JP4811802B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls the operation of each board by the operation of a control program including a plurality of program codes.

  As this type of gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that controls the operation by executing a control program (see Patent Document 1).

In this known gaming machine, the operation of the entire gaming machine is secured by the operation of each board, and the operation of each board is controlled by the operation of a control program. The control program is stored in a non-rewritable storage device (ROM: Read Only Memory) on each board, and the control program is read from the storage device to a rewritable storage device (RAM: Random Access Memory) for operation. It is the composition which makes it. The control program includes a plurality of program codes. As an example of a boot method of the control program, the plurality of program codes are transferred to the RAM, and each program code is sequentially executed on the RAM. The operation of the gaming machine is controlled.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-300797 (5th page, FIG. 2)

  Here, when an effect display operation is exemplified as the operation of the gaming machine, in various gaming machines in recent years, various ideas have been made for the effect display operation, and it is necessary to execute various effect display processes. Furthermore, in recent gaming machines, it is desired to improve the processing speed of a control program that executes this effect display process. By the way, in a known gaming machine, noise is generated by a game ball passing near the display control board for controlling the effect display operation, and the display control board is affected by the influence of noise. It is assumed that

  For this reason, in a known game machine, depending on the intensity of the noise generated, there is a possibility that the control program on the display control board with the increased processing speed may not operate normally, which may cause a problem in the effect display operation. . As described above, in known gaming machines, there is a request for speeding up the effect display processing by the display control board, but this is of course assumed that the control program always operates normally. .

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique that allows a control program to always operate normally in accordance with required reliability and processing speed.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a normal gaming state in which a game progresses according to the consumption of gaming media. A game control means for controlling the game operation in the state and the special game state, and an effect display command for instructing execution of the effect display operation as part of the effect operation while controlling the effect operation by the control of the game control means. An effect control means for outputting, a display control means for controlling the visual effect display operation by controlling a control program based on the effect display command and sequentially executing a plurality of program codes included in the control program; The display control means includes a first storage means that stores the control program in advance and is not rewritable, and the first storage means. A rewritable second storage means for storing the transfer target program code partially transferred from the control program, and the transfer target program code is executed from the second storage means, and the control program of the first storage means And an execution control means for executing, from the first storage means, a non-transfer program code that is not transferred to the second storage means. Note that the consumption of game media here refers to a game possessed by a player by launching a game ball as a game medium in the game area when the game machine is a ball-type game machine, for example. This means that the amount of media is reduced. On the other hand, when this gaming machine is, for example, a revolving type gaming machine, it means that the amount of gaming media possessed by a player is reduced by placing (betting) gaming media. .

  In general, for example, in a pachinko machine, noise is likely to occur due to the flow of game balls. Such a flow of game balls causes noise, for example, when the game balls flowing during the game ball replenishment process or when the game balls are paid out (the discharge of prize balls) are caused by friction with the ball tank storing the game balls. This is due to the discharge of this charged static electricity, which is charged by friction with the wall of the bag (tank rail, etc.).

  First, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the operation of each display control means is controlled by the operation of the control program. This control program is stored in advance in the first storage means, and is read for each program code as necessary. In this display control means, first, the transfer target program code, which is a part of the control program, is read from the non-rewritable first storage means to the second storage means. The code is ready for execution. This control program includes a transfer target program code and a non-transfer program code. However, a part of the control program may be a non-transfer program code, and a large part of the control program may be a transfer target program code. Needless to say. The reason why the transfer target program code is transferred to the second storage means in this manner is that the rewritable second storage means generally operates faster than the rewritable first storage means.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the control program is executed in the display control means, the non-transfer program code is executed from the first storage means while the transfer target program code is executed from the second storage means. Since the first storage means cannot rewrite data, at least in the state where the non-transfer program code is stored in the first storage means, the bit drop and the bit drop for each bit of the non-transfer program code due to the influence of noise. There is little risk of bit inversion.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, for example, even in a situation where noise is generated in the surroundings, there is less risk of bit dropping or the like in the non-transfer program code. Becomes easier to operate normally. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of program codes included in the control program are divided into the non-transfer program code and the transfer target program code according to the required reliability and processing speed, and the display control means By executing the control program, the control program can always be operated normally according to the required reliability and processing speed.

(Solution 2)
In the solving means 1, the non-transfer program code includes the transfer target program code transferred from the first storage means to the second storage means, and the first storage means corresponding to the transfer target program code. It is desirable to include a verification program code for executing a process of periodically verifying the program code of the transfer source part in the control program.

  The process for collating such a program code (hereinafter referred to as “collation process”) includes a transfer target program code transferred to the second storage means and a control program for the first storage means corresponding to the transfer target program code. This is a process for confirming the identity with the program code of the transfer source part.

  Since the first storage means is a non-rewritable storage means, it is not easily affected by noise. Therefore, in a state where such a collation program code is stored in the first storage means as a non-transfer program code, there is little possibility that the collation program code will cause bit dropping or bit inversion due to the influence of noise. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the program code related to the collation process is likely to function reliably and accurately, and the transfer target program code transferred from the first storage means to the second storage means is identical in the second storage means. If not ensured, it can be reliably found that this identity is not ensured.

(Solution 3)
In the above solution 2, in the case where the non-transfer program code does not match as a result of collation between the program code to be transferred and the program code of the transfer source part, the execution control means and the first (2) It further includes a recovery program code for initializing the storage means and again transferring the transfer target program code from the first storage means to the second storage means and executing the transferred transfer target program code It is desirable to provide. The initialization here means that the execution control means sets an initial state before executing the program code to be transferred, and the second storage means sets the storage area as an initial state in which no data is stored. It means to do.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the verification process is periodically executed by the verification program code, the transfer program temporarily transferred from the first storage means to the second storage means as a result of the verification is stored in the second storage means. If identity is not ensured, it can be discovered very quickly and reliably. Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to initialize the execution control means and the second storage means, and to restore the transfer target program code that has been found that the identity is not ensured.

  In this way, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the transfer target program code and the non-transfer program code are always executed normally, so that the operation of the normal control program can be guaranteed. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the reliability of the effect display operation can be enhanced by the operation of the normal control program.

(Solution 4)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 3, a launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium in a predetermined game area, and a prize for detecting that the game medium launched in the game area has won a start prize opening The detection means, the symbol display means for starting the symbol variation display triggered by the winning at the start winning opening, executing the predetermined lottery, and displaying the stop symbol according to the lottery result, and the stop symbol are specified In the display mode, it is preferable to include special game state transition means for shifting from the normal game state to the special game state.

  Such a ball-type game machine is often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to the flow of game balls as a game medium. An effect display operation can be executed. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to perform a stable performance display operation at a higher speed.

(Solution 5)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 3, a launching means for launching a game ball as a game medium in a predetermined game area, and a winning for detecting that the game ball has won a winning prize opening provided in the game area A detector, a winning device that opens and closes the movable piece in response to a winning at the start winning opening, and accepts a game ball, and is received by the winning device along with the opening and closing operation of the movable piece It is desirable to include special game state transition means for transitioning to the special game state when a game ball has passed a specific area, and effect display means for executing an effect display operation according to the progress of the game.

  Such a ball-type game machine is often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to the flow of game balls as a game medium. An effect display operation can be executed. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to perform a stable performance display operation at a higher speed.

(Solution 5)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the above solutions 1 to 3, it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is a revolving type gaming machine. Here, as a basic configuration of the swing type gaming machine, the game is started and stopped according to the player's operation in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, and the display of the symbols is performed by the start. While changing, a symbol display means for displaying a combination of a plurality of symbols at the time of stopping, a start operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display means, and a stop for stopping the symbol display means Whether or not there is a combination of symbols is determined from the stop operation means capable of accepting an operation and the symbol display mode when the symbol display means is stopped, and when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed, The game value giving means for giving the player a corresponding number of game values and a special symbol combination advantageous to the player when a combination of specific symbols is displayed when the symbol display means is stopped It is desirable and a special game state transition means for shifting the skill state. Note that the predetermined number of game values to be multiplied for each game may be one or more.

  Such swivel-type gaming machines are often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to static electricity generated by the player, etc., but in such an environment, the display operation is performed at a higher speed while ensuring reliability. Can be executed. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to perform a stable performance display operation at a higher speed.

(Solution 7)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the above solutions 1 to 3, the gaming machine of the present invention may be applied to a spinning-type gaming machine that plays using a game ball as a gaming medium. Here, as a basic configuration of this spinning-reel type gaming machine, game value counting means that collects a predetermined number of game balls as game media as one unit of game value, and said game value for each game The game is started and stopped in response to the player's operation in a state in which a predetermined number of the game values set as one unit by the counting means is applied, and the display of the symbols is changed by the start, while a plurality of symbols are displayed at the time of the stop. Symbol display means for displaying in combination, start operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display means, stop operation means capable of accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display means, When the symbol display mode is determined from the symbol display mode when the symbol display means is stopped and a predetermined symbol combination is displayed, depending on the type of symbol combination A special game state that is advantageous to the player when a combination of a specific symbol is displayed when the symbol display means is stopped and a gaming value giving means for giving the player a number of game balls corresponding to the number of gaming values It is desirable to provide special gaming state transition means for transitioning to the above. Note that the predetermined number of game values to be multiplied for each game may be one or more.

  Such a revolving type gaming machine is often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to the flow of a game ball as a game medium, but even in such an environment, the reliability is ensured and the speed is increased. An effect display operation can be executed. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to perform a stable performance display operation at a higher speed.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can suppress visual discomfort regarding the effect display operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.
(1. First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of a pachinko machine 1 to which a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration example of the pachinko machine 1 will be described first.

  The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a wooden outer frame as a base of an outer shape, and a frame body such as a base frame or a front frame (collectively referred to as “main body frame 17”) is mounted on the inside thereof. . Among these, the game board 2 is detachably fitted in the base frame, and a substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface thereof. The game board 2 has a large number of guide nails (not shown) driven in a predetermined gauge arrangement, a windmill, various winning holes 15 (winning devices), a gate port 13 (gate device), and a decorative lamp. Etc. are arranged as the board surface components (none of them are provided with reference numerals). Each of the various winning openings 15 is provided with a winning detector for detecting the winning of a game ball. Further, on the back surface of the game board 2, various boards and electronic components such as a main control board, a sub control board, and a liquid crystal control board (not shown) are mounted.

  In addition, an upper plate 4 and a lower plate 6 are provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 for containing game balls, and game balls contained in the upper plate 4 are sequentially fired at the lower right corner position. A firing handle 8 is provided. An effect button 10 that can be appropriately pushed by the player is disposed at the left side of the upper plate 4. In addition, a large number of frame lamps (such as frame decoration lamps) are decoratively arranged on the front surface (glass frame 5) of the pachinko machine 1, and a speaker device for performing sound output as the game progresses is installed. (No reference sign). The glass frame 5 is configured to be able to open and close the front surface of the main body frame 17 via a hinge mechanism (not shown).

A plurality of pachinko machines 1 are usually installed side by side on an island facility of a game arcade, and a card unit (in the case of a CR machine) is provided as a sand 12 between the machines.
A ball stage 14a is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 14, and when a game ball is guided on the ball stage 14a, the movement is changed while staying there temporarily. When the game ball to which movement is given in the ball stage 14a falls to the entrance of the ball guide path 14b formed in the ball stage 14a, the game ball is guided to the ball guide path 14b and arranged immediately below it (winning prize) The winning is detected by the winning detection device 15 provided in the mouth).

  In addition, a decorative symbol display device 16 is arranged in the center accessory 14, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 16 changes, for example, when a winning at a start winning opening is made. Thus, an image or the like representing the variation of the symbol is displayed. The symbol stops after it has fluctuated over a certain period of time. At this time, if it becomes a predetermined symbol display mode (for example, a display mode in which three symbols of the same kind are arranged), it becomes a big hit, and the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a special gaming state. .

  When the special game state is entered, the display content on the decorative symbol display device 16 is switched to a round display with a big hit, and a round effect (such as counting the number of winning prizes or the number of continuous rounds) is executed. In addition, information indicating that a special game is being played (such as “probable change” or “short time”) may be displayed when a special game (such as “probability change” or “short time”) is entered. is there.

  A special symbol display device 41 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided on the lower edge portion of the center accessory 14 in the game board 2. The special symbol display device 41 is connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to change the lighting state over a predetermined time in response to the start winning. In addition, a normal symbol display device 42 including, for example, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the center accessory 14. The normal symbol display device 42 is also connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to change the lighting state over a predetermined period when the gate 13 passes.

  A special symbol holding display device 43 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the game board 2. This special symbol hold display device 43 is connected to the main control board 3, and is configured to hold the start winning while the lighting state of the special symbol display device 41 is changing and to display the hold status. Further, a normal symbol holding display device 44 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the game board 2. The normal symbol hold display device 44 is connected to the main control board 3 and is configured to hold the passage of the gate 13 while the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 42 is changing and to display the hold status. Yes. Further, on the back of the game board 2, a main control board, a sub control board and a payout control board, a prize ball payout device, etc., not shown in FIG.

(2. Electric configuration example of pachinko machine)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the pachinko machine 1.

  The main body frame 17 is provided with a payout control board 25 and a firing control board 47. On the other hand, on the back of the game board 2, a main control board 3 (game control means) and a sub control board 35 (effect control means) are provided in the upper part. Further, a symbol control board 30 as a display control board (display control means) is provided on the back of the game board, and the symbol control board 30 is connected to the decorative symbol display device 16.

  The main control board 3 is connected to a board such as the sub control board 35 and the payout control board 25. The payout control board 25 is also connected to the launch control board 47 and the prize ball payout device 21, and the sub control board 35 is also connected to the symbol control board 30 that controls the display operation. The sub control board 35 controls the symbol control board 30, the lamp relay board 32, and the lamp relay board 34.

  The sub-control board 35 transmits an effect display command for controlling the effect display operation according to the progress of the game to the symbol control board 30 during the game operation. The game board 2 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 16. The decorative symbol display device 16 is controlled by the symbol control board 30, and a character image corresponding to the progress of the game at a substantially central position of the game area. (Effect image) can be displayed.

  Further, the speaker 29 is disposed, for example, on the front frame of the pachinko machine 1 or the inside of the upper plate 4. Normally, the speaker 29 outputs a sound effect or a sound accompanying the progress of the game. . In addition, the panel decoration lamp 12 is mounted on the game board surface, and the panel decoration lamp 12 can be decorated and produced by light emission in the game area under the control of the lamp relay board 32. Further, the frame decoration lamp 31 can be arranged at an appropriate position on the front frame by the control of the sub-control board 35 via the lamp relay board 34 and can give decoration and effects by light emission.

  The main control board 3 includes electronic components such as a CPU (hereinafter referred to as “main CPU”), a RAM, a ROM, an input / output interface, etc. (all not shown). A winning detector 15 as a winning detecting means is connected, and this winning detector 15 is used to receive balls to various winning ports (start winning port, large winning port, general winning port, etc.) in the game area. It is detected that there is, and the detection signal is output to the main control board 3.

  Further, even when a game ball passes through the gate port 13, the passage of the game ball is detected by a gate passage detector (gate switch) 13a as a gate passage detection means, and a gate passage signal is generated. . On the other hand, a solenoid 18 is provided in the special winning opening, and this solenoid 18 is used to open and close the special winning opening. The solenoid 18 is connected to the main control board 3, and its operation is controlled by the main control board 3.

  Control of the gaming operation by the main control board 3 is performed, for example, by the main CPU executing a predetermined control program (hereinafter referred to as “main control program”). The main CPU generates a random number on the software in accordance with the execution of the main control program. When the main CPU detects a winning at the start winning opening, the main CPU acquires the random number as a trigger. If the random number value obtained at this time matches a predetermined winning value (lottery), the main CPU outputs a command signal for displaying a symbol in a big winning manner to the sub-control board 35, and thereafter The combination of symbols is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 16 in a big-hit manner, and the big-hit. On the other hand, if the acquired random number value does not match the predetermined hit value, the main CPU outputs a command signal for displaying the symbols in a manner that is out of the sub-control board 35. continue. The main CPU determines the lottery result and variation pattern, and the main CPU outputs the lottery result and variation pattern command to the sub-control board 35.

  The sub-control board 35 has a predetermined command reception buffer (not shown), and stores received commands (such as lottery results and variation pattern commands) in the command reception buffer. The sub control board 35 acquires and analyzes the command stored in the command reception buffer. Further, the sub-control board 35 controls the amplifier board 30 to output sound from the speaker 29 based on the analyzed command, or controls the lamp relay board 32 to make the panel decoration lamp 12 in a predetermined color. The frame decoration lamp 31 is turned on or off in a predetermined color via the lamp relay board 34.

  Further, the sub control board 35 determines an effect item such as a reach notice that the main CPU does not determine. Then, the sub control board 35 transmits an effect display command related to a visual effect operation to the symbol control board 30 from the contents of the analyzed command. This effect display command includes information on the effect item according to the contents of the effect command (variation pattern command or the like) from the main control board 3, and the symbol control board 30 is based on the received effect display command. The decorative display device 16 controls the effect display operation.

  When the big hit is reached, the main control board 3 (the main CPU) shifts to the special game state to operate the solenoid 18 to open and close the open / close door of the big prize opening in a predetermined pattern. A player can win a lot of prize balls by winning a game ball as an example of a game medium during the opening. In addition to the above, the control of the game operation by the main control board 3 has various contents, but since all are well-known, detailed description is omitted here.

  The payout control board 25 also has a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, etc. (all not shown). In particular, the payout control board 25 is connected to the main control board 3 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Has been. That is, between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, serial signal upper and lower lines Su, Sd and ACK signal transmission lines Au, Ad are laid in parallel therewith.

  For example, when a winning ball command instructing the payout of a winning ball is transmitted from the main control board 3 in a serial format through the down line Sd, an ACK signal is received from the payout control board 25 that has received the command through the transmission line Au. To be sent to. Conversely, when a status command indicating the status of the payout control board 25 is transmitted from the payout control board 25 to the main control board 3 via the up line Su (for example, during the payout process), an ACK is received from the main control board 3 that has received the command. The signal is transmitted to the dispensing control board 25 through the transmission line Ad.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a prize ball payout device 21 in its main body frame 17, and the payout operation of the game ball by the prize ball payout device 21 is controlled by a payout control board 25. That is, the payout control board 25 receives a prize ball command (prize ball signal) from the main control board 3 and operates the payout motor 20 of the prize ball payout device 21 to perform a payout operation for the number designated by the prize ball command. Make it. At this time, the number of prize balls actually paid out is detected one by one by the payout ball detector 22 and fed back to the payout control board 25. On the other hand, the rotation state (rotation angle) of the payout motor 20 is detected by the motor drive sensor 24 and fed back to the payout control board 25.

  In addition, the launch control board 47 has a function of controlling the launch operation of the game ball when the launch permission signal output by the card unit as the inter-bed sand 12 is input. The launch control board 47 is connected to a launch handle (not shown) in addition to the launch motor 49. For example, a touch detection unit 48 is built in the launching handle, and the touch detection unit 48 detects contact of a human body (player) and outputs a touch detection signal to the launch control board 47. The launch control board 47 permits the drive of the launch motor 49 only after receiving the touch detection signal, thereby allowing the launch of the game ball.

  When the CPU of the payout control board 25 (hereinafter referred to as “payout CPU”) detects the occurrence of various faults such as an abnormal connection between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, the type of fault in the payout control board 25 is detected. Error information corresponding to is displayed. Specifically, a 7-segment LED 4a is provided on the payout control board 25, and error information is numerically displayed on the 7-segment LED 4a, for example, for each of the various types of faults.

  The payout control board 25 is provided with an operation switch 4b as an error canceling means, and the operation switch 4b is disposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside. The operation switch 4b is used to check a countermeasure for each failure when the various failures occur, or to clear error information (numerical value display) displayed on the 7-segment LED 4a after the failure is recovered. Can be used.

(3. Example of electrical configuration of display control board)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which the electrical configuration of the symbol control board 30 is simplified.
The symbol control board 30 has a display control processor unit 31 on which a CPU 311 for selecting a display mode in the decorative symbol display device 16 based on an effect display command from the sub control board 35 and a CPU 311 selects and decorates the display mode. A VDP unit 33 including a VDP 330 that generates drawing data to be displayed on the symbol display device 16 is provided. Various circuits constituting the symbol control board 30 are provided on a single board having six wiring layers.

  The CPU 311 of the display control processor unit 31 generates drawing parameters that define drawing data generation conditions for realizing the selected display mode. As the drawing parameters, color palette data defining drawing color information, sprite attribute data defining sprite drawing conditions, and background attribute data defining background (background) drawing conditions are generated. The VDP 330 of the VDP unit 33 generates drawing data by synthesizing predetermined effect image data based on the drawing parameters.

  The display control processor 31 constituting the symbol control board 30 includes a CPU-MCM (CPU-Multi Chip Module) 310 in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311 and the like are sealed in a single package, and symbol display control executed by the CPU 311. A control ROM 325 for storing data such as programs in a nonvolatile manner is provided.

In addition to the CPU 311, the CPU-MCM 310 includes an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 312 that is a main memory of the CPU 311. The SD RAM 312 has a storage capacity of 64 Mbits, for example. The control ROM 325 via the CPU 311, SDRAM 312, and ROM interface 313 is connected to a bus 381 provided in the CPU-MCM 310, and various data can be exchanged via the bus 381. The control ROM 325 has a storage capacity of 64 Mbits, for example.

  On the other hand, the VDP unit 33 includes a character ROM 340 in addition to the VDP 330. The symbol control board 30 includes a character ROM 340, a CPU 311, a control ROM 325, and a video display processor 330. The symbol control board 30 has a function of controlling the effect display operation based on the effect display command from the sub-control board 35. The control ROM 325 is a read-only memory for storing a control program for controlling the effect display operation of the symbol control board 30 (hereinafter referred to as “symbol display control program”).

  The CPU 311 shown in FIG. 3 is electrically connected to the control ROM 325 via the bus 381 and the ROM interface 313, and is also referred to as a video display processor 330 (hereinafter referred to as “VDP”) via the bus 381 and the CPU interface 383. )It is connected to the. The CPU 311 controls the operation of the VDP 330 based on the effect display command from the sub control board 35 by the operation of the symbol display control program read from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312. Here, the CPU 311 writes the color palette data included in the drawing parameters generated as described above into the color palette register 332c, writes the sprite attribute data into the sprite attribute register 332s, and further stores the background attribute data into the background attribute register. Write to 332b.

  The character ROM 340 is a kind of read-only memory as a nonvolatile storage means having a function of reading various data by managing each storage area by an address. The character ROM 340 displays image data (hereinafter referred to as “effect image data”) such as character image data for displaying a predetermined character image and background image data for displaying a background image as the background image. Can be mentioned. The effect image data may be effect image data for displaying not only a character image that is a still image but also an effect image that is a moving image.

  The VDP 330 will be described in further detail. The VDP 330 includes a CPU interface 383 (abbreviated as “CPU I / F” in the figure), a ROM interface 333 (abbreviated as “ROM I / F” in the figure), a bus 382, a VDP controller 331, a line buffer 336, and a color palette register 332c. , A sprite attribute register 332s, a background (abbreviated as “BG” in the figure) attribute register 332b, a character RAM 335, and a DMA controller 384. Note that the character RAM 335 may be provided outside the VDP 330.

  The VDP controller 331 has a function of controlling the entire VDP 330 under the control of the CPU 311 and controlling the display operation. Specifically, the VDP controller 331 acquires effect image data from the character ROM 340 via the ROM interface 313 under the control of the CPU 311.

  The color palette register 332c, the sprite attribute register 332s, and the BG attribute register 332b shown in FIG. 3 are registers that the VDP controller 331 refers to when the image display operation is controlled by the VDP controller 331, respectively. That is, the VDP controller 331 controls the effect display operation of the decorative symbol display device 16 via the line buffer 336 while referring to the color palette register 332c, the sprite attribute register 332s, and the BG attribute register 332b.

  The color palette register 332c is a register for storing in advance color palette data for 256 palettes corresponding to each palette number represented by, for example, 0 to 255. One pallet is composed of, for example, 16 colors. That is, the color palette register 332c provides color palette data corresponding to the designated palette number when a palette number (for example, 0 to 255) is designated when the sprite is set.

  The sprite attribute register 332s stores sprite attribute data related to sprite attributes such as character image data. The background (BG) attribute register 332b stores background attribute data regarding the attributes of the background image. The character RAM 335 is, for example, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the writing from the control ROM 325 to the character RAM 335 may employ a method of transferring from the control ROM 325 to the character RAM 335 under the control of the DMA controller 384, for example. The line buffer 336 has a function of storing the drawing data generated by the VDP controller 331 in units of scanning lines (lines) of an image to be displayed, and a function of outputting the stored drawing data in units of scanning lines. . The VDP controller 331 also outputs a synchronization signal SYNC synchronized with the drawing data when outputting the drawing data.

(4. Transfer of program code)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of how each code of the symbol display control program stored in the control ROM 325 is transferred to the RAM 312.
First, the storage area of the control ROM 325 includes a non-transfer program code data area, a transfer target program code data area, and an empty area. In the control ROM 325, a predetermined address is assigned to the storage area.

  This non-transfer program code data area is a storage area managed with addresses from 0xA0000000 to 0xA0001FFF, for example. The transfer target program code data area is, for example, a storage area managed from an address of 0xA0002000. In the present embodiment, data and program codes for which reliability should be ensured are stored in this non-transfer program code data area.

  The program code that should ensure the reliability is a program code that performs collation, authentication, inspection, or any combination of these, for example, regarding transfer logic and data. This is because the control ROM 325 is a read-only memory, and there is no possibility that the contents are rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. In other words, this is because the data and program code stored in the non-transfer program code data area of the control ROM 325 are less susceptible to bit dropping due to the influence of noise, and reliability is ensured. Here, the transfer logic has a function of transferring only the transfer target program code to the SDRAM 312 while leaving the non-transfer program code included in the symbol display control program in the storage area of the control ROM 325.

  Here, in the storage area of the control ROM 325, the symbol display control program is managed, for example, in the area having the largest address value. In this embodiment, the symbol display control program is stored separately for each program code in a non-transfer program code data area or a transfer target program code data area.

  On the other hand, the transfer target program code data area is a storage area for storing the transfer target program code in the symbol display control program. The transfer target program code stored in the transfer target program code data area is a program code transferred to the SDRAM 312 by the transfer logic.

  On the other hand, the storage area of the SDRAM 312 includes a transfer target program code data area, a work area, and a stack area. The transfer target program code data area of the SDRAM 312 is a storage area managed with addresses from 0xAC00000 to 0xAC6FFFFF, for example. The transfer target program code data area of the SDRAM 312 has a storage capacity of, for example, 7168 Kbytes, and is a storage area in which the transfer target program code transferred from the transfer target program code data area of the control ROM 325 is written.

  The work area is a storage area managed with addresses from 0xAC70000 to 0xC7FEFFF, for example. This work area has a storage capacity of, for example, 1020 Kbytes and is a storage area including a backup area. The stack area is a storage area managed with addresses from 0xAC7FF000 to 0xACFFFFF, for example, and has a storage area of 4 Kbytes, for example.

  That is, the control ROM 325 is a non-rewritable memory (first storage means) that stores a symbol display control program as a control program in advance, and the SDRAM 312 is a transfer target program that partially transfers the symbol display control program from the control ROM 325. It is a rewritable memory (second storage means) for storing codes.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol display control program executes the transfer target program code from the SDRAM 312, and executes, from the control ROM 325, the non-transfer program code that is not transferred to the SDRAM 312 among the symbol display control program of the control ROM 325. .

(5. Example of boot process)
The pachinko machine 1 is configured as described above. Next, an operation example in the boot process of the symbol display control program will be mainly described.
First, in the symbol control board 30, when the CPU 311 receives a so-called V blank signal output every 16 ms by the VDP 330, it executes a steady process by executing each program code. Typical processes included in this steady process include a process for displaying an effect image on the decorative symbol display device 16, a transfer target program code transferred from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312 and the transfer target program code. A verification process related to a transfer target program code that periodically compares the program code of the transfer source part in the control program of the control ROM 325 to be performed can be exemplified.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic processing procedure after the reset start processing in the symbol control board 30, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the boot processing shown in FIG. 5. The reset start process shown in FIG. 5 represents a process example that is sequentially executed when the symbol control board 30 is reset or newly powered on.

  First, in step S201, a boot process is executed. In this boot process, transfer logic is executed as shown in FIG. 6 (step S301). Then, the transfer logic specifies a program code (transfer target program code) to be transferred (step S302), and transfers the specified program code to the transfer target program code data area of the SDRAM 312 (step S303).

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the transfer logic specifies the head of the control ROM 325 and starts execution from the program code corresponding to the specified address. Thereafter, the transfer target program code is transferred from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312. Then, these program codes are successively executed on the read SDRAM 312 (step S304). Here, the SDRAM 312 has a wider bus width than that of the control ROM 325 and can suppress a waiting time (wait) relating to reading, so that processing is executed at high speed.

  More specifically, in this boot process, the symbol display control program booted (started) after reset start is initialized to a minimum such as a bus and a port, and then stored in the control ROM 325. The transfer target program code is transferred to the SDRAM 312, and the program counter is moved to each transfer target program code transferred to the SDRAM 312, and the transfer target indicated by the program counter is transferred. Execute program code sequentially.

  Hereinafter, this symbol display control program operates on the SDRAM 312. First, in step S202, initialization for hardware such as the CPU of the symbol control board 30 is executed. That is, the symbol display control program executes a minimum initialization such as a bus or a port during the boot process, and after that, after the program counter is moved to the program code transferred to the SDRAM 312, it is initialized by the boot process. Perform initialization for other hardware that does not exist. More specifically, the CPU 311 interrupt processing setting and the VDP 330 initialization processing are executed.

  Next, in step S203, a hot / cold determination process is executed. In this hot / cold determination process, it is determined whether it is a hot start or a cold start. Here, the cold start represents the first boot after the power is turned on, and the hot start represents the boot other than the first (second and subsequent boots) after the power is turned on.

  The symbol display control program tests the backup memory area managed by the checksum after reset. If there is a reliable backup memory area as a result of this test, the symbol display control program executes a hot start using the contents of the backup memory. Further, all work areas other than the backup target memory are filled with “0” (hereinafter referred to as “clear to 0”). If there is no reliable memory area, the symbol display control program clears all work areas and stack areas of the SDRAM 312 to 0 and performs a cold start.

  Next, in the module initialization process, initialization of each functional module included in the symbol display control program that operates under the control of the CPU of the symbol control board 30 is executed (step S204). Specifically, the symbol display control program initializes an effect module and the like defined for performing a predetermined effect display operation by processing on software. This module initialization process is desirably performed separately for hot start and cold start. Then, unsteady processing such as random number update is executed (step S205). Here, as the unsteady process, the display of a character image or the like can be switched for production according to the random value updated by the random number update.

  Next, the symbol display control program executes a steady process every 16 ms, for example. In this period of 16 ms, a V blank (VBLANK) signal of the VDP 330 is interrupted and generated to generate timing. That is, this steady process is a process that is executed when a V blank signal is input during the unsteady process, and this steady process is a display operation control process that controls the display operation of the decorative symbol display device 16 or the above-described process. Includes verification processing related to the transfer target program code.

(6. Reference to usefulness according to the first embodiment)
In general, pachinko machines are prone to noise due to the flow of game balls. Such a flow of game balls causes noise, for example, when the game balls flowing during the game ball replenishment process or when the game balls are paid out (the discharge of prize balls) are caused by friction with the ball tank storing the game balls. This is due to the discharge of this charged static electricity, which is charged by friction with the wall of the bag (tank rail, etc.).

  First, in the present embodiment, the operation of the symbol control board 30 is controlled by the operation of the symbol display control program as a control program. The symbol display control program is stored in advance in the control ROM 325, and is read for each program code as necessary. In the symbol control board 30, first, a transfer target program code as a part of the symbol display control program is read from the non-rewritable control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312, and the non-transfer program code of the symbol display control program is read in the control ROM 325. It is in an executable state. This control program includes a transfer target program code and a non-transfer program code. However, a part of the symbol display control program is a non-transfer program code, and most of the symbol display control program is a transfer target program code. It goes without saying. The reason why the transfer target program code is transferred to the SDRAM 312 is that the rewritable SDRAM 312 generally operates at a higher speed than the non-rewritable control ROM 325.

  In the present embodiment, when a symbol display control program is executed on the symbol control board 30, for example, non-transfer program code related to program code verification processing is executed from the control ROM 325 while transfer target program code is executed from the SDRAM 312. is doing. Since the control ROM 325 cannot rewrite data, at least in a state where the non-transfer program code is stored in the control ROM 325, a bit drop or inversion of each bit of the non-transfer program code is caused by noise. Is less likely to occur.

  For this reason, according to the present embodiment, for example, even in a situation where noise is generated in the surroundings, there is less risk of bit dropping or the like in the non-transfer program code. It becomes easy to operate normally. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of program codes included in the symbol display control program are divided into the non-transfer program code and the transfer target program code according to the required reliability and processing speed, and the symbol control board When the symbol display control program 30 executes the symbol display control program, the symbol display control program can always be operated normally according to the required reliability and processing speed.

(6-1. Application example of non-transfer program code)
In the present embodiment, among the program codes included in the symbol display control program, when executed separately for the control ROM 325 and the SDRAM 312 as described above, the following interrupt processing, steady state, for example, are particularly effective. This is a process executed once after a process or other reset.

(6-2. Interrupt processing)
This interrupt process is a process that is executed whenever an interrupt occurs. In this embodiment, for example, the following reset / interrupt / exception handler, vector-related process, and infinite loop process when an undefined exception occurs And any one of the timing adjustment weight processes or any combination thereof.

(1) Processing related to reset / interrupt / exception handler and vector Here, first, as reset processing, for example, power-on reset processing for initializing the internal circuit when power is turned on, or predetermined reset signal from the outside Includes a reset process for setting the internal circuit to an initial state. In the non-transfer program code data area of the control ROM 325, for example, handlers, vectors, transfer logic, and the like are managed.

  First, in order for the CPU-MCM 310 to automatically start processing when the power is turned on, it is necessary to reliably reset the internal circuit of the CPU-MCM 310 when the power is turned on. Here, when the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a power-on reset process and the program code related to the power-on reset process is executed as a non-transfer program code, the internal circuit is surely connected when the power is turned on. When reset and the power is turned on, the CPU-MCM 310 can reliably start processing automatically. Further, when the present embodiment is applied to a reset process other than the power-on reset process and the program code related to the reset process is executed as a non-transfer program code, the internal circuit is surely reset when it is desired to initialize. Can be.

  In addition to such reset processing, if the present embodiment is applied to interrupt / exception handlers and vector-related processing, and the program code related to these processing is executed as non-transfer program code, these processing are performed. Can be executed reliably.

(2) Infinite loop processing when an undefined exception occurs Next, in "Infinite loop processing when an undefined exception occurs", abnormal operation occurs when undefined exception processing (for example, execution of nonexistent program code) is executed. For example, after the interruption is disabled, a password is set in a password area for detecting abnormality occurrence of 16 bytes, for example, and loop processing is continued infinitely by a jump instruction. If such an infinite loop process when an undefined exception occurs is executed as a non-transfer program code, the infinite loop process can be reliably continued when such an undefined exception process occurs. At this time, if the reset by the watchdog is performed, the reset is recovered. At this time, in the recovery processing from the reset, it is possible to determine whether the power is simply turned on or the recovery from the abnormal situation by determining the password.

(3) Timing Adjustment Wait Process First, in the timing adjustment wait process, the CPU 311 adjusts the timing for accessing the character RAM 335 having a high access speed and the timing for accessing the control ROM 325 having a low access speed. This is a process for securing wait time (waiting time). When this timing adjustment wait process is executed as a non-transfer program code, the CPU 311 waits for the timing adjustment wait process even when accessing the control ROM 325 having a low access speed after accessing the character RAM 335 having a high access speed. Access such as reading can be performed at an appropriate timing over time.

(6-3. Regular processing)
This steady process is a process that is activated for each V blank signal generated every 16 ms, for example. In the present embodiment, for example, the following collation process between the control ROM 325 and the SDRAM 312 included in this steady process, a watchdog This is applied to any one of the clear processing and the port direction resetting processing, or any combination thereof.

(4) Verification process between control ROM 325 and SDRAM 312 In this verification process, the contents of control ROM 325 and the contents of SDRAM 312 are verified. In this collation process, for example, whether or not a bit is dropped with respect to a symbol display control program or the like is collated, so that a situation where the program code itself for executing the collation process itself has a bit dropped is not allowed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a verification program code is included as the non-transfer program code. The collation program code is a process of collating the transfer target program code transferred from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312 and the program code of the transfer source part in the symbol display control program of the control ROM 325 corresponding to the transfer target program code ( This is a program code for executing the above-mentioned program code matching process).

  Such a program code verification process is a process of confirming the identity between the transfer target program code transferred to the SDRAM 312 and the transfer source program in the control program of the control ROM 325 corresponding to the transfer target program code. is there. Here, in this program code collation process, for example, the program code is collated by 4 Kbytes at every execution interval of the steady process. If the transfer program code on the SDRAM 325 and the transfer source program code in the control ROM 325 do not match in the collation result by the collation processing, execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited and the infinite loop processing by the jump instruction is executed. Is done.

However because the control ROM325 is rewritable impossible memory less susceptible to noise. Therefore, in a state where such a collation program code is stored in the control ROM 325 as a non-transfer program code, the collation program code is less likely to cause bit dropping or bit inversion due to the influence of noise. For this reason, if the program code related to the collation process is surely and accurately functioning and the transfer target program code transferred from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312 is not secured in the SDRAM 312, this identity is secured. It can be surely found that there is no.

  In this embodiment, the non-transfer program code initializes the CPU 311 and the SDRAM 312 and transfers again from the control ROM 325 when the transfer target program code and the program code of the transfer source part do not match. It is desirable to include a recovery program code to be executed after the target program code is transferred to the SDRAM 312. The initialization here means that the CPU 311 is in an initial state before executing the program code to be transferred, and the SDRAM 312 is in an initial state in which no data is stored. .

  According to the present embodiment, since the collation process is periodically executed by the collation program code, if the transfer program transferred from the control ROM 325 to the SDRAM 312 is not ensured in the SDRAM 312 as a result of the collation, Can be found very quickly and reliably. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 311 and the SDRAM 312 can be initialized, and the transfer target program code that is found not to be identical can be recovered.

  In this way, since the transfer target program code and the non-transfer program code are always executed normally, the operation of the normal symbol display control program can be guaranteed. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can enhance the reliability of the effect display operation by the operation of such a normal symbol display control program on the symbol control board 30.

(5) Watchdog clear process This watchdog clear process is reset if the clear process is not performed normally. For this reason, when such a watchdog clear process is executed from the control ROM 325 as a non-transfer program code, in this embodiment, the watchdog clear process operates reliably.

(6) Port Direction Resetting Process Here, the port setting refers to resetting the port direction for each steady process after setting the port direction after reset (port direction setting process). This port direction setting is in accordance with, for example, hardware specifications, but unused ports are set as output directions, and unused ports that have been treated for pull-up and down are set as input directions. Here, the output direction means output using a port, and the input direction means input using a port.

  Since the port is referred to when the input / output is performed on the symbol control board 30, if a bit drop or the like occurs in the input / output data or the like, the operation of the symbol control board 30 may be obtained today. Is also possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the port direction resetting process is executed from the control ROM 325 as a non-transfer program code, so that the port direction setting process can be set to operate reliably.

(6-4. Other processing executed once after reset)
In addition, as a process suitable when the present embodiment is applied, for example, a process executed once after resetting can be exemplified, and for example, the following processes can be exemplified.
(7) Minimum CPU setting processing such as bus setting / synchronization frequency setting / cache setting First, the “bus setting processing” refers to a target to be connected to the CPU 311 (for example, one of the control ROM 325, SDRAM 312 and VDP 330). This means setting a bus in between. The synchronous frequency (clock) setting process means setting a frequency that should be adopted by the CPU 311. The cache setting process refers to setting a cache capacity to be used by the CPU 311. When such CPU setting processing is executed as non-transfer program code, the CPU 311 that has completed the bus setting can be surely operated.

(8) Synchronization standby time setting and standby process after reset First, the “synchronous standby time setting process after reset” here is a process of setting a time to wait for synchronization after the reset process. The waiting process refers to a process that actually waits for synchronization after the reset process. By executing the synchronization waiting time setting process and the waiting process after reset as the non-transfer program code, not only can the waiting time be set in order to ensure synchronization after the reset process, but the waiting process is performed after the reset process. Since it can be executed, normal operation can be guaranteed.

(9) Program transfer processing from control ROM 325 to SDRAM 312 If the program code (such as the transfer logic described above) itself associated with the program transfer processing itself has a bit dropped, the transfer logic before the execution of the transfer target program code in SDRAM 312 is performed. It will not work properly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such a program transfer process related to the transfer logic is executed as a non-transfer program code from the control ROM 325, so that a normal transfer target program code can be reliably transferred to the SDRAM 312. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the symbol display control program can be operated reliably and normally.

(7. Second Embodiment)
The pachinko machine as the second embodiment is substantially the same as the pachinko machine 1 as the first embodiment with respect to executing the program code included in the symbol display control program separately into the non-transfer program code and the transfer target program code. In order to perform the configuration and operation, the description of the same configuration and operation will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. Note that, in the second embodiment, when the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  This pachinko machine belongs to a so-called “feather” type. Pachinko machines are roughly composed of a main frame and a game board, and a game board is detachably installed inside the main frame. A substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface (board surface) of the game board. Note that the external configuration other than the game board is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the game area of the game board, a center accessory that is extremely eye-catching is arranged almost in the center, and this center accessory functions as a winning device. A normal winning opening is arranged on the left and right sides of the center accessory, and a pair of left and right one-time start ports and one two-time start port are arranged at the lower position. In addition, various ornamental bodies, decorative lamps, windmills, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided in the game area, but well-known components can be applied to these components. Therefore, the individual description is omitted here.

  The center accessory has a pair of left and right movable pieces (movable members), and these movable pieces can be displaced between a state opened in the left-right direction and a position closed toward the inside. When these movable pieces are in the open position, the large winning opening of the center accessory is opened. A large winning opening solenoid (not shown) is disposed behind the center character, and the pair of left and right movable pieces are driven by the large winning opening solenoid.

  Normally, when the center combination is not actuated, the movable piece is in the closed position, and therefore the special winning opening is closed. On the other hand, if a prize is won at the above-mentioned one-time start port or two-time start port during the game, the center accessory is activated. As a result, the pair of movable pieces move to the open position, and the big prize opening is opened for a predetermined time, thereby allowing the game ball to be won. The opening / closing operation of the movable piece is performed by the number of opening / closing operations (one or two times) respectively assigned to the one-time starting port and the two-time starting port.

  In the center role, there are provided big winning port count switches corresponding to the left and right big winning ports, respectively. A game ball that has won a prize winning opening is detected for passage by the corresponding prize winning count switch, that is, the number of winning prizes is counted. When the game ball is received in the center role in this way, the game ball rolls in the center role. A predetermined specific area (not shown) exists in the center combination, and when a game ball passes through the specific area, the game proceeds to a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

  In this special game state, for example, for a maximum of 15 rounds, the opening and closing operation (round operation) of the movable pieces provided on the left and right pairs of the center role is repeated so that the game ball can be received in the center role 6 and received. A prize ball corresponding to the number of game balls played is given to the player. In this way, the player can enjoy more benefits in the special gaming state.

  According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, and the following effect can be further exhibited. First, such a pachinko machine is often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to the flow of game media or the like, but according to the second embodiment, reliability is ensured even in such an environment. The effect display operation can be executed at higher speed. For this reason, according to 2nd Embodiment, the stable production | presentation display operation can be performed at higher speed.

(8. Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a front view showing a configuration example of the slot machine 101 to which the gaming machine as the third embodiment of the present invention is applied.
The slot machine 101 as the third embodiment is substantially the same as the pachinko machine 1 as the first embodiment with respect to executing the program code included in the symbol display control program separately for the non-transfer program code and the transfer target program code. Therefore, the description of the same configuration and operation will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. In the third embodiment, when the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used.

  The slot machine 101 has a box-shaped housing 102, and is installed in an island facility of a game arcade based on the housing 102. In the island facility, a plurality of slot machines 101 are arranged in a row in the width direction, and usually a medal sand (not shown) is attached between the machines. When, for example, cash is inserted into the medal sand (the inter-sand sand), medals corresponding to the amount of money are lent out, and the player can use them to perform a slot machine game. The game medium is not particularly limited to medals and coins, but may be a mode using game balls or tokens. Alternatively, a mode in which a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-bed sand and the remaining frequency and medals are exchanged may be implemented.

  The casing 102 of the slot machine 101 has a front door 104 on the front surface facing the player, and the front door 104 can be opened forward with one side end (left side end in this example) as the center. The front door 104 has a glass plate (transparent plate) 106 at its middle position, and a rectangular display window 108 is formed at the center thereof. The slot machine 101 of this embodiment is equipped with three reels (left reel, middle reel, right reel) 110a, 110b, 110c as an example of a mechanical symbol display (symbol display device), and these reels 110a. , 110 b, 110 c are arranged at the back of the front door 104, that is, inside the housing 102.

  Each reel 110a, 110b, 110c has a reel band extending around its outer periphery, and various patterns are attached to its surface. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the figure “7” is designed, a specific alphabet (or its character string) is designed, a bell or other auspicious material is designed, watermelon, apple In addition, there is a design of fruits and vegetables such as cherries, or a design of characters, figures, symbols, and the like that characterize the model of the slot machine 101.

  The slot machine 101 can change or stop the display mode of the symbols by rotating or stopping these reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. From the front of the slot machine 101, only a part of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is visible through the display window 8, and three symbols are effectively displayed for each reel 110a, 110b, 110c when the reels are stopped. It is supposed to be.

  Display areas 112 and 114 are formed on both sides of the display window 108 in the glass plate 106, and various character information and symbol information are attached to the display areas 112 and 114 in a predetermined arrangement. . A lamp unit (not shown) is disposed behind the glass plate 106, and information in the display areas 112 and 114 is lit and displayed by the lamp. For example, when a player first inserts medals through the medal insertion slot 115, the number of bets is added according to the number of inserted medals. At this time, the medal line lamp corresponding to the number of bets is lit on the right display area 112. . When the bet number reaches the maximum (for example, 3 bets), the inserted medals are stored as credits, and the credit number is displayed on the display unit 116 as a numerical value.

  When the player operates the start lever 124 (start operation means) with the medal line lamp lit up, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c start to rotate at the same time, and the symbols change. Further, when the player operates the stop buttons 126, 128, and 130 (stop operation means), the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the right, middle, and left, respectively, stop rotating, and the variation of symbols stops.

  At this time, when a certain symbol combination (for example, a state where specific symbol combinations are arranged in a line) is displayed on the activated line activated in the display window 108, a privilege is given to the player. . As this privilege, for example, a medal can be paid out or a special game state (so-called big bonus game, regular bonus game, or assist time, challenge time, etc.) can be given, and the player executes a special game. This makes it possible to receive more medals.

  When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the active line by the above-described gaming operation, the number of medals to be paid out according to the type of symbol combination displayed at that time is displayed on the display unit 132. In addition, when a transition is made to a big bonus game or a regular bonus game, the number of remaining games is displayed on the display unit 134 during the progress. The medals that have been paid out are stored as credits until the number of credits on the display unit 116 reaches a maximum, and medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are paid out to the tray 138 through the payout opening 136. In addition, the player can release the medal storage (credit) by operating the credit check button 140, and can receive the payout of the medal stored until then.

  The slot machine 101 according to the present embodiment has a liquid crystal display 142 above the display window 108. The liquid crystal display 142 is provided with images for effects and various bonus games as the game progresses. The number of medals and the like are displayed. In addition, two speakers 144 are provided on the left and right sides of the payout opening 136 for outputting sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game. In addition, lamps 145, 146, and 148 are arranged at various locations on the front door 104, and these lamps 145, 146, and 148 can perform effects by light-emitting decoration according to the gaming state.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows configurations of various mechanical elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like that are provided in the slot machine 101 shown in FIG. The slot machine 101 has a main control board 150 (game control means) for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game, and circuit elements such as a CPU 152, a ROM 154, a RAM 156 and the like are mounted on the main control board 150. Has been. The main control board 150 also includes input / output interfaces 158 and 160 for exchanging information with external devices. The CPU 152 generates random numbers for lottery using predetermined software.

  The bet buttons 118, 120, 122, the start lever 124, the stop buttons 126, 128, 130, the settlement button 140, etc. are all connected to the main control board 150, and these operation buttons use sensors (not shown). The operation by the player can be detected and the operation signal can be output to the main control board 150.

  The casing 102 of the slot machine 101 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 150, and various signals are input to the main control board 150 from these devices. The devices include a medal selector 164, a reel device 166, a hopper device 168, etc. Among them, the medal selector 164 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 115 one by one, and the detection signal is sent to the main control board 150. Output.

  The reel device 166 is configured as a unit including the reels 110a to 110c described above. The reel device 166 has a photosensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 110a, 110b, 110c, and a detection signal (index signal) from these photosensors is a main control board. 150 is input. The hopper device 168 also has a payout sensor (not shown) that detects paid-out medals one by one, and a detection signal for each medal is input to the main control board 150 from the payout sensor. ing.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 150 to the reel device 166 and the hopper device 168. That is, the reel device 166 has a built-in stepping motor (not shown) for rotating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of these stepping motors is the main control. Output from the substrate 150. The hopper device 168 receives a payout signal from the main control board 150 according to the combination type of symbols displayed on the effective line, and the hopper device 168 performs a medal payout operation based on the payout signal.

  In addition to the main control board 150, the slot machine 101 includes an effect control board 170 and a display control board 30a. In addition to the CPU 172, the effect control board 170 includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown), an input / output interface, a sound source IC, Equipped with an audio amplifier. The effect control board 170 receives various command signals from the main control board 150 and controls the operation of the display units 116, 132, 134 and the speaker 144, and controls the lighting or blinking of the lamps 145, 146, 148. Yes.

  An effect control board 170 as an effect control means is connected to a display control board 30 a as a display control means, and this display control board 30 a is connected to a liquid crystal display 142. The display control board 30a includes a CPU (execution control means) (not shown), a RAM (corresponding to the SDRAM 312 in the first embodiment) as the second storage means, and a control ROM (control ROM 325 in the first embodiment) as the first storage means. ), A character ROM (corresponding to the character ROM 340 in the first embodiment), and a VDP (video display processor). The display control board 30a may have a form in which the function is mounted on the effect control board 170. That is, the effect control board 170 may include the control ROM, RAM, CPU, character ROM, and VDP (not shown).

  In the slot machine 101, under the control of the CPU of the display control board 30a, the VDP (not shown) reads the effect image data stored in the character ROM, and displays the effect image based on the read effect image data on the liquid crystal display 142. It is the composition which makes it.

  Further, an external terminal board 174 is connected to the main control board 150, and the slot machine 101 is connected to the hall computer 176 of the game hall via the external terminal board 174. The external terminal board 74 relays the inserted medal signal and the payout medal signal transmitted from the main control board 150 or the signal during the big bonus game or the regular bonus game (JAC game) to the hall computer 176, or conversely, the hall computer. The stop release signal transmitted from 176 is relayed to the main control board 150 and the effect control board 170.

  In addition, a power supply box 180 is accommodated in the housing 102. The power supply box 80 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 101. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply box 180 to each unit.

  The power supply box 180 is attached with a power switch 182, a setting key switch 184, a reset switch 186, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the housing 102 and can be operated only by opening the front door 104 thereof. Among these, the power switch 182 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 101, and the setting key switch 184 is for changing the setting of the slot machine 101. A reset switch 186 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 101.

  The CPU 152 of the main control board 150 determines the winning by collating the random value obtained on the software with the winning value of the table data during the normal game, and if a bonus game is hit, the corresponding symbol flag Set to ON. In this case, if the stop button 126, 128, 130 is operated near the symbol aimed by the player, the symbol stops at the stop position within the range (for example, within 4 symbols) possible by the reel control described above. A specific symbol combination corresponding to each bonus game is easily displayed on the top.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to exhibit substantially the same effect as the first embodiment except that the gaming machine is a swivel type gaming machine, and further exhibits the following effects. can do. First, such a swivel type gaming machine is often placed in an environment where noise is generated in the surroundings due to static electricity generated by the player. However, according to the third embodiment, reliability is ensured even in such an environment. The effect display operation can be executed at a higher speed while ensuring the above. For this reason, according to 3rd Embodiment, the stable production | presentation display operation | movement can be performed at higher speed.

(9. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  The above embodiment exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to a symbol display control program that operates on the symbol control board 30, but is not limited thereto, and the main control program that operates on the main control board 3 or the sub-control board 35. Needless to say, it may be applied to an operating control program.

  Each of the above embodiments can also be applied to a spinning-type game machine (so-called parrot machine, pachislot machine, etc.) that uses a game ball as a game medium. A spinning-type gaming machine that uses a game ball as a gaming medium has substantially the same configuration as a spinning-type gaming machine that uses a medal or a coin as a gaming medium and performs almost the same operation. The following points are different from the revolving game machine that uses medals and coins as game media.

  In other words, a revolving type gaming machine that uses a game ball to play is first provided with a game value counting unit (game value counting means) that collects a predetermined number of game balls as game media and sets the game value as one unit. The game value counting unit is different in that a predetermined number of game values are set as one unit. Further, in a revolving type gaming machine that uses a game ball to play, a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game values according to the type of combination of displayed symbols are given to the player (game value giving means) The point is different. Note that there is one predetermined number of game values that can be played for each game in both a spinning-type gaming machine that uses medals and coins and a spinning-type gaming machine that uses gaming balls. However, there may be more than one.

It is a front view which shows the structural example of the pachinko machine to which the game machine as 1st Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example which simplified and showed the electrical structure of the symbol control board. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that each code | symbol of the symbol display control program stored in control ROM is transferred to RAM. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the basic process sequence after the reset start process in a symbol control board. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of boot processing illustrated in FIG. 5. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the slot machine to which the game machine as 3rd Embodiment of this invention was applied. FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like equipped in the slot machine shown in FIG. 7.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
3 Main control board (game control means)
30 Design control board (display control means)
30a Display control board (display control means)
35 Sub-control board (production control means)
101 slot machine (game machine)
311 CPU (execution control means)
312 SDRAM (second storage means)
325 Control ROM (first storage means)

Claims (3)

At passing Tsune遊 technique state progresses a game in accordance with the consumption of the game medium, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the gaming machine to transition to an advantageous special game state for the player,
Game control means for controlling game operations in the normal game state and the special game state;
Effect control means for controlling the effect operation by the control of the game control means and outputting an effect display command for instructing execution of a visual effect display operation as part of the effect operation;
A display control means for controlling the effect display operation by controlling a control program based on the effect display command and sequentially executing a plurality of program codes included in the control program;
The display control means includes
Non-rewritable first storage means storing the control program in advance;
Rewritable second storage means for storing a transfer target program code obtained by partially transferring the control program from the first storage means;
Execution control for executing the transfer target program code from the second storage unit and executing, from the first storage unit, a non-transfer program code that is not transferred to the second storage unit among the control programs of the first storage unit A gaming machine comprising: means. The non-transfer program code is:
The transfer target program code transferred from the first storage means to the second storage means and the transfer source program code in the control program of the first storage means corresponding to the transfer target program code are periodically Includes verification program code that performs the automatic verification process
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The non-transfer program code is:
If the transferred program code actually transferred and the program code of the transfer source part do not match, the execution control means and the second storage means are initialized, and again the first The program further includes a recovery program code for executing the transferred transfer target program code after transferring the transfer target program code from the storage means to the second storage means
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein:

Images