JP2020022637A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a slot machine capable of suitably executing setting processing when continuously executing setting processing for setting a stop position of variation display.SOLUTION: When an ON edge of a left stop switch signal is detected, execution of new interruption processing is prohibited until reel stop slide sliding piece storage processing (left) is completed after starting the reel stop sliding piece storage processing (left) for setting a stop position of a left reel in main processing after interruption processing, new interruption processing is executed after the completion, and reel stop sliding piece storage processing (middle) is executed when an ON edge of a middle stop switch signal is detected. The reel stop sliding piece storage processing (middle) is not executed based on new interruption processing when a reel rotation error occurs in main processing after the new interruption processing, and the reel stop sliding piece storage processing (middle) is executed based on new interruption processing when it is determined that a reel rotation error does not occur.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable, and after variably displaying the variable display unit, halting the variable display of the variable display unit to derive a display result. And a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result.

  Generally, a slot machine includes a variable display section having a plurality of (usually three) reels on which a plurality of types of symbols as identification information are drawn on an outer peripheral portion, and each of the reels has a start lever. The rotation is started by operating, and the player operates a stop button provided corresponding to each reel to stop the rotation within a predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing. . Then, a prize is generated according to the display result derived when the rotation of all the reels is stopped.

  The types of winning combinations include small winning combinations, special winning roles, and replaying winning roles. Here, in the winning of the small combination, the player can obtain a profit that a predetermined number of medals are paid out for each type of the small combination. In the special role prize, the player can obtain the benefit of shifting from the next game to a game state advantageous to the player such as a regular bonus or a big bonus. In the winning of the re-game combination, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the next game can be played without consuming a new medal for setting the number of bets.

  In such a slot machine, when the stop operation button is operated, the reel is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped, and when a plurality of stop signals of the stop operation button are output simultaneously, each stop signal is output. Is processed in a predetermined priority order, the number of sliding frames for each reel is determined, and the stop position of the reel is set (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-163,086).

JP 2009-101002 A

  However, the setting process for setting the reel stop position (stop position of the variable display) as described above requires time for the process, and there is room for improvement in the case where the setting process is performed continuously.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and a purpose thereof is to appropriately execute a setting process when continuously performing a setting process for setting a stop position of a variable display. The goal is to provide a slot machine that can do it.

A plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be generated according to a display result combination which is a combination of the display results of the plurality of variable display units. Slot machine (for example, slot machine 1)
A plurality of deriving operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated to derive a display result combination;
Processing means (for example, main CPU 41a) for executing predetermined processing;
The predetermined process executed by the processing unit includes a main process (for example, a main process shown in FIG. 9) and an interrupt process (for example, a diagram shown in FIG. 9) executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt. 16 (timer interrupt processing (main)),
The processing means includes:
In the interrupt processing, it is determined whether there is an input based on an operation of any of the plurality of deriving operation means, and an operation of a first deriving operation means (for example, a left stop switch) of the plurality of deriving operation means is performed. Is determined based on the first input (for example, detection of the ON edge of the left stop switch signal), the first variable display section of the plurality of variable display sections is executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. A first setting process (for example, a reel stop sliding frame storing process) for setting a stop position of the variable display in a (for example, a left reel region that can be visually recognized from the player side through the see-through window 3) is executed ( For example, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, the stop position of the left reel is determined in the main processing after the interrupt processing. Reel stop sliding piece storage process for constant run (left)),
After the first setting process is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the first setting process is completed, and the new interrupt process is executed after the first setting process is completed (for example, As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed. After the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed, a new interrupt process is executed),
In the new interrupt processing, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on an operation of any of the plurality of deriving operation means, and a second deriving operation means (for example, a middle stop switch) of the plurality of deriving operation means is determined. ), When it is determined that the second input (for example, detection of the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal) has been performed, in the main processing after the new interrupt processing, the plurality of variable display units Second setting processing (for example, reel stop sliding frame storage processing) for setting the variable display stop position in the second variable display unit (for example, the area of the middle reel visible from the player side through the see-through window 3) (For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the new interrupt processing, the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is output.) If N edge is detected, the main process after the new interrupt processing and executes the reel stop sliding piece storage processing for setting a stop position of the reel (medium)),
In the main processing after the new interrupt processing, the processing unit further determines whether the variable display on the variable display unit is normal (for example, a reel rotation error), and the variable display is normal. If not, the second interrupt processing is not executed based on the second input determined in the new interrupt processing, and if it is determined that the variable display is normal, the new interrupt processing is performed. Executing the second setting process based on the second input determined in (i.e., determining whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred in a main process after a new interrupt process; If so, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is not executed based on the new interrupt process, and if it is determined that a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel is stopped based on the new interrupt process. Stop sliding symbols stored process executes (medium)).

It is a front view of the slot machine of the example to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a ROM and a RAM mounted on a main control unit. It is a figure showing an input / output port map. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an error code. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control contents of a start-up process (main) performed by a main control unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control contents of a built-in register setting process performed by a main control unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control contents of a main process performed by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game start waiting process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the input / output error check process which a main control part performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control contents of an error process performed by a main control unit. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the control content of the reel stop control process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the control content of the reel stop control process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the setting process at the time of the end of a game which a main control part performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of a timer interrupt process (main) performed by a main control unit. It is a timing chart (the 1) for explaining stop setting in reel stop control processing. It is a timing chart (the 2) for explaining stop setting in reel stop control processing. It is a timing chart (the 3) for explaining stop setting in reel stop control processing. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the output process of a payout signal. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating the output process of a payout signal. It is FIG. (3) for demonstrating the output process of a payout signal. It is a flowchart for demonstrating safety about interruption prohibition. 9 is a flowchart for describing setting of output data.

  This embodiment for implementing the slot machine according to the present invention will be described below.

[Slot machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface, and a front door 1b rotatably supported at a side end of the housing 1a. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, inside the housing 1a of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter, left reel, center reel, right reel) on which a plurality of kinds of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery. As shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are provided in the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b. It is arranged so that it can be seen from.

  A plurality of types of symbols (for example, “7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell”, “replay”, etc.) that can be distinguished from each other are predetermined on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. In this order, 21 are drawn respectively. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are displayed in upper, lower, middle and lower tiers, respectively, in a see-through window 3 provided substantially at the center of the front door 1b.

  The reels 2L, 2C, 2R are rotated by the correspondingly provided reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 3), so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are continuously connected to the see-through window 3. While the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the see-through window 3 as a display result.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R of the present embodiment can be used by the player by rotating the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface using the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. Although it is a configuration capable of performing a variable display for moving a plurality of visually recognizable symbols, the means for performing a variable display for moving a plurality of symbols may be other than a reel. A configuration in which a variable display can be performed by moving a belt on which symbols are arranged may be employed.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a reel sensor 33L, 33C, 33R for detecting a reference position, and a reel LED 55 for irradiating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back are provided for the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. Is provided. The reel LED 55 includes twelve LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  The reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are arranged so as to output a detection signal when the lower end of the symbol area of the symbol number 1 for each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R passes through a predetermined position on each reel. The lower end of the symbol area of symbol number 1 for each reel is the reel reference position.

  A display area 51a of a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the near side (player side) of each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a liquid crystal panel having a transmissivity in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal display 51 passes through the transmission region 51b and the transmission window 3 corresponding to the transmission window 3 of the display region 51a. Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

  In the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 1, a medal insertion section 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and a credit (the number of medals stored as a game value owned by the player). The MAXBET switch 6, which is operated when setting the maximum bet amount (MAX BET number) among the prescribed number of bets (BET numbers) determined according to the game state within the range, stored as a credit. The settlement switch 10 which is operated to settle the medals used for setting the number of medals and the number of bets (return the medals used for setting the number of credits and the number of bets), and to start a game (game). A start switch 7 that is operated, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that are operated when the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, respectively, an effect used for the effect. Switch 56 are respectively provided so as to be operated by the player.

  In this embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started rotating, the reel that stops first is referred to as a first stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a first stop. Similarly, the reel that stops second is referred to as a second stop reel, the stop is referred to as a second stop, the reel that stops third is referred to as a third stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a third stop. Alternatively, it is referred to as a final stop.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b displays a credit indicator 11 displaying the number of medals stored as credits, and shows the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize and the contents of the error when an error occurs. An auxiliary game display 12 for displaying an error code, etc., a 1 BET LED 14 for notifying by light that a bet number is set to 1, a 2 BET LED 15 for notifying by light that a bet number is set to 2, and a setting of 3 bet numbers A 3BET LED 16 for notifying that a game has been inserted, a request LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted, and a start valid LED 18 for notifying that a game start operation by operating the start switch 7 is effective. , Wait (because a certain period has not elapsed since the previous game started, Weight in LED19 for notifying by lighting the fact is in state) waiting, the game display section 13 in the replay LED20 is provided for informing by lighting the effect that while replaying the game are provided.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 3) for notifying by lighting that the setting operation of the bet amount by operating the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, Inside the 8R, left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R (see FIG. 3) for notifying by light that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are valid are provided, respectively. An effect LED 56a (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the effect switch 56 to notify by lighting that the operation of the effect switch 56 is effective.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. Inside the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 2, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state and a hit state described later without opening the front door 1b by a predetermined key operation, A set value display 24 on which a set value at that time is displayed during a change of a set value to be described later or a check of the set value, a stop state at a predetermined timing (the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) State switch) for selecting the validity / invalidity of the striking function to be controlled to the state (state). Automatic settlement processing (payment (return) of medals stored as credits irrespective of the operation of the player) at a predetermined timing. The automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting the validity / invalidity of the automatic settlement function to be controlled in (Processing), and the flow path of the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are provided in the housing 1a, which will be described later. A flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to one of the upper tank 34a (see FIG. 2) side and the medal payout port 9 side, and detects a medal that has been input from the medal input section 4 and has flowed to the hopper tank 34a side. An inserted medal sensor 31, a medal selector 29 having an insertion port sensor 26 for detecting insertion of a foreign substance on the upstream side of the inserted medal sensor 31, and a door open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an open state of the front door 1b are provided. Have been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 3), and the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are respectively provided inside the housing 1a. A reel unit 2 including detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 3), an external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal (see FIG. 3), and storing medals inserted from the medal insertion section 4. Hopper tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 3) for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout port 9, and a payout sensor 34c for detecting medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b ( (See FIG. 3) and a power supply box 100 are provided.

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a is provided. Inside the overflow tank 35, there is provided a full sensor 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting that the stored medals are full.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and normally functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stopped state. In a setting change state, a reset / setting switch 38 functioning as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (a payout rate) of an internal lottery described later, and a power supply operated when turning on / off the power supply A switch 39 is provided.

  The power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a, and the front door 1b is provided on a front surface of the power supply box 100 because the front door 1b can be opened by a predetermined key operation carried by a clerk or the like. The set key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 can be operated only by a person such as a clerk having the key, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires further key operation after opening the front door 1b by key operation, among the clerks of the amusement shop, only the clerk having the key for operating the setting key switch 37 is available. Operation is allowed.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or the number of bets is set using credits. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets set according to the game state is set, the pay line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Become. When a medal is inserted in a number exceeding the maximum number among the specified numbers corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of the symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is a combination of the winning symbols. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the pay line LN set across the middle row of the reel 2L, the middle row of the reel 2C, and the middle row of the reel 2R, that is, the symbols arranged horizontally in the middle row. It is defined as a line. In this embodiment, only one winning line is applied, but a plurality of winning lines may be applied.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in order to easily recognize that the combination of the symbols constituting the prize on the prize line LN, the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 (LM1 is a left middle right reel separately from the prize line LN). LM2 is a line extending from the middle of the left middle right reel, LM3 is a line extending from the bottom of the left middle right reel, and LM4 is a middle line of the lower left and middle reels. , A line extending over the upper stage of the right reel.). The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined based on the combination of the symbols arranged on the invalid lines LM1 to LM4. When the combination of the symbols constituting the specific prize is arranged on the prize line LN, the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are invalid. When a combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) that becomes a winning when the winning line LN is aligned with any of the LM1 to LM4 is arranged, a symbol forming a specific winning on the winning line LN is formed. This is to make it easy to recognize that the combination is complete.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper line of the reel 2L, the upper line of the reel 2C, and the upper line of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM1 and the reel 2L which are set across the symbols arranged in the upper line in the horizontal direction. Lower line, lower line of the reel 2C, lower line of the reel 2R, that is, an invalid line LM2 set over the symbols horizontally arranged in the lower line, upper line of the reel 2L, middle line of the reel 2C, lower line of the reel 2R, that is, The invalid line LM3 set over the symbols lined downward and the lower line of the reel 2L, the middle line of the reel 2C, and the upper line of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line set across the symbols lined up and to the right Four types of LM4 are defined as invalid lines LM.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, “Bell-watermelon-cherry”) determined as a combination in the winning line LN is completed as a winning combination, a predetermined symbol combination is obtained. Are aligned, a symbol combination (for example, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”), which is an index that is easier to recognize than a predetermined symbol combination, is arranged in one of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4. Includes roles that can make it appear as if a prize has been won by a combination of symbols arranged in any of them. In the following, a combination of symbols that are aligned with any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 when a predetermined symbol combination is aligned with the pay line LN is referred to as a symbol combination as an index, and constitutes a symbol combination as an index. The design is called an index design.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate, and the symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R change continuously. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the see-through window 3.

  One game is completed by stopping all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and a predetermined combination of symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination) is displayed on each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R on the pay line LN. As a result, when the game stops, a prize is generated, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player according to the prize and added to the credit. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid directly from the medal payout port 9 (see FIG. 1). When the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the game state is stopped on the winning line LN as a result of displaying the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, the game state is shifted to the game state corresponding to the combination of the symbols. .

  In this embodiment, the game (game) starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, and ends when all the reels stop. One unit of control (game control) for executing the game is started when all controls accompanying the end of the previous game are completed, and when all controls accompanying the end of the game are completed. finish.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration using three reels is illustrated, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, and a configuration using four or more reels may be used. In a configuration using two or more reels, the winning may be determined based on a combination of display results derived for all of the two or more reels. Further, in this embodiment, the variable display device is constituted by physical reels, but the variable display device may be constituted by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate and the symbols start to change, one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated. Then, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbol is stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated to when the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped is 190 milliseconds (ms).

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and change 80 × 20 (the number of symbols per reel) = 1600 symbols, so that a maximum of 4 symbols are used within 190 milliseconds. Can be pulled in. That is, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols four frames away from the symbols, for a total of five frames.

  For this reason, for example, when one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated, and the symbol displayed on the lower row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, 4 Since the symbols up to the top of the frame can be displayed in the lower row, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, the winning of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is performed. The symbols arranged within five frames including the symbols displayed on the line can be displayed on the winning line.

  Hereinafter, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be simply referred to as reels unless it is particularly necessary to distinguish them. The reel 2L may be referred to as a left reel, the reel 2C may be referred to as a middle reel, and the reel 2R may be referred to as a right reel. An operation of stopping the reels 2L, 2C, 2R by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R may be referred to as a stop operation.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game control is performed by the game control board 40, and the game is controlled by the effect control board 90. The control of the effect according to the state is performed, and the power supply board 101 generates a drive power supply for the electric components constituting the slot machine 1, and supplies the drive power to the respective units.

  A power supply of AC100V is supplied to the power supply board 101 from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the power supply of AC100V, and the game control board 40 and the production control board 90 It is supplied to. The hopper motor 34b, the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

  On the game control board 40, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the inserted medal sensor 31, and the door opening are provided. The detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are connected, and the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, and the reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. In addition, the game control board 40 includes the above-described credit indicator 11, game assist indicators 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, insertion request LED 17, start valid LED 18, waiting LED 19, replay LED 20, BET switch valid LED 21, , Middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, a set value display 24, a flow path switching solenoid 30, and reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and the hopper motor 34b described above via a power supply board 101. These electric components are connected and driven based on the control of a main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40.

  The game control board 40 includes a microcomputer having a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I / O port 41d, and includes a random number circuit for generating a random number for an internal lottery. The main control unit 41 performs directly and indirectly controls each unit of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40, and the switches are connected to the game control board 40 directly or via the power supply board 101. A switch detection circuit 44 which takes in the detected signal and transmits it to the main control unit 41, and transmits a motor drive signal (phase signals φ0 to φ3 of the stepping motor) output from the main control unit 41 to the reel motors 32L, 32C and 32R. Motor drive circuit 45 and the solenoid drive signal output from the main control unit 41 Drive circuit 46 that transmits the LED to the flow path switching solenoid 30, an LED drive circuit 47 that transmits an LED drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to various indicators and LEDs connected to the game control board 40, and a slot. A power-off detection circuit 48 for monitoring the voltage of the power supply supplied to the machine 1 and detecting a voltage drop when the voltage drop is detected to the main control unit 41; A reset circuit 49 that supplies a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 when the power supply is unstable such as when the power is turned off is mounted.

  The main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91. The command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is transmitted in only one direction, and the command is not transmitted from the sub control unit 91 to the main control unit 41.

  The I / O port 41d includes output ports 0 to 9, and the main control unit 41 can output control signals for the left, middle, and right reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R from the output port 0 and the output port 1. is there. From the output port 2, control signals for the left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R and a control signal for the flow path switching solenoid 30 can be output. A control signal for the hopper motor 34b and an external output signal can be output from the output port 3. Control signals for the credit indicator 11, the game auxiliary indicators 12, 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16, the insertion request LED 17, the start valid LED 18, the waiting LED 19, the replay LED 20, and the BET switch valid LED 21 are output from the output ports 4 and 5. It is possible. A test signal can be output from the output port 6. An external output signal can be output from the output port 7.

  The main control unit 41 repeatedly performs a process according to the control state as a main process until the detection state of various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes, and responds to the change in the detection state of various switches. Execute the process of shifting in stages. Further, the main control unit 41 executes the timer interrupt processing (main) at fixed time intervals (about 0.56 milliseconds in this embodiment). Note that the execution interval of the timer interrupt processing (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time during which the processing repeated in the main processing repeats according to the control state and the execution time of the timer interrupt processing (main). Thus, at least one cycle of the process repeated according to the control state between the current and next timer interrupt processes (main) is performed at least.

  The effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input. In addition, effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LED 55 are connected, and these effect devices are controlled based on a sub-control unit 91 mounted on an effect control board 90. It is designed to be driven. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 controls the output of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55. However, an output control unit that directly performs output control of the effect device separately from the sub-control unit 91 is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board, and the sub-control unit 91 is based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the rendering device may be determined, and the output control unit may perform the output control of the rendering device based on the output pattern determined by the sub-control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub-control unit 91 and the output control The output control of the rendering device is performed by both of the units. Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are illustrated as the effect devices, but the effect device is not limited to these, and for example, a display that is driven mechanically. A device or a mechanically driven role object may be applied as the rendering device.

  The effect control board 90 is composed of a microcomputer having a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I / O port 91d, and controls an effect, and a liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90. A display control circuit 92 for performing display control of the display, an effect effect LED 52, an LED drive circuit 93 for controlling the drive of the reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling the audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, A reset circuit 95 for providing a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a predetermined time; a switch detection circuit 96 for detecting a detection signal input from switches connected to the effect control board 90; A clock device 97 for outputting time information including date information and time information; The power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 is monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a power cutoff detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating the voltage drop to the sub CPU 91a, and other circuits are mounted. ing.

  The sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs various controls for performing the effect, and directly or indirectly controls each unit of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. Control.

  The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value. More specifically, the payout rate of medals is changed by using a winning probability according to a set value in a lottery that affects the degree of advantage to a player such as an internal lottery. The set value is made up of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate decreasing as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is the highest for the player, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the advantage gradually decreases.

  In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after turning on the setting key switch 37. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value read from the RAM 41c is displayed on the setting value display 24 as a display value, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. Move to change state. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the set value display 24 is updated by one (when further operated from the set value 6, the set value is changed to 1). Return). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (set value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the state shifts to a state where the game can proceed.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a specified number of bets that can be set according to the game state is determined, and the game is performed on the condition that the specified number of bets is set according to the game state. Can be started. In the present embodiment, the pay line LN is activated when a prescribed number of bets is set according to the gaming state.

  In this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the activated pay line (in this embodiment, the activated pay line LN is always activated. A winning combination is achieved when a combination of symbols called a combination is arranged on the winning line LN thus obtained (hereinafter simply referred to as a winning line). The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

  The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into small winning combinations with medal payout and re-starting so that the next game can be started without setting the number of bets. There are a game combination (replay) and a special combination (bonus) accompanied by a transition to a game state advantageous to the player. Hereinafter, the small role and the replaying role are also collectively referred to as a general role. In order for a winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c. In the internal lottery, the main controller 41 determines whether or not to permit winning of each of the above-mentioned roles before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7). At the time of detection) using a random number. In addition, among the winning flags of the respective roles, the winning flag of the small role and the replaying role is valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and is invalid in the next game. The combination is enabled until the combination of the permitted combinations is completed by the flag, and is invalid in the game in which the combination of the permitted combinations is completed. That is, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of combinations permitted by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. Becomes

  In addition, in the internal lottery, there is provided a general role (hereinafter, referred to as a duplicate winning role) that is won by overlapping with the special role. If the double winning role is won in the internal lottery, the special role is also duplicated. The symbol combination that constitutes the overlapping winning combination is stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, thereby indicating that there is a possibility that the special combination may be won. It has become.

  Further, in the internal lottery, only when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined stop order, the symbols constituting the winning combination are aligned with the winning line LN and stopped, and a small winning that can generate a winning is provided. A replaying role (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pushing role) and a small role, a replaying role that can stop the symbols constituting the role regardless of the stop order in line with the pay line LN and generate a winning ( Non-pushing role).

  In addition, in the internal lottery, special roles (special small role or special replaying role) that are different from normal roles are included as the roles that can be won. A right to be controlled by an assist time (hereinafter, referred to as AT) to be described later (hereinafter, referred to as AT right) can be won over the number of games.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 notifies the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that are advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result by the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12. The control can be performed during an assist time (hereinafter, referred to as AT), which is a notification period in which the notification can be executed. A right controlled by the AT is won, and a predetermined start condition (for example, after the right of the AT is won, a predetermined After the number of games elapses, a predetermined symbol combination stops on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R after the AT right is won, etc.), the main control unit 41 starts controlling the AT. , AT. Then, in the case where the AT is controlled, the navigation notification is executed by winning the navigation target combination (corresponding combination of the above-mentioned pressing combinations) according to the gaming state, which is advantageous to the player. By notifying the operation modes (pressing order, operation timing) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and transmitting a command capable of specifying an operation mode that is advantageous to the player to the sub-control unit 91, the liquid crystal is displayed. A navigation effect using the display 51 or the like is executed. By operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R in the operation mode informed by the navigation notification and the navigation effect, it is possible to reliably win the pushing sequence won by the internal lottery. In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 can execute the navigation notification and the navigation effect by satisfying a certain condition even in the normal state where the AT is not controlled.

  Next, stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R performed by the main control unit 41 will be described. When the rotation of the reels is started, and when the reels are stopped and the reels that are still spinning remain, the main control unit 41 determines the winning number and the table index and the table creation data stored in the ROM 41b. By referring to the table, a stop control table is created for each rotating reel. Then, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R corresponding to the reel being rotated is effectively detected, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to, and the slip of the referred stop control table is performed. Based on the frame number, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R.

  In this embodiment, a value of 0 to 4 is determined as the number of sliding frames, and it is possible to stop the reel by drawing up to four symbols after detecting the stop operation. In other words, the stop position of the symbol can be specified from a range of up to five frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. Further, since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to draw up to four symbols and stop the reel after detecting the stop operation. The stop position of the symbol can be designated from a maximum of five symbols including the operation position.

  In the present embodiment, if any one of the winning combinations is won, when the stop operation is performed, the winning combinations within the pull-in range of a maximum of four frames can be aligned and stopped on the pay line. If possible, a control is performed to stop the rolls in a uniform manner, and for the winning combination, a control is performed to stop the rolls without aligning them in the pull-in range of a maximum of four frames.

  When the special role and the small role are elected at the same time, such as when the small role is elected while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, when the stop operation is performed, the maximum If it is possible to stop all the winning combinations in the 4-frame pull-in range, control is performed to align and stop the winning small roles. If it is not possible to draw in, if it is possible to stop all the special roles that have been won in the pay-in range of a maximum of four frames on the winning line, control will be performed to align and stop them. That is, control is performed to stop the four frames without being aligned in the pull-in range. That is, in such a case, the control for aligning the small role on the pay line is given priority over the special role, and the special role can be won only when the small role cannot be drawn. When the special role and the small role can be drawn in at the same time, only the small role is drawn in, and the special role and the small role are not aligned on the winning line. In addition, when the special role and the small role are elected at the same time, the control to arrange the special role on the winning line has priority over the small role, and only when the special role cannot be drawn, the small role is placed on the winning line. Alignment control may be performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the special role and the replaying role are simultaneously won, for example, when the replaying role is won while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, a stop operation is performed. At this time, a control is performed in which the symbols of the replaying game are aligned and stopped within a pull-in range of a maximum of four frames on the winning line. In this case, the symbols that constitute the replaying game or the symbols that constitute the replaying game that is simultaneously won are arranged within 5 symbols in all of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, that is, at intervals of up to 4 frames. In the case where the special role and the replaying role are simultaneously elected, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player, the stop can be stopped at any position within the retraction range of 4 frames. Instead, the re-game players will always win. In other words, in such a case, the control for aligning the re-gaming combination on the winning line is given priority over the special combination, and the re-gaming combination always wins. When the special role and the replaying role can be drawn in at the same time, only the replaying role is drawn in, so that the special role does not coincide with the replaying role on the winning line.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop control is performed by using the stop control table capable of specifying the number of sliding frames for each timing at which the stop operation is performed. A configuration in which the stop position is specified from the table and stop control for stopping the reel at the specified stop position is performed.The stop position that can be stopped at the timing of the stop operation is searched without using the stop control table or the stop position table. Specified and configured to perform stop control to stop the reel at the specified stop position, stop control using stop control table, stop control using stop position table, stop possible without using stop control table or stop position table A configuration in which stop control by searching and specifying a stop position is used together, and a configuration in which stop control is performed by partially changing the stop control table and the stop position table And it may be.

[About memory area and program of main control unit]
FIG. 4 is an address map of a memory area used by the main control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the memory area used by the main control unit 41 includes a memory area (0000H to EFFFH) allocated to the ROM 41b and a memory area (F000H to FFFFH) allocated to the RAM 41c.

  The memory area of the ROM 41b includes a program / data area (0000H to 2FBFH) in which programs and fixed data are stored, and other areas (2FC0H to EFFFH). Other areas include a ROM comment area in which arbitrary data such as a program title and a version can be set, a vector table area in which an upper address of a subroutine of a CALLV instruction and a head address of a timer interrupt processing (main) are set. , An HW parameter area in which parameters for setting the internal functions of the main control unit 41 by hardware are set, and an unused area in which access is prohibited.

  The memory area of the RAM 41c includes a usable area (F000H to F400H) usable as a work and other areas (F401H to FFFFH). The other areas include internal function register areas (FE00H to FEACH) in which a group of registers for controlling each function mounted on the main control unit 41 is stored.

  The program / data area in the ROM 41b includes a game program area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game data area in which game data used by the game program is stored, an unused area 1, and a program area related to the progress of the game. A non-game program area where no non-game programs are stored, a non-game data area where non-game data used by the non-game programs are stored, and an unused area 2 are included.

  In addition, the progress of the game means to advance a series of processes constituting the game, and in the case of a slot machine, setting the number of bets and enabling the game to start, starting the game and rotating the reels Advancing the step of causing the reel to stop, deriving the display result, and adding a value such as a medal according to the display result.

  In the above description, “before and after the storage area” means the magnitude relationship of the address values assigned to the storage area, with the smaller address being the front and the larger address being the rear. For this reason, a storage area allocated behind one storage area corresponds to a storage area having an address value larger than that of one storage area, and a storage area allocated ahead of one storage area. , A storage area having an address value smaller than that of one storage area.

  The RAM 41c includes a game RAM area used as a work by the game program, an unused area 3, a stack area where the game program saves data, a non-game RAM area used by the non-game program as a work, and an unused area 4. And a stack area in which the non-game program saves data.

  The game RAM area includes areas A to D. Here, the areas A to D are referred to as all initialization target areas, the areas B to D are referred to as setting-change-end initialization target areas, the areas C to D are referred to as bonus-end initialization target areas, and the area D is referred to. This is referred to as a game end initialization target area. The entire initialization target area is an area that is initialized by performing a predetermined operation when a RAM error occurs. The setting change end initialization target area is an area that is initialized when the setting change ends. The bonus end initialization target area is an area that is initialized when the bonus ends. The game end initialization target area is an area that is initialized each time a game (game) ends.

  Hereinafter, the game program area, the game data area, and the game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a game area, and the non-game program area, the non-game data area, and the non-game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a non-game area. . The unused area 1 and the unused area 2, the unused area 3 and the unused area 4 may be collectively referred to as an unused area.

[Instructions used by the program]
The program executed by the main control unit 41 includes a main routine for managing the progress of the entire program, and a subroutine called during the execution of another program.

  Further, a CALL instruction (call instruction) is included as an instruction for causing the main control unit 41 to execute the program stored in the program / data area. The CALL instruction is an instruction to call and execute a subroutine stored at an address designated in a main routine or a subroutine. When calling the subroutine by the CALL instruction, the main control unit 41 stores the address of the caller in the stack area, calls and executes the subroutine stored at the specified address. When the subroutine ends, the RET instruction (return instruction) is used to return to the address of the caller stored in the stack area, that is, the main routine or subroutine program of the caller who executed the CALL instruction.

  The main control unit 41 includes an LD instruction as an instruction to read data stored in the program / data area. The LD instruction is an instruction for reading 1-byte data stored at an address specified in a main routine or a subroutine into a specified register. The main control unit 41 reads the data stored at the address specified by the LD instruction, and stores the read data in the register specified by the LD instruction. On the other hand, the LDW instruction is an instruction for reading 2-byte data stored at an address specified in a main routine or a subroutine into a specified register.

  Here, the game program is a program related to the progress of the game, and is a program for executing a process that hinders the progress of the game unless a process based on the program is executed. On the other hand, the non-game program is a program that is not related to the progress of the game, and even if it is called from the game program and returns to the game program without executing the processing based on the program, the game can be advanced. This is a program for executing processing.

[I / O port]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input / output port map. The I / O port 41d includes input ports 0 to 2 and output ports 0 to 8. From each input port, detection signals of various connected devices are input. From each output port, various control signals, test signals, and external output signals can be output. Eight signals (D0 to D7 in FIG. 5) can be input or output from each input port or each output port. For example, the main control unit 41 detects left, middle, and right stop switch signals from D0 to D2 of the input port 0 based on the operation of the left, middle, and right stop switches. For example, left reel motor signals (φ0 to φ3) can be output from D0 to D3 of output port 0. As a result, the left reel motor can be driven, and the left reel rotates or stops. Note that the signal shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and other signals may be output, or a signal may be input / output from any port.

[Error code]
FIG. 6 shows an error code. The error command includes, as shown in FIG. 6, error codes E1 to E8 that can specify the type of abnormality that has occurred. E1 is an overflow error, indicating that a full state of the overflow tank 35 is detected, E2 is a hopper empty error, indicating that an empty state of the hopper tank 34a is detected, and E3 is a medal. E4 is a clogging error, indicating that a foreign object near the medal payout exit 9 has been detected, and E4 is a medal payout error, which is performed when the reels are being rotated and the payout is not performed. Has been detected, E5 indicates a medal insertion error, indicates that an abnormal passing of medals has been detected by the inserted medal sensor 31, E6 indicates a reel rotation error, and a reel rotation error has occurred. E7 indicates that abnormal rotation has been detected, E7 is an abnormal winning error, and a winning of a winning combination that is not permitted by internal lottery is detected. Indicates that, E8 is a RAM error indicates that the data of RAM41c is detected to be not normal at startup.

[Control of various processes]
Control contents of various processes performed by the main control unit 41 executing the game program and the non-game program will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Startup process (main)]
First, a startup process (main), which is a startup process performed by the main control unit 41, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of the startup process (main) performed by the main control unit. The activation process (main) is a main routine included in the game program.

  When the power supply to the slot machine 1 is started, the main control unit 41 is started in a state in which the timer interrupt is set to be prohibited by the occurrence of the reset, and performs various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 41b. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the main control unit 41 is activated, an activation process (main) is performed. In the activation process (main), first, the timer interrupt is set to be prohibited (Sa1). Hereinafter, setting the timer interrupt to be prohibited is also referred to as performing an interrupt prohibition setting, and setting the timer interrupt to a permitted state is also referred to as performing an interrupt permission setting.

  Next, all the output ports are initialized (Sa2). At this time, first, the initial settings for the output boats 3 and 4 are performed, then the initial settings for the output boats 1 and 2 are performed, and then the initial settings for the output boats 5 and 6 are performed. Make initial settings for. The initial setting of the output port means that the signal output from the output port is turned off. That is, when any signal is being output, the output of the signal is stopped by the initial setting of the output port.

  Here, the output instruction to the output port can be performed in units of 1 byte (8 bits) or 2 bytes (16 bits). As shown in FIG. 5, eight signals are output from each output port. When an output command is issued with one bit set to 0 for one port, 00H (0 data for 8 bits) is set for the output port and the output command is issued. When an output command is issued to two adjacent ports by setting each bit to 0, the output command is set to 0000H (0 data for 16 bits) for the output port.

  In this manner, a signal output command can be issued to two adjacent ports at a time. In the present embodiment, for example, by issuing an output command to the two ports of the output boats 3 and 4, the initialization of the two ports can be performed simultaneously.

  Here, the initial setting of the output port is performed in order to prevent various devices from malfunctioning. When the slot machine 1 is started, if a signal is output from the output port in an ON state due to the influence of noise or the like, various devices malfunction. In particular, since a popper motor control signal is output from D7 of the output port 3, there is a risk that the hopper motor will be driven to pay out medals due to malfunction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, the initial setting is performed from the output boats 3 and 4. By doing so, malfunction of the hopper motor can be prevented as much as possible.

  Next, a built-in register setting process (Sa3) is performed. The built-in register is a register for setting functions in the main CPU 41a. By the built-in register setting processing, set values are set in a plurality of areas that need to be set at the start of control.

  Next, an initial setting process (Sa4) is performed. The initial setting process is started in a state where the timer interrupt is prohibited in step Sa1. In the initial setting process, it is determined whether or not the RAM 41c has an abnormality. When there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c, all the initialization target areas (areas A to D) are initialized.

  When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 41c, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is ON with reference to the input port 2. When it is determined that the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, a setting change process is performed. In the setting change process, the setting value is determined by operating the reset / setting switch 38 and the start switch 7 in a predetermined procedure, and it is detected that the setting key switch 37 is turned off. Is ended, and the game is shifted to a state in which the game can proceed. In the setting change processing, when the setting change processing is started, a setting command (start) indicating that the setting change processing is started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. When the setting change processing is ended, A setting command (end) indicating that the setting change process is ended is issued. When the setting change processing is completed, the setting change end initialization target areas (areas B to D) are initialized.

  When it is determined that the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the RAM 41c has an abnormality. When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 41c, the output buffer for outputting the external output signal is cleared. The reel error counter, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c and counts the number of times a reel rotation error is detected in the main processing, is cleared. Thereafter, by setting an address at the time of power failure to the stack pointer SP based on the contents stored in the RAM 41c, the stack pointer is returned to the state at the time of power failure, and port input processing is performed three times in succession.

  The port input processing includes input state data relating to input states such as detection signals of various switches input to the parallel input port 511 (input data indicating a current input state of various switches, and a state in which previous and current input data are the same). This is a process for updating the fixed data indicating that the fixed data has changed and the edge data indicating that the fixed data has changed from the previous time. In a predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c, port input buffers 0 to 2 for storing input state data of various switches are provided, and input state data of various switches updated by the port input processing is The data is stored in a predetermined bit of a port input buffer predetermined for each type. In the port input processing, the detection state (ON state or OFF state) of various switches set to the input ports 0 to 2 of the parallel input port 511 is stored as input data in a predetermined bit of a port input buffer. Further, the detection state (ON state or OFF state) in the previous and current port input processes is compared, and if the current and previous input data are in the same state, the current input data detection state is indicated. While the input data is different from the previous input data, the previous input data is maintained. Also, comparing the current and previous set data, if the set data changes from the OFF state to the ON state, ON edge data indicating that the set data has changed from the OFF state to the ON state is input to the port input buffer 0. When the determined data changes from the ON state to the OFF state, OFF edge data indicating that the determined data has changed from the ON state to the OFF state is stored in the predetermined bits of the port input buffers 0 to 2. Store in bits. The input data, fixed data, and edge data of various switches stored in the port input buffer can be referred to from a game program and a non-game program.

  The port input process is performed three times in succession for the following reason. For example, suppose that the switch was in the OFF state before the power interruption. Then, it is assumed that the switch is pressed during the power interruption and the pressed state is continued as it is (for example, a state where the switch is stuck and pressed by something). In such a case, the detection signal is input in the ON state when the power is restored from the power interruption. Further, when compared before and after the power interruption, the ON state is detected because the state changes from the OFF state to the ON state. However, in practice, there is a large time difference before and after the power interruption, and it is inappropriate to detect this as an ON edge. In order to prevent this, at the time of recovery from power interruption, port input processing is performed three times in succession. If the ON state of the switch is continued after the recovery from the power failure, the ON edge is not detected by performing the port input processing three times in succession. Thus, it is possible to prevent unintended input state data from being created. For example, it is possible to prevent the reel from stopping unintentionally due to the stop switch being kept pressed after the power failure.

  After performing the port input processing, if it is determined that the reset / setting switch 38 is not in the ON state, a return command indicating that the control state has returned to the control state before the power failure is transmitted to the sub control unit 91, and then all The register is restored to the state before the power failure stored in the RAM 41c, interrupt permission setting is performed (Sa5), the initial setting process is ended, and the process shifts to the timer interrupt process (main). The processing returns to the processing in the main processing that was being executed before the power supply to the power supply was stopped.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c, all the initialization target areas (areas A to D) are initialized. Thereafter, an interrupt permission setting is performed, an error code (E8) of a RAM error indicating that there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c is prepared in a predetermined register, the initial setting process is completed, and the process shifts to an error process. In the error processing, control of the error state is performed until it is specified that the condition for canceling the error state according to the error code (E8) is satisfied. If the error code (E8) of the RAM error is prepared in a predetermined register and the operation is shifted to the error state, the power supply switch 39 is turned on while the setting key switch 37 is turned on to shift to the setting change state. In this way, by initializing all the game RAM areas (areas A to D), it is possible to reliably eliminate the data abnormality in the RAM 41c and release the error state.

[Built-in register setting processing]
The internal register setting process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of the built-in register setting process performed by the main control unit. The built-in register setting process is a subroutine included in the game program and called in a start process (main) included in the game program.

  The built-in register is a register for setting functions in the main CPU 41a. The built-in register is provided with a built-in register area in the RAM 41c. In the present embodiment, areas from FE00H to FEACH are provided as built-in register areas. For the built-in registers, for example, settings related to interrupts and communication functions are performed.

  In the present embodiment, the built-in register area has seven areas from a first area to a seventh area. The main CPU 41a sets set values in a plurality of areas that need to be set at the start of control. In the present embodiment, a set value is set in each of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas as a plurality of areas that need to be set.

  The setting of the set value in the built-in register area is performed by an LD instruction capable of setting 1-byte data or an LDW instruction capable of setting 2-byte data. At this time, first, an address corresponding to an area that needs to be set is read by an LD instruction. Then, a set value is set in an area corresponding to the address by an LD instruction or an LDW instruction. Further, by adding a difference value to the read address (reference address), a set value can be set in an area corresponding to an address that is a difference value ahead of the address. Although a specific example will be described later, setting the set value by the latter method can reduce the capacity of the program because the capacity required for the instruction is smaller than the former method.

  Further, there is a limit on the difference value that can be specified. For example, if only a maximum of 50 values can be specified as a difference value, it is only possible to set a region up to 50 addresses ahead of the read reference address. Therefore, when it is desired to set a set value using a difference value, it is desirable to read out the reference address so as to cover a plurality of areas where setting is possible as much as possible. Hereinafter, description will be given along a flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, in step Sb1, an LD instruction capable of setting 1-byte data corresponds to a second area among the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where setting values need to be set. Read the address into a predetermined register. The address read here is the start address (FE01H) of the second area, and is used as a reference address hereinafter. The second area is an area corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H) of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas, and is an area in which 1-byte data can be set.

  Further, the reference address (FE01H) is located 21H (33) away from the sixth area where the address is farthest. In the present embodiment, since the maximum specifiable difference value is 50, it is possible to set a set value in the sixth area by an LD command using the difference value. Here, if a reference value is set in the fourth area, an LD instruction using a difference value cannot be used for the second and third areas. Also, when the address range of the first area is wide, when a reference value is set in the first area, there is a possibility that an LD instruction using a difference value cannot be used for the sixth area.

  As described above, by setting the reference value in the second area corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H) of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas, the LD instruction using the difference value enables the instruction necessary for the instruction. Since the capacity is reduced, data can be set efficiently.

  Next, in step Sb2, data A, which is 1-byte data, is set in the second area based on the reference address (FE01H). Specifically, the data A (for example, 150) is stored in the area (that is, the first area) indicated by the reference address stored in the predetermined register by using the LD instruction.

  Then, in the step Sb3, data is set in the third area and the fourth area. The third area is an area where 1-byte data specified by the address FE02H can be set. The fourth area is an area where 1-byte data specified by the address FE03H can be set. That is, the third area is an area specified by an address obtained by adding the difference value 1 to the reference address. Since the third area and the fourth area are both 1-byte areas, by setting 2-byte data for the start address of the third area, the setting is performed for both the third area and the fourth area. Can be set. That is, when setting the set value, 2-byte data can be set so that the set value is set in each of the third area corresponding to FE02H and the fourth area corresponding to FE03H which is the next address of FE02H.

  Specifically, the data B (for example, 12) is stored in the third area based on the address (FE02H) calculated using the difference value (1) with respect to the reference address using an LDW instruction capable of setting 2-byte data. Is set, and data C (for example, 56) is set in the fourth area. According to the LDW instruction, data B + data C × FFH (= 12 + 56 × FFH) is set to an address obtained by adding 1 which is a difference value to the reference address stored in the predetermined register. Thereby, 12 (data B) is set in the third area, and 56 (data C) can be set in the fourth area one byte ahead by multiplying 56 by FFH.

  Here, in order to perform a process of reading an address into a predetermined register by an LD instruction, a capacity of 3 bytes is required. Further, a 2-byte capacity is required to set data in an area indicated by an address set in a predetermined register by an LD instruction. That is, in order to set 1-byte data in a certain area, a capacity of 5 bytes (3 bytes + 2 bytes) is usually required. Further, in order to set 1-byte data for each of the two areas, a capacity of 10 bytes (5 bytes × 2) is required.

  On the other hand, as described above, when 1-byte data is set in each of the two areas by the LDW instruction using the difference value, a 4-byte capacity is required. In this case, the process of reading the address by the LD instruction as described above is unnecessary. That is, compared with the method not using the difference value, the data capacity for 6 bytes (10 bytes-4 bytes) can be saved. In this way, by setting data in the third and fourth areas based on the address calculated using the difference value, it is possible to set the set value in the third and fourth areas by directly specifying the address. Program capacity can be saved. Further, data can be set collectively for a plurality of areas.

  Similarly, when setting 1-byte data, data setting is performed using an LD instruction, and when setting 2-byte data, data setting is performed using an LDW instruction. In step Sb4, data D is set for the sixth area based on the address calculated using the difference value with respect to the reference address. The sixth area is an area where 1-byte data specified by the address FE22H can be set. Since the difference value from the reference address is 21H (= FE22H-FE01H), the data is stored in the sixth area based on the address (FE22H) calculated using the difference value (21H) with respect to the reference address using the LD instruction. Set D.

  When the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values are to be set in steps Sb1 to Sb4, the internal register setting process ends. As a result, the process returns to the start processing (main). When the startup process (main) is completed, the process proceeds to the last process (main process) before the power interruption. By shifting to the main process, control of the game is started. As described above, by starting the control of the game after setting the setting values in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the setting values are to be set, the setting of the setting values to be set is not completed. Does not start game control.

  In the startup process (main), the internal register setting process (Sa3) is performed after the interrupt prohibition setting (Sa1) is performed, and the interrupt permission setting (Sa5) is performed after the internal register setting process is performed. You. As described above, the execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited until the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values are to be set. Does not perform unintended control.

  In the start-up process (main), the output port is initialized (Sa2) before the set values are set in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas by the built-in register setting process (Sa3). By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output from the output port.

[Main processing]
The control content of the main processing performed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of the main processing performed by the main control unit. The main process is repeatedly executed for each game of one unit. One cycle of the main processing corresponds to one unit of the game. The main process is included in the game program and includes a plurality of processes. Hereinafter, processing not particularly indicated to be included in the non-game program is included in the game program. Some of the game programs called by the game program call a non-game program.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 41 first performs an interrupt prohibition setting (Sc1). Next, the set RAM initialization area is cleared (Sc2). The set RAM initialization area is a RAM initialization area at the end of the game (area D) set at Sc36 described later or a RAM initialization area at the end of the bonus set at Sc38 (areas C and D). is there. Thus, when one game is over, the area D is cleared, and when one game is over and the bonus is over, the area C in addition to the area D is also cleared. After clearing the RAM initialization area, a game end command capable of specifying that one game has ended is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 (Sc3).

  Next, an RT information output process included in the non-game program is performed (Sc4). In the RT information output process, information on the gaming state of the slot machine 1 set in a predetermined area of the gaming RAM area is referred to, and information on the gaming state (for example, RT state) is output from the output port 7 as an external output signal. Set to output.

  In step Sc5, a wait process is performed a plurality of times to wait until the timer interrupt is performed a specified number of times. Here, when the designated number of times is one, it is referred to as one-time interrupt wait processing. For example, in the one-time interrupt wait process, the timer interrupt is set to be permitted, and the process waits until the timer interrupt process (main) (hereinafter, also referred to as “interrupt process”) is performed once. Then, when it is specified that the timer interrupt processing (main) has been performed once, the wait processing for one interrupt is completed. By performing the one-time interrupt processing, the processing performed after the one-time interrupt processing is performed in a state where the time until the next timer interrupt processing (main) is performed is maximized. This makes it possible to prevent a timer interrupt from being performed unintentionally during a series of processes performed after the one-time interrupt wait process.

  In the interrupt multiple-times wait process (Sc5), 24 (13.44 ms) interrupt waits are performed so that the external output signal output by the RT information output process is output. Then, after the interruption process is performed a plurality of times, the game start waiting process is performed (Sc6), and the process from the end of the control of the previous one game to the start of the next one game is performed. In the game start waiting process, a process of setting the number of bets according to insertion of medals and the like is performed, and when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where the specified number of bets is set, the next game is started. Perform processing to start.

  Then, an internal lottery process is performed to determine whether or not a winning is allowed (internal lottery) (Sc7). In the internal lottery process, generation of a prize is permitted based on a preset value (1 to 6) set in the slot machine 1 or a random number for internal lottery acquired at the same time as the start of the game by detection of the start switch 7. An internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform the display result (that is, whether or not to derive the display result).

  Then, after performing a payout control process (Sc8) for performing an AT lottery or the like, an interrupt prohibition setting is performed (Sc9), and a winning information output process included in the non-game program is performed (Sc10). After performing the winning information output process, an interrupt is permitted (Sc11). In the winning information output process, data that can specify the winning status of the special role and the winning status of the general role in the internal lottery is referred to by referring to the lottery result of the internal lottery set in the predetermined area of the game RAM area, Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c so that it can be referred to from a test signal output process described later. The winning status of the special role and the winning status of the general role set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c by the winning information output process are referred to in a test signal output process described later, and are output as a test signal. ing.

  Next, in step Sc12, a command transmission process at the time of starting the game is executed, and an interrupt multiple times waiting process (Sc13) is executed. In the command transmission process at the time of starting a game, a sub-control includes a control state command group including a plurality of commands capable of specifying various control states at the start of one game and a game start command capable of specifying that one game has been started. It is transmitted to the unit 91. In addition, by executing the interrupt processing a plurality of times (133 ms standby), the command can be transmitted in the interrupt processing.

  After performing the game start command processing in the step of Sc13, the external output signal processing (Sc14) is executed. After performing the external output signal processing in the step of Sc14, refer to the one game time management timer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c to measure the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation in the previous game. Then, based on the one game time management timer, it is determined whether or not a specified time (4.1 seconds in the present embodiment) of one game has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sc15). If it is determined that the specified time for one game has not elapsed, the game waits until the specified time for one game has elapsed based on the timer for managing one game time, and the one game based on the timer for managing one game time. After the specified time has elapsed, the process proceeds to Sc16. If it is determined in step Sc15 that the specified time of one game has elapsed, the process proceeds to Sc16. The timer for managing one game time is set to 0 when a specified time (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) of one game has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the game. It is possible to determine whether one game specified time has elapsed based on whether the management timer is 0 or not.

  In step Sc16, interrupt prohibition is set, and reel rotation start processing is performed (Sc17). In the reel rotation start process, a normal acceleration pattern for controlling the rotation of the reel at a predetermined game speed is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as an excitation pattern for controlling the excitation of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and set in the RAM 41c. By controlling the excitation of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R based on the excitation pattern set, the rotation of the reel is started.

  Next, a reel rotation start command transmission process for transmitting a reel rotation start command capable of specifying that the rotation control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R to start to the sub-control unit 91 is performed (Sc18). After the reel rotation start command transmission processing is performed, a reel stop control processing for controlling reel stop is performed (Sc19). In the reel stop control process, it is determined whether the reel being controlled for rotation is rotating at a predetermined constant speed, and if there is a reel that is not rotating at a constant speed, a reel error is detected and the corresponding reel is detected. An excitation pattern for accelerating the reels to the constant speed rotation is set, and control is performed so that all the reels under rotation control are rotated at the constant speed rotation. On the other hand, when all the reels under rotation control are being rotated at a constant speed, reception of the stop operation of the reels under rotation control is enabled, and the system stands by until the stop operation by the stop switch is performed. Then, when a valid stop operation is detected for the reels for which the stop operation is enabled (ON edge data is detected for a stop switch for which the stop operation is valid), the reels for which the valid stop operation has been performed are performed. , A reel stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop position is performed based on information set in the reel stop initial setting process and the like. Such reel stop control is repeatedly performed on the reels under rotation control, and the rotation of all reels is stopped, thereby terminating the reel stop processing.

  After terminating the reel stop process, a winning determination process (Sc20) is performed. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred based on the internal lottery result and the symbol combination stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. After performing the prize-winning determination process in the step of Sc20, an insertion / payout error check process of determining whether or not an abnormality related to insertion of medals from the medal insertion unit 4 or an abnormality related to payout of medals from the hopper is detected. (Sc21).

  In the pay-in / pay-out error check process, a pay-out error flag indicating that an abnormality has been detected in transition of a signal of the pay-out sensor 34c (hereinafter, also referred to as a medal pay-out signal or pay-out signal), or a signal of the pay-in medal sensor 31 (hereinafter, referred to as a medal sensor 31). It is determined whether or not an insertion error flag indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the transition of the medal insertion signal or the insertion signal) is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and the error flag is set. If there is, perform error processing. In the error processing, based on the error flag, control is performed so that the error codes (E4, E5) are displayed on the game assist display 12, and the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition is satisfied. I do. If the error condition release condition is satisfied, the error processing ends, an error execution flag indicating that the error processing has been executed is set in a predetermined register, and the input / output error check processing ends.

  After performing the input / output error check process (Sc21), a single-waiting interrupt process is performed (Sc22), and the process waits until the interrupt process is performed. Then, after the interrupt processing is performed, interrupt prohibition setting is performed (Sc23), and the data processing for the duty ratio monitoring included in the non-game program is performed (Sc24). Then, after performing the data processing for the role ratio monitoring, an interrupt permission setting is performed (Sc25). By performing the role ratio monitoring data process (Sc24) after performing the one-time interrupt wait process, the time until the next timer interrupt process (main) is performed is maximized. Thus, it is possible to perform the data processing for the role ratio monitoring, and it is possible to prevent the timer interrupt from being performed unintentionally during the data processing for the role ratio monitoring.

  In the duty ratio monitor data processing, each state count processing included in the non-game program is performed to perform a predetermined period (for example, a period from the current game to 6000 games before, from the current game to 175,000 games before). During the period, data relating to the number of paid out medals in a section (an advantageous section) controlled to be in an advantageous state for the player is updated.

  Next, an unauthorized winning determination process (Sc26) is performed. In the illegal winning determination processing, it is determined whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the internal lottery result and the symbol combination stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. Thereafter, an RT-related process (Sc27) is performed. In the RT-related processing, when the combination of the RT transition symbols accompanied by the transition of the RT state to the reels is stopped, the combination is updated to the RT state. Next, a bonus end check process (Sc28) for determining a bonus end condition is executed, and a game state setting process (Sc29) is executed. In the game state setting process, a process of determining a bonus start condition other than the process executed in the bonus end check process, a process of updating various data, and the like are executed. Next, an AT state management process (Sc30) for determining the end of an advantageous section executed at the end of the game is performed, and a command transmission process (Sc31) for transmitting an RT information command is performed.

  Next, a medal payout process of paying out a number of medals according to a winning generated as a result of the game is performed (Sc32). In the medal payout process, a predetermined number of medals predetermined for each winning combination are awarded to the player in accordance with the generated prize, the number of medals to be awarded is added to the credit, and the upper limit of the credit ( In this embodiment, when the number reaches 50), the hopper motor 34b is driven to pay out medals not added to the credits from the medal payout exit 9. After the medal payout process is performed, a payout end command transmission process (Sc33) for transmitting a payout end command is performed.

  Then, a game end setting process is performed (Sc34), and it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the re-gaming is stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and when the symbol combination of the re-gaming is stopped. In the next game, a process of setting the number of bets for performing a replay in the next game (in the present embodiment, 3 is set as a replay medal in a replay counter set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c) or , A process of setting a replay flag in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, a process of controlling the LED 20 during replay to an ON state (lighting state), and the like. Then, an advantageous section related process (Sc35) for performing initialization processing of the RAM at the end of the advantageous section, setting processing of the signal during the advantageous section, and the like is executed.

  Then, a RAM initialization area (area D) at the end of the game is set (Sc38). When the bonus is over, a RAM initialization area (regions C and D) at the time of the bonus end is set (Sc38), and the process returns to Sc1. If the bonus has not ended, the process returns to Sc1 with the RAM initialization area (area D) at the end of the game set. As described above, the area set in Sc36 or Sc38 is cleared in Sc2.

  After returning to the step of Sc1, the steps of Sc1 to Sc38 are repeated. When the main process completes, the process related to control of one unit of game is completed, and the main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game.

  As described above, the main processing performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment is included in the game program, and is included in the non-game program, for example, the RT information output processing, the winning information output processing, It calls data processing.

  In addition, when performing various processes according to the non-game program, the main control unit 41 performs various processes according to the non-game program by calling the non-game program from the game program using the above-mentioned CALL instruction or the like. Upon completion of each process according to the non-game program, the game program returns to the calling game program.

[Game start waiting process]
The control content of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit. Note that the game start waiting process is a subroutine included in the game program and called in the main process included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the game start waiting process, first, a credit number command transmission process (Sd1) for transmitting a credit number command is executed. Next, a medal insertion number display process is performed (Sd2), and the 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16 corresponding to the number of medals already inserted into the slot machine 1 are controlled to an ON state (lighting state).

  After that, an error code (E1: overflow error) capable of specifying that the hopper tank 34a is full is prepared in a predetermined register, and a predetermined port input buffer is referred to and based on the determined data of the full tank sensor 35a. Then, it is determined whether the hopper tank 34a is full (Sd3). If it is determined in step Sd3 that the hopper tank 34a is full, an error process is performed (Sd4). In the error processing, the game is controlled to an error state in which the progress of the game is disabled. Further, an error command capable of specifying an error code (E1) prepared in a predetermined register is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and the error code (E1) can be referred to a predetermined area of the RAM 41c for other processing. Error flag. In addition, control is performed so that the error code (E1) is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Thereafter, control of the error state is performed until it is specified that the condition for canceling the error state according to the error code (E1) prepared in the predetermined register is satisfied. When the error code (E1) is set in the register and shifted to the error state, the process waits until the determined data of the full tank sensor 35a is turned off, and the determined data of the full tank sensor 35a is turned off. Then, an error command (cancellation) for canceling the error state is transmitted to the sub control unit 91, the error processing is terminated, and the process proceeds to step Sd5.

  If it is determined in step Sd3 that the hopper tank 34a is not full, or if the error processing in step Sd4 has been completed, the value of the replay counter set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is stored in a predetermined register. Read (Sd5). In the replay counter, a value corresponding to the result of the previous game is set by the setting processing at the end of the game in the previous main processing, and the replaying game is won in the previous game and the replay is given. In the case where the replay has not been given in the previous game, a value (for example, 3) corresponding to the prescribed number of bets required to play the game has been set, 0 is set.

  Thereafter, the replay counter in the RAM 41c is cleared (Sd6), and it is determined whether or not the value of the replay counter read in step Sd5 is greater than 0, that is, whether or not a replay has been provided (Sd7). If a replay has been awarded, a medal insertion execution process is performed (Sd8). In the medal insertion execution process, the value of the replay counter is set to the number of bets (BET number), and the 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16 are set to the ON state (lighting state) to set the specified number of bets (in this embodiment, Notify that 3) is set. In addition, the insertion number command that can specify the number of medals used for setting the bet number is transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

  When the value of the replay counter is 0 in step Sd7, that is, when it is determined that the replay is not provided, and after the medal insertion execution processing is performed by the replay provided in step Sd8, A medal care permission setting process is performed (Sd9). In the medal maintenance permission setting process, the credit value set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is referred to, and if the credit value does not reach the maximum value (50 in the present embodiment), the medal insertion unit 4 Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c to indicate that the insertion of a medal is permitted.

  After the medal maintenance permission setting process is performed in step Sd9, a one-time interruption process is performed (Sd10). By performing the one-time interrupt processing, the timer interrupt processing (main) is performed, and the detection state of various switches, the lighting state of the LEDs, various timers, and the like are updated. After the detection state is updated, the subsequent processing (for example, a medal insertion / payout error check processing, a medal insertion signal processing, and an operation input reception processing) can be performed.

  In the step of Sd10, a one-time interruption process is performed, and after the interruption process is performed once, an input / output error check process is performed (Sd11). Then, based on whether or not an error execution flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, it is determined whether or not error processing has been performed in the error check processing (Sd12).

  If it is determined in step Sd12 that the error processing has been executed in the error check processing, the process returns to step Sd10, and the processing of steps Sd10 to Sd12 is performed again. Thereafter, in a state where no abnormality is detected in the transition of the medal payout signal or the transition of the medal insertion signal, each processing of the steps Sd10 to Sd12 is performed, and in a state where the error execution flag is not set, the processing of the step Sd12 is performed. Processing will be performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sd12 that the error execution flag is not set, a medal insertion signal process is performed (Sd13). In the medal insertion signal processing, the medal insertion state is determined based on the transition of the medal insertion signal. When normal insertion of medals is detected, medals are accepted for bet setting and credits, and the medal insertion signal processing ends. On the other hand, when abnormal medal insertion is detected, an error code (E5) is prepared and error processing is performed. After that, the error state is released and the error processing is ended, thereby finishing the medal insertion signal processing.

  After performing the medal insertion signal processing in step Sd13, the operation of various switches is enabled, and the operation of the switch whose operation is enabled is performed, so that the operation input receiving processing for receiving the operation by the switch is performed. Perform (Sd14).

  In the operation input receiving process, when the medal is not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal and the credit set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is 1 or more, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is received. Activate. When the medal is not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal and the bet number set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is a specified number, acceptance of the operation by the start switch 7 is enabled. In addition, when medals are not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal, acceptance of operations by the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 is enabled.

  In the operation input receiving process, when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected while the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, a start flag indicating that the start switch 7 has been operated is set in a predetermined register. Thereafter, a process of switching the flow path of medals to the medal payout port 9 side by turning off the flow path switching solenoid 30 is performed. When the operation of the setting key switch 37 is detected in a state where the operation of the setting key switch 37 is valid, a setting value display process of displaying the setting value on the setting value display 24 is performed. In addition, when the operation by the settlement switch 10 is detected in a state where the operation by the settlement switch 10 is valid, a settlement process for returning the medal stored in the credit to the player is performed. When the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in a state where the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, the number of medals up to a prescribed number is set as the bet number within a possible range based on the credit, and the bet amount is set. A process of subtracting the set number of medals from the credit is performed. After performing a process corresponding to the switches for which the operation has been detected, the operation input reception process is terminated.

  Here, for example, when the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are simultaneously operated, the following processing is performed. Of the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37, the setting key switch 37 has a higher processing priority. Therefore, it is first determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is ON, and if the setting key switch 37 is ON, the mode shifts to the setting change state. If the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, it is determined whether or not the payment switch 10 is in the ON state. If the payment switch 10 is in the ON state, the payment processing is performed.

  It is assumed that when the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are simultaneously operated, the state shifts to the setting change state, and the setting change state ends. When the setting change state ends, if the settlement switch 10 is still in the ON state, the settlement processing is performed. If the settlement switch 10 is in the OFF state when the setting change state ends, the settlement process is not performed.

  Further, a processing method other than the above is also conceivable. For example, it may be determined whether the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are ON at the same time, and if both are ON, both processes may not be performed. In this case, the process waits for one of them to be in the ON state, and performs processing for the one that has been turned to the ON state. However, it is possible to simplify the processing by performing the processing with the higher priority order as described above, rather than performing the processing of determining whether or not the ON state is at the same time.

  After performing the operation input accepting process in step Sd14, it is determined whether a valid operation by the start switch 7 is detected based on the start flag (Sd15). If the start flag is not set in the predetermined register and it is determined that a valid operation by the start switch 7 has not been detected, the process returns to step Sd10, and Sd10 is repeated until a valid operation by the start switch 7 is detected. To Sd15 are repeated.

  In step Sd16, if a start flag is set in a predetermined register and it is determined that a valid operation by the start switch 7 has been detected, a random number value for internal lottery is obtained from the random number circuit 42 and the Set to a predetermined area. Thereafter, medal insertion state data that can specify the set bet amount is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sd17), the start valid LED 18 is set to an OFF state (light-out state) (Sd18), and a medal maintenance permission flag is set. A predetermined area of the RAM 41c is cleared (Sd19), the display of the number of payouts on the game auxiliary display 12 is controlled to be cleared (Sd20), and the game start waiting process is ended.

[Input / output error check processing]
The control content of the input / output error check process performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control content of the input / output error check process performed by the main control unit. The pay-in / pay-out error check process is a subroutine included in the game program and called in the main process and the game start waiting process included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the input / output error check processing, first, in step Se1, a sensor error flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is acquired. The sensor error flag includes a payout error flag and a loading error flag. When one of the payout error flag and the insertion error flag is set to ON, the sensor error flag is turned ON. When both the payout error flag and the insertion error flag are set to OFF, the sensor error flag is turned off.

  The payout error flag is a flag indicating that an abnormal transition of the signal (medal payout signal) of the payout sensor 34c (medal payout error) is detected. The insertion error flag is a flag indicating that a transition abnormality (medal insertion error) of the signal (medal insertion signal) of the inserted medal sensor 31 has been detected.

  If the acquired sensor error flag is set to ON (YES in Se2), the process proceeds to Se3. On the other hand, when the acquired sensor error flag is set to OFF (No in Se2), the process proceeds to Se16.

  In step Se3, first, an error code (E5) indicating that a medal insertion error has been detected is set in a predetermined register. If the payout error flag is OFF in step Se4, the process proceeds to Se6. On the other hand, if the payout error flag is ON in step Se4, an error code (E4) indicating that a medal payout error has been detected is set in a predetermined register, and the process proceeds to Se6. That is, if a medal payout error is detected, the error code (E4) is set in a predetermined register, and if a medal insertion error is detected, the error code (E5) is set in a predetermined register.

  Then, the all reel stop LED off process (Se6) is executed. The all-reel stop LED off process is a process for performing setting for turning off all stop valid LEDs that notify by lighting that the reel stop operation is valid. Then, the flow path switching solenoid OFF process (Se7) is executed. The flow path switching solenoid off processing is processing for setting to turn off the flow path switching solenoid 30. Then, an error number is set based on the error code set in the predetermined register (Se8), and error processing (Se9) is executed.

  After executing the error processing, interrupt prohibition setting is performed (Se10), and a sensor error flag is obtained from a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Se11). With respect to the acquired error flag, the payout error or the insertion error released by the error processing is released and updated (Se12), and stored in a predetermined area of the updated sensor error flag RAM 41c (Se13).

  Next, in step Se14, interrupt permission setting is performed, an error execution flag indicating that error processing has been executed is set to the ON state (Se15), and the input / output error check processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the acquired sensor error flag is set to OFF (No in Se2), in step Se16, the error execution flag is set to the OFF state, and the input / output error check process ends.

[Error processing]
The control content of the error processing performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control contents of error processing performed by the main control unit. Note that the error process is a subroutine included in the game program and called in the main process and the input / output error check process included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the error processing, first, an error number (error code) set before the error processing is executed is stored. For example, when the error process is called from the input / output error check process, the error code of E4 or E5 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as an error flag that can be referred to in other processes.

  In step Sf2, an error start command transmission process for transmitting an error command capable of specifying an error code is executed. In step Sf3, an error factor corresponding to the error code is acquired, and in step Sf4, an error number display process for controlling the error code to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 is performed. Thereafter, the control of the error state is performed until it is specified that the condition for canceling the error state according to the error code prepared in the predetermined register is satisfied (Sf5).

  For example, when the error code (E4) is prepared in a predetermined register and the state is shifted to the error state, as a condition for releasing the error state, the detection state of the payout sensor 34c is OFF and the reset / setting switch 38 Alternatively, the process waits until the reset switch 23 is turned on. When the error code (E5) is prepared in the register and the state is shifted to the error state, as a condition for canceling the error state, the detection states of the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c are OFF and the reset / setting switch is set. It waits until it is established that the switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is turned on.

  If the condition for canceling the error state is satisfied (YES in Sf5), the process proceeds to Sf6, and a one-interrupt wait process is performed. Then, the input buffers 1 and 2 are acquired (Sf7), and based on the acquired input buffers 1 and 2, it is determined whether the payout sensor, the inserted medal sensor, and the full tank sensor are normal (Sf8). If it is determined in Sf8 that it is normal, the process proceeds to Sf9. On the other hand, if it is determined in Sf8 that it is not normal, the process returns to Sf6, and the steps of Sf6 to Sf8 are repeated until it is determined in Sf8 that it is normal.

  In step Sf9, the ON edge state of the input buffer 0 is acquired, and the CPU waits until the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is turned on (operated) (NO in Sf10), and reset / set. When the switch 38 or the reset switch 23 enters the ON edge state (YES in Sf9), the process proceeds to Sf11.

  In step Sf11, the payout number display data is stored, the error number is cleared (Sf12), and an error release command transmission process (Sf13) is executed. In the error release command transmission processing, an error release command for releasing the error state is transmitted. In the step of Sf14, one-time interruption processing is performed, and the error processing ends.

[Reel stop control processing]
The control content of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the control content of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit. The reel stop control process is a subroutine included in the game program and called in the main process included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop control process, first, an all-reel stop LED off process for setting to turn off all the stop valid LEDs is executed (Sg1). In the step Sg2, a one-time interruption process is executed. In the one-time interrupt wait process, the process waits until the timer interrupt process (main) is performed once. In step Sg3, interrupt permission setting is performed.

  In step Sg4, the above-described pay-in / out error check process is executed. As a result, when an insertion / payout error (medal insertion error or medal payout error) has occurred (YES in Sg5), the flow returns to the step Sg2, and the processing in Sg2 to Sg5 is repeated. When the input / output error is released, the process proceeds to step Sg6. That is, in the state where the input / output error has occurred, it is not possible to proceed to the steps after Sg6.

  If no input / output error has occurred (NO in Sg5), the flow advances to step Sg6. If a reel rotation error has not occurred in step Sg6 (NO in Sg6), the flow advances to step Sg10. On the other hand, if a reel rotation error has occurred (YES in Sg6), all-reel stop LED off processing (Sg7) is executed, an error code (E6) for the reel rotation error is set, and error processing is performed. (Sg9) is executed. In the error processing, the rotation of all reels is stopped, and the game is controlled to an error state that disables the progress of the game and waits. After that, the error state is released by the reset operation, and the error processing ends. After the end of the error process, the process returns to the step Sg2, repeats the processes from Sg2 to Sg9, and if no reel rotation error has occurred, the process proceeds to the step Sg10. That is, in the state where the reel rotation error has occurred, the process cannot proceed to the steps after Sg10.

  In step Sg10, an internal winning signal output timer is obtained. If the internal winning signal output timer has become 0 in step Sg11 (YES in Sg11), the process proceeds to step Sg12, and the steps Sg10 and Sg11 are repeated until the internal output timer becomes 0 in step Sg11 (Sg11). The internal winning signal output timer is a timer that becomes 0 when a predetermined time (two seconds) has elapsed since the internal winning signal was output. Therefore, it is not possible to proceed to the next process (Sg12) until two seconds have elapsed since the internal winning signal was output.

  Before the step Sg10, a process for invalidating the stop switch during the reel stop control may be performed. For example, when the stop control of a certain reel is started, a process of waiting for a maximum stop delay time (190 ms) until the rotation of the reel is stopped may be performed. However, in the present embodiment, since such processing is not performed, as will be described later, when a plurality of stop switches are operated at substantially the same time, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (Sg32 ) Can be executed, and a plurality of reels can be stopped almost simultaneously.

  In step Sg12, interrupt prohibition setting is performed. Next, a stop valid LED state address capable of specifying the state of the stop valid LED is read (Sg13), and rotation speed state data is acquired (Sg14). The rotation speed state data is information that can specify whether each reel motor under rotation control is rotating at a constant speed state. Then, based on the rotation speed state data, it is specified for each reel whether or not the rotation state of the reel under rotation control is a constant speed state, and whether all the reels under rotation control are rotating at constant speed rotation. It is determined whether or not it is (Sg15).

  If it is determined in step Sg15 that at least one of the reels is not rotating at a constant speed and all the reels under rotation control are not rotating at a constant speed, Sg1 is determined. Then, the steps Sg1 to Sg15 are repeatedly executed to wait until all the reels under rotation control are rotated at a constant speed. On the other hand, in the step Sg15, when it is determined that all the reels under rotation control are rotating at a constant speed, the acceptance of the stop operation is effective for all the reels under rotation control.

  At Sg16, the stop valid LED state data is set to OFF, and if the reel has been accelerated (YES at Sg17), a reel acceleration command transmission process (Sg18) for transmitting a reel acceleration end command is executed. move on. On the other hand, when the reel has not been accelerated (NO in Sg17), the process proceeds to Sg19 without executing the reel acceleration command transmission processing.

  Next, the payout number display data is stored (Sg19), the ON edge state of the input buffer is obtained (Sg20), and after reading the stop valid LED state address, only the valid stop switch operation state is obtained (Sg21). Then, it is determined whether an effective stop switch operation (stop operation) has been performed (Sg22). Whether or not the valid stop switch has been operated is determined based on whether any one of the stop switches has the stop valid LED in the ON state and the stop switch signal in the ON edge state.

  If it is determined in step Sg22 that the valid stop switch has not been operated, the stop valid LED state data is stored in the output buffer 2 (Sg23), and the output port 2 output process (Sg24) is performed. Then, the process returns to the step Sg2, repeatedly executes the steps Sg2 to Sg24, and waits until a valid stop switch operation is detected. Thereafter, when an operation of a valid stop switch is detected in step Sg22 (YES in Sg22), the process proceeds to step Sg25.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the control content of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit. As shown in FIG. 14, in step Sg25, a reel to be stopped is set. At that time, it is determined whether an operation of a valid stop switch has been detected in the order of the left stop switch, the middle stop switch, and the right stop switch, and a reel corresponding to the first determined stop switch is determined as a stop target. Become. That is, when there are a plurality of reels to be stopped, the left reel, the center reel, and the right reel are preferentially selected in this order. Next, interrupt permission setting is performed (Sg26), the output buffer 2 is cleared, and then output port 2 output processing (Sg27) is executed.

  Next, in step Sg28, interrupt prohibition setting is performed. Then, in step Sg29, the number of symbol steps on the reel for which the stop operation has been detected is acquired based on the symbol step number counter set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. In step Sg30, it is determined whether or not the number of symbol steps is within a determination range set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. If the number of symbol steps is within the predetermined determination range (YES in Sg30), the process proceeds to step Sg32. On the other hand, if the number of symbol steps is not within the determination range (NO in Sg30), interrupt permission setting is performed (Sg31), and the process returns to step Sg28, and the steps from Sg28 to Sg31 are repeated until the number of symbol steps falls within the predetermined determination range. repeat. When the interrupt permission is set in the step Sg31, an interrupt process is executed, and the symbol step number counter is updated in the interrupt process.

  The number of symbol steps is the number of steps corresponding to one symbol among the number of steps for one rotation of the reel motor. For example, 16 steps (or 17 steps) are assigned to one symbol. If 16 steps are assigned, the lower end of the symbol is 0 steps and the upper end is 15 steps. The symbol step number counter is a counter for counting the number of symbol steps of a symbol passing a predetermined determination position on the reel. In the case of a 16-step symbol, 0 to 15 are counted. In the present embodiment, the number of symbol steps is acquired in 11 steps, which are common steps, regardless of whether the symbol is a 16-step symbol or a 17-step symbol. That is, the determination range is only 11 steps. That is, if the number of symbol steps is other than 11, it is determined that the number is outside the determination range. The determination range is not limited to this, and the determination range may be 0 to 11 steps, or the determination range may be different between a 16-step symbol and a 17-step symbol.

  If the number of symbol steps is within the determination range (Sg30: YES), the reel stop sliding frame storing process (Step Sg32) is executed with the interrupt prohibition setting maintained. In the reel stop sliding frame storing process, the value of the symbol number counter set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is acquired, and the symbol number when the stop operation is performed (the symbol number at the time of operation) is obtained. ) Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. In the present embodiment, consecutive numbers (0 to 19) based on the symbol at the reel reference position are assigned in advance as symbol numbers to each of the 20 symbols arranged on one reel, and the symbol number counter is , A counter for counting the symbol number of the symbol located at the predetermined determination position (also referred to as the symbol number at the time of operation).

  Also, referring to the stop control table set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, the number of sliding frames corresponding to the timing at which the stop operation is performed based on the operating symbol number is specified, and the number of sliding frames is stored in the RAM 41c. Set to a predetermined area. In addition, a stop request is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c to stop the corresponding reel at a position corresponding to the number of sliding frames, that is, a symbol having a symbol number corresponding to the number of sliding frames, and the corresponding reel is decelerated. The braking control to be stopped is started.

  After executing the reel stop sliding frame number setting process in step Sg32, a reel stop receiving time command transmission process (Sg33) capable of specifying that the reel stop has been received is executed, and the slip frame number capable of specifying the sliding frame number is determined. A frame number command transmission process (Sg34) is executed, and a reel stop position command transmission process (Sg35) capable of specifying a reel stop position is executed.

  Next, after performing a mask process (Sg36) on the winning flag, a winning prediction process (Sg37) is executed. The winning prediction process executes a process corresponding to a part of the winning determination process before a symbol combination is derived. Next, a reel stop command transmission process (Sg38) capable of specifying that the reel is stopped is executed.

  Next, in step Sg39, it is determined whether or not the reel to be stopped is the final stop (third stop). If it is the final stop (YES in Sg39), the process proceeds to Sg40. On the other hand, if it is not the final stop (NO in Sg39), that is, if it is the first stop or the second stop, the process returns to Sg2 until the reel stop sliding frame number setting process is executed for all reels ( Until the final stop), the processing of Sg2 to Sg39 is repeated.

  If the original interrupt processing timing is included in the period in which the interrupt prohibition setting is performed, then the interrupt processing is executed at the timing when the interrupt permission setting is performed. Is done. For example, when the interruption permission setting is performed after the reel stop sliding frame number setting process is performed, the slip frame number and the stop control flag set in the reel stop sliding frame number setting process are set at the setting timing. Based on this, braking control for decelerating and stopping the relevant reel is started.

  If it is determined in step Sg39 that it is the final stop, the payout number display data is cleared (Sg40), and reel motor state data is obtained (Sg41). Based on the obtained reel motor state data, it is determined whether or not all the reel motors are in the OFF state (Sg42). If all the reel motors are not in the OFF state (NO in Sg42), the process stands by until all the reel motors are in the OFF state. When all the reel motors are turned off (YES in Sg42), the process proceeds to Sg43. The reel motor state data is data that can specify the output state of the first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signals and the flow path switching solenoid signal.

  In step Sg43, an input / output error check process is executed. In step Sg44, the input buffer 0 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the stop switch is pressed (that is, the ON state continues) (Sg45). When the stop switch is in the pressed state (YES in Sg45), the processing in Sg43 to Sg45 is repeated until the pressed state of the stop switch is released, and when the pressed state of the stop switch is released (NO in Sg45). Ends the reel stop control processing.

[Setting process at the end of the game]
The control content of the setting process at the end of the game performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control content of the setting process at the time of the end of the game performed by the main control unit. Note that the setting process at the end of the game is a subroutine included in the game program and called in the main process included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the setting process at the end of the game, first, a winning flag is obtained (Sh1). The winning flag is set when a winning occurs, and is a flag capable of specifying the type of winning. Next, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred based on the winning flag (Sh2). If a replay win has occurred (YES in Sh2), the process proceeds to Sh3, and if a replay win has not occurred (NO in Sh2), the process proceeds to Sh8.

  If the replay winning has occurred (Yes in Sh2), the number of BETs (3 in the present embodiment) is obtained (Sh3), and the obtained number of BETs is stored in the replay counter (Sh4). Then, the acquired BET number is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5).

  In step Sh6, a replay flag that can specify that replay is in progress is set to ON. Then, in the step of Sh7, a process of controlling the LED 20 during replay to the ON state (lighting state) is executed, and the process proceeds to Sh10.

  On the other hand, if no replay winning has occurred (No in Sh2), the replay flag is set to OFF (Sh8). Then, in the step of Sh9, a process of controlling the LED 20 to be in the OFF state (light-out state) during the replay is executed, and the process proceeds to Sh10.

  In step Sh10, a bonus-related process is executed. In the bonus-related process, a setting process for controlling a gaming state to a bonus is performed at the start of a bonus, and a process for transmitting a bonus command is performed at the end of the bonus.

[Timer interrupt processing (main)]
The control content of the timer interrupt processing (main) performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of the timer interrupt processing (main) performed by the main control unit. The timer interrupt processing (main) is a subroutine included in the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the timer interrupt processing (main), first, after all front and rear registers are exchanged (Si1), interrupts are set to be disabled (Si2) and set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. The value of the low voltage state counter is acquired (Si3). Then, referring to the input port to which the voltage drop signal is input from the power interruption detection circuit 48 (Si4), it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal is input (Si5). When the voltage drop signal is input, the voltage drop state counter determines whether or not the voltage drop state counter has reached a predetermined upper limit value (4 in this embodiment) (Si6). When the value has reached the value, the power interruption processing (main) is performed (Si7).

  In the power interruption processing (main), all the front registers and the back registers are exchanged, and the values of all the registers provided in the main control unit 41 are saved by storing them in a predetermined order in the game stack area of the game RAM area. Then, the current address of the game stack area indicated by the stack pointer SP is saved in a predetermined area of the game RAM area to be saved. The predetermined area of the game RAM area including the game stack area of the game RAM area where the main control unit 41 stores the value of the register and the predetermined area of the game RAM area where the value of the address indicated by the stack pointer SP is stored is backed up. The power is backed up, and even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, the stored contents of the game RAM area are preserved as long as the power is supplied by the backup power supply.

  By initializing each output port, the driving of the hopper motor 34b and the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, and the output of control signals to various switches is stopped. Then, the parity adjustment data of the RAM 41c is calculated so that the exclusive OR of all the storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c becomes 0, and the parity adjustment data is stored in the RAM 41c. A predetermined area is set, access to the RAM 41c is set to be prohibited, and a loop process is started. In the loop processing, the apparatus stands by while monitoring the output state of the voltage drop signal. In this state, when the voltage drop signal is no longer input, the recovery of the voltage is determined, and the program is started from the startup processing (main). On the other hand, if the voltage drops while the voltage drop signal is input, the operation is stopped internally.

  When the power supply of 100 V AC is stopped by the above processing, the power interruption processing (main) is executed, the value of the register before the power interruption is saved in the game stack area of the game RAM area, and the game is stopped. Since the contents of a predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c including the stack area are also maintained by supplying the backup power, the startup processing (main) executed when the power supply to the slot machine 1 is restarted. , It is possible to return to the control state before the power interruption. Further, it is possible to specify whether or not the stop operation was effective in the control state before the power interruption.

  Next, when it is determined in the step of Si5 that the voltage drop signal has not been input, and when it is determined in the step of Si6 that the voltage drop state counter has not reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to the step of Si8 and the voltage drop is performed. Update the status counter. When proceeding from the step of Si5 to the step of Si8, the current value is maintained by adding 0 to the voltage drop state counter, while when proceeding from the step of Si5 to the step of Si8, the voltage is reduced. Update to add 1 to the drop state counter.

  Then, the detection state of various switches is input from the input port, and port input processing for generating input data, fixed data, and edge data (ON edge data and OFF edge data) is performed (Si9). After that, the value of the flag register in which the operation result is stored among the registers provided in the main control unit 41 is saved by storing the value in the game stack area of the game RAM area in a predetermined order (Si10). (Si11). Thereafter, the value of the flag register evacuated to the game stack area in the step of Si10 is sequentially read from the game stack area in the reverse order to the time of evacuation and set in the flag register, so that the non-game related processing is performed. The flag register is returned to the state (Si12).

  In the non-game-related processing, first, the value of the current address of the game stack area indicated by the stack pointer SP used by the calling game program is stored and saved in a predetermined area of the non-game RAM area. After that, the value of the stack pointer SP is stored in the predetermined area of the non-gaming RAM area as the address indicated by the stack pointer SP for the non-gaming program when the previous non-gaming program ends. ), The stack pointer SP is set for the non-game program. Then, the values of all the registers included in the main control unit 41 including the above-mentioned flag register are saved by storing them in a predetermined order in the non-game stack area of the non-game RAM area specified by the stack pointer SP. Thereafter, sensor monitoring processing for detecting an abnormality related to the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c and payout sensor 34c, a test signal output processing for outputting a test signal generated in association with a game result, and various timers used by the non-game program are updated. A non-game-related timer update process and a role ratio monitor output data selection process for selecting output data to be displayed on the role ratio monitor are sequentially performed. In the sensor monitoring process, when an abnormality relating to the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c or the payout sensor 34c is detected, sensor error reference data capable of specifying the type of the detected abnormality is stored in a predetermined area of the non-game RAM area of the RAM 41c. To be set. Then, the value of the register stored and saved in the non-game stack area when the non-game-related processing is started is sequentially read from the non-game stack area in the reverse order to the time of saving to correspond to the order. By setting the registers, all registers are returned to the state when the non-game-related processing was started. Thereafter, by setting the value of the stack pointer SP evacuated to a predetermined area of the non-game RAM area when the non-game-related processing is started, the stack pointer SP is set to the state at the time of starting the non-game-related processing. The pointer SP is returned, and the non-game-related processing ends.

  After returning the flag register in the step of Si12, the sensor error reference data set in the non-game-related processing in the step of Si11 is referred to (Si13), and the setting is performed by the non-game-related processing in the current timer interrupt. The logical sum of the sensor error reference data and the sensor error reference data set by the non-game related processing in the previous timer interrupt is calculated (Si14). Then, a sensor error flag which is set in a predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c and can specify whether or not an abnormality relating to the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c or the payout sensor 34c is detected is calculated in step S14. Update based on logical sum. If it is specified that an abnormality has been detected based on the sensor error reference data by performing the steps of Si13 to Si15, it is determined whether or not the sensor error flag indicates a state in which the abnormality is detected. Regardless of this, the sensor error flag is updated to indicate that the abnormality has been detected. On the other hand, when it is determined that no abnormality is detected based on the sensor error reference data, the state of the sensor error flag is maintained. That is, when it is determined that an abnormality has been detected based on the sensor error reference data, while the content of the sensor error reference data is reflected in the sensor error flag, the abnormality is detected based on the sensor error reference data. If it is specified that the error has not been performed or that the abnormality has been cleared, the contents of the sensor error reference data are not reflected on the sensor error flag.

  After updating the sensor error flag in the step of Si15, the register of the watchdog timer (WDT) provided inside the main control unit 41 is cleared (Si16). Thereafter, the value of a branch counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c for branching the processing included in the timer interrupt is read into a predetermined register, and is updated by adding a predetermined value (1 in this embodiment). Then, the updated value is set as the value of the branch counter in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Si17). In the process of updating the branch counter, if the branch counter is 0 to 2, 1 is added, and if the branch counter is 3, the counter is initialized and returned to 0, so that the branch counter is updated in the range of 0 to 3. Update. That is, the value of the branch counter loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0... Every time the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed. The value of the branch counter is referred to in each processing executed in the timer interrupt processing (main). For example, when the branch counter reaches a predetermined value, a predetermined control is executed. Will be branched.

  After updating the branch counter in the step of Si17, it is determined whether or not the branch counter is 4 (Si18). If the branch counter is 4, the branch counter is 4 Is a counter update process (Sj19) for updating various timers set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, a display such as various LEDs connected to the output port (credit display 11, gaming auxiliary display 12, 1). 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16, input request LED 17, start valid LED 18, waiting LED 19, replaying LED 20, etc.) and set and transmit a lighting signal for dynamically lighting according to the setting of each processing such as the main processing. To perform the LED dynamic display process (Si20).

  When it is determined that the branching counter is not 4 in the step of Si18, and after performing the LED dynamic display process in the step of Si20, a medal insertion signal indicating that a medal has been inserted or a medal payout among the external output signals. The output setting of the medal payout signal indicating that the slot machine 1 is to be performed is updated, and the input / output signal transmission processing (Si21) is transmitted to the outside of the slot machine 1. The security signal (door open signal, setting change signal, The output setting of the input error signal and the output error signal) is updated, and a security signal transmission process (Si22) for transmitting the security signal to the outside of the slot machine 1 is performed.

  Next, after performing output port 3 output processing for transmitting an external output signal (Si23), command transmission processing for transmitting various commands such as a door command and an operation end command set in the command queue (Si24). Are sequentially performed. Thereafter, a reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of the reels by setting the excitation pattern of each of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R according to the progress of the game and the like is performed (Si25). And an output port 2 for transmitting a MAXBETLED signal (Si26), and an output port 7 for transmitting information relating to the game state as an external output signal (Si27).

  Next, reel motor output data is created (Si28). The reel motor output data is 2-byte data for outputting a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal to the output ports 0 and 1. Based on the reel motor output data, an output process for output ports 0 and 1 (Si29) for outputting a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal is performed, and the created reel motor output data is stored as reel motor state data.

  Then, all front and rear registers are exchanged (Si30), interrupt permission setting is performed (Si31), the timer interrupt processing (main) is terminated, and the timer interrupt processing (main) is started. Is returned to the main processing at the time of the occurrence.

[Stop setting in reel stop control processing]
Next, the stop setting (reel stop sliding frame storage processing) in the reel stop control processing described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 will be specifically described with reference to timing charts shown in FIGS. FIG. 17 illustrates a situation when the left stop switch is operated. FIG. 18 illustrates a situation in which the left stop switch and the middle top switch are operated with a one-shot delay. FIG. 19 illustrates a situation when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed.

  First, a process when the left stop switch is operated will be described. FIG. 17 is a timing chart (part 1) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control processing. In the description of FIG. 17, it is assumed that all reels are rotating at a constant speed, and none of the stop switches is operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are illustrated.

  As described above, the port input process (Sj9) is executed in the interrupt process (timer interrupt process (main)). Thus, when a stop switch (left, middle, right stop switch) is operated, a stop switch signal (left, middle, right stop switch signal) is input to the input port 0, and these are input to the port input buffer 0. The signal detection state is stored.

  The port input buffer 0 stores stop switch signal data detected in the current interrupt processing, ON edge data of the stop switch signal, and the like. The ON edge data of the stop switch signal is data indicating that the current input is in the ON state (the ON edge is detected) while the previous input is in the OFF state.

  For example, if the left stop switch signal is input in the OFF state in the previous interrupt processing and the left stop switch signal is input in the ON state in the current interrupt processing, the left stop switch signal is input in the current interrupt processing. The ON edge is detected, and ON edge data of the left stop switch signal is stored in the port input buffer 0.

  Before t1 in FIG. 17, all the reels are rotating at a constant speed, and thus the stop control process is executed in the main process. Then, in the one-time interrupt processing (Sg2), the apparatus enters a standby state and waits for execution of the interrupt processing.

  It is assumed that the execution of the interrupt processing is started at t1. At t2, a boat input process is executed to determine whether or not an ON edge of the stop switch has occurred. At t2, none of the stop switches is operated. Therefore, in the input determination, the ON edge of any of the stop switches is not detected.

  When the interrupt processing is completed, at t3, the reel stop control processing in the main processing is restarted. Since no ON edge was detected in the most recent interrupt processing, it is determined in the reel stop control processing that the valid stop switch has not been operated (NO in Sg22), and the control waits once in step Sg2. The processing is executed.

  It is assumed that the left stop switch is operated at t4. Then, it is assumed that the interrupt process is executed at t5. The interrupt process executed at t5 is the interrupt process next to the interrupt process executed at t1. In the present embodiment, since the interrupt processing is executed every 0.56 ms, the interval between t1 and t5 is 0.56 ms.

  At t6, a boat input process is executed to determine whether or not an ON edge of the stop switch has occurred. In the input determination, the ON edge of the left stop switch is detected based on the operation of the left stop switch at t4.

  When the interrupt processing is completed, at t7, the reel stop control processing in the main processing is restarted. In the interrupt processing, since the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, in the main processing after the interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing for setting the stop position of the left reel ( Sg32). Here, the reel stop sliding frame storing process for setting the stop position of the left reel is also referred to as “reel stopping sliding frame storing process (left)”, and the reel stopping sliding frame storing process for setting the stop position of the middle reel is performed. Is also referred to as “reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle)”, and the reel stop sliding frame storage processing for setting the stop position of the right reel is also referred to as “reel stop sliding frame storage processing (right)”.

  Then, after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed (interruption prohibition setting is performed in Sg28). Has been). After the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is completed, the stop of the left reel is not the final stop, so the flow returns to Sg2, and the processing of waiting for one interruption is performed. Thereby, at t8, the interrupt processing can be executed.

  Then, it is assumed that the interrupt process is executed at t9. In the input determination at t10, the ON edge of the left stop switch is not detected because the left stop switch is pressed (the ON state is continued). Further, since the middle / right stop switch is not operated, the ON edge of the middle / right stop switch is not detected.

  Then, in the reel stop control process that is restarted after the interrupt process is completed and the process returns to the main process at t11, since the ON edge of the stop switch signal is not detected (NO in Sg22), the process returns to Sg2. One wait processing is performed. Then, an interrupt process is executed at t12. Thereafter, the process is repeated until the ON edge of the stop switch signal is detected, and the process waits until the ON edge of the stop switch signal is detected. In the example of FIG. 17, since no new stop switch operation is performed, the processing from t12 to t15 and the processing from t15 to t18 are the same as the processing from t9 to t12.

  Next, processing when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are operated with a shift of one interrupt will be described. FIG. 18 is a timing chart (part 2) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control processing. Also in the description of FIG. 18, it is assumed that all the reels are rotating at a constant speed, and none of the stop switches is operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are shown, and the description of the parts common to FIG. 17 is omitted.

  The situation from t1 to t7 in FIG. 18 is the same as the situation from t1 to t7 in FIG. That is, when the left stop switch is operated at t4, the ON edge of the left stop switch is detected in the input determination at t6, whereby the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed in the reel stop control process. At the same time, the interrupt is prohibited. After the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is completed, an interrupt process can be executed at t9.

  In FIG. 18, unlike the situation of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the middle stop switch is operated at t8. When a new interrupt process is executed at t10, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is detected at t11. The ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected as being shifted by one interrupt from the ON edge of the left stop switch signal. Since the left stop switch continues to be pressed, the ON edge of the left stop switch is not detected, and the ON edge of the middle stop switch is not detected because the middle stop switch is not operated.

  At t12, after returning to the main process, the reel stop control process is restarted. After the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred in the main process after the new interrupt process (Sg6). If a reel rotation error has occurred, an error process (Sg9) is executed.

  When a reel rotation error occurs, the error processing cannot be terminated unless the error state is released. Therefore, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (medium) cannot be executed based on the new interrupt process. When it is determined that no reel rotation error has occurred (the reel is rotating normally), it is possible to execute the reel stop sliding frame storing process (medium) based on a new interrupt process.

  If the reel is rotating normally (YES in Sg6), it is determined whether an effective stop switch has been operated (Sg22). In step Sg22, since the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected (YES in Sg22), the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) (Sg32) for setting the stop position of the middle reel is executed. . Also, during the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle), the interrupt is prohibited, and after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) is completed, the interrupt process can be executed at t13. Subsequent processing is the same as that in FIG. 17, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed. Does not execute the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch. Further, even if the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal are both detected in the interrupt process, the process related to the left stop switch is performed, and the process related to the middle stop switch is not performed (Sg25). Therefore, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) and the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) are not executed at the same time. By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed before the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) based on the operation of the left stop switch is completed. Can be prevented.

  Also, in the main processing after the new interrupt processing, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred. If a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel stop sliding frame is stored based on the new interrupt processing. If it is determined that the reel rotation error has not occurred without executing the processing (middle), the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is executed based on the new interrupt processing. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed on condition that the rotation of the reel is normal. As described above, when the reel stop sliding frame storing process for setting the reel stop position is continuously performed, the reel stop sliding frame storing process can be suitably performed.

  Further, as described above, in the predetermined interrupt processing (t5) when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected (t6), the predetermined interrupt processing is performed. In the main processing (t7) after the loading processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed. In addition, in the interrupt processing (t10) after the predetermined interrupt processing, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected (t11), the reel stop sliding is performed in the main processing (t12) after the interrupt processing. Execute frame storage processing (medium).

  As described above, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected with a deviation even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, and the reels are stopped immediately. be able to.

  In step Sg35, after completing the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left), the reel stop command transmission processing is executed. Then, in the reel stop command transmission processing, a reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel set in the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is output.

  The execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited until the setting for outputting the reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel is completed by the reel stop command transmission processing (interruption prohibition is set in Sg28). ). By doing so, the processing based on the operation of the new stop switch is not performed before the transmission of the reel stop position command is completed.

  When executing the reel stop command transmission processing, transmission processing for transmitting a plurality of commands is performed. More specifically, a reel stop reception command transmission process for transmitting a reel stop reception command (Sg33), a slip frame number command transmission process for transmitting a slip frame number command (Sg34), and a reel stop command are transmitted. To perform a reel stop command transmission (Sg38).

  Further, execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited until the setting for outputting these commands is completed (interruption prohibition is set in Sg28). As described above, it is possible to prevent an unintended command from being output due to the interrupt processing or a large transmission interval between the plurality of commands before the setting for outputting a plurality of commands is completed.

  When executing the reel stop sliding frame storage process (medium) (Sg32), the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left). I do. As described above, since the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel, the derived symbol combinations are diversified.

  In the example described above, the stop of the left reel is the first stop, and the stop of the middle reel is the second stop. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the reels may be the first stop. Alternatively, any of the reels may be in the second stop. Also, the movement described in FIG. 18 is not limited to the combination of the first stop and the second stop, and may be the combination of the second stop and the third stop.

  Further, for example, even if the stop of the middle reel is the third stop and the symbol combination is derived by stopping the middle reel, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is started and then the reel is stopped. Until the stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is completed (Sg32), execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited (interruption prohibition is set in Sg28). As described above, since no other processing is executed during the execution of the reel stop sliding frame storage processing, control for promptly stopping the reels can be performed.

  Next, processing when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed will be described. FIG. 19 is a timing chart (part 3) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control processing. Also in the description of FIG. 19, it is assumed that all the reels are rotating at a constant speed, and none of the stop switches is operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are shown, and the description of the parts common to FIG. 17 is omitted.

  In FIG. 19, unlike the situation of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously operated at t4. In this case, in the interrupt processing (t5) executed after the operation, ON edges of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal are detected (t6). In the main processing (t7) after the interruption processing, only the effective stop switch operation state is extracted (Sg21).

  When both the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal are detected, the left reel is to be stopped (Sg25). Thus, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) (Sg34) is executed. On the other hand, since the middle reel is not a stop target, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is not executed.

  In this case, also in the next interrupt processing (t10), the ON state of the middle stop switch signal is detected. However, since the ON state is detected twice consecutively, the middle stop switch signal is not detected as an ON edge. Therefore, in the main processing (t12) after the interrupt processing, the operation is not extracted as a valid stop switch operation state (Sg21), and the operation of the middle stop switch is not determined as a valid operation ( (NO at Sg22).

  However, when the left edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal are detected by a shift even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so that the reels can be stopped immediately. .

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the pressed state of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch is released at t13. Then, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed (simultaneously operated) again at t18.

  In this case, in the next interrupt processing (t19), both the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal detect the ON edge (t20). In the main processing (t21) after the interruption processing, the left reel has already been subjected to the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left), and is not extracted as a valid stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the middle reel does not execute the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle), it is extracted as an effective stop switch operation state.

  Therefore, in step Sg22, the operation of the middle stop switch is determined as a valid operation (NO in Sg22). As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is executed.

  As described above, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the predetermined interrupt processing when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the predetermined interrupt processing is performed. In the main process after the loading process, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is performed, but the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) is not performed. In this state, it is assumed that the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the subsequent interrupt processing. In this case, since the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) has already been executed, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing, while the reel stop sliding frame storage processing is performed. Do not execute (left). As described above, when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously operated, the rotating reel stops, so that the operability of the stop switch is not impaired.

  Next, unlike the example in which both the left reel and the center reel rotate as described above, an example in which the left reel stops and the center reel rotates will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed as at t4.

  In the interrupt processing (t5) in this case, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected (t6). In the main process (t7) after the interrupt process, the left reel is stopped, and is not extracted as a valid stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the middle reel is rotating, it is extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is executed.

  Next, an example in which the middle reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed as at t4.

  In the interrupt processing (t5) in this case, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected (t6). In the main processing (t7) after the interruption processing, the middle reel is stopped, and is not extracted as a valid stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the left reel is rotating, it is extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed.

  As described above, even if the ON edges of a plurality of stop switch signals are detected in the same interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storing processing of the rotating reel is executed, so that the operability is not impaired.

  Next, a process of acquiring the number of symbol steps will be described. For example, assume that the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt processing. In the main processing after the interruption processing, in step Sg29, the number of steps of the left reel is obtained. Then, when the position of the left reel is within a predetermined range of the number of steps of each symbol of the left reel (11 steps in the present embodiment) (YES in Sg30), the symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired. Then, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed based on the acquired symbol number.

  In the above processing, the processing of steps Sg28 to Sg31 is repeatedly executed until the position of the left reel is within a predetermined range in the number of steps of each symbol of the left reel. In the present embodiment, the system waits for the position of 11 steps, acquires the symbol number when the position of 11 steps is reached, and executes the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) based on the acquired symbol number. Will run. Even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected during this time, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is not accepted. By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storing process can be executed at the position of 11 steps.

  In addition, when the start switch 7 is operated and the internal lottery process (Sc7) is executed, a process for outputting an internal winning signal is executed in the winning information output process (Sc10). The internal winning signal is output for a predetermined time (2 seconds in the present embodiment). That is, the internal winning signal is controlled to be output for 2 seconds based on the operation of the start switch 7.

  During the output of the internal winning signal, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are not activated. More specifically, in the reel stop control process, the internal winning signal output timer is acquired (Sg10), and the next process is performed until the internal winning signal output timer becomes 0 (that is, until 2 seconds elapse) in step Sg11. I can't go. For this reason, even if the stop switch is operated, it is not determined whether or not there is a valid stop switch operation (Sg22).

  If two seconds have elapsed since the internal winning signal was output, the internal winning signal output timer becomes 0 (YES in Sg11), and the process can proceed to the next processing. This makes it possible to determine whether or not there is a valid stop switch operation (Sg22). If the ON edge of the stop switch is detected, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (Sg32) can be executed. become able to. That is, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated on condition that two seconds have elapsed since the output of the internal winning signal. By doing so, the reels can be stopped after the content of the internal winning signal can be confirmed in the external device (test device).

  Next, the output of the reel motor signal will be described. The reel is driven by outputting a reel motor signal (first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signals) to the reel motor. Thereby, the rotation of the reel can be started or the reel can be stopped.

  In the reel stop control process, when the reel stop sliding frame storing process (Sg32) has been executed for all the reels, that is, when it is determined that the final stop is performed in step Sg39 (YES in Sg39), the reel is stopped. The reel motor state based on the motor signal is acquired (Sg41).

  Then, based on the acquired reel motor state data, it is determined whether all the reel motors are in the OFF state (Sg42). That is, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped based on determining whether or not a reel motor signal has been output to the reel motor. This makes it possible to determine that the reel has stopped based on the output state of the reel motor signal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the output port 0 and the output port 1 output a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal. Note that no signals other than these signals are output from the output port 0 and the output port 1.

  The flow path switching solenoid 30 is a solenoid of a blocker that switches the flow path of the inserted medals. The flow path switching solenoid 30 is set to the ON state in the medal insertion signal processing in the game start waiting processing. Also, based on the detection of the operation of the start switch 7 in the operation input receiving process, the state is set to the OFF state. That is, when the rotation of the reel is started based on the operation of the start switch 7, the output of the flow path switching solenoid signal is stopped. Then, during the reel stop control processing, the output of the flow path switching solenoid signal is always stopped.

  For this reason, in the process (Sg42) of determining whether all the reel motors are in the OFF state, the flow path switching solenoid signal is always in the OFF state. As described above, only the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal are output from the output port 0 and the output port 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined that all the reel motors are in the OFF state based on the reel motor state data set based on the output states of the output port 0 and the output port 1 (YES in Sg42). To do.

  Specifically, the reel motor state data is 2-byte data (16-bit data) corresponding to the output state of the first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signals and the flow path switching solenoid signal. When any of these signals is being output, the corresponding bit becomes 1. Conversely, when none of the signals are output, all the bits become 0, and the reel motor state data becomes 0. That is, when all the reel motors are in the OFF state, the bits corresponding to all the reel motor signals become 0, and the bits corresponding to the flow path switching solenoid signal also become 0. As a result, the reel motor state data becomes 0. become.

  Therefore, in the determination of step Sg42, when the reel motor state data is 0, it is determined that all the reel motors are in the OFF state (YES in Sg42). A process is performed in which it is not determined that the reel motor is in the OFF state (NO in Sg42). As described above, it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on determining whether or not a signal is being output from the output ports 0 and 1.

  For example, when the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 include an ON state signal in the determination of Sg42, the first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signal states are changed one by one. It is necessary to determine whether or not these data are all 0 when acquired. However, if the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 are all in the OFF state as described above, it is determined whether the reel motor state data generated based on the output state of the output ports 0 and 1 is 0. By determining whether or not all reels have stopped, it can be determined whether or not all reels have stopped. By arranging the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 in this manner, the empty ports can be appropriately handled, but does not hinder the determination as to whether or not all the reels have stopped.

[Output processing of payout signal]
The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment outputs an external output signal indicating a gaming state, an error occurrence state, and the like. These external output signals are output from the game control board 40 under the control of the main control unit 41, and output to external devices such as a hall computer and a data display terminal installed corresponding to the slot machine 1. .

  However, an external device such as an old hall computer requires a relatively long time to detect an external output signal. In order to ensure that such an external device can detect an external output signal, a signal is output for a predetermined time or more. For example, the output time of the payout signal and the input signal is at least 50 ms as described later. When a replay winning occurs, the payout signal is output for 250 ms.

  For example, if the start operation of the next game is not validated while the payout signal is being output after the replay winning has occurred, the player will have to wait 250 ms until the next game starts. During this time, even if the start operation is performed, the game is not started, so that the player may feel uncomfortable. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when a replay winning occurs, the start operation is enabled in the game following the game in which the replay winning occurred, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning has been completed. It was made to be. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram (part 1) for describing the payout signal output process. When a replay winning occurs, a payout signal is transmitted based on the replay winning. In addition, the number of bets (the number of bets) is automatically set in the next game based on the replay winning (automatic bet). As a result, the next game can be played without consuming a new medal for setting the bet amount. Further, an input signal is transmitted based on the set number of BETs.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the main processing, a plurality of interrupt waiting processing (Sc5), a game start waiting processing (Sc6), a reel stop control processing (Sc19), a game end setting processing (Sc34), and the like are executed. Is done. When the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed, an input / output signal transmission processing (Si21), an output port 3 output processing (Si23), and the like are executed.

  When a replay winning occurs, in the setting process at the end of the game, numerical data corresponding to the number of BETs set in the game is obtained (Sh3), and the numerical data corresponding to the obtained number of BETs is stored in the replay counter. At the same time as storing (Sh4), the acquired BET number is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5).

  In the present embodiment, since the BET number is “3”, “3” is stored in the replay counter and the payout signal counter. The replay counter is a counter used for determining whether or not there is a replay winning in the game start waiting process. Therefore, in the game start waiting process, the number of BETs may be acquired again and the replay counter may be set. However, as described above, if the replay counter and the payout signal counter are set at the same time in the setting process at the end of the game, the processing load can be reduced, and the number of medals can be set efficiently.

  After the end of the setting process at the end of the game, the process returns to the main process and shifts to the next game. Then, the interrupt process is executed by executing the interrupt multiple times waiting process (Sc5). In the interrupt processing, a payout signal is output. That is, in the setting process at the time of the end of the game, it is possible to specify that the number of payouts is “3” by executing the interrupt process after “3” is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5). A payout signal is output.

  Specifically, in the interrupt process, a pay-in / pay-out signal transmission process (Si21) is executed. Then, in the input / output signal transmission process, an output signal generation process (Sj3) is executed. In the payout signal generation processing, payout signal data is created based on the payout signal counter. Then, in the output port 3 output process (Si23), the output of the payout signal is started based on the payout signal data.

  After the output of the payout signal is started by the interrupt process, a game start waiting process (Sc6) is executed. In the game start waiting process, a replay counter is obtained (Sd5). As described above, in a state where a replay winning has occurred in the previous game and “3” is stored in the replay counter, “3” is stored in the replay counter. Thus, in step Sd7, it is determined that the replay counter value is greater than 0 (YES in Sd7), and the medal insertion execution process (Sd8) is executed. In the medal insertion execution processing, the bet amount is set to “3” based on the value of the replay counter.

  As described above, the setting of the bet amount is executed after the output of the payout signal is started. By doing so, the progress of the game is not hindered by promptly outputting the payout signal, which is information output to the outside, which takes a long time to transmit.

  In the above-mentioned game start waiting process, when an interrupt process is executed after "3" is stored in the number of BETs (Sd8), an insertion signal capable of specifying that the inserted number is "3" can be output. Becomes However, the input signal cannot be output while the payout signal is being output. The reason is that the following processing is executed.

  When the interrupt processing is executed, an input / output signal transmission processing (Si21) is executed. In the input / output signal transmission process, when the output signal is being transmitted (when the output pulse is in operation (YES in Sj1)), the input signal generation process (Sj2) is not executed. On the other hand, when the payout signal is not being transmitted (Sj1 is NO), the input signal generation processing (Sj2) is executed. When the closing signal generation processing (Sj2) is executed, the closing signal can be output in the output port 3 output processing (Si23). As described above, the input signal cannot be output during the output of the payout signal, and the input signal can be output when the output signal is not output.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 2) for describing the payout signal output process. FIG. 21A is a diagram for explaining changes in the bet number at the time of winning a replay, and changes in the values of a replay counter and a payout signal counter. As shown in FIG. 21A, when the game is started by the start operation, “3” is set as the BET number. When a replay prize is generated, as described with reference to FIG. 20, in steps Sh3 to Sh5 of the setting process at the end of the game, “3” set as the BET number is stored in the replay counter and the payout counter. .

  Further, the BET number set based on the replay counter is always “3” in the present embodiment. Therefore, for example, the replay counter may be a flag that sets ON when a BET is placed and sets OFF when a BET is not placed. However, in the present embodiment, the replay counter is set as 1-byte data capable of setting 0 to 255 (00H to FFH). By doing so, for example, even if the specification of the software of the slot machine is changed and the number of BETs set by the replay winning becomes "2" or any other value, it is possible to cope with the specification change. Becomes easier.

  FIG. 21B is a diagram for explaining an area for storing a payout signal counter in the game RAM area. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the game RAM area has the areas A to D. Among them, the areas C and D (initialization target areas at the time of bonus end) are initialized at the end of the bonus (Sc38, Sc2). The area D (initialization target area at the end of the game) is initialized each time one game ends (Sc36, Sc2).

  In the present embodiment, the payout signal counter is stored in the area A of the gaming RAM. The area A is an area that is not initialized by any of the processing of initializing the area D of the gaming RAM at the end of the game and the processing of initializing the areas C and D of the gaming RAM at the end of the bonus.

  If the payout signal counter is stored in the area C or the area D, the payout signal counter is cleared by clearing the areas C and D of the game RAM after the bonus ends (YES in Sc37) (Sc2). There is a risk of being done. Therefore, by setting the payout signal counter in the area A, it is possible to prevent the output of the payout signal from being stopped unintentionally due to the initialization processing of the gaming RAM.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 3) for describing the payout signal output process. The period during which the payout signal is output is determined to be constant according to the number of medals paid out (the value of the payout signal counter). When the number of payouts is 1, a pulse signal having an output time of 50 ms is output once as a payout signal. When the number of payouts is two or more, a period during which no signal is output (signal OFF state) is provided between the pulse signals for 50 ms.

  For example, when a replay winning occurs, the value of the payout signal counter is 3, so that the payout signal output is a 50 ms pulse signal output (signal ON state), a 50 ms signal OFF state, and a 50 ms pulse signal output. (Signal ON state), 50 ms signal OFF state, and 50 ms pulse signal output (signal ON state) (total 250 ms). That is, when a replay winning occurs, it takes 250 ms from the start of the output of the payout signal to the completion of the output of the signal.

  On the other hand, the period during which the input signal is output is determined to be constant according to the number of BETs. Similarly to the payout signal, when the number of BETs is 1, the input signal outputs once a pulse signal having an output time of 50 ms as the input signal. When the BET number is 2 or more, a period during which no signal is output (signal OFF state) is provided between the pulse signals for 50 ms. For example, when a replay winning occurs, the BET number is set to 3 by automatic BET. As a result, similarly to the above, three pulse signals are output as the closing signal, and it takes 250 ms from the start of the output of the closing signal to the completion of the output of the signal. Hereinafter, the output state of the signal will be specifically described with reference to a timing chart.

  FIG. 22A is a timing chart showing the output state of the payout signal and the insertion signal when a replay winning is generated. As shown in FIG. 22A, it is assumed that a replay winning has occurred at t1. The output of the payout signal is started based on the occurrence of the replay winning. Further, when a replay winning occurs, the start operation is validated in the game following the game in which the replay winning has occurred, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning has been completed.

  Here, if a replay occurs, it is assumed that the start operation in the next game is enabled after the completion of the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning. For example, it is assumed that, in the setting process at the time of the end of the game described with reference to FIG. In this case, even though the replay has been won, the game does not start even if the start operation is performed for 250 ms, and the player may feel uncomfortable. However, since the start operation is immediately activated after the replay winning as in the present embodiment, the progress of the game can be promptly advanced without causing the player to feel stress.

  Next, it is assumed that the output of the payout signal is completed at t2 when 250 ms has elapsed from t1. Then, it is assumed that a start operation is performed at t3. Thus, the output of the input signal is started, and the output of the input signal is completed at t4 when 250 ms has elapsed.

  FIG. 22B is a timing chart illustrating a case where a start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed. As shown in FIG. 22A, it is assumed that a replay winning has occurred at t1. The output of the payout signal is started based on the occurrence of the replay winning. In addition, a start operation in the next game is activated. Here, unlike the situation of FIG. 22A, in FIG. 22B, it is assumed that the start operation is performed at t2 before the output of the payout signal is completed.

  As described above, the input signal is output based on the start operation, and if the start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed, the output of the input signal is performed after the output of the payout signal is completed (t3). To start. Then, at t4 when 250 ms has elapsed from t3, the output of the closing signal is completed. In this way, by delaying the output of the input signal, the output timing of the input signal and the output signal of the output signal do not overlap. Therefore, by confirming the signal received by the external device, the processing order of the process executed by the main CPU 41a is specified. It will be easier.

  On the other hand, when the payout signal at t1 is output, the payout signal is output without checking the output of the input signal. That is, when outputting the input signal, check the output state of the payout signal, output the input signal when the payout signal is not output, and when outputting the payout signal, change the output state of the input signal. The payout signal is output without confirmation.

  This is done for the following reason. When the output of the throw-in signal is started based on the start operation, the time (250 ms) until the output of the throw-in signal is finished is longer than the time until the winning is generated and the output of the payout signal is started. short. In other words, when the output of the payout signal is started, the output of the input signal has already been finished, so it is not necessary to confirm the output state of the input signal at the time of outputting the payout signal. As described above, by omitting the confirmation of the output state of the input signal, the processing load can be reduced.

  Further, during the output of the payout signal, when the transition condition is satisfied, the state is controlled to the specific state. For example, the transition condition is an occurrence of an error, and the specific state is an error state. The transition condition is a setting confirmation operation, and the specific state is a setting confirmation state.

  For example, when it is determined that an error has occurred in the input / output error check process (Sd11), an error process (Se9) is executed. Also, in the operation input receiving process (Sd14), when a setting confirmation operation is detected, the state is controlled to the setting confirmation state. In the present embodiment, when the output of the payout signal is started, a process of waiting until the output is completed is not performed. For this reason, even during the output of the payout signal, the error processing (Se9) and the operation input reception processing (Sd14) described above can be executed, and the control to the setting confirmation state and the error state can be performed.

  By doing so, the progress of the control is not hindered, and even if the error signal is controlled, the output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed. Is not transmitted to the outside.

  Also, in the setting process at the end of the game, if a replay win has occurred (YES in Sh2), the LED during replay is set to ON (Sh7), and if no replay win has occurred (NO in Sh2), During the replay, the LED is set to OFF (Sh9). The setting process at the end of the game is a process executed for each game, regardless of the game state under control (for example, the normal state, the bonus, the AT).

  In this manner, it is determined for each game whether or not a replay winning has occurred. When a replay winning has occurred, the LED during replay is turned on, and when no replay has occurred, the LED during replay is turned off. By doing so, it is possible to output the occurrence status of the replay winning based on the status of each game.

[Safety with regard to interrupt prohibition]
Next, the security of the interrupt prohibition will be described. In the present embodiment, the interrupt processing can be executed during the execution of the main processing. The data stored in the RAM 41c includes data that is updated in the main process and also updated in the interrupt process. For example, when such data is acquired from the RAM 41c in the main process and the data is to be updated, the data may be updated by executing an interrupt process. As described above, data is updated by an unintended interrupt process, and data may be inconsistent.

  For this reason, when such data is updated in the main process, an interrupt prohibition setting is performed so that the data is not updated by the interrupt process. By performing the interrupt prohibition setting in this manner, data security is ensured. However, in the software development of a slot machine, when the specification of a program is changed, the following problem may occur.

  For example, in a case where another subroutine is called by a call instruction (CALL instruction) in a certain subroutine, the place where each subroutine is described may be far from the program. In such a case, there is a case where interrupt prohibition is set in a subroutine of a call destination, and immediately after returning to a subroutine of a call source by a return instruction, a process of acquiring data that can be updated by the interrupt process is performed. Even if this is done, the data will not be updated by unintended interrupt processing, but it is very difficult to understand because the locations of the programs are far from each other. Also, if the subroutine of the callee is deleted when the specification of the program is changed, unintended interrupt processing will occur and the data Security is not guaranteed.

  In the present embodiment, in order to improve the maintainability of the program at the time of specification change by ensuring such safety, a one-time interrupt processing is performed in the call destination program, and the interrupt is also performed in the call source program. Banning setting is performed. Hereinafter, the details will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing the safety with respect to prohibition of interrupt interruption. As shown in FIG. 23, the main process includes an input / output error check process and an error process. The error processing is called by a call instruction (CALL instruction) in the input / output error check processing, and returns to the input / output error check processing by a return instruction (RET instruction). That is, the input / output error check processing is a calling program, and the error processing is a called program. In the input / output error check process, a process of acquiring and updating a sensor error flag is performed. The sensor error flag is data that is updated in the main processing as described above and also updated in the interrupt processing.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, after starting the input / output error check process, if it is determined that an error has occurred, the error process (step Se9) is executed. The error processing is called by the CALL instruction of the input / output error check processing. In the error processing, when the error release condition is satisfied and the error is released, the error release command transmission processing (Sf13) is executed. Then, after the one-time interrupt processing (Sf14) is executed, the flow returns to the input / output error check processing by the RET instruction.

  As described above, in the error processing, the error release command is transmitted before the error processing is completed, and one interrupt is performed before returning to the input / output error check processing by the RET instruction so that the transmission of the command is completed. Processing is being performed. As a result, the next processing can be executed after the error release command has been reliably transmitted.

  Returning to the input / output error check processing, interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) is performed. With the interrupt prohibition set, the sensor error flag updating process (Se11 to Se13) is performed. When the sensor error flag updating process is completed, interrupt permission setting (Se14) is performed.

  In the process of updating the sensor error flag, the sensor error flag is obtained. Since the sensor error flag is data updated in the interrupt processing, the value of the sensor error flag may fluctuate when an unintended interrupt occurs. The reason for setting the interrupt prohibition in this way is to prevent the sensor error flag from being updated while the sensor error flag is being acquired.

  Also, in the process immediately before the interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) is performed, the one-time interrupt wait process (Sf14) is executed. Since the interrupt process is executed by the one-time interrupt wait process, immediately after the interrupt process is executed, the interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) and the sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) are executed. Will be. The time from the execution of the interrupt process to the execution of the sensor error flag update process is shorter than the time from the execution of the interrupt process to the execution of the next interrupt process. Therefore, no interruption occurs during the process of updating the sensor error flag.

  However, as described above, in addition to performing the one-time interrupt processing in the error processing, the double processing such as prohibiting the execution of the interrupt processing also in the input / output error check processing is performed, whereby an unintended interrupt is performed. Processing can be reliably prevented. Further, as described above, it is desirable to perform such a double measure in order to enhance the maintainability of the program in the software development of the slot machine. As a result, even when the program is modified, it is possible to prevent an unintended failure from occurring, and it is possible to enhance the maintainability of the program.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after returning from the error process to the input / output error check process, the sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) is executed without calling other processes by the CALL command. Thus, the process of updating the sensor error flag can be executed immediately after the end of the error process.

  In the present embodiment, the process of updating the sensor error flag is executed in the input / output error check process which is a game program. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sensor error flag may be updated by a non-game program. Specifically, the sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) may be defined as a subroutine of a non-game program, and the subroutine may be called by a CALL instruction in a pay-in / pay-out error check process. In the non-game program, the interruption process is not executed during the execution of the program. For this reason, the interruption process does not occur during the process of updating the sensor error flag.

[Output data settings]
Next, the difference between the output data setting process performed in the main side setting process and the interrupt side setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the setting of output data.

  The main-side setting process is a process executed in the main process, and is a process of setting output data. For example, a process of setting output data performed in the reel stop control process (Sc19) of the main process corresponds to this. On the other hand, the interrupt side setting process is a process executed in the timer interrupt process (main), and is a process for setting output data. For example, a process of setting output data performed in the security signal transmission process (Si22) of the timer interrupt process (main) corresponds to this.

  Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is schematically shown in order to facilitate understanding of the flow of the processing for setting the output data. The LED data A and B shown below may be any of the LED data output from the output ports 0 to 8, and the signal data C and D are any of the signal data output from the output ports. Alternatively, the output buffers A and B may be any output buffers used to output the output ports 0 to 8.

  Hereinafter, in the main-side setting process, a setting process of the LED data A and a setting process of the LED data B are performed. In the interrupt-side setting process, a setting process of the LED data C and a setting process of the LED data D are executed. In the present embodiment, setting data OFF is also referred to as “clear”, and setting data ON is also referred to simply as “setting”.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in the main-side setting process, first, interrupt prohibition setting is performed (Sm1). The LEDA and B data are data updated by the interrupt processing. Therefore, during execution of the main-side setting process, there is a possibility that unintended lighting of the LED may occur based on the temporarily set data. If the data to be updated is signal data, there is a risk that an unintended signal is output based on the temporarily set data. In this way, by performing the interrupt prohibition setting, it is possible to prevent unintended lighting or extinguishing of the LED and output of a signal.

  Next, the LED data A and the LED data B are collectively set to OFF (Sm2). The LED data A and the LED data B are data corresponding to each bit in the 1-byte LED data. For example, when the first bit of the LED data is 1, the LED data A is ON, and when the first bit of the LED data is 0, the LED data A is OFF, and the second bit of the LED data is 1. At this time, the LED data B is turned on, and when the second bit of the LED data is 0, the LED data B is turned off. Therefore, by setting the LED data to 0, the LED data A and the LED data B are collectively set to OFF, so that the processing is easy.

  In the step Sm3, if the validation condition of the LED data A is satisfied (Sm3 is YES), the LED data A is set ON (Sm4), and the process proceeds to the step Sm5. On the other hand, when the validation condition of the LED data A is not satisfied (NO in Sm3), the process proceeds to Sm5.

  In step Sm5, if the validation condition of the LED data B (LED lighting condition) is satisfied (YES in Sm5), the LED data B is set to ON (Sm6), and the process proceeds to Sm7. On the other hand, when the validation condition of the LED data B is not satisfied (Sm5: NO), the process proceeds to Sm7.

  In step Sm7, the LED data A and the LED data B are set in the output buffer A. In step Sm8, interrupt permission setting (Sm8) is performed, and the main-side setting process ends. When the interruption process is executed by the interruption permission setting, the LEDs A and B are turned on or off based on the data set in the output buffer A.

  As described above, in the main-side setting process, after the setting of the output data (LED data A and B) is collectively set to OFF, the output is performed when the output condition (the enabling condition of the LED data A and B) is satisfied. This is a process of setting data ON. Then, LEDA and LEDB are turned on or off based on the LED data A and LED data B set by the main-side setting process. As described above, in the main-side setting processing, the OFF setting of the output data is facilitated by performing the setting collectively.

  In the present embodiment, the LED data A and B are set in the output buffer A, and the LEDs A and B are turned on or off by the output port output process based on the output buffer A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of setting the LED data A and B in the output buffer A, the LEDs A and B may be turned on or off by output port output processing based on the LED data A and B.

  Next, the interrupt side setting process will be described. In the interrupt-side setting process, the signal data C and the signal data D are turned ON collectively (Sn1). The signal data C and the signal data D are data corresponding to each bit in the 1-byte signal data. For example, the signal data C is turned on when the first bit of the signal data is 1, the signal data C is turned off when the first bit of the signal data is 0, and the second bit of the signal data is 1. At this time, the signal data D is ON, and when the second bit of the signal data is 0, the signal data D is OFF. For this reason, by setting the signal data to FFH, the signal data A and the LED data B are turned ON collectively, so that the processing is easy.

  In step Sn2, if the invalidation condition of signal data C (signal stop condition) is satisfied (Sn2 is YES), signal data C is set to OFF (Sn3), and the process proceeds to step Sm4. On the other hand, when the invalidation condition of the signal data C is not satisfied (Sn2 is NO), the process proceeds to S4.

  In the step of Sn4, if the invalidation condition of the signal data D is satisfied (Sn4 is YES), the signal data D is set to OFF (Sn5), and the process proceeds to the step of Sn6. On the other hand, when the validation condition of the signal data D is not satisfied (Sn4: NO), the process proceeds to Sn6.

  In step Sn6, the signal data C and the signal data D are set in the output buffer B, and the interrupt-side setting process ends. When the interrupt-side setting process is completed, a signal C and a signal D are output based on the data set in the output buffer B in the output process of the output port executed in the interrupt process.

  As described above, after the output data (signal data C and D) are collectively set to ON, the interrupt-side setting processing is performed when the output condition (validation condition of the signal data C and D) is not satisfied. Is a process of setting the setting of OFF. Then, signals C and D are output based on the signal data C and signal data D set by the interrupt-side setting process. As described above, in the interrupt-side setting process, the ON setting of the output data is facilitated by performing the setting collectively.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the invalidation condition is satisfied for each of the signal data C and the signal data D. When the invalidation condition of the signal data C is satisfied, the signal data C is set to OFF, and the next establishment is performed. When the condition for invalidating the signal data D is satisfied, the signal data D is set to OFF.

  For example, there is a method in which the determination result of the invalidation condition is held each time the invalidation condition is determined, and the signal data is turned off collectively after all the determinations are completed. However, in this case, it is necessary to hold the determination result of the invalidation condition. As described above, by setting the signal data to OFF each time the invalidation condition is satisfied, it is not necessary to hold the determination result of the invalidation condition every time.

  In the present embodiment, the signal data C and D are set in the output buffer B, and the signals C and D are output by the output port output process based on the output buffer B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of setting the signal data C and D in the output buffer B, the signal C and the signal D may be output by output port output processing based on the signal data C and D.

  As described above, the data processing can be simplified by first setting the output data to ON or OFF and updating the output data as necessary when the condition is satisfied. For example, when there is 1-byte data including a plurality of signal data, and each signal data corresponds to each bit in the 1-byte data (including 8-bit signal data), the 1-byte data is rewritten to FFH. Thus, all signal data can be set ON. By rewriting the 1-byte data to 00H, all signal data can be set to OFF.

  As a command used by the program, a command to set (clear) data OFF is more substantial than a command to set data ON. For example, the content of the register holding the data of 00H or FFH is read into the register holding the 1-byte data, and the data can be set OFF (00H) or ON (FFH). On the other hand, as for the data OFF setting, the data can be cleared (00H) at a time by executing the clear command, so that the processing capacity is reduced.

  For this reason, it is desirable to set the data to OFF once and then to ON as necessary from the viewpoint of reducing the processing capacity. Therefore, in the interrupt-side setting process, the output data is set to ON first, and the output data is set to OFF when the condition is satisfied. This simplifies the program. On the other hand, if ON is set first in the main process, an erroneous signal may be output due to execution of the interrupt process. For this reason, in the main-side setting process, the output data is set to OFF first, and the output data is set to ON when the satisfaction condition is satisfied. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an erroneous signal from being output.

[Configuration and Effect of Slot Machine of Present Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the slot machine of the present embodiment and the effects achieved will be described.

(1-1) A plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be generated according to a display result combination which is a combination of the display results of the plurality of variable display units. Slot machine (for example, slot machine 1)
A plurality of deriving operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated to derive a display result combination;
Processing means (for example, main CPU 41a) for executing predetermined processing;
The predetermined process executed by the processing unit includes a main process (for example, a main process shown in FIG. 9) and an interrupt process (for example, a diagram shown in FIG. 9) executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt. 16 (timer interrupt processing (main)),
The processing means includes:
In the interrupt processing, it is determined whether there is an input based on an operation of any of the plurality of deriving operation means, and an operation of a first deriving operation means (for example, a left stop switch) of the plurality of deriving operation means is performed. Is determined based on the first input (for example, detection of the ON edge of the left stop switch signal), the first variable display section of the plurality of variable display sections is executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. A first setting process (for example, a reel stop sliding frame storing process) for setting a stop position of the variable display in a (for example, a left reel region that can be visually recognized from the player side through the see-through window 3) is executed ( For example, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, the stop position of the left reel is determined in the main processing after the interrupt processing. Reel stop sliding piece storage process for constant run (left)),
After the first setting process is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the first setting process is completed, and the new interrupt process is executed after the first setting process is completed (for example, As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed. After the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed, a new interrupt process is executed),
In the new interruption process, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on any operation of the plurality of derivation operation means, and a second derivation operation means (for example, a middle stop switch) of the plurality of derivation operation means is determined. ), When it is determined that the second input (for example, the detection of the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal) has been performed, in the main process after the new interrupt process, the A second setting process (for example, a reel stop sliding frame storage process) for setting a variable display stop position in a second variable display unit (for example, a region of a middle reel that can be visually recognized from the player side through the see-through window 3). (For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in a new interrupt process, a middle stop switch signal is generated based on the operation of the middle stop switch.) If N edge is detected, the main process after the new interrupt processing and executes the reel stop sliding piece storage processing for setting a stop position of the reel (medium)),
In the main processing after the new interrupt processing, the processing unit further determines whether the variable display on the variable display unit is normal (for example, a reel rotation error), and the variable display is normal. If not, the second interrupt processing is not executed based on the second input determined in the new interrupt processing, and if it is determined that the variable display is normal, the new interrupt processing is performed. Executing the second setting process based on the second input determined in (i.e., determining whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred in a main process after a new interrupt process; If so, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is not executed based on the new interrupt process, and if it is determined that a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel is stopped based on the new interrupt process. Stop sliding symbols stored process executes (medium)).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, the left reel is executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. After executing the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) for setting the stop position of the reel, starting the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left), a new reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed. The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited, and after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed, a new interrupt process is executed. In the new interrupt process, the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is output. If an ON edge is detected, a reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) for setting the stop position of the middle reel is executed in the main process after the new interrupt process. . By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed before the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) based on the operation of the left stop switch is completed. Can be prevented. Also, in the main processing after the new interrupt processing, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred. If a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel stop sliding frame is stored based on the new interrupt processing. If it is determined that the reel rotation error has not occurred without executing the processing (middle), the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is executed based on the new interrupt processing. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed on condition that the rotation of the reel is normal. As described above, when the reel stop sliding frame storing process for setting the reel stop position is continuously performed, the reel stop sliding frame storing process can be suitably performed.

(1-2) The processing means includes:
After completing the first setting process, a first stop command (for example, a reel stop position command) indicating the stop position of the variable display on the first variable display unit set by the first setting process is output (for example, a reel stop position command). As shown in FIG. 14, after completing the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left), a reel stop position command indicating the left reel stop position set by the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is output.) ,
Until the setting for outputting the first stop command is completed, the execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a command for outputting a reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel). Until the setting is completed, execution of interrupt processing is prohibited).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, after the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed, the left reel stop position set by the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is shown. The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting the reel stop position command and outputting the reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel is completed. Therefore, the processing based on the operation of the new stop switch is not performed before the transmission of the reel stop position command is completed.

(1-3) The processing means includes:
When the first stop command is output, a plurality of commands including the first stop command are output (for example, a reel stop receiving command, a reel stop position command, a slip frame number command, a reel stop command),
The execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited until the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the interrupt processing is prohibited until the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed). Execution is prohibited).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, when a reel stop position command is output, a reel stop acceptance command, a slip frame number command, and a reel stop command are output, and a plurality of these commands are output. Execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for completing the process is completed. As described above, it is possible to prevent an unintended command from being output due to the interrupt processing or a large transmission interval between the plurality of commands before the setting for outputting a plurality of commands is completed.

  (1-4) In the second setting process, the processing unit may change the second variable display unit based on the stop position of the variable display on the first variable display unit set by the first setting process. A display stop position is set (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle), based on the left reel stop position set in the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left)). Set the stop position of the middle reel.).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle), based on the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left), Set the reel stop position. As described above, since the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel, the derived symbol combinations are diversified.

  (1-5) Even when the display result combination is derived by stopping the variable display on the second variable display unit, the processing unit may start the second setting process and then execute the second setting process. Until the setting process is completed, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited (for example, even if a symbol combination is derived by stopping the left reel as shown in FIG. After the storage process (middle) is started, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) is completed.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, even when the symbol combination is derived by stopping the middle reel, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is started and then the reel is stopped. Until the stop sliding frame storing process (middle) is completed, execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited. As described above, since no other processing is executed during the execution of the reel stop sliding frame storage processing, control for promptly stopping the reels can be performed.

  (1-6) The processing means determines that the first input and the second input are present in an interrupt process when both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are variably displaying. In this case, in the main processing after the interruption processing, the first setting processing is executed, while the second setting processing is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. When the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupting process when rotating, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed in the main process after the interrupting process. On the other hand, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (medium) is not executed.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interrupt processing when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the ON edges of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal are detected. In this case, in the main processing after the interruption processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed, but the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is not executed. However, when the left edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal are detected by a shift even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so that the reels can be stopped immediately. .

(1-7) The processing means includes:
If it is determined in the predetermined interrupt processing that both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are variably displaying that the first input has been made, the main control unit performs the main processing after the predetermined interrupt processing. In the processing, the first setting processing can be executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 17, in a predetermined interruption processing when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal Is detected, in the main processing after the predetermined interruption processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed),
If it is determined in the interrupt processing after the predetermined interrupt processing that the second input has been made, the second setting processing can be executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing (for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt processing after the predetermined interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is performed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. Do)).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the predetermined interrupt processing when the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, In the main processing after the interruption processing of (1), the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed. In the interruption processing after the predetermined interruption processing, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected, In the main processing after the interruption processing, a reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is executed. As described above, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected with a deviation even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so that the reels should be stopped immediately. Can be.

(1-8) The processing means:
When it is determined that the first input and the second input have been made in the predetermined interrupt processing when both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are performing variable display, the predetermined interrupt In the main processing after the processing, the first setting processing is performed, but the second setting processing is not performed (for example, when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating as shown in FIG. 19). When the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the predetermined interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is performed in the main processing after the predetermined interrupt processing. While the reel stop sliding frame storage process (medium) is not executed),
When it is determined in the interrupt processing after the predetermined interrupt processing that the first input and the second input are present, the second setting processing is performed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. The first setting process is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in an interrupt process after a predetermined interrupt process, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected. In this case, in the main processing after the interruption processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is performed, but the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is not performed).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the predetermined interrupt processing when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON state of the left stop switch signal are turned on. When an edge is detected, in the main processing after the predetermined interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is performed, but the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (middle) is not performed. Further, in the interrupt processing after the predetermined interrupt processing, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, the reel stop sliding frame storage is performed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. While the process (middle) is executed, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is not executed. As described above, when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously operated, the rotating reel stops, so that the operability of the stop switch is not impaired.

(1-9) The processing means includes:
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the interrupt processing when the variable display on the first variable display unit is stopped and the variable display on the second variable display unit is displaying the variable, In the main processing after the interruption processing, the second setting processing is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interruption processing when the left reel is stopped and the middle reel is rotating, the left stop switch When the ON edge of the signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, in the main processing after the interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (medium) is executed),
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the interrupt processing when the variable display on the second variable display unit is stopped and the first variable display unit is displaying the variable display, In the main processing after the interruption processing, the first setting processing is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interruption processing when the center reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating, the middle stop switch When the ON edge of the signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, in the main processing after the interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interrupt processing when the left reel is stopped and the middle reel is rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON state of the left stop switch signal are turned on. If an edge is detected, in the main processing after the interruption processing, a reel stop sliding frame storage processing (medium) is executed, and in the interruption processing when the middle reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating, When the ON edge of the stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing (left) is executed in the main processing after the interrupt processing. As described above, even if the ON edges of a plurality of stop switch signals are detected in the same interrupt processing, the reel stop sliding frame storing processing of the rotating reel is executed, so that the operability is not impaired.

(1-10) The processing means includes:
When it is determined that the first input has been made in the interrupt processing, in the main processing after the interrupt processing, the position of the variable display on the first variable display section is set to the identification information of each of the first variable display sections. When a position of a common step (for example, 11 steps) in a range (for example, the number of steps of each symbol) corresponding to (for example, a symbol) is obtained, an identification number (for example, a symbol number) corresponding to the identification information is obtained. Then, the first setting process is executed based on the identification number (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process, the main process after the interrupt process is performed). When the position of the left reel becomes the position of a predetermined step in the number of steps of each symbol of the left reel, a symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired, and the symbol number is obtained. Reel stop sliding piece storage process based on the running (left)),
After it is determined that the first input has been made, the second input is not accepted even if the second input is made until the position of the variable display on the first variable display section becomes the position of the common step ( For example, as shown in FIG. 14, after the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected, even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected until the position of the left reel reaches the position of 11 steps, the middle stop is performed. The ON edge of the switch signal is not accepted).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt processing, the position of the left reel is changed to the left reel in the main processing after the interrupt processing. When the position of 11 steps in the number of steps of each symbol is reached, the symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired, the reel stop sliding frame storing process (left) is executed based on the symbol number, and the left stop switch signal is turned on. After the edge is detected, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is not accepted until the left reel reaches the position of 11 steps, even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected. By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storage processing can be executed from the position of 11 steps.

(1-11) Further provided is a start operation means (for example, a start switch 7) for starting variable display on the plurality of variable display units,
The processing means includes:
Based on the operation of the start operation means, control for outputting a specific signal (for example, an internal winning signal) for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) is performed (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation of the start switch 7). Control to output the internal winning signal for 2 seconds based on the
The operation of the plurality of deriving operation means is enabled on the condition that the predetermined time has elapsed (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated on the condition that two seconds have elapsed). Enable the action).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, based on the operation of the start switch 7, control for outputting the internal winning signal for two seconds is performed, and the stop is performed on condition that two seconds have elapsed. The operation of the switches 8L, 8C, 8R is enabled. By doing so, the reels can be stopped after the content of the internal winning signal can be confirmed in the external device (test device).

  (1-12) The processing means transmits a drive signal (for example, a first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signal) to a motor (for example, reel motor) for starting variable display in the plurality of variable display units. ) Is output, it is determined whether or not the variable display of all of the plurality of variable display units has been stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not all reels have stopped based on determining whether or not a reel motor signal has been output).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not a reel motor signal (first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signals) is output to the reel motor. Then, it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped. This makes it possible to determine that the reel has stopped based on the output state of the reel motor signal.

(1-13) The processing means includes:
A drive signal (for example, a flow path switching solenoid signal) for a solenoid (for example, a flow path switching solenoid 30) of a blocker for switching the flow path of the inserted game medium and a drive signal for the motor are transmitted to a specific port (for example, an output port 0). , 1) (for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal are output from output ports 0, 1).
When the variable display on the plurality of variable display units is started, the output of the drive signal to the solenoid is stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the rotation of all reels is started, the flow path switching solenoid Stop signal output),
Based on the determination as to whether or not a signal is being output from the specific port, it is determined whether or not the variable display of all of the plurality of variable display units has been stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on determining whether or not signals are output from 0 and 1).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal are output from output ports 0 and 1 to start the rotation of all reels. The output of the road switching solenoid signal is stopped, and it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on whether or not the signal is output from the output ports 0 and 1. By doing so, the vacant port can be appropriately handled, but it does not hinder the determination as to whether or not all the reels have stopped.

(2-1) The processing means includes:
An out signal (for example, a payout signal) is output based on the occurrence of a replay prize (for example, a replay prize) in which the next game can be started without using a game value (for example, a medal) owned by the player ( For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a payout signal is output based on the occurrence of a replay winning),
When the re-game winning is generated, regardless of whether or not the output of the out signal based on the re-game winning is completed, the operation of the start operation means is performed in a game next to the game in which the re-game winning has occurred. Enable (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, when a replay winning occurs, start in the next game after the game in which the replay winning occurred, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning is completed. Enable operation).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a payout signal is output based on the occurrence of a replay winning, and when a replay winning occurs, whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning is completed. Regardless of this, the start operation is validated in the game following the game in which the replay winning has occurred. By doing so, the progress of the game can be promptly advanced.

(2-2) The processing means includes:
Outputs an in signal (for example, a closing signal) based on the operation of the start operation means (for example, outputs a closing signal based on the start operation as shown in FIG. 22),
If the start operating means is operated before the output of the out signal is completed, the output of the in signal is started after the output of the out signal is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. If the start operation is performed before the output is completed, the output of the input signal is started after the output of the payout signal is completed.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the input signal is output based on the start operation, and the output of the payout signal is performed when the start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed. After the completion of the operation, the output of the closing signal is started. Since the output timing of the input signal and the output signal of the output signal do not overlap by delaying the output of the input signal in this way, by confirming the signal received by the external device, the processing order of the process executed by the main CPU 41a is specified. It will be easier.

(2-3) The processing means includes:
When outputting the in signal, the output state of the out signal is checked, and if the out signal is not output, the in signal is output (for example, as shown in FIG. In doing so, check the output state of the payout signal, and if the payout signal is not output, output the input signal),
When the out signal is output, the out signal is output without confirming the output state of the in signal (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, when the payout signal is output, the output of the input signal is output). The payout signal is output without checking the state).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, when outputting the input signal, the output state of the output signal is checked, and when the output signal is not output, the input signal is output and the output signal is output. When outputting a signal, a payout signal is output without checking the output state of the input signal. Since the payout signal is not output while the input signal is being output, the processing load can be reduced by omitting the confirmation of the output state of the input signal.

(2-4) The processing means includes:
First initialization processing for initializing a storage area in a storage means (for example, RAM 41c) when a unit game (for example, one game) is completed (for example, processing for clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of a game (Sa2) ))When,
A second initialization process for initializing a storage area in the storage means when the control to an advantageous state (for example, a bonus state) advantageous to the player is completed (for example, areas C and D of the game RAM at the time of bonus end) (Sa2)), and
The output data of the out signal is set in a storage area (for example, the area A of the game RAM area) in the storage unit that is not initialized by either the first initialization processing or the second initialization processing ( For example, as shown in FIG. 21B, a game for which initialization is not performed by any of the processing for clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game and the processing for clearing the areas C and D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus. Output data of the payout signal is set in the area A of the RAM).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21B, either of processing for clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game and processing for clearing the areas C and D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus. The output data of the payout signal is set in the area A of the gaming RAM which is not initialized even by the above. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the output of the payout signal from being stopped unintentionally due to the clearing processing of the gaming RAM.

  (2-5) The processing means executes the setting of the number of bets for starting the game based on the occurrence of the re-game winning after the output of the out signal is started (for example, as shown in FIG. 20). The setting of the BET number for starting the game based on the occurrence of the replay winning is executed after the output of the payout signal is started.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the setting of the number of BETs for starting the game based on the occurrence of the replay winning is executed after the output of the payout signal is started. As described above, the output of the payout signal, which is an information output to the outside, which takes a long time to transmit, is performed quickly, so that the progress of the game is not hindered.

(2-6) The processing means includes:
When a transition condition (for example, error occurrence, setting change operation) is satisfied during output of the out signal, control is performed to a specific state (for example, error state, setting change state),
Even when the control is performed to the specific state, the output of the out signal is continued until the output of the out signal is completed (for example, even when the control is performed to the error state as illustrated in FIG. 10). , The output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, during the output of the payout signal, if an error occurs, control is performed in an error state. Even if it is done, the output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed, so that incorrect information is not transmitted to the outside.

  (2-7) When the replay prize occurs, the processing means obtains a bet number (for example, a BET number) set in the game in which the replay prize has occurred, and The corresponding numerical data (for example, 3) is stored in a storage area (for example, a replay counter) for setting the bet amount by the replay winning and a storage area (for example, a payout signal counter) for outputting the out signal. (For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when a replay winning occurs, the number of BETs set in the game in which the replay has occurred is acquired, and the numerical data corresponding to the acquired number of BETs is rewritten for replay. Stored in the counter and the payout signal counter).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, when a replay winning occurs, the number of BETs set in the game in which the replay has occurred is obtained, and a numerical value corresponding to the obtained number of BETs is obtained. The data is stored in the replay counter and the payout signal counter. In this way, the number of medals can be set efficiently.

  (2-8) Even if the number of bets is set to a predetermined number (for example, 3), the storage area for setting the number of bets based on the replay prize is other than numerical data corresponding to the predetermined number. Numerical data (for example, 0 to 2, 4 to 255) can be stored (for example, as shown in FIG. 21A, the replay counter is set even if the BET number is set to 3). , 0-255 can be stored).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, the replay counter can store a numerical value of 0 to 255 even when the BET number is set to 3. . By doing so, even if the specification of the software of the slot machine is changed, it is easy to respond to the specification change.

  (2-9) Regardless of the gaming state under control (for example, normal state, bonus, AT), the processing means determines whether or not the replay winning has occurred for each unit game. It is determined that when the replay winning is generated, the lighting means (for example, LED during replay) is turned on, and when the replay winning is not generated, the lighting means is turned off (for example, as shown in FIG. 15). Regardless of which gaming state is being controlled, it is determined for each game whether or not a replay win has occurred. When a replay win has occurred, the replay LED is turned on, If not, the LED is turned off during replay.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, regardless of the gaming state under control, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred for each game, and the replay winning is determined. The LED during the replay is turned on when the replay occurs, and the LED during the replay is turned off when the replay does not occur. By doing so, it is possible to output the occurrence status of the replay winning based on the status of each game.

(3-1) The main process is called by a first process (for example, an input / output error check process) and a call command (for example, a CALL command) in the first process, and is returned by a return command (for example, a RET command). A second process (for example, an error process) returning to the first process,
The second process includes an interrupt wait process (for example, an interrupt one-time wait process) that waits until the interrupt process is executed and proceeds to the next process on condition that the interrupt process is executed. ,
In the first processing, when performing the predetermined processing after returning from the second processing in the first processing, the processing unit prohibits execution of the interrupt processing (for example, as shown in FIG. In the process, when the process for acquiring the sensor error flag is executed after the return from the error process, the execution of the interrupt process is prohibited.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the main processing is called by the input / output error check processing and the CALL instruction in the input / output error check processing, and returns to the input / output error check processing by the RET instruction. Error processing includes error processing, and waits until interrupt processing is executed, and includes one-time interrupt processing for proceeding to the next processing on condition that the interrupt processing is executed. In the process, after the process returns from the error process, when executing the process of acquiring the sensor error flag, the execution of the interrupt process is prohibited. As described above, not only the one-time interrupt processing is performed in the error processing, but also the execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited in the input / output error check processing, so that unintended interrupt processing can be reliably prevented. By doing so, even when the program is modified in the development of the slot machine, it is possible to prevent an unintended failure from occurring, and to improve the maintainability of the program.

  (3-2) In the second processing, the processing means transmits a command (for example, an error release command) before ending the second processing, and sets the return instruction so that transmission of the command is completed. 23, the interrupt wait process is executed before returning to the first process (for example, as shown in FIG. 23, in the error process, an error release command is transmitted before the error process is terminated, and In order to complete the transmission, a one-interrupt wait process is executed before returning to the input / output error check process by the RET instruction).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, in the error processing, an error release command is transmitted before terminating the error processing, and the input / output is performed by the RET instruction so that the transmission of the error release command is completed. Before the process returns to the error check process, a wait process for one interrupt is executed. By doing so, it is possible to execute the next processing after the error clearing command is reliably transmitted.

  (3-3) The predetermined process is a process of acquiring predetermined information (for example, a sensor error flag) updated in the interrupt process (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is performed in the interrupt process. This is a sensor error flag update process for acquiring the updated sensor error flag.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is a sensor error flag update process for acquiring a sensor error flag updated in the interrupt process. After the return from the error processing, execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited, so that the sensor error flag is not updated during acquisition of the sensor error flag.

  (3-4) The predetermined process is a process executed when a non-game program different from a game program related to the progress of a game is called by a call command in the first process (for example, as shown in FIG. 23). In addition, the predetermined process is a process executed when a non-game program different from the game program related to the progress of the game is called by the CALL instruction in the input / output error check process).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is executed when a non-game program different from the game program related to the progress of the game is called by the CALL instruction by the input / output error check process. Processing. By doing so, no interruption occurs during execution of the non-game program.

  (3-5) After returning from the second process to the first process, the processing means executes the predetermined process without calling another process by the call command (for example, as shown in FIG. 23, After returning from the error processing to the input / output error check processing, the predetermined processing is executed without calling other processing by the CALL instruction).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, after returning from the error processing to the input / output error check processing, the predetermined processing is executed without calling other processing by the CALL instruction. By doing so, it is possible to execute the predetermined process immediately after the end of the error process.

(4-1) The processing means includes:
In the interrupt process, an output process (for example, an output port output process) for outputting output data set in a storage area of the storage unit;
In the main process, a main-side setting process for setting the output data (for example, a setting process for LED data A, a setting process for LED data B),
In the interrupt process, an interrupt-side setting process for setting the output data (for example, a process for setting LED data C, a process for setting LED data D) can be executed,
The main-side setting process sets the output data when an output condition (for example, an LED data A enabling condition, an LED data B enabling condition) is satisfied after clearing the output data setting. (For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main-side setting process, after the LED data A and B are set to OFF, the LED data A is activated when the activation condition of the LED data A is satisfied. A is set to ON, and the LED data B is set to ON when the condition for enabling the LED data B is satisfied.
After setting the output data, the interrupt-side setting process sets the output data when an output condition (for example, a condition for enabling the signal data C or a condition for enabling the signal data D) is not satisfied. 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the interrupt-side setting process, after the signal data C and D are set to ON, the signal data C is not set when the enabling condition of the signal data C is not satisfied. Is set to OFF, and the setting of the signal data D is set OFF when the condition for enabling the signal data D is not satisfied.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main-side setting process, the setting of the LED data A and B is set to OFF, and then the condition for enabling the LED data A is satisfied. At this time, the LED data A is set to ON, and the LED data B is set to ON when the validation condition of the LED data B is satisfied. In the interrupt-side setting process, after the signal data C and D are set to ON, the setting of the signal data C is set to OFF when the enabling condition of the signal data C is not satisfied, and the signal data D is enabled. This is a process of turning off the setting of the signal data D when the condition is not satisfied. In this way, the data processing can be simplified by first setting the output data to ON or OFF and updating the output data as necessary when the satisfaction condition is satisfied. In addition, since the instruction to set data OFF is more substantial than the instruction to set data ON, in the interrupt-side setting process, the output data is set ON first and the output data is By setting OFF, the program can be further simplified. On the other hand, if such processing is performed in the main processing, an erroneous signal may be output due to execution of the interrupt processing. For this reason, in the main-side setting processing, by setting the output data to OFF first and then setting the output data to ON when the satisfaction condition is satisfied, it is possible to prevent an erroneous signal from being output.

(4-2) The processing means includes:
In the output process, a plurality of signals (for example, signal C and signal D) are output based on the output data set by the interrupt side setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. The signals C and D are output based on the signal data C and D set to ON.)
In the interrupt-side setting process, the output data corresponding to the plurality of signals are collectively set (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the interrupt-side setting process, the signal data corresponding to the signals C and D are set). C and signal data D are turned ON collectively).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the signals C and D are output based on the signal data C and the signal data D which are set ON by the interrupt-side setting process, and the interrupt-side setting process is performed. , The signal data C and the signal data D corresponding to the signals C and D are turned ON collectively. This facilitates the ON setting of the signal data C and the signal data D.

(4-3) The processing means includes:
In the output processing, a plurality of signals (for example, signal A and signal B) are output based on the output data set by the main-side setting processing (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, ON setting is performed by the main-side setting processing) LEDA and LEDB are turned on or off based on the set LED data A and LED data B),
In the main-side setting process, the output data corresponding to the plurality of signals are collectively cleared (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main-side setting process, LED data A and LED data corresponding to LEDA and LEDB are set). B is set OFF collectively).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, LEDA and LEDB are turned on or off based on LED data A and LED data B set by the main-side setting process. LED data A and LED data B corresponding to LEDB are collectively set to OFF. By doing so, the OFF setting of the LED data A and the LED data B becomes easy.

(4-4) The processing means includes:
It is determined whether an output condition is satisfied for each of the plurality of signals output in the output process (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, for each of the signal data C and the signal data D, , To determine whether the invalidation condition is satisfied),
After the output data is updated based on one output condition, the output data is updated based on the next output condition after the one output condition (for example, as shown in FIG. Is satisfied, the signal data C is set to OFF, and when the next condition, that is, the invalidation condition of the signal data D, is satisfied, the signal data D is set to OFF.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the invalidation condition is satisfied for each of signal data C and signal data D, and the invalidation condition of signal data C is satisfied. When this is done, the signal data C is set to OFF, and when the next condition, the invalidation condition of the signal data D, is satisfied, the signal data D is set OFF. By doing so, it is not necessary to hold the determination result of the invalidation condition every time.

  (4-5) The processing unit prohibits the execution of the interrupt process during the main-side setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, performs the interrupt prohibition setting during the main-side setting process).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, since the interrupt prohibition setting is performed during the main-side setting process, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output.

(5-1) The storage unit is provided with an area from a start address to an end address as a storage area (for example, a built-in register area) for setting functions in the processing unit (for example, FIG. As shown, the RAM 41c is provided with areas from FE00H to FEACH as built-in register areas for function setting in the main CPU 41a),
The processing unit sets a set value in a plurality of areas (for example, second, third, fourth, and sixth areas) of a storage area (for example, first to seventh areas) for the function setting at the start of control. At this time, data that can specify a reference address (for example, FE01H) corresponding to a predetermined area (for example, the second area) of the plurality of areas is read, and a set value (for example, After setting data A), a set value (for example, data B) is set in a specific area (for example, third area) based on an address calculated using a difference value (for example, 1) with respect to the reference address. (For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the main CPU 41a sets the set values in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas of the internal register area when starting the control, the main CPU 41a , The data that can specify the reference address (FE01H) corresponding to the second area of the six areas, and sets the data A in the second area based on the reference address, and then sets the difference value (1 ) Is set in the third area based on the address (FE02H).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 41c is provided with areas from FE00H to FEACH as built-in register areas for function setting in the main CPU 41a. When setting a set value in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas of the built-in register area at the start, the reference address (FE01H) corresponding to the first area of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas is specified. After reading possible data and setting data A in the second area based on the reference address, data B is stored in the third area based on the address (FE02H) calculated using the difference value (1) with respect to the reference address. Set. As described above, by setting data in the third area based on the address calculated using the difference value, it is possible to save program capacity compared to setting the set value in the third area by directly specifying the address. it can.

  (5-2) The predetermined area is an area corresponding to the smallest address (for example, FE01H) of the plurality of areas (for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second area is the second or third area). , 4 and 6 areas corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H)).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second area is an area corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H) among the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas, so that the difference value When data is set in an area based on the address calculated using the data, the data can be set efficiently.

  (5-3) When setting the set value, the processing means sets an area (for example, a third area) corresponding to a predetermined address (for example, FE02H) and an address (for example, FE03H) next to the predetermined address. (For example, 12 + FFH × 56) is set so as to set the set value in each of the areas (for example, the fourth area) corresponding to (i.e., as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 41a sets the set value). Is set so that the set value is set in each of the third area corresponding to the predetermined address (FE02H) and the fourth area corresponding to the next address (FE03H) of the predetermined address. 56)).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when setting the set value, the main CPU 41a sets the third area corresponding to the predetermined address (FE02H) and the address next to the predetermined address (FE03H). Are set in such a manner that the set value is set in each of the fourth areas corresponding to (2) (12 + FFH × 56). By doing so, data can be set collectively for a plurality of areas.

  (5-4) The processing means starts the control of the game by setting the set values in all of the plurality of areas where the set values are to be set (for example, as shown in FIGS. The CPU 41a starts controlling the game by setting the set values in all of the first to fifth areas where the set values are to be set.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a sets the set values in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values are to be set, thereby playing the game. Start control. By doing so, the game control is not started in a situation where the setting of the set value to be set has not been completed.

  (5-5) The processing unit prohibits execution of the interrupt processing until the setting values are set in all of the plurality of areas where the setting values are to be set (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The main CPU 41a prohibits the execution of the interrupt processing until the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values are to be set.)

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a interrupts until the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values are to be set. Prohibits execution of processing. By doing so, unintended control is not performed by executing the interrupt processing while setting the set value.

  (5-6) The processing unit initializes a port (for example, an output port) before setting a set value in the plurality of areas (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41 a Before setting the set values in the second, third, fourth and sixth areas, the output ports are initialized).

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a initializes an output port before setting a set value in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output from the output port.

[Modification]
The main embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[On-chip register setting processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, there are seven regions from a first region to a seventh region, and a plurality of regions that need to be set include the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions. Set values were set in each area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the area that needs to be set may be any area of the entire area, and may be set for all the areas.

[Reel stop control processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, an example in which the stop of the left reel is the first stop and the stop of the middle reel is the second stop has been described. May be the first stop, and any of the reels may be the second stop. Further, the present invention is not limited to the combination of the first stop and the second stop, and may be a combination of the second stop and the third stop.

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 41 main control section, 91 sub control section.

Claims (1)

A plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be generated according to a display result combination which is a combination of the display results of the plurality of variable display units. Slot machine,
A plurality of deriving operation means operated to derive a display result combination;
Processing means for executing predetermined processing,
The predetermined process executed by the processing means includes a main process, and an interrupt process executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt,
The processing means includes:
In the interruption process, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on any one of the plurality of deriving operation means, and if there is a first input based on an operation of the first deriving operation means of the plurality of deriving operation means. If it is determined that the variable display has been interrupted, in the main processing, the first setting processing for setting a stop position of the variable display in the first variable display unit of the plurality of variable display units is executed,
After starting the first setting process, prohibiting execution of a new interrupt process until the first setting process is completed, executing the new interrupt process after the first setting process is completed,
In the new interrupt processing, it is determined whether there is an input based on an operation of any of the plurality of deriving operation means, and a second based on an operation of a second deriving operation means of the plurality of deriving operation means. If it is determined that an input has been made, in the main processing after the new interrupt processing, a second setting processing for setting a variable display stop position on a second variable display section of the plurality of variable display sections And execute
The processing means may further determine whether or not the variable display of the variable display unit is normal in the main processing after the new interrupt processing, and determine that the variable display is not normal, If it is determined that the variable display is normal without performing the second setting process based on the second input determined in the new interrupt process, the second input determined in the new interrupt process A slot machine that executes the second setting process based on the first and second settings.

Images