JP2020103697A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To secure a capacity of a control region for game control processing.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises, on a prescribed substrate used for game processing: a CPU; a ROM storing a program which is used on the CPU; and a RAM for holding a variable which is updated by the program. The CPU executes repeatedly, a command for reading a program from the ROM and reading a variable stored in a prescribed address of the RAM on a prescribed register of the CPU while offsetting the address, and the RAM is configured so that, an address distance between a plurality of variables which are referred by the command is smaller than an address distance between variables which are subjected to offset.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

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

In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a lottery for a winning combination is performed and a plurality of reels with various symbols are rotated according to bet on a medal (game medium) and operation of a start switch by a player. Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the lottery result and the operation of the stop switch by the player, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line which is the line to be paid out, a predetermined number of coins are displayed. The game profit (hereinafter, simply referred to as the game profit) such as the payout of the medal is given to the player.

In such a slot machine, it is desired to effectively use a storage area of a finite memory in order to enhance the game playability. For example, a technique is known in which the same slippage number data is associated with a plurality of symbol positions to reduce the data capacity when the reel stop control is executed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-239010, A

In the slot machine, the program relating to the game control processing for controlling the progress of the game must be placed in the use area (control area 4.5 kbytes+data area 3.0 kbytes) in the ROM of the main control board. However, when a winning type including a winning combination (selection winning combination) with a large gaming profit is won, the operation mode of the stop switch, which is the winning condition of the selection winning combination, is notified, and the selection winning combination is dealt with. When the main control board manages an AT effect state in which a so-called AT (assist time) is executed, in which the player can easily display the symbol combination on the activated line, or the reel unit has various modes. When managing the so-called reel effect that is rotated by the main control board, there is a risk that the control area of the usage area will be pressed by the processing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring a capacity of a control area for performing a game control process.

In order to solve the above problems, a predetermined board used for the progress of a game is provided with a CPU, a ROM storing a program used for the CPU, and a RAM holding a variable updated by the program. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the CPU reads a program from the ROM and stores a variable stored in a predetermined address of the RAM in a predetermined register of the CPU or a predetermined address of the RAM. The command for updating the stored variable to the value of the predetermined register of the CPU is repeatedly executed while offsetting the address, and in the RAM, the address distance between the plurality of variables referred to by the command is offset by the offset. It is arranged so that it is shorter than the address distance.

The command may be included in a subroutine, and the CPU may repeatedly call the subroutine while offsetting the address.

In order to solve the above problems, a predetermined board used for the progress of a game is provided with a CPU, a ROM storing a program used for the CPU, and a RAM holding a variable updated by the program. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the CPU reads a program from the ROM and stores a variable stored in a predetermined address of the RAM in a predetermined register of the CPU or a predetermined address of the RAM. The command for updating the stored variable to the value of the predetermined register of the CPU is repeatedly executed while offsetting the address, and in the RAM, the address distance between the plurality of variables referred to by the command is within a predetermined distance range. And

According to the present invention, it is possible to secure the capacity of the control area for performing the game control processing.

FIG. 37 is an external view for illustrating a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 37 is an external view with a front door open, for illustrating the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement|sequence of a reel, and an effective line. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining a winning combination. It is an explanatory view for explaining a transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows a winning combination lottery table. 6 is a flowchart showing a main process of a main control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory map of main ROM and main RAM. It is a flow chart for explaining processing of reel control means. It is a flow chart for explaining processing of reel control means. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program for realizing the flowchart of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program for realizing the flowchart of FIG. 11. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating arrangement|positioning of the variable as a comparative example in a work area. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating arrangement|positioning of the variable of this embodiment in a work area. It is an explanatory view for explaining a program for realizing the whole processing during steady rotation. It is an explanatory view for explaining a program for realizing the whole processing during steady rotation.

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

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (gaming machine) in which a player can play will be briefly described, and then a specific example of each board of the slot machine will be described. Processing (transition of winning combinations and game states) and processing characteristic of the present embodiment will be described, and a flowchart for realizing these will be described in detail.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the slot machine 100 includes a housing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box body, and a front upper door that is openably and closably attached to a front opening of the housing 102. 104, below the front upper door 104, and similarly to the front upper door 104, located below the front lower door 106, which is attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable. And a tray portion 108 for storing the medals paid out from the medal discharge port 108a.

An operation unit installation base 122 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and a medal insertion unit 124, a bet switch 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, etc. are arranged on the operation unit installation base 122.

A medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 accepts insertion of medals as a game medium through a medal insertion port (insertion port) 124a, and a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send me a medal. The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals thrown out of the throwing period and medals that are out of the standard into the medal outlet 108a, and medals that are thrown in the standard during the throwing period. The inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of the coin is provided. Here, the medals guided to the medal discharge port 108a are discharged to the tray section 108. When the player inserts more medals than the maximum stipulated number (for example, 3) out of a plurality of stipulated number of medals required to start one game, the maximum stipulated number is exceeded. Additional medals are electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credit) inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c) with a predetermined upper limit (for example, 50).

The bet switch 126 is a push-type button switch for betting a maximum specified number of medals out of credited medals. When the bet switch 126 is pressed in a state where the maximum specified number of medals have been credited, the maximum specified number of medals are bet and the stored number is reduced by the maximum specified number. When the bet switch 126 is pressed in a state where less than the maximum specified number of medals are credited, all the stored medals are bet and the number of stored medals is reduced to 0.

The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation section installation base 122 is composed of a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects the start operation of one game by the player. Further, the start switch 128 can be configured by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

A colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel is provided at a position corresponding to the symbol display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. In the reel unit 134, as shown in the reel symbol arrangement of FIG. 3A, four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in respective 20 equally divided regions are provided. Each is independently rotatably provided, and the player can visually recognize the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d upon the operation of the start switch 128.

The stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation section installation base 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d and capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and the reels 134a and 134b. , 134c, and 134d are detected to be stopped by the player. Note that the four button switches related to the stop switch 130 are stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d in order from the left according to their positions.

In this way, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are stopped by the stop operation through the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d. Here, an effective line is provided as shown in FIG. 3B so that the player can grasp the stop mode. The number of effective lines is one, and specifically, of the 12 symbols (4 reels x 3 levels in the upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 136, the symbols stopped in the middle stages of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d. The line connecting the positions corresponding to is set as the effective line A for determining the winning of the winning combination.

A liquid crystal display unit (image display unit) 138 that displays various images associated with the performance is provided substantially in the center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104. Further, an effect lamp 142 configured by, for example, a high-luminance light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper portion or the left and right of the front upper door 104.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the left and right positions of the inner surface on the back surface of the front lower door 106, a speaker for producing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a payout medal detection unit 264c for detecting.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, among the symbols applied to the reels, the reels 134a and 134b corresponding to the symbol display window 136, A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided for irradiating the upper, middle, and lower symbols 134c and 134d independently from the back surface. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly illuminates the front surfaces of all the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d is also provided on the upper rear surface of the symbol display window 136.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation section installation base 122, a main credit display section 152 and a main payout display section are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of a step section 122a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display section 156 and a sub-payout display section 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation section installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the internally stored number of stored coins, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals. It should be noted that the sub-credit display section 156 and the sub-payout display section 158 can also display various numerical values according to the effect.

A power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position inside the housing 102. The power switch 148 is composed of a switch such as a rocker switch that can detect a pressing operation, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states of a power-off state and a power-on state. Used.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by the control board. Here, as an example of the control board, a main control board 200 and a sub-control board 202 that share the functions of the control board will be described. For example, of the programs related to the progress of the game, particularly important processing such as lottery of winning combinations to be offered to the game and winning thereof is executed by the main control board 200, and other processing related to, for example, effects is performed on the sub control board 202. Running in. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, transmission of an electrical signal between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is performed from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like. Limited to direction only. However, if there is no such limitation, electrically two-way communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, and a main RAM (RWM) 200c that functions as a work area. Control it comprehensively. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even if the power is turned off, the data is not erased unless the setting is changed and the initialization processing of the main RAM 200c is executed. Retained.

Further, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b. The initializing means 300, the betting means 302, the winning lottery means 304, and the reel control means. It has functional units such as 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, and command transmission means 316.

The initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets a medal for use in a game. Here, the bet is based on the case where the credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 126, the case where the medal is inserted through the medal inserting section 124, and the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A. Includes both cases of automatically inserting medals. The winning combination lottery means 304 selects one of a plurality of types of winning combinations including a small combination, a replay combination, a bonus combination, and a non-winning combination based on the bet of the medal and the operation of the start switch 128, by a winning combination lottery. decide.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d according to the operation of the start switch 128, and the plurality of stop switches corresponding to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, respectively. In response to the operation of 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, stop control is performed on the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, respectively. Further, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 128, and then displays the lottery result of the winning combination lottery by the player. The time until the operation is validated (which is invalidated by the completion of the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game) is extended from a prescribed time (wait time, for example, 4.1 seconds), and during that time, the reel 134a, There may be a case where a reel effect (freezing effect) in which the rotation control of 134b, 134c, and 134d is performed in various modes is performed. Reel production does not activate any switch that should be originally effective for a predetermined time, suspends the process that should be originally executed for a predetermined time, or transmits or receives the signal of any switch that is originally transmitted and received for a predetermined time. It can be realized by not doing it.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A. Here, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery may be simply displayed on the activated line A. The payout control means 310 pays out medals corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A (winning). .. The state transition means 312 transitions the game state based on the winning of the bonus combination and the winning of the prize.

The command determination means 314 sequentially determines the commands relating to the game accompanying the operations of the bet means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the state transition means 312 and the like. The command transmission unit 316 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination unit 314 to the sub control board 202.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet switch 126, the start switch 128 and the stop switch 130, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 302 and the winning lottery means. The 304, the reel control means 306, and the determination means 308 execute the various processes described above. A main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 displays the number of stored medals and the number of payouts on both display units 152 and 154. Control.

A reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signals of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d transmitted from the reel control unit 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128, and The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signals of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d and the detection signals of the rotational position detection circuit 260, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 130. To do.

A medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 counts the number of paid-out medals in accordance with the detection signal and outputs from the payout control unit 264b. Control the ejection of medals.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536) (0 to 65535), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used for determining the winning combination by the gaming profit given to the player, for example, the winning combination lottery means 304. ..

(Sub-control board 202)
Further, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b that stores programs and the like, a sub RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like, like the main control board 200. Based on commands from the main control board 200, the effect is particularly controlled. Further, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c as in the main RAM 200c, and even if the power is turned off, the data is retained without being erased. As with the main control board 200, the sub-control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as effect lottery random numbers) are mainly in the form of effect. Used to make a decision.

Further, the sub control board 202 functions by the sub CPU 202a cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on a program stored in the sub ROM 202b, such as an initialization determining unit 330, a command receiving unit 332, and an effect control unit 334. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining unit 330 executes an initialization process in the sub control board 202. The command receiving unit 332 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 200 and processes the command. The effect control unit 334 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control unit 334 includes the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, and the like. The illumination data for the presentation through the illumination device is determined, and the voice data that constitutes the voice to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. Then, the effect control unit 334 executes the effect of the determined game.

The effect includes an effect executed by the main control board 200 such as the reel effect described above and an effect executed by the sub control board 202. The effect executed by the sub-control board 202 is a liquid crystal display unit 138, a speaker 140, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, and a sub payout display unit as the game progresses. It is a visual and auditory expression means provided through 158 and the like, and can give a story to the game and suggest the result of the winning combination lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting that the bonus game is won can be performed over a plurality of games to increase the player's expectation. In addition, even if you have not won any winning combination, it is possible to make players expect high dividends and prevent them from getting tired, through a production that looks like they are also winning. It will be possible. By interlocking the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above, various game characteristics can be constructed. Hereinafter, the main game modes will be described in detail.

(Table used in main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided, and the game states transit as the game progresses. Then, in the main control board 200, a plurality of winning combination lottery tables and the like corresponding to the gaming states managed by the state shifting means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts and extracts the corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current game state stored in the main RAM 200c (a game state based on the presence or absence of a bonus combination described later). Based on the winning combination lottery table and the current setting value, it is determined which winning combination or non-winning prize in the winning combination lottery table the winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128 corresponds to. Here, the set value indicates the ease of obtaining the game profit in stages, and the higher the value of the set value, the easier the game profit is obtained. The set value is generally determined by the hall-side administrator at least at the start of the game, and the player cannot acquire or change the set value during the game.

Here, the winning combinations extracted in the winning combination lottery table include a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such a winning combination are displayed on the activated line A is called display or winning, and the state until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed is displayed. It will be in a winning state. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the replay combination of the winning combinations is a combination in which the player can execute one game again without making a new bet on the medal. The small winning combination is a winning combination in which a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out in accordance with the symbol combination. The bonus combination is a winning combination in which the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is displayed on the activated line A so that the game state managed by the state transition unit 312 can be shifted to the bonus game state. .. The game profits given to the winning combinations and the players will be described below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition of a game state.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as winning combinations, as shown in FIG. 5, winning combinations “replay”, “bell”, and “big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”)” are provided. Of these, the winning combination "Replay" corresponds to the replay combination, the winning combination "Bell" corresponds to the small combination, and the winning combination "BB" corresponds to the bonus combination.

(Role of replay)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination “Replay” is won, the symbol “Replay” written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” shown in FIG. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “replay” is displayed on the activated line A, “” can be displayed on the activated line A, and as described above, the player does not place a bet, and one game is performed again ( Replay) can be performed.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 130 is pressed by the player, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are on the activated line A, the reel control means 306 is used. The stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the activated line A. Further, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the activated line A, but are opposite to the rotation directions of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d. In the case where the symbols are present within the range (drawing range) corresponding to the four symbols in the direction, the number of symbols separated by the reel control means 306 becomes the number of sliding symbols, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is set. The stop control is performed so that the constituent symbols are drawn onto the effective line A, and after the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames, the symbols are stopped. Further, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, and all are within the pull-in range of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, it is determined in advance. Which symbol is drawn on the effective line A is determined according to the priority order, and stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding symbols so that the prioritized symbol is drawn on the effective line A. .. In addition, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination other than the winning combination are on the activated line A, the reel control means 306 changes the symbol. A so-called kick-off process for preventing the stop on the effective line A is also executed in parallel.

Then, on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" are arranged so as to be always displayed on the activated line A by the above stop control. (See FIGS. 3 and 5). Specifically, the symbols composing the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” are separated from each other by only a maximum of 4 symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, so the effective line is always controlled by the stop control. It can be displayed on A. In this way, when the winning combination “Replay” is won, the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combination “Replay” is always displayed on the activated line A. In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” is displayed on the activated line A, the next one game can be started without inserting a medal.

(Small role)
In addition, as a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "bell" is won, the symbol "bell" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell""A" can be displayed on the activated line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" is displayed on the activated line A, the number of medals (here, 9) corresponding to the winning combination is obtained. It is paid out to the player. Here, the symbols "bell A" forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" are separated from each other by only the maximum four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d (Fig. 3 and (See FIG. 5), like the winning combination “Replay”, the stop control described above can always be displayed on the activated line A.

(Bonus part)
Further, as a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination “BB” is won, the symbols written on the respective reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, which are the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “BB” shown in FIG. "Red 7" can be displayed on the active line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the active line A, the game state is set to the bonus game state, and the next one game ( Hereinafter, it is possible to execute the game in the bonus game state after the predetermined number of medals (for example, 297 coins) are paid out after that. In addition, in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, the symbol "red 7" is arranged so that it may not be displayed on the activated line A even by the above stop control (FIGS. 3 and 4). 5). Therefore, even if the winning combination “BB” is won, the player cannot always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the activated line A.

When any of the above winning combinations is won, the internal winning flags corresponding to the respective winning combinations are established (ON), and the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d are set according to the establishment status of the internal winning flag. Each stop control will be performed. At this time, although the small combination is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination cannot be displayed on the activated line A in the one game, the internal winning flag is set after the end of the one game. Is turned off. In other words, the winning right of a small win is limited to only one game in which the small win is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” which is the replaying combination is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” is always displayed on the activated line A, and the next medal is obtained without requiring a medal. After the processing required for playing the game is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the winning combination “BB” is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (ON) and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” is displayed on the activated line A. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across games.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the BB internal winning flag will be specifically described together with the transition of the game state. When the BB internal winning flag is established, as shown in (1) of FIG. 6, the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is a winning combination “bonus” depending on the establishment status of the BB internal winning flag. From the bonus non-established game state not winning "BB" to the bonus established game state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus game state, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are respectively stopped based on the bonus established game state. It At this time, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” cannot be displayed on the activated line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the bonus winning game state is maintained). The symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” can be displayed on the activated line A even in the next and subsequent games. Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the activated line A, the gaming state shifts from the bonus-established gaming state to the bonus gaming state, as shown in (2) of FIG. To do. Further, in the bonus game state, when more than a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals are paid out, the game state shifts from the bonus game state to the bonus non-established game state as shown in (3) of FIG. .. However, as indicated by the broken line arrow in (4) of FIG. 6, in the game in which the winning combination "BB" is established in the bonus non-established gaming state, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is placed on the activated line A. If it is displayed, the bonus game state is directly entered without going through the bonus-established game state.

(Winning lottery table)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table used when determining a winning combination lottery random number. In the winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning regions are sectioned, and the winning combination to be selected in the lottery may differ depending on each gaming state. In FIG. 7, the winning area (winning combination) assigned to each of the gaming states (non-bonus winning gaming state, bonus winning gaming state, bonus gaming state) is represented by “◯”. Therefore, a winning area in which "○" is not written indicates that it is not assigned to the gaming state. In each partitioned winning area, a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, is associated with a winning combination, and the number of all winning areas allocated for each gaming state The total of the winning combination lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability that each winning combination is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number associated with the winning area by the total number of the winning combination lottery random numbers. Based on the game state at that time, the winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially obtains the number from the one having the highest number in the plurality of winning regions in the winning combination lottery table, and obtains this number as the winning combination lottery random number. When the subtracted value becomes less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is set as the lottery result. The procedure of the lottery can be applied to other lottery.

In addition, the winning combination targeted for the lottery differs depending on each game state. For example, in FIG. 7, when the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state are compared, the former draws a winning combination “BB”, whereas the latter draws a winning combination “BB”. Not not. This is because, in the latter case, since the winning combination “BB” has already been won, the winning combination “BB” cannot be repeatedly won. In the latter case, the winning probability of the winning combination “replay” is set higher than in the former case. Further, according to the bonus game state of FIG. 7, the lottery for the winning combination “BB” is not repeated, and the lottery for the winning combination “Replay” is not performed. In addition, since the winning role "bell" is set to be won with a high probability, the expected number of coins that indicates the average number of coins that can be acquired in one game is higher than that in the non-bonus game state or the bonus game state. It's getting higher. In addition, the winning area 0 of the winning combination lottery table is associated with "unwinning", and when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination shown in FIG. Is not displayed on the activated line A, and the payout of medals is not performed. However, in the bonus winning game state (the BB internal winning flag is ON), when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the activated line A.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, along with the main processing of the main control board 200, an outline of one game after initialization will be described. Although detailed description is omitted, when each process is performed, the switches (the bet switch 126, the start switch 128, the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d) used in each process are effective at the start of the process. And is invalidated at the end of the process.

(Step S100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 148 and becomes in the energized state, the initialization means 300 executes the initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data as needed while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power failure by using the retained backup data in this initialization processing. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are restarted after the returning operation. Therefore, in the initialization processing, basically, the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM clear).

(Step S210)
Further, when the bet number is changed, the command determination means 314 generates a throwing command indicating the changed bet number and the stored number, and the command transmitting means 316 outputs the generated throwing command to the sub-control board 202. Send to.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 validates the game start operation for the start switch 128 and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 128. Here, the winning combination lottery means 304, at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player. The winning random number of 1 is obtained. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines which winning area the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to, based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the currently set gaming state. The winning combination or the non-winning of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. In addition, after the lottery result is determined in response to the operation of the start switch 128, the command determination means 314 generates a winning combination command including the lottery result (winning combination or non-winning) of the winning combination lottery and the gaming state. Then, the command transmitting unit 316 transmits the generated winning combination command to the sub control board 202. In addition, the state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state from the bonus non-established gaming state to the bonus established gaming state based on winning the winning combination “BB” in the bonus non-established gaming state.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d. In this reel rotation processing, when a predetermined time (4.1 seconds, for example) elapses from the start of rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d in the previous game (weight), the reels 134a and 134b in the game, When the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are all rotated at a constant speed after the rotation of the rollers 134c and 134d is started, the process is moved to step S500. Also, the reel control means 306 may execute a reel effect.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d and accepts an operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d by the player, the reels 134a, 134b corresponding to the operation, Either one of 134c and 134d is stopped and controlled. When any of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d is operated, the command determination means 314 outputs a stop command (first stop) indicating information on the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d. Command, second stop command, third stop command) is generated each time the operation is performed, and the command transmitting unit 316 sequentially transmits the generated stop commands to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A shown in FIG. 3(b) corresponds to, and the game state of the game state is determined according to the symbol combination. Performs various processes required for changes and replays. Further, the command determination means 314 generates a winning command including the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A and the payout number of medals when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A. The command transmitting means 316 transmits the generated winning command to the sub control board 202. In addition, the state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state from the bonus established gaming state to the bonus gaming state based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" being displayed on the activated line A in the bonus established gaming state. ..

(Step S700)
Then, based on the determination result in step S600, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A, the payout control unit 310 executes the payout process of the medals corresponding to the small winning combination. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the process for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus gaming state. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A, and ends the one game. In addition, when the payout processing of the medal is performed, the command determination means 314 generates a payout command indicating that the payout processing has been performed, and the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 202. ..

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S210 to step S700. After that, the main loop from step S210 to step S700 is repeated.

(Memory management by the main CPU 200a)
By the way, as described above, in the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b, whereby the initializing means 300, the betting means 302, and the winning combination lottery means 304. , Reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, command transmission means 316, etc., and controls the progress of the game. Programs for executing these functional units are arranged in predetermined areas (use areas) of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c. Here, a memory space of 0000h to 2FFFh (12 kbytes) is allocated to the main ROM 200b, and a memory space of F000h to F1FFh (512 bytes) and F200h to F3FFh (512 bytes) is allocated to the main RAM 200c. Further, the use area is defined in both the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

A use area is assigned to the memory space of 0000h to 1DF3h of the main ROM 200b. Specifically, in the memory space (control area) limited to 0000h to 11FFh (4.5 kbytes), the initialization means 300, the bet means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, and the payout control. The command code of the program for executing the game control process for controlling the progress of the game by causing the means 310, the state transition means 312, the command determination means 314, and the command transmission means 316 to function is stored, and 1200h to 1DF3h (3.0 kbyte). The data used for the program of the game control processing is stored in the memory space (data area) limited to ). A comment area is assigned to the memory space of 1E00h to 1EFFh, and a program management area is assigned to the memory space of 2FC0h to 2FFFh. The instruction code of the program is written in assembler language. Here, the program is composed of an instruction code, can be read by a computer, and can realize a predetermined process in cooperation with data and a work area.

A use area is allocated to the memory space of F000h to F1FFh of the main RAM 200c. Specifically, the work area of the game control process is assigned to the memory space of F000h to F13Fh, and is used for variable management such as a timer, a counter, and a flag. In the memory space of F1C0h to F1FFh, the stack area for the game control processing is assigned. Further, the main CPU 200a is provided with an internal register.

Thus, in the main CPU 200a, the storage capacity of the used area is predetermined, and for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control area is limited to 4.5 kbytes and the data area is limited to 3.0 kbytes. There is. Therefore, when the main CPU 200a manages the AT effect state and a so-called reel effect in which the reel unit 134 is rotated in various modes, the storage capacity of the game control process may be further limited in the control area. Here, by devising the array of variables, the capacity of the control area for performing the game control processing is secured.

As the game control processing, for example, a program in which the reel control unit 306 controls the four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d is given. Here, an example will be described in which, for all four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 is advanced by 1 and the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are updated.

In this embodiment, the stepping motor 262 having a total number of steps of 252 is used. This is because if the number of symbols is 21, 252 is a multiple of 21, so that the number of steps for each symbol can be handled equally. In the present embodiment, since the stepping motor 262 is operated by 1-2 phase excitation, the resolution can be increased and the number of steps can be counted by 504 which is twice 252. Therefore, in the following example, the total number of steps is treated as 504.

Further, the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are represented by three parameters of the motor phase, the step counter value, and the currently appearing symbol number. The motor phase indicates the operation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, that is, during acceleration, during steady rotation, and during stop. It should be noted that although the operations such as acceleration, steady rotation, and stop are mentioned here, the operations may include deceleration. Further, the step counter value indicates the number of steps in the unit symbol. For example, when the number of symbols is 21, the maximum value of the step counter value in the unit symbol is 504/21=24, so the symbol is updated by counting 24, and the step counter value is initialized. However, in this embodiment, since the number of symbols is 20, the value obtained by dividing 504 is not an integer. In view of this, in the present embodiment, the maximum step counter value is set to 26 for 12 frames and the maximum step counter value is set to 24 for 8 frames. Specifically, the maximum value of the step counter value is shifted in order of 26→24→26→24→26 for each of the five symbols, and the combination is repeated four times. In this way, the maximum step counter value can be set to 26 when 3×4 times=12 frames and the maximum step counter value can be set to 24 when 2×4 times=8 frames out of 20 frames. Therefore, the symbol is updated by counting 24 or 26 according to the symbol (symbol number), and the step counter value is initialized. Further, the currently appearing symbol number indicates the number of the symbol currently appearing at a predetermined position (for example, on the activated line A). Here, since the number of symbols is 20, it is assumed that the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d have made one rotation by updating the numbers sequentially and counting 20, and the currently appearing symbol number is initialized. By referring to these three parameters, the operating state of the stepping motor 262 and the reel position can be grasped.

10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining the process of the reel control means 306. Here, an example will be given in which a subroutine is called from the main routine, and in the subroutine, among the plurality of processes that constitute the process during the steady rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, the process related to the symbol information update is executed. explain. The reel control means 306 first sets the number of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d (here, 4), the start reel number (here, 1), and the start position of the variable in the work area as initial settings (S210). ). Then, for one of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, the subroutine that advances the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 by 1 and updates the state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d is called (S212). When the subroutine is completed, the reel control means 306 sets a new reel number (S214) and updates the start position of the variable in the work area (S216). Then, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the subroutine has been completed for all reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d (S218), and if not completed (NO in S218), the subroutine calling process (S212). The procedure is repeated, and if it is completed (YES in S218), the flowchart is ended.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the subroutine, when the process regarding the symbol information update among the plurality of processes constituting the steady rotation process is reached, the reel control means 306 acquires the step counter value (S250), Update the step counter value. Specifically, the reel control means 306 decrements the step counter value by 1 (S252), and determines whether or not the step counter value exceeds the unit symbol range (for example, 26) (S254). As a result, if the step counter value does not exceed the range of the unit symbol (NO in S254), the reel control means 306 updates the step counter value with the decremented value (S256) to perform the routine rotation process. After the other constituent processes are executed, the subroutine is finished. On the other hand, if the step counter value exceeds the unit symbol range (YES in S254), the reel control means 306 sets the step counter value to a predetermined number of steps (eg, 26) as an initial value (S258), and the present The appearance symbol number is acquired (S260), the current appearance symbol number is decremented by 1 (S262), and it is determined whether or not the current appearance symbol number exceeds the range of the reel (for example, 20) (S264). As a result, if the number of steps exceeds the range of the reels (YES in S264), the reel control means 306 sets a predetermined number of symbols (for example, 26) as an initial value in the currently appearing symbol number (S266). On the other hand, if the currently appearing symbol number does not exceed the range of the reel (NO in S264), the reel control means 306 updates the currently appearing symbol number to the decremented value (S268).

Then, the reel control means 306 updates the step counter value according to the position of the symbol. Specifically, the reel control means 306 divides the currently appearing symbol number by 5 (S270), and whether the value of bit 0 of the remainder (remainder) obtained by the division is 0, that is, whether it is an even number. It is determined whether or not (S272). As a result, if the value of bit 0 is 0 (YES in S272), the process proceeds to step S256, and if the value of bit 0 is not 0, that is, 1 (NO in S272), reel control The means 306 sets a predetermined step number (for example, 24) different from the above step number (26) to the step counter value as an initial value (S274), and shifts the processing to step S256.

This is for the following reason. That is, as described above, the number of motor steps 504 is not divisible by 20. Therefore, of the 20 frames, the maximum step counter value is set to 26 for 12 frames and the maximum step counter value is set to 24 for 8 frames. Then, the ratio of the symbol with the maximum step counter value of 26 and the symbol with the maximum step counter value of 24 is 3:2, so that the remainder divided by 5 is 26, an odd number. In this case, it can be realized by setting it to 24. Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, 26 is set as the step counter value, and if the remainder obtained by dividing the currently appearing symbol number by 5 is an odd number, it is replaced with 24. In this way, it is possible to set the maximum step counter value to 26 for 12 frames and set the maximum step counter value to 24 for 8 frames.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program for realizing the flowchart of FIG. "LD B,4" on the first line of FIG. 12 indicates that 4 which is the number of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d is set in the B register. "LD C,0001B" on the second line indicates that the reel number at the start of the flowchart, 0001B, is set in the C register that holds the target reel number. Here, “B” added to the ending of the numerical value indicates a binary number, and “H” added to the ending of the numerical value, which will be described later, indicates a hexadecimal number. Further, regarding the reel numbers, 0001B indicates the first reel, 0010B indicates the second reel, 0100B indicates the third reel, and 1000B indicates the fourth reel. "LDQ IY,_SMC_PHS" in the third line indicates that the address "_SMC_PHS" is set in the IY register as the start position of the variable in the work area. Here, "LDQ" is different from mere "LD" and indicates that the contents of the Q register are set to the upper part of the IY register and then the contents of _SMC_PHS are set to the lower part of the IY register. The commands on the first to third lines correspond to step S210 in FIG.

"TMR_IPT01:" on the fourth line of FIG. 12 indicates the return address of "DJNZ TMR_IPT01" on the eighth line. "CALLF SMCPROC" on the fifth line calls "SMCPROC" which is a subroutine for updating the state by advancing the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 by 1 for one reel out of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d. Indicates. Here, "CALLF" is different from mere "CALL", and if the address distance, which is the difference from the destination address, is 1000H or more, the length of the code when the "CALLF" is converted into a machine language (command length). ) Is 3 bytes, but if it is within FFFH, the command length of the "CALLF" can be shortened to 2 bytes. The command on the fifth line corresponds to step S212 in FIG.

"SLA C" on the sixth line in FIG. 12 indicates that the value (reel number) of the C register is shifted to the left by one bit, and 0 is put in bit 0 of the C register. Therefore, if the reel number is 0001B for the first reel, the value of the C register is updated to 0010B for the second reel, and if the reel number is 0010B for the second reel, it is updated to 0100B for the third reel. Is 0100B on the third reel, it is updated to 1000B on the fourth reel. The command on the sixth line corresponds to step S214 in FIG.

“INC IY” on the seventh line in FIG. 12 indicates that the value in the IY register is incremented by 1. This is to offset the start position of a variable in the work area of a new reel as the reel number is updated. The command on the seventh line corresponds to step S216 in FIG. "DJNZ TMR_IPT01" on the 8th line decrements the value of the B register (the number of reels) by 1, and the result is not zero, that is, all four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are completed. If not, it means to move to “TMR_IPT01:” on the fourth line. If the result of decrementing the value of the B register by 1 is zero, the program ends without moving to “TMR_IPT01:” on the fourth line. The command on the eighth line corresponds to step S218 in FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program for realizing the flowchart of FIG. "SMCPROC" on the first line in FIG. 13 indicates the start address of the subroutine. “LD A, (IY+_STE_CNT−_SMC_PHS)” on the second line is an offset value (_SMC_PHS) obtained by subtracting the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS) from the step counter value address (_STE_CNT) in the IY register value (variable start address). For example, it indicates that the address obtained by adding 4), that is, the content indicated by the address of the step counter value is set in the A register. The command on the second line corresponds to step S250 in FIG.

"DCPLD A, 26-1" on the third line of FIG. 13 is a predetermined number of steps when the value of the A register is decremented by 1 and a carrier is generated (becomes negative) by the decrement (26- Indicates that the value of 1) is set. Here, the predetermined number of steps is 26-1, because the step counter value takes a value between 0 and 25 when the range of the step counter value is 26. “LD E,A” on the fourth line indicates that the value of the A register is set in the E register. Here, since the A register is released, the step counter value is saved in the E register. “JR NC, SMC_ROT07” on the fifth line indicates that the carrier moves to SMC_ROT07 if no carrier is generated. The commands on the third to fifth lines correspond to steps S252, S254, and S258 of FIG.

"LD A, (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS)" on the 6th line of FIG. 13 is the value of the IY register (start address of the variable), and the address (_SMC_PHS) of the motor phase is subtracted from the address (_FIG_NUM) of the currently appearing symbol number. It indicates that the address obtained by adding the offset value (for example, 8), that is, the content indicated by the address of the currently appearing symbol number is set in the A register. Here, the command “LD (qq+v), A” that reads out the variable stored in the predetermined address used in the sixth line of FIG. 13 to the predetermined register of the main CPU 200a is different from the simple “LD”. , V is a numerical value other than 0 to 7 among the numerical values represented by 8 bits (either -128 to -1 or 8 to 127), the "LD (qq+v), A" is "LD (q qq+d), A”, and the length of the command itself (command length) is 3 bytes, but if it is any of 0 to 7, the command length of the “LD (qq+v), A” is 2 bytes. Can be shortened to An IX register or an IY register is used for qq. Such a command is often used mainly when the BC register, the DE register, and the HL register cannot be used. The command on the sixth line corresponds to step S260 in FIG.

"DCPLD A, 20-1" on the seventh line of FIG. 13 is a predetermined number of symbols when the value of the A register is decremented by 1 and carrier is thereby generated (becomes negative) (20- Indicates that the value of 1) is set. Here, the predetermined number of symbols is set to 20-1, because the step counter value takes a value between 0 and 19 when the range of currently appearing symbol numbers is set to 20. "LD (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS), A" in the 8th line is the content of the A register, the value of the IY register (the start address of the variable), the address of the currently appearing symbol number (_FIG_NUM) to the address of the motor phase (_SMC_PHS). ) Is added to the offset value (for example, 8), that is, it is set to the address of the currently appearing symbol number. Here, "LD A, (qq+v)" which is a command for updating the variable stored in the predetermined address used in the eighth line of FIG. 13 with the value of the predetermined register of the main CPU 200a is simply "LD , V is a numerical value other than 0 to 7, the “LD A, (qq+v)” is treated as “LD A, (qq+d)”, and the length of the command itself (command length) is 3 Although it becomes a byte, if it is any of 0 to 7, the command length of the “LD A, (qq+v)” can be shortened to 2 bytes. The commands on the seventh and eighth lines correspond to steps S262, S264, S266, and S268 in FIG.

"DIV D, A, 5" on the ninth line in FIG. 13 indicates that the remainder (remainder) obtained by dividing the value of the A address (current appearance symbol number) by 5 is set in the D register. The command on the ninth line corresponds to step S270 in FIG. “JBIT Z,0,D,SMC_ROT07” on the 10th line indicates that if bit 0 of the D register is 0, then it moves to “SMC_ROT07”. The command on the tenth line corresponds to step S272 in FIG. “LD E,24-1” on the 11th line indicates that a predetermined number of steps (here, 24) different from 26 is set in the E register. The command on the 11th line corresponds to step S274 in FIG. “SMC_ROT07:” on the 12th line indicates the move destination address of “JR NC, SMC_ROT07” on the 5th line. "LD (IY+_STE_CNT-_SMC_PHS), E" on the 13th line is the content of the E register (step counter value), and the value of the IY register (start address of the variable) is the motor from the address (_STE_CNT) of the currently appearing symbol number. This indicates updating the address obtained by adding an offset value (for example, 4) obtained by subtracting the phase address (_SMC_PHS), that is, the address value of the step counter value. The command on the 13th line corresponds to step S256 in FIG.

Here, a down counter is used to count the step counter value and the currently appearing symbol number. This is because there are many commands (for example, "DCPLD") for determining the occurrence of zero or carrier (having good usability), and the command length can be shortened by using such a command. However, needless to say, an up counter may be used instead of the down counter.

Further, here, immediately after the line following "SMCPROC" on the first line in FIG. 13 showing the start address of the subroutine, the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 is immediately set for all four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d. Although the process of updating the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d is executed by advancing by 1, the number of reels 134a, 134b is not limited to such a case, and the four reels 134a and 134b are continuously processed. , 134c, 134d, the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 may be advanced by 1 to update the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of variables as a comparative example in the work area. Here, parameters such as a motor phase (_SMC_PHS), a step counter value (_STE_CNT), and a current appearance symbol number (_FIG_NUM) are collectively (sequentially) assigned in that order so that variables for each reel can be easily compared. .. Within each parameter, variables for each reel, such as the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, the fourth reel, are assigned in that order. Therefore, each variable is, as shown in FIG. 14, the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, the fourth reel of the motor phase, the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, the fourth reel of the step counter value. The first reel, the second reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel of the currently appearing symbol number are arranged in this order.

In the case of updating the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d by advancing the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 by 1 for each reel targeting the array of such variables, and repeating this for four reels, Specify the variables as follows. That is, the start position of the variable in the work area is set in the IY register by "LDQ IY, _SMC_PHS" on the third line of FIG. 12, and "LD A, (IY+_STE_CNT-_SMC_PHS)" on the second line of FIG. The step counter value is set in the A register by adding the difference between the step counter value and the motor phase to IY, and in "LD A, (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS)" on the sixth line of FIG. 13, the current appearance symbol number and The current appearance symbol number is set in the A register by adding the difference with the motor phase to IY, and the current appearance symbol number and the motor phase are set in "LD (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS), A" on the eighth line of FIG. The current appearance symbol number is updated with the value of the A register by adding the difference of IY. Here, by using the motor phase (_SMC_PHS), the step counter value (_STE_CNT), and the difference (relative value) of the address indicating the currently appearing symbol number (_FIG_NUM), it is possible to prevent the change in the arrangement of variables from affecting the program. ing.

As described above, “LD A, (qq+v)” which is a command for reading a variable stored at a predetermined address to a predetermined register of the main CPU 200a, or a variable stored at a predetermined address to a predetermined register of the main CPU 200a. A command such as “LD (qq+v), A” that is a command for updating to a value of 0, if v is a numerical value other than 0 to 7, the length of the command itself (command length) is 3 bytes, but 0 to If it is any of 7, the command length of the command can be shortened to 2 bytes. Here, referring to "LD A, (IY+_STE_CNT-_SMC_PHS)" on the second line of FIG. 13, since there are four reels, _FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS is 4. Since this is a range of 0 to 7, the command length can be suppressed to 2 bytes. However, referring to “LD A, (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS)” on the sixth line and “LD (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS), A” on the eighth line in FIG. 13, the address distance is equal to two parameters (4 bytes). X_parameter), so that _FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS is 8. Since this is not included in the range of 0 to 7, the command length becomes 3 bytes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, v is set within the range of 0 to 7 by devising the array of variables.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of variables of this embodiment in the work area. Here, the arrangement of variables is different from that in FIG. That is, the arrangement is not on a parameter basis but on a reel basis. Specifically, variables are collectively (continuously) assigned in the order of the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel. Within each reel, variables relating to parameters such as a motor phase (_SMC_PHS), a step counter value (_STE_CNT), and a current appearance symbol number (_FIG_NUM) are assigned in that order. Therefore, the motor phase of the first reel, the step counter value, the current appearance symbol number, the second reel motor phase, the step counter value, the current appearance symbol number, the third reel motor phase, the step counter value, the current appearance symbol number, The motor phase on the fourth reel, the step counter value, and the currently appearing symbol number are arranged in this order.

Even if the arrangement of variables is changed as described above, the capacity occupied by the variables in the work area has not changed, as can be understood by comparing FIGS. 14 and 15. Further, since the program shown in FIG. 13 is created so as to absorb the change in the address distance, only the motor phase, the step counter value, and the address distance (address difference) between the currently appearing symbol numbers are changed. It is not necessary to change the program shown in FIG.

The arrangement of such variables has the following characteristics. That is, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the process of calling the subroutine (“SMCPROC”) is repeated for each reel. Therefore, the operation of referring to the motor phase, the step counter value, and the currently appearing symbol number is performed for each reel. For example, in “LD A, (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS)” on the 6th line and “LD (IY+_FIG_NUM-_SMC_PHS), A” on the 8th line in FIG. 13, in the same command, the address of the motor phase and the currently appearing pattern The address of the number is referred to, and the address distance is used for the command. Here, since the motor phase, the step counter value, and the currently appearing symbol number are arranged for each reel, the address distance between the reels becomes large (3, 6, or 9), but for each parameter in the same reel. The maximum address distance is 2 of the address of the currently appearing symbol number-the address of the motor phase. Therefore, even in the same program shown in FIG. 13, v of “LD (qq+v), A” and “LD A, (qq+v)” falls within the range of 0 to 7 (predetermined distance range). It is possible to shorten the command length when converted to 2 bytes.

By changing the arrangement of variables as shown in FIG. 15, it is necessary to change “INC IY” on the 7th line in FIG. 12 to “ADDWB IY,_SMC_PHS2-_SMC_PHS”, for example. Since the command length only increases by a few bytes, the total number of bytes can be reduced. Hereinafter, a specific example will be shown.

16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a program for realizing the entire processing during steady rotation. 16 shows the effect when the number of reels is 4, and FIG. 17 shows the effect when the number of reels is 3. In the above, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, as an example of performing “design information update” as the routine steady rotation process, it has been described, but in reality, “index sensor edge check”, “index sensor” Processing is performed in the order of "edge detection processing", "index sensor post-processing", "rotation error detection upper limit determination", "symbol information update", and "stop request confirmation". Of these, "update symbol information" corresponds to the program of FIG. Since the contents of the processing described here are not directly related to the present embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only the effect of changing the arrangement of variables as described above will be described.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, by changing the arrangement of variables, the number of bytes of the command length is reduced by a predetermined command. For example, the command length is reduced by 2 bytes in "index sensor edge check", the command length is reduced by 7 bytes in "index sensor edge detection process", and the command length is reduced by 1 byte in "rotation error detection upper limit judgment". In the “design information update”, the command length is reduced by 2 bytes as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, and in the “stop request confirmation”, the command length is reduced by 1 byte. Then, the command length is reduced by 13 bytes in the entire processing during steady rotation.

Therefore, even if the number of reels is four and another command such as "ADDWB" is used by changing the arrangement of variables as described above and the command length is increased by several bytes, the entire program is, for example, 9 Bytes can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to secure the capacity of the control area for performing the game control processing.

Even when the number of reels is three, the number of bytes of the command length is reduced by a predetermined command by changing the arrangement of variables as shown in FIG. For example, the command length is reduced by 2 bytes in "index sensor edge check", the command length is reduced by 5 bytes in "index sensor edge detection process", and the command length is reduced by 1 byte in "rotation error detection upper limit judgment". In the “design information update”, the command length is reduced by 2 bytes as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, and in the “stop request confirmation”, the command length is reduced by 1 byte. This means that the command length has been reduced by 11 bytes in the entire processing during steady rotation.

Therefore, even if the number of reels is three, and the command length is increased by several bytes due to the use of another command such as "ADDWB" by changing the arrangement of variables as described above, if the command length increases by 2 bytes, for example, Bytes can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to secure the capacity of the control area for performing the game control processing even when the number of reels is three, as in the case of four reels.

In addition, here, an example in which “LD (qq+v), A” and “LD A, (qq+v)” are included in the subroutine, and the subroutine is repeatedly called while offsetting the address by the reel, has been described. Not limited to the above, it is sufficient to repeatedly execute commands such as “LD (qq+v), A” and “LD A, (qq+v)” while offsetting the address. At this time, the address distance between the plurality of variables referred to by the command may be arranged to be closer than the offset address distance. By doing so, the command length of the command can be shortened.

Further, in order to reduce the command length, there is no limitation on the offset address distance, and it is sufficient if the address distance between a plurality of variables referred to by the command is within a predetermined distance range, here 0 to 7.

In this way, by arranging the variables so that v falls within the range of 0 to 7, the command length of a predetermined command can be shortened, and the game control processing can be performed without changing the capacity occupied by the variables in the work area. It is possible to secure the capacity of the control area for performing.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. To be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged so as to share the function part for advancing the game, but the function part of the main control board 200 is provided in the sub-control board 202. Alternatively, the functional units of the sub-control board 202 may be provided on the main control board 200, or all the functional sections may be collectively provided on one control board.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the bonus game is described as the game profit, but the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the above-mentioned AT effect state and the winning probability of the replay combination are set to be higher than the normal game. An RT (replay time) game, or an ART game in which the above AT and RT games are simultaneously progressed, may be provided to increase the chances of winning a winning combination for the consumption of medals by suppressing the consumption of medals.

Further, each of the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be performed in time series in the order described as the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

100 slot machines (game machines)
134a, 134b, 134c, 134d Reel 200a Main CPU
200b main ROM
200c main RAM
262 Stepping motor 306 Reel control means

In order to solve the above problems, a predetermined board used for the progress of a game is provided with a CPU, a ROM storing a program used for the CPU, and a RAM holding a variable updated by the program. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the CPU reads a program from the ROM and a command to read a variable stored in an address obtained by adding a predetermined offset value to the value of the first register of the RAM to a second register, or , A command for updating a variable stored in an address of the RAM , which is obtained by adding a predetermined offset value to the value of the first register, to the value of the second register, without changing the value of the first register. the predetermined processing is executed only by changing the range of 0-7, run repeatedly while the offset value of the first register.

The command may be included in a subroutine, and the CPU may repeatedly call the subroutine while offsetting the value of the first register .

Claims (3)

A game machine comprising a CPU, a ROM storing a program used for the CPU, and a RAM holding a variable updated by the program, on a predetermined board used for the progress of a game,
The CPU is
Read the program from the ROM,
A command for reading a variable stored at a predetermined address of the RAM into a predetermined register of the CPU, or a command for updating the variable stored at a predetermined address of the RAM to a value of a predetermined register of the CPU, Repeatedly while offsetting the address,
In the RAM, a gaming machine arranged such that an address distance between a plurality of variables referred to by the command is shorter than the offset address distance. The command is contained in a subroutine,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the CPU repeatedly calls the subroutine while offsetting the address. A game machine comprising a CPU, a ROM storing a program used for the CPU, and a RAM holding a variable updated by the program, on a predetermined board used for the progress of a game,
The CPU is
Read the program from the ROM,
A command for reading a variable stored at a predetermined address of the RAM into a predetermined register of the CPU, or a command for updating the variable stored at a predetermined address of the RAM to a value of a predetermined register of the CPU, Repeatedly while offsetting the address,
In the RAM, a gaming machine in which an address distance between a plurality of variables referred to by the command is within a predetermined distance range.

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