JP6484574B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined winning according to a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable.

As this type of slot machine, a slot machine that saves power has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-219545 A

An object of this invention is to provide the slot machine which can aim at power saving .

In order to solve the above-described problem, a slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
After displaying the variable display unit in a variable manner, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result,
Game control means for controlling the game and transmitting control information ;
Directing means including light emitting means;
Effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the control information received from the game control means;
Specific detection means provided separately from detection means for detecting a situation related to the progress of the game, and capable of detecting a predetermined situation based on a player who plays the game;
With
The game control means includes
Processing including basic processing means for performing basic processing for executing processes in a predetermined order, and periodic interrupt processing means for performing periodic interrupt processing for interrupting the basic processing and executing processing at regular time intervals Circuit,
A communication circuit including control information storage means capable of storing the control information, and transmitting control information stored in the control information storage means to the effect control means;
An error state control means for controlling to an error state where the progress of the game is disabled when an error is detected;
Including
In the basic processing, a plurality of first control information that makes sense according to the progress of the game is generated, and the control information storage means stores the first control information one by one in the order of transmission,
In the periodic interruption process, the second control information is generated according to an event that occurs regardless of the progress of the game, and the process is stored in the control information storage unit.
The processing circuit starts storing a plurality of first control information in the control information storage means, and performs the periodic interrupt processing in a period until the storage of the plurality of first control information is completed. Further includes a periodic interrupt processing prohibition means for prohibiting execution ,
The production control means includes
It is possible to execute power saving control for turning off the light emitting means when a predetermined time has passed without detection by the specific detection means and when a predetermined time has passed without playing a game,
When control information corresponding to the progress of the game is received during execution of the power saving control, the power saving control is ended, and the rendering means is controlled according to the control information,
When a predetermined time elapses without detection by the specific detection means, or when a predetermined time elapses without playing a game, and in the error state, power saving control is performed until the error state ends. A slot machine that performs power saving control from the time when the error state ends without being executed.
It is characterized by that.
The slot machine of means 1 of the present invention is:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using game values (medals), and a plurality of types of symbols that can be identified by a motor can be displayed in a variable manner. A slot machine (slot) in which one game is completed when a display result is derived to the variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device. Machine 1),
Fluctuation starting means for starting variable display of the variable display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) with the start of the game;
Derivation control means for controlling the variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to derive a display result;
A player detection means (human sensor 5) for detecting a player;
After the variable display on the variable display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is started, until the display result is derived to the variable display device by the derivation control means, the player detection means (human sensor 5) When the player is no longer detected by the above, the fluctuation stop means for reducing the power consumption than during the fluctuation display by temporarily stopping the fluctuation display of the variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R),
In a state where the variable display of the variable display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is stopped by the variation stop means, the variable display device ( Change restarting means for restarting the change display of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R);
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, when the player is no longer detected by the player detection means until the display result is derived by the derivation control means after the variable display of the variable display apparatus is started, The display is temporarily stopped, and then the player returns and the restart condition is satisfied, whereby the change of the variable display device is restarted, and the display result can be derived by the player's derivation operation. That is, when the variable display is stopped by the variable stop means, the display result at the time of the stop is not the game result, but is derived by the player's derivation operation after the variable display is restarted due to the establishment of the restart condition. Since the display result is the result of the game, even after the start of the game, it is possible to secure a game with technical intervention of the player while efficiently saving power due to the absence of the player.
In order to reduce the power consumption by temporarily stopping the variable display of the variable display device than during the variable display, the power supply to the motor that drives the variable display device is stopped or the drive signal of the motor is output. Any configuration that consumes less power than during variable display by stopping the display may be used.

The slot machine according to means 2 of the present invention is the slot machine according to means 1,
The variation stop means is characterized in that, when the variation display is temporarily stopped, the variation display is stopped in a stop mode that does not correspond to a winning (stop mode in which no winning line is arranged).
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying that a winning has occurred due to the stop mode stopped by the variation stop means.

The slot machine of means 3 of the present invention is the slot machine according to means 1 or means 2,
The fluctuation stop means stops the fluctuation display in a stop mode (a stop mode in which the position is shifted by a half frame from a reference position) that cannot be derived by the derivation control unit when the fluctuation display is temporarily stopped. It is said.
According to this feature, it is possible to determine from the display mode of the variable display device whether the stop mode is stopped by the fluctuation stop unit or the stop mode derived by the derivation control unit.

The slot machine of means 4 of the present invention is the slot machine according to any one of means 1 to 3,
The predetermined restart condition (condition for canceling the power saving mode) is that the player is detected by the player detecting means (human sensor 5), and the operation by the player (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switch 8L, 8C or 8R) is detected when the operation is detected.
According to this feature, even if a player is detected, the variable display is not resumed unless there is an intention to restart the game actively by the player's operation, so the player has no intention to resume. Nevertheless, it is possible to prevent the variable display from restarting.

The slot machine according to means 5 of the present invention is the slot machine according to means 4, wherein
The operation by the player is an operation of game operation means (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) for advancing the game,
If an operation of the game operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is detected while the variable display of the variable display device is stopped by the change stop means, the predetermined restart condition (power saving mode) The operation of the game operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is not related to the progress of the game even if the release condition is established.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the game from proceeding unintentionally by the player.

The slot machine of means 6 of the present invention is the slot machine according to any one of means 1 to means 5,
The player detection means (human sensor 5) detects the player based on the detection status around the game operation means (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) for progressing the game. It is characterized by detection.
According to this feature, it is possible to reliably detect the presence of a player who is playing a game.

It is a front view of the slot machine of Example 1 to which the present invention was applied. It is an internal structure figure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (main) which a main control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (main) which a main control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the door monitoring process which a main control part performs in a timer interruption process (main). It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the power-saving determination process which a main control part performs in a timer interruption process (main). It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the process in power saving preparation which a main control part performs in a timer interruption process (main). It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the forced stop process which a main control part performs in the process in power saving preparation. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the process during power saving which a main control part performs in a timer interruption process (main). It is a timing chart which shows the control condition of the power saving mode which a main control part controls. It is a timing chart which shows the control condition of the power saving mode which a main control part controls. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an external output board | substrate, and an example of an external output signal. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (sub) which a sub control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the power-saving process which a sub control part performs in a timer interruption process (sub). It is a timing chart which shows the control condition of a power saving mode. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a slot machine for explaining an arrangement position of LEDs or the like controlled by a sub-control unit. It is a figure which shows power saving patterns, such as LED which a sub control part controls. It is a figure which shows the light emission conditions of LED etc. which a sub control part controls. It is a figure which shows the arrival condition of the light of LED at the time of arranging the slot machine of a present Example in parallel.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. A slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface, and a pivotable pivot at a side end of the housing 1a. The front door 1b is supported.

  Inside the casing 1a of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, reels 2L, 2C and 2R (hereinafter referred to as a left reel, a middle reel and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery. ) Are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b. Are arranged as follows.

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

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

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

  At the position corresponding to each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on the front door 1b, a horizontally long rectangular see-through window 3 that allows the reels 2L, 2C, 2R to be seen through from the front side is provided. The reels 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

  The front door 1b uses a medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a player's own game value). The MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when setting the maximum bet number (3 in any game state in this embodiment) among the prescribed number of bets determined according to the game state, is stored as credits. Settlement switch 10 operated when paying out medals used for setting medals and betting numbers (returning medals used for setting credits and betting numbers), start switch operated when starting a game 7. Stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and an effect switch 56 for use in effects. It is provided so as to be operated by the skill person.

  A human sensor 5 is provided above the see-through window 3. The human sensor 5 is a sensor that senses the presence of a person based on a temperature change in the sensing area indicated by the wavy line in FIG. 1, determines whether or not the person is sensed, and senses the presence of the person. A determination unit for continuously outputting a sensing signal while it is determined to be present. The human sensor 5 is arranged such that its sensing area can be detected by a player located in front of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the medal slot 4 and the slot machine 1. . The pedestal (not shown) of the human sensor 5 is provided with a variable mechanism so that the sensing area can be finely adjusted by moving the direction of the sensing area by hand. In addition, the sensor strength (sensing strength) can be changed by setting a sensor strength changeover switch 36c (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. For example, it is necessary to avoid interference with an adjacent table depending on the installation situation. In some cases, the sensor strength of the human sensor 5 can be adjusted.

  The front door 1b also displays a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and the like. Game assist indicator 12, 1BETLED14 that notifies that the bet number is set by 1 by lighting, 2BETLED15 that notifies that the bet number is set by 2 and 2 that the bet number is set by 3 3BET LED 16 to notify, insertion request LED 17 to notify that a medal can be inserted by lighting, start effective LED 18 to notify that the game start operation by the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, wait (the previous game start) Waiting for the start of reel rotation because a certain period has not elapsed since Weight in LED19 for notifying by lighting a a is that during the game display section 13 in the replay LED20 is provided for informing is provided by lighting the effect that during replay game, which will be described later.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 4) for notifying that the setting operation of the bet amount by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and stop switches 8L, 8C, The left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R (see FIG. 4) are provided inside the 8R to notify that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is valid by lighting. It has been.

  Inside the front door 1b, there is a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state described later and a stop state described later by a predetermined key operation, while changing a set value and confirming a set value described later. The set value display 24 that displays the set value at that time, and the validity / invalidity of the stop function for controlling the stop state at the end of the BB, which will be described later (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) A check switch 36a for selecting the automatic settlement function that controls automatic settlement at the end of BB, which will be described later (processing to settle (return) medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation). Automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting invalidity, sensor strength changeover switch 36c for setting the sensor strength of human sensor 5, and medal inserted from medal insertion unit 4 In order to selectively switch the flow path to either a take-in-side passage on the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, provided inside the housing 1a or a discharge-side passage on the medal payout exit 9 side. The flow path switching solenoid 30, a medal selector (not shown) having an insertion medal sensor 31 for detecting a medal that has been inserted from the medal insertion portion 4 and flowed down to the hopper tank 34a side, and a door opening that detects the open state of the front door 1b. A detection switch 25 (see FIG. 4) is provided. The flow path switching solenoid 30 is a discharge-side passage when the medal flow path inserted from the medal insertion section 4 is in a non-energized state. By returning to the state, it returns to the discharge side passage.

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

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

  The front side of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in a normal state. There are provided a reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of internal lottery to be described later, and a power switch 39 that is operated when the power is turned on / off. .

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

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

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

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a combination of symbols (hereinafter also referred to as roles) that are activated and predetermined on the winning line is each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. When the display result is stopped, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit number (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 1). In addition, when the combination of symbols with payout of medals is arranged on a plurality of winning lines that are activated, the total number of payouts determined for each combination of symbols that are activated and aligned on the winning line is totaled, The total number of medals will be awarded to the player. However, an upper limit (15 in this embodiment) is set for the number of medals to be awarded in one game, and when the total number of medals exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit number of medals is awarded. It will be. In addition, when a combination of symbols accompanied by a transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on the winning line, the gaming state is shifted according to the combination of symbols. ing.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated and the symbols start to change, any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated. When this is done, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

  The reels 2L, 2C and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and 80 × 21 (the number of symbols per reel) = 1680 frames, so the maximum of 4 symbols is drawn in 190 ms. Will be able to. In other words, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of them, for a total of five symbols.

  For this reason, for example, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol from the symbol to four frames ahead is used. Since the symbols can be displayed in the lower row, in each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8R is operated, the symbol displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch. The symbols arranged within 5 frames including can be displayed on the winning line.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game state is controlled by the game control board 40, and the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90. The production according to the control is controlled, and the power supply board 101 generates the drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies them to each part.

  The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC100V power from the outside, and from this AC100V power supply, a DC voltage necessary for driving electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated, and the game control board 40 and the game control board 40 are generated. It is supplied to the production control board 90 connected through the. In addition, a command transmission line from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91, which will be described later, and a power supply line for supplying power from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 are connected via a single cable and connector. Are connected to each other, and all the connectors that connect these cables and the respective boards are connected to each other so that the respective parts on the side of the effect control board 90 can operate and receive commands from the main control part 41. Become. For this reason, unless the command transmission line for transmitting a command from the main control unit 41 is connected to the effect control board 90, power is not supplied to the effect control board 90, and only the effect control board 90 side operates. There is no end to it.

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

  On the game control board 40, the above-described MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, settlement switch 10, reset switch 23, stop switch 36a, automatic settlement switch 36b, human sensor 5, inserted medal The sensor 31, the door open detection switch 25, and the reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the above-described payout sensor 34c, full sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, and reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. The sensor strength changeover switch 36c is connected to the determination unit of the human sensor 5 described above, and the setting state of the strength changeover switch 36 is detected by this determination unit so that the sensor strength is set. .

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

  The game control board 40 includes a main control unit 41, a control clock generation circuit 42, a random number clock generation circuit 43, a switch detection circuit 44, a motor drive circuit 45, a solenoid drive circuit 46, an LED drive circuit 47, and a power interruption detection circuit. 48 and a reset circuit 49 are mounted.

  The main control unit 41 is configured by a one-chip microcomputer, executes a control program stored in a ROM 506, which will be described later, and performs processing related to the progress of the game, and also includes a control circuit mounted on the game control board 40. Control each part directly or indirectly.

  The control clock generation circuit 42 generates a control clock CCLK serving as an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency outside the main control unit 41. The control clock CCLK generated by the control clock generation circuit 42 is supplied to the clock circuit 502 via the control external clock terminal EXC of the main control unit 41 as shown in FIG. 5A, for example. The random number clock generation circuit 43 generates a random number clock RCLK that is an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency different from the oscillation frequency of the control clock CCLK, outside the main control unit 41. The random number clock RCLK generated by the random number clock generation circuit 43 is supplied to the random number circuit 509 via the random number external clock terminal ERC of the main control unit 41 as shown in FIG. 5A, for example. As an example, the oscillation frequency of the random number clock RCLK generated by the random number clock generation circuit 43 may be set to be equal to or lower than the oscillation frequency of the control clock CCLK generated by the control clock generation circuit 42.

  The switch detection circuit 44 takes in detection signals input from switches connected directly to the game control board 40 or via the power supply board 101 and transmits them to the main control unit 41. The motor drive circuit 45 transmits the motor drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. The solenoid drive circuit 46 transmits the solenoid drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to the flow path switching solenoid 30. The LED drive circuit transmits the LED drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to various displays and LEDs connected to the game control board 40. The power interruption detection circuit 48 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 and outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the main control unit 41 when a voltage drop is detected. The reset circuit 49 provides a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in a state where the power is unstable, such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The reset circuit 49 has a built-in watchdog timer 49a (see FIG. 5B). When the watchdog timer 49a times out, that is, when the operation of the CPU 505 of the main control unit 41 stops for a certain period of time, A user reset signal is given to the control unit 41.

  FIG. 5A shows a configuration example of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5A is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a specific information storage circuit 503, a reset / interrupt controller 504, a CPU 505, and a ROM 506. A RAM 507, a CTC (counter / timer circuit) 508, a random number circuit 509, a PIP (parallel input port) 510, a serial communication circuit 511, and an address decode circuit 512.

  The external bus interface 501 provided in the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5A is an interface function between the external bus and the internal bus of the chip constituting the main control unit 41, the address bus, the data bus, and the direction of each control signal. A bus interface having a control function and the like. For example, the external bus interface 501 is connected to an external memory or an external input / output device externally attached to the main control unit 41, and transmits / receives address signals, data signals, various control signals, and the like to / from these external devices. Anything to do. In this embodiment, the external bus interface 501 includes an internal resource access control circuit 501A.

  The internal resource access control circuit 501A controls access to internal data of the main control unit 41 from an external device via the external bus interface 501, and stores internal data such as a game control program and fixed data stored in the ROM 506, for example. This is a circuit for limiting inappropriate external reading. Here, a circuit analysis device such as an in-circuit emulator (ICE) may be connected to the external bus interface 501 as an external device.

  The clock circuit 502 provided in the main control unit 41 is a circuit that generates the internal system clock SCLK by, for example, dividing the oscillation signal input to the control external clock terminal EXC by two. In this embodiment, the control clock CCLK generated by the control clock generation circuit 42 is input to the control external clock terminal EXC. The internal system clock SCLK generated by the clock circuit 502 is supplied to various circuits such as the CPU 505 that control the progress of the game in the main control unit 41. The internal system clock SCLK is also supplied to the random number circuit 509 and used to monitor the frequency of the random number clock RCLK supplied from the random number clock generation circuit 43. Further, the internal system clock SCLK may be output from the system clock output terminal CLKO connected to the clock circuit 502 to the outside of the main control unit 41. It is desirable that the internal system clock SCLK is not output to the outside of the main control unit 41. As described above, by limiting the external output of the internal system clock SCLK, it becomes difficult to specify the operation cycle of the internal circuit (such as the CPU 505) of the main control unit 41 from the outside. In the case of updating by this, it is possible to prevent the random number update cycle from being specified externally.

  The unique information storage circuit 503 included in the main control unit 41 is a circuit that stores a plurality of types of unique information serving as internal information of the main control unit 41, for example. As an example, the unique information storage circuit 503 stores three types of unique information such as a ROM code, a chip individual number, and an ID number. The ROM 506 code is a 4-byte numerical value generated from stored data in a predetermined area of the ROM 506, and four numerical values with different generation methods may be prepared. The chip individual number is a 4-byte number assigned when the main control unit 41 is manufactured, and indicates a different numerical value for each chip constituting the main control unit 41. The ID number is an 8-byte number assigned when the main control unit 41 is manufactured, and indicates a different numerical value for each chip constituting the main control unit 41. Here, it is sufficient that the chip individual number can be read from the user program while the ID number cannot be read from the user program. The unique information storage circuit 503 may be included in the ROM 506 by using a predetermined area of the ROM 506, for example. Alternatively, the unique information storage circuit 503 may be included in the CPU 505 by using a built-in register of the CPU 505, for example.

  The reset / interrupt controller 504 provided in the main control unit 41 is for controlling various resets and interrupt requests generated inside or outside the main control unit 41. The reset controlled by the reset / interrupt controller 504 includes a system reset and a user reset. The system reset is a reset that occurs when a low level signal (system reset signal) is input to the external system reset terminal XSRST for a certain period. The user reset is performed when a low level signal (user reset signal) is input to the external user reset terminal XURST for a certain period of time, or when a time-out signal of the built-in watchdog timer (WDT) is generated, or when running outside the specified area. This reset is caused by a predetermined factor such as the occurrence of prohibition (IAT). In this embodiment, as described above, since the watchdog timer (WDT) mounted on the reset circuit 49 is used without using the built-in watchdog timer, a user reset signal is input to the external user reset terminal XURST. Alternatively, a user reset occurs when the out-of-designated area travel prohibition (IAT) occurs.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, a reset circuit 49 incorporating a watchdog timer 49a is mounted on the game control board 40. The reset circuit 49 outputs a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 until the power supplied to the slot machine 1 becomes a stable voltage and a predetermined time elapses. When the watchdog timer 49a times out, a user reset signal is output to the main control unit 41.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (B), in the game control board 40, among the signal lines connected from the LED drive circuit 47 to the credit display unit 11, the drive signals of the plurality of segments constituting the credit display unit 11 are below. The signal line of the 1 digit B segment signal, the lower 1 digit C segment signal, the upper 1 digit B segment signal, and the upper 1 digit C segment signal is branched and connected to the watchdog timer clear signal terminal of the reset circuit 49 via the or circuit. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls to dynamically light any one of the lower 1 digit B segment, the lower 1 digit C segment, the upper 1 digit B segment, and the upper 1 digit C segment of the credit indicator 11. In order to dynamically light these segments, if the main control unit 41 is operating normally, one of the drive signals of these four segments should be output periodically. It is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit 41 is operating normally by monitoring whether or not the drive signal of any one of the segments is periodically output.

  A signal obtained by combining the drive signals of these four segments into one via the or circuit is input to the watchdog timer clear signal terminal of the reset circuit 49, and the watchdog timer 49a is cleared. The output of the drive signals of the four segments is stopped, the watchdog timer 49a is not cleared, and the user reset signal is output to the main control unit 41 when time is up.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the segment signal of the LED to which the drive signal is given periodically is branched to clear the watchdog timer 49a, and the CPU 505 of the main control unit 41 individually monitors the watchdog timer 49a. This is preferable because it is possible to monitor whether or not the main control unit 41 is operating normally without performing the process of clearing the watchdog timer, but the watchdog timer clear signal terminal of the reset circuit 49 from the main control unit 41 The watchdog timer 49a may be cleared by inputting an individual clear signal.

  In the present embodiment, the watchdog timer 49a is mounted on the reset circuit 49 provided outside the main control unit 41, but the main control unit is used by using the watchdog timer built in the main control unit 41. The operation of 41 may be monitored.

  Interrupts controlled by the reset / interrupt controller 504 include a non-maskable interrupt NMI and a maskable interrupt INT. The non-maskable interrupt NMI is an interrupt that is unconditionally accepted even when the CPU 505 is in an interrupt-disabled state. An interrupt that occurs. The maskable interrupt INT is an interrupt that can permit / prohibit acceptance of an interrupt request by a setting instruction of the CPU 505, and multiple interrupts can be executed by setting priority. The maskable interrupt INT is caused by the fact that a low level signal is input to the external maskable interrupt terminal XINT (also used as the input port P3) for a certain period of time, a time-out occurs in the timer circuit included in the CTC 508, Multiple types of interrupt factors are determined in advance, such as the occurrence of an interrupt factor due to data transmission in the serial communication circuit 511 and the occurrence of an interrupt factor due to the acquisition of numerical data as a random value in the random number circuit 509. It should be.

  The CPU 505 provided in the main control unit 41 executes processing for controlling the progress of the game in the slot machine 1 by executing the program read from the ROM 506. At this time, the CPU 505 reads out fixed data from the ROM 506, the CPU 505 writes various data to the RAM 507 and temporarily stores the data, and the CPU 505 stores various data temporarily stored in the RAM 507. The CPU 505 receives the input of various signals from the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501 or the PIP 510, and the CPU 505 receives the input of various signals via the external bus interface 501 or the serial communication circuit 511. A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the main control unit 41 is also performed.

  As described above, in the main control unit 41, the CPU 505 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 506. Therefore, the main control unit 41 (or CPU 505) executes (or performs processing) below. Specifically, the CPU 505 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on boards other than the game control board 40.

  A ROM 506 provided in the main control unit 41 stores a user program for game control, fixed data, and the like. The ROM 506 stores a security check program 506A. The CPU 505 reads the security check program 506A stored in the ROM 506 when the main control unit 41 shifts to the security mode in response to the power-on of the slot machine 1 or the occurrence of a system reset, and whether the storage content of the ROM 506 has been changed. Execute security check processing to check whether or not. The security check program 506A may be stored in a built-in memory different from the ROM 506. Further, the security check program 506A may correspond to a security check process for inspecting the storage content of the external memory externally attached to the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, for example.

  A RAM 507 provided in the main control unit 41 provides a work area for game control. Here, at least a part of the RAM 507 may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, at least part of the contents of the RAM 507 is stored for a predetermined period. In this embodiment, all areas of the RAM 507 are backup RAMs, and all contents of the RAM 507 are saved for a predetermined period even when power supply to the slot machine is stopped.

  The CTC 508 provided in the main control unit 41 includes, for example, an 8-bit programmable timer built in 3 channels (PTC0 to PTC2), and includes a timer circuit capable of generating a real-time interrupt and measuring time. Each programmable timer PTC0-PTC2 has a timer value that is updated in response to a change in the count clock signal generated based on the internal system clock SCLK (for example, a falling timing that changes from a high level to a low level). If it is good. In addition, the CTC 508 may incorporate, for example, an 8-bit programmable counter with 4 channels (PCC0 to PCC3). Each of the programmable counters PCC0 to PCC3 is only required to have its count value updated in response to a signal change of the internal system clock SCLK or occurrence of a timeout in any of the programmable counters PCC0 to PCC3. The CTC 508 resets the start time of the random number generated by the free run counter used for randomly determining the extension time (variable setting time) for extending the security time for each system reset or the random number circuit 509. A free-run counter or the like that is used to randomly determine each time may be included. Alternatively, these free-run counters may be included in an internal circuit of the main control unit 41 different from the CTC 508 such as a backup area of the RAM 507, for example.

  A random number circuit 509 included in the main control unit 41 is a circuit that generates numerical data that is a random value having a predetermined update range, such as a 16-bit random number. In the present embodiment, on the game control board 40 side, numerical data indicating a random value for internal lottery to be described later is controlled to be countable. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, random numbers other than these may be used. The CPU 505 uses a random counter different from the random number circuit 509 based on the numerical data extracted from the random number circuit 509 to process or update various numerical data by software, thereby indicating numerical data indicating a random value for internal lottery. May be counted. In the following, it is assumed that numerical data indicating random numbers for internal lottery is not processed by software from numerical data extracted by the CPU 505 from the random number circuit 509 serving as hardware. The random number circuit 509 may be incorporated in the main control unit 41 or may be externally attached to the main control unit 41 as a random number circuit chip different from the main control unit 41. .

  The random number for internal lottery is a value used to determine whether or not to allow a plurality of types of winnings, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “65535” in this embodiment.

  The PIP 510 included in the main control unit 41 is, for example, a 6-bit input dedicated port, and includes an input port P0 to an input port P2 serving as a dedicated terminal and an input port P3 serving as a function shared terminal and an input port P5. . The input port P3 is also used as an external maskable interrupt terminal XINT connected to the CPU 505 or the like. The input port P4 is also used as an external non-maskable interrupt terminal XNMI connected to the CPU 505 or the like. The input port P5 is also used as the first channel reception terminal RXA used by the serial communication circuit 511. The use setting of the input port P3 to the input port P5 is instructed by the function setting KFCS stored in the program management area.

  An address decoding circuit 512 provided in the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5 is a circuit for decoding each functional block in the main control unit 41 and a chip select signal that is a decoding signal for an external device. . By the chip select signal, an internal circuit of the main control unit 41 or an external device as a peripheral device is selectively operated effectively and can be accessed from the CPU 505.

  The ROM 506 provided in the main control unit 41 stores various selection data and table data used for controlling the progress of the game, in addition to the game control user program and the security check program 506A. For example, the ROM 506 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, and the like prepared for the CPU 505 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. The ROM 506 stores table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 505 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the game control board 40.

  The RAM 507 provided in the main control unit 41 is provided with a game control data holding area 590 as an area for holding various data used for controlling the progress of the game in the slot machine 1. For example, a DRAM is used as the RAM 507, and a refresh operation is required to maintain the stored data contents. The CPU 505 has a built-in refresh register for performing this refresh operation. For example, the refresh register consists of 8 bits, and the lower 7 bits are automatically incremented each time the CPU 505 fetches an instruction from the ROM 506. Accordingly, the stored value in the refresh register is updated every execution time of one instruction in the CPU 505.

  The main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91 via the serial communication circuit 511. A command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the sub control unit 91 toward the main control unit 41.

  The main control unit 41 receives the detection state of various switches connected to the game control board 40 from the input port. Then, the main control unit 41 executes basic processing that shifts in stages according to the detection states of various switches input from these input ports.

  Further, the main control unit 41 can execute an interrupt process by interrupting the basic process when an interrupt occurs. In the present embodiment, a timer interrupt process (main), which will be described later, is executed at a certain time interval (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment) when a timeout occurs in the timer circuit included in the CTC 508.

  In addition, the main control unit 41 is set not to prohibit other interrupts during execution of the interrupt process, and when a plurality of interrupts occur at the same time, the main control unit 41 prioritizes according to a predetermined order. An interrupt to be executed is set. Note that the interrupt used by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment is only one type of interrupt that occurs every time a timeout occurs in the timer circuit included in the CTC 508, and a plurality of interrupts are generated simultaneously. There is nothing.

  The main control unit 41 repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes as a basic process, and changes the detection state of the various switches. Execute a process that moves in stages. Further, the main control unit 41 executes a timer interrupt process (main) at regular time intervals (about 0.56 ms in this embodiment). In addition, the execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time required to complete the repeated process according to the control state in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main) Therefore, the process that is repeated according to the control state between the current and next timer interrupt processes (main) is completed at least once. As an exception, during power saving preparation and power saving mode, which will be described later, the process waits without returning to the basic processing, and the next time the timer circuit included in the CTC 508 generates a timeout, the timer again The interrupt process (main) is executed from the beginning.

  The main CPU 41a transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I / O port 41d. A command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. A transmission line for commands transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 includes a strobe (INT) signal line, a data transmission line, and a ground line.

  An effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input.

  The effect control board 90 includes a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1, an effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54 (see FIG. 16), the reel LED 55 described above, and the like. Production devices are connected, and these production devices are driven based on control by a later-described sub-control unit 91 mounted on the production control board 90.

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

  Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are exemplified as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to these, for example, a mechanically driven display. A device or a mechanically driven item may be applied as the effect device.

  Similar to the main control unit 41, the effect control board 90 includes a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, and a microcomputer provided with an I / O port 91d. The sub control unit 91 controls the effect, and the effect control board 90. A display control circuit 92 that performs display control of the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the LED, an LED driving circuit 93 that performs drive control of the effect LED 52 and the reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 that controls audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, When the power is turned on or when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain period of time, a reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a and a detection signal input from the effect switch 56 connected to the effect control board 90 are detected. The switch detection circuit 96 outputs time information including date information and time information. The power supply voltage supplied to the timepiece device 97 and the slot machine 1 is monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a power drop detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal to that effect to the sub CPU 91a, other circuits, etc. , And the sub CPU 91a receives various commands transmitted from the game control board 40 and performs various controls for performing effects, and directly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. To control automatically or indirectly.

  The reset circuit 95 has a lower voltage for releasing the reset signal than the reset circuit 49 that gives the system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. When the power is turned on, the sub control unit 91 It starts at an earlier stage than the unit 41. On the other hand, the power interruption detection circuit 98 has a voltage that outputs a voltage drop signal lower than the power interruption detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. The sub control unit 91 detects a power failure at a later stage than the main control unit 41, and performs a power interruption process (sub) described later.

  Similar to the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the main control unit 41, and acquires a command transmitted from the main control unit 41. Execute command reception interrupt processing to be stored in the buffer. Further, the sub control unit 91 executes an interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt every time the number of input system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval.

  Also, unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process even when the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed when an interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command. The command reception interrupt process is executed at the same time, and the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority even if interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur at the same time.

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

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

  In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after the setting key switch 37 is turned on. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value read from the RAM 507 is displayed on the setting value display 24 as a display value, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. Transition to the setting change state. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the display returns to the setting 1). . When the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 507 of the main control unit 41, and the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  In order to check the set value, after the game is over, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on in a state where the bet amount is not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value read out from the RAM 507 is displayed on the setting value display 24, thereby shifting to a setting confirmation state in which the setting value can be confirmed. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot be progressed, and by setting the setting key switch 37 to the off state, the setting confirmation state is ended and the state in which the game can proceed is returned.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is detected every time the timer interruption process (main) is executed. If the determination process is performed and it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected in the power failure determination process, the power interruption process (main) is executed. In the power interruption process (main), the register is saved in a stack of a RAM 507, which will be described later, and destructive diagnosis data (in this embodiment, 5AH) in which any bit is 1 is stored in the RAM 507, that is, specific data other than 0 is stored. In addition to the storage, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 507 becomes 0 and stored in the RAM 507. The RAM parity is a value calculated as an exclusive OR of the values stored in each bit of the corresponding area (all areas in this embodiment) of the RAM 507. For this reason, if the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 507 is 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is 0, and the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 507 is 1. In this case, the RAM parity adjustment data is 1.

  The main control unit 41 calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 507 at the time of activation, regardless of whether the system reset or the user reset, and the value of the data for destructive diagnosis And the processing state of the main control unit 41 is restored to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 507 on the condition that the RAM parity is 0 and the value of the data for destruction diagnosis is also correct. However, if the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1) or the value of the destruction diagnosis data is not correct, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM abnormal error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormal error state. However, the progress of the game is disabled. Unlike the normal error state, the RAM abnormal error state is not canceled even if the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, and a new set value is set in the above-described setting change state. It will not be released until

  In this embodiment, all data stored in the RAM 507 is held by the backup power source even in the event of a power failure, and the main control unit 41 determines that the data in the RAM 507 is normal when the power is turned on. In addition, the configuration is such that the control state before power interruption is restored based on the data stored in the RAM 507. However, only the data stored in the RAM 507 that is necessary for returning to the control state in the event of a power failure is backed up and the power is turned on. It may be configured to return to the control state before power interruption based on the data backed up at the time.

  In addition, when returning to the control state before the power interruption when the power is turned on, it is not necessary to return all the control states to the control state before the power interruption, and the minimum control state that does not disadvantage the player For example, it is not necessary to restore the state of all input ports to the state before power interruption.

  Next, initialization of the RAM 507 of the main control unit 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 507 of the main control unit 41 is divided into an important work, a general work, a special work, a set value work, a non-saved work, a non-initialized area, an unused area, and a stack area.

  The important work is a work in which data which is inconvenient if it is initialized at the end of the BB, such as various display devices, LED display data, I / O input / output data, and game time counter. The general work is a work that stores data that can be initialized at the end of the BB, such as a stop control table, a stop symbol, the number of medals paid out, and the total number of medals paid out in the BB. The special work is a work that stores data such as various software random numbers that are initialized only before the setting is started. The unsaved work is a work that holds the state of various switches, and a value is always set regardless of whether or not the data in the RAM 507 is destroyed at the time of activation. The uninitialized work is a work that stores data that is not initialized even when a RAM error or setting is changed. The non-initialized work further includes a set value work for storing a set value used when a lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, and a command buffer (in the command buffer) in which a command transmitted to the effect control board 90 is temporarily stored. This command is maintained until the next command is stored, so that the last transmitted command is always stored), and a medal IN signal and a medal OUT signal, which will be described later, output to the external output board 1000. , RB signal, BB signal, power saving signal, door open signal, setting change signal, input error signal, payout error signal, door open signal constituting the security signal output from the external output board 1000, setting change signal Security work that stores the output status (on / off status) of the input error signal and the payout error signal is assigned. There. The unused area is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 507, and is initialized if any one of a plurality of initialization conditions described later is satisfied. The stack area is an area in which data saved from the register of the main control unit 41 is stored, and the unused stack area is one of a plurality of initialization conditions to be described later, like the unused area. However, if it is established, it will be initialized, but the in-use stack area is not initialized because the program continues.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 stores the data in the RAM 507 when the setting key switch 37 is turned on, when a RAM error occurs, when the BB ends, and when the setting key switch 37 is turned off. When not being destroyed, when five initialization conditions at the end of one game are satisfied, four types of initializations that are initialized in accordance with each initialization condition are performed.

  Initialization 1 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is turned on at the time of startup and transitions to a setting change state, or initialization performed when a RAM abnormality error occurs. In the storage area of the RAM 507, all areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) other than the used stack area and the non-initialized area are initialized. Initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of the BB. In initialization 2, a general work, an unused area, and an unused stack area are initialized in the storage area of the RAM 507. Initialization 3 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is in an off state at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 507 is not destroyed. In the initialization 3, the unsaved work, the unused area, and the The used stack area is initialized. Initialization 4 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In initialization 4, an unused area and an unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 507 are initialized.

  In this embodiment, initialization 1 is performed before the change of the setting change state. However, the initialization 1 is performed at the end of the setting change state, or both before the change of the setting change state and at the end of the setting change state. Also good.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a RAM abnormality error occurs at the time of power-on or the like, initialization 1 is executed and the control state before that is initialized. The data stored in the command buffer, setting value work, and security work allocated to the data area is not initialized but is retained. At this time, the command buffer has the command sent last when the RAM abnormality error occurred, the set value work has the set value when the RAM abnormal error occurs, and the security work has the door when the RAM abnormal error occurs. Since the output status of the release signal, setting change signal, input error signal, and payout error signal is held in a stored state, whether any error command is transmitted from these data when a RAM error occurs, It is possible to specify whether the value has not been changed, the output state of the door open signal, setting change signal, input error signal, and payout error signal, and the cause of the RAM abnormality can be specified Furthermore, it is possible to identify the possibility that some kind of fraud has been performed.

  Furthermore, in order to eliminate the RAM abnormality error, the uninitialized area is not initialized even if the setting value is changed, and the stored data in the uninitialized area is intentionally initialized. Since it is impossible, even if a RAM abnormality error occurs due to fraud, the stored data of the command buffer, setting value work, and security work can be left as a trace.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the prescribed number of bets that can be set according to the gaming state is determined as described above, and the prescribed number of bets that are determined according to the gaming state is set. It becomes possible to start the game on the condition. In the present embodiment, all the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated when a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set.

  In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the activated pay line (in the present embodiment, all the pay lines are always enabled. The activated winning line is simply referred to as a winning line), and a winning combination is obtained when a combination of symbols called “comb” is arranged. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The type of winning combination is determined according to the game state, but it can be roughly divided into a small role with payout of medals and a replay that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a game combination and a special combination with a transition to a game state advantageous to the player. Below, a small role and a re-playing role are collectively called a general role. In order to win each winning combination determined according to the game state, it is necessary to win an internal lottery described later and set a winning flag for the winning combination in the RAM 507.

  Of the winning flags for each of these combinations, the winning flag for the small role and the re-playing role is valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and is invalid in the next game. It is valid until the combination of combinations permitted by the flag is complete, and is invalid in a game having the combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the winning flag for a special role is won, even if the combination of characters allowed by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is permitted before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). To do. In the internal lottery, first, a random value for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. Specifically, the value of the random number storage work assigned to the RAM 507 is set to the lottery work assigned to the RAM 507. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state and whether or not the special combination is carried over, numerical data stored in the lottery work, and determination of each combination determined according to the gaming state, the number of bets and the set value This is done according to the number of values.

  The random value storage work is a storage area for storing numerical data latched in the random value register R1D simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 7, and is latched every time new numerical data is latched in the random value register R1D. The numerical data is read in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main), and the numerical data stored in the random value storage work is updated to the latest latched numerical data.

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

  If a winning combination of any combination is determined, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the internal winning flag storage work assigned to the RAM 507. The internal winning flag storage work consists of a 2-byte storage area, of which the upper byte is assigned as the special role storing work in which the winning flag for the special role is set, and the lower byte is the winning of the general role It is assigned as a general role storage work for which a flag is set. Specifically, when a special combination is won, a special combination winning flag indicating that the special combination is won is set in the special combination storing work, and the winning flag set in the general combination storing work is cleared. When a general combination is won, a winning flag for the general combination indicating that the general combination is won is set in the general combination storing work. If no winning combination is selected, only the general winning combination work is cleared.

  Next, stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R will be described.

  The main CPU 41a refers to the table index and the table creation data stored in the ROM 41b when the rotation of the reel starts and when the reel stops and the reel that is still rotating still remains. Create a stop control table for each reel. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to and the slip of the referred stop control table is referred to. Based on the number of frames, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R.

  In the table index, an index that indicates the start address of the area in which the data for table creation is stored, from the reference address when referring to the table index, according to the setting state of the winning flag by internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as the internal winning state) Differences up to the address where the data is stored are registered. As a result, a difference corresponding to the internal winning state is acquired, and the corresponding index data can be acquired by adding the difference to the reference address. Even when the winning combinations are different, when the same control is applied, the same address is stored as the index data. In such a case, the same table creation data is referred to. Thus, a stop control table is created.

  The table creation data includes a stop control table indicating the number of sliding frames according to the stop operation position, and an address of the stop control table to be referred to according to the reel stop status.

  The stop control table referred to according to the reel stop status is whether all reels are rotating, only the left reel is stopped, only the middle reel is stopped, only the right reel is stopped, It may vary depending on whether the middle reel is stopped, the left and right reels are stopped, the middle and right reels are stopped, and if any reel is stopped, stop Since there may be differences depending on the stop position of the reels already completed, the address of the stop control table to be referenced for each situation is registered for each rotating reel, and based on the top address of the table creation data, It is possible to specify the address of the stop control table that should be referred to according to the status of each, and it is necessary according to each status from this specified address. And to be able to identify the stop control table. Even when the reel stop status and the stopped position of the stopped reel are different, when the same stop control table is applied, the same address may be registered as the address of the stop control table. In such a case, the same stop control table is referred to.

  The stop control table is data that can specify the number of sliding frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. In the present embodiment, a stepping motor that makes one turn at a cycle of 336 steps (0 to 335) is used for the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. That is, when the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are driven in 336 steps, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R make one round. Then, 21 areas (frames) divided every 16 steps (the number of steps that one symbol moves) are defined for one reel, and these areas are areas 0 to 20 from the reel reference position. A number is assigned. On the other hand, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is 21, and symbol numbers 0 to 20 from the reel reference position are assigned to symbols on each reel, so symbols 0 to 20 are assigned to each reel. , Area numbers 0 to 20 are assigned in order. In the stop control table, the number of sliding symbols for each area number is compressed and stored according to a predetermined rule, and the number of sliding symbols for each area number can be acquired by expanding the stop control table. Yes.

  As described above, the stop control table created by referring to the table index and the table creation data corresponds to the area number, and the area corresponding to each area number is the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the perspective window 3). Sliding frame when an operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected at a timing (a timing in which the number of steps from the reel reference position is included in the range of the number of steps of each region number). It is a table with each number set.

  Next, the procedure for creating the stop control table will be described. First, at the start of reel rotation, the top address of the table creation data corresponding to the internal winning state of the game is acquired. Specifically, the table index is first referred to, index data corresponding to the internal winning state is obtained, table creation data is identified based on the obtained index data, and all reels are identified from the identified table creation data. The address of the stop control table for each reel corresponding to the state of rotation is acquired, and the stop control table for each reel stored at the acquired address is expanded to generate a stop control table for all reels.

  Further, when any one reel stops or any two reels stop, the index data acquired at the start of reel rotation, that is, the top address of the table creation data corresponding to the internal winning state of the game The table creation data is identified based on the table creation data, and the stop control table address of the unreacted reel corresponding to the stopped reel and the area number of the stop position of the reel is obtained from the identified table creation data. The stop control table for each stored reel is expanded to create a stop control table for the unstopped reels.

  Next, when the main CPU 41a effectively detects any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel, the control when the display result is derived to the corresponding reel will be described. When one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, the stop operation position area is determined based on the number of steps from the reel reference position when the stop operation is detected. The number is specified, the stop control table of the reel where the stop operation is detected is referred, and the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is acquired. Then, control is performed to rotate and stop the reel by the number of acquired sliding frames. Specifically, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps from the acquired number of sliding frames to the stop is calculated, and the reel is rotated and stopped by the calculated number of steps. Take control. As a result, the area corresponding to the area number that is the stop position ahead of the number of sliding frames from the area corresponding to the area number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected is the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the perspective window 3 It will stop in the lower symbol area).

  In the table index of this embodiment, only one address is stored as index data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state, and further, one table creation data includes one reel. Only one address is stored as the address of the storage area of the stop control table corresponding to the stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). In other words, table creation data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state and stop control tables corresponding to reel stop states (and stopped positions of stopped reels) are uniquely determined. The stop control table created with reference to is unique for one internal winning state in one gaming state and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). Therefore, when all of the gaming state, the internal winning state, and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel) are the same, the reel is based on the same stop control table, that is, the same control pattern. The stop control is performed.

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

  In this embodiment, when any of the winning combinations is won, the winning combination is drawn on the winning line to the maximum in the range of 4 frames, and the winning combination is aligned on any winning line. Create a stop control table that defines the number of sliding frames to be pulled in to prevent reels from being stopped, and if none of the winning combinations are selected, slipping that does not match any winning combination on the winning line A stop control table with a defined number of frames is created and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if a winning combination can be stopped on any winning line in a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames, control is performed to align and stop them. In this case, the winning combination is controlled so that the winning combination is stopped within a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  When a special role and a small role are elected at the same time, such as when a special role is elected while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, the winning small role is the maximum in the range of 4 frames on the winning line. The number of sliding frames is fixed so that it can be drawn to the limit, and for the stop operation position where the selected small role cannot be drawn in the range of up to 4 frames in the winning line, the winning special role is in the range of 4 frames in the winning line Then, a stop control table in which the number of sliding frames is determined so as to be pulled in as much as possible is created, and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if it is possible to stop all the small roles that have been selected in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line and stop them, control is performed so that the winning combination is stopped. If you can't draw a small role that has been won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the line, if you can stop with a special role that has been won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, A control is performed to stop them in a uniform manner, and a winning combination that has not been won will be controlled to be stopped within a 4-frame pull-in range. That is, in such a case, priority is given to the control for aligning the small combination on the winning line over the special combination, and the special combination can be won only when the small combination cannot be drawn. When a special combination and a small combination can be withdrawn at the same time, only the small combination is drawn in, and the small combination is not aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special combination.

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

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

  In this embodiment, after the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started, the main CPU 41a continues to rotate the reels for which the stop operation has not been detected until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. On the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, control is performed to stop the display result on the corresponding reel. Even if the reel rotation is temporarily stopped due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error or the shift to the power saving mode described later, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected after the reel rotation is resumed thereafter. Until the stop operation is not detected yet, the rotation of the reel is continued, and on the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected, the corresponding reel is controlled to stop the display result. ing.

  In this embodiment, control is performed to stop the display result on the corresponding reel on condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. However, the rotation of the reel is started. Even if the reel stop operation is not performed when a predetermined automatic stop time has elapsed except for the period when the reel is temporarily rotated due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error or the shift to the power saving mode described later, Alternatively, automatic stop control may be performed in which each reel is automatically stopped on the assumption that the stop operation has been performed. In this case, since the reels are stopped without the player's operation, for example, even when any winning combination is won, it is preferable to derive a display result that does not constitute any winning combination.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit 41 by interrupting and executing the activation process and the game process at regular intervals (0.56 ms interval). Even during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (main), other interrupts are not prohibited, and a new interrupt is generated when an interrupt factor is generated.

  In the timer interrupt process (main), first, the register being used in the step of Sk1 is saved in the stack area, and the process proceeds to the step of Sk2.

  In step Sk2, a power failure determination process is performed, and the process proceeds to step Sk3. In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48. If a voltage drop signal is input, whether or not the voltage drop signal is input in the previous power failure determination process as well. If a voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power interruption flag indicating that is set.

  In step Sk3, it is determined whether or not the power interruption flag is set. If the power interruption flag is not set, the process proceeds to Sk4. If the power interruption flag is set, it is normal when the power interruption is restored next time. The process shifts to a power interruption process (main) for enabling the return to.

  In step Sk4, port input processing for inputting detection data of various switches from the input port is performed, and the process proceeds to step Sk5.

  In step Sk5, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process (main) is advanced by 1 from the four types of timer interrupts 1 to 4. In the step of Sk5, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0 to 2, and is updated to 0 when the counter value is 3. That is, the branch counter value loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0... Each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step Sk6 to determine whether or not a power saving preparation flag indicating that power saving is being prepared is set in the RAM 507. If the power saving preparation flag is not set, the process proceeds to step Sk7 to prepare for power saving. If the middle flag is set, the process proceeds to step Sk12 to perform power-saving preparation processing for preparing for shifting to the power-saving mode, and then proceeds to step Sk14, where the register saved in the stack area in Sk2 And waits without any processing. In this state, the timer interrupt process (main) is executed again until the timer circuit timeout that causes the next timer interrupt process (main) occurs, and the timer circuit timeout occurs. Become.

  The power saving preparation flag is used to determine whether a power saving condition is satisfied in the power saving determination process described later, and at the end of the setting change state, at the end of the setting confirmation state, at the time of releasing the error state, and at the time of releasing the stop state. The settlement switch 10 is operated, and is set at the end of the settlement control for returning medals stored as credits and medals used for setting the number of bets, and power saving conditions are established in these power saving determination processes. When the setting change status is completed, after the setting confirmation status is completed, after the error status is cleared, after the stop status is canceled, or after the settlement control is terminated, the first timer interrupt process (main) saves power. The process will be shifted to the preparation process.

  In step Sk7, it is determined whether or not a power saving flag indicating that the power saving mode is in progress is set in the RAM 507. If the power saving flag is not set, the process proceeds to step Sk8 and the power saving preparation flag is set. If so, the process proceeds to step Sk13 to perform power saving preparation processing for performing processing to be executed during the power saving mode, and then proceeds to step Sk14 to restore the register saved in the stack area in Sk2. , Wait in a state where no processing is performed. In this state, the timer interrupt process (main) is executed again until the timer circuit timeout that causes the next timer interrupt process (main) occurs, and the timer circuit timeout occurs. Become.

  The power saving flag is set when all preparations for entering the power saving mode are completed in the power saving preparation process. After that, the power saving mode is set until the conditions for canceling the power saving mode are satisfied. When the preparation for power saving mode is completed in the transferred power saving preparation process, the process shifts to the power saving process.After that, the power failure is determined by the power failure determination process, and the power saving process is started. Until it is established, the power saving process is repeatedly executed every time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed due to the occurrence of a timeout of the timer circuit.

  In step Sk8, the branch counter value is referred to determine whether it is 2 or 3, that is, timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, and in the case of timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, the process proceeds to step Sk11. If it is not timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, that is, timer interrupt 1 or timer interrupt 2, the process proceeds to step Sk9.

  In the step of Sk11, it is further determined by referring to the value of the branching counter whether it is 3, that is, whether it is a timer interrupt 4, and in the case of the timer interrupt 4, the process proceeds to the step of Sk26, and from Sk26 to Sk28 After the step processing, the process proceeds to step Sk29, the register saved in the stack area in Sk2 is restored, and the processing before the interrupt is returned.

  In the step of Sk26, when the stop operation position is stored in the work on the stop reel with the detection of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the stop position is determined from the stop operation position stored in the work on the stop reel, A stop switch process for calculating the number of steps after which the stop should be performed is performed.

  In step Sk27, the number of steps until the stop calculated in the stop switch process is counted, and when it is time to stop, a stop process for starting braking by two-phase excitation is performed.

  In step Sk28, final stop processing is performed for three-phase excitation after a predetermined time from the start of braking in the stop processing.

  If the timer interrupt is not 4 in the step of Sk11, that is, if it is a timer interrupt 3, the process proceeds to the step of Sk23, proceeds to the steps of Sk29 to Sk25, and then saves to the stack area in Sk2. Return to the pre-interrupt process.

  In step Sk23, the origins of the rotating reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (pass of the reel reference position) are checked, the occurrence of a reel rotation error is detected, and whether stop preparation has been completed (stop preparation completion code). If the stop preparation is completed and the motor is rotating at a constant speed, a process at the time of passing through the origin for enabling the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is performed.

  In the step of Sk24, it is determined whether or not the detection state of the switches has changed. If there is a change in the detection state of the switches, the edge data indicating that change (rising edge in the case of off → on) Switch input determination processing is performed in which an edge, or a falling edge in the case of on → off, is set in association with the corresponding switch.

  In step Sk25, a power saving determination process is performed to determine whether or not a power saving condition is satisfied based on the reaction status of the human sensor 5 and the monitoring status of the switches.

  In step Sk9, it is checked whether or not the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are starting or rotating at a constant speed. If the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are starting or rotating at a constant speed, a motor step described later is performed. Motor phase signal output processing for outputting phase signal data changed in the processing and phase signal data changed in the final stop processing described later is executed, and the process proceeds to step Sk10.

  In the step of Sk10, it is determined whether or not it is 1 by referring to the branch counter value, that is, whether or not it is a timer interrupt 2. In the case of the timer interrupt 2, the process proceeds to the step of Sk18, and the steps of Sk18 to Sk22 are performed. After the processing, the process proceeds to the step of Sk29, the register saved in the stack area in Sk2 is restored, and the processing before the interrupt is returned.

  In step Sk18, LED dynamic display processing for dynamically lighting various displays is performed.

  In step Sk19, control signal output processing for outputting data such as lighting signals of various LEDs to the output port is performed.

  In step Sk20, time counter update processing for updating various time counters is performed.

  In the step of Sk21, door monitoring processing is performed for monitoring the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25, sending a door command transmission request, and the like.

  In step Sk22, an external output signal update process for updating the external output signal is performed.

  If it is not timer interrupt 2 in the step of Sk10, that is, in the case of timer interrupt 1, the process proceeds to the step of Sk15, proceeds to the step of Sk29 after processing of the steps of Sk15 to Sk17, and is saved in the stack area in Sk2. Restore the register and return to the process before the interrupt.

  In the step of Sk15, a reel start process for controlling the step time interval when starting the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R is performed.

  In step Sk16, motor step processing for changing the phase signal data of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R is performed.

  In step Sk17, after the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are stopped, motor phase signal standby processing is performed in which the phase signal is changed to one-phase excitation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the timer interrupt process (main) is executed by interrupting the basic process at regular intervals, and the process counter is updated each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. In addition to distributing the load required for one timer interrupt process (main), the power interruption condition based on the voltage drop signal regardless of the process counter value. A power failure determination process is performed to determine whether or not the power failure is satisfied.If the power interruption condition is satisfied, the power interruption processing is performed. Disconnection processing can be performed.

  In the timer interrupt process (main), it is determined whether or not the power interruption condition is satisfied. If the power interruption condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the power interruption process. Since interruptions due to power interruptions do not occur during execution of interrupt processing (main), interruption processing can be interrupted during execution of timer interruption processing (main), or timer interruption processing (main) Since it is not necessary to wait for the end of the interruption to perform an interruption process associated with power interruption, the process associated with establishment of the power interruption condition is not complicated.

  In addition, when the power saving condition is satisfied and the power saving preparation flag is set, the power saving flag is set, and then the process proceeds to the power saving mode until the power saving mode ends and the power saving flag is cleared. During this time, processing different from the normal timer interrupt processing (main) is performed, and during this time, only the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed without returning to the basic processing.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the door monitoring process executed by the main control unit 41 in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

  In the door monitoring process, first, a history of the input state of the door opening detection switch 25 (a value obtained by continuing to logically OR the determination state of the positive detection signal of the door opening detection switch 25 acquired in the port input process for about 100 ms). The door sensor history is updated (Sk101). That is, a logical sum of the positive detection signal detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 and the door sensor history is taken as a new door sensor history.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the door monitoring timer value is 0, that is, whether or not about 100 ms has elapsed since the previous monitoring (Sk102). If the door monitoring timer value is not 0, the door monitoring timer value is set. 1 is subtracted (Sk103), the door monitoring process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the door monitoring timer is 0 in the step of Sk102, 44 is set as the value of the door monitoring timer (Sk104), and a new time measurement of 100 ms is started. After the door sensor history is acquired in the register and the door sensor history in the RAM 507 is cleared (Sk105), the door open detection switch 25 indicated by the door sensor history acquired in the register and the door command storage area (door) assigned to the RAM 507 are displayed. This is an area where the door command is temporarily stored until the command is transmitted, and is updated to a door command indicating a new detection state when the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 changes). The detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 indicated by the door command is compared to determine whether or not there is a change in the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 (Sk106).

  If there is no change in the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 in the step of Sk106, the door monitoring process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If there is a change in the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 in the step of Sk106, a door command based on the acquired door sensor history (detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 after the change) is generated and stored in the door command storage area. The door command stored in the door command storage area is transferred to the serial communication circuit 511 (Sk107), the changed door command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and then the door monitoring process is performed. Then, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control content of the power saving determination process executed by the main control unit 41 in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

  In the power saving determination process, it is first determined whether or not an error is occurring (Sk201). If the error is in error, the power saving determination process is immediately terminated and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If there is no error in the step of Sk201, it is determined whether or not there is a response to the human sensor 5 (Sk202), and if there is no response to the human sensor, the process proceeds to the step of Sk204.

  If it is determined in the step of Sk202 that the human sensor 5 has a response, 2000 is set as the value of the player monitoring timer assigned to the RAM 507 (Sk203), and 4480 (power saving determination process is 2 This is performed every 24 ms, and 2.24 × 2000 = 4480) ms (about 4.5 seconds) is started, and the process proceeds to step Sk203.

  In step Sk204, 1 is subtracted from the value of the player monitoring timer to determine whether the value of the player monitoring timer is 0 (Sk205). If the value of the player monitoring timer is 0, that is, the human sensor 5 If the state of no response continues for about 4.5 seconds, it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step Sk210, the power saving preparation flag is set in the RAM 507, the power saving determination process is terminated, and FIG. By returning to the flowchart shown, the next timer interruption process (main) is shifted to the power saving preparation process.

  When the value of the player monitoring timer is not 0 in the step of Sk205, that is, when there is a response from the human sensor 5 or when there is no response to the human sensor 5 for 4.5 seconds, a switch is further performed. Whether or not there is detection of a class (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, checkout switch 10, inserted medal sensor 31), that is, whether edge data has been set in the immediately preceding switch input determination process If no switch is detected, the process proceeds to step Sk208. If it is determined that a switch is detected, the process proceeds to step Sk207.

  In step Sk207, 13000 is set as the value of the switch monitoring timer allocated to the RAM 507, and 29120 is newly set (the power saving determination process is performed every 2.24 ms, and 2.24 × 13000 = 29120. ) Start time measurement of ms (about 29 seconds), and proceed to Step Sk208.

  In step Sk208, the value of the switch monitoring timer is decremented by 1, and it is determined whether or not the value of the switch monitoring timer is 0 (Sk209). If the value of the switch monitoring timer is 0, that is, the switches are not operated. If it has continued for about 29 seconds, it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step Sk210, the power saving preparation flag is set in the RAM 507, the power saving determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the next timer interruption process (main) is shifted to the power saving preparation process.

  If the value of the switch monitoring timer is not 0 in Step Sk209, that is, if about 29 seconds have not elapsed since any of the previous switches were operated, the power saving determination process is terminated, and FIG. Return to the flowchart shown in

  Thus, in the power saving determination process, the state where the human sensor 5 does not react for about 4.5 seconds continues, or even when the human sensor 5 reacts, the state where none of the switches are operated is about 29 seconds. If it continues, it will determine whether power-saving conditions are satisfied, and it will shift to the process during power-saving preparation. In addition, even when the state where the human sensor 5 does not react for about 4.5 seconds or when the state where any of the switches are not operated is continued for about 29 seconds, an error occurs. The establishment of the power saving condition is not determined.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the power saving preparation process executed by the main control unit 41 in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

  In the power saving preparation process, first, the branch counter value is referenced to determine whether it is 2 or 3, that is, the timer interruption process (main) in which the power saving preparation process is performed is timer interruption 3 or timer interruption 4 In the case of timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, the process proceeds to step Sk312. In the case of not timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, that is, in the case of timer interrupt 1 or timer interrupt 2, Advances to step Sk302, performs the same motor phase signal output processing as Sk9, and then advances to step Sk303.

  In step Sk303, it is determined whether or not the branch counter value is 1, that is, whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving preparation process is performed is the timer interrupt 2, and the timer interrupt 2 In this case, the process proceeds to step Sk307, the same LED dynamic display process as Sk18 (Sk307), the same control signal output process as Sk19 (Sk308), the same time counter update process as Sk20 (Sk309), and the same door monitoring process as Sk21 After performing the same external output signal update process (Sk311) as (Sk310) and Sk22, the process proceeds to step Sk318.

  If it is not the timer interrupt 2 in the step of Sk303, that is, if the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving preparation process is performed is the timer interrupt 1, the process proceeds to the step of Sk304 and the same reel start-up process ( After performing the same motor step process (Sk305) and Sk17 as in Sk304) and Sk17 and the same motor phase signal standby process (Sk306) as in Sk17, the process proceeds to step Sk318.

  In step Sk312, it is determined whether or not the branch counter value is 3, that is, whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving preparation process is performed is the timer interrupt 4, and the timer interrupt 4 In this case, the process proceeds to step Sk315, where a stop position forcibly stopping when the reel is rotating is determined, and a forced stop process (Sk315) for calculating the number of steps after which the reel should be stopped is calculated. The calculated number of steps until the stop is counted. When it is time to stop, the stop process starts the brake by the two-phase excitation (Sk316), and the three-phase excitation is performed after a certain time from the start of the brake in the stop process. After performing the final stop process (Sk317), the process proceeds to Step Sk318.

  If it is not the timer interrupt 4 in the step of Sk312, that is, if the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving preparation process is performed is the timer interrupt 3, the process proceeds to the step of Sk313 and the same origin passes as Sk24 After performing the process (Sk312) and the same switch input determination process (Sk313) as Sk25, the process proceeds to Step Sk318.

  In Sk318, it is determined whether or not any one of the reels is rotating. If any one of the reels is rotating, the power saving preparation process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. After the register is restored (Sk14), the process waits without performing any processing, and the next timer interruption processing (main) performs power saving preparation processing again.

  When it is determined in step Sk318 that none of the reels is rotating, that is, when the reels are not rotating from the beginning, or when all the rotating reels are stopped, the power saving preparation flag is cleared and credits are cleared. Display 11, game auxiliary display 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, turn-on request LED 17, start valid LED 18, waiting LED, replaying LED 20, BET switch valid LED 21, left / middle / right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R The light is turned off (output of drive signals to these LEDs is stopped) (Sk320).

  Next, the flow path switching solenoid 30 is turned off (this turns off the energized state and the medal flow path becomes the discharge passage side) (Sk321), and the output state of the power saving signal to the external output board 1000 is updated (Sk322). ), A power saving start command indicating the start of the power saving mode is transferred to the serial communication circuit 511 (Sk323), and after the power saving start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, a power saving flag is set in the RAM 507 (Sk324). 6 is completed and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. After the register is restored (Sk14), the process waits without performing any process, and from the next timer interrupt process (main) to the process of saving power ( The process proceeds to (power saving mode processing).

  Thus, in the power saving preparation process, if the reel is not rotating after the power saving condition is satisfied, the various LEDs and various indicators controlled by the main control unit 41 are turned off, and the flow path switching solenoid 30 is not energized. And after these completion, it is made to shift to the process during power saving. Further, if the reel is rotating, in addition to turning off various LEDs and various indicators controlled by the main control unit 41, the reel is forcibly stopped, and after completing these, the process proceeds to a power saving process. It is like that.

  After the transition to the power saving preparation process, the process proceeds to the power saving process, and until the power saving mode is released and the power saving mode ends, the basic process does not return. Even if a class is operated, the operation is used as a determination as to whether or not a condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, but it is treated as an invalid operation as an operation for advancing the game.

  In addition, even when the process proceeds to the power saving preparation process, the door monitoring process and the external output signal update process are performed. If the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the sub-control unit 91 is notified. A door command indicating a change in the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 is transmitted, and a door opening signal is output via the external output board 1000.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control content of the forced stop process executed by the main control unit 41 in the power saving preparation process described above.

  In the forced stop process, it is first determined whether or not all reels are stopped (Sk3001). If any one of the reels is rotating, the reel being rotated is rotating at a constant speed. Whether or not (Sk3002).

  If all the reels are stopped in the step of Sk3001, or if it is determined in the step of Sk3002 that the rotating reel is not rotating at a constant speed, that is, if it is accelerating, the forced stop process is terminated. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step Sk3002 that the rotating reel is rotating at a constant speed, it is determined whether or not the reel is the final stop reel, that is, whether or not the rotating reel is the last one (Sk3003). If it is not the final stop reel, the number of frames to be drawn is set to 0 for the reels selected in a predetermined order among the plurality of rotating reels (Sk3004), and the process proceeds to Sk3005. The predetermined order here refers to a single symbol (“cherry-ANY-ANY”) that constitutes a single symbol winning (for example, “Cherry-ANY-ANY”). "Cherry") is assigned to the reel ("Cherry-ANY-ANY" left reel), and the single symbol is not assigned ("Cherry-ANY-ANY" middle reel) When both of the right reels are rotating, the order in which the reels to which no single symbol is assigned is preferentially selected corresponds.

  In step Sk3005, after calculating the number of steps required from the current number of steps from the reel reference position to the stop position corresponding to the number of drawn frames set in step Sk3004, the calculated number of steps is set in the RAM 507. (Sk3010), the forced stop process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 10. In the subsequent stop process and final stop process, the reels stop based on the number of steps set in the step of Sk3005.

  When it is determined in the step of Sk3003 that the reel is the last stop reel, the number of frames to be drawn is set to 0, the process proceeds to the step of Sk3007, and the reels are stopped based on the currently set number of frames to be drawn In addition, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on any of the winning lines. If the winning combination is obtained, the process proceeds to step Sk3008, 1 is added to the number of drawn frames, and the process returns to step Sk3007 again. . In the step of Sk3007, if the left reel has already stopped and the above-described single symbol is stopped on any winning line, a role other than the single symbol winning is displayed on any winning line. It will be determined whether or not.

  If it is determined in the step of Sk3007 that no winning combination is found on any of the winning lines, the process proceeds to step of Sk3009, where the number of steps to be drawn + the currently set number of drawn frames + half the number of steps from the current reel reference position. After calculating the number of steps required until the stop position corresponding to the frame (+8 steps), and setting the calculated number of steps in the RAM 507 (Sk3010), the forced stop process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. In the stop process and the final stop process, the reel is stopped based on the number of steps set in the step of Sk3005.

  As described above, in the forced stop process, when the power saving condition is satisfied during the reel rotation, the number of steps until stop is set so that the reel stops at the stop position when the number of frames to be drawn is set to 0 except for the final stop reel. Based on this, a process of stopping the reel is performed in the power saving preparation process.

  Further, in the case of the final stop reel, the reel stops at a stop position that does not have a combination according to the combination of the stop position of the already stopped reel and that is shifted from the stop position by a half frame. The number of steps until stop is set, and based on this, the process of stopping the reel is performed in the power saving preparation process.

  In the above, when the reel is rotating and not the final stop reel, the reel to which no single symbol is assigned is given priority among the rotating reels, and the reel to which the single symbol is assigned is finally stopped. By using a reel, the stop mode that constitutes a single symbol winning is avoided. However, if the number of frames to be drawn is set to 0 before the number of frames to be drawn on the reel other than the final stop is set to 0, If it is determined whether or not the single symbol is stopped, and it is determined that the single symbol is stopped, for example, by adding the number of drawn frames until the number of drawn frames becomes the stop position where the single symbol does not stop, etc. By setting the number of drawn symbols that the single symbol does not stop as the number of drawn symbols on the reel, the stop mode that constitutes the single symbol winning may be avoided.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the power saving process executed by the main control unit 41 in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

  In the power saving process, first, it is determined whether or not the branch counter value is 1, that is, whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving process is performed is the timer interrupt 2 (Sk401). In the case of timer interrupt 2, the process proceeds to step Sk402, after performing the same time counter updating process as Sk20 (Sk402), the same door monitoring process as Sk21 (Sk403), and the same external output signal updating process as Sk22 (Sk404) 6 is completed and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. After the register is restored (Sk14), the process waits without performing any process, and the next timer interrupt process (main) restarts the process during power saving. Will be done.

  If it is not timer interrupt 2 in the step of Sk401, it is determined whether or not 2 with reference to the branch counter value, that is, whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) in which the power saving process is performed is timer interrupt 3 (Sk405), if it is not the timer interrupt 3, the power saving process is terminated, the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, and after the register is restored (Sk14), the process waits without performing any process. In the next timer interruption process (main), the power saving process is performed again.

  If it is determined that the timer interrupt is 3 in the step of Sk405, the same switch input determination process (Sk406) as that of Sk24 is performed, and then the process proceeds to the step of Sk407.

  In step Sk407, it is determined whether or not the human sensor 5 has a response. If the human sensor 5 does not respond, the power saving process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. After returning (Sk14), the process waits without performing any process, and the power saving process is performed again in the next timer interrupt process (main).

  If it is determined in step Sk407 that the human sensor 5 is responsive, is any of the switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, checkout switch 10) operated? In other words, it is determined whether or not edge data has been set in the immediately preceding switch input determination process (Sk406) (Sk408). If no switch has been operated, the process during power saving is terminated and FIG. After returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and returning the register (Sk14), the process waits without performing any processing, and the next timer interruption processing (main) performs power saving processing again.

  If it is determined in step Sk408 that any switch is operated, the edge data is cleared (Sk409), and the process proceeds to step Sk410. When the power saving condition that triggers the power saving mode is satisfied, the reel is It is determined whether or not was rotating.

  If it is determined in step Sk410 that the reel is not rotating, the process proceeds to Sk412. If it is determined that the reel is rotating, a setting is made to start rotation of the reel that was rotating. (Sk411), the process proceeds to step Sk412.

  In step Sk412, the output state of the power saving signal to the external output board 1000 is updated, and further in step Sk413, the power saving flag is cleared, the power saving process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. After returning (Sk14), it waits without performing any processing, and in the next timer interrupt processing (main), it returns to normal processing, and the power saving condition is satisfied by the end of the timer interrupt processing (main). Will return to the basic process.

  As described above, in the process during power saving, when the human sensor 5 is responsive and the operation of any switch is detected, it is determined that the condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, and the power saving mode is triggered. It returns to the state before the power saving condition is satisfied.

  Even if any switch is operated, the operation is used to determine whether or not the condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, but it is treated as an invalid operation as an operation for proceeding with the game.

  Also, during the power saving process, the door monitoring process and the external output signal update process are performed, and when the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the door opening detection switch for the sub control unit 91 is detected. A door command indicating a change in the detection state of 25 is transmitted, and a door opening signal is also output via the external output board 1000.

  Next, commands that the main control unit 41 transmits to the sub control unit 91 will be described.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends a BET command, a credit command, an internal winning command, a reel rotation start command, a reel stop command, a winning determination command, a payout start command, a payout end command, a game to the sub control unit 91. A plurality of types of commands including a status command, a power saving start command, an abort command, an error command, a return command, a setting command, a setting confirmation command, a door command, and an operation detection command are transmitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The winning determination command is a command that can specify the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line LN, whether or not there is a winning, the type of winning, and the number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning. Sent after.

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

  The gaming state command is a command that can specify the gaming state of the next game, the type of RT, and the number of remaining RT games, and is transmitted when the game ends.

  The power saving start command is a command indicating that the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and is transmitted when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode. At the end of the power saving mode, a command to that effect is not transmitted, and the sub-control unit 91 can identify the end of the power saving mode by receiving some command after receiving the power saving start command. However, it may be configured such that the sub-control unit 91 can specify the end of the power saving mode by transmitting a command indicating that at the end of the power saving mode.

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

  An error command is a command that indicates the occurrence or cancellation of an error condition and the type of error condition. When an error is determined and controlled to an error condition, an error command indicating the occurrence and type of the error condition is sent and reset. When the error state is canceled after the operation is performed, an error command indicating the cancellation of the error state is transmitted.

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

  The setting command is a command indicating the start or end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change. At the time of transition to the setting change state, a setting command indicating the start of the setting change state is transmitted, and when the setting change state ends. A setting command indicating the end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change is transmitted. Further, since the control state of the main control unit 41 is initialized with the transition to the setting change state, it can be specified that the control state of the main control unit 41 has been initialized by the setting command indicating the start of setting. .

  The setting confirmation command is a command that indicates the start or end of the setting confirmation state. A setting confirmation command that indicates the start of setting confirmation is transmitted when entering the setting confirmation state, and the setting confirmation end is indicated when the setting confirmation state ends. A confirmation command is sent.

  The door command is a command indicating the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25, that is, on (open state) / off (closed state), when the power is turned on, at the end of one game (after the game is over, the bet number of the next game) Sent before the setting of ”can be started), and when the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 changes (from on to off, from off to on).

  The operation detection command is a command indicating the detection state (on / off) of operation switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, checkout switch 10), and is transmitted at regular intervals. .

  Of these commands, commands other than the door command, the operation detection command, and the power saving start command are generated in the basic process, and the command data in the command buffer assigned to the non-initialized area is updated to the newly generated command data. Then, the data is transmitted to the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit 511 and transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  On the other hand, the door command is generated in the door monitoring process of the timer interrupt process (main) and stored in the door command storage area. When the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 changes, the door command storage area stores a door command indicating the detection state after the change. Further, the door command stored in the door command storage area is not cleared even after the door command is transmitted, and is then overwritten by a newly stored door command. When the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 changes, the command data in the command buffer is updated to the door command stored in the door command storage area and transferred to the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit 511. Is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  In addition, the operation detection command is not assigned to the timer except for the period until the power saving mode is canceled after the transition to power saving preparation (the period until the power saving flag is cleared after the power saving preparation flag is set). Each time the switch input determination process of the insertion process (main) is performed five times, the command data in the command buffer is newly generated based on the detection state (on / off) of the switches at that time. The data is updated and transferred to the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit 511 to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  The power saving start command saves the command data in the command buffer at the end of the power saving preparation process of the timer interrupt process (main), that is, the next time the process proceeds to the power saving preparation process. The data is updated to data indicating a command, and is transmitted to the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit 511, thereby being transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  In this embodiment, a command (hereinafter referred to as a first command) triggered by an event associated with the progress control of the game is generated in the basic process and transferred to the transmission data register 561 to transfer the serial communication circuit 511. Is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, but a command (hereinafter referred to as a second command) triggered by an event that may occur regardless of the progress of the game, such as a door command or an operation detection command, is basically It is generated by a timer interrupt process (main) executed by interrupting the process periodically. In addition, since the command is composed of 2-byte data, if the configuration is such that the second command is immediately transferred to the transmission data register 561 when the second command is generated, it may be accompanied by game progress control in the basic process. After transferring the first byte of command data, the timer interrupt process is interrupted and executed before transferring the second byte, and the second command is inserted between the first byte and the second byte of the first command data. May be received and cannot be received as a regular command on the sub-control unit 91 side.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the command storing process in which the first command generated in the basic process (game process) after the interruption is permitted is transferred to the transmission data register 561, the transfer of the first command is started. From the previous stage to the stage until the transfer of the second byte command is completed, interrupts are disabled, and during that time, execution of timer interrupt processing (main) including command transmission processing is prohibited Thus, the second command does not enter between the command data of a plurality of bytes constituting the first command.

  In this embodiment, the door command and the operation detection command are applied as commands triggered by an event that can occur regardless of the progress of the game. Any command that is required to be transmitted in the interrupt process (main) may be used, and a command indicating that an error that may occur unexpectedly, such as vibration of a gaming machine, may be applied as the second command.

  The main control unit 41 monitors the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 about every 100 ms. Specifically, in any of the timer interrupts 1 to 4 of the timer interrupt process (main), that is, in the port input process performed every 0.56 ms, an input state (door) in which the detection signal from the door open detection switch 25 is converted to a positive logic. Open detection switch 25on = 1, 0 is acquired when the door is closed, and is performed by timer interrupt 2 of the timer interrupt process (main), that is, in the door monitoring process performed every 2.24 ms, in the port input process described above The acquired state of the detection signal of the door opening detection switch 25 (the input state that has been the same for two consecutive times) continues to be logically ORed for about 100 ms (45 times of door monitoring processing), and the door opening detection switch is used using the result. 25 detection states are determined. When the calculation result is 1 when about 100 ms elapses, that is, when the door opening detection switch 25 is turned on (opened) even once during that time, it is determined that the door opening detection switch 25 is on. If the calculation result is 0, that is, if the door opening detection switch 25 is not turned on (opened) during that time, it is determined that the door opening detection switch 25 is off. If the result of this determination and the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 indicated by the door command stored in the door command storage area match, it is determined that the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 has not changed. Otherwise, it is determined that the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 has changed, the door command stored in the door command storage area is updated to a door command indicating the detection state after the change, and the transmission of the door command is commanded To do. Further, when the main control unit 41 determines that the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 has changed, the main control unit 41 updates the output state of the door opening signal to the external output board 1000 in addition to the door command transmission command.

  As described above, the output state of the door opening signal to the external output board 1000 is updated by linking to the door command transmission command.

  The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and a settlement switch 10 as operation switches for the main control unit 41 to control the progress of the game.

  The main control unit 41 detects these operation switches in a switch input determination process executed during a timer interrupt process (main) executed by interrupting at regular time intervals. In the switch input determination process, the detection state of the operation switch is monitored, and when any operation switch changes from off to on, edge data (rising edge) indicating that the corresponding operation switch changes from off to on Is set, edge data (falling edge) indicating that the corresponding operation switch has changed from on to off is set.

  Then, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the operation switch has been operated based on whether or not the rising edge of the operation switch related to the progress control of the game is set according to the control state at the current stage in the game process. If it is determined that the operation switch is operated, all the edge data is cleared, and the game progress control is executed according to the operation switch operation, and the game progress control is performed. The accompanying commands (BET command, internal winning command, reel stop command, etc.) are transferred to the transmission data register 561 of the serial communication circuit 511 and transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. Even if the operation of any one of the operation switches is detected and the edge data is set, if it is not cleared by the next switch input determination process, it is cleared by the next switch input determination process.

  In the present embodiment, when the main control unit 41 determines that the power saving condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 controls the power saving mode.

  The power-saving condition is that when the motion sensor 5 does not react for a certain time, even when the motion sensor 5 reacts, an operation for advancing the game for a certain time is not detected, at the end of the setting change state, It is established at the time of completion, at the time of cancellation of the error state, at the time of cancellation of the stop state, or at the time of completion of the credit or bet amount settlement processing associated with the operation of the settlement switch 10.

  As shown in FIG. 13, after the power saving condition is satisfied, if the reel is not rotating, various LEDs and various indicators (credit indicator 11, game auxiliary indicator 12, 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 14) controlled by the main control unit 41. 16, turn-on request LED 17, start valid LED 18, waiting LED, replaying LED 20, BET switch valid LED 21, left / middle / right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R) are turned off. Further, when the medal can be inserted and the flow path switching solenoid 30 is on (energized state), the flow path switching solenoid 30 is set in a non-energized state. ).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, if the reel is rotating after the power saving condition is satisfied, the various LEDs and various indicators controlled by the main control unit 41 are turned off, and the reel is forcibly stopped. After these completions, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode (power saving processing).

  Further, when the reels are forcibly stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions, the reels are controlled to be stopped in a display mode that does not constitute a winning. In particular, the final stop reel is stopped at a position shifted by half a frame from the reference position. Whether the stop reel was stopped as a result of the game by the stop operation, or was it temporarily stopped during the rotation of the reel? Can be easily discriminated.

  In the case of a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, an error state, or a stop state, that is, in a state where there is a problem or a defect needs to be recognized from outside, 5 does not react for a certain period of time, and even if the human sensor 5 is reacting, an operation for advancing the game for a certain period of time is not detected. In the case of being controlled in these states, it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied at the end, and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  After the power-saving condition is satisfied, until the power-saving mode is released and the power-saving mode ends, unnecessary processing other than processing such as switch input determination processing is not performed. However, when the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the door opening detection switch is provided to the sub-control unit 91. A door command indicating a change in the detection state of 25 is transmitted, and a door opening signal is also output via the external output board 1000.

  Further, the main control unit 41 is in a state where the human sensor 5 is reacting in the power saving mode, and when any operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. Then, it is determined that the power saving mode is canceled, and the power saving mode is canceled to return to the original state. That is, if the various LEDs and various indicators that have been turned off are returned to the original display state and the medal can be inserted, the flow path switching solenoid 30 is turned on (energized state) as shown in FIG. If the medal flow path is on the take-in passage side and the reel is rotating, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotation of the reel that has been rotating is resumed.

  In addition, although the operation of the switches operated in the power saving mode is used to determine whether or not the condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, it is treated as an invalid operation as an operation for proceeding with the game. For example, when a predetermined number of bets are set and the game starts with the start switch 7 and the start operation is valid and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, when the start switch 7 is operated, the start switch 7 is operated. The condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, but it is invalid as a game start operation after the power saving mode ends. Similarly, after the reels are rotated at a constant speed, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in the case of shifting to the power saving mode with the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R being activated, The power-saving mode release condition is established by operating the switch, but is invalid as a reel stop operation after the power-saving mode ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, regardless of whether or not the game is in progress due to the establishment of the power saving mode, it is controlled to the power saving mode capable of suppressing power consumption, and the player is not playing the game. Wasteful power consumption in the state can be reduced as much as possible.

  In addition, a human sensor 5 is provided, so that even when the player's operation has not been performed for a long time, it is possible to determine the absence of the player in a short time and shift to the power saving mode. It becomes. Further, when returning from the power saving mode, not only the reaction by the human sensor 5 is detected but also there is a reaction from the human sensor 5, and the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. Is detected and the power-saving mode is released, the power-saving mode is released, and even if the human sensor 5 reacts, the player can actively operate. If there is no indication that the game will be resumed, the power saving mode will not be released, so it is possible to prevent the power saving mode being released and wasteful power consumption even if the player has no intention to resume. .

  The detection area of the human sensor 5 is located in front of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, the medal insertion unit 4, and the slot machine 1. It is arranged at a position where the player can detect, and it is possible to reliably detect the presence of the player who is playing the game.

  In the present embodiment, a sensor that detects the presence of a person based on a temperature change in the sensing area is used as the human sensor, but any sensor that can detect at least the presence of the player may be used. It may be a device that senses the presence of a player based on the presence or absence of reflection of infrared rays applied to the player.

  In addition, although the operation of the switches operated in the power saving mode is used to determine whether or not the condition for canceling the power saving mode is satisfied, it is treated as an invalid operation as an operation for proceeding with the game. It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding without it.

  The operation of the MAXBET switch 6 in a state where the bet number can be set is an operation for setting the bet number using the credit when there is a credit. The bet number set by this operation will be settled later. Since it can be returned by operating the switch 10, even if the number of bets is set unintentionally by the player, the game does not proceed as it is like the game start operation or the reel stop operation. Therefore, when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated in the power saving mode, the power saving mode cancellation condition may be satisfied, and the number of bets may be set by the operation. It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding unintentionally, and the player has to operate the MAXBET switch 6 twice. It can also be prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the human sensor 5 does not react for a certain period of time, not only when an operation for advancing the game for a certain period of time is not detected even if the human sensor 5 has reacted, the setting change state is ended. The power saving condition is satisfied at the end of the setting confirmation state, when the error state is released, when the stop state is released, or when the adjustment process of the credit or bet amount associated with the operation of the adjustment switch 10 is completed, and the power saving mode is entered. It is supposed to let you. In particular, power-saving conditions are met at the end of a situation where there is a high possibility that the game will be terminated, such as when payment control is performed, or a state that is likely to be performed before or after opening the store, such as changing the set value or checking the set value And since it transfers to a power saving mode, efficient power saving can be achieved.

  In this embodiment, a detection means different from the detection means related to the progress of the game, such as the human sensor 5, is provided, and using this separate detection means, a power saving condition is established and a power saving mode is released. Although an example of determining the establishment of the game has been described, the detection means different from the detection means related to the progress of the game such as the human sensor 5 is not mounted, and only the detection means related to the progress of the game is used. It may be configured to determine whether the power saving condition is satisfied or whether the power saving mode is released. In this case, for example, when an operation by the player is not detected for a certain period of time, at the end of the setting change state, at the end of the setting confirmation state, at the time of canceling the error state, at the time of releasing the stop state, accompanying the operation of the settlement switch 10 It is determined whether or not the power saving condition is satisfied at the end of the credit or betting amount adjustment process, and the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, etc. is detected, thereby It is only necessary to determine whether the power saving condition is satisfied. With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether the power saving condition is satisfied without providing a detection unit different from the detection unit related to the progress of the game, such as the human sensor 5. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether the conditions for canceling the power saving mode are satisfied using existing switches, the manufacturing cost of the slot machine can be achieved even if such a function is installed. It is possible to suppress the rise.

  In addition, after the power saving condition is satisfied, until the power saving mode release condition is satisfied and the power saving mode ends, unnecessary processing other than processing such as switch input determination processing is not performed. The game does not proceed, but the door monitoring process and the external output signal update process are performed. When the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the door is opened to the sub-control unit 91. A door command indicating a change in the detection state of the detection switch 25 is transmitted, and a door opening signal is also output via the external output board 1000. Therefore, even if the power saving mode is entered, the front door 1b When opening is detected, a door opening signal indicating that is output, so that the front door 1b is opened, and even if some fraud is made, it can be detected early. .

  In the case of a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, an error state, or a stop state, that is, in a state where there is a problem or a defect needs to be recognized from outside, 5 does not react for a certain period of time, and even if the human sensor 5 is reacting, an operation for advancing the game for a certain period of time is not detected. When controlled to these states, it is determined that the power-saving condition is met at the end of the state, and the mode is shifted to the power-saving mode. It is possible to prevent the discovery from being delayed when

  Further, when it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied, even if the reel is rotating, the rotating reel is temporarily stopped, the power saving mode is entered, and then the power saving mode release condition is satisfied. Since the reel that was rotating when the power saving condition that triggered the transition to the power saving mode is established, the reel can be stopped by the player's operation. However, even if the reels are stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions, the result is not the result of the game, and the player must stop after the reels are restarted. Since the stop mode stopped by the above is the result of the game, the player is absent after the game starts, and even if the reel stops, there is no disadvantage to the player.

  In addition, when the reels are forcibly stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions, the reels are stopped in a display mode that does not constitute a prize, and when the reels are forcibly stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions. The stop mode can prevent the player from misidentifying the occurrence of a prize.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the final stop reel is stopped at a position shifted by a half frame from the reference position, that is, at a position where the stop control is not stopped by the stop control by the normal stop operation. As a result, it can be easily discriminated whether it is stopped or temporarily stopped during the rotation of the reel.

  In this embodiment, the final stop reel is stopped at a position shifted by half a frame from the reference position. However, the reel is stopped at a position not shifted from the reference position and stopped at a position shifted from the reference position. By mixing the reels, it is possible to easily determine whether the game is stopped as a result of the game by the stop operation or whether the reels are temporarily stopped during the rotation of the reels.

  Also, in this embodiment, when the reels are forcibly stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions, the reels are stopped in a display mode that does not constitute a prize, and one of the reels (final stop reel) is shifted by half a frame. By stopping, when the reel is forcibly stopped due to the establishment of power saving conditions, it is a configuration that prevents the player from misidentifying the occurrence of a prize from the stop mode of the reel, but does not constitute a prize When only one of the configuration in which the reel is stopped in the display mode or the configuration in which one of the reels is shifted half a frame, that is, the configuration in which the stop mode is not derived by the stop control by the stop operation is applied. However, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying the occurrence of a winning from the reel stop mode.

  Further, in this embodiment, the display result as a game result is not led to the reel until the reel stop operation is performed, but it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied due to absence of the player. The display result as the game result may be automatically derived without a player's operation by passing a predetermined time longer than the player's operation. Even if the reel is rotating, when it is determined to be established, the spinning reel is temporarily stopped to enter the power saving mode, and then the power saving mode is released, and then the power saving mode is entered. Even when the reels are rotating, the reels that have been rotating when the power-saving conditions that triggered the operation are restarted and the reels can be stopped by the player's operation. Save efficiently Even if the reel is stopped due to establishment of power saving conditions, the result is not the result of the game, but after the reel is restarted, the stop mode is stopped by the player performing a stop operation. As a result of the game, the player is absent after the game is started, and even if the reel is stopped, there is no disadvantage to the player.

  The main control unit 41 performs control to output an external output signal indicating a gaming state, an error occurrence state, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 15, these external output signals are output from the game control board 40 under the control of the main control unit 41, and the information providing terminal board of the game store (hall) where the external output board 1000 and the slot machine 1 are installed. Through 1010, the data is output to a hall device such as a data display terminal 1030 installed corresponding to the hall computer 1020 or the slot machine 1.

  From the game control board 40 to the external output board 1000, a medal IN signal indicating the number of medals used for setting the number of bets, a medal OUT signal indicating the number of medals given to the player due to the occurrence of a winning, a gaming state Is an RB signal indicating that RB is described later, a BB signal indicating that the gaming state is BB described later, a power saving signal indicating a power saving mode, a door opening signal indicating that the front door 1b is open, A setting change signal indicating that the mode is changed to a setting change mode described later, an insertion error signal indicating an abnormality of the medal selector, and a payout error signal indicating an abnormality of the hopper unit 34 are output.

  In this embodiment, in order to share with other slot machines, the game state is shown between the game control board 40 and the external output board 1000 in addition to the signal lines for outputting the above signals. A spare signal line is connected, and an error output signal line that may be expanded in the future is connected.

  The external output board 1000 is provided with a relay circuit 1001, a parallel / serial conversion circuit 1002, a terminal for each output signal, and a connector 1003 to be electrically connected to the circuit of the information providing terminal board 1010. ing.

  Of the signals output from the game control board 40, the medal IN signal, the medal OUT signal, the RB signal, the BB signal, and the power saving signal are directly transmitted to the information providing terminal board 1010 as pulse signals via the relay circuit 1001. Is output.

  On the other hand, the door opening signal, the setting change signal, the closing error signal, and the paying error signal are converted by the parallel / serial conversion circuit 1002 into security signals that are serial signals that can be individually identified. Output to the provided terminal board 1010.

  The medal IN signal, medal OUT signal, RB signal, BB signal, and lower replay signal output from the external output board 1000 are output to the hall device via the information providing terminal board 1010. On the other hand, the security signal output from the external output board 1000 is again converted into the door opening signal, the setting change signal, the input error signal, and the payout error signal by the information providing terminal board 1010 and output to the hall device. It becomes.

  The external output signal includes a door opening signal, a setting change signal, a closing error signal, and a dispensing error signal, but these door opening signal, setting changing signal, closing error signal, and dispensing error signal are not frequently output signals. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an external output terminal for each of these signals.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the external output signal output from the game control board 40 as described above is output to the hall device via the external output board 1000, and the door opening signal and setting among these external output signals are set. The change signal, input error signal, and payout error signal are converted into security signals, which are serial signals that can be individually identified, by the parallel / serial conversion circuit 1002 mounted on the external output board 1000, and output to the outside. Thus, it is possible to output the door opening signal, the setting change signal, the closing error signal, and the dispensing error signal from one terminal, and it is not necessary to provide more terminals than necessary.

  Of the external output signals output from the main control unit 41 to the external output board 1000, the medal IN signal and the medal OUT signal have the supply voltage turned off in the non-output state and the supply voltage turned on in the output state. Thus, the output state can be detected from the binary voltage.

  The RB signal and BB signal can detect the output state from the binary voltage by turning on the supply voltage and turning off the supply voltage in other cases when RB and BB, respectively. Yes.

  Further, the power saving signal can detect the output state from the binary voltage by turning off the supply voltage in the power saving mode and turning on the supply voltage at regular time intervals other than in the power saving mode.

  For the door open signal, setting change signal, closing error signal, and payout error signal, the supply voltage is turned on when the door is open, the setting is changed, the closing error, and the payout error, respectively, and the supply voltage is set otherwise. By setting it to off, the output state can be detected from the binary voltage.

  As described above, since the supply voltage is turned on only when the output time of any external output signal is short, the power consumption used to output these external output signals can be suppressed.

  In particular, the power saving signal does not always turn on the supply voltage except in the power saving mode, but it can be specified from the outside that the power saving mode is not turned on by turning on the supply voltage at regular time intervals. The power consumption can be suppressed not only when the power saving mode is controlled but also when the power saving mode is not controlled.

  In this embodiment, a power saving signal indicating that the power saving mode is controlled is output as the external output signal. For example, the slot machine 1 controlled by the hall computer 1020 to the power saving mode is specified. Accordingly, the operation of the external equipment (air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.) may be controlled in accordance with this, so that not only the slot machine but also the external equipment can save power.

  In addition, it is determined whether or not the data display terminal 1030 corresponding to the slot machine 1 is in the power saving mode, and when the corresponding slot machine 1 is controlled to the power saving mode, the data display terminal 1030 is also put into the power saving state. It can also be controlled.

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

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

  The reception buffer is provided with an area capable of storing a maximum of 16 commands so that a plurality of commands can be accumulated.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, a timer interrupt process (sub) that is periodically executed by the sub control unit 91 at intervals of 1.12 ms will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the timer interrupt process (sub), first, whether or not a command is stored in a reception buffer (an area for storing a command received from the main control unit 41) allocated to the RAM 91c, that is, the main control unit 41. It is determined whether a command is received from (Ss1).

  If the command is not stored in the reception buffer in the step Ss1, the process proceeds to the step Ss7. If the command is stored in the reception buffer in the step Ss1, the command is acquired from the reception buffer (Ss2 ), Go to step Ss3.

  In the step of Ss3, in response to the main control unit 41 side being controlled to the power saving mode, the sub control unit 91 side also performs power saving processing to control the power saving state (Ss3), and proceeds to the step of Ss4.

  In step Ss4, it is determined whether or not the acquired command is an internal winning command. If the acquired command is an internal winning command, the production table stored in the ROM 91b is referred to and the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command is determined. An effect pattern is selected at the selection rate, and an effect pattern selection process is performed in which the selected effect pattern is set in the RAM 91c as the effect pattern of the game, and the process proceeds to step Ss5.

  In step Ss5, the control pattern table stored in the ROM 91b is referred to, the effect pattern set in the RAM 91c and the control pattern registered corresponding to the acquired command are read out, and the control pattern in the control pattern storage area is read out. Is executed, and the process proceeds to step Ss6.

  In step Ss6, it is determined whether or not the control pattern set in the control pattern storage area matches the output state of the rendering device, and the control pattern set in the control pattern storage region and the output state of the rendering device are determined. If they do not match, output control of the rendering device is performed according to the control pattern set in the control pattern storage area, and the process proceeds to step Ss7.

  In step Ss7, after the process of updating the values of various counters is performed, the timer interrupt process (sub) is terminated.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control content of the power saving process executed by the sub control unit 91 in the timer interrupt process (sub) described above.

  In the power saving process, first, it is determined whether or not a power saving flag indicating a power saving state is set in the RAM 91c (Ss101). If the power saving flag is not set, the process proceeds to step Ss102, and the immediately preceding Ss2 is set. In step, it is determined whether the command acquired from the buffer is a power saving start command.

  If it is determined in step Ss102 that the command is not a power saving start command, the power saving process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is a power saving start command, the supply of drive power to the liquid crystal display 51 is stopped ( (Ss103), the supply of drive power to the amplifier that amplifies the output signals of the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped (Ss104), and a control pattern for power saving corresponding to the current control state is read out to be controlled. The storage area control pattern is updated (Ss105), the power saving flag is set in the RAM 91c (Ss106), the power saving state is entered, and the power saving process is terminated. Then, with the setting of Ss105, the game effect LEDs 52a to 52e, the lighting state of the reel LED, and the like are also controlled to the power saving pattern.

  On the other hand, when the power saving flag is set in step Ss101, that is, in a state where power saving control is being performed, whether or not the command acquired from the buffer in the immediately preceding step Ss2 is a command other than the power saving start command. Determination is made (Ss107).

  If it is determined in step Ss107 that the command is a power saving start command, the power saving process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is other than the power saving start command, supply of drive power to the liquid crystal display 51 is performed. Start (on) (Ss108), start supplying amplifier drive power (on) (Ss109), clear the power-saving flag, end the control of the power-saving state, and end the power-saving process. Accordingly, in the subsequent control pattern update process, the effect is resumed by updating from the control pattern of the power saving pattern to the control pattern corresponding to the command received this time.

  In this way, the sub control unit 91 receives the power saving start command from the main control unit 41, thereby setting the power saving flag and controlling the power saving state as shown in FIG. The power source of the amplifier is turned off, and the reel LED 55 and the game effect LEDs 52a to 52e are controlled to a predetermined power saving pattern, and power saving can be achieved by establishing a power saving condition in the control on the sub-control unit 91 side. It has become.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game effect LEDs 52a to 52e are arranged as shown in FIGS.

  The game effect LED 52a is arranged in the left-right direction on the upper decorative portion 1c of the front door 1b, the game effect LED 52b is arranged in the vertical direction on the left and right side sides of the upper decorative panel 1d, and the game effect LED 52c Arranged vertically on the left and right sides of the decorative panel 1e, the game effect LED 52d is arranged on the left and right sides of the see-through window 3 of the middle decorative panel 1e, and the game effect LED 52e irradiates the title panel 1g from below. It is arranged at the position to do.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, as the power saving pattern, the main control unit 41 shifts to the power saving mode while the reels are stopped, and the sub control unit 91 controls to the power saving state. Different power saving patterns are determined depending on whether 41 shifts to the power saving mode and the sub-control unit 91 controls to the power saving state. Whether the power saving mode has been entered while the reels are stopped or the power saving mode has been entered while the reels are rotating is determined according to the command (excluding the operation detection command and the door opening command) received immediately before receiving the power saving start command. The For example, if the last received command is a gaming state command, it is specified that the reel is stopped. If the last received command is a reel rotation start command or a reel stop command indicating other than the final stop, the reel rotation is performed. It is specified that it is in the middle.

  The power saving pattern applied when the mode is changed to the power saving mode while the reels are stopped includes the reel LED 55, the game effect LED 52a of the upper decoration portion 1c, the game effect LED 52b on the side of the upper decoration panel 1d, the game effect LED 52d of the middle decoration panel 1e, and the title. The game effect LED 52e of the panel 1g is determined to be turned off, and the game effect LED 52c on the side of the middle decorative panel 1e is determined to be lit in green.

  On the other hand, the power-saving pattern applied when shifting to the power-saving mode during reel rotation is the reel LED 55, the game effect LED 52a of the upper decorative portion 1c, the game effect LED 52b on the upper decorative panel 1d side, and the game effect LED 52d of the middle decorative panel 1e. The game effect LED 52e of the title panel 1g is determined to be turned off, and the game effect LED 52c on the side of the central decorative panel 1e is determined to be lit red.

  Thus, the main control unit 41 shifts to the power saving mode while the reel is stopped, and the sub control unit 91 controls to the power saving state, or the main control unit 41 shifts to the power saving mode while the reel is rotating, and the sub control unit 91 Different patterns are defined depending on whether to control the power saving state, because the emission color of the LED that is only in the lighting state is different, so even if it shifts to the power saving mode, without releasing the power saving mode, It is possible to easily determine whether the power saving mode is when the reel is rotating from the outside or the power saving mode is when the reel is stopped.

  In this embodiment, by changing the light emission color of the LED, it is possible to determine whether it is the power saving mode while the reel is rotating or the power saving mode when the reel is stopped, but the lighting state of the LED and the position of the light emitting LED The same effect as described above can be obtained even when the power-saving mode during reel rotation or the power-saving mode while the reel is stopped can be discriminated depending on the difference between the two.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, side lamp housing lenses 1f are provided on the left and right sides of the middle decorative panel 1e so as to protrude from the middle decorative panel 1e toward the player side. The reel LED 55 and the game effect LED 52d emit light in the front direction from the middle decorative panel 1e, whereas the game effect LED 52c is provided in the side lamp housing lens 1f and obliquely toward the player. It will emit light.

  When the sub-control unit 91 shifts to the power saving mode, the game effect LED 52d and the reel LED 55 that emit light in the front direction are turned off, and the game effect LED 52c that emits light in an oblique direction toward the player is turned on. The fact that the power saving mode is in progress and whether the power saving mode is in the reel rotating state or the power saving mode in the reel stopped state are notified.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22, when the player looks at the slot machines 1 arranged in parallel on the game island from the end of the game island, the power-saving mode depends on the lighting state of the game effect LED 52c that is less likely to be blocked. While the player is informed of whether it is in power saving mode during reel rotation or power saving mode while the reels are stopped, Since the game effect LED 52d and the reel LED 55 are turned off, it is possible to make a player or a staff member who is not playing a game effectively recognize that it is in the power saving mode, and to improve the power saving effect.

  Further, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a movable object that physically operates in addition to the reel is not mounted. However, for example, a movable object that physically operates as an effect device may be mounted. good.

  When such a movable object is mounted, in order to specify the position of the movable object, it is necessary to perform a reference position detection operation for moving the movable object once in order to confirm the reference position of the movable object when the power is turned on. When such a movable object is mounted, it is conceivable that the power of the movable object is turned off when the power saving state is controlled. In such a case, the reference position detection operation is performed every time the power saving state is restored. Doing so would waste power. For this reason, when returning from the power saving state after controlling to the power saving state, it is preferable not to perform the reference position detection operation of the movable object, and in this way, the power consumption when returning from the power saving state is reduced. Can be suppressed. Further, when the power of the movable object is temporarily turned off according to the power saving state, it is preferable to stop at a predetermined position, and with such a configuration, the position at the time of return is accurately specified. Therefore, the position of the movable object can be specified without performing the reference position detection operation when returning from the power saving state.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.

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

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

  Further, in addition to the medal insertion mechanism such as the flow path switching solenoid 30 and the insertion medal sensor 31, a ball take-in device that takes in a game ball, and a take-in ball that detects a game ball taken in by the ball take-in device In addition to a medal payout mechanism, such as a hopper motor 34b and a payout sensor 34c, a ball payout device for paying out game balls and a payout ball detection switch for detecting game balls payed out by the ball payout device It is possible to set a bet number using both medals and game balls and play a game, and the present invention may be applied to a slot machine in which medals and game balls are paid out by winning.

1 Slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R Reel 5 Human sensor 6 MAXBET switch 7 Start switch 8L, 8C, 8R Stop switch 41 Main control unit 91 Sub control unit

Claims (1)

A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
After displaying the variable display unit in a variable manner, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result,
Game control means for controlling the game and transmitting control information ;
Directing means including light emitting means;
Effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the control information received from the game control means;
Specific detection means provided separately from detection means for detecting a situation related to the progress of the game, and capable of detecting a predetermined situation based on a player who plays the game;
With
The game control means includes
Processing including basic processing means for performing basic processing for executing processes in a predetermined order, and periodic interrupt processing means for performing periodic interrupt processing for interrupting the basic processing and executing processing at regular time intervals Circuit,
A communication circuit including control information storage means capable of storing the control information, and transmitting control information stored in the control information storage means to the effect control means;
An error state control means for controlling to an error state where the progress of the game is disabled when an error is detected;
Including
In the basic processing, a plurality of first control information that makes sense according to the progress of the game is generated, and the control information storage means stores the first control information one by one in the order of transmission,
In the periodic interruption process, the second control information is generated according to an event that occurs regardless of the progress of the game, and the process is stored in the control information storage unit.
The processing circuit starts storing a plurality of first control information in the control information storage means, and performs the periodic interrupt processing in a period until the storage of the plurality of first control information is completed. Further includes a periodic interrupt processing prohibition means for prohibiting execution ,
The production control means includes
It is possible to execute power saving control for turning off the light emitting means when a predetermined time has passed without detection by the specific detection means and when a predetermined time has passed without playing a game,
When control information corresponding to the progress of the game is received during execution of the power saving control, the power saving control is ended, and the rendering means is controlled according to the control information,
When a predetermined time elapses without detection by the specific detection means, or when a predetermined time elapses without playing a game, and in the error state, power saving control is performed until the error state ends. A slot machine that performs power saving control from the time when the error state ends without being executed.

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