JP6317581B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a slot machine. Specifically, after setting the game value as the number of bets, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is displayed in a variable manner, and the display result is derived to respond to the display result. The present invention relates to a slot machine that can repeatedly execute a unit game that gives value.

  A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery, and a player operates a start lever. Each reel starts to rotate, and the player operates a stop button provided corresponding to each reel to stop the reel rotation and generate a winning according to the combination of symbols derived. is there. In such a slot machine, one control unit mounted on the game control board performs a plurality of processes including a BET process, a lottery process, a reel rotation process, a winning determination process, and a payout process one by one. There is one that controls the progress of the game by executing in stages (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-124947 A

  However, in the conventional slot machine, for example, when the amount of data required to execute processing increases as the game becomes more complex, it is necessary to increase the storage capacity of one control unit mounted on the game control board. As a result, the processing load on the control unit may increase accordingly.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a slot machine capable of avoiding an increase in storage capacity and processing burden of one control unit.

(1) each is varied display a plurality of types of identification information change can be displayed variable display unit can be identified, the value corresponding to the display result by displaying the results are derived (medal payout, a credit adding, again A slot machine (slot machine 1) capable of repeatedly executing a unit game (one game) for giving a game, a bonus, etc.,
After the processing corresponding to one control state is completed, the game is advanced by shifting to the next control state, and a plurality of control states are shifted in stages as the game progresses (FIG. 6) to execute the unit game First control means (first main control unit 41) that can be controlled,
The first control means includes
First storage means (ROM 41b) for storing predetermined data out of game data used to advance the game;
Unit game control means (first main CPU 41a) for controlling the unit game to be executable using the data stored in the first storage means;
Control information output means (I / O port 41d, Sf01, Sk01, etc. in FIG. 8) for outputting control information according to the control state,
The slot machine is
Second storage means (ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42) provided separately from the first storage means;
Second control means (second main control unit 42) capable of executing processing corresponding to the control state according to the control information output from the control information output means using data stored in the second storage means. , Second main CPU 42a, FIG. 9) ,
Detection signal output means for outputting a detection signal according to the detection result of the detection means ,
The first control unit and the second control unit are capable of bidirectional communication.
The second control means performs control related to execution of change display of the variable display unit and stop of change display,
The detection signal is input to both the first control means and the second control means .

  According to such a configuration, the process corresponding to the control state is executed by the second control unit using the data stored in the second storage unit. For this reason, the data amount memorize | stored in a 1st memory | storage means can be reduced, and the control burden of a unit game control means can be eased.

(2) In the slot machine of (1) above,
The first control means uses the data stored in the first storage means to stop the progress of the game when a predetermined abnormality occurs (Sh06 in FIG. 11).

  According to such a configuration, the occurrence of an abnormality can be determined in a lump by the first control means and the progress of the game can be stopped, so that the processing efficiency can be improved.

(3) In the slot machine of (1) or (2) above,
A predetermined signal output means (pulse oscillator 45c) for periodically outputting a predetermined signal (clock signal);
In the slot machine, predetermined signal input means for inputting the predetermined signal to each of the first control means and the second control means (connection state in the game control board 40 of FIG. 4, I / O ports 41d, I / O port 42d).

  According to such a configuration, the predetermined signal can be input from the predetermined signal output unit to each of the first control unit and the second control unit at the same timing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the control timings of the first control unit and the second control unit are shifted.

(4) In the slot machine of any of (1) to (3) above,
It further comprises discrimination signal output means (switch detection circuit 45a) for outputting a discrimination signal capable of discriminating the detection result by the predetermined detection means (for example, the reel sensors 33L to 33R),
In the slot machine, the determination signal input means (the connection state from the switch detection circuit 45a in the game control board 40 of FIG. 4, I) is input to each of the first control means and the second control means. / O port 41d and I / O port 42d).

  According to such a configuration, the determination signal can be input from the predetermined detection unit to each of the first control unit and the second control unit at the same timing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience that the processing according to the detection result determined from the determination signal in the first control unit and the second control unit is shifted.

(5) In the slot machine of any of (1) to (4) above,
The second control means outputs control information corresponding to the executed process (Sg03, Sg08, etc. in FIG. 9),
The first control means performs control according to the control information output from the second control means (FIG. 8 and the like).

  According to such a structure, the 1st control means can grasp | ascertain the process performed by the 2nd control means, and can perform the optimal control according to the condition.

It is a front view of a slot machine. It is an internal structure figure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the starting process which a 1st main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game process which a 1st main control part performs. It is a figure which shows the object combination of the internal lottery classified according to the structure of the combination determined as a prize, and a game state. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the reel rotation process which a 1st main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the reel control process which a 2nd main control part performs. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the data for reel control stored in ROM of the 2nd main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process in the 1st main control part side. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process in the 2nd main control part side. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the winning determination process which a 1st main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the stop symbol determination control process which a 2nd main control part performs. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the data for stop symbol determination stored in ROM of the 2nd main control part. It is a figure for demonstrating the example in which a 2nd main control part performs a part of internal lottery process.

First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a slot machine is described as an example of a gaming machine. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. The slot machine 1 includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b pivotally supported on a side end of the housing 1a.

  Inside the casing 1a of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, As shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols out of symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided on the front door 1b as shown in FIG. It is arranged so that it can be seen from the window 3.

  As an example of identification information, symbols as shown in FIG. 3 are arranged on the outer periphery of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R have “black 7”, “net 7 (shaded 7 in the figure)”, “white 7”, “BAR”, “replay”, A plurality of identifiable symbols such as “watermelon”, “black cherry”, “white cherry”, “bell”, and “orange” are drawn in a predetermined order, 21 pieces each. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3, respectively.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided in correspondence with each other and rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 4), so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuously formed in the see-through window 3. In addition to being displayed while changing, by stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  In the present embodiment, stepping motors that make one turn at a cycle of 168 steps (0 to 167) are used for the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. That is, when the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are driven for 168 steps, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R make one round. 21 areas (frames) divided every 8 steps (the number of steps in which one symbol moves) per reel are defined, and these areas are areas 0 to 20 from the reel reference position. A number is assigned.

  On the other hand, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is 21, and symbol numbers 0 to 20 from the reel reference position are assigned to symbols on each reel, so symbols 0 to 20 are assigned to each reel. , Area numbers 0 to 20 are assigned in order.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R that detect the reel reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back side. And are provided. The reel LED 55 includes 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  A display area 51a of a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is disposed at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a normally white liquid crystal panel having transparency in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and a transmissive region 51b corresponding to the see-through window 3 of the display region 51a. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side through the see-through window 3. Further, a backlight (not shown) for irradiating the display area 51a from behind is provided on the back surface of the display area 51a excluding the transmissive area 51b, and the back surface further has a concealing member for concealing the inside. (Not shown) is provided.

  On the front door 1b, a medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a game value owned by the player) are used for one medal. One bet switch 5 operated when setting the bet number, and using the credit, the maximum bet number (in the present embodiment, of the prescribed number of bets determined in accordance with the gaming state within the range) When the gaming state is RB (BB), 2 is set when the normal gaming state is 3), the MAXBET switch 6 operated when setting, the medal stored as credits, and the medals used for setting the number of bets are settled. Settlement switch 10 operated at the time of (returning medals used for setting credits and bets), start switch 7 operated at the start of the game, reel 2L, C, stop switch 8L is operated to stop each rotation of the 2R, 8C, 8R, but are provided operable by the player.

  The front door 1b also displays a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals acquired in BB, which will be described later, and an error code that indicates the contents when an error occurs. An auxiliary indicator 12 and a payout indicator 13 for displaying the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize are provided.

  Further, on the front door 1b, 1BETLED 14 that notifies that the bet number is set to 1 by lighting, 2BETLED 15 that notifies that the bet number is set to 2, and 3 bets are set. 3BET LED 16 to notify when lit, insertion request LED 17 to notify that a medal can be inserted is lit, start valid LED 18 to notify that the game start operation by the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, wait (previous Waiting state LED 19 for informing that it is in the state of waiting for the start of reel rotation since a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of the game, during replay informing that it is in the replay game described later An LED 20 is provided.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 4) for notifying by lighting that the betting number setting operation by the operation of the single BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is effective. Inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, left, middle, and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R for informing that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is effective by lighting (FIG. 4).

  On the inner side of the front door 1b, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for canceling an error state (excluding a RAM abnormal error and an abnormal winning error described later) and a stop state by a predetermined key operation, and a change of a set value A set value display 24 for displaying the set value at that time or during confirmation of the set value, a flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, and a hopper tank 34 a (see FIG. 2) or a medal payout outlet 9 for selectively switching to one of the flow path switching solenoid 30 and the medal insertion part 4, and a medal sensor 31 for detecting a medal that has flowed to the hopper tank 34a side. Is provided with a medal selector (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a reel sensor 33L that can detect the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, as shown in FIG. , 33C, 33R (see FIG. 4), an external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal, a hopper tank 34a for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion section 4, and a hopper tank 34a. The hopper unit 34 including the hopper motor 34b for paying out the medals from the medal payout opening 9, and the payout sensor 34c for detecting the medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b, the power supply box 100, and the front door 1b are opened. A door opening detection switch 25 for detection is provided.

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 is provided for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full sensor 35 a made up of a pair of electrically conductive members spaced apart from each other and provided at a height capable of detecting a predetermined amount of stored medals is provided. It is possible to detect that the medal storage amount stored in the inside when it is conductive by contacting through the medal stored in the inside exceeds a predetermined amount, that is, that the overflow tank is full. It has become.

  On the front face of the power supply box 100, a stop switch 36a for selecting whether to enable / disable the stop function for controlling the stop state when the BB ends (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed), Automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting automatic settlement function valid / invalid for controlling automatic settlement processing (processing to settle (return) medals stored as credits regardless of player's operation) at the end of BB, power supply It functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state when it is turned on (at startup), and functions as a reset switch for releasing an error state or a stop state in a normal state. Reset / setting switch 38, which functions as a setting switch for changing the set value of the winning probability (run rate) of the internal lottery Power switch 39 is operated to ON / OFF is provided.

  Further, the door opening detection switch 25 has a side surface provided with a power box 100 on which a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a power switch 39, which are operated when changing setting values, as will be described later, are provided. It is provided on the opposite side. The power supply box 100 is provided at a lower position inside the housing 1a, whereas the door opening detection switch 25 is provided at an upper position inside the housing 1a. That is, the door opening detection switch 25 is provided at a position diagonal to the position where the power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a.

  Note that the door opening detection switch 25 is provided on the housing 1a as long as it detects the open state of the front door 1b at the side facing the side where the power supply box 100 is provided or at a position opposite to the power supply box 100. It is not limited to that provided, and may be provided inside the front door 1b.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or a bet number is set using credits. In order to use the credit, the single BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the pay lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 1) become effective, and the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, that is, the game can be started. It becomes a state. In the present embodiment, as the specified number of bets, two gaming states are determined in RB (BB) and three in the normal gaming state. In addition, when a medal is inserted exceeding the maximum number out of the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether a combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a winning line L1 set across the symbols arranged in the middle stage of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R and the symbols arranged in the upper stage of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R are displayed. The winning line L2 set across the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, the winning line L3 set over the lower symbols, the upper stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, lower right There are 5 types of winning lines L4 set across straddling symbols, the lower line of reel 2L, the middle part of reel 2C, the upper part of reel 2R, that is, the winning line L5 set straddling the symbols lined up to the right It is defined as a line.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3.

  When one of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) is set on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5. When the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped as a display result, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are given to the player and added to the credit.

  Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit number (50 in the present embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 1). If a combination of symbols with payout of medals is arranged on a plurality of activated pay lines, the total number of payouts determined for each combination of symbols arranged on the activated pay line is totaled. The total number of medals is awarded to the player.

  However, an upper limit (15 in this embodiment) is set for the number of medals to be awarded in one game. When the total number of medals exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit number of medals is awarded. The Rukoto. In addition, when a combination of symbols accompanying the transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5, a game corresponding to the combination of symbols Transition to the state.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101, and the progress of the game and the game state are controlled by a control unit mounted on the game control board 40. Is controlled, and the presentation control board 90 controls the presentation according to the gaming state, and the power supply board 101 generates the driving power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies them to each part.

  The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC100V power from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply. The game control board 40 and the game control board 40 It is supplied to the production control board 90 connected through the.

  Further, the above-described hopper motor 34b, payout sensor 34c, full sensor 35a, stop switch 36a, automatic checkout switch 36b, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101. Yes.

  On the game control board 40, the one-sheet BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the insertion medal sensor 31, the door opening detection switch 25, The reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the above-described payout sensor 34c, full sensor 35a, stop switch 36a, automatic settlement switch 36b, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101. Are connected, and the detection signals of these connected switches are inputted.

  Further, the game control board 40 includes the credit display 11, the game auxiliary display 12, the payout display 13, 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16, the insertion request LED 17, the start valid LED 18, the waiting LED 19, the replaying LED 20, and the BET. A switch valid LED 21, left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, a set value display 24, a flow path switching solenoid 30, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and a hopper is connected via the power supply board 101. A motor 34b is connected, and among these electrical components, electrical components other than the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are driven based on the control of the first main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40, and the reel motor 32L, 32C, and 32R are mounted on the game control board 40. It is driven based on the control by the second main control unit 42.

  Although the game control board 40 is a single board, a first main control section 41 and a second main control section 42 are mounted thereon. The game control board 40 includes a random number generation circuit 43a, a sampling circuit 43b, a solenoid drive circuit 43c, an LED drive circuit 43d, a motor drive circuit 44, a switch detection circuit 45a, a reset circuit 45b, a pulse oscillator 45c, a timer circuit 45d, A power interruption detection circuit 45e is mounted.

  The first main control unit 41 is configured by a one-chip microcomputer including a first main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I / O port 41d. The first main CPU 41a executes the control program stored in the ROM 41b, and controls the game by executing processing related to the progress of the game using the game data stored in the ROM 41b.

  The second main control unit 42 is constituted by a one-chip microcomputer including a second main CPU 42a, a ROM 42b, a RAM 42c, and an I / O port 42d. The second main CPU 42a executes the control program stored in the ROM 42b, and controls the game by executing a part of the process related to the progress of the game using the game data stored in the ROM 42b. . The first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 directly or indirectly control each unit of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40.

  The random number generation circuit 43a is configured by a counter that counts up and updates a value every time a predetermined number of pulses are generated, and generates a predetermined range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 43b acquires (latches) the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 43a. In the random number generation circuit 43a, 0 to 65535 is defined as a range of numerical values to be counted.

  The first main control unit 41 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 43b to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 43a as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). Random numbers for internal lottery, which will be described later, are processed by software instead of using the random numbers extracted by the hardware random number function as they are. The first main control unit 41 also has a function of updating a numerical value of a specific register by the above-described timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). ).

  The solenoid drive circuit 43 c transmits the solenoid drive signal output from the first main control unit 41 to the flow path switching solenoid 30. The LED drive circuit 43d transmits the LED drive signal output from the first main control unit 41 to various displays and LEDs connected to the game control board 40.

  The motor drive circuit 44 transmits the motor drive signal output from the second main control unit 42 to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R.

  The switch detection circuit 45a takes in detection signals input from switches connected directly to the game control board 40 or via the power supply board 101, and sends them to both the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42. To transmit. The reset circuit 45b provides a reset signal to both the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not input. The pulse oscillator 45 c supplies a clock signal having a constant frequency to both the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42. Thereby, the control timing in the 1st main control part 41 and the 2nd main control part 42 is synchronized. The timer circuit 45d supplies a timer interrupt request to both the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 at predetermined time intervals (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment), and Execute timer interrupt processing. The power interruption detection circuit 45e monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 and, when detecting a voltage drop, sends a voltage drop signal indicating that to the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42. Are output to both.

  In the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42, signals capable of determining the detection states (detection results) of various switches connected to the game control board 40 are I / O ports 41d and I / O ports. 42d. Then, the first main control unit 41 executes a basic process that shifts in stages according to the detection states of various switches input from the I / O port 41d. Further, the second main control unit 42 executes processing related to reel control among basic processing according to a command from the first main control unit 41 input from the I / O port 41d and detection states of the stop switches 8L to 8R. To do.

  Further, the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 can execute an interrupt process by interrupting a process being executed when an interrupt occurs. In the present embodiment, the external maskable interrupt terminal XINT is connected to the power interruption detection circuit 45e described above, and the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 are output from the power interruption detection circuit 45e. A power interruption interrupt process to be described later is executed in response to the input of the voltage drop signal. Further, the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 will be described later every time a timer interrupt request is generated from the timer circuit 45d, that is, every certain time interval (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment). Execute timer interrupt processing.

  In addition, the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 are set so as to prohibit other interrupts during execution of the interrupt process, and when a plurality of interrupts occur simultaneously. Interrupts that are executed with priority according to a predetermined order are set. In this embodiment, the power interruption interrupt process has a higher priority than the timer interrupt process, and when these interrupts occur simultaneously, the power interruption interrupt process is executed with priority.

  If another interrupt factor occurs during the execution of the interrupt process and the interrupt factor continues even after the interrupt process ends, a new interrupt occurs at that point. It will be. For example, if a voltage drop signal is input during the execution of the timer interrupt process, the power interruption interrupt process is not executed at that time, but when the timer interrupt process being executed is completed, When the input of the voltage drop signal is continued, the power interruption interrupt process is executed at that time.

  The first main control unit 41 repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes as a basic process, and changes the detection state of the various switches. In response to this, a process of shifting in stages is executed.

  The first main control unit 41 transmits a predetermined command to the second main control unit 42 when executing a process corresponding to a predetermined control state in the basic process. Further, the second main control unit 42 executes a part of the process for advancing the game based on a predetermined command from the first main control unit 41, and sends a command corresponding to the process to the first main control. It transmits to the part 41. Transmission / reception of commands between the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 is performed by serial communication via the I / O port 41d and the I / O port 42d. Each of the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 executes a process of acquiring a command transmitted from the other and storing it in a predetermined buffer.

  In the present embodiment, the first main control unit 41 transmits a reel control start command to the second main control unit 42 when executing the reel rotation process among the basic processes, and the second main control unit 42. Performs a process from rotating the reel to stopping it, and issuing a stop command to the first main control unit 41 according to the stop position of the stopped reel (lower region number of the perspective window 3). Send.

  The first main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 as the game progresses. A command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. Command transmission from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is performed by serial communication. The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not limited to being directly connected, and may be configured to be connected via a relay board, for example.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), an effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 described above, which are arranged on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1. These effect devices are driven based on control by a later-described sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 performs output control of effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, effect effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LEDs 55. In addition to the sub control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board, and the sub control unit 91 receives a command from the first main control unit 41. The output pattern of the effect device may be determined based on the output pattern, and the output control unit may control the output of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 The output control of the rendering device is performed by both the output control unit.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED55 are illustrated as an effect device, an effect device is not restricted to these, For example, it drives mechanically. A display device or a mechanically driven accessory may be applied as the effect device.

  The effect control board 90 is composed of a microcomputer including a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, I / O port 91d, etc., and a liquid crystal display connected to the sub control unit 91 for effect control and the effect control board 90. Display control circuit 92 for performing display control of the device 51, LED drive circuit 93 for performing drive control of the effect LED 52 and reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, at power-on or power-off A reset circuit 95 that sometimes gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a, a clock device 97 that outputs time information including date information and time information, and a power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 are monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, Equipped with a power interruption detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the sub-control unit 91 In response to the command transmitted from the first main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 performs various controls for performing an effect, and controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. Control directly or indirectly.

  The sub-control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the first main control unit 41, acquires the command transmitted from the first main control unit 41, and stores it in the buffer Execute command reception interrupt processing. Further, the sub control unit 91 executes an interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt every time the number of input system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval. Also, one of the interrupt terminals of the sub control unit 91 is connected to the power interruption detection circuit 98, and the sub control unit 91 is turned on in response to the input of the voltage drop signal output from the power interruption detection circuit 98. Execute interrupt processing (sub).

  Further, when an interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process and executes the command reception interrupt process even if the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed. Even if interrupts that trigger timer interrupt processing (sub) occur at the same time, the command reception interrupt processing is executed with the highest priority. Command reception interrupt processing is also prohibited during the execution of power interruption interrupt processing (sub), but if an interrupt that triggers power interruption interrupt processing (sub) occurs at the same time, command reception Prioritize interrupt processing.

  The sub-control unit 91 is also supplied with backup power at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power is supplied.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using a winning probability corresponding to a set value in an internal lottery described later. The set value is composed of 6 levels of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate being lower as the value is decreased in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise.

  In order to change the set value, the front door 1b is opened, and the power switch 39 and the setting key switch 37 of the power box 100 provided in the housing 1a are operated to turn on the power of the slot machine 1. In such a case, the slot machine 1 needs to be turned on after the setting key switch 37 is turned on. The set value selected and set according to the operation is stored in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 in the ON state, the setting value read from the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, and the setting by operating the reset / setting switch 38 is performed. Transitions to a setting change state in which a value change operation is possible. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the display returns to the setting 1). . When the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned OFF, the determined display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41, and the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed. Since the power switch 39 is temporarily turned off and the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power switch 39 is turned on, the operation is shifted to the setting change state. .

  In the present embodiment, since the setting change operation can be performed by opening the front door 1b, it can be said that the front door 1b is an opening / closing body. Moreover, it can be said that the door open detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 1b is an open / closed state detecting means.

  In order to check the set value, after the game is over, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on with no bet amount set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value can be confirmed by displaying the setting value read from the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 on the setting value display 24. Transition to the state. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot be progressed, and by turning the setting key switch 37 to the OFF state, the setting confirmation state is ended and the state in which the game can proceed is returned.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when each of the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 detects a voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 45e, the first main control unit 41 and the first main control unit 41 Each of the two main control units 42 executes a power interruption interrupt process.

  The power interruption interrupt processing on the side of the first main control unit 41 saves the register to the stack of the RAM 41c, and data for destructive diagnosis (for example, 5AH in this embodiment) in which any bit becomes 1 in the RAM 41c, that is, In addition to storing specific data other than 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c becomes 0, and stored in the RAM 41c. ing. Note that the RAM parity is a value calculated as an exclusive OR of values stored in each bit of the corresponding area (all areas in the present embodiment) of the RAM 41c. Therefore, if the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is 0, and the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 1. In this case, the RAM parity adjustment data is 1.

  The first main control unit 41 calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c at the time of activation, confirms the value of the destructive diagnosis data, and the RAM parity is 0. On the condition that the value of the destructive diagnosis data is also correct, the processing state of the first main control unit 41 is restored to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c, but the RAM parity is not 0. If it is (if 1) or the value of the destructive diagnosis data is not correct, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM abnormal error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormal error state, thereby preventing the game from proceeding. It is supposed to let you. Unlike the normal error state, the RAM abnormal error state is not canceled even if the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, and a new set value is set in the setting change state described above. It will not be released until

  In the present embodiment, all data stored in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is retained by the backup power source even during a power failure, and the first main control unit 41 is When it is determined that the data in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is normal, the control state before the power interruption is restored based on the data stored in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. Of the data stored in the RAM 41c of the control unit 41, only the data necessary for returning to the control state at the time of a power failure is backed up, and the control state before the power interruption is restored based on the backed up data when the power is turned on. It is good also as a structure. In the power interruption interrupt process on the second main control unit 42 side and the process at startup (when the power is turned on), the power interruption interrupt process on the first main control unit 41 side and at the start (when the power is turned on) on the RAM 42c. The same processing as in step) is performed.

  In addition, when returning to the control state before the power interruption when the power is turned on, it is not necessary to return all the control states to the control state before the power interruption, and the minimum control state that does not disadvantage the player For example, it is not necessary to return all the states of the I / O port 41d and the I / O port 42d to the state before power interruption.

  Further, when the sub control unit 91 detects the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 98, the sub control unit 91 executes a power interruption interrupt process (sub). In the power interruption processing (sub), the register is saved in the stack of the RAM 91c, and the destructive diagnosis data in which any bit is 1 is stored in the RAM 91c, and based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 91c. The RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity becomes 0 and stored in the RAM 91c.

  Then, the sub-control unit 91 calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all the areas of the RAM 91c at the time of activation, and sets the data stored in the RAM 91c on the condition that the RAM parity is 0. Based on this, the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 is restored to the state before the power interruption, but when the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1), it is determined that the RAM is abnormal and the RAM 91c is initialized. . In this case, the execution of the performance is not disabled only by initializing the RAM 91c.

  In the present embodiment, all data stored in the RAM 91c is held by the backup power source even during a power failure, and the sub-control unit 91 determines that the data in the RAM 91c is normal when the power is turned on. In this case, the control state is restored to the control state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 91c, but only the data necessary for the return of the control state in the event of a power failure is backed up among the data stored in the RAM 91c. It is good also as a structure which returns to the control state before power interruption based on the data backed up at the time of injection.

  In addition, when returning to the control state before the power interruption when the power is turned on, it is not necessary to return all the control states to the control state before the power interruption, and the minimum control state that does not disadvantage the player The state of the input / output port of the sub-control unit 91 and the progress in the middle when the performance is interrupted are not necessarily restored to the state before the power interruption.

  Next, initialization of the RAM 41c mounted on the first main control unit 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is divided into an important work, a general work, a special work, a set value work, a non-saved work, an unused area, and a stack area.

  The important work is a work in which data which is inconvenient if it is initialized at the end of the BB, such as various display devices, LED display data, I / O input / output data, and game time counter. The general work is a work that stores data that can be initialized at the end of the BB, such as a stop symbol, the number of medals paid out, and the total number of medals paid out in the BB.

  Special work is initialized only before the start of setting, such as command data received from the second main control unit 42, data for transmitting commands to the second main control unit 42 and the production control board 90, various software random numbers, etc. It is the work where the data to be stored is stored. The set value work is a work that stores a set value used when a lottery is performed in the internal lottery process. The non-saved work is a work that holds the state of various switches, and a value is always set regardless of whether or not the data in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is destroyed at the time of activation.

  The unused area is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41, and is initialized if any one of a plurality of initialization conditions described later is satisfied. The stack area is an area in which data saved from the register of the first main control unit 41 is stored, and the unused stack area is one of a plurality of initialization conditions to be described later, like the unused area. If even one is established, it will be initialized, but the in-use stack area will not be initialized because the program continues.

  The first main control unit 41 stores the data for controlling the game in the storage area of the RAM 41c so that it can be read and written as the game progresses in the slot machine.

  In the present embodiment, the first main control unit 41 is activated when the setting key switch 37 is ON, when a RAM error occurs, when the BB is completed, or when the setting key switch 37 is OFF. When the data in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 is not destroyed, when four initialization conditions at the end of one game are satisfied, four types of areas that are initialized according to the initialization conditions are different. Initialize the.

  Initialization 1 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is in an ON state at the time of startup and shifts to a setting change state, or initialization performed when a RAM abnormality error occurs. In the storage area of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41, all areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) except the used stack area are initialized.

  The information initialized in the initialization 1 includes, for example, information backed up at the time of power interruption (information for specifying the set number of bets, information for specifying BB winning). As a result, when initialization 1 is performed, even if the bet number is set before the power interruption, the bet number is not returned to the set state, and the BB is won before the power interruption. Even if it does, it will not return to the BB winning situation. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game state before the setting change state from being taken over after entering the setting change state, and to ensure the fairness of the game.

  Initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of the BB. In initialization 2, a general work, an unused area, and an unused stack area are initialized in the storage area of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. Initialization 3 is initialization that is performed when the setting key switch 37 is in an OFF state at the time of start-up and the data in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is not destroyed. Work, unused area, and unused stack area are initialized. Initialization 4 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In initialization 4, an unused area and an unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41 c of the first main control unit 41 are initialized.

  In this embodiment, initialization 1 is performed before the transition to the setting change state. However, the initialization 1 is performed at the end of the setting change state, or both before the transition to the setting change state and at the end of the setting change state. May be. In this case, if the set value work is initialized, the determined set value is lost. Therefore, the initialization of the set value work is not performed in the initialization at the end of the setting change state.

  Next, initialization of the RAM 42c mounted on the second main control unit 42 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42 is divided into an important work, a general work, a special work, a non-saved work, an unused area, and a stack area.

  The important work is a work in which input / output data of I / O is stored. The general work is a work in which a stop control table created by a reel control process, which will be described later, a stop position corresponding to a stop operation (region number in the lower stage of the fluoroscopic window 3), and the like are stored. The special work is a work in which data of a command received from the first main control unit 41 and data for transmitting a command to the first main control unit 41 are stored. The non-saved work is a work that holds the state of various switches, and a value is always set regardless of whether or not the data in the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42 is destroyed at the time of activation.

  The unused area is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42, and if any one of a plurality of initialization conditions is satisfied as in the first main control unit 41 side. It will be initialized. The stack area is an area in which the data saved from the register of the second main control unit 42 is stored, and the unused stack area is one of a plurality of initialization conditions, like the unused area. However, if it is established, it will be initialized, but the in-use stack area is not initialized because the program continues.

  The second main control unit 42 stores data for controlling the game in the storage area of the RAM 42c so that the data for controlling the game can be read and written as the game progresses in the slot machine.

  In the present embodiment, like the first main control unit 41, the second main control unit 42 is activated when the setting key switch 37 is ON, when an abnormal RAM error occurs, when the BB ends, and when the setting key switch 37 is set. When the data in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is not destroyed at the time of start-up in the state of OFF, when the initialization condition consisting of five at the end of one game is satisfied, it depends on each initialization condition The four types of initialization in different areas to be initialized are performed. The initialization is the same as the initialization on the first main control unit 41 side. When any one of the initialization conditions is established, the first main control unit 41 transmits an initialization command that can specify the type of the initialization condition to the second main control unit 42. The second main control unit 42 determines the established initialization condition based on the initialization command from the first main control unit 41 and executes a corresponding initialization process.

  Next, a command that the first main control unit 41 transmits to the effect control board 90 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the first main control unit 41 performs a BET command, a credit command, an internal winning command, a reel rotation start command, a reel stop command, a winning determination command, a payout start command, a payout end with respect to the effect control board 90. A plurality of types of commands including a command, a game state command, a standby command, a stop command, an error command, a return command, and a setting start command are transmitted.

  These commands consist of 1-byte type data indicating the command type and 1-byte extension data indicating the command content, and the sub-control unit 91 can determine the command type from the type data.

  The BET command is a command that can specify the number of inserted medals, that is, the number of medals used to set the bet number, and is a state from the end of the game (after setting change) to the start of the game. Sent when a medal is inserted or the bet number is set by operating the single BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 in a state where is not set. Further, since the BET command is transmitted when the betting number setting operation is performed, it is possible to specify that the betting number setting operation has been performed by receiving the BET command.

  The credit command is a command that can specify the number of medals stored as credits, and is a state from the end of the game (after setting change) to the start of the game, and in a state where a predetermined number of bets is set, Sent when a medal is inserted and credits are added.

  The internal winning command is a command that can specify the winning status of the internal winning flag and the type of the internal winning flag that has been established, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. Further, since the internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated, it is possible to specify that the start switch 7 has been operated by receiving the internal winning command.

  The reel rotation start command is a command for notifying the start of reel rotation, and is transmitted when rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started.

  The reel stop command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, the area number of the corresponding reel stop operation position, and the area number of the corresponding reel stop position. And is transmitted each time stop control is performed in accordance with the stop operation of each reel. Since the reel stop command is transmitted when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, it is possible to specify that the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated by receiving the reel stop command. .

  The winning determination command is a command that can specify the presence / absence of winning, the type of winning, and the number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning, and is transmitted after all the reels are stopped and the winning determination is performed. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, the winning line that is activated (in this embodiment, all the winning lines are always activated, In the following description, an activated winning line is simply referred to as a winning line). The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

  The payout start command is a command for notifying the start of payout of medals, and is transmitted when the payout of medals is started by paying out a prize or credit (including medals used for setting the number of bets). The payout end command is a command for notifying the end of payout of medals, and is transmitted when the payout of medals by winning and winning a credit is completed.

  The gaming state command is a command that can specify the gaming state of the next game, and is transmitted when the setting change state ends and when the game ends.

  The standby command is a command indicating a transition to the standby state, and after one game is over, a credit (which was used for setting the bet number) is set when the transition to the standby state is made after a predetermined time without setting the bet number. (Including medals) is sent out after the medal payout is completed and the payout end command is sent.

  The stop command is a command indicating the occurrence or release of the stop state, and after the end of the BB, the stop command indicating the occurrence of the stop state is transmitted when the ending effect waiting time has elapsed, and the reset operation is performed. When the stop state is released, a stop command indicating the release of the stop state is transmitted.

  An error command is a command that indicates the occurrence or cancellation of an error condition and the type of error condition. When an error is determined and controlled to an error condition, an error command indicating the occurrence and type of the error condition is sent, and then When the error state is released, an error command indicating the release of the error state is transmitted.

  The return command is a command indicating that the first main control unit 41 has returned to the control state before the power interruption, and is transmitted when the first main control unit 41 returns to the control state before the power interruption. The

  The setting start command is a command indicating the start of the setting change state, and is transmitted when shifting to the setting change state. Further, since the control state of the first main control unit 41 is initialized with the transition to the setting change state, it can be specified that the control state of the first main control unit 41 is initialized by the setting start command. is there.

  The confirmation start command is a command indicating the start of the setting confirmation state, and is transmitted when shifting to the setting confirmation state. The confirmation end command is a command indicating the end of the setting confirmation state, and is transmitted when the setting confirmation state ends.

  Among these commands, a setting start command, an error command indicating a RAM error or a random number circuit error, and a return command are generated at a stage before an interrupt is permitted in the startup process, and the special work of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 is generated. Is stored in the specific command transmission buffer assigned to, and immediately transmitted.

  Commands other than the setting start command, the error command indicating the RAM abnormality or the random number circuit abnormality, and the return command are generated according to the progress of the game in the game process, and provided in the special work of the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. It is temporarily stored in the normal command transmission buffer and transmitted in the command transmission process executed in the timer interrupt process (main).

  Next, various control contents executed by the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the reset signal is input from the reset circuit 45b, the first main control unit 41 performs the startup process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. Since the reset signal is a signal that is output when the power is turned on and when the operation of the first main control unit 41 is stagnant, the activation process is performed when the CPU 41a is activated when the power is turned on and when the CPU 41a malfunctions. This process is performed at startup.

  In the activation process, first, in Sa1, the built-in device, peripheral IC, interrupt mode, stack pointer, and the like are initialized. Thereafter, in Sa2, the detection data of the voltage drop signal is acquired from the I / O port 41d, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal is input, that is, whether or not the voltage is stable, and the voltage drop signal is input. If it is, the process proceeds to a loop process that does not perform any process other than the determination of whether or not the voltage drop signal is input.

  When it is determined in Sa2 that the voltage drop signal is not input, the values of the I register and the IY register are initialized in Sa3, and the state of the stop switch 36 is acquired in Sa4, and the CPU 41a receives a specific value. Enable / disable the stop function in the register. By the initialization of the I register and the IY register, the address of the interrupt table to be referred to when an interrupt occurs is set in the I register, and the reference address for referring to the storage area of the RAM 41c is set in the IY register. . These values are fixed values and are always initialized at startup.

  Next, access to the RAM 41c is permitted at Sa5, and it is determined at Sa6 whether the setting key switch 37 is ON. If the setting key switch 37 is not ON in Sa6, the RAM parity of all storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c is calculated in Sa7, and whether the RAM parity is 0 in Sa8. Determine whether or not. If the power interruption interrupt process is normally performed, the RAM parity should be 0. If the RAM parity is not 0 in the step of Sa8, the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal. Then, an error code indicating a RAM abnormality is set in the register, and only error handling is transferred to the reason.

  If the RAM parity is 0 in step Sa8, it is further determined in step Sa9 whether the failure diagnosis data is normal. If the power interruption interrupt processing is normally performed, the data for destruction diagnosis should be set, and if the data for destruction diagnosis is not normal in Sa9 (the data for destruction diagnosis is stored at the time of power interruption 5A Also in the case other than (H), since the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, an error code indicating RAM abnormality is set in the register in Sa10, and the process proceeds to error processing.

  In the error processing, the current display state of the game auxiliary display 12 is saved in the stack, and the error code stored in the register is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Next, the error code stored in the register is confirmed, and the error code is a RAM abnormal error (an error when the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1) or the value of the destructive diagnosis data is not correct) or an abnormal winning. It is determined whether it is an error code indicating an error (an error when a winning combination that is not won in the internal lottery is aligned on the winning line), and an error code indicating an error code indicating a RAM abnormal error or an abnormal winning error In some cases, the process proceeds to a loop process that does not perform any process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error is not a RAM error or an abnormal winning error, the game waits in a state where the game cannot be progressed until an operation of the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is detected. When the operation of the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is detected, the error code stored in the register is cleared, and the display state of the game auxiliary display 12 is returned to the display state saved in the stack. Return to the original process.

  As described above, in the error processing, if the error processing is other than the RAM abnormal error and the abnormal winning error, the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated, so that the error processing is canceled. The error state is not canceled even if the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated in the case of error processing due to a RAM abnormality error or an abnormal winning error.

  If it is determined in Sa9 that the destructive diagnosis data is normal, the data in the RAM 41c is normal. Therefore, in Sa11, initialization is performed to initialize the non-saved work, the unused area, and the unused stack area in the RAM 41c. In step Sa12, the destruction diagnosis data is cleared. When initialization 3 is performed, an initialization command that can specify that initialization 3 is to be performed is transmitted to the second main control unit 42. Next, in Sa13, each register is restored to the state before the power interruption, that is, the state stored in the stack, the interrupt is permitted in Sa14, and the process executed last before the power interruption is returned.

  If the setting key switch 37 is ON in Sa6, after executing initialization 1 in Sa15 that initializes all storage areas in the RAM 41c except the used stack area, in Sa16, The value (0 at this time) stored in the set value work is corrected to 1. When initialization 1 is performed, an initialization command that can specify that initialization 1 is to be performed is transmitted to the second main control unit 42. Next, in Sa17, an interrupt is permitted, and in Sa18, the process proceeds to a setting change mode in which the setting change process is executed, and then the process proceeds to a game process. When an interrupt is permitted in Sa14 or Sa17, an activation completion command that can specify that the interruption is permitted and the activation process ends is transmitted to the second main control unit 43.

  As described above, in the startup process, when the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, it is stored in the RAM 41c by determining whether or not the RAM parity is 0 and whether or not the destructive diagnosis data is normal. It is determined whether or not the stored data is normal. If the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, the process proceeds to an abnormal error process. In the error processing due to the RAM abnormal error, an error code indicating the RAM abnormal error is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, and then the process proceeds to a loop process in which no processing is performed, so that the progress of the game is disabled. If the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, interrupts are not permitted. Therefore, once the process shifts to error processing due to a RAM error, the setting key switch 37 is activated and interrupts are permitted. Until it is interrupted, no power interruption processing is performed even if the power is interrupted. That is, the RAM adjustment data is not calculated and stored so that the RAM parity is newly set to 0 in the power interruption interrupt process, and the destruction diagnosis data is not newly set. Even if the game is started, the game cannot be resumed even if the CPU 41a is restarted except when the setting key switch 37 is turned on.

  Once the process shifts to error processing due to a RAM abnormality error, the setting key switch 37 is activated in the ON state, and after all the areas except the used stack area of the RAM 41c are initialized, a setting change process is performed. The game cannot be progressed until a new set value is selected and set by operating the reset / setting switch 38. In other words, in the state where the error processing due to the RAM abnormality error is started, the state in which the game cannot be progressed is canceled and the game is resumed on the condition that a new set value is selected and set by operating the reset / setting switch 38. It becomes possible to make it. Even in the case of an abnormal winning error, as in the case of the RAM abnormal error, the setting key switch 37 is activated and all the areas except the stack area in use of the RAM 41c are initialized, and then the setting change process is performed. In other words, the game cannot proceed until a new set value is selected and set by operating the reset / setting switch 38.

  Also on the second main control unit 42 side, when a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 49, a process corresponding to the activation process is executed. In the start-up process on the second main control unit 42 side, the process corresponding to Sa1 to Sa5 is performed and then the process corresponding to Sa7 to Sa9 is performed, and it is determined that the RAM parity is not 0 or the destructive diagnosis data is not normal. When it is done, initialization 1 is performed. When an initialization command is received from the first main control unit 41 side, corresponding initialization is performed. When the activation completion command is received from the first main control unit 41 side, the interruption is permitted and the activation process on the second main control unit 42 side is terminated.

  When it is determined that the RAM is abnormal due to Sa8 or Sa9 in the start-up process on the first main control unit 41 side, the process proceeds to an error process, after which a setting change operation is performed and YES is determined in Sa6 and initialization 1 is performed. Until it is played, the progress of the game is disabled. When initialization 1 is performed, an initialization command corresponding to initialization 1 is transmitted. For this reason, even when there is no abnormality in the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42, if an abnormality is determined in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41, the initial processing is performed in the startup process of the second main control unit 42. 1 is performed, and the RAM 42c is initialized. Thereby, when abnormality is determined in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41, the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42 can be initialized in addition to the initialization of the RAM 41c.

  The initialization of the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c in the startup process may be performed as follows. As a first example, for example, when an abnormality is determined in either one of the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c, both the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c may be initialized. In this case, for example, when any one of the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c is determined to be abnormal, the RAM is initialized, and a command capable of specifying the fact is transmitted to the other main control unit, so that the other main You may make it initialize RAM of a control part.

  As a second example, in the startup process of the first main control unit 41, not only the RAM 41c but also the RAM 42c may be determined to be abnormal, and if there is an abnormality, the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c may be initialized. As a method for determining an abnormality in not only the RAM 41c but also the RAM 42c, for example, at the time of power interruption, first, in the power interruption interrupt processing on the second main control unit 42 side, the first RAM command that can specify the RAM parity of the RAM 42c is used. The data is transmitted to the main control unit, and the RAM parity based on the RAM command is stored in the RAM 41c in the power interruption interrupt process on the first main control unit 41 side. In addition, at the time of startup, first, in the startup process on the second main control unit 42 side, a RAM command that can specify the RAM parity of the RAM 42c is transmitted to the first main control unit, and the first main control unit 41 side In the start-up process, the RAM parity based on the RAM command may be used to determine not only the RAM 41c but also the RAM 42c. Thereby, it is possible to match the initialization of the RAM 41c and the RAM 42c at the time of startup.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control content of the game process executed by the first main control unit 41. The game process is a process for controlling the progress of a unit game, that is, one game, which is formed by shifting a plurality of control states in stages. In the game process, a BET process (Sd1), an internal lottery process (Sd2), a reel rotation process (Sd3), a winning determination process (Sd4), a payout process (Sd5), and a game end process (Sd6) are sequentially executed. When the end-time process ends, the process returns to the BET process again.

  In the BET process in the step of Sd1, the bet number can be set in a standby state, a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set, and when the start switch 7 is operated, the BET process is terminated and the next Shift to the internal lottery process. During the BET process, it can be said that the number of bets is set and the start switch operation waiting control state is set. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a prescribed number of bets that can be set is determined according to the gaming state, and on condition that the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state is set. The game can be started. In the present embodiment, there are a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB), a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB), and a normal gaming state as the gaming state. In the normal gaming state, 3 is defined as the specified number of bets. For this reason, if the gaming state is RB or BB, the game can be started if 2 is set as the bet number, and if the bet number is set to 3 in the normal gaming state, the game is started. It becomes possible to make it. In this embodiment, all the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated when a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set, and as RBs and BBs, All winning lines L1 to L5 are activated when 2 is determined, and all winning lines L1 to L5 are activated when 3 is set as the number of bets in the normal gaming state. Become.

  In the BET process, the insertion medal sensor 31 performs appropriate detection (when the insertion medal sensor 31 includes a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors are detected in a predetermined order and interval). It is determined whether or not the selected medal has been detected. If it is not proper detection, it is determined that there is an insertion error, and the progress of the game is stopped.

  In the internal lottery process in the step of Sd2, after performing the process of determining whether or not to allow winning in each of the predetermined combinations based on the numerical data latched when the start switch 7 is detected in the step of Sd1 The internal lottery process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next reel rotation process. It can be said that the internal lottery process is in the control state waiting for the result of the internal lottery. In the internal lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41 based on each lottery result. Further, in the internal lottery process, it is determined whether or not the set value stored in the RAM 41c is within a predetermined range (1 to 6). When the set value is not within the predetermined range, it is determined that there is a set value error. Stop the progress of the game.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sd3, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated, and the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated in response to the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R detected by the player. After executing the process for stopping the process, the reel rotation process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next winning determination process. During the reel rotation process, it can be said that the control state is waiting for reel rotation or reel stop.

  In the winning determination process in the step Sd4, when it is determined in the step Sd3 that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, the winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. After executing the process of determining whether or not it has occurred, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next payout process. During the winning determination process, it can be said that the control state is waiting for the result of the winning determination. Further, in the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning flag of the winning combination determined to have occurred is stored in the RAM 41c. If not, it is determined that there is an abnormal winning error, and the progress of the game is determined. Stop.

  In the payout process in step Sd5, when it is determined that a prize is generated in step Sd4, the payout process is terminated after performing processing such as adding credits and paying out medals based on the number of payouts according to the win. Then, the process proceeds to the next game end process. During the payout process, it can be said that the control state is waiting for payout completion. Also, in the payout process, it is determined whether or not credit addition or medal payout has been performed, even though no payout is instructed. It is determined that it has occurred and the progress of the game is stopped.

  In the game end process in the step of Sd6, the process of setting the game state in preparation for the next game is executed, so that the process of one game which is a unit game is ended and the process proceeds to the BET process in the next unit game. To do. During the game end process, it can be said that the control state is waiting for completion of one game.

  In the game process of the first main control unit 41, a command is generated according to the progress control of the game and set in the normal command transmission buffer, so that the sub-control unit 91 in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main) The command set for is sent.

  Further, in the game process of the first main control unit 41, an example in which various error determinations are performed has been described. However, the errors to be determined are not limited to those described above, and indicate a state in which no medals are stored in the hopper tank. Out of payout medal error, out of charge medal clogged error with medals paid out in the hopper, full tank error with full hopper tank medal, inserted clogged up with medal inserted through medal slot 4 The occurrence of an error, a door opening error indicating a state where the front door 14 is opened, and the like may also be determined, and the progress of the game may be stopped according to the occurrence of the error. Further, the error determination and the game progress stop may be executed not by the game process but by a timer interrupt process on the first main control unit 41 side described later.

  In the internal lottery process of Sd2, the types of winning combinations that are subject to internal lottery are determined according to the gaming state, but if roughly classified, there is no need to set a small role that involves paying out medals and the number of bets. There are a re-playing role that enables the next game to be started and a special role that accompanies the transition of the gaming state. Below, a small role and a re-playing role are collectively called a general role. In order for each winning combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag for the winning combination in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41.

  Of the winning flags for each of these roles, the winning flags for the small role and the replaying role are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are invalid in the next game. It is valid until a combination of combinations permitted by the flag is completed, and is invalid in a game having a combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of the combinations permitted by the flag cannot be made, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 has a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB as a big bonus) and a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB as a regular bonus) as a special role. Cherry, Bell are replayed as a re-playing role.

  Cherry is awarded when the symbol “white cherry” is derived on any of the winning lines for the right reel in any gaming state, and one medal is paid out in any gaming state. If the symbol “white cherry” stops at the upper or lower stage of the right reel, the combination of cherries will be aligned on the two winning lines of the winning lines L2, L5 or the winning lines L3, L4. Since winning a cherry on the winning line, two medals will be paid out.

  A watermelon is awarded when a combination of "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon" or "Watermelon-Watermelon-BAR" is available on any of the winning lines in any game state, and 15 medals at RB and BB Are paid out, and in the normal gaming state, 12 medals are paid out. A bell is awarded when a combination of “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on any of the winning lines in any gaming state, 15 medals are paid out in RB and BB, and 10 in the normal gaming state. A medal is paid out.

  Replay is a combination of “Replay-Replay-Replay”, “BAR-Replay-Replay”, or “Black 7-Replay-Replay” in any of the winning lines in the normal gaming state. Wins when you have the right. When the replay wins, no medals are paid out, but the next game can be started without setting the number of wagers again, so that three medals corresponding to the number of wagers that are not required to be set in the next game are paid out. Is essentially the same.

  RB is won when the combination of “net 7-net 7-black 7” is aligned on any of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, and the gaming state shifts to RB. The RB is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player over other gaming states by increasing the winning probability of the small role, particularly the bell, and when the 12 games are digested after the RB starts, or an 8-game winning ( When the type of a combination is allowed), it ends either whichever comes first.

  BB is a combination of “black 7-black 7-black 7”, “net 7-net 7-net 7” or “white 7-white 7-white 7” in any of the winning lines in the normal gaming state. When the combination is complete, a prize is awarded.

  When BB wins, the gaming state shifts to BB and shifts to RB at the same time. When RB ends, if BB has not ended, it shifts to RB again and is controlled repeatedly until BB ends. The That is, during BB, it is always controlled to RB. The BB ends when the total number of medals paid out to the player in the BB exceeds 465. At the end of the BB, the RB is also ended regardless of whether or not the RB end condition is satisfied.

  In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is permitted before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). To do. In the internal lottery, first, a random value for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state and whether or not the special combination is carried over, numerical data stored in the lottery work, and determination of each combination determined according to the gaming state, the number of bets and the set value This is done according to the number of values.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the role that is the subject of the internal lottery differs depending on whether the gaming state is the normal gaming state, RB, or BB. Further, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, the role to be subject to the internal lottery varies depending on whether or not the special role is being carried over.

  When the gaming state is the normal gaming state and any special combination is not carried over, BB, RB, replay, watermelon, cherry, and bell are sequentially read out as the target combination of the internal lottery.

  When the gaming state is the normal gaming state and any special combination is carried over, replay, watermelon, cherry, and bell are sequentially read out as the target combinations for the internal lottery.

  When the gaming state is RB (including the inside of the BB), watermelon, cherry, and bell are sequentially read out as the subject combination of the internal lottery.

  In the present embodiment, an example is described in which three types of symbol combinations corresponding to BB, three types of symbol combinations corresponding to replay, and two types of symbol combinations corresponding to watermelon are defined. Then, each symbol combination is read out as a target combination. For example, for BB, a combination of “black 7-black 7-black 7”, a combination of “net 7-net 7-net 7”, and a combination of “white 7-white 7-white 7” are subject to lottery in the internal lottery. It is sequentially read as a role. Replays and watermelons are also sequentially read out as a lottery target for each symbol combination. Note that the lottery target combination that is read in order may include a lottery target combination that reads out a plurality of symbol combinations. For example, a combination of “black 7-black 7-black 7” and “replay-replay” may be included. It may include a lottery target combination that reads out a combination of “replay”. The number of determination values used in the internal lottery is determined for each symbol combination corresponding to the set values 1 to 6. That is, the winning rate is determined for each symbol combination corresponding to the set values 1 to 6. For this reason, in the internal lottery, the derivation (generation) of symbol combinations is permitted according to the number of determination values determined for each symbol combination corresponding to the set value (the higher the winning rate is).

  In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values determined according to the internal lottery target, the current game state, and the set value are sequentially added to the internal lottery random value (the value of the lottery work) and added. When the result of overflows, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For this reason, a winning combination will be won with a probability (number of determination values / 65536) according to the number of determination values.

  When a winning combination is determined, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the internal winning flag storing work assigned to the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. The internal winning flag storage work consists of a 2-byte storage area, of which the upper byte is assigned as the special role storing work in which the winning flag for the special role is set, and the lower byte is the winning of the general role It is assigned as a general role storage work for which a flag is set. Specifically, when a special combination is won, a special combination winning flag indicating that the special combination is won is set in the special combination storing work, and the winning flag set in the general combination storing work is cleared. When a general combination is won, a winning flag for the general combination indicating that the general combination is won is set in the general combination storing work. If no winning combination or winning combination is won, only the general winning combination work is cleared.

  Next, the reel rotation process of Sd3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the reel rotation process executed by the first main control unit 41. In Sf01, a reel control start command that can specify that the control state of the unit game has shifted to the reel control state in which the reel rotation process is performed is transmitted to the second main control unit. The second main control unit 42 performs a reel control process for rotating and stopping the reel based on the reception of the reel control start command. The reel control start command is a command that can specify a winning flag that is set according to the lottery result of the internal lottery process. Although the reel control start command in the present embodiment is an example of a command that can specify the game state of the current game in addition to the winning flag, it may be a command that can specify only the winning flag. In addition, the reel control start command may be a command that can specify information different from the winning flag. In this case, a command that can specify the winning flag is the first main control separately from the reel control start command. By transmitting from the unit 41 to the second main control unit 42, the second main control unit 42 may be able to identify the internal winning situation.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the reel control process executed by the second main control unit 42. In Sg01, it is determined whether or not the wait time (about 4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the reel rotation start time of the previous game. If the wait time has not elapsed, the wait time elapses. Wait until. If the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to Sg02 and a new wait time is set.

  In Sg03, a reel rotation start process for reading data from the ROM 42b and starting the rotation of the reel is performed. In the reel rotation start process of Sg03, a rotation start command that can specify that the reel rotation has started is transmitted to the first main control unit 41. When the rotation start command is transmitted, the first main control unit 41 determines that the rotation start command has been received in Sf02 of FIG. 8, and transmits the reel rotation start command to the sub-control unit 91 in Sf03. Is set, and the process proceeds to SF04.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in Sg04, referring to the data stored in the ROM 42b, the stop control data corresponding to the gaming state and the internal winning situation of the combination is specified, and the stop is performed based on the specified stop control data. Create a control table for each spinning reel. The stop control table is data that can specify the number of sliding frames corresponding to each area number of the reels 2L to 2R. In Sg04 after the first stop operation, stop control data corresponding to the stop state is further specified, and a stop control table is created.

  In Sg05, settings are made when the stop preparation is completed. The setting at the time of completion of stop preparation includes processing for enabling the operation of the stop switches 8L to 8R when the reel rotation speed is constant speed rotation. Since the second main control unit 42 determines whether or not the rotation speed of the reel has become a constant speed rotation, an excitation pattern is determined so as to reach a constant speed rotation in a predetermined time from the start of the reel rotation, as will be described later. In addition, the determination is made based on whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the reel rotation started. The conditions for enabling the operation of the stop switches 8L to 8R are that the reel rotation speed becomes constant speed and that the passage of all the reel reference positions of the reels 2L to 2R is detected. Good. The detection signals from the reel sensors 33L to 33R are supplied to both the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42.

  After the stop switches 8L to 8R are activated, it is determined whether any stop switch operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R is detected in Sg06, and any stop switch operation must be detected. For example, it waits until the stop operation is performed.

  When any stop switch operation is detected, the area number of the stop operation position is specified based on the number of steps from the reel reference position when the stop operation is detected in Sg07, and the stop operation is detected. Referring to the reel stop control table, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is acquired. Then, control is performed to rotate and stop the reel by the number of acquired sliding frames.

  Specifically, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps from the acquired number of sliding frames to the stop is calculated, and the reel is rotated and stopped by the calculated number of steps. Take control. Thus, the region corresponding to the region number that is the stop position ahead of the number of sliding frames from the region corresponding to the region number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected is the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the fluoroscopic window 3 The lower area). If any stop switch operation is detected, all stop switches may be invalidated until the processing of Sg05 is subsequently performed. Even in this case, since the reel that is still rotating is already rotating at a constant speed, the stop switch corresponding to the reel is immediately activated in Sg05.

  In Sg08, a stop command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41. The stop command is a command that can specify the stopped reel, the area number of the stop reference position when the reel is stopped, the area number of the stop reference position when the reel is stopped, and the number of sliding frames. . Since the number of sliding frames can be calculated from the area number of the stop reference position at the time of the reel stop operation and the area number of the stop reference position at the time of reel stop, the stop command does not include information indicating the number of sliding frames itself. It may be a thing. In Sg09, it is determined whether or not all the reels are stopped. If all the reels are not stopped, the process returns to Sg04, and if all the reels are stopped, the reel control processing is terminated, and FIG. Return to the flowchart.

  As described above, in the reel control process, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started and the rotation start command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41, and then the stop control table is created and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are created. Until the operation is detected, the rotation of the reel for which the stop operation has not been detected is continued, and the display result is stopped on the corresponding reel on condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected. While performing control, a stop command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in Sf04, it is determined whether or not a stop command is received. When it is determined in Sf04 that a stop command has been received, the stopped reel specified from the stop command in Sf05, the area number of the stop reference position when the reel is stopped, the area number of the stop reference position when the reel is stopped In addition, information for specifying the number of sliding frames is stored in the RAM 41c, and a setting for transmitting a corresponding reel stop command to the sub-control unit 91 is performed in Sf06, and the process proceeds to SF07.

  In Sf07, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped. When it is determined in Sf07 that all the reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to Sf04. When it is determined that all the reels are stopped, the reel rotation process is terminated and the process proceeds to a winning determination process. In the winning determination process, the display result derived to each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is specified from the area number of the stop reference position stored in the RAM 41c, and it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred.

  As described above, the second main control unit 42 substantially controls the rotation / stop of the reels 2L to 2R by executing the reel control process. For this purpose, the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 stores a program for executing reel control processing and data for reel control. FIG. 10 illustrates an area number arrangement table, a motor control table, and stop control data as an example of reel control data stored in the ROM 42 b of the second main control unit 42.

  The area number arrangement table is data for specifying the correspondence between the number of steps of the reel motors 32L to 32R and the area numbers where the symbols 0 to 20 shown in FIG. 3 are arranged. According to the area number arrangement table, for example, the area number 0 is set for steps 0 to 7 of the reel motor 32L, the area number 1 is set for steps 8 to 15, and the area number 20 is set for steps 160 to 167. It can be identified that it is compatible.

  The second main control unit 42 specifies the stop reference position area number from the number of steps from the reel reference position when the stop operation is performed during reel rotation in Sg07 of FIG. When the area number is specified, the area number arrangement table is referred to.

  The motor control table is data for specifying an excitation pattern of a reel motor composed of a stepping motor. The second main control unit 42 refers to the motor control table, and after accelerating the reel in accordance with the excitation pattern at the start of reel rotation in Sg03, rotates the reel in accordance with the excitation pattern at the constant speed rotation, and in Sg07 When stopping the reel, the reel is stopped according to the excitation pattern corresponding to the number of sliding frames. The excitation pattern at the start of the reel rotation is determined so that the time required from the start of the reel rotation until reaching the constant speed rotation is a predetermined time. For this reason, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of reel rotation, the excitation pattern during constant speed rotation is switched.

  Stop control data is the number of sliding frames for each reel and area number compressed and stored according to a predetermined rule. By expanding the data, the number of sliding frames for each reel and area number can be specified. Data configured to create a control table. In Sg04, the second main control unit 42 refers to the stop control data and determines in advance from the gaming state, the internal winning state, and the reel stop status (and the stop reference position area number of the stopped reel). One stop control table is created. For this reason, when all of the gaming state, the internal winning state, and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel) are the same, the reel stop control is performed based on the same stop control table. It will be.

  Note that FIG. 10 only shows an example of the reel control data, and the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 is not limited to storing all the data shown in FIG. Some of the data shown in FIG. 10 may be stored, and data other than the data shown in FIG. 10 may be stored.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a value of 0 to 4 is determined as the number of sliding frames, and it is possible to stop the reel by drawing a maximum of 4 frames after detecting a stop operation. In other words, the stop position of the symbol can be designated from a range of a maximum of 5 frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. In addition, since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to stop the reel by pulling in a maximum of four symbols after detecting the stop operation. The symbol stop position can be designated from a range of up to five symbols including the operation position.

  In the present embodiment, when any of the winning combinations is won, the winning combination is drawn to the maximum in the range of 4 frames on the winning line, and the winning combination is drawn not to be aligned on the winning line. Create a stop control table with the number of sliding symbols and perform reel stop control. On the other hand, if you do not win any of the roles, stop control with the number of sliding symbols that does not match any of the roles Create a table and perform reel stop control. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if the winning combination can be stopped on the winning line in the drawing range of up to 4 frames, the control is performed so that the winning combination is stopped. The combination that has not been performed will be controlled to be stopped in a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  When a special role and a small role are elected at the same time, such as when a special role is elected while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, the winning small role is the maximum in the range of 4 frames on the winning line. The number of sliding frames is fixed so that it can be drawn to the limit, and for the stop operation position where the selected small role cannot be drawn in the range of up to 4 frames in the winning line, the winning special role is in the range of 4 frames in the winning line Then, a stop control table in which the number of sliding frames is determined so as to be pulled in as much as possible is created, and reel stop control is performed.

  As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if it is possible to stop all the small roles that have been selected in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line and stop them, control is performed so that the winning combination is stopped. If you can't draw a small role that has been won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the line, if you can stop with a special role that has been won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, A control is performed to stop them in a uniform manner, and a winning combination that has not been won will be controlled to be stopped within a 4-frame pull-in range. That is, in such a case, priority is given to the control for aligning the small combination on the winning line over the special combination, and the special combination can be won only when the small combination cannot be drawn. When a special combination and a small combination can be withdrawn at the same time, only the small combination is withdrawn and the small combination is not aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special combination.

  In this embodiment, when a special role is elected while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, or when a special role and a small role are won simultaneously, the special role and the small role are won simultaneously. In such cases, the selected special role is given priority over the selected special role, and only when the small role cannot be withdrawn, the special role is controlled on the winning line. If both are elected at the same time, priority is given to the control of aligning the special role on the winning line over the small role, and the control of aligning the small role on the winning line may be performed only when the special role cannot be drawn. .

  If a special player and a replaying player are elected at the same time, such as when a replaying player is elected while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, when the stop operation is performed, In addition, a control is performed in which the symbols of the re-gamer are aligned and stopped within a drawing range of up to 4 frames. In this case, the symbols constituting the re-gamer or the symbols constituting the re-gamer elected at the same time are arranged within 5 symbols for each of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, that is, at intervals of 4 frames or less. Since it can always be stopped at any position within the 4-frame pull-in range, if the special combination and the re-playing combination are elected at the same time, the timing of the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player Without fail, the re-playing role will always be won. That is, in such a case, the control for aligning the re-games on the winning line has priority over the special game, and the re-games will always win. In the case where the special role and the replaying role can be withdrawn at the same time, only the replaying role is drawn, and the special role is not arranged on the winning line simultaneously with the replaying role.

  In the present embodiment, the second main control unit 42 has not yet detected a stop operation until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected after the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is started. , And the control to stop the display result on the corresponding reel is performed on condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. Even if the reel rotation temporarily stops due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected after the reel rotation is restarted. Control is performed to stop the display result of the corresponding reels on the condition that the rotation of the reels that have not been continued is continued and the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected.

  In the present embodiment, the control for stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed on the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected, but the rotation of the reel is started. Then, when a predetermined automatic stop time has elapsed, even if the reel stop operation is not performed, it is assumed that the stop operation has been performed, and automatic stop control is performed to automatically stop each reel. It may be. In this case, since the reels are stopped without the player's operation, it is preferable to derive a display result that does not constitute any combination even if any combination is won.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the control contents of the timer interrupt process that is executed in response to the generation of the timer interrupt request from the timer circuit 45d (specifically, interrupting the start process and the game process at intervals of 0.56 ms). 11 is a timer interrupt process on the first main control unit 41 side, and FIG. 12 is a timer interrupt process on the second main control unit 42 side.

  First, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11, interrupts are prohibited in Sh01. That is, the execution of another interrupt process during the execution of the timer interrupt process is prohibited. In Sh02, the register in use is saved in the stack area.

  Next, in Sh03, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process is advanced by 1 from the two types of timer interrupts 1 and 2. In Sh03, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0, and is updated to 0 when the counter value is 1. That is, the branch counter value loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 0... Each time the timer interrupt process is executed.

  Next, in Sh04, it is determined whether or not it is a timer interrupt 1 by referring to the branch counter value. If it is a timer interrupt 1, detection data of various switches is input from the I / O port 41d in Sh05. Perform port input processing. In Sh06, the origin passing (passing of the reel reference position) of the rotating reels 2L, 2C, 2R is checked, and the origin passing process for detecting the occurrence of the reel rotation error is performed. When a reel rotation error occurs, as described above, the process shifts to error processing and waits in a state where the progress of the game is impossible.

  When a reel rotation error has occurred, a reel rotation error command that can specify that a reel rotation error has occurred is output to the second main control unit 42. When the second main control unit 42 receives the reel rotation error command, the second main control unit 42 can temporarily stop the rotation of the reel, and can restart the reel rotation by operating the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38. .

  In Sh07, after sequentially executing the switch input determination process for determining whether or not these various switches satisfy the detection condition based on the detection signals of the various switches, the process of Sh14 and Sh15 is performed, and the stack area in Sh02 The register saved in step S1 is restored, the interrupt prohibited in Sh01 is permitted, and the process returns to the state before the interrupt.

  If it is determined that the timer interrupt 2 is in Sh04, an LED dynamic display process for dynamically lighting various displays is performed in Sh08. In Sh09, output processing such as a control signal for outputting data such as lighting signals of various LEDs to the output port is performed. In Sh10, random number update processing for updating various software random numbers is performed. In Sh11, time counter update processing for updating various time counters is performed. In Sh12, command transmission processing for transmitting commands stored in the command queue to the effect control board 90 is performed. In Sh13, after performing the external output signal update process for updating the external output signal, the process of Sh14 and Sh15 is performed, and the process returns to the process before the interrupt.

  Next, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 12, interrupts are prohibited in Sj01. In Sj02, the register in use is saved in the stack area. In Sj03, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process from the two types of timer interrupts A and B is advanced by 1. In Sj03, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0 corresponding to the timer interrupt A, and is updated to 0 when the counter value is 1 corresponding to the timer interrupt B. That is, the branch counter value loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 0... Each time the timer interrupt process is executed.

  Next, in Sj04, it is determined whether or not it is a timer interrupt A by referring to the branch counter value. In the case of the timer interrupt A, the step time when starting the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R in Sj06 A reel start process for controlling the interval is performed. In Sj07, motor step processing for changing the phase signal data of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R is performed. In Sj08, after the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are stopped, after performing a motor phase signal standby process for changing the phase signal to one-phase excitation after a certain period of time, the register saved in the stack area in Sj12 is restored. , Sj13 permits the interrupt prohibited and returns to the process before the interrupt.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in Sj04 that the timer interrupt B is determined with reference to the fractional counter value, the detection of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is determined in Sj09 based on the stop control table. A stop position is determined from the stop operation position, and a stop switch process is performed to specify the number of steps after which the stop should be stopped. In Sj10, the number of steps until the stop calculated in the stop switch process is counted, and when it is time to stop, a stop process for starting braking by two-phase excitation is performed. Accordingly, in Sg07 in FIG. 9, the corresponding reel can be stopped at the stop position specified from the stop control table. In Sj11, after the brake is started in the stop process, a final stop process for three-phase excitation is performed after a predetermined time, and then the process proceeds to Sj12 and Sj13 and returns to the process before the interrupt.

  Next, the control of the effect performed by the sub-control unit 91 based on the command transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the effect control board 90 will be described.

  When the sub control unit 91 receives a command from the first main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 executes a command reception interrupt process. In the command reception interrupt process, the command acquired from the command transmission line is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c.

  In the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not an unprocessed command is stored in the reception buffer. If an unprocessed command is stored, the sub-control unit 91 is the earliest. The control pattern table stored in the ROM 91b is referred to based on the command received in the stage, and the liquid crystal display 51, effect effect LED 52, speakers 53, 54, reel LED 55, etc. are controlled based on the control contents registered in the control pattern table. Performs output control of various rendering devices.

  In the control pattern table, the display pattern of the liquid crystal display 51 corresponding to the type of command, the lighting mode of the lighting effect LED 52, the output mode of the speakers 53 and 54, the lighting mode of the reel LED, etc. Control patterns of these effect devices are registered, and when the sub-control unit 91 receives a command, the sub-control unit 91 stores the control patterns registered corresponding to the effect patterns set in the RAM 91c in the game of the control pattern table. Among these, the control pattern corresponding to the type of the received command is referred to, and the output control of the rendering device is performed based on the control pattern. Thereby, the production according to the production pattern and the progress of the game is executed.

  If the sub-control unit 91 receives a new command during the execution of an effect triggered by the reception of a certain command, the sub-control unit 91 stops the effect based on the control pattern being executed and sets the newly received command. An effect based on the corresponding control pattern is executed. In other words, even if the production is not finished to the end, when a new command is received, the production that was being executed is canceled and a new command is received unless the received new command is not a command that triggers a new production. An effect based on the command is executed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when the betting number setting operation is performed during the execution of the effect, that is, when the sub-control unit 91 receives a BET command indicating that the betting number has been set, The production is to be canceled. For this reason, if the player wants to proceed to the next game rather than seeing the production to the end, the production is canceled and the next game can be started. There is no. Further, when a credit or betting amount adjustment operation is performed during the performance, that is, after the sub-control unit 91 receives a game state command indicating the end of the game, it receives an internal winning command indicating the start of the game. When the payout start command is received before, the effect being executed is stopped. Credits and bets are settled when the game is terminated. In such a case, by terminating the performance that is being executed, there is an intention to end the game, but the performance continues unnecessarily. It is designed not to be overwhelmed.

  When the internal winning command is received, the effect pattern is selected at a selection rate corresponding to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command, and is set in the RAM 91c. The selection rate of the effect pattern is registered in the effect table stored in the ROM 91b, and when the sub control unit 91 receives the internal winning command, the sub control unit 91 stores the effect pattern in the effect table according to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command. With reference to the registered selection rate, one of the effect patterns is selected from a plurality of types of effect patterns according to the selection rate, and the selected effect pattern is set in the RAM 91c as the effect pattern of the game. Even if the same command is received, a different control pattern is selected depending on the effect pattern selected when the internal winning command is received. As a result, different effects may be performed depending on the effect pattern.

  Further, when the sub control unit 91 receives an error command from the first main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 performs notification processing according to the type of error specified from the error command. In the notification process, a process for executing an error notification effect corresponding to the type of error specified from the error command is performed from the time when the error command is received until the error release command is received.

Next, main effects obtained by the first embodiment described above will be described.
(1) According to the first embodiment described above, among the reel rotation processing of the game processing for controlling one game by shifting the processing of Sd1 to Sd6 shown in FIG. 6 step by step, as shown in FIG. In addition, processing related to wait time (Sg01, 02), processing related to reel rotation (Sg03), processing related to stop control table creation (Sg04), processing related to stop operation waiting (Sg05), processing related to reel stop (Sg06 to Sg09), etc. Is executed on the second main control unit 42 side using the reel control data stored in the ROM 42b on the second main control unit 42 side. Therefore, among the data for executing the reel rotation process, the amount of data stored in the ROM 41b on the first main control unit 41 side can be reduced, and a reel control start command is transmitted in Sf01 as shown in FIG. After that, the first main control unit can wait until the rotation start command is received, and further can wait until the stop command is received after transmitting the reel rotation start command to the sub-control unit 91 in Sf03. The control burden by 41 can be reduced.

  (2) According to the first embodiment described above, the error determination including the reel rotation error exemplified in Sh06 in FIG. 11 is executed by the first main control unit 41 in a lump, and the game progresses when an error occurs. Can be disabled. For this reason, the efficiency of the error determination process can be improved.

  (3) According to the first embodiment described above, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the clock signal periodically output from the pulse oscillator 45 c is the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42. And both are input. For this reason, the clock signal can be input to each of the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 at the same timing. As a result, it is possible to synchronize the control timings of the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42, and to prevent inconveniences such as deviation.

  (4) According to the first embodiment described above, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the detection signals from the plurality of detection means including the reel sensors 33L to 33R are sent via the switch detection circuit 45a to the first. It is input to both the main controller 41 and the second main controller 42. For this reason, it is possible to input the detection signal to each of the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 at the same timing. As a result, the control timing based on the detection signal can be synchronized in the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42, and the occurrence of inconvenience such as deviation can be prevented.

  (5) According to the first embodiment described above, in the reel rotation start process in Sg03 of FIG. 9, the rotation start command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41 along with the start of the reel rotation. It is possible to specify that the reel rotation has started on the main control unit 41 side. In Sg08, a stop command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41 along with the reel stop, so that the reel is stopped on the first main control unit 41 side and the stop position of the reel can be specified. Become. As described above, the reel control is executed by the second main control unit 42, but the first main control unit 41 can grasp the status of the reel control and perform appropriate control according to the status. It can be carried out.

Second Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, the example in which the second main control unit 42 executes part of the reel rotation process among the game processes executed by the first main control unit 41 has been described. In the second embodiment, an example in which the second main control unit 42 executes a part of the winning determination process in addition to a part of the reel rotation process among the game processes executed by the first main control unit 41 will be described. To do. Note that, in the second embodiment, detailed description of portions that perform the same configuration and processing as those in the first embodiment is omitted, and portions that are different from the first embodiment are mainly described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control content of the winning determination process in the game process executed by the first main control unit 41. In the winning determination process, first, in Sk01, a stop symbol determination command capable of specifying that the control state of the unit game has shifted to the winning determination control state in which the winning determination process is performed is transmitted to the second main control unit 42, and Sk02 Wait until a stop symbol determination result command is received. The stop symbol determination command is a command that can specify the area number (stop position) of the stop reference position stored in the RAM 41c in Sf05 and the game state of the current game. The second main control unit 42 performs a stop symbol determination control process for determining a stop symbol based on the reception of the stop symbol determination command. The stop symbol determination command in the present embodiment may be a command that can specify information different from the region number of the stop reference position. In this case, the stop reference position is separated from the stop symbol determination command. The command that can specify the area number is transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 so that the second main control unit 42 can specify the area number of the stop reference position. Good.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control content of the stop symbol determination control process executed by the second main control unit 42. In Sm01, referring to the data stored in the ROM 42b, the combination of stop symbols for each of the pay lines L1 to L5 is specified from the area number of the stop reference position specified from the stop symbol determination command. In Sm02, with reference to the data stored in the ROM 42b, a stop symbol determination is performed as to whether or not there is a symbol combination that generates a winning in the combination of the stop symbols specified in Sm01.

  The ROM 42b in the present embodiment stores a program for executing the stop symbol determination control process and data for stop symbol determination. FIG. 15 illustrates a position search table, a reel table, a winning search table, and a flag payout table as an example of stop symbol determination data stored in the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42.

  The position search table is data for specifying the combination of the area numbers of the pay lines L1 to L5 from the area number of the stop reference position. For example, if the combination of the area numbers of the reels 2L to 2R at the stop reference position (that is, the combination of the area numbers on the winning line L3) is “12 · 12 · 12”, the combination of the area numbers on the winning line L1 is “13.13.13”, the combination of area numbers on the winning line L2 is “14.14.14”, and the combination of area numbers on the winning line L4 is “14.13.12”. It can be specified that the combination of the area numbers on the winning line L5 is “12, 13, 14”.

  The reel table is data for specifying the type of symbols arranged for each area number of each reel. For example, the design of area number “14” on reel 2L is “watermelon”, the design of area number “13” on reel 2C is “cherry”, and the design of area number “12” on reel 2R is “bell”. As a result, for example, it can be specified that the combination of area numbers “14, 13, 12” is a combination of “watermelon cherry bell”.

  In Sm01, the second main control unit 42 refers to the position search table based on the stop reference position area number specified by the stop symbol determination command, specifies the combination of the area numbers of the pay lines L1 to L5, and sets the reel With reference to the table, a combination of stop symbols for each of the pay lines L1 to L5 is specified.

  The winning search table is data for specifying types of combinations that can be generated for each gaming state and combinations of symbols that generate the combinations. The second main control unit 42 determines whether or not the combination of symbols that can be generated identified from the winning search table in the game state of the current game exists in the combination of the stopped symbols of the winning lines L1 to L5 identified in Sm01. Is determined in Sm02. Note that the game state of the current game is specified from the stop symbol determination command.

  The flag payout table is data for specifying a payout (for example, the number of medals paid out, re-game granting, etc.) for each combination according to the gaming state. When the second main control unit 42 determines in Sm02 that there is a symbol combination of the combination, the second main control unit 42 specifies the payout of the combination. For example, when it is determined that a watermelon winning has occurred in the normal gaming state, 10 medals are specified as the number of medals to be paid out. In addition, when it is determined that a replay winning has occurred, a re-game grant is specified.

  Note that FIG. 15 only shows an example of the stop symbol determination data, and the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 is not limited to the one storing all the data shown in FIG. 15 may store a part of the data shown in FIG. 15, or may store data other than the data shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 14, in Sm03, according to the result of the stop symbol determination, the stop symbol determination result that can specify the result (whether or not there is a combination of stop symbols for winning, the type of winning combination, the dividend, etc.) A command is transmitted to the 1st main control part 41, and a stop symbol determination control process is complete | finished.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when it is determined in Sk02 that the stop symbol determination result command has been received, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred in Sk03. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the winning flag of the combination that has been determined to have won from the stop symbol determination result command is stored in the RAM 41c, and when it is not stored, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. The When it is determined in Sk03 that no abnormal winning has occurred, a process corresponding to winning is performed in Sk04, and the winning determination process is terminated. In the processing corresponding to the winning of Sk04, the presence / absence of winning, the type of winning combination, and the payout are stored in the RAM 41c, and a winning determination command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. In a payout process performed following the winning determination process, a corresponding process (medal payout or re-game granting) is performed based on the information stored in the RAM 41c. On the other hand, when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, an error code indicating an abnormal winning error is set in the register in Sk05, and the process proceeds to error processing.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the determination of abnormal winning is performed on the first main control unit 41 side has been described, but it may be performed on the second main control unit 42 side. In this case, information that can identify the internal winning situation is transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42, and after the process of Sm02 is performed on the second main control unit 42 side, Sk03 and A similar process may be performed to transmit a command capable of specifying the result of the stop symbol determination and the result of the abnormal winning determination to the first main control unit 41. Based on the command, the first main control unit 41 can specify whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred in addition to the presence or absence of a winning. If there is no abnormal winning, the first main control unit 41 proceeds to Sk04, and if there is an abnormal winning, proceeds to Sk05. You may make it transfer.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment described above, among the winning determination process of the game process shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 14, the process related to specifying the combination of stop symbols (Sm01) and the winning determination The processing (Sm02) and the like are executed on the second main control unit 42 side using the data for stop symbol determination control stored in the ROM 42b on the second main control unit 42 side. Therefore, in addition to the data for executing the reel rotation process, the data amount stored in the ROM 41b on the first main control unit 41 side among the data for executing the winning determination process can be reduced, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, after the stop symbol determination command is transmitted in Sk01, it is possible to wait until the stop symbol determination result command is received, so that the control burden on the first main control unit 41 can be further reduced.

  In the slot machine according to the second embodiment described above, the same technical effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained with respect to the configuration based on the technical idea common to the first embodiment described above. it can.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[Variation 1 of Processing Contents Performed by Second Main Control Unit]
In the first embodiment described above, an example of executing a part of the reel rotation process in the game process will be described. In the second embodiment, a part of the reel rotation process and the winning determination process in the game process are described. The example in which the second main control unit 42 executes a part of the above has been described. However, the processing executed by the second main control unit 42 is not limited to these. For example, the second main control unit 42 does not execute part of the reel rotation processing, but does part of the winning determination processing. It is possible to execute only. In this case, for example, information for specifying the area number of the stop reference position may be included in the stop symbol determination command transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 in Sk01 of FIG. . Thereby, in Sm01 of FIG. 14, it becomes possible to specify the combination of a stop symbol.

  Further, a part of the reel rotation process executed by the second main control unit 42 is not limited to the process shown in FIG. 9, and for example, the process related to the wait time (Sg01, 02) is executed on the first main control unit 41 side. Then, the processing of Sg03 to Sg09 after the processing related to the wait time may be executed by the second main control unit 42.

  In addition, when the stop control table creation process (Sg04) and the stop operation waiting process (Sg05) are executed by the second main control unit 42, when the stop preparation is completed (for example, reaching constant speed rotation) in Sg05. You may make it transmit the stop possible command which shows that it became stoppable to the 1st main control part 41. FIG. In this case, when the first main control unit 41 receives a stoppable command, the first main control unit 41 executes a process corresponding to Sg06 in FIG. 9, and when a stop operation is detected, the stop reference when the stop reel and the stop operation are performed A stop operation time command capable of specifying the region number of the position is transmitted to the second main control unit 42. When receiving the stop operation time command, the second main control unit 42 executes processing corresponding to Sg07 to Sg09. When it is determined in Sg09 that all the reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to Sg04 described above, a stop control table is created based on the stop state and the like, and the same processing is executed. The first main control unit 41 that has received the stop command executes again the processing corresponding to Sg06 in FIG. 9 until all the reels are stopped. When the stop operation is detected, the stop reel and the stop operation are performed. A stop operation time command capable of specifying the area number of the stop reference position is transmitted to the second main control unit 42. As a result, data for performing processing related to creation of a stop control table that requires a relatively large amount of data in the reel rotation processing can be stored in the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42, and the processing is 2 Since it can be executed by the main control unit 42, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  When the second main control unit 42 executes part of the reel rotation process and part of the winning determination process, in the second embodiment, a stop command is issued in Sg08 of the reel control process every time the reel is stopped. The stop reel and stop position are transmitted from the main control unit 42 to the first main control unit 41, the stop reel and stop position are stored in the RAM 41c, and a stop symbol determination command is sent from the first main control unit 41 in the winning determination process Sk01 every time a winning determination is started. 2 The example which transmits to the main control part 42 and performs a stop symbol determination control process was demonstrated. However, for example, a stop command is not transmitted from the second main control unit 42 to the first main control unit 41 in Sg08, and a stop symbol determination command is transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 in Sk01. In the reel control process, information that can specify the stop reel and the stop position is stored in the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42, and when it is determined in Sg09 that all reels have stopped. The process may be shifted to Sm01 in the stop symbol determination control process. That is, the second main control unit 42 starts a part of the reel rotation process in the game process, completes the reel rotation process, and subsequently executes a part of the winning determination process in the game process. It may be.

  Moreover, although the stop command transmitted in Sg08 of FIG. 9 in 1st Embodiment demonstrated the example containing the information which can specify the area number of a stop reference position as a stop position, not only this but as a stop position Alternatively, a stop command including information that can specify the type of symbol of the area number of the stop reference position may be transmitted. In this case, the reel table described in the second embodiment may be stored in the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 as reel control data. As a result, the first main control unit 41 can identify the type of symbol of the area number of the stop reference position based on the stop command from the second main control unit 42 even if the reel table is not stored in the ROM 41b. It becomes.

[Modification Example 2 of Processing Contents Performed by Second Main Control Unit]
The second main control unit 42 may execute other processes in the game process instead of or in addition to a part of the reel rotation process and the winning determination process. FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing an example in which the second main control unit 42 executes a part of the internal lottery process. FIG. 16A is a diagram for explaining commands transmitted and received between the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42. When the first main control unit 41 shifts to the internal lottery process in the game process, the first main control unit 41 detects the random number value latched when the start switch 7 is detected, the game state of the current game, and the current An internal lottery start command capable of specifying the set value is transmitted to the second main control unit 42.

  When receiving the internal lottery start command, the second main control unit 42 refers to the internal lottery data stored in the ROM 42b, performs an internal lottery, and selects a lottery result command that can specify the lottery result. Transmit to the main control unit 41.

  The ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 stores a program for executing an internal lottery on the second main control unit 42 side and data for internal lottery. FIG. 16B illustrates a winning data table, a lottery table, a lottery value data table, and a winning flag table as an example of internal lottery data stored in the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42. Yes.

  The winning data table is data for specifying all types of combinations. In the winning data table shown in FIG. 5, the combination of “black 7-black 7-black 7”, the combination of “net 7-net 7-net 7”, “white 7-white 7-white 7” , “Net 7-Net 7-Black 7” combination, “Replay-Replay-Replay” combination, “BAR-Replay-Replay” combination, “Black 7-Replay-Replay” combination, “Watermelon” The combination of “watermelon-watermelon”, the combination of “watermelon-watermelon-BAR”, the combination of “ANY-ANY-white cherry”, and the combination of “bell-bell-bell”. It is configured so that the types of combinations can be identified in order of the combinations 1 to 11.

  The lottery table is data for specifying a lottery target combination to be read out as a target for a lottery according to the gaming state among the combinations specified from the winning data table. In the lottery table shown in FIG. 5, for example, in the normal gaming state, a combination 1, a combination 2, a combination 3,..., 11 is specified in order, and a combination of a combination 5, a combination 6,. , The combination 11 is specified in order. As described in the first embodiment, the lottery target combination is not limited to one combination, and a plurality of combinations may be read simultaneously. In this case, the lottery table may be one in which, for example, a combination 1 and a combination 5 are simultaneously read (specified) as one drawing target combination.

  The lottery value data table is data for specifying the number of determination values of the lottery target combination specified from the lottery table and according to the gaming state and the set value. The winning flag table is data for setting a winning flag of the lottery target winning in the lottery among the winning flags stored in the RAM 41c of the first main control unit 41. For example, when winning the winning combination 1 read as the lottery target combination, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination 1 is set, and when winning combination 1 and winning combination 5 are simultaneously read and winning, the winning combination 1 And data for setting a winning flag corresponding to the combination 5 are identified.

  In FIG. 16B, only an example of the internal lottery data is shown, and the ROM 42b of the second main control unit 42 is limited to the one storing all the data shown in FIG. 16B. It may be a part of the data shown in FIG. 16 (b), and may store data other than the data shown in FIG. 16 (b). May be.

  In the internal lottery on the second main control unit 42 side, first, the lottery target combination is specified with reference to the winning data table and the lottery table, and then the number of determination values of the specified lottery target combination and the gaming state The number of determination values according to the set value is specified with reference to the lottery value data table, the specified number of determination values is sequentially added to the random number value specified from the internal lottery start command, and the result of the addition is Judge whether to overflow. When an overflow occurs in the determination, it is determined that the lottery target combination is won. If there is no overflow even when the number of determination values of all the lottery object combinations corresponding to the gaming state is added, it is specified that the game is out of play (non-winning). In addition, it is not limited to determining whether or not it is won or not based on whether or not it overflows. For example, what is determined based on whether or not the determination value is reached by subtracting the number of determination values from a random value. It may be determined by a technique.

  When the overflow or the determination for all the lottery targets according to the gaming state is completed, the winning flag table is referred to and data for setting the winning flag of the lottery target that was won in the lottery is disregarded. Identify the data to set. Then, the second main control unit 42 transmits a lottery result command capable of specifying the lottery result of the internal lottery to the first main control unit 41. Based on the lottery result command, the first main control unit 41 stores in the RAM 41c a winning flag corresponding to the winning lottery winning in the internal lottery, and shifts to reel rotation processing. In this way, the second main control unit 42 may execute the internal lottery process in the game process instead of or in addition to a part of the reel rotation process and the winning determination process.

[Modification 3 of the processing content executed by the second main control unit]
The second main control unit 42 replaces or in addition to a part of the reel rotation process, the winning determination process, and the internal lottery process, and a part of the BET process, the payout process, and the game end process in the game process. May be executed. In this case as well, the program and data for executing part of the BET process, the payout process, and the game end process on the second main control unit 42 side may be stored in the ROM 42b. . In addition, the second main control unit 42 is not limited to executing a part of a certain process among the game processes, and may execute all of the one process. After executing the above, it may be executed until the next one process is continued.

[About sending commands to the sub-control unit]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the command transmission control to the sub control unit 91 is performed by the first main control unit 41 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second main control unit 42 may perform command transmission control to the sub-control unit 91 depending on the type of command. For example, in the first embodiment, a reel rotation start command may be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 in Sg03, and a reel stop command may be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 in Sg08. . In the second embodiment, a winning determination command may be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 in Sm03. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit a corresponding command from the first main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91, so that the processing load can be reduced.

  In addition, the command transmitted from the second main control unit 42 to the sub control unit 91 is once transmitted via the first main control unit 41 by the first main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91. It may be configured to transmit to the sub-control unit 91 side using the same route (for example, a signal line).

[Configuration to be controlled by the second main control unit]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the reel motors 32L to 32R are driven and controlled by the second main control unit 42 via the motor drive circuit 44 has been described, but instead of or in addition to this, the second main control unit Other configurations may be controlled in accordance with the processing content. For example, in Sg05 of FIG. 9, when the stop preparation is completed, the left / middle / right stop effective LEDs 22L to 22R are turned on via the LED drive circuit 43d, and the corresponding LEDs are turned off each time the stop operation is performed. It may be. Thereby, the control burden by the 1st main control part 41 can be eased.

[Information that is likely to change over a specified period of time]
In the above-described embodiment, information that is likely to be changed over a predetermined period (game state, set value), and information necessary for processing on the second main control unit 42 side, An example in which a command is included in a command and transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 has been described. However, for information that is likely to be changed over a predetermined period, the information is changed when the information is changed (for example, when a setting value is changed by a setting change operation or when a gaming state is changed). A command capable of specifying the effect may be transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42. Specifically, in a predetermined area of the RAM 42c of the second main control unit 42, information that can specify the current set value and the gaming state may be stored. In this case, since there is no need to transmit every game for information that is likely to be changed over a predetermined period, the data capacity of the command transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42 is reduced. Can be reduced.

[Transition to game processing]
In the above-described embodiment, when the interrupt is permitted in Sa14 or Sa17 in FIG. 5, the second main control unit 42 allows the interrupt by transmitting a start completion command to the second main control unit 43. The first main control unit 41 has been described as an example of shifting to the game process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second main control unit 42 receives a predetermined command on the second main control unit 42 side when receiving the activation completion command. On the condition that the activation process has been completed, the final completion command is transmitted to the first main control unit 41, and interrupts are allowed. The first main control unit 41 transmits the activation completion command. After the final completion command is received, the game process may be started. As a result, the game process is started even though the predetermined activation process is not completed on the second main control unit 42 side, and as a result, the process to be executed on the second main control unit 42 side is executed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions that cannot be made.

[About Freeze]
The slot machine in the above-described embodiment may be provided with delay means for delaying the progress of the game for a predetermined period, that is, the freeze may be generated. In this case, a freeze lottery process for lottering whether to generate a freeze or a freeze control process for controlling the freeze according to the result of the freeze lottery is performed by the game process. Therefore, data for executing the freeze lottery process and the freeze control process may be stored in the ROM 42b, and the second main control unit 42 may execute the freeze lottery process and the freeze control process. In addition, during freezing, the reels 2L to 2R are driven and controlled in a special mode different from the normal time (rotation direction is different, rotation speed is different, intentionally rotating or stopping in a mode with specific symbols aligned, etc.). You may do it. In this case, the data for executing the reel control process during freezing that controls the reels 2L to 2R in a special manner during the freeze is stored in the ROM 42b, and the reel control process during the freeze is executed by the second main control unit 42. You may do it. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity and control burden of the ROM 41b of the first main control unit 41 from being increased as compared with the case where the first main control unit 41 executes processing related to freeze.

  By controlling the driving of the reels 2L to 2R in a special manner during the freeze, for example, an expectation for controlling the reels 2L to 2R to an advantageous state advantageous to the player may be given. May be notified, and the degree of advantage or the amount of advantage for the player (the advantage of the controlled advantageous state, the period controlled by the advantageous state, etc.) may be notified. .

[Error judgment]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the first main control unit 41 executes the error determination process in a batch has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined error is determined according to the processing content of the second main control unit 42. The determination process may be executed by the second main control unit 42. For example, a reel rotation error is executed by the second main control unit 42. When it is determined that the reel rotation error is detected, a command capable of specifying the fact is transmitted to the first main control unit 41, and the game progresses. It may be disabled.

[Control of various indicators and LEDs]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an example in which various displays and LEDs are controlled by the first main control unit 41 via the LED drive circuit 43 d has been described. However, according to the processing contents of the second main control unit 42, various displays and some of the LEDs are connected so as to be controllable by the second main control unit 42 and controlled by the second main control unit 42. You may make it do.

[Detection signals from switches]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an example in which detection signals from switches are input to the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit via the switch detection circuit 45a. Explained. However, the detection signals from the switches are temporarily input only to the first main control unit 41, and only the detection signals necessary for the processing of the second main control unit 42 are transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit. 42 may be input. Further, only the detection signals from the switches necessary for the processing of the second main control unit 42 among the switches may be input to the second main control unit 42.

[Signals from various circuits]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, signals from the reset circuit 45b, the pulse oscillator 45c, the timer circuit 45d, and the power interruption detection circuit 45e are sent to the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit. The example input to each of the above has been described. However, signals from various circuits are temporarily input only to the first main control unit 41, and only signals necessary for processing of the second main control unit 42 are transmitted from the first main control unit 41 to the second main control unit 42. You may make it input.

[About game control board]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the first main control unit 41 and the second main control unit 42 are mounted on one game control board has been described. However, if the slot machine has two or more control units that control the progress of the game, for example, the first game control board on which the first main control unit is mounted is different from the first game control board. A slot machine including a second game control board on which the second main control unit is mounted. In this case, the first game control board and the second game control board need only be connected so that signals (commands) can be transmitted and received bidirectionally. Further, in this case, the first game control board, the second game control board, and the connection means for connecting the two boards are housed in one board case and opened without leaving any trace. It is also possible to provide a sealing means for sealing the substrate case so as to prevent the failure.

[Main control unit that executes part of the game process]
In the embodiment described above, a part of the processing (internal lottery processing, reel rotation processing, winning determination processing, etc.) corresponding to each control state included in the game processing executed by the first main control unit 41 is performed on the second main Although the example which the control part 42 performs in an integrated manner was demonstrated, not only this but the control part according to the kind of control state was provided, and a part of process corresponding to a control state is according to the said control state. Alternatively, the control unit may execute it. For example, a part of the internal lottery process is executed by the second main control part, a part of the reel rotation process is executed by the third main control part, and a part of the winning determination process is executed by the fourth main control part. You may make it perform. Thereby, it is possible to facilitate the design of a part of the game process.

[Others]
In the above-described embodiment, a variable display device having three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is provided. When all the reels are stopped, one game is finished, and according to a combination of display results derived to the three reels. The slot machine where a prize is generated was explained. That is, a variable display device capable of deriving a display result in each of a plurality of variable display areas capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable, and using one game value for one game By setting a predetermined number of bets, the game can be started, and when the display result is derived in all of the plurality of variable display areas, one game is completed, and the plurality of results are obtained as a result of one game. A slot machine in which a winning can be generated according to the combination of the display results derived in each of the variable display areas has been described. However, when a display result is derived to a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, one game is completed, and a prize is awarded according to the display result derived to the variable display device. As long as the slot machine can be generated, the slot machine is not limited to a variable display device having three reels, and may be a slot machine having a variable display device having a plurality of reels other than three.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the slot machine to which medals are applied as a game medium used for setting a bet number or giving a game value associated with winning is described. However, the slot machine that embodies the present invention may be a slot machine to which a game ball used in a pachinko gaming machine is applied as a game medium. When using a game ball as a game medium, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when 3 is set as the number of bets in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

  In the above embodiment, the slot machine for setting bets using medals and credits is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and slots for setting bets using game balls are used. It may be a machine or a fully credit type slot machine that uses only credits to set the bet amount.

  As the present embodiment, the slot machine that pays out game media to the player's hand according to the occurrence of a win has been described. However, the game medium is enclosed, and the game media is paid out to the player's hand when a win occurs. An enclosing slot machine that adds game points (scores) without any change may be adopted.

  In addition, it should be thought that the Example disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 41 main control unit, 91 sub control unit.

Claims (1)

Each is varied display a plurality of types of identification information change can be displayed variable display unit can be identified, executable repeating a unit game imparting value corresponding to the display result by displaying the results are derived slot A machine,
After the processing corresponding to one control state is completed, the game is advanced by shifting to the next control state, and a plurality of control states are shifted in stages as the game progresses so that the unit game can be executed. Comprising first control means,
The first control means includes
First storage means for storing predetermined data of game data used for progressing the game;
Unit game control means for controlling the unit game to be executable using the data stored in the first storage means;
Control information output means for outputting control information according to the control state,
The slot machine is
Second storage means provided separately from the first storage means;
Second control means capable of executing processing corresponding to the control state according to the control information output from the control information output means, using data stored in the second storage means ;
Detection signal output means for outputting a detection signal according to the detection result of the detection means ,
The first control unit and the second control unit are capable of bidirectional communication.
The second control means performs control related to execution of change display of the variable display unit and stop of change display,
The slot machine , wherein the detection signal is input to both the first control means and the second control means .

Images