JP3715521B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

【００８２】
スロットマシン１内のコイン収納庫（図示せず）内のコインの数が、収納限度数を越えようとしたときには、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ａ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−１」と表示される。
【００８３】
スロットマシン１内に払い出しに必要なコインが不足し、所定時間以上コイン払い出しモータが空回りしたとき、或いはコイン払い出しモータが故障し、コインを払い出すことができないときにも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｂ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−２」と表示される。
【００８４】
コイン払い出し処理（ステップＳ３）において払い出したコインが、コイン払出口２９までの流路に詰まったことが、その流路に設けられたセンサによって検出されたときも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｃ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−３」と表示される。
【００８５】
コイン払い出し処理（ステップＳ３）において正常にコインが払い出される場合以外に、コイン払出口２９までのコイン流路に設けられたセンサがコインの払い出しを検出したときも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｄ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−４」と表示される。
【００８６】
コイン投入口１６から投入したコインがその流路において停止してしまったこと、またはコインが逆流したことを、その流路に設けられたセンサが検出したときも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｅ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−５」と表示される。
【００８７】
リール位置センサからの信号により、リール６Ｌ、６Ｃ、６Ｒの回転速度に異常が検出され、かつ所定回再試行しても正常な回転速度とならないときにも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｆ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−６」と表示される。
【００８８】
内部抽選によりビッグボーナス当選フラグなどの当選フラグが設定されていないのにも関わらず、入賞判定処理（ステップＳ２）において入賞が判定されたときにも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｇ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−７」と表示される。
【００８９】
ＣＰＵ４６が誤動作したとき、またはＲＡＭ４８に必要な情報が記憶されていなかったときにも、エラーの発生となる。この場合、エラー発生割り込み処理において遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信されたエラーコマンドにより、図９（ｈ）に示すように、画像表示装置７上にエラーメッセージとして「Ｅ−８」と表示される。
【００９０】
以上説明したように、この実施の形態にかかるスロットマシン１では、エラーが発生すると、発生したエラーの種類に応じたエラーコマンドが遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信される。このため、遊技制御部４５とは独立して設けられた演出制御部１００も、演出制御部１００とは無関係な所でのエラーの発生を知ることができ、安定した制御を行うことができる。
【００９１】
また、演出制御部１００は、遊技制御部４５からエラーコマンドを受信することで、画像表示装置７にエラーメッセージを表示させている。これにより、遊技者及びホールの管理者にエラーが発生したことを、確実に報知することができる。また、画像表示装置７に表示されるエラーメッセージは、遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送られたエラーコマンドに応じて異なるものとなっているため、発生したエラーの種類を容易に特定することができる。また、通常は演出の実行のために用いられている画像表示装置７が、エラーメッセージの表示も兼ねているため、部品の共通化が図れると共に、従来よりのスロットマシンの構成でも、制御方法を変えるだけで、本発明の適用が可能となっている。
【００９２】
一方、施錠装置３に挿入されたキーによりリセット操作がなされると、エラー解除コマンドが遊技制御部４５から演出制御部１００に送信される。そして、演出制御部１００は、エラー解除コマンドを受信することにより、画像表示装置７に表示されたエラーメッセージを消去させている。このため、リセットによりエラー状態が解除されたことを容易に確認することができるようになる。さらに、演出制御部１００が行っていた演出は、エラーコマンドの受信によって中断され、エラー解除コマンドの受信によって再開される。遊技者及びホールの管理者は、この演出の中断、再開によって、エラーの発生、解除がより分かり易くなる。
【００９３】
また、エラーが発生したときには、画像表示装置７へのエラーメッセージの表示だけでなく、エラーランプ３６の点滅表示も行われている。エラーランプ３６は、遊技制御部４５が直接制御するものとなっているため、仮に演出制御部１００が故障していたとしても、遊技者及びホールの管理者にエラーが発生したことを報知することが可能となる。
【００９４】
本発明は、上記の実施の形態に限られず、種々の変形、応用が可能である。以下、本発明に適用可能な上記の実施の形態の変形態様について、説明する。
【００９５】
上記の実施の形態では、演出制御部１００は、遊技制御部４５からエラーコマンドを受け取ったとき、エラーコマンドの種類に応じたエラーメッセージを画像表示装置７に表示させるものとしていた。これに対して、ゲーム回数表示器２５と同様のセグメント表示器を別に設け、このセグメント表示器においてエラーメッセージを表示させるものとしてもよい。さらに、演出制御部１００が制御するランプ（エラーランプ３６と同様の構成を有するもの）を、エラーコマンドの受信により点灯してもよい。つまり、演出を行うための手段が、エラーの報知を行うための手段を兼ねていなくてもよい。
【００９６】
また、エラーメッセージは、このような視覚的なものによる他、サウンドジェネレータ１０７の制御によりスピーカ２８から音声報知させるものとしてもよい。音声による報知の場合についても、エラー報知を演出用のものと兼用することも、エラー報知専用のものを設けることも可能である。さらに、エラーメッセージとしては、エラーの種類を示すだけでなく、例えば、コイン不足のエラーが生じた場合に「コインを補給して、施錠を解除してリセット操作をしてください。」といった、エラーからの復帰方法をも報知するものとしてもよい。
【００９７】
上記の実施の形態では、施錠装置３にキーが挿入されて操作されたときに、遊技制御部４５のＣＰＵ４６にリセットパルスが出力され、これにより、ＣＰＵ４６は、演出制御部１００にエラー解除コマンドを送信することとしていた。そして、演出制御部１００のＣＰＵ１０３は、遊技制御部４６から送られてきたエラー解除コマンドに従って、エラーメッセージを消去させ、演出を再開させていた。しかしながら、このようなエラー解除時の制御は、エラー解除コマンドによらなくてもよい。表１に示した例では、演出制御部１００のＣＰＵ１０３は、ＭＯＤＥが“Ｃ０Ｈ”以外のコマンドを受信した場合に、エラー解除時の制御を行うものとすればよい。例えば、払い出しコマンドなどによってエラー解除時の制御を行うことによって、演出制御部１００がエラー解除コマンドを取りこぼしたときに、エラー報知が継続的になされてしまう不都合を避けることができる。
【００９８】
例えば、施錠装置３にキーが挿入されて操作されたときに、ＣＰＵ１０３にもリセットパルスが出力され、このリセットパルスを以てエラー解除時の制御を行うものとしてもよい。また、演出制御部１００は、エラーコマンドを受信した以降、次の何らかのコマンド（演出コマンドなど）を受信することによって、エラー解除時の制御を行うものとしてもよい。この場合には、ノイズの混入その他の原因により、演出制御部１００がエラー解除コマンドを受信できなかったとしても、エラー時における処理から通常時の処理に復帰することが可能となる。
【００９９】
また、エラーが解除された後の演出は、必ずしも上記したようにエラーによる中断時の状態から再開させるものでなくてもよい。例えば、中断された演出の最終結果の画像のみを画像表示装置７に表示させたり、中断された演出を最初からやり直して行うようにしてもよい。
【０１００】
上記の実施の形態では、遊技制御部４５とは分かれて設けられた演出制御部１００が、画像表示装置７に表示する画像による演出、遊技効果ＬＥＤ２４の光による演出、スピーカ２８から出力される音声による演出の全てを制御していた。これに対し、演出制御部１００が画像表示装置７に表示する画像による演出のみを制御するものとし、光及び音声による演出は、遊技制御部４５が直接制御するような構成であっても、本発明の適用は可能である。また、画像による演出を制御する画像演出制御部、光による演出を制御する光演出制御部、音声による演出を制御する音声演出制御部が、それぞれ遊技制御部４５とは別個に設けられた構成のものであってもよい。この場合、遊技制御部４５は、３つの演出制御部にそれぞれエラーコマンドを送信し、各制御部は、エラーコマンドの受信によって演出を中断させると共に、画像演出制御部が、エラーメッセージを画像で表示させるものとすることができる。
【０１０１】
上記の実施の形態では、可変表示装置５は、外周部に複数の図柄を所定順に配した３つのリール６Ｌ、６Ｃ、６Ｒを備えるものとし、これらのリール６Ｌ、６Ｃ、６Ｒの回転駆動によって図柄を可変表示させるものとしていた。しかしながら、液晶表示装置などの表示装置上で仮想的に図柄を可変表示させるものを、上記のような可変表示装置５の代わりに用いてもよい。
【０１０２】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明によれば、異常の発生、解除という状態の変化に対して、スロットマシン全体を安定して制御することができる。また、遊技者或いはホールの管理者が、異常の発生、解除を容易に知ることができる。また、ホールの管理者が自ら異常を解除し、異常の解除を確認することができる。
【０１０４】
請求項２の発明によれば、部品の共用化が図れ、従来からのスロットマシンでも制御方法を変えるだけで、発生した異常の報知が可能となる。
【０１０５】
請求項３の発明によれば、遊技者或いはホールの管理者にとって異常が発生した原因の特定が容易になる。
【０１０７】
請求項４の発明によれば、遊技者或いはホールの管理者がさらに容易に異常の発生、解除を知ることができる。
【０１０８】
請求項５の発明によれば、異常発生時の状態から演出を再開することができる。
【０１１０】
請求項８の発明によれば、演出制御手段の故障時においても、異常の発生を遊技者或いはホールの管理者に報知することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態にかかるスロットマシンの全体構造を示す正面図である。
【図２】図１のスロットマシンの遊技制御部（メイン基板）の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３】図２の遊技制御部に接続される演出制御部の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】遊技制御部が演出コマンドを決定するために使用するランダムカウンタの種類とカウント範囲を示す図である。
【図５】遊技制御部が１ゲームを行うための処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】図３のゲーム実行処理を詳細に示すフローチャートである。
【図７】遊技制御部がエラー発生割り込みにより行う処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】演出制御部が、遊技制御部からのコマンドに従って実行する処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図９】画像表示装置上に表示されるエラーメッセージを示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１ スロットマシン
３ 施錠装置
５ 可変表示装置
７ 画像表示装置
３６ エラーランプ
４５ 遊技制御部
１００ 演出制御部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to control when an error occurs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a slot machine is provided with a variable display device having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral portion as identification methods and having a plurality of reels that start and stop rotating according to the player's operation. Then, the player determines the control state inside the machine based on the pattern mode (so-called reach eyes, chance eyes) displayed in the predetermined display area when the rotation of the reel is stopped in each game. , Will continue to play games.
[0003]
However, it is relatively difficult for beginners to judge the internal control status based on reach and chance, making it difficult to approach slot machines. Therefore, the slot machines in recent years have become common in the slot machines that show the internal control state in an easy-to-understand manner to the player with effects such as light, sound, and even images.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a production means is an auxiliary means for producing a presentation and presenting the internal control state in an easily understandable manner, and is not necessarily required for the progress of the game. On the other hand, in recent years, the production tends to be large, and the load on the control unit due to the production is not small. Therefore, an effect control unit for controlling such an effect is provided independently of the game control unit that controls the flow of the entire game, and the effect control unit controls the effect according to a command sent from the game control unit. I have to.
[0005]
Here, when the game is progressing normally, a command according to the progress state of the game by the game control unit is sent to the effect control unit. Appropriate performance can be performed according to the situation. However, in the conventional slot machine, even if some error occurs and the progress of the game by the game control unit is stopped, the effect control unit follows the command sent from the game control unit before the occurrence of the error, I have been directing. Due to such unstable control, there are many scenes in which the player does not notice the occurrence of an error.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional slot machine, and an object thereof is to stably control the entire slot machine even when an error occurs.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention provides:
  A slot machine having a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information, and capable of imparting valuable value according to the display result of the identification information in the variable display device,
  Game control information corresponding to the progress of the game when processing for the game of the slot machine is performed and the game in the slot machine is proceeding normally(Paragraph 0046: Production command, Paragraph 0097: Command with MODE other than “C0H”)Game control information transmitting means for transmitting(FIG. 6: S105, paragraph 0059)Game control means including(FIG. 2: Game control unit 45)When,
  Effecting means provided separately from the game control means, receiving the game control information transmitted by the game control information transmitting means, and performing effects according to the gaming state according to the received game control information(FIG. 1, FIG. 3: Image display device 7)Production control means for controlling(FIG. 3: Production control unit 100)When,
  Release means for releasing the state in which an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine and the progress of the game by the game control means is disabled by an external operation(Fig. 1: Locking device 3, paragraph 0030) andWith
  The game control means includes
    Abnormal information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality that is different from the game control information when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine(Paragraph 0081, Table 1: Error command)Is transmitted to the effect control means.(FIG. 7: S203, paragraph 0072)When,
    When the release means is operated, the abnormality release information is different from the game control information and indicates that the state where the progress of the game is disabled due to the occurrence of the abnormality is released.(Paragraph 0081, Table 1: Error cancel command)Release information transmission means for transmitting the effect control means to(FIG. 7: S206, paragraph 0074)And
  The production control means includes
    The fact that an abnormality has occurred by receiving the abnormality information transmitted by the abnormality information transmitting meansTheProduction control side notification means(FIG. 9, paragraphs 0082-0089: image display device 7)Production control side abnormality notification control means to notify from(FIG. 8: S306, paragraph 0078)When,
    Abnormality cancellation information transmitted by the cancellation information transmitting unit when the production control side notification unit is notified by the reception of the abnormal information(FIG. 8: S302 (error cancel command))Game control information transmitted by the game control information transmitting meansAs a trigger (paragraph 0097: when MODE receives a command other than “C0H”),Anomaly notification end means for causing the effect control side notification means to end notification(FIG. 8: S307, paragraph 0079, paragraph 0097)And
  The effect control side notification means continuously notifies that an abnormality has occurred from when the abnormality information is received until the notification is terminated by the abnormality notification end means.(Paragraph 0097)
  It is characterized by that.
[0008]
  In the slot machine, when the abnormality occurs, the abnormality information is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means, so the effect control means can know the occurrence of the abnormality,By giving notification from the effect control side notification means, the player or the manager of the hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the abnormality.Also, the error cancellation informationOr game control informationControlmeansCan know the cancellation of the abnormality,Notify to production control side notification meansThe ExitMakebe able to. As a result, the entire slot machine can be controlled more stably with respect to a change in state such as occurrence of an abnormality and cancellation of the abnormality that has occurred.Further, by continuously performing notification from the production control side notification means from the occurrence of abnormality to the end of notification, the player or the manager of the hall can easily know the occurrence and release of the abnormality. Further, by operating the canceling means, the manager of the hall can cancel the abnormality himself / herself and confirm the cancellation of the abnormality. In addition, the game control side abnormality notification control means notifies the fact that an abnormality has occurred from the notification means, so that even if the production control means is out of order, a player or a hall manager may indicate that an abnormality has occurred. Can be notified.
[0009]
  In the above slot machine,
  The production control side notification means may be used also as the production means.(Paragraph 0024).
[0010]
  As described aboveProduction control sideBy sharing the notifying means with the effecting means, it is possible to share components, and even a conventional slot machine can be notified of an abnormality that has occurred simply by changing the control method. In addition,Production control sideThe effect means that is also used as the notification means can interrupt the effect when an abnormality occurs and notify the occurrence of the abnormality.
[0011]
  Here, the abnormality information transmitting unit may transmit abnormality information that can specify the type of abnormality that has occurred to the effect control unit in accordance with the type of abnormality that has occurred.(Paragraphs 0080, 0081, Table 1). in this case,
  The production control side abnormality notification control means can cause the production control side notification means to notify information that can identify the type of abnormality that has occurred from outside based on the received abnormality information.(FIG. 9, paragraphs 0082-0089).
[0012]
Thereby, a player or a manager of the hall can easily identify the cause of the abnormality.
[0014]
  In the above slot machine,
  The production control means includes
    Production interruption means for interrupting the production performed by the production means by receiving the abnormality information transmitted by the abnormality information transmission means.(FIG. 8: S305, paragraph 0078)When,
    An effect resumption means for causing the effect means to resume the effect that has been interrupted by receiving the abnormality release information transmitted by the release information transmitting means when the effect by the effect means is interrupted.(FIG. 8: S309, paragraph 0079)And can be further provided.
[0015]
  In this case, when the production interruption means interrupts the production performed by the production means, information on the state of the production being executed is displayed.RAMEvacuate to a predetermined area(FIG. 8: S304, paragraph 0078),
  The effect resuming means, when the effect means restarts the effect,RAMRestore information about the state of the performance that was evacuated to a predetermined area(FIG. 8: S308, paragraph 0079)The production may be resumed according to the restored production state.
[0016]
  As described above,By interrupting and resuming the production, it becomes easier for the player or the manager of the hall to find out that an abnormality has occurred and has been canceled. Moreover, the production state at the time of occurrence of the abnormality is saved and restored when the abnormality is canceled, so that the production can be resumed from the state at the time of occurrence of the abnormality.
[0017]
  In the above slot machine,
  The effect resuming means receives the abnormality release information transmitted by the release information transmitting means when the effect by the effect means is interrupted, so that the effect that has been interrupted is removed from the state at the time of the interruption. The production means can be resumed by any of the following methods: restarting, outputting only the final result of the production, or starting over from the beginning of the production(Paragraph 0099).
[0018]
  In the above slot machine,
  The production control side abnormality notification control means may further cause the production control side notification means to notify a method for canceling the abnormality occurring in the slot machine.(Paragraph 0096).
[0019]
The slot machine is further provided with notification means (FIG. 1, FIG. 2: error lamp 36) that is provided separately from the effect control side notification means and notifies that an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine. In this case,
The game control means further includes a game control side abnormality notification control means (FIG. 7: S201, paragraph 0071) for notifying that an abnormality has occurred from the notification means when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine. it can.
[0020]
In this case, even if the production control means is out of order, it is possible to notify the player or the manager of the hall that an abnormality has occurred.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, on the upper front side of the slot machine 1, a variable display device 5 including a left variable display portion 5L, a middle variable display portion 5C, and a right variable display portion 5R is provided. Inside the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R, reels 6L, 6C, and 6R that are rotated / stopped by driving a reel drive motor (not shown) are provided.
[0023]
On the outer peripheries of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, symbols such as “colorless 7”, “colored 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell” are drawn in a predetermined order. It is. On the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R, symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are displayed in three upper and lower stages. Further, a reel position detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the reference position is provided for each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R.
[0024]
Various display lamps and indicators are provided around the variable display device 5. An image display device 7 is provided on the upper portion of the variable display device 5 and displays images for various effects according to the gaming state. The image display device 7 also performs error notification when an error occurs. The effective line display lamp 21 lights up corresponding to the effective line corresponding to the number of bets (in the case of a coin game described later, the number of coins inserted) to indicate to the player which line is the effective line. Lamp. The role display lamp 31 is a lamp for introducing a role symbol in the gaming state at that time.
[0025]
The insertion instruction lamp 32 is a lamp that lights up when coins can be inserted. The start lamp 33 is a lamp that is turned on when the start can be started, that is, when the start lever 12 is operated and the reels 6L, 6C, 6R can start to rotate. The replay lamp 34 is a lamp that is turned on when a replay winning is described later. The game over lamp 35 is a lamp that lights up when the slot machine 1 is stopped. The error lamp 36 is a lamp that blinks when an error occurs.
[0026]
The game number display 25 displays the value of a big bonus counter or a regular bonus counter provided inside the slot machine, and displays the number of times the game is executed in the big bonus or regular bonus. The credit indicator 26 displays the number of credits added and stored in the slot machine 1 according to the number of inserted coins. The payout number display 27 displays the number of coins to be awarded when a winning is established.
[0027]
A coin insertion slot 16, a single BET button 17, and a MAXBET button 18 are provided on the horizontal surface of the base portion provided below the variable display device 5. The coin insertion slot 16 inserts coins when the insertion instruction lamp 32 is lit. In a coin game to be described later, the number of coins inserted becomes the number of bets. The single BET button 17 and the MAX BET button 18 set the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated in the slot machine 1.
[0028]
On the vertical plane, a start lever 12 and stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are provided. The start lever 12 is operated by the player when starting the game. By the operation, the reel drive motor starts to be driven, and the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R start to rotate. The stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are operated by the player to stop the drive of the reel drive motor, and the corresponding reels 6L, 6C, 6R stop rotating.
[0029]
Further, on the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a game switching button 22, a speaker 28, a coin payout exit 29, a coin storage tray 30, and a locking device 3 are provided. The game switching button 22 is a button for selecting and switching between a coin game and a credit game, which will be described later. The speaker 28 outputs sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus, and regular bonus, and outputs an alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and outputs sound for various effects according to the gaming state.
[0030]
  The coin payout exit 29 is for paying out coins when a winning is established, and the coin storage tray 30 is for storing the paid out coins. The locking device 3 locks the slot machine 1 by inserting a predetermined key and rotating it to the right. In addition, by rotating leftward, a reset pulse is output to an initial reset circuit (described later) of the game control unit of the slot machine 1. As will be described later, the state where the game is disabled due to the occurrence of an error isBy operationReset and release.
[0031]
Further, a game effect LED 24 composed of a plurality of LEDs is provided on the uppermost front side of the slot machine 1. The game effect LED 24 emits light from each LED constituting it in various patterns according to the game state. The game effect LED 24 may be composed of a single color or a plurality of colors.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game control unit for controlling the entire operation of the slot machine 1. The game control unit 45 controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1, but a part related to the effect by image, sound, and light, which will be described later, is an effect control unit 100 that operates independently of the game control unit 45 (see FIG. 3). ) To control. The effect control unit 100 is connected to the I / O port 49 of the game control unit 45 by one-way communication from the game control unit 45.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control unit 45 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 46, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 47, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 48, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 49. An initial reset circuit 51, a clock generation circuit 52, a pulse divider circuit 53, an address decode circuit 54, a switch / sensor circuit 55, a motor circuit 56, a motor circuit 57, an LED circuit 59, a lamp, An EL circuit 60 and a power supply circuit 62 are included.
[0034]
The CPU 46 executes a processing program as shown in a flowchart to be described later, and gives a control signal to each unit. The ROM 47 stores a processing program for the CPU 46 and data used in a fixed manner. The RAM 48 can write and read necessary data and is used as a work area for the CPU 46. The RAM 48 is also used as a storage area for various flags such as a big bonus winning flag and a regular bonus winning flag, and various counters. The RAM 48 is backed up by a backup power source 63 and is provided in the event of a power failure.
[0035]
The I / O port 49 exchanges signals between the CPU 46 and each circuit in the game control unit 45 or the effect control unit 100. The initial reset circuit 51 gives a reset pulse to the CPU 46 when the power is turned on or reset. The clock generation circuit 52 supplies a clock signal to the CPU 46. A pulse divider circuit (interrupt pulse generator circuit) 53 divides the clock signal from the clock generator circuit 52 and periodically gives an interrupt pulse to the CPU 46. The address decoding circuit 54 decodes address data from the CPU 46.
[0036]
The CPU 46 can execute the interrupt control routine in accordance with the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 53. The address decoding circuit 54 decodes the address data from the CPU 46 and supplies a chip selector signal to the ROM 47, RAM 48, and I / O port 49, respectively. The CPU 46 also executes an error processing routine according to an error occurrence interrupt that occurs when an error occurs.
[0037]
The switch / sensor circuit 55 includes signals from the start lever 12, coin insertion slot 16, single BET button 17, MAXBET button 18, coin payout exit 29, and left, middle, and right stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R (in practice, , And signals from the left, middle, and right reel sensors disposed on the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6C, and 6R, and the I / O port 49 It passes to CPU46.
[0038]
The motor circuit 56 outputs a drive control signal for the stepping motor in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 46, thereby driving the left, middle, and right reel drive motors, and rotating / revolving the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6C, and 6R. Stop. The motor circuit 57 drives a coin payout motor provided in the internal coin flow path in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 46 and causes the coin payout outlet 29 to pay out coins.
[0039]
The LED circuit 59 displays the number of games on the game number display 25 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 46, displays the number of credits accumulated in the slot machine 1 on the credit display 26, and displays the number of payouts on the payout number display 27. Display the number of coins to be paid out. The lamp circuit 60 turns on / off the active line display lamp 21, the role display lamp 31, the insertion instruction lamp 32, the start lamp 33, the replay lamp 34, the game over lamp 35, and the error lamp 36 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 46.
[0040]
All instructions from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 are performed by transmitting a command. That is, a command generated by the CPU 46 executing a predetermined program is sent to the effect control unit 100 via the I / O port 49. Based on this command, the effect control unit 100 performs various processes.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the effect control unit (sub-board) 100 connected to the game control unit 45. As shown, the effect control unit 100 includes an I / O port 101, a control unit 102 including a CPU 103, a ROM 104, and a RAM 105, an I / O port 106, a sound generator 107, an amplifier 108, and an LED drive circuit 109. A VDP (Video Display Processor) 110, a reset circuit 111, an oscillation circuit 112, a VRAM (Video RAM) 113, a character ROM 114, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) driving circuit 115.
[0042]
The I / O port 101 receives a command sent from the game control unit 45 and passes it to the CPU 103 of the control unit 102. The CPU 103 executes a predetermined program in accordance with these commands and signals. The ROM 104 stores processing data for the CPU 103 and also stores fixed data. The RAM 105 is used as a work area for the CPU 103. The I / O port 106 passes the instruction signal output from the CPU 103 to the sound generator 107, the LED drive circuit 109, or the VDP 110.
[0043]
The sound generator 107 generates an audio signal based on the instruction signal from the CPU 103 and supplies it to the amplifier 108. The amplifier 108 amplifies the audio signal to a predetermined level and outputs it to the speaker 28. The LED drive circuit 109 controls light emission of a plurality of game effect LEDs 24 based on an instruction signal from the CPU 103.
[0044]
The VDP 110 is reset according to the reset signal from the reset circuit 111 and operates according to the clock signal from the oscillation circuit 112. The VDP 110 refers to the character ROM 114 based on an instruction signal from the CPU 103 and generates image data to be displayed on the image display device 7. Image data generated by the VDP 110 is developed in the VRAM 113, read by the VDP 110, and passed to the LCD drive circuit 115. The LCD drive circuit 115 displays a desired image on the image display device 7 based on the image data received from the VDP 110.
[0045]
In this way, the effect control unit 100 receives an effect command, which will be described later, as a command by the CPU 103, and executes a predetermined program in accordance with the effect command, thereby controlling each unit and producing an effect by sound from the speaker 28. The game effect LED 24 produces an effect by light, and the image display device 7 produces an effect by an image. In addition, the effect control unit 100 receives an error command from the game control unit 45 when an error occurs and executes a predetermined program according to the error command, thereby performing error notification on the image display device 7.
[0046]
This effect command draws whether or not the game control unit 45 generates a prize for each combination to be described later, that is, whether or not to set various winning flags, and further, the lottery result (various winning flags are set). Is used or whether the winning flag is not set = losing state) and a lottery for determining an effect command is performed. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the types and count ranges of random counters for the game control unit 45 to perform such a lottery.
[0047]
The random R counter is a random counter used for determining whether or not all winnings such as a big bonus, a regular bonus, a replay game, and a small role game are generated. This random R counter repeatedly updates each value in the range of “0 to 16383” to generate a random number.
[0048]
The effect counter is a random counter used for determining an effect command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100, particularly an effect start command. This effect counter repeatedly updates each value in the range of “0-9” and generates a random number.
[0049]
Depending on the result of the internal lottery, when the big bonus winning flag, the regular bonus winning flag, the small role winning flag, the replay winning flag, and the JACIN winning flag in the big bonus are set in the RAM 48, JACIN during the big bonus can be generated. That is, when the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are stopped, a winning symbol can be won on the active line set according to the number of bets of the variable display device 5. At the time of winning a prize, coins are paid out and the gaming state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the “combination” determined to be the winning of these will be described.
[0050]
For example, when three “BARs” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is ended by playing a game called a regular bonus game a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times), and a counter for calculating the number of regular bonus games is provided in the RAM 48. The state in which the transition to the regular bonus is made, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is referred to as a first special gaming state, and in this gaming state, the regular bonus game flag is stored in the RAM 48. Is set.
[0051]
For example, when three “colored 7” or “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, when “JAC” is aligned on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), the regular bonus game described above is provided.
[0052]
The big bonus ends after 30 small-games have ended or after all third regular bonus games based on JACIN have ended. Further, the process ends when the number of coins acquired by the player after the start of the big bonus (the difference between the number of coins to be paid out and the number of coins set for betting) reaches a predetermined number. In the RAM 48, there are provided counters for calculating the number of small role games and the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games provided by JACIN, and the number of coins acquired in the big bonus. The gaming state that has shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special gaming state, and in this gaming state, a regular bonus game flag is set in the RAM 48.
[0053]
Further, in a game other than the regular bonus game, when symbols other than “colored 7”, “colorless 7”, “BAR”, and “JAC” are arranged on the active line, a small role winning is awarded. Further, except for the small role game and the regular bonus game that are provided during the big bonus period, if “JAC” is arranged on the active line, the game is won by replay.
[0054]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, in the case of “game”, unless otherwise specified, the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are stopped by inserting coins or pressing the BET buttons 73, 74, and the variable display of symbols is stopped. It is assumed to mean a single game played up to this point. In the slot machine 1, the game can be progressed by either the coin game or the credit game by operating the game switching button 22.
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of overall processing performed by the game control unit 45 for the progress of the game. The process of this flowchart is performed for each game. When processing for one game is started, the insertion instruction lamp 32 is turned on or blinked, and the CPU 46 of the game control unit 45 starts to rotate the reels 6L, 6C, 6R by operating the start lever 12, and the stop buttons 9L, 9C. , 9R is performed to stop the reels 6L, 6C, 6R (step S1).
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the game execution process in detail. First, the CPU 46 of the game control unit 45 determines whether a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 16 based on a signal input from a corresponding sensor via the switch / sensor circuit 55 and the I / O port 49, or a credit game. In this case, it is determined whether or not the one-BET button 17 or the MAXBET button 18 is operated and the bet amount is set from the credits corresponding to the maximum 50 coins accumulated in advance (Step S101).
[0057]
If there is no coin insertion from the coin insertion slot 16 or no operation of the BET buttons 17, 18, the CPU 46 repeats the process of step S 101 and coins are inserted or the BET buttons 17, 18 are operated. Wait for it. On the other hand, when a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 16 or the BET buttons 17 and 18 are operated, the CPU 46 is valid according to the number of coins inserted or the bet number corresponding to the operation of the BET buttons 17 and 18. A line is set, and a control signal is sent to the lamp circuit 60 to light the effective line display lamp 21 (step S102).
[0058]
Further, the start lamp 32 is turned on by inserting coins and the start lever 12 can be operated, and the CPU 46 receives signals from the corresponding sensors via the switch / sensor circuit 55 and the I / O port 49. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the start lever 12 has been operated (step S103). If the start lever 12 is not operated, the process returns to step S101.
[0059]
  When the start lever 12 is operated, the CPU 46 determines the values of various flags set in the RAM 48 (a winning flag such as the above-mentioned big bonus winning flag, a big bonus game flag, a regular bonus game flag, etc.). Thus, the production command is determined (step S104). In addition, the timing of the reel stop timer is started. Then, the CPU 46 determines via the I / O port 49.Production commandIs transmitted to the production control unit 100 (step S105).
[0060]
Furthermore, on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous game, the CPU 46 sends a control signal to the motor circuit 56 via the I / O port 49, and the motor circuit 56 drives the reel drive motor, whereby the left , Middle and right reels 6L, 6C, 6R are started to rotate (step S106). Thereby, the symbols on the variable display device 5 are variably displayed. The order in which the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R start to rotate may be changed according to the values of various flags set in the RAM 48.
[0061]
Next, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the left stop button 9L has been operated based on a signal input from the corresponding sensor via the switch / sensor circuit 56 and the I / O port 49 (step S107). When the left stop button 9L is operated, the CPU 46 sends a control signal to the motor circuit 56 via the I / O port 49, and the motor circuit 56 stops driving the reel drive motor, thereby rotating the left reel 6L. Is stopped (step S108). If the left stop button 9L is not operated, the process proceeds to the next process.
[0062]
Similarly, the CPU 46 determines whether or not the middle stop button 9C has been operated (step S109), and if it has been operated, stops the rotation of the middle reel 9C (step S110). Further, it is determined whether or not the right stop button 9R has been operated (step S111). If it has been operated, the rotation of the right reel 9R is stopped (step S112).
[0063]
When the reel rotation is stopped in step S108, S110 or S112, the CPU 46 sets the signal input from the corresponding reel position sensor via the switch / sensor circuit 55 and the I / O port 49, and the setting in the RAM 48. Based on the values of the various flags, the symbols to be stopped by the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R are controlled. That is, so-called pull-in control is performed.
[0064]
Thereafter, the CPU 46 determines whether or not all the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are stopped (step S113). In the case where one of the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6C, and 6R has not been stopped yet, the CPU 46 counts a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) set in advance by the reel stop timer. Whether or not (step S114). If the predetermined time has not been counted, the process returns to step S107, and the processes of steps S107 to S114 are repeated.
[0065]
If the predetermined time has been counted, the rotation of all reels that have not been stopped is stopped (step S115), and the game execution process is terminated. If all the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are stopped in step S113, the game execution process is returned to the end as it is.
[0066]
When the game execution process is completed as described above, the process returns to the process of the main routine shown in FIG. 5, and the CPU 46 determines whether or not the winning state has the symbols arranged on the active line set according to the number of bets. Is determined (step S2). When the winning state is established, the corresponding effective line display lamp 21 is blinked. Even if the same symbol (for example, “JAC”) is available, the game in the big bonus or regular bonus and the normal game that is not so will be handled differently. It is also performed based on a flag or a regular bonus game flag.
[0067]
In this winning determination process, when it is determined that “colored 7”, “colorless 7” or “BAR” is aligned on the active line, the gaming state is a big bonus (second special gaming state) or Transition to regular bonus (first special gaming state). In order to indicate the transition of the gaming state, the CPU 46 sets a big bonus game flag or a regular bonus game flag in the RAM 49.
[0068]
When the winning determination process ends, the CPU 46 controls the coin payout motor by outputting a predetermined control signal, and pays out the number of coins corresponding to the determination result of the winning determination process from the coin payout exit 29 to the coin tray 30 ( Step S3). However, in the case of a credit game, instead of paying out coins, the number of credits stored inside is increased (however, the increase in the number of credits is treated in the same way as paying out coins).
[0069]
When the gaming state is a regular bonus or a big bonus, at the end of the coin payout process, the termination condition is determined, and the regular bonus game flag or the big bonus game flag is cleared. When the coin payout process is completed, the process for one game is completed, and when a predetermined time has passed, the process for the next one game (FIG. 5) is started.
[0070]
When the game in the normal state is progressing, the game control unit 45 repeatedly executes the game by the above processing. However, when a predetermined event occurs, an error occurs in the slot machine 1 and an error occurrence interrupt occurs in the CPU 46 of the game control unit 45. The event that causes an error in the slot machine 1 will be described later.
[0071]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the game control unit 45 in response to an error occurrence interrupt. First, the CPU 46 of the game control unit 45 sends a control signal to the lamp circuit 60 via the I / O port 49 to notify the occurrence of an error, and causes the error lamp 36 to blink (step S201). The blinking display of the error lamp 36 is continued until a reset operation described later is performed.
[0072]
Next, the CPU 46 determines the type of error that has occurred, and determines an error command corresponding to the type of error as an error command to be sent to the effect control unit 100 (step S202). Then, the determined error command is transmitted to the effect control unit 100 via the I / O port 49 (step S203). Thereafter, the CPU 46 waits for a key to be inserted into the locking device 3 and a reset operation to be performed (step S204).
[0073]
When a key is inserted into the locking device 3, a reset operation is performed and a reset pulse is output from the initial reset circuit 51, the CPU 46 sends a control signal to the lamp circuit 60 via the I / O port 49 and enters a blinking state. The existing error lamp 36 is turned off (step S205).
[0074]
Furthermore, regardless of the type of error that has occurred, the CPU 46 transmits only one type of prepared error release command to the effect control unit 100 via the I / O port 49 (step S206). Then, the processing by the error occurrence interrupt is ended, and the normal game processing as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is resumed.
[0075]
On the other hand, the effect control unit 100 performs processing based on the command sent from the game control unit 45 as described above. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the effect control unit 100.
[0076]
The CPU 103 of the effect control unit 100 repeats the process of step S301 until it receives a command sent from the game control unit 45, and waits for a command to be received (step S301). Is received, the CPU 103 determines whether the received command type is an effect command, an error command, or an error cancellation command (step S302).
[0077]
If the command is an effect command, the CPU 103 outputs a control signal in accordance with the received effect command, thereby controlling the sound generator 107, the LED drive circuit 109, and the VDP 110, and outputting the sound and game effect output from the speaker 28. An effect is produced by the light emitted from the LED 24 and the image displayed on the image display device 7 (step S303). Then, the process returns to step S301 to wait for reception of the next command.
[0078]
If the command is an error command, the CPU 103 saves the currently executed performance state in a predetermined area of the RAM 105 (step S304). Further, by controlling the sound generator 107, the LED drive circuit 109, and the VDP 110, the effect being executed is interrupted (step S305). Thereafter, the CPU 103 controls the VDP 110 according to the received error command, and displays an error message corresponding to the generated error on the image display device 7 (step S306). Then, the process returns to step S301 to wait for reception of the next command.
[0079]
If it is an error cancel command, the CPU 103 controls the VDP 110 to delete the error message displayed on the image display device 7 (step S307). Thereafter, the CPU 103 restores the effect state saved in the RAM 105 (step S308), and resumes the effect by sound, light, and image from the restored effect state (step S309). Then, the process returns to step S301 to wait for reception of the next command.
[0080]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an error message displayed on the image display device 7 for each event that caused an error in response to an error command from the game control unit 45. In this case, it is assumed that a command as shown in Table 1 is sent from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 as an error-related command. That is, each error-related command forms one command with two bytes, and MODE (first byte) is set to “C0H”. Each command shown in Table 1 is sent only once by one-way communication from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100.
[0081]
[Table 1]

[0082]
When the number of coins in the coin storage (not shown) in the slot machine 1 exceeds the storage limit, an error occurs. In this case, the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process causes “E-1” as an error message on the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0083]
An error also occurs when the coins required for payout are insufficient in the slot machine 1 and the coin payout motor is idle for a predetermined time or when the coin payout motor fails and the coins cannot be paid out. In this case, the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process indicates “E-2” as an error message on the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. 9B. Is displayed.
[0084]
An error also occurs when a coin provided in the coin payout process (step S3) is detected by a sensor provided in the flow path to the coin payout exit 29. In this case, “E-3” is displayed as an error message on the image display device 7 by the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0085]
In addition to the case where coins are normally paid out in the coin payout process (step S3), an error also occurs when a sensor provided in the coin flow path to the coin payout exit 29 detects coin payout. In this case, “E-4” is displayed as an error message on the image display device 7 by the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0086]
An error also occurs when a sensor provided in the flow path detects that a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 16 has stopped in the flow path or a coin has flowed back. In this case, “E-5” is displayed as an error message on the image display device 7 by the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0087]
An error also occurs when an abnormality is detected in the rotational speeds of the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R based on a signal from the reel position sensor, and the normal rotational speed is not reached even after a predetermined number of retries. In this case, “E-6” is displayed as an error message on the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. 9F by the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process. Is displayed.
[0088]
Even if a winning flag such as a big bonus winning flag is not set by the internal lottery, an error occurs even when a winning is determined in the winning determination process (step S2). In this case, the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process indicates “E-7” as an error message on the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0089]
An error also occurs when the CPU 46 malfunctions or when necessary information is not stored in the RAM 48. In this case, “E-8” is displayed as an error message on the image display device 7 by the error command transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100 in the error occurrence interrupt process, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0090]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when an error occurs, an error command corresponding to the type of error that has occurred is transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100. For this reason, the effect control unit 100 provided independently of the game control unit 45 can also know the occurrence of an error at a place unrelated to the effect control unit 100, and can perform stable control.
[0091]
In addition, the effect control unit 100 displays an error message on the image display device 7 by receiving an error command from the game control unit 45. As a result, it is possible to reliably notify the player and the hall manager that an error has occurred. Further, since the error message displayed on the image display device 7 differs depending on the error command sent from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100, the type of error that has occurred is easily identified. be able to. In addition, since the image display device 7 that is usually used for the execution of the performance also serves as an error message display, the parts can be shared and the control method can be used even in the conventional slot machine configuration. The present invention can be applied only by changing.
[0092]
On the other hand, when a reset operation is performed with a key inserted into the locking device 3, an error release command is transmitted from the game control unit 45 to the effect control unit 100. Then, the effect control unit 100 receives the error cancellation command and deletes the error message displayed on the image display device 7. For this reason, it becomes possible to easily confirm that the error state has been canceled by the reset. Further, the effect that the effect control unit 100 has performed is interrupted by the reception of the error command and resumed by the reception of the error release command. By interrupting and resuming the production, the player and the hall manager can more easily understand the occurrence and cancellation of errors.
[0093]
When an error occurs, not only an error message is displayed on the image display device 7, but also a blinking display of the error lamp 36 is performed. Since the error lamp 36 is directly controlled by the game control unit 45, even if the production control unit 100 is out of order, the player and the hall manager are notified that an error has occurred. Is possible.
[0094]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0095]
In the above embodiment, when the effect control unit 100 receives an error command from the game control unit 45, the effect display unit 100 displays an error message corresponding to the type of the error command on the image display device 7. On the other hand, a segment display similar to the game number display 25 may be provided separately, and an error message may be displayed on this segment display. Furthermore, the lamp (which has the same configuration as the error lamp 36) controlled by the effect control unit 100 may be turned on by receiving an error command. That is, the means for performing the presentation may not double as the means for notifying the error.
[0096]
In addition to such visual messages, the error message may be sounded from the speaker 28 under the control of the sound generator 107. Also in the case of notification by voice, it is possible to use error notification together with that for production or provide a dedicated error notification. In addition, the error message not only indicates the type of error, but also an error such as “please replenish coins, release the lock and perform a reset operation” when an error of insufficient coins occurs, for example. It is good also as what also alert | reports the return method from.
[0097]
In the above embodiment, when a key is inserted into the locking device 3 and operated, a reset pulse is output to the CPU 46 of the game control unit 45, whereby the CPU 46 sends an error release command to the effect control unit 100. Was going to send. Then, the CPU 103 of the effect control unit 100 deletes the error message and restarts the effect according to the error cancellation command sent from the game control unit 46. However, such control at the time of error cancellation may not be based on the error cancellation command. In the example shown in Table 1, when the CPU 103 of the effect control unit 100 receives a command whose MODE is other than “C0H”, the CPU 103 may perform control at the time of canceling the error. For example, by performing control at the time of error cancellation by a payout command or the like, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that error notification is continuously made when the production control unit 100 misses the error cancellation command.
[0098]
For example, when a key is inserted into the locking device 3 and operated, a reset pulse is also output to the CPU 103, and control at the time of error cancellation may be performed using this reset pulse. In addition, after receiving the error command, the effect control unit 100 may perform control at the time of canceling the error by receiving the next command (such as an effect command). In this case, even if the effect control unit 100 cannot receive the error cancellation command due to noise mixing or other causes, it is possible to return from the process at the time of the error to the normal process.
[0099]
Further, the effect after the error is released does not necessarily have to be resumed from the state of interruption due to the error as described above. For example, only the image of the final result of the interrupted effect may be displayed on the image display device 7, or the interrupted effect may be performed again from the beginning.
[0100]
In the above embodiment, the effect control unit 100 provided separately from the game control unit 45 provides an effect based on the image displayed on the image display device 7, an effect due to the light of the game effect LED 24, and a sound output from the speaker 28. Control all of the production by. On the other hand, the effect control unit 100 controls only the effect by the image displayed on the image display device 7, and the effect by light and sound is controlled even if the game control unit 45 is directly controlled. The invention can be applied. In addition, the image effect control unit that controls the effect by the image, the light effect control unit that controls the effect by light, and the sound effect control unit that controls the effect by sound are provided separately from the game control unit 45, respectively. It may be a thing. In this case, the game control unit 45 transmits an error command to each of the three effect control units, and each control unit interrupts the effect upon reception of the error command, and the image effect control unit displays the error message as an image. It can be made to.
[0101]
In the above embodiment, the variable display device 5 is provided with the three reels 6L, 6C, 6R having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral portion in a predetermined order, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 6L, 6C, 6R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 5 as described above.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the entire slot machine can be stably controlled with respect to a change in state of occurrence or cancellation of abnormality..Also,Player or hall managerHowever, it is easy to know the occurrence and cancellation of abnormalities. Also,Hall administratorCan cancel the abnormality by themselves and confirm the cancellation of the abnormality.
[0104]
  Claim2According to this invention, it is possible to share parts, and even in a conventional slot machine, it is possible to notify an abnormality that has occurred by simply changing the control method.
[0105]
  Claim3According to the invention ofPlayer or hall managerTherefore, it becomes easy to identify the cause of the abnormality.
[0107]
  Claim4According to the invention ofPlayer or hall managerHowever, it is possible to know the occurrence and cancellation of abnormalities more easily.
[0108]
  Claim5According to the invention, the effect can be resumed from the state when the abnormality occurred.
[0110]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the player or the manager of the hall of the occurrence of abnormality even when the production control means is out of order.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game control unit (main board) of the slot machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an effect control unit connected to the game control unit of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the types and count ranges of random counters used by the game control unit to determine an effect command.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for the game control unit to play one game.
6 is a flowchart showing in detail the game execution process of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the game control unit by an error occurrence interrupt.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the effect control unit in accordance with a command from the game control unit.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an error message displayed on the image display device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
3 Locking device
5. Variable display device
7 Image display device
36 Error lamp
45 Game control unit
100 Production control unit

Claims (8)

A slot machine having a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information, and capable of imparting valuable value according to the display result of the identification information in the variable display device,
Game control including game control information transmitting means for performing processing for the game progress of the slot machine and transmitting game control information according to the progress of the game when the game in the slot machine is proceeding normally Means,
Effect control that is provided separately from the game control means and that controls the effect means for receiving the game control information transmitted by the game control information transmitting means and performing the effect according to the game state according to the received game control information. Means,
A release means for releasing the state in which an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine and the progress of the game by the game control means is disabled by an external operation;
The game control means includes
When an abnormality occurs in the slot machine, abnormality information transmission means for transmitting abnormality information indicating occurrence of abnormality that is different from the game control information to the effect control means,
When the release means is operated, the effect control means displays abnormality release information that is different from the game control information and indicates that the state where the progress of the game is disabled due to the occurrence of the abnormality is released. Release information transmitting means for transmitting to
The production control means includes
By receiving the abnormality information transmitted by said abnormality information transmitting unit, and the effect control side abnormality notification control means for notifying the effect control bulletin means that an abnormality has occurred,
The game control transmitted by the game control information transmitting unit and the game control information transmitted by the game control information transmitting unit when the abnormality control information is notified by the production control side notification unit by the reception of the abnormality information. An abnormality notification ending unit for ending the notification on the production control side notification unit, triggered by any of the times when information is received ,
The effect control side notification means continuously notifies that an abnormality has occurred from when the abnormality information is received until the notification is terminated by the abnormality notification end means. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control side informing means is also used as the effect means. The abnormality information transmitting means transmits abnormality information that can identify the type of abnormality that has occurred to the effect control means according to the type of abnormality that has occurred,
The production control side abnormality notification control means causes the production control side notification means to notify information that can identify the type of abnormality that has occurred from outside based on the received abnormality information. 2. The slot machine according to 2. The production control means includes
Receiving the abnormality information transmitted by the abnormality information transmitting unit, the production interruption unit for interrupting the production performed by the production unit,
An effect resumption means for causing the effect means to resume the effect that has been interrupted by receiving the abnormality release information transmitted by the release information transmitting means when the effect by the effect means is interrupted. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the production interruption means interrupts the production performed by the production means, the information about the state of the production being executed is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM ,
The effect resuming means restores information related to the state of the effect saved in the predetermined area of the RAM when the effect means restarts the effect, and resumes the effect according to the restored effect state. The slot machine according to claim 4. The effect resuming means receives the abnormality release information transmitted by the release information transmitting means when the effect by the effect means is interrupted, so that the effect that has been interrupted is removed from the state at the time of the interruption. 6. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the effecting means is restarted by any one of the following methods: restarting, outputting only the final result of the effect, and redoing the effect from the beginning. The production control side abnormality notification control means further causes the production control side notification means to notify a method for canceling the abnormality that has occurred in the slot machine. The described slot machine.   The slot machine is provided separately from the effect control side notification means, and further comprises notification means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine,
  The game control means further comprises a game control side abnormality notification control means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred from the notification means when an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine.
  The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein:

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