JP6095179B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine (pawl game machine) or a pachinko machine, and in particular, an acoustic control unit (sound chip) for generating sounds related to effects such as music, sound effects, and character voices. It relates to what is installed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (rotational gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels 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. Also, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of reels in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. Control is performed to stop a plurality of reels. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of reels are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  In the gaming machine, various effects are made to improve the interest of the game. For example, a decorative member, a monitor (screen display device, liquid crystal display device), a speaker, and an LED lamp are attached, and a visual effect, a video effect, a sound effect, a light effect, and the like are performed.

Japanese Patent No. 5716983 When the sound control unit issues a reproduction command for reproducing sound and reproduces the sound, the sound reproduction is not stopped even though the reproduction stop command is issued. In a gaming machine equipped with an acoustic control unit (sound chip) having a problem (bug) that is present, the influence of the problem is suppressed. No special processing is performed for the one-shot playback command that generates sound once, and for the loop playback command that repeatedly generates sound, the stop command is acoustically controlled even after the stop command is sent to the sound control unit. Send to department. Even if the management state is the stop state, the stop command is repeatedly issued, so that it is possible to suppress the problem that the reproduction does not stop even if the stop command is issued.

  The gaming machine includes an acoustic control unit (sound chip (IC)) for generating sound from a speaker (acoustic device). This is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of ICs, and is mounted on a board (sub-board) of a gaming machine or mounted on a speaker board and receives a signal from the sub-board for processing. It may be integrated with the CPU. The speaker is controlled or driven by an acoustic control unit. The sound control unit reproduces sound by decoding previously stored sound data (sound phrases, phrase data).

  The sub-board sends a predetermined command to the sound control unit, and the sound control unit reproduces a predetermined sound based on the received command. The acoustic control unit is designed to operate appropriately according to the command, but may have a defect (bug) due to a design error or the like. Due to this bug, the acoustic control unit may be unable to operate normally.

For example, it has been found that in a specific combination of commands, some channels (layers) of the sound control unit do not respond, stop operating, and do not generate sound. This bug occurs, for example, with the following specific command combinations.
(1) The “voice reproduction command” is given within a predetermined time (10 ms) immediately after the “voice pause command” is given.
(2) The “voice pause cancellation command” is given within a predetermined time (10 ms) immediately after the “voice playback command” is given.

  The effect of this bug is serious that no sound is generated, and the frequency of occurrence of this defect is high. This bug greatly degrades the quality of the effects related to the game. Bugs should be fixed so that there are no problems, but this is a problem with the sound control unit itself, and there is no other way than waiting for the manufacturer's countermeasures. The solution is difficult.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine that suppresses the occurrence of the above-described bug (defect) of the acoustic control unit and limits the influence thereof, thereby preventing the commercial value of the gaming machine from being lowered. The purpose is to do.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit.
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”) and a subsequent command (hereinafter referred to as “cascade specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means reads the preceding specific command, reads the cascade specific command thereafter, and when the reading interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time, Operating the avoidance means,
The avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit.
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”) and a subsequent command (hereinafter referred to as “cascade specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means includes a timer for timing,
When the read instruction is the preceding specific command, start counting by the timer,
When the read command is the cascade specific command, and the timer is measuring time and the time is within a predetermined time, the avoiding means is operated,
The avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit.
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means operates the avoidance means when the preceding specific command is read,
The avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit.
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means includes a timer for timing,
When the read instruction is the preceding specific command, start counting by the timer,
When the instruction is read, the state of the timer is checked, and when the timer is timed and the time is within a predetermined time, the avoiding means is operated,
The avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

  According to the present invention, the monitoring means determines whether or not the read command causes a problem in the acoustic control unit, and based on this, the avoiding means for avoiding the malfunction of the acoustic control unit is operated. The occurrence of defects can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of the sound generation system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the acoustic control part of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another flowchart of the acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the other acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another flowchart of the other acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the other acoustic control process which concerns on embodiment of invention.

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel LCD2 is provided on almost the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) 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 a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel 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 lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. 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 of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  A maintenance switch MSW for performing maintenance of the gaming machine is provided at the lower right of the sub-board 20. When the maintenance switch MSW is turned on, the gaming machine enters a maintenance (maintenance management) state, and a maintenance menu is displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD1 or the like.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) 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. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game 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.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  The setting change switch SSW includes a plurality of switches, for example, a setting key switch that turns on when a key is inserted and turned, and a setting change switch such as a push button. The setting change switch SSW is a switch for performing setting change and setting reference described later.

  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 attached to 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 insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided 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.

  Further, a door sensor 206 for detecting the opening of the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L is connected to the main board 10. The door sensor 206 is a mechanical switch such as a micro switch or a reed switch, a photoelectric switch such as a photodiode or a photo interrupter, a potentiometer that measures the distance when the door is opened, or a rotary encoder that measures the angle when the door is opened. is there. For example, the door sensor 206 is attached to one or both of the left side (hinge side) and the right side of the front door 130. In the case where the slot machine housing is of a separation type in which upper and lower doors are provided, the door sensor 206 is attached to one or both of the upper door side and the lower door side, for example.

  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 (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of 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 (insertion accepting means) 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 based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 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 time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 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 numerical values 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.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to 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 the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  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”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  A process (setting reference procedure) for referring to what the current setting value is is also provided. When the power is on, the setting change key switch of the setting change switch SSW is turned on. Then, by pressing a setting change button (push button), the setting can be referred to. In this setting reference state, the main board 10 displays the stored setting value on a liquid crystal panel or a 7-segment display. When the setting change key switch is turned off, the setting reference state is exited and the normal gaming state is entered.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  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 an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with 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. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). 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.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal (the frame detected by the reel index) of the spinning cylinder based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation. By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 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 of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to 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 processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. 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.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, it can be notified by a liquid crystal panel or the like that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  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 reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LEDs (LED boards) 202B and 202L, a speaker SP, a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and a switch SW. The LEDs 202B and 202L incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the substrate). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  The sub-board 20 drives a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, a speaker SP, a sound controller for generating sound by driving a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML. It has a built-in drive circuit.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes the solenoid SN and the LED 202B, the upper door block BU includes the liquid crystal panel LCD1, the motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body thereby, and the lower door block BL is , A liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. The flow of commands is only one from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, suggestions for obtaining a ball are displayed on a liquid crystal panel in order to provide a player's convenience (assist). The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal panel, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5A is a block diagram of the sound generation system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes the sub-board shown in FIG. 3, which has been rewritten to explain the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  SC is a sound control unit that generates sound from the speaker (sound device) SP. The sound control unit SC outputs predetermined sound (sound, music, sound effect, etc.) from the speaker SP based on a command from the sub-board 20.

  The acoustic control unit SC is built in, for example, the speaker board 201 or built in the sub board 20. The sub board 20 may be integrated with the CPU.

  The acoustic control unit SC includes an electronic circuit, and is called a sound chip including one or a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs). The sound control unit SC reproduces sound according to a plurality of commands such as a playback command, a stop command, and a volume change command. The sub-board 20 can send these commands to the acoustic control unit SC at predetermined intervals (for example, in units of 16.7 ms). The acoustic controller SC has the following problems (bugs).

  In a combination of specific commands (hereinafter referred to as “commands” for commands related to malfunctions), some channels (layers) of the sound control unit do not respond, stop operating, and do not generate sound. Sometimes. This bug occurs, for example, with the following specific command combinations.

(1) The “voice reproduction command” is given within a predetermined time (10 ms) immediately after the “voice pause command” is given.

(2) The “voice pause cancellation command” is given within a predetermined time (10 ms) immediately after the “voice playback command” is given.

  Of a plurality of commands constituting a specific command combination that causes a bug, a command executed first may be referred to as a “preceding specific command”, and a command following this may be referred to as a “cascaded specific command”. In the example of (1), the “voice pause command” is the “preceding specific command”, and the “voice playback command” is the “cascade specific command”. In the example of (2), the “voice reproduction command” is the “preceding specific command”, and the “voice pause cancellation command” is the “cascading specific command”. The combinations of specific commands that cause bugs are also related to their order. If the order is reversed, the operation may not be stopped due to the bugs. That is, the condition for stopping the channel operation of the sound control unit due to the bug is that “preceding specific command” and “cascaded specific command” are read in this order, and these intervals are within a predetermined time (10 ms). is there.

  The effect of this bug is serious in that no sound is generated, and the frequency of occurrence of this defect is high, and the quality of the production related to the game is greatly reduced. In order to avoid this, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, avoidance means as described below is adopted.

  In FIG. 5A, 20C is a command storage that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to the game, and stores in advance a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the speaker (sound device) SP or stopping the sound. Part. The instruction storage unit 20C is provided in, for example, a ROM provided on the sub board 20.

  20S is a specific command table that stores in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (preceding specific command) and a subsequent command (cascade specific command). The specific command table 20S is provided, for example, in a ROM provided on the sub board 20. “Information for detecting the reading of a specific command” is, for example, “command” itself. In this case, the monitoring unit 20F directly compares the instruction read from the instruction storage unit 20C with the instruction (command) in the specific command table 20S to determine whether the read instruction is a specific command. Alternatively, the “information” is data (such as a bit pattern) that characterizes the specific command. In this case, the monitoring unit 20F compares the bit pattern of the read instruction with the bit pattern of the specific command table 20S. If a specific command is stored only at a specific address, the address can be used as the “information”.

  20F is a monitoring unit that monitors instructions read from the instruction storage unit 20C based on information in the specific command table 20S. Monitor "information" by comparing it to the read instructions or the information characterizing the instructions. If “information” is an address, access to the address is monitored. As will be described in detail later, the monitoring unit 20F reads the preceding specific command, then reads the cascade specific command, and the reading interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time. At this time, the avoiding means 20A is operated.

  20A is an avoidance unit that performs a predetermined process based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit 20F to avoid a malfunction of the acoustic control unit SC. “Avoid” is to replace “preceding specific command” and “cascaded specific command” with an instruction capable of avoiding a bug. The replaced command is given to the acoustic control unit SC. As will be described in detail later, the avoiding means 20A performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

  FIG. 5B shows the contents of the specific command table 20S. A combination of commands causing a defect, that is, a “preceding specific command” and a “cascading specific command” and their order are stored. The combination -A in FIG. 5B corresponds to the example of (1) above, and the combination -B corresponds to the example of (2) above. This is an example, and is simplified for convenience of explanation. Instructions other than those shown may be included.

  FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of the acoustic control unit SC.

  SC1 is a sound data storage unit that stores in advance at least one sound data (for example, WAV). Note that the sound data storage unit SC1 may be provided outside the acoustic control unit SC. In this case, a storage unit (ROM) independent from the acoustic control unit SC is provided, and this is used as the sound data storage unit SC1.

  SC2-1 to SC2-4 are a plurality of reproduction units that generate acoustic signals based on the sound data. The acoustic signals generated by the reproducing units SC2-1 to SC2-4 are different from each other.

  SC3 is a synthesis unit that synthesizes the plurality of sound signals and outputs one synthesized sound signal. FIG. 6 shows an apparatus for synthesizing four layers of sound data into one. The combining unit SC3 is configured with a digital circuit or an analog circuit. When the input is a digital signal, it is constituted by a digital circuit, for example, an adder. When the input is an analog signal, it is constituted by an analog circuit, for example, an amplifier (an adding circuit using an operational amplifier). The output of the synthesis unit SC3 is sent to the speaker SP.

  SC4 is a reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction units SC2-1 to SC2-4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sound control unit SC includes a plurality of channels (layers) that can independently generate sound, but the above-described problem occurring in any one of the channels does not affect other channels.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the acoustic control process according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 shows processing for one layer.

ST10: The CPU of the sub-board 20 reads the command from the command storage unit 20C.

ST11: The monitoring unit 20F monitors a command read from the command storage unit 20C by the CPU of the sub-board 20, and determines whether the command is a preceding specific command. If it is a preceding specific command (YES), the process proceeds to ST12. If it is not a preceding specific command (NO), the process proceeds to ST15.

ST12: The monitoring unit 20F monitors the next command read from the command storage unit 20C by the CPU of the sub-board 20, and determines whether the command is a cascade specific command. If it is a cascade specific command (YES), the process proceeds to ST13. If it is not a cascade specific command (NO), the process proceeds to ST15.

ST13: The monitoring unit 20F determines whether the interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time (for example, 10 ms). If it is within the time (YES), the process proceeds to ST14 to operate the avoidance means 20A. Otherwise (NO), go to ST15).

  By ST11 to ST13, the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command are read in this order, and a bug occurs only when the reading interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time. Only in some cases, the avoiding means 20A can be operated. Note that the avoidance unit 20A is always operated when a bug occurs, but the avoidance unit 20A may be operated even when no bug occurs (for example, ST13 is omitted).

ST14: The avoidance means 20A performs a wait process after reading the preceding specific command, and inserts an interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command. The length of the interval is such that no bugs occur. For example, if a bug occurs when the interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within 10 ms, the interval may be 10 ms or more. When the process of FIG. 7 is executed by an interrupt and the cycle is constant (16.7 ms), the process of ST13 ends the process in the interrupt and executes the instruction in the next interrupt process. do it.

ST15: The CPU of the sub-board 20 sends a command (command) to the acoustic control unit SC to be executed.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the processing of FIG. FIG. 9A shows a case that is an object of the avoidance process according to FIG. That is, the voice pause command (preceding specific command) and the voice reproduction command (cascade specific command) are read in this order. Moreover, the read interval of the voice pause command (preceding specific command) and the voice reproduction command (cascade specific command) is within a predetermined time (the interval is zero in FIG. 9A).

  In the case of FIG. 9A, YES is obtained in any of ST11, ST12, and ST13 of FIG. 7, and the avoiding means 20A operates. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, an interval is inserted between the voice pause command (preceding specific command) and the voice playback command (cascade specific command). This eliminates bugs.

  FIG. 9C shows a case that is not an object of the avoidance process shown in FIG. The voice pause command (preceding specific command) and the voice playback command (cascade specific command) are read in this order, but the interval is longer than a predetermined time (10 ms), so no bug occurs. There is no need to insert an interval.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, since the interval is inserted by the avoiding means in the case where the bug occurs, the occurrence of the bug can be suppressed and the commercial value of the gaming machine can be prevented from being lowered.

  FIG. 8 is another flowchart of the acoustic control process according to the embodiment of the invention.

ST10: The CPU of the sub-board 20 reads the command from the command storage unit 20C.

ST20: The monitoring unit 20F monitors a command read from the command storage unit 20C by the CPU of the sub-board 20, and determines the type of the command. That is, it is determined whether the instruction is a preceding specific command, a cascade specific command, or another command. If it is a preceding specific command, the process proceeds to ST21, and a timer (not shown) is activated to start timing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to ST15. If it is a cascade specific command, the process proceeds to ST22. If it is any other command, the process proceeds to ST15.

ST22: The monitoring unit 20F determines whether the timer is timing. If the time is being measured (YES), it means that the current command is a cascade specific command, and the preceding command is a preceding specific command, and there is a possibility of a bug occurrence, so that the process proceeds to ST23 and further determination is performed. If the time is not being measured (NO), there is no possibility of bug occurrence, and the process proceeds to ST15.

ST23: The monitoring means 20F checks the time measured by the timer. As shown in FIG. 9C, if the measured time is not within the predetermined time, for example, if it exceeds 10 ms (NO), there is no possibility of bug occurrence. Go to ST24 without doing anything. If the measured time is within the predetermined time (YES), the process proceeds to ST14 and the avoidance means 20A is operated.

  By ST20 to ST23, the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command are read in this order, and a bug occurs only when the read interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time. Only in some cases, the avoiding means 20A can be operated. Note that the avoidance unit 20A is always operated when a bug occurs, but the avoidance unit 20A may be operated even when a bug does not occur.

ST14: The avoidance means 20A performs a wait process after reading the preceding specific command, and inserts an interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command. The length of the interval is such that no bugs occur. For example, if a bug occurs when the interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within 10 ms, the interval may be 10 ms or more. When the process of FIG. 8 is executed by an interrupt and the cycle is constant (16.6 ms), the process of ST13 ends the process in the interrupt and executes the instruction in the next interrupt process. do it.

ST24: The monitoring means 20F resets (stops) the timer.

ST15: The CPU of the sub-board 20 sends a command (command) to the acoustic control unit SC to be executed.

  According to the processing of FIG. 8, since the interval is inserted by the avoiding means in the case where the bug occurs, the occurrence of the bug can be suppressed and the commercial value of the gaming machine can be prevented from being lowered.

  The processing of FIGS. 7 and 8 always operates the avoiding means 20A when a bug occurs. However, there is a possibility that a bug may occur. It can also be operated.

  FIG. 10 shows processing in which determination of cascade specific commands and determination of intervals between specific commands in FIG. 7 are omitted. ST10, ST11, ST14, and ST15 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes with the same reference numerals in FIG. The specific command table 20S need not store information on cascade specific commands.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the processing of FIG. FIG. 12A shows a case that is a target of the avoidance process shown in FIG. That is, all cases where a voice pause command (preceding specific command) is read are targeted. The type of cascaded commands and the interval between instructions are not related.

  In the case of FIG. 12A, YES is obtained in ST11 of FIG. 7, and the avoiding means 20A operates. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, an interval is inserted between the voice pause command (preceding specific command) and another arbitrary command. This eliminates bugs.

  FIG. 11 shows processing in which the determination of the cascade specific command in FIG. 8 is omitted. Since ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST22, ST23, and ST24 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes with the same reference numerals in FIG.

  ST20 of FIG. 11 determines whether the read instruction is a preceding specific command or other than this. That is, all cases where the preceding specific command is read are targeted.

  Since the interval between instructions is determined in FIG. 11, if the measured time is not within the predetermined time as shown in FIG. 12C (NO in ST23), there is no possibility of bug occurrence, so ST24 is performed without doing anything. Proceed to If the measured time is within the predetermined time (YES), the process proceeds to ST14 and the avoidance means 20A is operated.

  According to the processing of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, since the interval is inserted by the avoiding means in the case where there is a possibility of bug occurrence, the occurrence of the bug can be suppressed and the commercial value of the gaming machine is not lowered. Can be.

  10 and 11, unlike FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an interval is inserted even in the case where a bug does not occur. This is essentially unnecessary and can be said to be useless. However, except that the command execution is slightly delayed, there is no effect due to the insertion of the interval, but there is an advantage that the processing is simplified. 10 and 11 can be employed when the CPU load on the sub-board 20 is large and the processing capacity is not sufficient.

  In the above description, a slot machine has been exemplified as a gaming machine, but the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

  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.

20 Sub-board (processing section)
20A avoidance means 20C instruction storage section 20F monitoring means 20S specific command table SC acoustic control section SP speaker (acoustic device)

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit,
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”) and a subsequent command (hereinafter referred to as “cascade specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means reads the preceding specific command, reads the cascade specific command thereafter, and when the reading interval between the preceding specific command and the cascade specific command is within a predetermined time, Operating the avoidance means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command. In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit,
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”) and a subsequent command (hereinafter referred to as “cascade specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means includes a timer for timing,
When the read instruction is the preceding specific command, start counting by the timer,
When the read command is the cascade specific command, and the timer is measuring time and the time is within a predetermined time, the avoiding means is operated,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command. In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit,
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means operates the avoidance means when the preceding specific command is read,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command. In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and an acoustic control unit that controls the audio device based on a command from the processing unit,
The acoustic control unit has a problem when executing a specific command,
The processor is
A command storage unit that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game, and stores a plurality of commands for generating a predetermined sound from the sound device or stopping the sound in advance;
A specific command table for storing in advance information for detecting reading of a predetermined specific command (hereinafter referred to as “preceding specific command”);
Monitoring means for monitoring instructions read from the instruction storage unit based on the information of the specific command table;
A avoiding means for performing a predetermined process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means and avoiding a malfunction of the acoustic control unit,
The monitoring means includes a timer for timing,
When the read instruction is the preceding specific command, start counting by the timer,
When the instruction is read, the state of the timer is checked, and when the timer is timed and the time is within a predetermined time, the avoiding means is operated,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the avoiding means performs a wait process for inserting a predetermined interval after reading the preceding specific command.

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