal, the power failure flag that should be set when the power is turned off is not set, or if the RAM determination value is abnormal, There is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 106 has been destroyed. In such a case, the operation prohibition processing shown in steps S214 to S216 is performed. As operation prohibition processing, first, the next timer interrupt processing is prohibited in step S214, and all output ports in the input / output port 104 are cleared in step S215, so that all actuators connected to the input / output port 104 are cleared. Control to the off state. Then, in step S216, an error notification process is performed to notify the hall manager or the like of the occurrence of an error using the upper lamp 63 or the like. This operation prohibition state is maintained until the above-described winning probability setting process is performed.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S501, the next timer interrupt is permitted. In step S502, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the display control device 81 or the like finishes the initialization. When the initialization of the display control device 81 and the like is completed, the game management processing shown in steps S503 to S508 is performed.

  As a game management process, in step S503, data such as various game information stored in the RAM 106 (for example, a random number value used in a previous game) is cleared. After that, in step S504, a start waiting process is performed.

  Here, the start waiting process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has been achieved in the previous game. If the replay winning has been established, an automatic insertion process is performed in step S602. The automatic insertion process is a process for automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the previous bet number. In the automatic insertion processing, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60. That is, when a re-game winning is achieved in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals owned and without inserting medals. When a re-game winning is established in the previous game, first, the same number of values as the number of bets is added and displayed on the credit display unit 60, and the number of virtual medals is inserted after the added display number is reduced in the automatic insertion process. May be performed. If it is determined in step S601 that the replay winning has not been established, a medal acceptance permission process for permitting a bet on medals is performed in step S603. In the medal acceptance permission process, the medal can be inserted by switching the medal passage switching solenoid 46a to the excited state. Thereafter, the pre-start preparation process shown in steps S604 to S619 is repeatedly performed until a start command for starting the game is generated.

  As pre-start preparation processing, first, in step S604, abnormality confirmation processing for confirming whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result performed in the sensor monitoring processing step S107 of the timer interruption processing is performed. In the abnormality confirmation processing, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the slot machine 10 is brought into an error state and an abnormality occurrence processing for notifying the occurrence of an error is performed. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. If the reading result of the sensor is normal, the process proceeds to step S605, and an interrupt waiting process is performed. In step S606, it is determined whether any of the settlement switch 59 and each of the credit input switches 56 to 58 has been operated. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an ON signal is input from any of the settlement detection sensor 59a and the credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a. If any of the switches 56 to 59 has been operated, or if the automatic insertion processing has been performed in step S602, the flow proceeds to step S607, in which the number of tokens displayed on the number-of-payouts display section 62 is cleared. . Thereafter, or if none of the settlement switch 59 and each of the credit input switches 56 to 58 has been operated, the value of the second counter is updated by 1 in step S608. In a succeeding step S609, a medal return process is performed. In the medal return process, when it is determined in step S606 that the settlement switch 59 has been operated, a process of paying out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals is performed.

  In step S610, it is determined whether or not the medal can be bet based on the state of the medal passage switching solenoid 46a, that is, the excited state or the non-excited state. If it is in a state where a bet is possible, the process proceeds to step S612 after performing a credit insertion process in step S611. In the credit insertion processing, when it is determined in step S606 that any of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 has been operated, the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60 is subtracted and displayed, and an active line is set. It performs processing relating to insertion of virtual medals such as frustration. If it is not possible to bet, the process directly proceeds to step S612 without performing the credit insertion process. By the way, as a state in which a bet is impossible, a case where a replay winning is established in the previous game and the automatic insertion process is performed in step S602 is a typical example. In step S612, an insertion determination process is performed. In the insertion determination process, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted based on a detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and when a medal has been inserted, processing such as setting an effective line is performed.

  In step S613, it is determined whether or not a bet has been made. If not, a setting display process is performed in step S614. In the setting display process, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and the ON operation is performed. If the setting key is operated, the current setting value is displayed on the credit display unit 60. Is performed. In step S615, it is determined whether the demonstration effect has been started. In the slot machine 10, when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed since the game information in the RAM 106 was cleared in step S503, a demonstration effect is performed on the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like. Thus, in step S615, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, a demonstration start command for starting a demonstration effect has already been transmitted to the display control device 81. It is determined whether or not there is. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, or if the demonstration start command has not been transmitted, the process returns to step S604 after performing the effect waiting process in step S616. In the effect waiting process, a counter for measuring an elapsed time after clearing the game information in the RAM 106 is updated, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, a process of setting a demonstration start command is performed. However, in the effect wait processing, the demonstration start command is only set in the ring buffer, and no command is transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the command output process S111 of the timer interrupt process described above. If it is determined in step S615 that the demonstration start command has been transmitted, the process directly returns to step S604 without performing the effect waiting process.

  If it is determined in step S613 that a bet has been made, it is determined in step S617 whether or not the bet number has reached a specified number (3 in this embodiment), and the bet number has reached the specified number. If not, the process returns to step S604. If the number of bets has reached the specified number, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S618, and it is determined in step S619 whether the start lever 41 has been operated, that is, whether the start flag has been set. I do. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to step S604.

  On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated in a situation where a predetermined number of medals are bet. Indicates that a command has been issued. In such a case, a medal acceptance prohibition process is performed in step S620, and the process ends. In the medal acceptance prohibition process, the medal insertion (bet) is disabled by switching the medal passage switching solenoid 46a to the non-excited state.

  Returning to the description of the normal processing, if it is determined that a start command has been generated in the start waiting processing, the lottery processing in step S505, the reel control processing in step S506, the medal payout processing in step S507, and the BB state processing in step S508 Are sequentially executed, and the process returns to step S503.

  Next, the lottery process in step S505 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S701, a random number creation process for creating a random number to be used when making a winning / failing determination of a winning combination is performed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, in step S801 of the random number creation processing, the basic random number generated by the basic random number generator 150 is stored in a 16-bit random number buffer. More specifically, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value at the timing when the latch signal from the monitoring circuit 152 is input, and outputs the latched count value to the CPU 102. The CPU 102 stores the count value input to the input port built in the CPU 102 as a basic random number in a random number buffer. Then, in step S802, the value of the first counter is added to the random number buffer, and in step S803, the value of the second counter is added to the random number buffer, and the random number generation process ends. That is, in the present slot machine 10, a random number is created by adding the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the first counter, and the count value of the second counter.

  Here, in the series of processes in steps S108 to S117 in the timer interrupt process, the time required for performing these series of processes is determined by the basic random number generator 150 after the count value is latched and the latch result is transmitted to the CPU 102. It is configured to be longer than the time required for input. With this configuration, the acquisition timing of the random number (the timing of performing the process of step S801) can be made later than the timing at which the count value latched in the current game is input to the CPU 102. It is possible to reliably store the counted value as a basic random number in the random number buffer.

  After the random number is created, in step S702, a lottery table for performing the determination of the winning combination is selected. Specifically, the current gaming state of the slot machine 10 is determined, and a lottery table corresponding to the gaming state is selected. The slot machine 10 roughly includes two types of game states, a normal state and a BB state, and selects a lottery table corresponding to each game state. When the setting state is “setting 1”, a lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when the setting state is “setting 6”, a lottery table with the highest expected medal payout value is selected.

  The lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 20 is a normal state lottery table selected in the normal state of “setting 3”. In the lottery table, the same number of index values IV as the number of combinations to be determined are set. Each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination, and a point value PV is set. ing. That is, in the normal state of the slot machine 10, the determination is made for six types of winning combinations, replay, bell, watermelon, cherry, one winning combination, and BB.

  After selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S703, and a determination value DV used in determining whether or not a winning combination is set in subsequent step S704. In this determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV to the current determination value DV. In the first determination value setting process, the random number value created in step S701 is set as the current determination value DV, and a point value PV corresponding to 1, which is the current index value IV, is added to the random number value to generate a new value. The determination value is set to DV.

  After that, in step S705, it is determined whether the role corresponding to the index value IV is correct. In the determination of the winning or losing of the role, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If it exceeds 65535, the process proceeds to step S706, in which the winning flag of the hand corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106. For example, if the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 3, a watermelon winning flag is set in the winning flag storage area 106a in step S706.

  By the way, when the set winning flag is any of the re-game winning flag, the bell winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the cherry winning flag, and the one-sheet winning flag, the winning flag is set for the game in which the corresponding winning flag is set. It is reset after the end (see S503 of the normal processing). On the other hand, when the winning flag is a BB winning flag, the BB winning flag is reset on condition that a BB prize has been established. That is, the BB winning flag may be valid for a plurality of games. In step S706 in a state where the BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 1 to 5, a winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and if the current index value IV is 6, the BB winning is performed. Do not set the flag. In other words, in a game in which the BB winning flag is carried over, if any of replay, bell, watermelon, cherry, and one-sheet winning is won, the corresponding winning flag is set, and if the BB is won, The BB winning flag is not set.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S705, it means that the role corresponding to the index value IV has been lost. In such a case, the index value IV is incremented by 1 in step S707, and in subsequent step S708, it is determined whether or not there is a role corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the incremented index value IV has exceeded the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined, the process returns to step S704, and the determination of the combination of the winning combination is continued. At this time, in step S704, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV used for the previous role determination (that is, the current determination value DV) to obtain a new determination value DV. In step S705, a winning / non-winning determination of a combination is performed based on the determination value DV. By the way, in the case of determining the winning or losing of the hand using the lottery table shown in FIG. 20, the winning probability of the BB is about 1/200, the winning probability of the replay is about 7.30 / 1, the winning probability of the bell is The winning probability of watermelon is about 1 / 10.9, the winning probability of cherry is about 1/128, the winning probability of cherry is about 1/31/1, and the winning probability of one winning combination is 1/128. In addition, the probability of a miss not winning any role is about 1/36.

  After the winning flag is set in step S706, or when it is determined in step S708 that there is no determination target to determine whether or not the winning is determined, it means that the determination as to whether or not the winning combination is completed. In such a case, a lottery result command is set in step S709. Here, the lottery result command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the result of the determination of the winning or losing of the combination. By receiving the lottery result command, the display control device 81 executes drive control of the upper lamp 63 and the auxiliary display unit 65, for example, to indicate a winning combination. However, in the normal processing, only various commands such as the lottery result command are set in the ring buffer, and no command is transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the command output process S111 of the timer interrupt process described above.

  Then, in step S710, a slip table setting process for setting a slip table (stop table) for reel stop control is performed, and the lottery process ends. Here, the slide table is a table that determines how much the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are slid (rotated) and then stopped from the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. That is, the slide table is a symbol that has reached the base position (the lower stage in the present embodiment) when the stop switches 42 to 44 are pressed, and actually stops at the base position. This is a group of stop data from which a relationship with a stop symbol (stop symbol number) can be derived.

  In the present slot machine 10, a stop mode for stopping each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponds to a stop mode in which when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated, the reaching symbol reaching the base position is stopped as it is. A stop mode in which the reel to be slid is stopped after sliding for one symbol, a stop mode in which it is stopped after sliding for two symbols, a stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding for three symbols, and a stop after sliding for four symbols There are five types of stop modes including a stop mode to be stopped. Then, a plurality of slip tables in which any of the five patterns is set for each symbol number of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R are prepared for each combination.

  As described above, by setting the slide table so that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped from the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated until the specified time (190 msec) elapses, the display windows 26L, It is possible to give the player an impression as if the symbol array (hereinafter referred to as a stop roll) that stops in a range visible from 26M and 26R was determined by the operation of the player. In addition, by adopting a structure that can be slid up to four symbols, it is possible to stop the combination of the winning combination and the symbol corresponding to the lottery on the activated line as much as possible within the specified time. At the same time, it is possible to prevent a combination of a symbol not corresponding to a lottery and a corresponding symbol from stopping on an active line.

  FIG. 21 is an example of the slide table set when the “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L is stopped on the activated line. The symbol having the number of slips of 0 is the symbol that actually stops at the lower stage. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 14th “watermelon” symbol on the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 32L stops without slipping and the 16th “replay” symbol. Stops at the top. Also, a symbol with a number other than 0 indicates that the reel slides by the number of symbols described. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the eighth "bell" symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower row, the left reel 32L slides by four symbols, and the twelfth "replay" symbol is displayed. Stop at the bottom. As described above, in the sliding table, the number of slips when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at the timing when the symbol attached to each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reaches the lower stage is set for each symbol number.

  In the slide table setting process, the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is confirmed, and a sliding table uniquely corresponding to the set winning flag is stored in the sliding table storage area 106b of the RAM 106. set. At this time, in the slot machine 10, the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R such that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination of the left reel 32L (hereinafter, referred to as “winning symbol”) stops at either the upper stage or the lower stage. Set the sliding table set so that the winning symbol stops at the middle stage. Here, setting the sliding table in which the winning symbol of the left reel 32L is stopped at either the upper row or the lower row is generally performed by rotating the left reel 32L → the middle reel 32M → the right reel 32R in this order. The reason for this is to diversify the stop appearances in consideration of the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44 in order to stop.

  Here, the symbol arrangement of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be briefly described.

  The “replay” symbol is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R such that the interval between the symbol that reaches first in the lower row and the symbol that reaches next is four symbols or less. For example, the No. 4 "Replay" symbol and the No. 7 "Replay" symbol on the left reel 32L are arranged so that their intervals are two symbols, and the No. 1 "Replay" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the No. 6 "Replay" symbol are arranged. The number "Replay" symbol is arranged so that the interval becomes four symbols. In this manner, the "replay" symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R such that the interval between the same type of symbols is four or less. As described above, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped after sliding up to four symbols from the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. Therefore, by adopting such a symbol arrangement, even when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at any timing, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at an arbitrary position when a replay winning is established. . For example, if the middle stop switch 43 is operated when the first “Replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M reaches the lower stage, if the middle reel 32M is stopped as it is, the “Replay” symbol can be stopped at the lower stage. Yes, if the middle reel 32M is slid for three symbols and then stopped, the No. 6 "replay" symbol can be stopped at the upper stage. If the middle reel 32M is slid for four symbols and then stopped, No. 6 Can be stopped in the middle.

  In the slot machine 10, in addition to the "replay" symbol, the "bell" symbol is also arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R such that the interval between the same type of symbols is four or less. For this reason, even if the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at any timing, the "bell" symbol can be stopped at an arbitrary position when a bell prize is established.

  On the other hand, the “watermelon” symbol is not arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R such that the interval between the symbols of the same kind is four or less. Therefore, for example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the third “Red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L reaches the lower stage, even if the left reel 32L is slid by four symbols, “watermelon” The symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. Therefore, even if a watermelon is won and a slide table set so that the “watermelon” symbol stops on the activated line is set, the “watermelon” may be selected depending on the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. There is a case where a so-called drop-out occurs in which the symbol does not stop on the activated line and a watermelon prize is not established. In the present slot machine 10, in addition to the "watermelon" symbol, the "red 7" symbol is also arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R such that sections separated by at least 5 symbols are formed. In the left reel 32L, the "cherry" symbol is arranged so as to form a section separated by 5 or more symbols, and in the middle reel 32M, the "youth" symbol forms a section separated by 5 or more symbols. In the right reel 32R, the "white 7" symbol is arranged so as to form a section separated by 5 symbols or more. For this reason, when one of BB, watermelon, cherry, and one-sheet winning is won, it is necessary to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so that the winning symbol stops on the activated line.

  Returning to the description of the slide table setting process, when the BB winning flag and other winning flags are set, the following sliding table is set.

  When the BB winning flag and the re-game winning flag are set, a slip-for-re-game winning table for setting the re-game winning with priority is set. In the replay winning prize sliding table, the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L stops prior to the upper or lower stage, and the "replay" symbol on the right reel 32R stops prior to the middle stage. Is set to

  When the BB winning flag and the small winning flag (that is, any of the bell winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the cherry winning flag, and the one-sheet winning flag) are set, the BB for giving priority to the BB winning is established. Set the priority winning slide table. However, since the "Red 7" symbol, which is a BB symbol, is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R so as to form a section separated by 5 symbols or more as described above, the "Red 7" symbol depends on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. May not be able to stop the "Red 7" symbol on the activated line. Therefore, in the sliding table for BB priority prize, the following settings are made for each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. As for the left reel 32L, if it is possible to stop both the "Red 7" symbol and the winning small symbol on the activated line, the "Red 7" is stopped so as to give priority to stopping both symbols on the activated line. If it is possible to stop the symbol at either the upper or lower stage, it is impossible to stop the "Red 7" symbol at the upper or lower stage so that the symbol is stopped preferentially. If it is possible to stop at each position, the winning small symbol design is set to stop at each of the above positions. In addition, the center reel 32M and the right reel 32R are set so as to be stopped preferentially if the "Red 7" symbol can be stopped in the middle stage, and the "Red 7" symbol is set at each of the above positions. If it is impossible to stop and it is possible to stop the winning small symbol at each of the positions, the winning small symbol is set to stop at each of the positions.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S506 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, in step S901, a rotation start process for starting rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is performed.

  In the rotation start processing, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started rotating in the previous game, and if not, the wait time has elapsed. Wait until you do. When the wait time has elapsed, the wait time for the next game is reset and a motor control initialization process for setting rotation start information in a motor control storage area provided in the RAM 106 is performed. By performing such processing, the stepping motor acceleration processing is started in the stepping motor control processing S106 of the timer interrupt processing, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. For this reason, even if the player bets the specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start rotating. After that, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stand by until they rotate at a predetermined rotation speed at a constant speed, and the rotation start processing ends. Further, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R becomes constant, the CPU 102 can generate a stop command by lighting up lamps (not shown) of the stop switches 42 to 44. Is notified to the player or the like.

  Subsequent to the rotation start processing, a pre-stop processing is performed in step S902.

  In the pre-stop process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, first, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S1001. In the following step S1002, it is determined whether or not a start command has been issued, more specifically, whether or not a start flag has been set. If the start flag has been set, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process in step S1001. That is, when the start flag is set, the process does not proceed to the processing after step S1003 until the start flag is cleared.

  Incidentally, as a situation in which it is determined in step S1002 that the start command has been issued, when the start lever 41 is still being pressed from the processing timing of step S619 to the processing timing of step S1002, the processing of step S619 is performed. When the start lever 41 is operated again after the start, a case may occur where some abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 or the like, and the start signal is still output.

  If the start command has not been issued, the process advances to step S1003 to determine whether any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, more specifically, whether or not the ON signals from the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a have been received. Is determined. If none of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process of step S1001. If it is determined that any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process advances to step S1004 to determine whether the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, whether a stop command has been issued. I do. If the stop command has not been issued, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process in step S1001. If a stop command has been generated, the process proceeds to step S1005, and it is determined whether the current stop command is a third stop command, that is, whether a stop switch has been operated while only one reel is rotating. . If the current stop command is the third stop command, an affirmative determination is made in step S1005, and the pre-stop process ends. On the other hand, in the case of the first stop command generated when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating, or the second stop command generated when two reels are rotating, negative is determined in step S1005. At the same time as making the determination, the first slide table change processing is performed in step S1006, and the pre-stop processing ends.

  Here, the slide table first change processing is processing for changing the slide table stored in the slide table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 before stopping the reel corresponding to the stop command. In the slide table first change process, it is assumed that the slide table is set in the slide table storage area 106b, for example, when the stop switches 43 and 44 other than the left stop switch 42 are operated to generate a first stop command. When the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in an operation sequence different from the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44, the slide table is changed. By performing such processing, it is possible to diversify the number of stops or to reduce the frequency of so-called dropouts in which the winning flag is invalidated without a winning corresponding to the set winning flag being established. Can be.

  Returning to the description of the reel control processing, when the pre-stop processing is completed in step S902, it means that the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is operated to advance the game, and a stop command is generated. In such a case, stop control processing shown in steps S903 to S909 is performed to stop the rotating reel.

  That is, in step S903, the symbol number of the symbol that has reached the lower stage at the timing when the stop switch is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage is confirmed based on the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In the following step S904, the slip number of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated from the data of the symbol number corresponding to the reached symbol in the slip table set in the slip table storage area 106b. Then, in step S905, the calculated slip number is added to the symbol number of the attained symbol, and the symbol number of the stopped symbol to be actually stopped is determined at the lower stage. In step S906, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the reaching symbol of the reel to be stopped this time and the symbol number of the stopped symbol have become equal. Do. Thereafter, in step S908, it is determined whether all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R have stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, the slide table second change process is performed in step S909, and the process returns to the pre-stop process of step S902.

  Here, the second slide table change process is a process of changing the slip table stored in the slip table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 after the reel stops. In the slide table second change processing, the slide table is changed based on the set winning flag and the stop appearance of the stopped reel. For example, when the bell winning flag is set and the "bell" symbol of the left reel 32L stops at the upper stage, the slip table is changed to the sliding table set so that the "bell" symbol of the middle reel 32M stops at the upper stage or the middle stage. By performing such processing, it is possible to diversify the number of stop appearances of the reels to be subsequently stopped according to the result of stopping the reels, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of missing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S908 that all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S910, and the process ends. The payout determination process is a process of setting the number of medals to be paid out under one of the conditions that a combination of winning symbols is arranged on an active line.

  In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each activated line is derived from the symbol number of the stopped symbol stopped at the lower stage of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, and whether or not a winning has been established on the activated line. Is determined. If a winning has been achieved, it is further determined whether or not the winning winning combination matches the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. When the winning combination and the winning flag match, the winning combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination are set in a payout information storage area provided in the RAM 106. On the other hand, when the winning combination does not match the winning flag, the slot machine 10 is set to an error state and an error occurrence process for notifying the occurrence of an error is performed. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. When the payout determination is completed for all the activated lines, the payout determination process ends.

  Next, an outline of the medal payout process in step S507 will be described.

  In the medal payout process, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is zero. If the number of payouts is 0, it means that it has been determined in the previous payout determination processing that a winning in which medals are paid out has not been established. In such a case, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has been achieved based on the winning combination achieved in the payout determination process. If the replay winning is not established, the medal payout processing is terminated as it is, and if the replay winning is established, the replay setting processing for changing the gaming state to the replaying state is performed, and the medal payout processing is performed. finish. In the start waiting process S504 described above, the automatic insertion process is performed when it is determined that the current game state is the re-game state.

  On the other hand, when the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the same number of medals as the number of payouts are paid out, and the medal payout process ends. For the payout of medals, specifically, when the count value of the credit counter has not reached the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50), the payout number is added to the count value of the credit counter, and the value after addition is added. It is displayed on the credit display section 60. When the count value of the credit counter has reached the upper limit, or when the count value has reached the upper limit during the addition of the number of payouts, the medal payout rotating plate is driven and medals are ejected from the hopper device 51. Payout to the medal tray 50 through the exit 49. In the medal payout process, a process of changing the number of payouts displayed on the payout amount display unit 62 in accordance with the payout of medals is also performed. When the current gaming state is the BB state, a process of subtracting the number of payouts from the value of the remaining number of payout counter described later and subtracting the number of remaining payouts displayed on the remaining number-of-payouts display section 61 is performed. .

  Next, the BB state processing in step S508 will be described based on the flowchart in FIG.

  Prior to the description of the BB state processing, the BB state will be described. The BB state includes a plurality of RB states. The RB state is composed of 12 JAC games. The JAC game is a game in which the probability of achieving a prize (for example, a bell prize) in which a medal payout privilege is provided is much higher than in a normal state. Then, when winning is achieved eight times during the JAC game, the RB state ends even before the JAC game is performed 12 times. The BB state ends when the number of medal payouts reaches a predetermined number (specifically, 400). In addition, when the medal payout number reaches a predetermined number in the middle of the RB state, not only the BB state but also the RB state ends. This is a device for suppressing the gambling of the player by giving an upper limit to the number of medals paid out during the BB state, and ensuring the soundness of the game. Further, in the present embodiment, a combination of symbols for shifting to the RB state is not set, and the structure is shifted to the RB state immediately after shifting to the BB state and immediately after the RB state ends. Therefore, it can be said that the BB state is a game that continuously shifts to the RB state until a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the BB state process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether the current gaming state is the BB state. If the state is not the BB state, the BB determination processing shown in steps S1102 to S1105 is performed.

  In the BB determination process, it is determined whether the BB winning flag has been set in step S1102. If the BB winning flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S1103, and it is determined whether or not a BB winning has been achieved based on the winning winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. Then, when the BB winning is achieved, a BB start process is executed in step S1104 to shift the gaming state to the BB state. Specifically, the BB winning flag is cleared, the BB setting flag is set in the status information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the BB state. Also, the remaining payout number counter for counting the number of remaining payable medals during the BB state provided in the state information storage area 106c is set to 400, and the remaining payout number display section 61 displays 400. I do. Then, in step S1105, RB start processing is performed, and the BB state processing ends. In the RB start process, the RB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the RB state. Also, 8 is set to a remaining payout / prize counter for counting the number of winnings established under the RB state, and 12 is set to a remaining JAC game counter for counting the remaining number of JAC games. It should be noted that the remaining payout winning counter and the remaining JAC winning counter are provided in the state information storage area 106c. The determination of the current game state in step S1101 and the like is executed based on whether or not the setting flag corresponding to the state information storage area 106c is set. If none of the setting flags is set, Determines that the current gaming state is the normal state.

  On the other hand, when the BB winning flag is not set (NO in step S1102) or when the BB prize is not established (NO in step S1103), the BB start process is not performed, and the BB winning process is not performed. The process ends.

  If it is determined in step S1101 that the current gaming state is the BB state, the process advances to step S1106 to determine whether or not a prize has been established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. . If the winning is established, the value of the remaining payout winning counter is decremented by 1 in step S1107. Thereafter, or if it is determined in step S1106 that a winning has not been achieved, one JAC game has been consumed, and the value of the remaining JAC game counter is decremented by one in step S1108. Subsequently, in step S1109, it is determined whether or not any of the remaining payout and prize counter or the remaining JAC game counter has become zero. When either of them is 0, that is, when the winning is achieved eight times or when the JAC game is consumed 12 times, it means that the ending condition of the RB state is satisfied. Then, RB ending processing for clearing the value of the remaining JAC game counter is performed. In a succeeding step S1111, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining number-of-payouts counter is 0. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB state has not reached the predetermined number and the end condition of the BB state is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S1112, and the RB start described above is started. After performing the processing, the processing ends.

  If both the value of the remaining payout and prize counter and the value of the remaining JAC game counter are not 0 in step S1109, that is, if the prize has not been established eight times and the JAC game has not been exhausted twelve times, step S1113 is executed. To check whether the count value of the remaining payout number counter is 0 or not. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB state has not reached the predetermined number, and the end condition of the BB state is not satisfied, and thus this processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the count value of the remaining number-of-payout counter is 0, it means that the end condition of the BB state has been satisfied, so that the special game state end processing shown in steps S1114 to S1115 is performed. In the special game state end processing, first, in step S1114, the above-described RB end processing is performed. After that, in step S1115, BB end processing for appropriately clearing the BB setting flag and various counters and performing ending processing is performed. Also, if the count value of the remaining number-of-payout counter is 0 in step S1111, it means that the BB state end condition has been satisfied, and therefore, BB end processing is performed in step S1115. After performing the BB end processing, the state transition processing is executed in step S1116, and the BB state processing ends. Here, the state transition processing is processing for returning the gaming state to the normal state, for example, by setting an end command transmitted to let the display control device 81 know that the BB state has ended, A process is performed to wait until a time (for example, a time until the ending display ends) elapses.

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

  A configuration in which interrupt wait processing is performed by normal processing that is started and repeated at the time of power-on, and is terminated when the value of the update counter changes, that is, when timer interrupt processing is performed. And In the interrupt waiting process, the value of the second counter is repeatedly updated until the value of the update counter changes. With this configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt waiting process can be made random. While the timer interrupt process is performed periodically every 1.49 msec, the timing for starting the interrupt waiting process, more specifically, the timing for acquiring the value of the update counter in step S402, is from the power-on to the interrupt waiting process. It changes depending on other processing performed. Therefore, if the interrupt waiting process is started immediately after the end of the timer interrupt process, a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the timer interrupt process from 1.49 msec as the update time of the second counter can be secured. Can be updated a plurality of times, but if the timer interrupt processing is performed immediately after step S402, only the time for updating the second counter once can be secured. As a result, the number of updates of the second counter performed in the interrupt waiting process can be made random, and the random number created using the value of the second counter can be made random. Therefore, when the random number to be won is generated by using a bodily sensation device or the like, the main control device is operated at an illegal operation of the start lever 41 aiming at the value of the second counter or at the timing when the value of the second counter is generated. Attaching an unauthorized board capable of outputting an unauthorized signal that causes the start command to be erroneously recognized as being generated in 101 can be made difficult to attach, and it is difficult to obtain a random number to be won illegally. Becomes possible.

  Certainly, for example, in the normal processing, the start timing and the end timing of the timer interrupt processing are monitored, and the second counter is updated from the end timing of the timer interrupt processing to the start timing of the next timer interrupt processing. May be made to depend on the start timing of the timer interrupt processing. Even in the case of such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt waiting process can be made random, as in the above embodiment. However, in such a configuration, since the timer interrupt process is started every 1.49 msec, there is a time constraint that the start timing of the interrupt wait process is within 1.49 msec from the start timing of the timer interrupt process. Becomes Also, there is a restriction that the interval between the start timing of the first interrupt wait process and the start timing of the next interrupt wait process, that is, the activation interval of the interrupt wait process is less than two cycles of the timer interrupt process, that is, less than 2.98 msec. It will be. For this reason, based on these restrictions, there is a possibility that the value of the second counter when the random number to be won is created is illegally targeted. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, since the start timing of the interrupt waiting process does not depend on the start timing and the end timing of the timer interrupt process, each of the above-described restrictions does not occur, and when the random number to be won is generated. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the value of the second counter is illegally targeted.

  In the normal process, when the interrupt waiting process is completed, a process of determining whether or not the start lever 41 (for example, step S619) or the like is operated using the result of the sensor monitoring process of the timer interrupt process is performed. By adopting a configuration in which the above-described determination processing is performed after the completion of the interrupt waiting processing, it is possible to reduce the interval from the end of the timer interrupt processing to the execution of the above-described determination processing. In the configuration in which the interrupt wait processing is not performed, the above interval is a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the timer interrupt processing from the maximum of 1.49 msec. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt wait processing is performed, the maximum is 1.49 msec. The time required for the timer interrupt processing is reduced, and the time required for performing the processing of steps S403 to S405 once and the time required for performing the negative determination in step S406 and performing the processing of step S407 are further reduced. This is because As a result, it is possible to determine the progress of the game, such as whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated, the game status, and the like, using the result of the sensor monitoring process performed at a closer timing. Therefore, a time lag occurs between the operation of the start lever 41 and the like performed by the player and the like and the progress of the game and the like, thereby making it possible to suppress the player and the like from feeling uncomfortable.

  The interrupt waiting process is performed in the preparation process before the start of the normal process. The pre-start preparation process is a process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is issued, and the time from the end of the previous game until the start command is issued varies depending on the timing at which the player operates the start lever 41. . For this reason, the number of pre-start preparation processes performed until the start command is generated becomes random, and accordingly, the number of times the interrupt waiting process is performed becomes random. As a result, the number of times the second counter is updated until the start command is issued can be made random.

  The second counter is updated in step S608 of the pre-start preparation process. The pre-start preparation process is a process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is issued, and the time from the end of the previous game until the start command is issued varies depending on the timing at which the player operates the start lever 41. . For this reason, the number of pre-start preparation processes performed until the start command is generated becomes random, and the number of updates of the second counter performed until the start command is generated can be random.

  Here, since the generation timing of the start command depends on the operation of the start lever 41 by the player, the start lever 41 is improperly adjusted so that the time from the end of the previous game to the generation of the start command is constant. It may be operated. However, the time required to perform the pre-start preparation process once varies depending on the game situation and the like. For example, even if only the processing time required for betting a medal is considered, the time required for the credit insertion processing and the insertion determination depend on whether the operation was performed by operating the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 or the medal was actually inserted. This is because the time required for processing changes. For this reason, it is difficult to fix the number of times the pre-start preparation process is performed to a fixed value. More specifically, by operating the first credit insertion switch 56 for each game, the processing time required for betting a medal is fixed, and the time from the end of the previous game to the time when a start command is issued is fixed. At the same time, there is a possibility that the number of pre-start preparation processes performed within the time period may be fixed. However, in the pre-start preparation process, the interruption waiting process is performed in steps S605 and S618, and the time from the start to the end of the interruption waiting process is random as described above. Therefore, even if the start lever 41 is illegally operated so that the time from the end of the previous game to the time when the start command is issued becomes constant, the number of times of the pre-start preparation processing performed within that time Can not be fixed. As a result, the number of updates of the second counter in the pre-start preparation process cannot be fixed to a fixed value, and the improper operation of the start lever 41 with the aim of the value of the second counter when the random number to be won is generated is prevented. It can be difficult.

  The interrupt waiting process is configured to be performed from step S1001 to step S1004 in the pre-stop process of the normal process, that is, from when the spinning reel can be stopped to when a stop command is issued. The process of steps S1001 to S1004 is a process that is repeatedly performed until a stop command is issued, and the time from when the spinning reel can be stopped to when the stop command is issued is determined by the player stopping. It changes according to the timing at which the switches 42 to 44 are operated. For this reason, the number of steps S1001 to S1004 performed until the stop command is generated becomes random, and accordingly, the number of times the interrupt waiting process is performed becomes random. As a result, the number of times the second counter is updated until the stop command is issued can be made random.

  In the timer interrupt processing, the value of the first counter is updated, and in the random number generation processing, the count value of the first counter and the count value of the second counter are added. In this way, by using a configuration in which random numbers are generated using the count values of a plurality of counters having different update intervals, the cycle in which random numbers to be generated and random numbers to be won are generated is set to the count value of one counter. It is possible to make the random number more random than the configuration in which the random number is created by using the random number, and it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain the random number to be won.

  Also, by separately providing a counter that is updated in the timer interrupt processing and a counter that is updated in the normal processing such as the interrupt wait processing, the timer interrupt processing is performed while the counter is being updated in the normal processing. Once started, it is possible to avoid that the counter value becomes an unreadable value or the counter value is shifted as a result of updating the counter in the timer interrupt processing.

  A first counter and a second counter are provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the CPU 102 updates these counters. That is, the configuration is such that a random number is created using the value of the soft free counter. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won. Certainly, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the count value latched by the hardware random number generator such as the basic random number generator 150 is used as a random number as it is. However, in the case of such a configuration, there is a concern that the hardware random number generator may be changed to, for example, an incorrect hardware random number generator that always outputs a count value that wins BB. In addition, a game arcade where the slot machine 10 is installed is greatly damaged. On the other hand, in a configuration in which a first counter and a second counter are provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102 and these counters are updated by the CPU 102, the first counter and the second counter By adding the count value of the counter, it is possible to change to a random number that does not win BB.

  The values of the first counter and the second counter are not cleared even when the RAM is cleared. With this configuration, an illegal signal indicating RAM clear is input to the CPU 102, the values of the first counter and the second counter are changed to the initial values, and then the counters of the respective counters at the time when the random numbers to be won are created are generated. It is possible to prevent fraudulent operation of the start lever 41 with the aim of the value.

  If the count value latched by the hardware random number generator is used as a random number as it is, in addition to the possibility that the hardware random number generator is changed to the above-described incorrect hardware random number generator, the following problem is also a concern. Is done. That is, in the hardware random number generator, the oscillator outputs a clock signal to the counter at a constant period, and the counter is updated based on the input of the clock signal. Therefore, for example, if the transmitter stops outputting the clock signal due to a failure or the like, the counter is not updated. Therefore, in the game after the clock signal is no longer output, the determination of the winning or losing of the hand is always performed using the same counter value, and there is a concern that the player or the game hall where the slot machine is installed may be disadvantaged. You.

  Therefore, a monitoring circuit 152 constituted by a D flip-flop circuit is provided in the main control device 101, and the monitoring circuit 152 has the D terminal connected to the start detection sensor 41a and the CLK terminal connected to the second clock circuit 151. Then, the basic random number generator 150 was connected to the Q terminal, and the CPU 102 was connected to the Q bar terminal. In such a configuration, when the second clock signal is no longer output from the second clock circuit 151 due to a failure or the like, or when the second clock signal remains output, the monitoring circuit 152 Since the input state of the clock signal (more specifically, the inverted clock signal) does not change, no start signal is output to the CPU 102. Therefore, even if an operation signal is output from the start detection sensor 41a under these circumstances, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R do not start rotating, and the player or the game arcade in which the slot machine 10 is installed is disadvantageous. You can avoid suffering. When the second clock signal is not input to the basic random number generator 150 or remains input, the random number is always generated using the same basic random number in a configuration in which the game can be played thereafter. It is because it is.

  Further, in such a configuration, the player or the manager of the game arcade in which the slot machine 10 is installed is provided with the slot machine 10 through the fact that the reels 32L, 32M, 32R do not start rotating even if the start lever 41 is operated. It is possible to notify that an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to promptly detect that an abnormality has occurred in the second clock circuit 151, and the player or the game arcade where the slot machine 10 is installed suffers a disadvantage due to the abnormality of the second clock circuit 151. Can be suitably avoided.

  Certainly, a monitoring means is provided for monitoring whether the second clock circuit 151 is periodically outputting the second clock signal. If the second clock signal is not output periodically, the CPU 102 may generate an abnormality. Can be notified to a player or a manager of a game arcade or the like that an abnormality has occurred in the second clock circuit 151. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to store a program for performing the processing at the time of occurrence of an abnormality in the main control device 101 or the CPU 102 itself, and there is a concern that the storage capacity may be increased. Further, if any abnormality occurs not in the second clock circuit 151 but in the monitoring means, the abnormality cannot be detected and the game can be continued even though the abnormality has occurred in the second clock circuit 151. There are concerns about the possibility.

  On the other hand, in the case of the above-described embodiment in which the start detection sensor 41a and the CPU 102 are connected via the monitoring circuit 152, the game is performed through the fact that the reels 32L, 32M, 32R do not start rotating despite the operation of the start lever 41. It is possible to directly notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality, and it is not necessary for the CPU 102 to perform processing when an abnormality occurs. In addition, if any abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 itself, the output state of the start signal and the latch signal does not change, so that even in such a case, the player cannot perform the subsequent game, and is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality. Direct notification is possible. Therefore, it is possible to reduce, with a relatively simple configuration, a chance that a player or a game arcade in which the slot machine 10 is installed is disadvantageous when an abnormality occurs inside the slot machine 10 while solving the above-mentioned respective concerns. .

  On the output side of the monitoring circuit 152, a basic random number generator 150 is connected in addition to the CPU 102. With this configuration, when the second clock signal is no longer output from the second clock circuit 151 due to a failure or the like, or when the second clock signal remains output, the monitoring circuit 152 The latch signal is not output to the basic random number generator 150. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the count value of the counter 150a from being unnecessarily latched under these circumstances.

  The second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 via the inverter 154. With such a configuration, the timing at which the second clock signal is input to the basic random number generator 150 and the timing at which the latch signal from the monitoring circuit 152 is input to the basic random number generator 150 are different from those of the second clock signal. It is possible to shift by a half cycle with respect to the cycle. As a result, the count value update timing and the count value latch timing can be prevented from being the same timing, and the latch timing comes during the update of the count value, and the count value cannot be latched normally. Can be avoided.

  In the main control device 101, since the monitoring circuit 152 is provided separately from the CPU 102, it is possible to notify the abnormality of the slot machine 10 without the CPU 102 monitoring whether the second clock circuit 151 is normal. Therefore, the processing load on the CPU 102 can be reduced, and a program for monitoring and controlling the second clock circuit 151 is not required, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the CPU 102.

  Further, even if some abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152 itself, not in the second clock circuit 151, the abnormality can be easily found. That is, when any abnormality occurs in the monitoring circuit 152, the output state of the start signal and the latch signal becomes constant regardless of the input state of the operation signal or the second clock signal. This is because the reels 32L, 32M, 32R do not start rotating even though the player operates the start lever 41, or the start signal is output even though the player does not operate the start lever 41. This leads to the occurrence of an unusual event such as the state of being left as it is. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player or the manager of the game arcade to easily find out that some abnormality has occurred in the slot machine 10. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a problem that the abnormality of the second clock circuit 151 cannot be found due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the monitoring circuit 152 or the like. It is possible to reduce a chance that the player or the game hall where the slot machine 10 is installed suffers a disadvantage.

  A first clock circuit 103 for inputting a clock signal to the CPU 102 and a second clock circuit 151 for inputting a clock signal to the basic random number generator 150 are separately provided, and the clock signals output from the clock circuits 103 and 151 are provided separately. The configuration is not synchronized. With this configuration, the timing at which the latch circuit 150b latches the count value in the basic random number generator 150 and the timing at which the CPU 102 obtains a random number from the latch circuit 150b are synchronized, and the CPU 102 normally obtains the basic random number. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of the inconvenience.

  In the reel control processing, the presence or absence of the stop command is determined on condition that the start flag is not set. That is, when the start flag is set while the reel is rotating, the stop command is invalidated. With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the second clock circuit 151 while the second clock signal is being output, the abnormality can be quickly found. If the abnormality occurs in the middle of the game, the slot machine 10 may have an abnormality in the player or the manager of the game arcade because the corresponding reel cannot be stopped even if the stop switch is operated. This is because it becomes possible to notify the user of the fact. Further, when the abnormality occurs and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating in a state where the start lever 41 is not operated, the stop switch 42 is provided to end the game while feeling uncomfortable for the player. It is possible to operate .about.44. However, even if the corresponding reel cannot be stopped even if the stop switch is operated, it is possible to notify the player or the manager of the game arcade that the slot machine 10 has any abnormality.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the description in the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the value of the second counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process. However, the value of the second counter need not be updated. That is, the value of the second counter is updated only in step S608 of the start waiting process. Even in the case of such a configuration, the number of updates of the second counter in the pre-start preparation processing is random, so that it is possible to make it difficult to obtain a random number to be illegally won. Become.

  Further, the configuration may be such that the value of the second counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process performed in the pre-start preparation process, and the value of the second counter is not updated in other interrupt waiting processes.

  However, in the case where the value of the second counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process as in the above embodiment, the number of updates or the updated value of the second counter per one pre-start preparation process is undefined. It is possible to make it more difficult to obtain a random number that is illegally won.

  (2) When the value of the second counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process performed in the pre-start preparation process and the value of the second counter is not updated in other interrupt waiting processes, all the reels 32L, 32M, The configuration may be such that the value of the second counter is updated between the time when 32R stops and the time when the start command is issued. For example, instead of or in addition to the pre-start preparation processing, the value of the second counter is updated in the medal payout processing. In the medal payout process, the time from the start to the end varies depending on the number of paid out medals. Therefore, even in the case where the value of the second counter is updated during such processing, it is expected that the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the value of the second counter is updated by 1 every time the pre-start preparation process is performed, except for the number of updates of the second counter in the interrupt waiting process. The configuration may be updated two times, or may be updated three or more times. That is, the number of updates or the update value of the second counter per one pre-start preparation process is arbitrary.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the processing of steps S604 to S619 is looped in the start waiting processing, but the processing of steps S601 to S619 may be looped. However, when the pre-start preparation processing includes the processing of steps S601 to S603, it is determined whether or not this is the first processing in the medal acceptance permission processing and the automatic insertion processing, and this is the first processing. In such a case, it is necessary to adopt a configuration in which the corresponding process is performed, and if the process is not the first time, the process proceeds to the subsequent processes (steps S604 and S607) without performing the corresponding process. In the case of such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the pre-start preparation processing can be made more indefinite, and it is more difficult to obtain a random number that will be won illegally. It becomes possible.

  Thus, the pre-start preparation process is a process that starts when the reel is not rotating and ends when a start command is issued, and may be any process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is issued. .

  (5) In the above embodiment, the configuration including the first counter and the counter 150a of the basic random number generator 150 is described as the counter that is periodically updated. However, the configuration including at least one counter is applicable. Good. In the case of a configuration having only the first counter, a configuration in which a counter used for generating a random number is provided in the CPU 102, that is, a configuration in which the random number is generated only by the value of the soft free counter is adopted. Therefore, as long as the CPU 102 itself is not replaced with an unauthorized CPU, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized creation of a random number to be won. In the case where only the basic random number generator is provided, a random number is generated by the value of the hardware counter and the value of the soft free counter (second counter). In such a case, there is a concern that the basic random number generator may be replaced with an incorrect basic random number generator that always outputs a jackpot value. However, since the random number changes depending on the value of the second counter, the random number is always changed. It is possible to prevent fraud in which a random number to be won is created.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 is provided, and the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the first counter, and the count value of the second counter are added. Although the random number is generated, it is needless to say that the random number may be generated by subtracting these count values.

  (7) The position of providing the interrupt waiting process in the normal process is arbitrary as long as it is before the process of making a determination using the processing result of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, for example, an interrupt waiting process may be provided between step S1002 and step S1003 in the pre-stop processing, or an interrupt waiting process may be provided in the middle of the insertion determination process. This is because in the insertion determination process, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted based on a detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the interrupt waiting process is terminated when the value of the update counter changes, but the amount of change in the value of the update counter is arbitrary. That is, in step S406, a configuration in which a negative determination is made when the value of the update counter changes by three from the value acquired in step S402, or a configuration in which a negative determination is made when the value of the update counter changes by one. In other words, in the above embodiment, when the value of the update counter changes, a negative determination is made regardless of the amount of change, and the interrupt wait process is terminated. However, the amount of change is set in advance, and the value of the update counter is set. May be changed by the change amount, that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed a predetermined number of times, a negative determination may be made and the interrupt waiting process may be ended.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, the counter updated in the timer interrupt processing and the counter updated in the normal processing are separately provided. However, the value of one counter is changed between the normal processing and the timer interrupt processing. It is good also as a structure updated in.

  Further, when the above configuration is applied to a gaming machine having no basic random number generator, the configuration may be such that the value of the counter is used as a random number as it is, or a predetermined arithmetic processing such as inverting the value of the counter is performed. May be used as a random number.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the value of the second counter is updated in the normal processing, and the value of the first counter is updated in the timer interrupt processing. However, such a configuration is changed. For example, the configuration is such that the value of the second counter is updated in step S608 of the pre-start preparation process, and the value of the first counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process and the timer interrupt process. Alternatively, the configuration is such that the value of the second counter is updated in step S608 and the timer interrupt process in the pre-start preparation process, and the value of the first counter is updated in the interrupt wait process.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the values of the first counter and the second counter are not cleared (initialized) even when the RAM is cleared. However, the configuration may be such that the values are cleared.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 is provided outside the CPU 102. However, the basic random number generator 150 may be provided inside the CPU 102.

  (13) In the above embodiment, the updating process for adding one to the value of the second counter is performed. However, the updating process for adding two or more values may be performed. Needless to say, the configuration may be performed. The same applies to the first counter and the counter 150a of the basic random number generator 150.

  (14) In the above embodiment, the value of the second counter is updated in the pre-start preparation process. Instead, or in addition, the second counter is updated in the loop of steps S1001 to S1004 of the pre-stop process. A configuration in which the value of the counter is updated may be adopted. Even with such a configuration, the time from when the spinning reel can be stopped to when the stop command is issued is random, so that the updating of the second counter performed during this period is performed. The number of times can be made random. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  (15) The position where the second counter is updated in the pre-start preparation process is arbitrary. That is, the configuration may be such that the second counter is updated immediately after the abnormality confirmation process, or the configuration may be such that the second counter is updated immediately after the insertion determination process. It is clear that even with these configurations, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the random number is generated by adding the values of the first counter and the second counter to the latched value of the basic random number generator 150. However, the configuration is changed. That is, while the value latched by the basic random number generator 150 is used as a random number as it is, the values of the first counter and the second counter are used as the value of a delay counter that delays the latch timing of the basic random number generator 150. More specifically, the configuration is such that the signal from the start detection sensor is not input to the latch circuit of the basic random number generator, and the signal from the CPU is input to the latch circuit. Then, when the start lever is operated, the CPU adds the value of the first counter and the value of the second counter, and sets the result of the addition in the delay counter. Then, the value of the delay counter is subtracted in the timer interrupt processing, and a signal is output to the latch circuit when the value of the delay counter becomes 0. Even in such a configuration, the timing of latching by the latch circuit is determined by the time corresponding to the value set in the delay counter from the operation timing of the start lever (ie, the time obtained by multiplying the value of the delay counter by 1.49 msec) It is possible to delay the start lever for the timing of generating the random number to be won by the basic random number generator.

  (17) The latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150 and the CPU 102 may be connected in a 16-bit inversion connection.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the counter 150a, the first counter, and the second counter of the basic random number generator 150 are each configured by 16 bits, but may be configured by 8 bits or 4 bits. May be configured. Further, the configuration may be such that the number of bits of each counter is different.

  (19) In the above embodiment, the monitoring circuit 152 constituted by the D flip-flop circuit is provided. May be provided.

  (20) In the above embodiment, the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 is connected to the CPU 102, and the L level output signal output from the Q bar terminal is recognized by the CPU 102 as a start signal. It is apparent that the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained even when the CPU 102 is connected via the inverter. If the CPU 102 recognizes the output signal at the H level as a start signal, the Q terminal may be connected to the CPU 102, or the Q bar terminal and the CPU 102 may be connected via an inverter. . The same applies to the connection between the monitoring circuit 152 and the basic random number generator 150.

  (21) In the above embodiment, the start detection sensor 41a is connected to the basic random number generator 150 via the monitoring circuit 152. However, the start detection sensor 41a is connected to the basic random number generator without the monitoring circuit 152. 150 may be connected. Even with such a configuration, if any abnormality occurs in the second clock circuit 151, the start signal is not input to the CPU 102 and the game is not started, so that the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. Is clear.

  (22) In the above embodiment, the waveform shaping circuit 153 and the monitoring circuit 152 are connected via the input / output port 104 of the main controller 102. However, they are directly connected and the Q of the monitoring circuit 152 is changed. The bar terminal and the CPU 102, and the latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150 and the CPU 102 may be connected via an input / output port.

  (23) In the above embodiment, a configuration is used in which one monitor circuit 152 is used to output a start signal to the CPU 102 in accordance with a change in the output state of the second clock signal, and to output a latch signal to the basic random number generator 150. However, it is not limited to this. A monitoring circuit that outputs a start signal to the CPU 102 in response to a change in the output state of the second clock signal, a monitoring circuit that outputs a latch signal to the basic random number generator 150 in response to a change in the output state of the second clock signal, May be provided separately. However, in the case of such a configuration, there is a concern that the main control device 101 becomes complicated and the cost increases due to an increase in the number of monitoring circuits.

  (24) In the above embodiment, the monitoring circuit 152 is configured to switch the output state of the start signal and the latch signal at the timing when the signal input to the CLK terminal switches from the L level to the H level. The output state of the start signal and the latch signal may be switched at the timing of switching from the H level to the L level. In such a configuration, it is possible to shift the count value update timing and the count value latch timing in the basic random number generator 150 without providing the inverter 154.

  (25) In the above embodiment, the monitoring circuit 152 constituted by the D flip-flop circuit is provided to prevent the player or the game arcade from being disadvantaged when any abnormality occurs in the second clock circuit 151. The configuration is changed, but the configuration is changed.

  A watchdog timer that constantly monitors whether the second clock circuit 151 periodically outputs the second clock signal is connected to the second clock circuit. The watchdog timer is provided with a timer counter that is decremented every predetermined time, and the timer value of the timer counter is set every time the input state of the clock signal changes. The watchdog timer outputs an H-level normal signal when the timer counter is non-zero, and outputs an L-level abnormality occurrence signal when the timer counter is zero. On the output side of the watchdog timer, there is provided a logical product circuit for calculating the logical product of the operation signal from the start detection sensor 41a and the input signal from the watchdog timer. Then, an inverted signal obtained by inverting an output signal from the AND circuit by an inverter is input to the CPU 102.

  In this case, if the second clock circuit 151 outputs the second clock signal periodically, the timer value is repeatedly set in the watchdog timer, and the timer counter does not become zero. Therefore, the output signal from the watchdog timer is always at the H level, and the output signal from the AND circuit is the operation signal itself from the start detection sensor 41a. When the operation signal is output, the output signal is inverted by an inverter and input to the CPU 102 as a start signal.

  On the other hand, when the output state of the second clock signal does not change due to an abnormality in the second clock circuit 151 or the like, the timer counter of the watchdog timer becomes zero, and the output signal becomes L level. For this reason, the output signal of the AND circuit is always at the L level regardless of the presence or absence of the input of the operation signal. Therefore, even if the start lever 41 is operated and an operation signal is output, the start signal is not output from the AND circuit to the CPU 102. As a result, a situation occurs in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R do not start rotating even though the start lever 41 is operated, and it is determined that some abnormality has occurred inside the slot machine 10 by the player or the playground. Can be notified.

  Although the watchdog timer is used to determine whether the second clock signal is periodically output from the second clock circuit 151, the duty ratio of the second clock signal is detected instead. A duty ratio determination circuit that outputs an L level signal when the duty ratio is not within a predetermined normal range (for example, a range of 25 to 75%) may be provided.

  Generally, a normal second clock signal is a pulse signal having a duty ratio of 50%. On the other hand, when the output state of the second clock signal does not change due to some abnormality in the second clock circuit 151, the duty ratio becomes 0% (when the duty ratio is constant at the L level or high impedance). ) Or 100% (when constant at H level). Therefore, by determining whether the actual duty ratio is within the normal range, it is possible to determine whether the second clock signal is periodically output. In this configuration, when the output state of the second clock signal does not change, an L-level signal is output from the duty ratio determination circuit. Therefore, the output signal of the AND circuit is output regardless of whether an operation signal is input. Always at L level. Therefore, even if the start lever 41 is operated and an operation signal is output, the start signal is not output from the AND circuit to the CPU 102.

  Note that the normal range of the duty ratio of the second clock signal is not limited to the above example, and may be 10 to 90%, 40 to 80%, or the like. In addition, it is not necessary to set the contrast around 50% of the normal operation, and it may be 10 to 60% or 40 to 90%.

  (26) In the above embodiment, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a based on the input of the second clock signal and updates the count value of the counter 150a at the timing when the latch signal is input to the latch circuit. Although the configuration is such that the latch is performed at 150b, the following configuration may be employed.

  The latch circuit 150b is configured to latch after appropriately changing the bit arrangement of the count value of the counter 150a.

  As a typical example of such a configuration, a configuration in which the bit arrangement from the lowest to the highest of the count value of the counter 150a is reversed is latched by the latch circuit 150b is a representative example. In such a configuration, the value latched by the latch circuit 150b changes irregularly with respect to the input of the second clock signal, thereby preventing the player from intentionally acquiring a predetermined basic random number. it can.

  Further, the bit arrangement of the value latched by the latch circuit 150b may be appropriately replaced, and then output to the CPU 102. Even in the case of such a configuration, the random number input to the CPU 102 changes irregularly with respect to the second clock signal, thereby preventing a problem that a predetermined random number is intentionally obtained by the player. it can.

  A plurality of clock circuits that output clock signals of different frequencies are provided, and the count value of the counter 150a is updated based on these clock signals.

  In this case, a selection circuit for appropriately selecting a clock signal output from any of the clock circuits is provided, and the clock signal selected by the selection circuit is input to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152. In such a configuration, the cycle in which the count value of the counter 150a makes one cycle changes according to the selection of the clock signal by the selection circuit, so that it is possible to avoid a problem that the player intentionally obtains a predetermined basic random number.

  Instead of the counter 150a, there is provided an arithmetic unit whose random number changes each time the input state of the second clock signal changes.

  Typical examples of such an arithmetic unit include those that determine the current basic random number using the basic random numbers up to the previous time, those that generate the basic random number by the average adoption method, and those that generate the basic random number by adding prime numbers. As an example. Also in these configurations, since the value latched by the latch circuit 150b changes in a complicated manner based on the change in the input state of the second clock signal, there is a problem that a predetermined basic random number is intentionally obtained by the player. Can be avoided.

  (27) In the above embodiment, the second clock circuit 151 for random numbers is provided as a clock source of the hardware basic random number generator 150 in addition to the first clock circuit 103 for the CPU 102. May be used as a clock source. At this time, the clock signal of the first clock circuit 103 may be frequency-modulated (divided, multiplied, etc.). In this case, if the clock signal input to the hardware basic random number generator 150 does not fluctuate due to, for example, an abnormality occurring in the circuit unit that performs frequency modulation, the problem that the basic random number is always constant occurs. By obtaining the same effect as in the embodiment, the abnormality can be found.

  (28) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the second clock signal is input to the basic random number generator 150 and the monitoring circuit 152 without modulating the frequency of the second clock signal output from the second clock circuit 151. However, a configuration in which a frequency-modulated (divided, multiplied, or the like) signal is input may be used. Specifically, a converter for performing frequency modulation may be connected to the second clock circuit 151, and the converter may be connected to the basic random number generator 150 and the monitoring circuit 152.

  (29) When the basic random number generator 150 in the above embodiment receives a latch signal from the monitoring circuit 152, it latches the count value at that timing and outputs the latched count value to the CPU 102. , Change such a configuration. That is, when a latch signal is input from the monitoring circuit 152, the basic random number generator 150 only latches the count value at that timing and does not output the count value to the CPU 102. Then, when performing the lottery process (step S505), the CPU 102 outputs a request signal to the basic random number generator 150. When the request signal is input, the basic random number generator 150 latches the request signal. The count value is output to the CPU 102.

  (30) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not a start command has been issued after three medals have been bet. However, the start command is also issued after one bet or two bets. It goes without saying that a configuration for determining whether or not the error has occurred may be adopted. In the case of such a configuration, the slot machine is configured to perform the interrupt waiting process immediately before the process of determining whether or not the credit insertion switch is operated (step S606, see FIG. 17) as in the above embodiment. Can be prevented from malfunctioning.

  For example, three areas for storing the signal input state from the credit input switch are prepared in the RAM 106, and the result confirmed in the sensor monitoring processing of the timer interrupt processing can be stored three times. When the history of the signal input status is off, on, or on (0, 1, 1), the credit input switch is determined to be operated. In this configuration, if the interrupt waiting process is not performed, and one loop of the pre-start preparation process ends earlier than 1.49 msec, the credit input switch is set to 1 in the determination process of step S606. Even if the operation has been performed only once, it is erroneously determined that the operation has been performed twice. This results in such a problem that the player bets two virtual medals and starts a game even though he tries to start the game. However, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed immediately before the determination process in step S606, the history of the signal input state can be changed before the second determination process in step S606. As a result, it is possible to avoid erroneous determination that the credit insertion switch has been operated twice even though the credit insertion switch has been operated only once, and to avoid erroneous operation of the slot machine.

  Note that the slot wait processing may be performed not only immediately before the processing of determining whether the credit input switch has been operated but also immediately before the processing of determining whether the reset switch 72 has been operated. It is possible to prevent the machine from malfunctioning. In the winning probability setting process (see FIG. 14), if it is configured to determine whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated without performing the interrupt waiting process, one loop of steps S303 to S308 is earlier than 1.49 msec. If the time is over, in the determination process of step S307, it is erroneously determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated twice even though the reset switch 72 has been operated only once. This causes a problem such as that the set value is updated by two even though the manager of the game arcade attempts to update the set value by one. However, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed immediately before the determination process in step S307, the history of the signal input state can be changed before the second determination process in step S307. As a result, the setting can be changed in a suitable manner.

  (31) In the above-described embodiment, in addition to the benefits to which the game state is shifted and the benefits of re-games, the benefits to be paid out are provided. Instead, any configuration may be used as long as some privilege is given to the player. For example, a configuration in which a prize other than a medal is paid out instead of the medal payout privilege may be employed. Further, in a slot machine which does not have a real medal insertion or medal payout function and manages medals owned by a player as credits, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the grant of a privilege.

  (32) In the above embodiment, the slot machine provided with three reels in parallel and having five effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels are arranged in parallel. It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven active lines.

  (33) In the above embodiment, the so-called A type slot machine has been described. However, a B type, a C type, a composite type of the A type and the C type, a composite type of the B type and the C type, and a CT game are provided. The present invention may be applied to any type of slot machine, such as a slot machine, and it is apparent that the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in any case. In addition, examples of the bonus winning in each of these types include BB winning, RB winning, SB winning, and CT winning.

  (34) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the slot machine 10 is embodied, but the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine. Further, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. That is, among the slot machines, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used.

<Second embodiment>
Here, specific examples (16) and (30) will be described. It is to be noted that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the RAM 106 according to the present embodiment. In the RAM 106, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing winning lottery results, a slip table storage area 106b for storing a slide table used for performing stop control of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, a BB state, etc. In addition to the state information storage area 106c for storing the game state of the player, a random number storage area 110 for storing random numbers used for performing a lottery of a hand, a counter area 111 having various counter functions, and various sensors. Various areas, such as the sensor information storage area 112, for storing the signal input status of the above are secured. The counter area 111 stores a first counter 111a and a second counter 111b used when generating a random number, an update counter 111c used in an interrupt waiting process, a delay counter 111d for determining a timing of obtaining a basic random number, and the number of credits. And a credit counter (not shown). The sensor information storage area 112 includes a reel index detection area, a start detection area, a left stop detection area, a middle stop detection area, a right stop detection area, an inserted medal detection area, a payout detection area, and a first credit. It comprises an insertion detection area, a second credit insertion detection area, a third credit insertion detection area, a settlement detection area, a reset detection area, a setting key detection area, and the like. Each of these detection areas can store a history of the presence or absence of a signal input from a corresponding detection sensor, and has three storage areas of a first area 112a, a second area 112b, and a third area 112c. It is composed of Each detection area has a 1-byte configuration, and the lower three bits are associated with each of the storage areas. More specifically, they are associated with the first area 112a, the second area 112b, and the third area 112c in order from the lower bit.

  Next, the connection relationship between the basic random number generator 150, the start detection sensor 41a, and the CPU 102 in the present embodiment will be described in more detail based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The input side of the basic random number generator 150 is connected to a second clock circuit 151 that outputs a rectangular wave (second clock signal) having a predetermined frequency of 7.915 MHz and the CPU 102. The output side of the basic random number generator 150 is connected to the CPU 102.

  The basic random number generator 150 is hardware having a counter 150a and a latch circuit 150b. The counter 150a is a 16-bit free-run counter, and is configured to be incremented by one in the range of 0 to 65535, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 65535). The second clock circuit 151 is connected to the counter 150a, and when the second clock signal from the second clock circuit 151 is input, the count value of the counter 150a is updated. The latch circuit 150b is configured by combining a plurality of D flip-flop circuits, and can latch (hold) the count value of the counter 150a. The CPU 102 is connected to the latch circuit 150b. When a latch signal is input from the CPU 102, the count value of the counter 150a at that timing is latched by the latch circuit 150b. Then, the latched count value is output to a built-in input port of the CPU 102 as a basic random number.

  A monitoring circuit 152 for monitoring the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CPU 102. The monitoring circuit 152 is configured by a D flip-flop circuit. That is, the monitoring circuit 152 has a data terminal (D terminal) and a clock terminal (CLK terminal) as input terminals, and has a positive logic output terminal (Q terminal) and a negative logic output terminal (Q bar terminal) as output terminals. are doing. The start detection sensor 41a is connected to the D terminal via the waveform shaping circuit 153 and the input / output port 104, and the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal via the inverter 154. The Q terminal is not connected, and the Q bar terminal is connected to an input port built in the CPU 102.

  The start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 is operated. More specifically, the start detection sensor 41a outputs an operation signal when the start lever 41 moves from the initial position, and stops outputting the operation signal when the start lever 41 returns to the initial position. The waveform shaping circuit 153 includes a Schmitt trigger circuit. A threshold is set in the waveform shaping circuit 153, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 sends a detection signal to the monitoring circuit 152 when the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a becomes larger than the voltage rising side threshold. And stops outputting the detection signal when the operation signal becomes smaller than the voltage-drop-side threshold. That is, the waveform shaping circuit 153 is a circuit for shaping the dullness (rise delay and fall delay) of the operation signal output from the start detection sensor 41a. Note that the waveform shaping circuit 153 may be connected between the input / output port 104 and the monitoring circuit 152, and the waveform shaping circuit 153 may be provided on the main controller 101.

  The monitoring circuit 152 outputs the operation signal (more specifically, the waveform from the waveform shaping circuit 153) at the timing when the inverted second clock signal (inverted clock signal) is input to the CLK terminal (more specifically, when the inverted clock signal rises). If a detection signal has been input, a start signal is output to the CPU 102. The start signal is continuously output at the timing when the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal until the operation signal is not input. In other words, it can be said that the monitoring circuit 152 holds the input state of the operation signal until the inverted clock signal is input to the CLK terminal.

  On the input side of the CPU 102, in addition to the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152, a latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150 and a first clock circuit 103 for outputting a first clock signal are connected. The output side of the CPU 102 is connected to the latch circuit 150b of the basic random number generator 150. The first clock circuit 103 outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency of 8.000 MHz, and is configured not to synchronize with the second clock circuit 151. The CPU 102 performs various operations when the first clock signal is input. For example, the presence or absence of a start signal is determined based on the input of the first clock signal, and a latch signal is output to the basic random number generator 150 based on the input of the start signal. Then, the count value output from the basic random number generator 150 is obtained as a basic random number. The determination of the presence / absence of the input of the start signal will be described in more detail. Since the CPU 102 is connected to the Q bar terminal of the monitoring circuit 152, when the input signal from the Q bar terminal switches from H level to L level It is determined that the start signal has been input to.

  Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  About the process of step S101a-step S106a, the same process as step S101-step S106 in the said embodiment is performed. In step S107a, a sensor monitoring process for reading the states of various sensors such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input / output port 104 is performed.

  Here, the sensor monitoring process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S151, a sensor information transfer process is performed. In the sensor information transfer process, the data stored in the first to third areas 112a to 112c of the detection area to be confirmed this time is sequentially shifted to the upper area side. For example, when reading the state of the reset detection sensor 72a, in the reset detection area, the data in the third area 112c is first cleared, and then the second area → the third area, the first area → the second area, and so on. To shift the data in each area. In the following step S152, the signal input state is read with reference to the port to which the sensor to be checked this time is connected. In step S153, it is determined whether an ON signal has been input. If the ON signal has been input, "1" is set in the first area 112a of the corresponding detection area in step S154, and if the ON signal has not been input, the processing proceeds in step S155. "0" is set in the first area 112a of the detection area. Thereafter, in step S156, it is determined whether or not the state of all sensors has been confirmed. When the states of all the sensors have been confirmed, the present process is terminated as it is. When the states have not been confirmed, the process returns to step S151 to confirm the states of unconfirmed sensors. As described above, in the sensor monitoring process, for the various sensors connected to the input / output port 104, the process of storing “0” or “1” in the first area 112a of the corresponding detection area is executed. When the state of the start detection sensor 41a is read, in step S153, it is determined that an ON signal is input when an L level signal is input, and ON when an H level signal is input. It is determined that no signal has been input.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt processing, in steps S108a to S116a, the same processing as steps S108 to S116 in the above embodiment is performed. In step S117a, a delay counter process for adding or subtracting the value of the delay counter 111d is performed. Thereafter, in step S118a, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and this series of timer interrupt processing ends.

  Next, it is determined whether or not various switches such as the start lever 41 and the stop switches 42 to 44 have been operated (S202, 305, S307, S310, S606, S619, S1003, etc. in the above-described embodiment). The operation determining process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the operation determination processing, first, in step S251, it is determined whether or not the current determination target is the reset switch 72. In step S252, the current determination target is one of the first to third credit input switches 56 to 58. It is determined whether or not there is. If the current determination target is any of the reset switch 72 and the first to third credit input switches 56 to 58, the entire area reference processing shown in steps S253 to S256 is performed. On the other hand, if the current determination target is any of the above switches, specifically, if it is any of the start lever 41, the stop switches 42 to 44, the clearing switch 59, and the setting key, steps S257 to S260 1 area reference processing shown in FIG.

  In the all area reference process, in step S253, the first to third areas 112a to 112c of the sensor information storage area 112 corresponding to the current determination target are referred to. In step S254, it is determined whether the reference result is “011”, that is, whether “1” is stored in the first area, “1” is stored in the second area, and “0” is stored in the third area. I do. If the reference result is “011”, it is determined in step S255 that the current determination target has been operated, and this processing ends. On the other hand, if the reference result is not “011”, it is determined in step S256 that the current determination target has not been operated, and this processing ends. That is, in the all area reference processing, it is determined whether or not the determination target has been operated based on the history of the presence or absence of the signal input from the corresponding detection sensor.

  In the one area reference process, in step S257, only the first area 112a of the sensor information storage area 112 corresponding to the current determination target is referred to. In step S258, it is determined whether or not the reference result is “1”, that is, whether or not “1” is stored in the first area. If the reference result is “1”, it is determined in step S259 that the current determination target has been operated, and this processing ends. On the other hand, if the reference result is “0”, it is determined in step S260 that the current determination target has not been operated, and this processing ends. That is, in the one-area reference process, it is determined whether or not the determination target has been operated based on the latest information on the presence or absence of a signal input from the corresponding detection sensor.

  Next, the interrupt waiting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S401a, register save processing is performed. In step S402a, the next timer interrupt is permitted, and the current value of the update counter 111c is acquired. In steps S403a to S407a, a counter update process is performed. In the counter update process, first, the next timer interrupt is prohibited in step S403a, and then the value of the delay counter 111d is updated by 1 in step S404a, and the value of the second counter 111b is updated by 1 in step S405a. The delay counter 111d is a 4-bit storage area formed in the RAM 106, and can generate a count value of 0 to 16. Further, the value of the delay counter 111d is not cleared even when the RAM is cleared, like the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b. After updating the delay counter 111d and the second counter 111b, the next timer interrupt is permitted in step S406a, and in step S407a, it is determined whether or not the value of the update counter 111c has changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value acquired in step S402a matches the value of the update counter 111c. As described above, the value of the update counter 111c is updated in step S109 of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, if the value of the update counter 111c has not changed, it means that the timer interrupt processing has not been performed since the processing of step S402a was performed. In such a case, the process returns to step S403a, and the counter is updated. On the other hand, if the value of the update counter 111c has changed, it means that the timer interrupt process has been performed, so that the register return process is performed in step S408a, and this process ends.

  Next, the start waiting process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S601a, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning has been achieved in the previous game. If the replay winning has been established, an automatic insertion process is performed in step S602a. If it is determined in step S601a that the re-game winning has not been established, a medal acceptance permission process for permitting a medal bet is performed in step S603a. Thereafter, the pre-start preparation process shown in steps S604a to S620a is repeatedly performed until a start command for starting the game is issued.

  As pre-start preparation processing, first, in step S604a, abnormality confirmation processing for confirming whether an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result performed in the sensor monitoring processing step S107a of the timer interruption processing is performed. In the abnormality confirmation processing, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the slot machine 10 is brought into an error state and an abnormality occurrence processing for notifying the occurrence of an error is performed. If the reading result of the sensor is normal, the process proceeds to step S605a, and an interrupt waiting process is performed. In step S606a, it is determined whether or not one of the settlement switch 59 and each of the credit input switches 56 to 58 has been operated.

  Specifically, the settlement switch 59 performs one area reference processing of the operation determination processing, and the credit input switches 56 to 58 perform the entire area reference processing of the operation determination processing. That is, referring to the first area 112a of the clearing detection area, if "1" is stored, it is determined that the clearing switch 59 has been operated, and if "0" is stored, the clearing switch 59 is stored. It is determined that is not operated. When the settlement switch 59 is not operated, the CPU refers to all the areas 112a to 112c of the first credit insertion detection area, and when "011" is stored, the first credit insertion switch 56 is operated. If it is determined that “011” is not stored, it is determined that the first credit insertion switch 56 has not been operated. When the first credit insertion switch 56 is not operated, the entire area 112a to 112c of the second credit insertion detection area is referred to, and when "011" is stored, the second credit insertion switch 57 is turned off. If it is determined that the operation has been performed and “011” is not stored, it is determined that the second credit insertion switch 57 has not been operated. If the second credit insertion switch 57 is not operated, the entire area 112a to 112c of the third credit insertion detection area is referred to. If "011" is stored, the third credit insertion switch 58 is turned off. When it is determined that the operation has been performed and “011” is not stored, it is determined that the third credit insertion switch 58 has not been operated.

  If any of the switches 56 to 59 has been operated, or if the automatic insertion processing has been performed in step S602a, the process proceeds to step S607a, in which the number of tokens displayed on the number-of-payouts display section 62 is cleared. . After that, or when none of the settlement switch 59 and each of the credit input switches 56 to 58 is operated, the value of the second counter 111b is updated by 1 in step S608a, and the value of the delay counter 111d is updated in step S609a. Update the value by 1. In a succeeding step S610a, a medal return process is performed.

  In step S611a, it is determined whether or not a medal can be bet based on the state of the medal passage switching solenoid 46a, that is, the excited state or the non-excited state. Then, when the bet is possible, the credit input process is performed in step S612a, and then the process proceeds to step S613a. If it is impossible to bet, the process directly proceeds to step S613a without performing the credit insertion process. In step S613a, a closing determination process is performed.

  In step S614a, it is determined whether or not a bet has been made. If not, a setting display process is performed in step S615a. In the setting display process, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and the ON operation is performed. If the setting key is operated, the current setting value is displayed on the credit display unit 60. Is performed. In step S616a, it is determined whether the demonstration effect has been started. In the slot machine 10, when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed since the game information in the RAM 106 was cleared in step S503, a demonstration effect is performed on the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like. Therefore, in step S616a, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, a demonstration start command for starting a demonstration effect has already been transmitted to the display control device 81. It is determined whether or not there is. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, or if the demonstration start command has not been transmitted, the process returns to step S604a after performing the effect waiting process in step S617a. In the effect waiting process, a counter for measuring an elapsed time after clearing the game information in the RAM 106 is updated, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, a process of setting a demonstration start command is performed. However, in the effect wait processing, the demonstration start command is only set in the ring buffer, and no command is transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the above-described command output process S111a of the timer interrupt process. If it is determined in step S616a that the demonstration start command has been transmitted, the process directly returns to step S604a without performing the effect waiting process.

  If it is determined in step S614a that a bet has been made, it is determined in step S618a whether the bet number has reached a specified number (3 in this embodiment), and the bet number has reached the specified number. If not, the process returns to step S604a. If the number of bets has reached the specified number, an interrupt waiting process is performed in step S619a, and whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated in step S620a, that is, “1” is displayed in the first area 112a of the start detection area. Is set. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to step S604a.

  On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated in a situation where a predetermined number of medals are bet. Indicates that a command has been issued. In such a case, a medal acceptance prohibition process is performed in step S621a. In the medal acceptance prohibition process, the medal insertion (bet) is disabled by switching the medal passage switching solenoid 46a to the non-excited state. Thereafter, a delay process is performed in step S622a, and the process ends.

  In the delay processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32, a delay flag is set in step S631. Here, the delay flag is a flag for changing the update process of the delay counter 111d. More specifically, in the delay counter process S117a of the timer interrupt process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 33, it is determined whether or not the delay flag is set in step S651. If the delay flag has not been set, the value of the delay counter 111d is incremented by 1 in step S652, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the delay flag has been set, the value of the delay counter 111d is decremented by one in step S653, and this processing ends. As described above, in the timer interrupt processing, when the delay flag is not set, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically incremented by one, and when the delay flag is set, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically incremented by one. Perform a subtraction process. Therefore, when the delay flag is set in step S631, the value of the delay counter 111d is periodically decremented by 1 in the subsequent timer interrupt processing. Therefore, in step S632, it is determined whether or not the value of the delay counter 111d has become 0, and if it is not 0, the process stands by. When the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S633, and a latch signal is output to the basic random number generator 150. More specifically, in step S633, only the flag for outputting the latch signal is set, and the actual output of the latch signal is performed in the timer interrupt processing. Then, the latch signal is continuously output for one interrupt of the timer interrupt process (that is, 1.49 msec). Thereafter, the delay flag is cleared in step S634, and the process ends.

  As described above, when the latch signal is input from the CPU 102, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value of the counter 150a at that timing into the latch circuit 150b. The operations of the CPU 102, the basic random number generator 150, and the monitoring circuit 152 when a start command is generated will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  At the timing of t1, the signal output from the second clock circuit 151 rises from the L level to the H level, that is, the second clock signal switches to the output state (the signal output from the second clock circuit is the H level). Then, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated to n. n is any value from 0 to 65535. Further, since the second clock circuit 151 is connected to the CLK terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 via the inverter 154, the signal input to the CLK terminal changes from the H level to the L level at the timing t1 in the monitoring circuit 152. Falling, the inverted clock signal switches to the state without input.

  At the timing of t2, the signal output from the second clock circuit 151 falls from the H level to the L level, that is, the second clock signal does not output (the signal output from the second clock circuit is the L level). When the switching is performed, in the monitoring circuit 152, the signal input to the CLK terminal rises from the L level to the H level, and the inverted clock signal switches to the input state. At this time, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is not updated, and the count value remains n.

  When the inverted clock signal is switched to the input state, the monitoring circuit 152 outputs a signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal input to the D terminal at that time from the Q bar terminal. At the timing t2, since the operation signal (H level detection signal) is not input, the start signal is not output from the Q bar terminal. Since the start signal is output from the Q bar terminal (negative logic output terminal), only the start signal is a signal of L level instead of H level.

  Thereafter, when the second clock signal is switched to the output state at the timing of t3, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a to n + 1. As described above, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value is sequentially updated at the timing when the second clock signal switches from the non-output state to the output state.

  When the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t4, the signal input to the D terminal of the monitoring circuit 152 rises from the L level to the H level, and the operation signal switches to the input state. However, at the timing t4, since the inverted clock signal is in the non-input state, the start signal remains in the non-output state.

  When the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state at the timing of t5, the monitor circuit 152 changes the output signal from the Q bar terminal from the H level to the L level because the operation signal is input to the D terminal. Fall to the level. As a result, at the timing t5, the start signal switches from the state without output to the state with output. At this time, the latch signal output from the CPU 102 remains in the non-output state. That is, at the timing t5 when the start signal is output, the latch signal is not output.

  At the timing of t6, the inverted clock signal switches from the input state to the non-input state, but the output state of the start signal is not changed and the output state is maintained. That is, even if the inverted clock signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state, the start signal is maintained as the output state.

  Thereafter, when the inverted clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state at the timing of t7, a start signal corresponding to the input state of the operation signal at the timing is output. At the timing t7, since the operation signal is in the input state, the start signal is continuously output in the output state.

  When the start signal is switched to the output state at the timing t5, the CPU 102 detects the input of the start signal in the sensor monitoring process S107 of the timer interrupt process, and sets “1” in the first area 112a of the start detection area. I do. Then, in step S620 of the start waiting process, it is determined that a start command has been issued, and a delay process is performed. In the delay processing, a latch signal is output at timing td when the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. That is, the CPU 102 latches at a timing td after a delay time (specifically, a time obtained by multiplying the value of the delay counter 111d by a timer interrupt period of 1.49 msec) after determining that the start command has been generated. The signal is switched from the non-input state to the input state. As a result, a difference occurs between the operation timing of the start lever 41 and the timing at which the latch signal is output by the delay time.

  At the timing t8 when the second clock signal switches to the output state, the basic random number generator 150 updates the count value of the counter 150a to m + 1. m is any value from 0 to 65535. At this time, the latch signal is input to the basic random number generator 150, but at this timing, the count value is not latched by the latch circuit 150b. Then, the basic random number generator 150 latches the count value m + 1 of the counter 150a into the latch circuit 150b at the timing t9 when the second clock signal switches to the no-output state. That is, when the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t4, the count value m + 1 is obtained as the basic random number at the timing t9, not at the timing t4.

  Here, in the basic random number generator 150, the count value of the counter 150a is updated at the timing (t1, t3, t6, etc.) at which the second clock signal switches from the non-input state to the input state (t1, t3, etc.). The count value is latched at the timing (t9) when the second clock signal switches from the input state to the non-input state. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid that the update timing of the count value and the latch timing of the count value are the same, and the latch timing comes during the update of the count value, and the count value cannot be latched normally. Problems can be avoided.

  When the start lever 41 returns to the initial position at the timing t10, the operation signal input to the monitoring circuit 152 switches from the input state to the non-input state. At timing t10, the output state of the start signal does not change at such a timing because the inverted clock signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state. Then, at a timing t11 when the inverted clock signal is switched from the non-input state to the input state, it is detected that the operation signal is not input, and the start signal is switched from the output state to the output state. When the operation signal is switched from the input state to the non-input state while the inverted clock signal is in the non-input state (for example, timing t10 <timing t <timing t11), or the inverted clock signal is in the input state (for example, timing Even when the operation signal switches from the input state to the non-input state at t9 <timing t <timing t10), the start signal switches from the output-present state to the output-less state at timing t11.

  By the way, in a configuration in which the timing of inputting the operation signal is not always grasped but is grasped at the timing of input of the inverted clock signal, the operation signal is switched to the input state after one inverted clock signal is input. If the operation signal is switched to the non-input state before the next inverted clock signal is input, there is a possibility that the operation of the start lever 41 cannot be accurately grasped. However, the start lever 41 of the slot machine 10 is configured to have several tens of msec before the hand returns and returns to the initial position. When the start lever 41 is operated, the operation signal is at least several tens of msec. The data is input to the monitoring circuit 152. The clock frequency of the second clock signal output from the second clock circuit 151 is 7.915 MHz, and its cycle is about 126 nsec. That is, the period at which the inverted clock signal is input to the monitoring circuit 152 is sufficiently shorter than the time interval required from when the operation signal is switched to the input state to when the operation signal is switched to the non-input state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that the operation signal is skipped in the monitoring circuit 152 even though the operation signal is output from the start lever detection sensor 41a.

  Further, when the latch signal is output from the CPU 102 instead of the monitoring circuit 152, the CPU 102 and the basic random number generator 150 operate based on different clock signals. It is also possible that the basic random number generator 150 skips the latch signal. However, the latch signal is configured to be output for one interrupt of the timer interrupt process, that is, for 1.49 msec, and the cycle of the second clock signal is about 126 nsec as described above. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that the latch signal is skipped in the basic random number generator 150 despite the output of the latch signal from the CPU 102.

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

  When the start command is generated by operating the start lever 41, the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched not at the operation timing of the start lever 41 but at the timing after the delay time has elapsed from the operation timing. Configuration. Since the delay time varies depending on the value of the delay counter 111d, even if the operation of the start lever 41 is performed in a fixed cycle, the latch timing of the count value of the basic random number generator 150 can be obtained even if the operation of the start lever 41 is performed at a constant cycle. Can be changed. As a result, when a random number to be won is created by using a bodily sensation device or the like, the illegal operation of operating the start lever 41 aiming at the count value of the basic random number generator 150 or the main control at the timing at which the count value is generated. It is possible to make it difficult to attach an unauthorized board that can output an unauthorized signal that causes the apparatus 101 to erroneously recognize that a start command has been issued, and to make it difficult to obtain a random number to be won illegally. It becomes possible.

  An interrupt wait process is performed by a normal process that is started and repeated when the power is turned on. The interrupt wait process ends when the value of the update counter 111c changes, that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed. The configuration was adopted. In the interruption waiting process, the value of the delay counter 111d is repeatedly updated until the value of the update counter 111c changes. With this configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt waiting process can be made random. While the timer interrupt process is performed periodically every 1.49 msec, the timing for starting the interrupt waiting process, more specifically, the timing for acquiring the value of the update counter 111c in step S402, ranges from power-on to the interrupt waiting process. It changes depending on other processes performed up to this point. Therefore, if the interrupt waiting process is started immediately after the end of the timer interrupt process, a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the timer interrupt process from 1.49 msec as the update time of the delay counter 111d can be secured. Can be updated a plurality of times, but if the timer interrupt processing is performed immediately after step S402, only a time for updating the delay counter 111d once can be secured. As a result, the number of updates of the delay counter 111d performed in the interrupt waiting process can be made random, and the delay time from when the start command is issued to when the CPU 102 outputs the latch signal is made random. be able to.

  Certainly, for example, in the normal processing, the start timing and the end timing of the timer interrupt processing are monitored, and the delay counter 111d is updated from the end timing of the timer interrupt processing to the start timing of the next timer interrupt processing. May be made to depend on the start timing of the timer interrupt processing. Even in the case of such a configuration, the time from the start to the end of the interrupt waiting process can be made random, as in the above embodiment. However, in such a configuration, since the timer interrupt process is started every 1.49 msec, there is a time constraint that the start timing of the interrupt wait process is within 1.49 msec from the start timing of the timer interrupt process. Becomes Also, there is a restriction that the interval between the start timing of the first interrupt wait process and the start timing of the next interrupt wait process, that is, the activation interval of the interrupt wait process is less than two cycles of the timer interrupt process, that is, less than 2.98 msec. It will be. Therefore, based on these restrictions, there is a possibility that the count value of the delay counter 111d may be improperly targeted so that the delay time after the start command is generated becomes constant for each game. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, since the start timing of the interrupt waiting process does not depend on the start timing and the end timing of the timer interrupt process, the above-described restrictions do not occur, and the value of the delay counter 111d is targeted improperly. The possibility can be reduced.

  In the normal process, when the interrupt waiting process is completed, a process of determining whether or not the start lever 41 (for example, step S620a) or the like is operated using the result of the sensor monitoring process of the timer interrupt process is performed. By adopting a configuration in which the above-described determination processing is performed after the completion of the interrupt waiting processing, it is possible to reduce the interval from the end of the timer interrupt processing to the execution of the above-described determination processing. In the configuration in which the interrupt wait processing is not performed, the above interval is a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the timer interrupt processing from the maximum of 1.49 msec. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt wait processing is performed, the maximum is 1.49 msec. The time required for the timer interrupt processing is reduced, and the time required for performing the processing of steps S403a to S406a once and the time required for performing the processing of step S408a after making a negative determination in step S407a are further reduced. This is because As a result, it is possible to determine the progress of the game, such as whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated, the game status, and the like, using the result of the sensor monitoring process performed at a closer timing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a time lag generated between the operation of the start lever 41 and the like performed by the player and the like and the progress of the game and the like accompanying the operation. As a result, even when the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched after the delay time has elapsed after the start command is issued, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable with the time lag. It is possible to do.

  In addition to performing the interrupt waiting process before the operation determining process of determining whether or not the start lever 41 (for example, step S620a) or the like has been operated, the steps S303 to S308 of the winning probability setting process and the start of the start waiting process are started. The configuration is performed in a looping process such as a preparatory process (steps S604a to S620a). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the slot machine 10 from malfunctioning.

  Here, a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed in the loop process will be considered.

  For example, in the loop processing of steps S303 to S308 of the winning probability setting processing, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated in step S307, and when it is determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated, processing for updating the set value is performed. Since the CPU 102 operates when the first clock signal is input, the cycle at which the CPU 102 operates is equal to the cycle of the first clock signal and is about 125 nsec. Further, since the timer interrupt processing is performed every 1.49 msec, the CPU 102 can perform 1000 times or more operations (processing operations) between the time when the timer interrupt processing is performed and the time when the next timer interrupt processing is performed. . For this reason, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed in the loop process of the winning probability setting process, for example, if the timer interrupt process is performed immediately before performing the process of step S303, steps S303 to S303 are performed until the next timer interrupt process is performed. The loop processing of S308 can be repeated a plurality of times.

  In the process of determining whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated in step S307, an entire area reference process is performed. That is, referring to all the areas 112a to 112c of the reset detection area, if "011" is stored, it is determined that the reset switch 72 has been operated, and if "011" is not stored, the reset switch 72 is reset. It is determined that 72 has not been operated. In such a case, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed, there is a possibility that the determination process of step S307 is performed a plurality of times in a state where “011” is stored. This is because the reset switch 72 is operated only once. This leads to an erroneous operation in which the setting value is updated a plurality of times even though it is not.

  On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed before determining whether or not the reset switch 72 has been operated, when the process of step S307 is performed under the condition that “011” is stored in the reset detection area. When the process of the next step S307 is performed, "110" or "111" is stored in the reset detection area, and it is avoided that the reset switch 72 is operated repeatedly in step S307. be able to. As a result, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in which the set value is updated a plurality of times for one operation of the reset switch 72, and it becomes possible for a manager of a game arcade or the like to set a desired set value.

  Similarly, in the loop processing of the pre-start preparation processing S604a to S620a, it is determined whether or not the credit input switches 56 to 58 are operated in step S606a, and if it is determined that the credit input switches 56 to 58 are operated, the credit input processing is performed in step S612a. . Even in such a loop process, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed, for example, if the timer interrupt process is performed immediately before performing the process of step S604a, the loop process of steps S604a to S620a is performed until the next timer interrupt process is performed. It is possible to repeat the operation a plurality of times.

  In the process of determining whether or not the credit input switches 56 to 58 in step S606a have been operated, an entire area reference process is performed. In other words, referring to all the credit insertion detection areas 112a to 112c, when "011" is stored, it is determined that the corresponding credit insertion switch has been operated, and when "011" is not stored. It is determined that the corresponding credit input switch is not operated. In such a case, in a configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is not performed, there is a possibility that the determination process of step S606a is performed a plurality of times in a state where “011” is stored, and the credit input switches 56 to 58 are operated only once. However, there is a possibility that it is determined that the operation has been performed a plurality of times even though the operation has not been performed. This leads to a malfunction such that a plurality of virtual medals are inserted even though the third credit insertion switch 58 is operated to insert only one virtual medal, for example.

  On the other hand, in the configuration in which the interrupt waiting process is performed before determining whether or not the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated, the process of step S606a is performed under the condition that “011” is stored in the credit insertion detection area. Is performed, the next time the processing of step S606a is performed, "110" or "111" is stored in the credit insertion detection area, and the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated in step S606a. It is possible to avoid repeatedly making a positive determination. As a result, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in which a virtual medal corresponding to one operation of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is performed a plurality of times, and to perform a virtual medal insertion intended by the player. It becomes possible.

  The sensor information storage area 112 of the RAM 106 is composed of three storage areas of first to third areas 112a to 112c. With this configuration, the history of the presence or absence of a signal input from each detection sensor can be stored, and it can be determined whether or not an operation has been performed using the history of the presence or absence of a signal input. In addition, the reset switch 72 and the credit input switches 56 to 58 are configured to perform the entire area reference process, so that the malfunction of the slot machine 10 can be suitably avoided. If the configuration is such that one-area reference processing is performed for the switches 56 to 58 and 72, steps S307 in the loop processing of steps S303 to S308 of the winning probability setting processing and steps in the loop processing of the pre-start preparation processing S604a to S620a are performed. In S606a, only the first area 112a of the corresponding detection area is referred to. As described above, the operation cycle of the CPU 102 is sufficiently faster than the time required from the start of the operation of the switches 56 to 58, 72 to the end thereof. Therefore, when one area reference process is performed on the switches 56 to 58 and 72, "1" is repeatedly stored in the first area 112a for a certain period even if the interrupt wait process is performed. This is because there is a possibility that it is determined that an operation has been performed a plurality of times for one operation.

  The interrupt waiting process is performed in the preparation process before the start of the normal process. The pre-start preparation process is a process that is repeatedly performed until a start command is issued, and the time from the end of the previous game until the start command is issued varies depending on the timing at which the player operates the start lever 41. . For this reason, the number of pre-start preparation processes performed until the start command is generated becomes random, and accordingly, the number of times the interrupt waiting process is performed becomes random. As a result, the number of times the delay counter 111d is updated until the start command is issued can be made random.

  The interrupt waiting process is configured to be performed from step S1001 to step S1004 in the pre-stop process of the normal process, that is, from when the spinning reel can be stopped to when a stop command is issued. The process of steps S1001 to S1004 is a process that is repeatedly performed until a stop command is issued, and the time from when the spinning reel can be stopped to when the stop command is issued is determined by the player stopping. It changes according to the timing at which the switches 42 to 44 are operated. For this reason, the number of steps S1001 to S1004 performed until the stop command is generated becomes random, and accordingly, the number of times the interrupt waiting process is performed becomes random. As a result, the number of updates of the delay counter 111d performed until the stop command is generated can be made random.

  The delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the CPU 102 updates the delay counter 111d. That is, the configuration is such that the delay period is determined based on the value of the soft free counter. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain a random number to be won. Certainly, a configuration in which the delay period is determined using the count value generated by the hardware counter separate from the CPU 102 is also possible. However, in such a configuration, there is a concern that the hardware counter may be changed to an unauthorized hardware counter that outputs only a value of, for example, 1. If such a change is made, the delay period is set to the value of 1 for each game. It will be a fixed period based on. Then, after setting the delay period to a certain period, the illegal operation of operating the start lever 41 aiming at the count value of the basic random number generator 150 when a random number to be won is created using a bodily sensation device or the like, There is a concern that there is a possibility that a fraudulent installation of a fraudulent board capable of outputting a fraudulent signal for causing the main control device 101 to erroneously recognize that a start command has been generated at the timing when the value is generated. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102 and the delay counter 111d is updated by the CPU 102, it is possible to make the illegal operation difficult unless the CPU 102 itself is changed to an invalid CPU. .

  The value of the delay counter 111d is not cleared even when the RAM is cleared. With this configuration, an illegal signal indicating RAM clear is input to the CPU 102, and the value of the delay counter 111d is changed to an initial value. It is possible to prevent the improper operation of the start lever 41 by aiming at the values of the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the content described in the second embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

  (A) In the second embodiment, the value of the delay counter 111d is incremented by 1 in the interrupt waiting process or the timer interrupt process. However, the process of adding the value of the delay counter 111d may not be performed. That is, the configuration is such that the value of the delay counter 111d is incremented by 1 only in step S609a of the start waiting process. Even in the case of such a configuration, since the number of updates of the delay counter 111d in the pre-start preparation process is random, it is possible to make it difficult to obtain a random number to be won illegally. Become.

  Further, the configuration may be such that the value of the delay counter 111d is incremented by 1 in the interrupt waiting process performed in the pre-start preparation process, and the value of the delay counter 111d is not incremented by 1 in other interrupt waiting processes.

  However, when the value of the delay counter 111d is updated in the interrupt waiting process as in the second embodiment, the number of updates or the update value of the delay counter 111d per one pre-start preparation process is reduced. It can be indefinite, making it more difficult to obtain a random number that will be illegally won.

  (B) In a case where the value of the second counter is updated in the interrupt waiting process performed in the pre-start preparation process and the value of the second counter is not updated in other interrupt waiting processes, all reels 32L, 32M, The configuration may be such that the value of the second counter is updated between the time when 32R stops and the time when the start command is issued. For example, instead of or in addition to the pre-start preparation processing, the value of the second counter is updated in the medal payout processing. In the medal payout process, the time from the start to the end varies depending on the number of paid out medals. Therefore, even in the case where the value of the second counter is updated in such processing, it is expected that the same operation and effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

  (C) In the second embodiment, the basic random number generator 150, the first counter 111a, and the second counter 111b are provided, and the count value latched by the basic random number generator 150 and the count value of the first counter 111a are provided. And the count value of the second counter 111b are added to generate a random number. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the first random number is not provided without the first counter 111a and the second counter 111b. The configuration may be such that the count value of the generator 150 is used as a random number as it is. In such a configuration, the winning random count value is generated in the basic random number generator 150 at a constant cycle, and therefore, there is a possibility that an illegal operation of generating a start command aiming at the count value may be performed. However, in a configuration in which the count value of the basic random number generator 150 is latched after a delay time has elapsed from the generation of the start command, even if the start command is generated at a cycle that is a natural number multiple of the cycle, the basic random number is not generated. The timing at which the count value of the generator 150 is latched can be shifted from the above cycle. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally obtain the random number to be won.

  (D) In the above-described second embodiment, when a start command is generated, the processing of subtracting until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0 is performed. However, the processing is performed until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. May be performed. It is clear that even with such a configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, with such a configuration, the program configuration of the delay counter processing can be simplified.

  (E) In the second embodiment, the processing of subtracting until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0 is performed by the timer interrupt processing. However, the processing may be performed by the normal processing. Specifically, in the delay process of the normal process, a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the delay counter 111d after setting the delay flag is performed, and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the value of the delay counter 111d is 0. . When the value of the delay counter 111d is not 0, the subtraction process is repeated until the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the delay time. When the subtraction process of the delay counter 111d is performed by the timer interrupt process, the subtraction process can be performed only every 1.49 msec. However, when the subtraction process of the delay counter 111d is performed by the normal process. This is because the subtraction process can be performed approximately every 125 nsec.

  (F) In the second embodiment, when a start command is generated, the latch signal is output after the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 0. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The configuration may be such that the latch signal is output after the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 1, or the latch signal is output after the value of the delay counter 111d becomes 10. In other words, any configuration may be used as long as the latch signal is output after reaching a specific value unrelated to the value of the delay counter 111d at that time.

  (G) In the second embodiment, one delay counter 111d is provided in the RAM 106 of the CPU 102, and the value of the delay counter 111d is updated in the normal processing and the timer interrupt processing. And a delay counter updated in the timer interrupt process may be separately provided.

  (H) In the second embodiment, the configuration is such that the value of the delay counter 111d is updated by 1 each time the pre-start preparation process is performed, except for the number of updates of the delay counter 111d in the interrupt waiting process. However, a configuration in which two are updated, or a configuration in which three or more are updated is also possible. That is, the number of updates or the update value of the delay counter 111d per one pre-start preparation process is arbitrary.

  (I) In the above-described second embodiment, the configuration is such that the update process for adding or subtracting one from the value of the delay counter 111d is performed, but the configuration may be such that the update process for adding or subtracting two or more values is performed. Needless to say.

  (J) The position at which the delay counter 111d is updated in the pre-start preparation process is arbitrary. That is, the delay counter 111d may be updated immediately after the abnormality check processing, or the delay counter 111d may be updated immediately after the insertion determination processing. It is clear that even in the case of these configurations, the same operation and effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

  (K) Although the delay counter 111d has a 4-bit configuration in the second embodiment, it may have an 8-bit configuration or a 16-bit configuration. However, when the number of bits of the delay counter 111d is increased, the delay time becomes longer by that amount. Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable to take measures such as increasing the number of places where the subtraction processing of the delay counter 111d is performed in the timer interrupt processing.

  (L) In the second embodiment, the configuration is such that the value of the delay counter 111d is not cleared (initialized) even when the RAM is cleared. However, the configuration may be such that the value is cleared.

  (M) The basic random number generator 150 in the second embodiment latches the count value at the timing when the latch signal is input from the CPU 102 and outputs the latched count value to the CPU 102. Change the configuration. For example, the basic random number generator 150 is configured to always output the count value of the counter 150a via the latch circuit 150b. That is, the CPU 102 is configured to always receive the count value of the counter 150a. Then, when the delay time has elapsed, the CPU 102 latches the count value of the counter 150a input to the CPU 102 at that time, and acquires it as a basic random number. It is clear that even with such a configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Reference numeral 10: a slot machine as a gaming machine; 31, a reel unit as variable display means; 32, a reel as circulation display means and a revolving body; 41, a start lever as start operation means or start operation means; 44 a stop switch as stop operation means, 56 a first credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 57 a second credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 58 ... start operation means or A third credit input switch as input operation means; 63, an upper lamp constituting the auxiliary production section or auxiliary production means; 64, a speaker constituting the auxiliary production section or auxiliary production means; 65, an auxiliary production section or auxiliary production means; Auxiliary display unit to be configured, 81: display control device as sub-control board, 101: main A main control device as a control board; 102, a CPU constituting various control means such as a lottery device and a main control device; 150, a basic random number generator as a random number generation device; 150a, a counter as a numerical information generation device; Latch circuit as numerical information acquisition means, 151... Second clock circuit as clock signal output means, 152... Start signal output means, monitoring signal as acquisition signal output means and clock signal monitoring device, 153... Waveform shaping circuit, 154 ... Inverter as delay means.

Claims (1)

Operating means operated to advance the game;
Signal output means for outputting a first signal based on the operation of the operation means and non-outputting the first signal based on the absence of the operation means; In the gaming machine that progresses the game based on the signal input situation from
As the operation means, a start operation means operated by a player to start a game,
First game start means for starting a game based on input of a first signal indicating that the start operation means has been operated after receiving the first number of game media;
A second game start means for starting a game based on input of a first signal indicating that the start operation means has been operated after receiving a second number of game media,
Periodically, periodic processing execution means for performing periodic processing including status confirmation processing for checking the signal input status from the signal output means,
A gaming machine comprising: a specific process execution unit for performing a specific process.

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