JP6414048B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels that variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and that plays a game in which the presence or absence of a prize is determined by a combination of symbols displayed when the reels are stopped.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine, when a start lever is operated, a lottery with respect to a winning combination is executed, a reel with a symbol is rotated, and then a reel stop button is operated to stop the rotated reel. There is known a slot machine that executes a game for determining the presence or absence of a winning based on a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state.

  In this type of slot machine, image data to be displayed on the image display device is stored in advance in a storage area so that various effects relating to the game can be performed by the image display device. Is displayed, the image data of the image to be displayed is read from the storage area and displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-011076 A

  By the way, in this type of slot machine including the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, image data to be displayed on the image display device is read from the storage area when the power is turned on. While the image is displayed, the effect image cannot be displayed on the image display device. Therefore, when winning a predetermined winning combination that can be won by showing the operation order of the reel stop button at the time of power recovery etc., the effect image showing the operation order of the reel stop button cannot be displayed. There was a problem that the game could not proceed smoothly.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that ensures smooth progress of the game even after the power is turned on.

  The lottery regarding the winning combination is executed, the reel with the symbol is rotated, and the reel which has been rotated based on the stop operation is stopped, so that the combination of symbols regarding the winning combination based on the result of the lottery is stopped and displayed. In a gaming machine that executes a possible game, a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit that controls an effect according to the progress of the game based on a control command from the main control unit. The sub-control unit executes a start-up process based on power-on, and stores in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit after the start-up process among the image data for enabling the display of the effect on the image display device. Operation information image data for displaying the operation order of the stop operation for stopping and displaying a combination of symbols relating to a predetermined winning combination from the resident image data that makes it easy to read When a part of the resident image data including the operation information image data is transferred to the storage area, it is possible to display an effect according to the progress of the game on the image display device. The remaining portion of the resident image data is transferred to the storage area in a displayable state.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the sub-control means transfers the image data to the storage area so that the effect can be displayed on the image display device in the start-up process executed upon power-on. When displaying an image on the image display device, the image data of the image to be displayed is read from the storage area and displayed, so that the effect image can be displayed on the image display device while the image data is being read. However, there is a risk that it will take some time to start the game when the power is restored in the event of a power failure in the hall.

  In this regard, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, among the image data for enabling the display of the effect on the image display device, the resident image data that is easily read out by being stored in a predetermined storage area during execution of the activation process Is transferred to the storage area, and when a part of the resident image data is transferred, the effect can be displayed on the image display device. The time during which the effect cannot be displayed can be shortened.

  Further, as “a part of the resident image data that can be easily read” in the present invention, the player is assisted in the order of operations for stopping the reels so that a predetermined symbol is displayed based on the result of the lottery regarding the winning combination. Image data of main characters to be displayed on the image display device, image data for frequent use, such as image data for background, and a plurality of image data having a large data capacity or power source The minimum image data necessary for displaying an image on the image display device 11 can be obtained immediately after the image is input, and these image data are transferred to a memory such as a VRAM after activation.

  Furthermore, as “a part of the resident image data that is easy to read” in the present invention, for example, when product inspection is performed at the time of factory shipment, image data for displaying the inspection result, stop switch for stopping the reel Minimum required for product inspection, such as image data for displaying the order of operation (for example, a number such as (1-2-3) indicating forward pressing, (3-2-1) indicating reverse pressing) The image data is transferred to a memory such as a VRAM after activation.

  Then, when a part of the resident image data is transferred, it is possible to display an effect on the image display device, and an effect display (for example, display of a main character) is performed based on a part of the resident image data. Start. Then, the remaining resident image data is transferred to a memory such as a VRAM in the background. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the time for reading out the image data necessary for starting the game, and to shorten the time from when the power is restored until the game can be started. In addition, in the product inspection at the time of factory shipment, it is possible to reduce the inspection lead time for waiting for the start of the gaming machine when the power is turned on.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that ensures smooth progress of the game even after the power is turned on. In addition, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of promptly inspecting a product even after power is turned on.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of a slot machine. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image control board. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a program start process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a game progress main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a game completion | finish check process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a power-on reset process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a main loop process. It is a timing chart for explaining runaway monitoring of an image control board. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an asynchronous process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a drawing preparation process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the remaining resident image data transfer process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, “establishment” when described as “game combination is established”, “game combination is established”, etc. means a game combination corresponding to a combination determination result selected by the combination determination means described later. A combination of symbols (corresponding symbols) which constitutes a gaming role with a payout of game medals (whether it is a winning role such as a small role) or a gaming role without payout (a replaying role or two types of BB roles described later) ) Is used as a concept indicating that it is stopped and displayed on an effective line described later. However, regarding the timing of establishment, for example, when the reel stop operation is performed at a timing at which the corresponding symbol of the game player can be stopped and displayed on the active line, or the corresponding symbol of the game player stops on the active line It is possible to set an appropriate timing such as a point in time when the slot machine recognizes that the corresponding symbol of the game player is stopped and displayed on the active line, or a point when the identified result is stored in the storage area. .

  Further, in the following description, a player or the like will insert a game medal into a medal slot 21 described later, and a predetermined number of game medals necessary for playing a game out of credited (stored) game medals. The pressing operation of the 1-BET switch 22 or the MAX-BET switch 23 for inserting is collectively referred to as a betting operation. In addition, this betting operation, a player's operation of pressing the settlement switch 24 (to be described later), a tilting operation of the start lever 25, a pressing operation of the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c, and a pressing operation of the reject switch 27 are generally game operations. Called.

[Appearance of slot machine]
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a front door 2 attached to the front surface of the main body casing so as to be openable and closable. An upper panel assembly 10, an intermediate panel assembly 20, a lower panel assembly 30, and a tray assembly 40 are attached to the front surface of the front door 2 in order from the top.

  In the center portion of the upper panel assembly 10, a display screen 11a of the image display device 11 disposed on the back side thereof is disposed so as to face the front. An effect image corresponding to the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen 11a.

  In the periphery of the image display device 11, a first effect lamp 12, second effect lamps 13a and 13b, and third effect lamps 14a and 14b are arranged. A pair of upper speakers 15a and 15b are disposed on the lower left and right of the display screen 11a.

  A display window W is provided at the center of the middle panel assembly 20 so that the surfaces of the three reels 3a, 3b, 3c arranged side by side in the main body casing face each other. A medal slot 21 into which a game medal for a game is inserted is provided at the lower right position of the display window W, and a 1-BET switch 22 is provided at the lower left position of the display window W. The 1-BET switch 22 is a switch for inserting one game medal to be used for a game within a credited range.

  Further, on the right side of the 1-BET switch 22, a MAX-BET switch 23 for inserting a maximum allowable number of game medals to be used for a game is provided. The maximum allowable number of game medals to be used for a game is, for example, three, but may be determined as appropriate, such as one or two. This maximum allowable throw-in number is necessary to execute the game. The maximum allowable number of throws is also the specified bet number. A settlement switch 24 is disposed on the left side of the 1-BET switch 22. The settlement switch 24 is a switch for paying out a credited game medal or a bet game medal.

  Further, a start lever 25 is provided on the right side of the settlement switch 24. The start lever 25 is operated when starting a later-described combination lottery process (a process for executing a lottery regarding a winning combination). Further, three stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c for individually stopping the rotation of the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c are provided at the right position of the start lever 25. At a position below the medal slot 21, a reject switch 27 is provided for returning game medals that have been inserted through the medal slot 21 and stayed there.

  The inside of the medal slot 21 is not shown in the figure, but when the inserted game medal is effectively received, the receiving passage through which the game medal passes and when the inserted game medal is not received It branches off to the return passage where game medals pass. Among these, the receiving passage leads to a hopper 50 (described later) provided in the main body housing, and the return passage leads to a game medal payout opening 41 provided in the tray assembly 40. A blocker 48 is provided at a branch portion between the receiving passage and the return passage.

  The blocker 48 has an ON state and an OFF state. The ON state of the blocker 48 is a state in which a game medal inserted into the medal slot 21 is guided to the receiving passage. Further, the OFF state of the blocker 48 is a state in which the game medals inserted into the medal slot 21 are guided to the return path. The blocker 48 is configured to be able to select an ON state and an OFF state during a period during which game medals are effectively received and during other periods. The blocker 48 is switched between the ON state and the OFF state, and distributes the game medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 into the receiving passage and the return passage.

  Although not shown, a selector is provided on the downstream side of the medal insertion slot 21, and a passage in the selector has a passage sensor 28a for detecting a game medal, a distance shorter than the diameter of the medal. Further, an upstream insertion medal sensor 28b and a downstream insertion sensor 28c are provided. The passage sensor 28 a is disposed on the upstream side of the blocker 48, and the input sensors 28 b and 28 c are disposed on the downstream side of the blocker 48. When a game medal is inserted from the medal slot 21 when the blocker 48 is ON, it is first detected by the passage sensor 28a, then detected by the upstream slot sensor 28b, and finally detected by the downstream slot sensor 28c. It is configured to be.

  The display window W is configured such that when all three reels 3a, 3b, and 3c are stopped, three symbols for each reel, a total of nine symbols, are displayed so as to be visible to the player. . The display window W is provided with one effective line 29 that connects the left middle, middle middle, and right middle symbol display areas in the display window W in a horizontal line.

  In the slot machine 1, various display lamps configured by LED lamps or the like are arranged. In the present embodiment, as the display lamps, a MAX-BET display lamp 46a, a BET number display lamp 46b, a throw-in display lamp 46c, a game start display lamp 46d, a re-game display lamp 46e, a status display lamp 46f, and a number display lamp 46g. The storage number display lamp 46h and the acquired number display lamp 46j are provided. These display lamps are configured to be controlled by a main control board 60 described later.

  The MAX-BET display lamp 46a is a lamp that is lit when a game medal can be betted, and is disposed inside the MAX-BET switch 23. When the MAX-BET switch 23 is lit, the MAX-BET switch 23 may be partially or entirely. It is supposed to shine. Other display lamps are arranged on the side or lower portion of the display window W in the middle panel assembly 20.

  The BET number display lamp 46b is a lamp for displaying the number of game medals bet. The 1-BET display lamp 46bA is turned on when the number of bet game medals is one, and is turned on when there are two bets. The 2-BET display lamp 46bB is turned on and the MAX-BET display lamp 46bC is turned on when there are three pieces. The insertable display lamp 46c is a lamp that is turned on in a situation where a game medal can be inserted. The game start display lamp 46d is a lamp that is turned on in a situation where the game can be started by operating the start lever 25. The re-game display lamp 46e is a lamp that is turned on when a re-game role described later is established in an arbitrary game and a game medal is automatically inserted (betted) by an automatic bet process in the next game. The automatic betting process is a process of betting the game medal bet in the previous game even when no game medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or when the 1-BET switch 22 or the MAX-BET switch 23 is not pressed.

  The state display lamp 46f is a lamp that is turned on when a special combination such as a two-type BB combination described later is won in the combination lottery process, and the number display lamp 46g indicates the number of establishment of the special combination, the number of winnings, and the like. This is a lamp for segment display. The stored number display lamp 46h is a lamp that displays the number of electronically stored (credited) game medals in 7 segments, and the acquired number display lamp 46j is the number of game medals acquired when a small role is established. Is a 7-segment display lamp. The status display lamp 46f and the number of times display lamp 46g may not be provided.

  The stored number display lamp 46h is a segment display of game medals electronically stored in the slot machine 1, and in the present embodiment, displays a number between “00” and “50”. For example, when one game medal is inserted in a state where no game medal is inserted, the one game medal is bet for the game. The bet game medals are displayed by the bet number display device 47a. When two more cards are added, three game medals are bet for that game. Therefore, when up to three game medals are inserted, the game medals are betted and not stored. If game medals continue to be inserted, game medals are stored in the slot machine 1 and the stored number is displayed by the stored number display lamp 46h. The stored number of game medals is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 63.

  As described above, in this embodiment, up to 50 game medals can be stored. Therefore, when the stored number is 50, which is the maximum stored number, and “50” is displayed on the stored number display lamp 46h, no more game medals are stored. When a game medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 in a state where the stored number is the maximum stored number, the game medal is returned from the game medal payout opening 41.

  Further, for example, when a winning combination except for replay wins and a game medal corresponding to the winning combination is paid out, the gaming medal is stored electronically in the slot machine 1 in preference to being paid out from the payout slot. The For example, when the winning combination is 8 and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination is “10”, and the number of reserves before winning the winning combination is “10”, the number of storage is “10” due to winning of the winning combination. Is changed from “10” to “18”, and the number displayed by the stored number display lamp 46h is also updated from “10” to “18”.

  Furthermore, when the winning number of the winning combination exceeds “50”, the amount exceeding “50” is paid out from the game medal payout opening 41. For example, if the number of stored coins is “47” before winning a winning combination, and 8 game medals are paid out by winning the winning combination, 3 are stored electronically and the storing number becomes “50”, and “50”. More than 5 cards are paid out from the game medal payout exit 41.

  Further, at the time of replay winning, game medals are not paid out or stored, and the number of game medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted for re-game. For example, when the game is played with one bet (one piece) and a replay is won, one game medal is automatically inserted. Similarly, when the game is played with 3 bets (3 cards) and a replay is won, 3 game medals are automatically inserted. Since the insertion of the game medal based on the replay winning is the insertion of the game medal for performing the re-game, the game medal cannot be settled even if the settlement operation is performed thereafter. Further, even after the replay is won, the game medals based on the automatic bet process cannot be settled. Note that even after the replay is won, it is possible to perform the settlement operation so that the game medals can be settled based on the automatic betting process.

  A transparent lower panel cover 31 is attached to the central portion of the lower panel assembly 30, and decorative lamps 32 a and 32 b are arranged on the left and right ends thereof. A translucent lower panel base provided with a predetermined pattern and a fluorescent lamp for lower panel illumination (both not shown) are attached to the back surface side of the lower panel cover 31. By turning on the fluorescent lamp, the design of the lower panel base is illuminated from the rear side.

  The tray assembly 40 is provided with a game medal payout opening 41 for paying out game medals and a game medal storage tray 42 for storing game medals so as to face the game medal payout opening 41. . An ashtray 43 is provided on the left side of the game medal storage tray 42. In addition, on the left and right sides of the game medal payout opening 41, speaker ports 45a and 45b made up of a large number of small holes are formed facing the front surfaces of the pair of lower speakers 44a and 44b arranged on the back side of the tray assembly 40. ing.

  Further, a hopper 50 for paying out game medals when a predetermined prize mode is configured is provided in the main body casing. The hopper 50 is provided with a medal detection unit 51 for detecting a game medal. The medal detection unit 51 includes a payout sensor that detects a medal paid out from the hopper 50. Using this payout sensor, an abnormality in payout of game medals from the hopper 50 is detected.

  Each reel 3a, 3b, 3c is configured to rotate by driving of stepping motors 35a, 35b, 35c, respectively. Moreover, each reel 3a, 3b, 3c is comprised by the member which has translucency, and the reel tape which has translucency which displayed the multiple types of symbol is affixed on the outer peripheral surface. . Further, back lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c are disposed on the inner surface side of each reel 3a, 3b, and 3c, and each of the lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c that face the display window W is turned on by lighting the back lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c. One of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c is illuminated so as to illuminate the entire area of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c from the inner surface side or to make a predetermined symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on each reel 3a, 3b, 3c stand out. It is configured to illuminate only the partial area. As the predetermined symbol combination, for example, there are a symbol on the effective line 29 as a winning position, a corresponding symbol of game players arranged in a different position from the effective line 29, and the like.

[basic operation]
In order to play a game in the slot machine 1, first, a game medal is actually inserted into the medal insertion slot 21, or the 1-BET switch 22 or the MAX-BET switch 23 is operated, so that the prescribed number of cards is within the credit range. The betting line 29 is activated by betting the game medals. In the present embodiment, the prescribed number of game medals required to validate the winning line 29 is set to 3 or 2 depending on the game state described later. However, the prescribed number is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. Also, a plurality of pay lines may be provided, and the pay lines to be activated may be changed according to the number of game medals bet.

  When the player operates the start lever 25 in a state where the number of bets has reached the specified number, a winning lottery process is performed. Thereafter, the reels 3a, 3b, 3c start rotating, and a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c are moved and displayed in the display window W from top to bottom. When the rotation of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c reaches a predetermined speed, the respective stop switches 26a, 26b, 26c are activated, and when the player operates the respective stop switches 26a, 26b, 26c, the corresponding reels 3a, The rotations of 3b and 3c are stopped.

  When the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the active line 29 is in a predetermined winning mode, the number of game medals corresponding to each winning mode is paid out by the hopper 50.

[Connection between control board and each device]
As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 performs main control relating to the game, such as receiving and paying out medals or controlling reels by a control circuit disposed on the main control board 60. On the other hand, the control circuit disposed on the sub-control board 70 performs illumination control using lamps such as the back lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c. Information transmission between the control boards 60 and 70 can be performed only in one direction from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 70.

  In the following embodiment, the sub-control board 70 is connected to an image control board 75 that controls display of images by the image display device 11 and output of sound to speakers such as the upper speakers 15a and 15b. Information can be transmitted bidirectionally between the sub-control board 70 and the image control board 75. In the following embodiments, the sub control board 70 may be referred to as a sub main board 70, and the image control board 75 may be referred to as a sub sub board 75.

  The main control board 60 is provided with a main CPU 61 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 62 that stores a control program and the like, and a RAM 63 that is a temporary storage area. According to the control program stored in the ROM 62. By operating each drive circuit and the like, main control relating to games in the slot machine 1 is performed.

  Connected to the main CPU 61 are a clock pulse generator 64 for generating drive pulses and a frequency divider 65 for dividing the drive pulses generated by the clock pulse generator 64. Further, a random number generator 66 for generating a random number used for the role lottery process and a sampling circuit 67 for sampling the random number generated by the random number generator 66 and performing a lottery are connected. Further, the main CPU 61 transmits signals to the motor drive circuit 36, the display lamp control circuit 47, the hopper drive circuit 52, and the sub main board 7070 through the interface circuit 68, and the reel position detection circuits 37a and 37b. , 37c and various signals from the payout completion signal circuit 53.

  Here, the motor drive circuit 36 is a circuit for performing rotation / stop control of the stepping motors 35a, 35b, 35c that rotationally drive the reels 3a, 3b, 3c, and the display lamp control circuit 47 It is a circuit for controlling the display lamp. The various display lamps include a MAX-BET display lamp 46a, a BET number display lamp 46b, a throw-in display lamp 46c, a game start display lamp 46d, a re-game display lamp 46e, a status display lamp 46f, and a count display lamp. 46g, a stored number display lamp 46h, and an acquired number display lamp 46j.

  The reel position detection circuits 37a, 37b, and 37c determine the rotational positions of the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c based on detection signals from sensors (not shown) installed on the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively. It is a circuit to detect. The detection circuit 37a corresponds to the reel 3a, the detection circuit 37b corresponds to the reel 3b, and the detection circuit 37c corresponds to the reel 3c. The hopper drive circuit 52 is a circuit that drives the hopper 50 and pays out a game medal when a prize mode such as a small role is established. Further, the payout completion signal circuit 53 outputs a payout completion signal to the main control board 60 when the medal detection unit 31 detects that a predetermined number (including one) of game medals has been paid out from the hopper 50. It is a circuit to transmit.

  The ROM 62 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 61, a role lottery table for performing a role lottery process, data for transmitting a command indicating information such as a game state to the sub main board 70, and the like.

  In the RAM 63, as a result of the role lottery process determined by the execution of the control program, an operation state flag indicating that the current game is a re-game or a CB game to be described later, a condition corresponding to a type 2 BB role to be described later The condition device information indicating the on / off state information of the condition device flag corresponding to each game player such as the device flag, and the information betted when the symbol for operating the re-game is stopped and displayed on the active line 29 are stored. A storage area for storing information such as automatic insertion number data is provided.

  Further, power from the power supply device 80 is supplied to the slot machine 1 via the main control board 60. A power switch 81, a reset switch 82, and a setting key type switch (also referred to as a setting key switch) 83 are connected to the power supply device 80, and signals from these switches are sent to the main CPU 61 via the interface circuit 68. It is configured to be sent. Further, the main CPU 61 is configured to receive a signal from the setting change switch 84 via the interface circuit 68.

  The power switch 81 is a switch that accepts power-on and power-off operations from the power supply device 80 to the slot machine 1. The reset switch 82 is mounted on the main control board 60 when an error occurs in the slot machine 1. This is a switch for resetting each circuit and the like. Further, the setting key type switch 83 is operated in a power-off state in which the power from the power supply device 80 is not supplied when changing the setting of the winning decision probability that is the winning probability of the game player. The setting change switch 84 is a switch for changing the setting such as the winning decision probability in six stages, for example. The setting change switch 84 is operated after the setting key type switch 83 is turned ON and power is supplied from the power supply device 80 to the slot machine 1. The setting switch 84 can also be used as the reset switch 82.

  Note that the connection mode between the power switch 81, the reset switch 82, the setting key type switch 83, and the setting change switch 84 and the main control board 60 is not limited to the above-described mode. For example, all or a part of the power switch 81, the reset switch 82, and the setting key type switch 83 are connected to the main control board 60 without using the power supply device 80, or the setting change switch 84 is connected to the power supply. It is also possible to connect to the main control board 60 via the device 80.

  Further, the main CPU 61 is connected to or mounted on the switch board 90, the reel stop signal circuit 91, the start lever 25, the inserted medal sensors 28a and 28b, the 1-BET switch 22, Each information from the MAX-BET switch 23 and the settlement switch 24 is input via the interface circuit 68. Further, a blocker 48 is connected to the main CPU 61 via an interface circuit 68, and the blocker 48 can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state.

  Although not shown, the main CPU 61 can determine a current gaming state and output a predetermined signal (hereinafter referred to as “outer end signal” as appropriate) to a data counter, a hall computer, or the like. ing. With this outer end signal, the number of times of entering the later-described two-type BB gaming state, the number of times of entering the AT gaming state, and the like can be managed or presented to the player.

  On the other hand, the sub-main board 70 is provided with a sub-CPU 71 that performs various arithmetic processes related to effects, a ROM 72 that stores a control program and the like, and a RAM 73 that is a temporary storage area, and the control stored in the ROM 72. Each drive circuit and the like operate according to the program, so that control related to the effects in the slot machine 1 is performed.

  The sub CPU 71 is configured to receive various signals from the main control board 60 via the interface circuit 74 and to send signals to the sub sub board 75. The sub-sub board 75 is a board that controls the image display device 11 to display an effect image, and is configured to transmit a sound output signal to the sound board 17. The sound board 17 is a board that controls the type and volume of sound output from speakers such as the upper speakers 15a and 15b.

  The sub CPU 71 is configured to transmit a signal to the lamp control circuit 18 via the interface circuit 74. The lamp control circuit 18 is a circuit that controls lighting of the lamps such as the back lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c.

[Description of functional block]
As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes an operation signal output unit 95, a main control unit 100, and a sub control unit 200 as described from a functional viewpoint. . The operation signal output means 95 outputs information corresponding to each operation performed by the player such as a bet operation, a combination determination start operation, a reel rotation stop operation, and a settlement operation. Among these, the bet operation is an operation for betting a game medal, and includes, for example, an operation of inserting a game medal into the medal insertion slot 21, and a pressing operation of the 1-BET switch 22 or the MAX-BET switch 23. Further, the combination lottery start operation is an operation for starting the combination lottery process. For example, there is an operation of tilting the start lever 25. Furthermore, the reel rotation stop operation is an operation for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3a, 3b, 3c for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols, and includes, for example, a pressing operation of the stop switches 26a, 26b, 26c. The settlement operation is an operation for paying out electronically stored (credited) game medals. For example, there is a pressing operation of the settlement switch 24. The main control means 100 controls the game using the reels 3a, 3b, 3c, and the sub-control means 200 performs predetermined effect control according to the game situation. The main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200 will be described in more detail later.

  In the present embodiment, when a game medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 21, third information, which is information indicating that, is generated based on detection by the passage sensor 28a, and this third information is transmitted via the input port. Are input to the main control board 60. In addition, when the game medal is inserted, the blocker 48 is turned on, and when the inserted game medal is led to the receiving passage leading to the hopper 50, the first and second information indicating that is provided. The second information is generated based on the detection of the inserted medal sensors 28b and 28c, and the first and second information are input to the main control board 60 via the input port.

  Further, 1-BET information, which is information indicating an operation state indicating whether the 1-BET switch 22 is being operated or not, is generated based on detection of the 1-BET switch 22, and the 1-BET information is displayed. Is input to the main control board 60 via the input port. Similarly, MAX-BET information that is information indicating whether the MAX-BET switch 23 is being operated or not is generated based on the detection of the MAX-BET switch 22, and this MAX-BET is generated. Information is input to the main control board 60 via the input port.

  Further, start information, which is information indicating an operation state indicating whether the start lever 25 is being operated or not being operated, is generated based on detection of a switch circuit (not shown) of the start lever 25. The data is input to the main control board 60 via the input port. Similarly, reel stop information, which is information indicating the operation state of each of the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c being operated or not operated, is displayed in the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c and the reel stop information circuit 91. The reel stop information is generated based on the detection and is input to the main control board 60 through the input port.

  Further, settlement information, which is information indicating an operation state indicating whether the settlement switch 24 is being operated or not operated, is generated based on detection of the settlement switch 24, and this settlement information is transmitted to the main control via the input port. The signal is input to the substrate 60. Note that the reject switch 27 in this embodiment is for mechanically releasing a medal that has been inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 and stayed in the selector, and to return the remaining medal. Here, the medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 21 and staying there are (including medals other than the regular game medals. Information indicating the operation state of whether the reject switch 27 is being operated or not being operated. However, this information can also be generated.In the following description, the above-described third information, first and second information, 1-BET information, MAX-BET information, start Information, reel stop information, and checkout information may be collectively referred to as “game operation information” as appropriate.

  The main control unit 100 includes a combination determining unit 101, a reel control unit 102, a setting changing unit 103, a game state setting unit 104, a bet management unit 105, a game operation processing timing deriving unit 106, and a stop display symbol determining unit 107. Yes. The main control means 100 includes a blocker control means 108, a display lamp control means 110, a main information storage means 118, and an information transmission means 119. Each means in the main control means 100 includes a main CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the main control board 60 shown in FIG. 2, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 62 or the like. It is a functional representation of what is composed of.

  The combination determination means 101 is triggered by the tilting operation of the start lever 25. More specifically, the combination determination probability set in advance based on the combination determination start time derived by the game operation processing timing derivation means 106. Based on the above, it is configured to perform a combination lottery process for selecting at least one combination determination result from a plurality of combination determination results. This combination lottery process is performed by random lottery using the random number generator 66 and the sampling circuit 67 shown in FIG.

  Specifically, after one random number (number) is acquired (latched and read) by the sampling circuit 67 from the random number sequence generated by the random number generator 66, the acquired random number is stored in a role lottery table (not shown). It is configured to determine which numerical value range among a plurality of set numerical value ranges and select a winning lottery result corresponding to the numerical value range to which the acquired random number belongs. An image diagram of the combination lottery table (a diagram showing the winning combination and the winning probability) is shown in FIG. 7 described later.

  The reel control means 102 starts rotation of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c all at once after the winning lottery result is selected by the winning lottery processing in the winning determining means 101, and the stop switches 26a, 26b, 26c are sequentially pressed. When each of these signals is input, the corresponding reels 3a, 3b, 3c are sequentially stopped. The rotation stop control of each reel 3a, 3b, 3c is within the range in which each reel 3a, 3b, 3c moves up to 4 symbols from the timing when the stop switches 26a, 26b, 26c are operated (stop operation is accepted). Within 190 ms). That is, when a predetermined game combination is determined as a result of the combination lottery process by the combination determination means 101, the corresponding symbol of the determined game combination is stopped and displayed on the active line 29 as much as possible. In the case of losing, stop control is performed so that the corresponding symbol of any set game player is not stopped and displayed on the active line 29. In the case where a second-type special accessory (CB) described later is operating, at least one reel (in this embodiment, the right reel 3c) is within a range in which one symbol moves (after the stop operation is received). The rotation stop control is performed within 75 ms.

  The setting change means 103 is configured to change the setting for changing the setting of the role determination probability or the like in six steps (setting value 1 to setting value 6) based on the setting change command operation received by the setting change switch 84, for example. ing. Further, when the setting is changed, the setting value information after the setting change is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200 via the information transmission unit 119.

  The gaming state setting means 104 is configured to set one of a plurality of gaming states to be described later when a predetermined gaming state transition condition is established. Further, when the setting change is performed by the setting change unit 103, the gaming state set after the setting change is determined so that the gaming state after the setting change becomes the same gaming state as the gaming state before the setting change. It is configured.

  The bet management means 105 is configured to determine whether or not the number of bets set by the betting operation by the player has reached a specified number. The betting operation here includes a game medal insertion operation to the medal insertion slot 21 and a pressing operation of the 1-BET switch 22 or the MAX-BET switch 23. Further, the game medal insertion operation to the medal insertion slot 21 particularly means an insertion operation detected by the insertion medal sensor 28a. Further, when a re-game is established, automatic bet processing is performed in the next game period. The automatic betting process is a process of setting a state where the same number of game medals as bet in the previous game are bet without reducing the number of game medals held by the player.

  The game operation process timing deriving means 106 effectively receives the output game operation information when each game operation information from the input port is output to an appropriate timing. The process based on the game operation information received here is a process programmed in advance.

  The stop display symbol determination means 107 determines which symbol is stopped and displayed by each reel 3a, 3b, 3c, and a game combination is established from the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line 29. It is configured to determine whether or not. Further, stop display symbol information that is information indicating which symbol is stopped or displayed, or winning combination information that is information indicating the established game combination is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200 via the information transmission unit 119. It is configured.

  The blocker control means 108 outputs a blocker signal to the blocker 48 and performs control to switch the blocker 48 between the ON state and the OFF state. Here, when the blocker 48 is in the ON state, the game medal can be received. When the blocker 48 is in the OFF state, the game medal cannot be received.

  The display lamp control means 110 is configured to perform control related to lighting and extinguishing of various display lamps via the display lamp control circuit 47. The various display lamps include a MAX-BET display lamp 46a, a BET number display lamp 46b, a throw-in display lamp 46c, a game start display lamp 46d, a re-game display lamp 46e, a status display lamp 46f, and a count display lamp 46g. , A stored number display lamp 46h, an acquired number display lamp 46j, and the like are included.

  The main information storage unit 118 is configured to store information indicating a result lottery result selected by a role lottery process by random number lottery in the role determining unit 101 and information indicating a game state set by the game state setting unit 104. Has been.

  The information transmission unit 119 is configured to transmit various information related to the game to the sub-control unit 200. The various information relating to the game here includes, for example, information that the start lever 25 and stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c have been operated, information that indicates the result of winning lottery, information on whether or not a winning combination has been established, There is setting information.

  On the other hand, the sub control unit 200 includes an AT setting unit 201, an effect execution control unit 202, a sub information storage unit 208, an information reception unit 209, and an information transmission unit 210. Each of the above-described means in the sub-control means 200 includes hardware such as a sub CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and electronic circuit arranged on the sub main board 70 shown in FIG. 3 and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 72. It is a functional representation of what is composed of wear.

  The AT setting means 201 operates the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26 so that a predetermined symbol is displayed based on the result of the winning lottery process performed by the winning determining means 101 transmitted from the main control board 60. For example, a lottery (AT lottery) for determining whether or not to execute an AT effect that assists the player is performed. The AT lottery may be configured to be performed on the main control board 60. In this case, the AT effect is performed by the image display device 11, the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, 44b, the effect lamps 12, 13a, 13b, 14a. , 14b, etc., the main control board 60 can be configured to transmit a control command such as an AT lottery result to the sub main board 70.

  The effect execution control means 202 is configured to control various effects using the decoration lamps 32a and 32b and the back lamps 38a, 38b and 38c.

  The sub information storage unit 208 is configured to store information transmitted from the main control unit 100 and information related to effect control. The information receiving unit 209 is configured to receive various information related to the game transmitted from the main control unit 100 and to transmit necessary information to the effect execution control unit 202 and the sub information storage unit 208.

  In addition, the information transmission unit 210 transmits a control command for controlling the image display device 11 and the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, and 44b to the sub-sub board 75. When the sub sub board 75 receives a command for controlling the image display device 11 (hereinafter also referred to as an image control command), the sub sub board 75 controls the image display device 11 to control the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, and 44b (hereinafter referred to as sound commands). (Also referred to as a control signal) is transmitted to the sound board 17, and the sound board 17 controls the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a and 44b. Details of the sub-sub board 75 will be described later.

[Image control board configuration]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 75 (sub-sub board 75) includes a sub-sub CPU 75a, ROM 75b, RAM 75c, CG-ROM 75d, GPU 75e, VRAM 75f, display circuit 75g, and the like.

  When the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70 is an image control command, the GPU 75e develops the image data stored in the CG-ROM 75d in the VRAM 75f, and uses the image data developed by the VRAM 75f. To control the image display device 11. When the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70 is a sound command, the sound board 17 controls the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a and 44b.

  The ROM 75b stores a program for controlling the sub-sub CPU 75a, and the RAM 75c stores a program stored in the ROM 75b, parameters for managing the progress of production, and the like.

  The CG-ROM 75d has game data such as image data for indicating the current gaming state, image data for suggesting the result of the role lottery performed by the role determining means 101, and image data for suggesting the result of the AT lottery. Image data for displaying an image related to the image display device 11 is stored.

  Among the image data, the main character image data, the above-described AT effect image data (the order of operations for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, 3c so that a predetermined symbol is displayed, etc. are assisted to the player) Image data used frequently such as AT effect image data), background image data, a plurality of image data having a large data capacity, or an image display device as soon as the slot machine 1 is powered on 11, resident image data including minimum image data necessary for displaying an image is stored.

  The VRAM 75f is provided with two areas, a frame buffer A and a frame buffer B. The image data stored in the two frame buffers is image data displayed on the image display device 11 at different timings. For example, the image data A first stored in the frame buffer A is stored in the image display device 11. The image data displayed and then stored in the frame buffer B is displayed on the image display device 11.

  Further, the VRAM 75f is provided with a resident image data expansion area for expanding the resident image data and a specific area for temporarily expanding the image data when a drawing process described later is executed.

  Further, the CG-ROM 75d has inspection data necessary for product inspection at the time of factory shipment of the slot machine 1, for example, image data for displaying inspection results, and a stop switch 26a for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, 3c. , 26b, 26c required for product inspection such as image data for displaying the order of operation (for example, numbers such as (1-2-3) indicating forward press, (3-2-1) indicating reverse press) A minimum amount of image data is stored.

  When the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70 is an image control command, specifically, when the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70 to the sub sub CPU 75a is an image control command, the image display device 11 is notified. In order to display an image, the sub-sub CPU 75a determines an image to be displayed based on the transmitted control command, and develops image data corresponding to the image determined from the image data stored in the CG-ROM 75d in the VRAM 75f. More specifically, the sub sub CPU 75a transmits a drawing command to the GPU 75e based on the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70, and transmits image data from the CG-ROM 75d to the frame buffer of the VRAM 75f or a specific area. The image data stored in the specific area is stored in the frame buffer by performing size adjustment or the like.

  Further, resident image data is stored in the specific area, and the resident image data is stored in the specific area after the sub-sub board 75 is activated based on power-on to the slot machine 1. When the resident image data is stored in a specific area, the resident image data is stored in the frame buffer from the specific area storing the resident image data without being read from the CG-ROM 75d.

  The display circuit 75g displays an image corresponding to the image data stored in the frame buffer on the image display device 11.

  When the control command transmitted from the sub main board 70 is a sound command, the sub sub CPU 75 a outputs a signal for outputting sound to the sound board 17.

[Game state]
The gaming state in the present embodiment includes a general gaming state (also referred to as a normal gaming state), a two-type BB internal gaming state (also referred to as a bonus internal / medium state), and a two-type BB gaming state (a role related to a second type special combination) There are a CB gaming state (also referred to as an operating state of a second type special combination) and an AT gaming state (also referred to as a notification gaming state). In the general gaming state, the type 2 BB combination that triggers the transition to the type 2 BB gaming state is not won in the game, and information indicating that the type 2 BB role is won is not carried over to the next game. A gaming state. Then, the game state may be shifted between the general game state, the 2nd type BB internal game state, and the 2nd type BB game state, and may enter the AT game state during the 2nd type BB internal game state, and the 2nd type BB game state. There may be a CB gaming state. However, even in the type 2 BB internal gaming state, it may not be in the AT gaming state, and in the type 2 BB gaming state, it may not be in the CB gaming state. Here, “even if it is in the type 2 BB gaming state, it may not be in the CB gaming state” means that the type 2 special bonus when the continuous operation device related to the type 2 special bonus is operating. Refers to being activated or deactivated during one game.

  The 2nd type BB internal gaming state means that, in the general gaming state, after winning the 2nd type BB combination that triggers the transition to the 2nd type BB gaming state, until a predetermined symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the active line 29 The game state continues. During the two-type BB internal gaming state, the AT setting means 201 of the sub-main board 70 executes an AT effect by satisfying a predetermined AT transition condition. In other words, when the result of the combination lottery performed by the combination determination means 101 transmitted from the main control board 60 is an AT combination to be described later in the two-type BB internal gaming state, the combination of predetermined symbols stops at the active line 29 As shown, an AT effect is performed to assist the player in the operation sequence of the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c.

  The 2nd type BB gaming state is a gaming state that transitions when the 2nd type BB combination is won in the normal gaming state and the combination of symbols corresponding to the 2nd type BB combination is stopped and displayed on the active line 29 (hereinafter referred to as this gaming state). The state is sometimes referred to as “during BB operation”.) In the two-type BB game state, the continuous accessory actuating device operates to repeat the transition to the CB game state (hereinafter, this game state is sometimes referred to as “when the CB is activated”) for each game. In the two-type BB gaming state, the CB gaming state is repeated until the payout number reaches a prescribed number (a predetermined end condition in the present invention).

  The CB gaming state is a gaming state that lasts for one game, and wins all small combinations with payouts. In other words, in the CB gaming state, all condition devices related to the small combination are activated regardless of the combination lottery result. Further, in the CB gaming state, stop control of a predetermined reel among the reels 3a, 3b, 3c can be changed. Specifically, 75 ms based on when a stop switch 26a, 26b, 26c (in this embodiment, the stop switch 26c) corresponding to at least one reel (in this embodiment, the right reel 3c) is operated by the player. This is a gaming state in which the reel is controlled to stop within (usually 190 ms).

  The AT gaming state is to assist the player in the order of operations for stopping the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26 so that a predetermined symbol is displayed based on the result of lottery sent from the main control board 60. In the gaming state in which the AT effect is executed, the player can stop the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26 in the assisted operation order, so that a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed on the active line 29 and a game medal can be obtained. .

[Types of game actors]
In the following embodiment, each of the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c includes “red 7”, “green 7”, “blue 7”, “bar”, “replay”, “bell”, “cherry” (not shown). A case will be described in which a predetermined number of symbols “A”, “Cherry B”, “Watermelon”, and “Blank” are arranged, and a game combination is constituted by a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line 29. Here, “blank” in the present embodiment does not mean a symbol that does not constitute a combination, but is used as one name of a symbol that constitutes a combination.

  Examples of the types of game actors that are stopped and displayed on the active line 29 by the reels 3a, 3b, 3c include, for example, a mode in which “bell-bell-bell” and “bell-bell-cherry A” are aligned on the effective line 29. A plurality of small roles such as “Watermelon” such as “Bell”, “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon”, and “Cherry” such as “Cherry A-ANY-ANY” are set.

  The small role is accompanied by the payout of the number of game medals set for each game character, and the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the active line 29 corresponds to one of the game characters and becomes a winning mode. If there are, the number of game medals corresponding to each winning mode is paid out by the hopper 50 or added as a credit.

  In addition, the “bell” of the small role may be won in duplicate. And when these wins in duplicate, the types of small combinations to be won are set differently depending on the order in which the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c are operated. For example, if a bell small part of “Bell-Bell-Bell” wins, eight game medals can be obtained, and if one other medal wins, one medal can be obtained. When the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c are operated in the pressing order in which the small part of the bell is awarded, eight game medals can be obtained, and the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c are operated in the other pressing orders. If it is, the other bell small part wins and one medal can be obtained.

  Then, by setting the above-mentioned small combination to be won as the above-mentioned AT combination as described above, if the AT combination is won during the AT gaming state, eight game medals can be obtained “Bell-Bell It is possible to increase the number of game medals possessed by a player by executing an AT effect that assists the pushing order in which “BELL” wins.

  In addition, two types of BB combinations and a plurality of re-game combinations are set as game combinations. The re-game player does not pay out game medals, but a bet for performing the next game is automatically made. Also, the type 2 BB combination that triggers the transition to the type 2 BB gaming state is, for example, a mode in which “blank-green 7-green 7” is aligned on the active line 29 and does not accompany the payout of game medals. is there. Here, when the state shifts to the two-type BB game state, for example, the number of game medals (specified number) required to validate the winning line 29 is set to two (usually three). In other words, a game is played with two cards instead of three games.

  In the CB gaming state, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined small combination is arranged on the active line 29, a smaller number of game medals are paid out than in the normal gaming state. For example, when the “watermelon bell-replay” symbol is aligned on the active line 29, eight game medals are paid out in the normal game state (three-game), but the CB game state (two-game) In the game), two game medals are paid out.

[Return processing after changing settings]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the setting change switch 84 accepts a setting change command operation, the setting changing unit 103 changes the setting such as the hand determination probability. . When this setting change is performed, the information stored in each storage area of the main information storage unit 118 and the information stored in each storage area of the sub information storage unit 208 are processed as follows. Has been.

  The setting can be changed by turning on the setting key switch 83 in the power-off state and operating the setting change switch 84 after the power is turned on again. When the power is turned off, the information stored in each storage area of the main information storage unit 118 and the information stored in each storage area of the sub information storage unit 208 are temporarily saved (held as they are).

  On the other hand, when the setting is changed, all the information stored in each storage area of the sub information storage unit 208 is initialized and cleared, whereas the information stored in each storage area of the main information storage unit 118 is , Some will be initialized and cleared or updated, while others will be restored to take over after the setting change (the information stored when the power was turned off before the setting change started Is maintained at the end of the setting change).

[Process in main control means]
Next, main control processing in this embodiment will be described. First, the control process in the main control means 100 will be described. In the main control means 100, when the power is turned on, the program start process is first executed, and then the process proceeds to the game progress main process through a setting change process or a power supply return process. The game progresses mainly by the game progress main process.

  In the following, these processes will be described. In the program start process and the like, the data and the like at the time of the power-off process are used when the power supply to the main control unit 100 is stopped. The power-off process is briefly described below.

[Power off processing]
In the power-off process, all output port data is cleared, the stack pointer is saved, the checksum of the data stored in the RAM 63 is calculated, the checksum data is saved, and the power supply indicating that the power-off is executed normally The disconnection execution processing flag is saved and waits in that state. Thereafter, when a reset signal is input to the CPU 61, the power-off process is terminated.

  Now, a program start process, a setting change process, a power return process, and a main process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the program start process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the setting change process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the game progress main process.

[Program start processing]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the program start process, first, a register initialization process is performed (S1). In the register initialization process, the main control means 100 sets the communication speed of the serial communication circuit, the interrupt type, and the command to be transmitted. Next, power-off recovery preparation processing is performed (S2). In the power-off recovery preparation process, a checksum of the RAM 63 in the main control unit 100 executed by the power-off process is executed. If the power-off process is not normally performed, the abnormal value is set as the power-off recovery data without executing the process of executing the checksum. If a lightning or the like occurs while the game is in progress, the power supply may stop without normal power-off processing. When such an unexpected power supply stop, the power-off process may not be performed normally. In such a case, an abnormal value is set as the power-off recovery data. After the checksum processing of the RAM 63 is completed, the power-off recovery data is stored in the register.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the designated switch is turned on (S3). The designation switch here means two switches: a door switch that detects opening and closing of the front door and a setting key type switch 83. A specific condition for determining that the designated switch is ON is that the door switch is opened and the setting key type switch 83 is rotated in the ON direction. When these two conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the designated switch is ON. In other cases, it is determined that the designated switch is not ON.

  For this reason, for example, when the setting key type switch 83 is rotating when the front door 2 is closed, it is not determined that the designation switch is ON. As a result, the setting change process described later is not satisfied, and the setting change process is not performed. This process is a process for suppressing a change in the set value in an unauthorized state.

  As a result of the determination in step S3, if it is determined that the designated switch is ON, it is determined whether or not the power-off recovery data is abnormal (S4). As a result, if it is determined that the power-off recovery data is not abnormal, it is determined whether the setting change disable flag is ON (S5). As a result, when it is determined that the setting change impossibility flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the power-off recovery data is normal (S6). If it is determined that the power-off recovery data is normal, the program start process is terminated and the process proceeds to the power-return process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the power-off recovery data is not normal, an error state of an unrecoverable error occurs. When an error that cannot be restored is entered, this state loops indefinitely. The unrecoverable error is an error state that is not canceled until the setting change process is executed, and the condition for canceling the unrecoverable error is that the setting change process is performed.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the designated switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S6 to determine whether or not the power-off recovery data is normal. At this time, the setting change process at the time of executing the program start process is not performed. If it is determined in step S4 that the power-off recovery data is abnormal, and if the setting change disable flag is not ON in step S5, the program start process is terminated and the process proceeds to the setting change process. Note that the setting change impossibility flag is a flag that is turned ON between a role lottery process to be described later and a game end check process. For this reason, the setting change process cannot be performed between the combination lottery process and the game end check process. It should be noted that the setting change impossibility flag may not be provided, and the setting change process may be performed at any time regardless of whether it is between the role lottery process and the game end check process.

[Setting change processing]
Next, the setting change process will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the setting change process, first, a predetermined range of the RAM 63 is stored in a register (S11), and an initialization process of the RAM 63 is performed (S12). In the initialization process of the RAM 63, it is determined whether or not the power-off recovery data is normal. If it is determined that the power-off recovery data is normal, a predetermined range of the RAM 63 is initialized.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power-off recovery data is abnormal, more specifically, the power-off execution processing flag is abnormal, or the checksum of the RAM 63 is abnormal, a specific range (setting value data, game state number ( For example, the range of all the RAMs 63 including the RT state number indicating the setting of the replay probability of the replay time and the condition device flag) is initialized. That is, when it is determined that the power-off recovery data is normal, the range of the RAM 64 in the specific range is not initialized, but when it is determined that the power-off recovery data is abnormal, the range of the RAM 64 in the specific range is also initialized. It becomes a target.

  After the initialization of the RAM 63, the timer interrupt process is activated (S13). In the timer interrupt processing startup setting, the type of timer interrupt processing and the timer interrupt cycle are set. The timer interrupt period is set to 2.235 ms, for example. However, the timer interrupt cycle can be set to another time. The timer interrupt process can be executed after the timer interrupt process start setting is completed.

  Subsequently, data indicating the start of setting change is stored in the register (S14). The data indicating the start of setting change is a command for informing the sub-control means 200 that the setting change process is executed. At this time, the power-off execution processing flag is cleared. Then, a control command is set (S15). This “control command set” is also appropriately executed in the process described below, but means a process of storing command data to be transmitted to the sub-control means 200 in the RAM 63.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the set value is in a normal range (S16). As a result, if it is determined that the set value is within the normal range, the process proceeds to step S21. If it is determined that the set value is not within the normal range, the set value “1” is stored in the RAM 63 (S17). A process for turning on the lamp during the setting change process is performed (S18). Then, it is determined whether or not an operation of the setting change switch 84 has been detected (S19). As a result, when it is determined that the operation of the setting change switch 84 has been detected, the setting value is updated to the setting value corresponding to the operation of the setting change switch 84 (S20). If it is determined that the operation of the setting change switch 84 has not been detected, the process directly proceeds to step S21.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the start switch is turned on (S21). The start switch is turned on when the start lever 25 is operated. As a result, if the start switch is not ON, the process returns to step S19 to determine whether the setting change switch 84 is operated. If the start switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S22. With this process, the condition for completing the setting change is the operation of the start lever 25.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting key type switch 83 is OFF (S22). As a result, if it is determined that the setting key type switch 83 is not OFF, the process of step S22 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting key type switch 83 is OFF, the setting change processing lamp is turned off (S23), and data indicating the end of the setting change is set in the register (S24). With the data set indicating the end of the setting change, it is possible to notify the sub-control means 200 of the end of the setting change process. Thereafter, the control command is set in the RAM 63 (S25), the setting change process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the game progress main process.

[Power recovery processing]
A description will be given of the power recovery process that is executed when the power-off recovery data is normal without shifting to the setting change process in the program start process. In the power recovery process, it is determined whether or not the set value is normal. If the set value is normal, the initialization range of the unused area in the RAM 63 is set in the register. If the set value is not normal, an unrecoverable error occurs, but the error can be canceled by performing the setting change process.

  Next, a process of initializing a range determined by initialization of the RAM 63 and updating necessary data among the input data before power-off after completion of initialization of the determined range in the RAM 63, Processing such as restoring the register values used in the game progress main process described later and saved in the stack pointer of the RAM 63 is performed. Thereby, for example, when the game state at the time when the power cut occurs is to start the re-game, the game state is restored to the re-game state, and when the two-type BB game state is in progress. After that, the timer interrupt process is activated and the power-off execution flag is cleared. Thus, the power recovery process is terminated and the process proceeds to the game progress main process.

[Game progress main processing]
Next, the game progress main process will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the game progress main process, first, a game start process is performed (S31). In the game start process, based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the active line 29 in the previous game, whether or not the current game is in the two-type BB game state, whether or not it is in the CB game state, Various types of game information such as information about the current game, such as whether or not a game, and information indicating the setting value set by the setting change unit 103 are written to the RAM 63 for transmission to the sub-main board 70.

  When the game start process is completed, a game medal acceptance start process is performed (S32). In the game medal acceptance start process, a game medal is automatically inserted at the time of replaying, or the game medal inserted into the medal slot 21 can be guided to the receiving passage. When the game medal acceptance start process is completed, a game medal management process is performed (S33). In the game medal management process, an insertion process based on a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 21, a process based on operations of the 1-BET switch 22, the MAX-BET switch 23, and the settlement switch 24 are performed.

  When the game medal management process is completed, it is determined whether or not the bet number of game medals matches the specified bet number and the start lever 25 is operated to turn on the start switch (S34). If the condition of step S34 is not satisfied, the process returns to step S33 to perform game medal management processing.

  If the condition of step S34 is satisfied, a role lottery process is performed (S35). The combination lottery process is performed by the combination determination means 101. After the role lottery process is completed, a freeze lottery process is performed (S36). The freeze lottery process performs a process of determining an aspect such as a freeze effect. When the freeze effect process is executed, if it is determined in step S34 that the bet number of game medals matches the specified bet number and the start lever 25 is operated and the start switch is turned on, a predetermined freeze is performed. Perform time freeze control. Freeze control is control in which the progress of a game is suspended for a predetermined period (also referred to as a delay state or a standby state), and is control for stopping acceptance of game operations excluding operations related to effects. Also, the freeze time can be appropriately determined according to the mode of the freeze effect. As the freeze time, one type of time can be set, or a plurality of types of time can be set so that the time can be appropriately determined from a plurality of types of time according to the freeze effect. The freeze lottery process is basically performed based on the lottery result of the role lottery process. However, it can also be determined by conditions other than the result of the winning lottery process, for example, the display mode of the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed.

  After the freeze lottery process is completed, a reel stop management process is performed (S37). In the reel stop management process, a process for managing the operation of the reel from the acceleration to the stop of the reel is performed. Thereafter, display determination processing is performed (S38). In the display determination process, the symbol combination display flag is updated based on the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the active line in each of the stopped reels 3a, 3b, and 3c.

  When the display determination process is completed, a payout process is performed (S39). In the payout process, a game medal is paid out from the game medal payout opening 41 based on the determination result in the display determination process. However, if the stored number has not reached the maximum number (50), the stored number is added instead of paying out from the game medal payout opening 41 until the stored number reaches the maximum number. Also, in the type 2 BB gaming state, a subtraction process for subtracting the payout number from the number of obtainable numbers in the type 2 BB gaming state described later is performed. As a result of the subtraction process, the number of obtainable numbers in the type 2 BB gaming state is less than 0. If this happens, the number of acquirable cards in the type 2 BB gaming state is cleared to zero. However, if the acquirable number in the type 2 BB gaming state is not less than 0, the value obtained by subtracting the acquirable number in the type 2 BB gaming state is set.

  When the payout process is completed, a game end check process (S40) is performed. In the game end check process, a process of clearing the operation state flag and the condition device flag described above is performed, and then the process returns to step S31. Thereafter, this process is repeatedly executed. This game end check process will be described in detail later.

[Game end check processing]
Next, the game end check process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the game end check process. As shown in FIG. 8, in the game end check process, first, the condition device flag stored in the RAM 63 is cleared (S51), and the re-game operation stored in the RAM 63 and indicating that the current game is a re-game. The status flag is cleared (S52). More specifically, the condition device flags other than the condition device flag corresponding to the type 2 BB combination are cleared. When the combination of symbols corresponding to the 2nd type BB combination is stopped and displayed on the active line 29, the condition device flag corresponding to the 2nd type BB combination is also cleared, and the replay operation state flag is also cleared.

  Next, based on the operation state flag stored in the RAM 63, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the time when the type 2 BB is operating (S53). As a result, if it is determined that the two-type BB operation is being performed, a two-type BB operation management process is performed in which a command indicating that the two-type BB gaming state has ended is transmitted to the sub main board 70 (S54).

  When the two-type BB operation management process is completed, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the CB operation state based on the operation state flag stored in the RAM 63 (S55). As a result, when it is determined that the CB operation state is established, a CB operation management process for transmitting a command indicating that the CB game state has ended to the sub-main board 70 is performed (S56).

  When the CB operation management process is completed, a game end command transmission process for transmitting a command indicating the end of one game to the sub-main board 70 is performed (S57), and the game end check process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that it is not during the second type BB operation, the process proceeds to step S55 without performing the second type BB operation management process. If it is determined in step S55 that it is not during CB operation, game end command transmission processing is performed without performing CB operation management processing.

[Timer interrupt processing of main CPU 61]
In the present embodiment, processing such as reading of game operation information input to the input port and detection of signal level is performed at predetermined time intervals (periodically) according to game operations performed by the player. ) Performed by the timer interrupt processing to be performed. The fixed time here is, for example, 2.235 ms, but can be set as appropriate. Hereinafter, timer interrupt processing will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing. As shown in FIG. 9, in the timer interrupt processing, first, register saving and duplication interrupt prohibition processing are performed (S61). Here, in order to use the register of the main CPU 61 used in the game progress main process for the timer interrupt process, the current register value is saved in the stack pointer of the RAM 63. Next, it is determined whether or not a power-off is detected (S62). If it is determined that a power-off is detected, the process proceeds to a power-off process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that power-off has not been detected, the interrupt counter value is updated (S63). In updating the interrupt counter value, the interrupt counter value is updated by adding “1” to the interrupt counter value in the RAM 63.

  Subsequently, timer measurement is performed (S64). In the timer measurement, the elapsed time of an arbitrary timer set in the game control process is measured. Examples of the timer include a measurement timer that measures a 4.1 s wait time, a timer that measures a condition device output time, and a measurement timer that measures a passage sensor residence time. Specifically, it is a process of subtracting “1” from these various timer values stored in the RAM 63. After the timer measurement, the 7-segment display control process is performed (S65). In the 7-segment display control process, display control is performed for 7-segment display lamps such as the number-of-times display lamp 46g, the stored number display lamp 46h, and the acquired number display lamp 46j.

  Then, input port read processing is performed (S66). In this input port reading process, each game operation information input to the input port is read, level data of each game operation information is stored in the RAM 63, and the like. The level data is data indicating operation / non-operation of each game operation information.

  When the input port reading process is completed, a reel drive control process is performed (S67). In the reel drive control process, control such as acceleration, deceleration, constant speed maintenance, and stop of rotation of each reel 3a, 3b, 3c is performed. This reel drive control is performed for each of the reels 3a, 3b, 3c. Then, it is determined whether or not the reel drive control has been performed on all the reels 3a, 3b, 3c (S68).

  As a result, if it is determined that the reel drive control has been performed on all the reels 3a, 3b, 3c, a port output process is performed (S69). In the port output process, the BET number display lamp 46b, the insertion possible display lamp 46c, the game start display lamp 46d, the re-game display lamp 46e, the status display lamp 46f, the number display lamp 46g, the stored number display lamp 46h, and the acquired number display lamp Lamp lighting processing such as control of 46j, driving processing of the hopper 50, and driving processing of each reel 3a, 3b, 3c are performed.

  Then, a control command transmission process is performed (S70). In the control command transmission process, a process of transmitting an untransmitted control command stored in the RAM 63 to the sub-control means 200, and a bet signal, a medal payout signal, a signal indicating a winning combination of two kinds of BBs, etc. as external signals. Processing to output to a data counter, hall computer, etc.

  When the control command transmission process is completed, the register saved in step S61 is restored, the next interrupt is permitted (S72), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

[Processing in sub-control means]
Subsequently, the main control among the controls executed from the power-on to the power-off in the sub-control board (sub-main board) 70 will be described.

[Timer interrupt processing of sub CPU 71]
First, timer interrupt processing executed by the sub CPU 71 will be described. The timer interrupt process of the sub CPU 71 is executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 1 ms), and when there is a control command such as an image control command or a sound command to be transmitted to the sub sub CPU 75a, transmission of the command is started. To do.

[Power-on reset processing]
Next, a power-on reset process performed when a reset signal is input at power-on or when a reset signal is input at other timing will be described. In this power-on reset process, the reset of the sub main board 70 and the initialization process of the RAM 63 are executed, and a reset signal is transmitted to the sub sub board 75. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power-on reset process.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the power-on reset process, first, a temporary stack pointer is set (S101), the above-described interruption of the timer interrupt process of the sub CPU 71 is executed (S102), and the initial setting of the sub CPU 71 is performed. MCU setting processing for memory control is executed (S103).

  Subsequently, a RAM initialization process for a clear process for setting 0 to a predetermined area of the RAM 63 is executed (S104), and a check process for performing an initialization check on the system area and the backup area by executing a checksum or the like. RAM initialization processing is executed (S105).

  Subsequently, an absolute 8-bit space return is executed (S106). The absolute 8-bit space is a storage area that can be accessed at high speed, and is a backup target in an external RAM so that data is not erased after the power is turned off.

  Subsequently, the sound volume generated from the speakers such as the upper speakers 15a and 15b, the DC unit activation, the power-on process, the display initialization or display recovery, the process immediately after the RAM clear, the mute release related to the sound volume, etc. are executed. A subsystem initialization process is executed (S107).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a cold start (S108). Whether or not the cold start has occurred is determined by determining whether or not the checksum value calculated in the RAM initialization process for the check process in step S105 matches the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off. To do. As a result, when it is determined that it is a cold start, that is, when the checksum value calculated in the RAM initialization process for the check process does not match the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off. Then, the cold start flag is cleared (S109), the stack pointer initial value is set (S110), and the process proceeds to a main loop process to be described later. Thus, when it is determined that it is a cold start, that is, when the checksum value calculated in the RAM initialization process for the check process does not match the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off. Determines that the value of the RAM 63 is abnormal (deemed), and after performing initialization processing such as setting the stack pointer to the initial value, the processing shifts to the main loop processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that it is not a cold start, that is, the checksum value calculated in the RAM initialization process for the check process matches the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off. In this case, the stack information is restored from the external RAM (external RAM) that has been supplied with the backup power from the backup power supply (S111), the stack pointer is restored (S112), and the register is restored (S113). Then, recovery is performed according to the recovery mode, and in the case of normal recovery with data initialization, the process proceeds to the main loop processing described later, and in the case of complete recovery with data backup, the power failure occurs. Return to processing.

[Main loop processing]
Next, the main loop process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main loop process.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the main loop process, the sub CPU 71 performs a watchdog timer clear process (S111), and performs a watchdog operation start process (S112). The watchdog timer functions as means for monitoring the runaway of the sub-sub board 75 in the sub-main board 70 (sub CPU 71), and once cleared immediately after the main loop process is started, the watch dog operation in step S112 is performed. By the start process, the time counting related to the watchdog timer is started.

  The watchdog timer finishes processing before the watchdog timer expires and clears the watchdog timer in step S111. If the watchdog timer expires for some reason, The program start process is executed by performing the above process. That is, the watchdog timer clear process in step S111 is to clear the time value that has been started by the activation of the watchdog timer.

  Subsequently, the interruption of the timer interruption process of the sub CPU 71 is performed (S113). When the interruption of the timer interrupt process is permitted, a control command can be transmitted from the sub main board to the sub sub board 75 (from the sub CPU 71 to the sub sub CPU 75a) at intervals of 1 ms. As described above, the control command to be transmitted to the sub sub CPU 75a. If there is, it is transmitted to the sub-sub CPU 75a by this timer interruption process. Note that the sub-main board and the sub-sub board 75 are two-way communication. As will be described later, when the sub-sub CPU 75a completes reception of the control command from the sub-main CPU 71, the sub-CPU 71a sends a reception completion signal (ACK signal) to the sub CPU 71. Send.

  Subsequently, sound control for a predetermined channel and lamp pattern / sound control processing for executing control related to various LEDs are executed (S114), and liquid crystal unit monitoring processing (S115) is executed. In the liquid crystal unit monitoring process, a process for monitoring the state of the sub-sub board 75 is executed.

  Here, control for monitoring the runaway of the sub-sub board 75 by the sub-main board 70 will be described. FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the runaway monitoring of the sub sub board 75 by the sub main board 70.

  The runaway monitoring of the sub sub board 75 is performed using a runaway monitoring signal (toggle signal) output from the sub sub board 75 to the sub main board 70. That is, in the sub-sub CPU 75a of the sub-sub board 75, the LO / HI of the runaway monitoring signal is inverted every time the display control is switched (every frame of image control) as shown in the uppermost stage in FIG. As shown by the change in the signal in the second stage from the top in FIG. 12, after the power-on reset (power-on, etc.), the sub-sub board 75 becomes capable of serial communication through the boot period, and the GPU 75e is initialized. When the display is completed (display area has been set), transfer of a part of the resident image data to the VRAM 75f is completed, and the display circuit 75g is ready to display an image on the image display device 11. Start inversion of H. When the serial communication is enabled and the initialization of the GPU 75e is completed, the sub main board 70 starts outputting an image control command to the sub sub board 75.

  In the sub CPU 71 of the sub main board 70, as shown in the third row from the top in FIG. 12, the activation monitoring is enabled (started) after reset. Here, when the switching of the runaway monitoring signal is detected four times including the boot period (indicated by the numbers 1 to 4 in FIG. 12), it is determined that the display preparation of the sub sub CPU 75a is completed, and the start monitoring is performed. Becomes invalid (finished state). However, if it is not possible to determine that the display preparation is complete after about 30 seconds, it is determined as abnormal.

  In the sub main board 70, after determining that the display preparation of the sub sub CPU 75a is completed, monitoring by the watch dog timer (WDT) is enabled and serial communication is permitted. Furthermore, in the sub-main board 70, after determining that the display preparation of the sub-sub CPU 75a is completed, the runaway monitoring signal is constantly monitored, and when the signal switching is not detected for about 3200 ms or more, it is shown at the bottom in FIG. Thus, it is determined that an abnormality has been detected (abnormality detection). If it is determined that there is an abnormality, a reset signal for resetting the sub-sub CPU 75a is output, and a predetermined command is transmitted to the sub-sub CPU 75a in accordance with the subsequent gaming state, thereby returning the display.

  Next, an amplifier state monitoring process for monitoring the state relating to each speaker 50 is executed (S116). In this amplifier state monitoring process, if the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, 44b are operating normally, if there is a fraudulent act related to playing, a production sound (production sound) error sound, warning sound, etc. Through this, it is possible for a game clerk or the like to detect an abnormality. However, if the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, 44b are not operating normally, it will be difficult to detect anomalies through the sound output as described above, so that the amplifiers related to the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, 44b Condition monitoring is performed.

  Subsequently, a frame-by-frame execution process is executed (S117), and the time value started by starting the watchdog timer is cleared (S118). In the execution processing for each frame, the time from power ON to power OFF is counted. A 4-byte counter is used for this timing, and a storage area is provided that can store a plurality of times from the power ON to the power OFF. In addition, in the execution processing for each frame, when managing the effect buttons (not shown) to be operated by the player on the sub-main board 70, input determination, setting of effects based on the input, and the like are also performed.

  Subsequently, one command processing is executed based on the sub main command received from the main control board 61 (S119), and remaining time processing is executed (S120). In this one-command processing, AT (assist time) lottery, game state transition lottery of the sub main board 70, and setting of effects based on various operations are executed. In the command processing, when a command having a different system is received, a reception command buffer may be separately provided for each command, and the command processing corresponding to the system may be executed. For example, when a character can be selected by operating the MAX-BET switch 23, a command indicating the number of bets based on the operation of the MAX-BET switch 23 and whether the MAX-BET switch 23 has been operated are used as commands having different systems. Like the command shown, it can be divided into a command related to an operation for progressing the game and other commands. In addition, priority may be set according to the system, such as giving priority to a command related to an operation for proceeding with a game. In the 1 command processing, when the power is cut off during this processing, the power supply is restarted when the power supply is resumed. When the power supply is restored, the above-mentioned complete restoration accompanied by the backup is performed. To come back.

  Subsequently, based on one frame (for example, about 16 ms) set by the sub-main board 70, a one-frame end determination is performed to determine whether 16 ms has passed (S121). The progress of 16 ms can be monitored based on whether or not the timer interrupt processing of the sub CPU 71 performed at the 1 ms interval described above has been executed 16 times. If it is determined that one frame has not ended, the process returns to the one command process in step S119 to perform loop processing. If it is determined that one frame has ended, the process returns to the watchdog timer clear (S651) in step S111.

  In the above-described main loop process, a loop process including one command process in step S119 (hereinafter referred to as “in-main loop process”) is further provided. This in-main loop process (S119 to S121). ) Is repeated until, for example, a predetermined time (16 ms in the entire main loop process) elapses using the number of times the timer interrupt process of the sub CPU 71 performed at 1 ms intervals described above. Further, in the loop processing in the main loop (S119 to S121), one command processing for performing processing according to the command from the main control board 60 is repeatedly executed in the loop processing in the main loop (S119 to S121).

[Power-on processing]
Next, in the image control board (sub-sub board) 75, main ones among the controls executed from power-on to power-off will be described. Note that the power-on process is executed not only when the power is turned on but also when a reset signal is input when an abnormality is detected. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of power-on processing.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the power-on process, first, the OS is started (step S201), and the initialization process is executed (S202). In the initialization process, initialization of the timer and port control environment, screen size setting, command transmission / reception, character display system, sound system, and the like are initialized.

  Subsequently, an audio output enable signal is output (S203). That is, a signal indicating that sound can be output from the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, and 44b is output to the sub-main board. As described above, if the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, and 44b are in a normally operable state, when there is a fraudulent act related to a ball, a production sound (production sound) error sound, an alarm sound, etc. By this, it is possible for a hall clerk to detect an incident. However, if the speakers 15a, 15b, 44a, and 44b are not in a state in which they can operate normally, it becomes difficult to detect the abnormality by the sound output as described above, so that the sound is output after the initialization process in step S202. A signal indicating that it is possible to output is output.

  And it is judged whether it is a factory inspection mode (S204). At the time of product inspection at the time of factory shipment of the slot machine 1, an inspection main ROM (not shown) is connected to the sub main board 70, and a dedicated command for operating in the factory inspection mode is transmitted to the sub sub board 75. In other words, whether or not the factory inspection mode is selected is determined by whether or not the sub-sub board 75 has received a dedicated command. If it is determined that the inspection mode is the factory inspection mode, the inspection image data is transferred (S205).

  Here, the inspection image data transferred when it is determined that it is in the factory inspection mode is inspection data necessary for product inspection at the time of factory shipment, for example, image data for displaying inspection results, reels The order of operating the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c for stopping 3a, 3b, and 3c (for example, numbers such as (1-2-3) indicating forward pressing and (3-2-1) indicating reverse pressing). The GPU 75e accesses the CG-ROM 75d and transfers only the minimum image data necessary for product inspection, such as image data for display, to the VRAM 75f. Then, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the inspection image data is completed (S206). If it is determined that the transfer of the inspection image data has not been completed, the process of step S206 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer of the inspection image data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S209.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the mode is not the factory inspection mode, the resident image data is transferred (S207). Here, the resident image data to be transferred is a part of the resident image data, and a predetermined symbol is displayed based on the image data of the main character displayed on the image display device 11 and the lottery result regarding the winning combination. Image data for AT effect that assists the player in the operation order for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c, image data that is frequently used, such as image data for background, and the capacity of data among a plurality of image data The smallest image data necessary for displaying an image on the image display device 11 immediately after turning on a large one or power is accessed from the GPU 75e to the CG-ROM 75d and transferred to the VRAM 75f.

  The minimum image data can be changed as appropriate. However, the minimum image data includes a game order such as an operation order for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c so that a predetermined symbol is displayed. By including image data for AT performance that assists the user, if the above-mentioned AT role is won at the time of power recovery, eight game medals can be obtained without assisting “Bell-Bell-” "Bell" cannot be won, and the game can proceed smoothly without giving the player any disadvantages such as winning only one game medal by winning another Bell's small role .

  Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount has been transferred (S208). That is, it is determined whether a part of the above-mentioned resident image data has been transferred to the VRAM 75f. If it is determined that the predetermined amount is not transferred, the process waits until the predetermined amount is transferred.

  In the processing from step S201 to step S208, the sub-sub board 75 is in a state of starting, and the sub-main board 70 transmits a control command after waiting for the sub-sub board 75 to start. For this reason, in the sub sub board 75, until the control command is received from the sub main board 70, the sub display board 11 is preparing the sub display board 11 by displaying “image in preparation”, “loading”, etc. Notify that. The resident image data includes data for displaying on the image display device 11 such as “preparing image” or “loading”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined amount has been transferred, an image output enable signal is output to the sub-main board 70 (S209), and a process of toggle signal output / sound monitoring is executed (S210). Specifically, the sub sub board 75 outputs a toggle signal as an image output enable signal indicating that the sub sub board 75 is activated on the sub main board 70 and an image can be displayed on the image display device 11. Start. When the sub main board 70 receives the toggle signal, the sub main board 70 starts transmitting a command based on the image displayed on the image display device 11 on the sub sub board 75.

  Subsequently, a drawing process is executed (S211). In this drawing process, the GPU 75e accesses the CG-ROM 75d based on the image control command transmitted from the sub-main board 60, reads the data, and executes a process of developing it in a specific area of the VRAM 75f. This drawing process will be described in detail later.

  When the drawing process is completed, the remaining resident image data transfer process is executed (S212). In the remaining resident image data transfer process, the remaining resident image data among the resident image data transferred in step S207 is transferred in the background. The remaining resident image data will be described in detail later.

  Then, it is determined whether or not 33 msec has elapsed (S213). That is, it is determined whether one frame (2/60 seconds) of image control has elapsed. If it is determined that 33 msec has not elapsed, the system waits until 33 msec elapses.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that 33 msec has elapsed, swap processing is performed to replace the image data drawn as the next frame in the background with the current display data (step S214). This swap processing is processing for switching between the frame buffer A and the frame buffer B. For example, the display circuit 75g first displays the image data A stored in the frame buffer A on the image display device 11, and then the frame buffer. The display circuit 75g displays the image data stored in B on the image display device 11. When the swap process ends, the process returns to the process of step S210. Thereafter, this process is repeatedly executed.

[Asynchronous processing]
Next, asynchronous processing will be described. In asynchronous processing, the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e function in parallel. In other words, the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e execute processing asynchronously. Specifically, while the GPU 75e is executing the drawing process in step S211 in FIG. 13, the sub-sub CPU 75a performs a process of converting the image content into a drawing command so that the GPU 75e can read the next drawing process. Run. In this asynchronous process, the sub-sub CPU 75a executes a process of distributing whether the control command transmitted from the sub-main board 70 is a sound command or an image control command. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of asynchronous processing.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the asynchronous processing, first, a drawing start command is executed (S221). Specifically, when the sub-sub CPU 75a adds a drawing command to the command buffer, the GPU 75e reads this drawing command and starts the drawing process.

  Subsequently, the command analysis process is executed (S222). In the command analysis process, the sub-sub board 75 analyzes whether the control command transmitted from the sub-main board 70 is a sound command or an image control command. This command analysis process will be described in detail later.

  Subsequently, drawing preparation processing is executed (S223). In the drawing preparation process, a drawing command list for executing drawing is created. This drawing preparation process will be described in detail later.

  When the drawing preparation process is finished, a sound regular process is executed (S224). In the regular sound processing, processing for writing data for writing to a register in the buffer of the sound board 17 to a specified address is executed.

  Subsequently, a drawing end waiting process is executed (S225). That is, the sub-sub CPU 75a waits for the drawing process executed by the GPU 75e to end and proceeds to the process of step S226. Specifically, when the drawing end flag is turned on based on the fact that the GPU 75e has finished the drawing process, the sub-sub CPU 75a determines that the drawing process has ended based on the drawing end flag being turned on.

  Subsequently, a V blank wait process is executed (S226). Specifically, the V blank interrupt process counts the V blank, which is the time from when one scene is displayed until the next screen is displayed, and waits for 2 V blank (1/60 seconds) for 1 second. The number of frames per 30 is enabled.

  Subsequently, a toggle signal is transmitted to the sub main board 70 (S227), and a swap process is executed (S228). That is, a process of switching between the frame buffer A and the frame buffer B is executed. When the swap process ends, the process returns to the process of step S221. Thereafter, this process is repeatedly executed.

  In the asynchronous processing, the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e execute processing in parallel. For this reason, as compared with the case where the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e execute processing synchronously, the GPU 75e can use a lot of time for drawing processing, and increases the time for accessing the CG-ROM 75d and reading data. be able to. Further, in step S221, after the sub-sub CPU 75a executes a drawing start instruction to the GPU 75e, the drawing process does not stop until the GPU 75e finishes the drawing process, so that the process can be ended quickly and the processing efficiency is improved. .

[Interrupt processing of sub-sub CPU 75a]
Next, interrupt processing executed by the sub sub CPU 75a will be described. The interrupt processing of the sub-sub CPU 75a is not periodically performed, but is executed by receiving a command transmitted from the sub CPU 71 (even if interrupt processing is executed by receiving all commands transmitted from the sub CPU 71). Good).

  When receiving the command from the sub CPU 71, the sub sub CPU 75a stores the received command in the command buffer of the RAM 75c. When all commands are normally received (for example, all commands composed of 3 bytes are normally received), a signal indicating completion of reception (ACK signal) is transmitted to the sub CPU 71.

[Command analysis processing]
Next, command analysis processing will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of command analysis processing.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the command analysis process, first, a command is acquired from the command buffer of the RAM 75c (S231), and the command is analyzed (S232). As described above, when a command is received from the sub CPU 71, an interrupt process is executed, and the received command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 75c. Then, the command stored in the command buffer is acquired in step S231 and analyzed in step S232.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the command is a key command (S233). Here, the key command refers to a command transmitted last among a plurality of commands when one command is indicated by a plurality of commands. If it is determined that the command is not a key command, the command is temporarily stored in the command buffer in the RAM 75c (S234), and the process proceeds to step S246.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is a key command, it is determined whether the command is a system command (S235). System commands are errors and inspection commands such as commands indicating that an error has occurred in the slot machine 1 and commands indicating the factory inspection mode. Library processing is executed (S236), and the process proceeds to step S246. In this library process, an image indicating that an error has occurred in the slot machine 1 is displayed on the image display device 11, and a process for displaying an inspection screen indicating that it is in the factory inspection mode is executed.

  If it is determined that the command is not a system command, it is determined whether the command is a sound command (S237). If it is determined that the command is a sound command, it is registered in the buffer of the sound board 17 (S238), and the process proceeds to step S246.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a sound command, it is determined whether the command is a numerical command (S239). If it is determined that the command is a numerical command, the numerical information is updated (S240), and the process proceeds to step S246. The numerical command shown here is information indicating the number of remaining games in the AT gaming state, the remaining number of games that can be acquired in the type BB gaming state, and the number of games.

  If it is determined that the command is not a numerical command, it is determined whether the command is an effect command (S241). If it is determined that the command is an effect command, the effect data is acquired from the ROM 75b and set in the buffer of the RAM 75c (S242). Specifically, it is set in the reproduction reservation buffer of the RAM 75c, which is an area for storing effect data drawn by the GPU 75e. This effect data is scene data in which image data and audio data that are reproduced at each opportunity of a game such as a transition to the two-type BB gaming state and winning the AT role during the AT gaming state are gathered.

  Then, it is determined whether or not it is a frame update target command, that is, whether or not it is a command for displaying an effect image on the image display device 11 such as an effect command or a command for executing an AT effect (S243). ). If it is determined that the command is not a frame update target command, that is, if it is an effect command that is not a command that updates a frame, such as a command that indicates a stage indicating a gaming state or a supplement command that specifies a color or the like, the process of step S246 If it is determined that the command is a frame update target command, the command analysis processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not an effect command, it is determined whether the command is an opportunity command (S244). Here, the opportunity command is an opportunity command resulting from the player's action. For example, a game operation such as a pressing operation of the settlement switch 24, a tilting operation of the start lever 25, or a pressing operation of the stop switches 26a, 26b, and 26c. This command indicates that has been done. If it is determined that the command is a trigger command, the information (address) of the corresponding trigger data is acquired from the effect data set in the reproduction reservation buffer of the RAM 75c, the corresponding trigger data is acquired from the ROM 75b, and the scene data is acquired. Set (S245). The scene data is data that is a collection of image data and audio data that are reproduced when a game operation is performed. When it is determined that the command is not an opportunity command, or when scene data is set, the command analysis processing is terminated.

  In step S234, the command is temporarily stored in the command buffer in the RAM 75c, and then registered in the reproduction reservation buffer of the RAM 75c, which is an area for storing the rendering data rendered by the GPU 75e (S246).

  In addition, after executing the library processing in step S236, registering it in the buffer of the sound board 17 in step S238, updating the numerical information in step S240, and determining in step S243 that the command is not a frame update target command. Next, it is registered in the reproduction reservation buffer of the RAM 75c, which is an area for storing effect data drawn by the GPU 75e (S246).

  Then, after step S246, it is determined whether or not there is a command in the command buffer of the RAM 75c (S247). If there is a command, the process returns to step S231. That is, the command analysis process is repeated until there are no more commands. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no command, the command analysis process is terminated.

  Next, the drawing preparation process will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drawing preparation process.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the drawing preparation process, first, scene data is acquired from the playback management buffer of the RAM 75c, which is an area in which scene data to be played back on the image display device 11 is stored, and the motion stored in the scene data is stored. A motion increment for updating the frame information of the data is executed (S251). Specifically, a process of advancing the frame to enter the next frame is executed. More specifically, the motion data obtained by converting each image data in each frame into data is incremented, and scene data that is composed of a plurality of motion data and can be displayed on the image display device 11 on one screen. And

  Note that when scene data is incremented, it becomes trigger data that is a unit of animation that is played back for each action such as a trigger when a game operation is performed, and when trigger data is incremented, multiple trigger data It becomes production data composed of data.

  Subsequently, the motion data is acquired, and a drawing command is converted into a drawing command that can be read by the GPU 75e (S252). Specifically, based on the control command (image control command) transmitted from the sub-main board 60, the sub-CPU 75a is a command that allows the GPU 75e to read the order of the images displayed on the image display device 11 and the contents of the images to be displayed. Create a drawing command list to be converted.

  The drawing command list is created in the drawing order. Therefore, AT effect image data for assisting the player in the operation order for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, 3c so that a predetermined symbol is displayed is image data of main characters, image data for background, etc. Since it has a higher priority, it is positioned later in the drawing command list. In other words, when image data for AT effect is included in image data to be commanded, it is positioned behind the drawing command list with priority over image data for main characters, image data for background, and the like. Since the GPU 75e draws in the frame buffer in the order of the drawing command list, when drawing is performed in order, images are written one after another, and the images written later are displayed in front and overlapped to produce the AT effect. The image for use will not disappear.

  It should be noted that image data indicating that an error has occurred in the slot machine 1 and image data indicating an error or warning in the event of an illegal act relating to a ball appear to have higher priority than image data for AT production. It is positioned behind the image data for AT production in the drawing command list. For this reason, an image indicating an error or warning does not overlap with the AT effect image and cannot be seen.

  Next, the drawing process will be described. In the drawing process, drawing is executed based on the drawing command list prepared in the drawing preparation process shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the drawing process.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the drawing process, first, it is determined whether or not the drawing command converted by the sub-sub CPU 75a is a command for transferring still image data (S261). If it is determined that the command is a data transfer command, the GPU 75e accesses the CG-ROM 75d to read the data (S262), and expands it to a specific area of the VRAM 75f (S263).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining command, that is, whether or not there is a drawing command converted by the sub-sub CPU 75a (S264). If it is determined that there is no remaining command, the drawing process is terminated. If it is determined that there is a remaining command, the process returns to step S261. That is, the drawing process is repeated until there are no drawing commands.

  If it is determined that the command is not a data transfer command, it is determined whether the drawing command converted by the sub-sub CPU 75a is a command for transferring moving image data (S265). If it is determined that the command is a moving image command, the GPU 75e accesses the CG-ROM 75d, reads the data (S266), and expands it in a specific area of the VRAM 75f (S267). When the data is expanded in the specific area of the VRAM 75f, the process proceeds to step S264.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a moving image command, a process of transferring (drawing) the image data expanded in a specific area of the VRAM 75f to the frame buffer is executed (S268), and the process proceeds to step S264. In addition, when there are other commands having parameters (for example, a command for enlarging or reducing an image, a command for changing the transmittance or color of an image, a command for changing the position of an image, etc.) Sets parameters for the image data developed in a specific area, and then draws the image processed by the drawing command.

  When the resident image data is expanded, the GPU 75e accesses the CG-ROM 75d to read out the resident image data, and expands it in the area for expanding the resident image data in the VRAM 75f.

  Next, the remaining resident image data transfer process will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the remaining resident image data transfer process.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the remaining resident image data transfer process, it is first determined whether or not there is untransferred resident image data that has not yet been transferred to the VRAM 75f in the remaining resident image data (S271). Whether there is untransferred resident image data is determined whether transfer of data up to a specified address is completed. The designated address is determined in advance by designating an address range of resident image data to be transferred from the RAM 75c or by providing a data list and designating an address range of resident image data to be transferred on the list. If it is determined that there is no untransferred resident image data, the remaining resident image data transfer process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is untransferred resident image data, the capacity of the resident image data to be transferred next to the VRAM 75f is confirmed (S272). Specifically, the time required to transfer to the VRAM 75f is calculated based on the capacity of the resident image data to be transferred next.

  As for the resident image data transferred in the background, a management data table is stored in the ROM 75b so that data having a large data capacity and a plurality of data having a small data capacity are alternately transmitted.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the current frame can be transferred (S273). Specifically, in step S272, as a result of calculating the time taken to transfer to the VRAM 75f, it is determined whether or not the current frame can be transferred. If it is determined that transfer is possible in the current frame, the resident image data to be transferred next is transferred (S274), and the process returns to step S271. In other words, the remaining resident image data can be transferred repeatedly within a time that can be transferred.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that transfer is not possible in the current frame, “1” is added to the untransferred counter (S275), and it is determined whether the untransferred counter is 3 or more (S276). If it is determined that the untransfer counter is less than 3, the resident image data transfer process is terminated.

  When it is determined that the untransfer counter is 3 or more, forced transfer is executed (S277). That is, although the transfer is not possible in the current frame, the next transfer image data is forcibly transmitted to the VRAM 75f, and the swap process in step S214 is not executed until the next transfer image data is transmitted. When the forced transfer is executed, the remaining resident image data transfer process is terminated.

  When the remaining resident image data is transferred in the background, if data other than the resident image data transmitted in step S207 is designated for output to the image display device 1, the data designated for output. May be transmitted to the VRAM 75f, or data for which output is designated may not be transmitted to the VRAM 75f.

[Function and effect]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the image control board 75 executes the activation process based on the power-on, and the image data for enabling the display on the image display device 11 is displayed. Among them, it is assumed that a part of the resident image data is transferred to the VRAM 75f for easy reading, and if a part of the resident image data is transferred to the VRAM 75f, the image display device 11 can display an effect. The remaining part is transferred to the VRAM 75f.

  As part of the resident image data, the player assists the player in order to stop the reels 3a, 3b, 3c so that the image data of the main character displayed on the image display device 11 and the symbol based on the winning combination are displayed. Frequently used image data such as AT effect image data, background image data, and a plurality of image data having a large data capacity, or displaying an image on the image display device 11 immediately after the power is turned on. The minimum image data necessary for the image data can be obtained, and these image data are transferred to the VRAM 75f after activation. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the time for reading out the image data necessary for starting the game, and to shorten the time from when the power is restored until the game can be started.

  In addition, as part of the resident image data, when product inspection is performed at the time of shipment from the factory, image data for displaying the inspection result, and an image for displaying a numerical value indicating the operation order ratio for stopping the reels are displayed. The minimum image data required for product inspection such as data can be obtained, and these image data are transferred to the VRAM 75f after startup, so that the slot machine 1 can be used when the power is turned on in product inspection at the time of factory shipment. It is possible to shorten the lead time of the inspection for waiting for the rising edge.

  Furthermore, by including image data for AT effect that assists the player in the operation order for stopping the reels 3a, 3b, 3c so that a predetermined symbol is displayed as the minimum image data, If the above-mentioned AT role is won at the time of power recovery, “Bell-Bell-Bell”, which can win 8 game medals without assistance, will not win, and other Bell small roles will win. Thus, the game can proceed smoothly without giving the player a disadvantage that only one game medal can be obtained.

  Further, when creating a drawing list in which the sub-sub CPU 75a converts the order of images displayed on the image display device 11 into a command so that the GPU 75e can read it, an operation of stopping the reels 3a, 3b, 3c so that a predetermined symbol is displayed. The AT effect image data that assists the player in order and the like is positioned at the rear in the drawing list because the priority is higher than the image data of the main character, the background image data, and the like. For this reason, the image written later is displayed in front and overlapped, and the image for AT effect does not disappear.

  It should be noted that image data indicating that an error has occurred in the slot machine 1 and image data indicating an error or warning in the event of an illegal act relating to a ball appear to have higher priority than image data for AT production. The image data indicating an error or warning is positioned behind the image data for AT effect. For this reason, an image showing an error or an alarm is not lost.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the remaining part of the resident image data to be transmitted in the background is the management data to the ROM 75b so that the data having a large data capacity and a plurality of data having a small data capacity are alternately transmitted. The table is stored. When a large data volume is continuously transferred to the VRAM 75f, when the image currently displayed on the image display device 11 and the next image displayed on the image display device 11 are switched, the replacement interval is shifted. The displayed image is temporarily stopped. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the image from being stopped by alternately transferring data having a large data capacity and a plurality of data having a small data capacity.

[Modification]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the sub-sub board 75 performs the transfer of the inspection image data in Step S205, the transfer of the resident image data in Step S207, and the transfer of the remaining resident image data in Step S212 has been described. The substrate 70 can be configured to perform. That is, in the sub-main board 70 that controls the image displayed on the image display device 11, a part of the resident image data is transferred to the VRAM of the sub-main board 70 after being activated, and the product inspection at the time of factory shipment is performed. The image data can be transferred to the VRAM of the sub main board 70.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the sound board 17 is connected to the sub-sub board 75 has been described. However, the sound board 17 may be connected to the sub-main board 70 via the interface circuit 74.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the factory inspection mode is provided, and in the factory inspection mode, the case where the GPU 75e transfers the inspection data necessary for the product inspection to the VRAM 75f is described, but the factory inspection mode may not be provided. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the remaining resident image data transfer process in FIG. 18 has been described with respect to the case where the remaining resident image data is repeatedly transferred within a transferable time. May be transferred only once or a predetermined number of times.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e execute asynchronous processing is described. However, the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e perform processing in series, that is, the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e are synchronized. May be executed. Specifically, after the sub-sub CPU 75a executes command analysis (S222), drawing preparation processing (S223), and drawing start command (S211), the GPU 75e reads this drawing command and starts drawing processing. When the rendering process by the GPU 75e is completed, the sound regular process (S224), the V blank waiting process (S226), a toggle signal is transmitted to the sub main board 70 (S227), and the swap process is executed (S228). In this way, in the case of processing in which the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e are synchronized, the result of command analysis can be reflected in the next frame (after the swap processing in step S214).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described where, in step S213 of FIG. 13, after the remaining resident image data transfer process is executed, until 33 msec elapses, the step is performed when it is determined that 33 msec has not elapsed. Returning to S212, the remaining resident image data transfer process may be executed. That is, while waiting until 33 msec elapses, processing for transferring the remaining resident image data among the resident image data transferred in step S207 is executed.

  In the above case, by making the sub-sub CPU 75a and the GPU 75e asynchronous processing as described above, it is possible to extend the time for the GPU 75e to read data from the CG-ROM 75d and the time for the GPU 75e to perform drawing in the time within 33 msec. .

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a gaming machine other than a slot machine, such as a pachinko gaming machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball, or the like. It can be applied to other gaming machines such as gaming machines and enclosed gaming machines (game machines in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are enclosed and used in circulation), as well as amusement equipment such as medal gaming machines and game machines. And similar effects can be obtained.

  Each structure in embodiment and the change aspect mentioned above can be used in combination as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 3a, 3b, 3c ... Reel 11 ... Image display apparatus 25 ... Start lever 26a, 26b, 26c ... Stop switch 60 ... Main control board 70 ... Sub control board (sub main board)
71 ... Sub CPU
75a ... Sub-sub CPU
75d ... CG-RON
75f ... VRAM
75. Image control board (sub-sub board)
83 ... Setting key type switch 84 ... Setting change switch 100 ... Main control means 101 ... Role determining means 102 ... Reel control means 103 ... Setting change means 104 ... Game state control means 105 ... Bet management means 106 ... Game operation processing time deriving means 107 ... Stop display symbol determination means 108 ... Blocker control means 110 ... Display lamp control means 118 ... Main information storage means 119 ... Information transmission means 200 ... Sub control means 201 ... AT setting means 202 ... Effect execution control means 208 ... Sub information storage Means 209 Information receiving means 210 Information sending means

Claims (1)

The lottery regarding the winning combination is executed, the reel with the symbol is rotated, and the reel which has been rotated based on the stop operation is stopped, so that the combination of symbols regarding the winning combination based on the result of the lottery is stopped and displayed. In gaming machines that perform possible games,
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Sub-control means for controlling the effect according to the progress of the game based on the control command from the main control means,
The sub-control means is
Based on power-on, execute the startup process,
Among the image data for enabling the display of the effect on the image display device, a predetermined winning combination is selected from the resident image data that can be easily read out after being stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage means after the activation process. The operation information image data for displaying the operation order of the stop operation for stopping and displaying the combination of symbols is transferred to the storage area,
When a part of the resident image data including the operation information image data is transferred, it is possible to display an effect according to the progress of the game in the image display device,
A gaming machine, wherein the remaining portion of the resident image data is transferred to the storage area in a state in which the effect can be displayed.