JP5585773B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders having symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  The gaming machine executes a control related to the game including the internal lottery process and generates and transmits a predetermined command, a sub board that receives the command and executes a predetermined process based on the command, And rendering means such as a liquid crystal display device controlled by the sub-board. The main board sends commands to the sub-board when various game operations such as medal insertion, bet button operation, start lever operation, stop button operation, etc., and informs the result of the internal lottery and provides various effects. Also send commands when doing.

  Hereinafter, these operations will be described, but refer to FIG. 3 and the description thereof. The reference numerals shown below are the same as those shown in FIG.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. As one of the effects, there is an image effect by the display screen of the liquid crystal display device LCD. The CPU of the sub-board 20 sends a predetermined command directly or to a controller (GDC) (not shown) to control the liquid crystal display device LCD and display a predetermined screen there. The sub-board 20 determines what screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD based on a command signal from the main board 10. The outline is that a command for causing the main board 10 to execute a specific effect or a command indicating that a specific gaming state (for example, jackpot) is entered is transmitted to the sub-board 20, and the sub-board 20 interprets the command. , Do the necessary processing. For example, when the command indicates a jackpot, the LED board 202 blinks in a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined sound effect is played from the speaker board 201. Then, an animation corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD.

In the RAM clear switch operation, various control commands backed up in the RAM, winning data, data indicating the number of payouts of winning balls, and the like are deleted. By displaying the message “initialization complete” on the liquid crystal, the hall employees are informed that the initialization is complete. JP, 2003-210807, A By RAM clear operation, various information memorized by RAM is initialized. When initialization is started, a notification is made until completion so that hall employees can know that initialization has been completed. In the RAM clear operation when the power is turned on, various information stored in the RAM on the main board is initialized and a RAM clear command is transmitted to the sub board. At this time, the sub-board is being started up when the power is turned on, but by receiving the RAM clear command and controlling the speaker, it is possible to initialize the RAM of the main board even before the start-up of the sub-board. It was possible to notify the completion of conversion.

  By the way, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, initialization processing is performed on the main board 10, the sub board 20, and the liquid crystal display device LCD, respectively. A normal game process is executed after the initialization process is completed, but the main board 10 and the sub board 20 store the state (data) immediately before the power is turned off in the memory having the backup power source. The substrate 10 and the sub substrate 20 perform a return process, and return to the state immediately before the power is turned off after the initialization is completed. On the other hand, since the liquid crystal display device LCD does not include a memory having a backup power supply, a predetermined command is sent from the sub-board 20 to return to the state immediately before the power is turned off, thereby returning to the state. Since the contents (screen) displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD immediately before the power is turned off are stored in the memory of the sub-board 20, such a command can be sent. In order to have the sub-board 20 send such a command, the liquid crystal display LCD transmits an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) to the sub-board 20 when the initialization is completed.

  Further, in a predetermined situation such as when the setting is changed or when the RAM is cleared, the sub-board 20 transmits an initialization request command to the liquid crystal display device LCD to perform initialization processing of the liquid crystal display device LCD. The liquid crystal display device LCD transmits an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) to the sub-board 20 even when this initialization is completed.

  As described above, as a situation (timing) in which the liquid crystal display device LCD performs the initialization process, there is a time when a predetermined situation such as a setting change occurs when the power is turned on. As described above, since the initialization process is performed in a plurality of different situations, there arises a problem that the screen return of the liquid crystal display device LCD is not successful.

That is, the liquid crystal display device LCD completes initialization processing at power-on and transmits an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) almost simultaneously (or immediately before reception by the sub board 20 (initialization of the sub board 20 is completed). In the command analysis waiting state)), when the sub-board 20 transmits an initialization request command to the liquid crystal display LCD due to a setting change or the like, the sub-board 20 receives the initial state when the received power is turned on. An initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) may be received as an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) by the initialization request command (which trigger is used to distinguish it from the initialization completion command itself) Can not). Then, the sub-board 20 misunderstands that the initialization of the liquid crystal display device LCD is completed, and the initialization is not completed (during the initialization execution of the liquid crystal display device LCD by the initialization request command). The sub-board 20 transmits a screen return command or the like to the liquid crystal display device LCD. However, since the liquid crystal display device LCD is undergoing initialization processing, the command of the sub-board 20 cannot be received, and the command is lost. As a result, a normal screen can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. Disappear.
For this problem, refer also to FIGS. 10 to 12 and the description below.
This problem also occurs in the peripheral board (speaker board 201, LED board 202, accessory control board, etc.) that is connected to the sub board 20 and performs initialization processing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and prevents confusion in the operation of the sub-board (control unit) due to duplication of the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification), and the peripheral board after the initialization is completed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can operate normally.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a control unit that executes a process related to an effect, and a peripheral board that receives a predetermined command from the control unit and performs the process related to the effect.
At least the peripheral board is initialized when the gaming machine is turned on,
The control unit includes a counter, and the counter is set to a predetermined initial value.
The controller is
Counting the counter in the first direction when the gaming machine is turned on,
The control unit transmits an initialization request command for causing the peripheral board to perform initialization at a predetermined trigger after the power is turned on, and counts the counter in the first direction. And
An initialization completion notification indicating that the initialization is completed is received from the peripheral substrate, and based on this, the counter is counted in a second direction different from the first direction,
Check whether the counter has returned to the initial value,
When the counter returns to the initial value, a predetermined command for causing the peripheral substrate to perform a predetermined process is transmitted.
If the first direction is, for example, a plus direction (for example, an increment for the counter operation), the second direction is a minus direction (for example, a decrement for the counter operation). Alternatively, in the reverse combination, the first direction is, for example, a minus direction, and the second direction is a plus direction.

  The peripheral board is, for example, an image display device that receives a predetermined command from the control unit and displays a screen related to the effect, and the predetermined command to the peripheral board displays a predetermined screen. This is an image generation command.

  According to the present invention, since the counter is provided, and the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) corresponding to the initialization request command is identified by the counter, the control unit performs initialization by the initialization process at power-on. The initialization completion command is not mistakenly recognized as the initialization completion command corresponding to the initialization request command. The operation of the control unit can be prevented from being confused, and the peripheral substrate can be processed smoothly.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a block diagram of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a process flowchart of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another process flowchart of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another process flowchart of the sub board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a process flowchart of a liquid crystal display device. It is another process flowchart of a liquid crystal display device. It is a whole processing flowchart of the game machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a processing flowchart of the gaming machine according to the comparative example. It is another processing flowchart of the gaming machine according to the comparative example. It is another processing flowchart of the gaming machine according to the comparative example.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.
1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  Further, a start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop switches 140 are provided corresponding to the three spinning cylinders. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A liquid crystal display device LCD is provided above the game display unit 131.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203 including three rotating cylinders is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders (first to third drums) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which the player can see the symbols of the rotating drums of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown, the slot machine includes a power supply unit for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).
The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and is sealed so that traces remain when these substrates are removed.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and for performing processing such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.
The sub-board 20 includes a counter 20a for counting the number of receptions of the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) from the liquid crystal display device LCD. The counter 20a is constituted by a dedicated IC (hardware). Or it is implement | achieved when CPU runs the program which implement | achieves a counter.

  The main board 10 has a bet switch BET, a start switch 134, a stop button 140, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, a hopper driving unit 80, a hopper 81, and a medal detection for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. The part 82 (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as a liquid crystal control substrate 200 for controlling the liquid crystal display device, a speaker substrate 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 20.

  A liquid crystal display device LCD shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the liquid crystal control board 200. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the liquid crystal display device LCD refers to both the liquid crystal control substrate 200 and the liquid crystal display device LCD (in other words, the liquid crystal display device LCD is a liquid crystal control substrate). 200. Note that even in this case, the liquid crystal control substrate 200 performs the control process).

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided on the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal slot 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (stepping motor 155a ˜155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and determines that the medal corresponding to the specified number of insertions has been inserted. A process of permitting the rotation start operation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the point when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop switches 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts a numerical value so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means (not shown) for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 134, and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random value. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached.

  In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, if a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and if the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in the internal lottery is set to the winning state Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders with a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by a player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first to Press operation (stop operation) of the three stop buttons 140 respectively corresponding to the rotating cylinder in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute) ) And control to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor according to the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  In the gaming machine, the reel unit 203 includes an index sensor composed of a photosensor, and the spinning cylinder control means 1300 is based on a reference position signal detected by the index sensor every time the spinning cylinder rotates once. By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor) from the reference position (the frame detected by the index sensor), the current rotation state of the drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop switch 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine, the first to third cylinders are set to a control state in which the rotating cylinder corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from when the stop button 140 is pressed. Yes. That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set. By changing the replay lottery state, the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed.

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The lottery process in the internal lottery means 1200 can be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in a hall where a gaming machine is installed. Done.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  When changing the set value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, a set change key is inserted into a set change key switch (not shown) provided in the power supply unit 205, and the key switch is turned on. Each time the game machine is turned on to make the setting changeable and the setting change button (push button) is pressed once, the set value displayed on the 7-segment display or the like is incremented to 1-6. The value is cyclically changed, and the desired setting value is determined by operating the start switch when the desired setting value is displayed on the display.

  Incidentally, the counter 20a of the sub-board 20 is counted up when the initialization process of the liquid crystal display device LCD is started, and is counted down when an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) is received. Hereinafter, a plurality of situations in which the counter 20a operates will be described with reference to FIGS. These drawings show only processing related to the embodiment of the present invention, and display of other processing is omitted. Note that the counting direction of the counter, that is, the combination of the up / down directions may be reversed (the same applies hereinafter).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of counter control processing in the sub-board 20.

  When the sub-board 20 performs initialization processing upon power-on (S1), the sub-board 20 increases (+1) the counter value of the counter 20a (S2). The counting direction (sign) of the counter may be reversed, and the counter value may be decreased (−1).

  When the sub-board 20 performs the initialization process by turning on the power, it is natural that the liquid crystal display device LCD is also performing the initialization process. Therefore, the counter value is increased (+1). S2: The process of incrementing the counter value by +1 may be performed in S1: initialization process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another counter control process in the sub-board 20.

S3: The processes of S4 and S5 are executed at a predetermined opportunity (YES).
The predetermined trigger is occurrence of a predetermined situation such as a setting change or a RAM clear.

S4: An initialization request command is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device LCD.
The command system is determined in advance, and an initialization request command is selected from them and transmitted.

S5: The counter value of the counter 20a is increased (+1).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the reception process of the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) in the sub-board 20.

S6: It is determined whether an initialization completion command has been received.
When received (YES), the process of S7 is executed.

S7: The counter value of the counter 20a is decreased (-1).

S8: It is determined whether the counter value has returned to the initial value.
If it is an initial value (for example, 0) (YES), the process proceeds to S9. Otherwise, the process returns to S6.

S9: A predetermined screen generation command is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device LCD.
For example, since the liquid crystal display device LCD does not include a memory having a backup power supply, a command and / or data for redisplaying the previous screen is sent from the sub-board 20 to the liquid crystal display device LCD in order to return to the state immediately before the power is turned off. .
Note that the above is an example, and what command is sent in S9 is arbitrary.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts of initialization processing of the liquid crystal display device LCD. These drawings show only the initialization process, and display of other processes is omitted. FIG. 7 shows the initialization process when the power is turned on, and FIG. 8 shows the initialization process when the initialization request command is received.

  In FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, the processes of S11 to S13 are executed. That is, initialization processing is performed (S11). When the initialization processing is completed (YES in S12), an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) is sent to the sub-board 20 (S13).

  In FIG. 8, when an initialization request command is received, initialization processing is performed as in FIG. 7 (S21). When initialization processing is completed (YES in S22), an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) is It sends to the substrate 20 (S23).

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to a processing flow (flow chart). FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing when initialization processing by power-on and initialization processing by sending an initialization request command are mixed. FIG. 9 shows the flow or processing of signals (commands, data) between the sub-board 20 and the liquid crystal display device LCD. The direction of the arrow indicates the flow or processing of signals, and the flow of time from top to bottom. Show. A thin arrow connecting the two arrows indicates a causal relationship (the signal / processing on the arrow side is generated by the signal / processing on the root side of the thin arrow). The above points also apply to FIGS. 9 to 11.

  The leftmost square in FIG. 9 indicates the contents of the counter 20a. The contents of the counter 20a change from the top to the bottom by the processing of FIGS. That is, time T1 ′ when power is turned on (initialization processing timing after power-on T1), time T2 ′ when transmission of an initialization request command (after initialization request command transmission timing T2 at the predetermined timing) The counter value increases at the timing of (3), and the counter value decreases at times T3 and T4 of receiving the transmission completion command. Note that T1 ≦ T1 ′ <T2 ≦ T2 ′ <T3 <T4.

Referring to FIG. 9, at time T1, the counter value = initial value (0), at time T1 ′ is incremented by 1 to become the counter value = 1, at time T2 ′ is incremented by 1 and the counter value = 2, and at time T3 − 1 and the counter value = 1, and at time T4, the counter value is −1 and the counter value = 0.
With respect to the liquid crystal display device LCD, both the initialization process by turning on the power at time T1 and the initialization processes S110 and S113 by the initialization request by the sub-board 20 at time T2 have occurred. Here, it is assumed that the notification of completion of the initialization process by turning on the power reaches the sub-board 20 after the initialization request by the sub-board 20. When the initialization request command S112 is received during execution of the initialization process S110 by turning on the power, the liquid crystal display LCD waits for the end of the S110 to start executing the initialization process S113 by the initialization request. Here, standby processing occurs. That is, the initialization process S113 for the initialization request command S112 is suspended (waiting) until the initialization process S110 is completed. Note that the initialization processes S110 and S113 may be performed in parallel without performing the standby process.

  When the initialization processing S110 of the liquid crystal display device LCD started at time T1 is completed, an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) is sent to the sub-board (S111). The sub-board 20 receives the command at time T3 and decrements the counter value by −1 (counter value is changed from 2 to 1), but the resulting counter value is 1 and is not the initial value (0), so the screen is generated. Does not generate commands.

  On the other hand, when the sub-board 20 transmits an initialization request command when the setting is changed at time T2 (S112), the liquid crystal display LCD performs initialization processing again (S113) and notifies the completion (S114). The sub-board 20 receives the command at time T4 and decrements the counter value by −1 (counter value is changed from 1 to 0). The resulting counter value is 0 and returns to the initial value (0), so a screen generation command is generated. Then, the generated screen generation command is sent to the liquid crystal display device LCD (S117), and the liquid crystal display device LCD performs screen generation processing (S118).

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when a plurality of initialization processes compete, the sub-board sends an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) corresponding to the initialization request command issued by itself. Generate screen generation command when received. A screen generation command is not generated erroneously based on an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) by an initialization process at power-on. Therefore, the process can be appropriately performed without causing confusion in the process. It is possible to smoothly shift from the initialization process to the screen restoration process.

  Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention, a description will be given of a comparative example. 10 to 12 are flowcharts of a gaming machine that does not include the counter 20a (a gaming machine that does not perform the processing of FIGS. 4 to 6).

  FIG. 10 shows an initialization process (S120) at the time of power-on, transmission of an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) (S121), and a screen return process in response to this (S122 to S124). In this figure, since there is only an initialization process by turning on the power, the sub-board 20 does not receive an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) by mistake.

  FIG. 11 shows the initialization process (S131) at the time of the initialization request (S130), the transmission of the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) (S132), and the screen restoration process in response to this (S133 to S133). S135). In this figure, since there is only an initialization process by an initialization request, the sub-board 20 does not receive an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) by mistake, as in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, the sub-board 20 receives both an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) for initialization processing upon power-on and an initialization completion command (initialization completion notification) for initialization processing for an initialization request. Show the case. Immediately after the transmission of the initialization completion command (S145), the sub board 20 receives the initialization completion command (S141) upon power-on, and misunderstands this as the result of the initialization completion command (initialization completion notification). Through S143. However, when the screen generation command is sent (S143), the liquid crystal display LCD is in the initialization process (S146) and cannot receive the screen generation command. The crosses in the figure mean this. For this reason, the screen restoration process (S144) that should be performed is not executed.

  As described above, in the comparative example, the command of the sub-board 20 cannot be received, and the command is lost. As a result, there is a problem that a normal screen cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. On the other hand, as described above, according to the embodiment of the invention, such a problem does not occur.

In the above description, a liquid crystal display device has been described as an example, but another image display device such as a plasma display or an organic EL display may be used.
In addition, if the speaker substrate 201 and the LED substrate 202 include a CPU and the like and function in the same manner as the liquid crystal display device LCD with respect to the initialization process, the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the speaker substrate 201 and the LED substrate 202. be able to. That is, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to any peripheral board such as the speaker board 201 that is connected to the sub-board 20 and receives a command and performs an initialization process. Other peripheral boards include a shutter board for performing an opening / closing operation or a control board for other kinds of board, but a peripheral board including these has the same effect.

  The present invention can be applied not only to a slot machine but also to a pachinko machine including a liquid crystal display device.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

10 Main board 20 Sub board (control unit)
20a counter 200 liquid crystal control board (image display device, peripheral board)
201 Speaker board (peripheral board)
202 LED board (peripheral board)
LCD Liquid crystal display device (image display device)

Claims (2)

A control unit that performs processing related to the production;
An initialization process is performed at the time of power-on of the gaming machine, an initialization completion notification is transmitted to the control unit when the initialization process by the power-on is completed, and the initialization process by the power-on is performed If an initialization request command is received from the control unit during the process, the initialization process is performed based on the initialization request command and the initialization process based on the initialization request command is completed. In a gaming machine comprising a peripheral board configured to transmit an initialization completion notification based on the initialization request command to the control unit in addition to the initialization completion notification based on the power-on ,
The control unit includes a counter, and the counter is set to a predetermined initial value.
The controller is
Counting the counter in the first direction when the gaming machine is turned on,
The control unit causes the peripheral board to be initialized at an opportunity that occurs after the power is turned on and is related to a setting change relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables having different lottery probabilities to be used . transmits the initialization request command for counts the counter to the first direction,
Wherein the peripheral board receiving the initialization completion notification indicating that the initialization is complete, and counted to a second direction different from the first direction the counter on this basis,
Check whether the counter has returned to the initial value,
A gaming machine, wherein when the counter returns to the initial value, a predetermined command for transmitting a predetermined process to the peripheral board is transmitted.   The peripheral board is an image display device that receives a predetermined command from the control unit and displays a screen related to the effect, and the predetermined command to the peripheral board is for displaying a predetermined screen. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is an image generation command.

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