JP6600488B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is obtained by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. The present invention relates to a slot machine that can derive and win according to the display result.

  As this type of slot machine, for example, a plurality of sensors for detecting a medium such as an inserted medal are provided, and an illegal act can be detected based on detection signals from the plurality of sensors (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-116357 A

  In the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, in order to detect insertion of medals, it is necessary to determine the state transition of each signal based on signals from each of a plurality of sensors for detecting fraud. For this reason, for example, a program for detecting insertion of medals increases, and as a result, there is a possibility that the storage capacity is increased.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a slot machine capable of detecting fraud without increasing the storage capacity.

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,
First detection means capable of detecting a medium introduced from an insertion port and guided into the slot machine;
A second detection means capable of detecting a medium introduced from the insertion port and guided into the slot machine;
A first program storage area in which a first program including an update program for updating a game value for enabling start of variable display of the variable display section is stored;
A second program storage area for storing a second program including a fraud program for judging fraud to the slot machine;
Program execution means for executing the first program and the second program,
The program execution means includes
In the update program, the gaming value is updated based on only the detection state of the first detection means out of the detection state of the first detection means and the detection state of the second detection means,
In the fraud program, the fraud to the slot machine is determined based on only the detection state of the second detection means among the detection state of the first detection means and the detection state of the second detection means.
The slot machine may have the following configuration.
(1) Provided with a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
In the slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a winning result can be generated according to the display result after the variable display portion is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display portion.
First detection means (for example, inserted medal sensor 106d, sensor 4) capable of detecting the medium loaded from the slot;
Second detection means (for example, inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c, sensors 1 to 3) capable of detecting the medium loaded from the slot;
An update program (for example, insertion determination) for updating a game value (for example, the number of bets and credits) for enabling the variable display of the variable display unit to start in response to a medium being inserted from the insertion port. A game program storage area (for example, the game program area of FIG. 6) in which a game program including a process, a BET process) is stored;
Non-gaming programs that are not related to the progress of the game, including fraudulent programs (for example, inserted medal error determination processing) for dealing with fraud (for example, abnormalities, backflow of inserted medals, clogged medals, foreign object detection, etc.) to the slot machine Is stored in a non-game program storage area (for example, the non-game program area in FIG. 6);
Program execution means (for example, main control unit 41) for executing the game program and the non-game program,
The program execution means includes
The update program is executed based on the detection state of the first detection means (see, for example, FIG. 17A),
The fraud program is executed based on the detection state of the second detection means (see, for example, FIG. 17B).

  According to such a configuration, in the configuration in which the update program and the fraud program are stored in different program storage areas, the detection means related to the update program and the detection means related to the fraud program are also made different. Since an appropriate program can be executed according to the detection means, it is possible to detect media and fraud without increasing the program storage area.

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,
A signal output means capable of detecting a medium introduced from an insertion port and guided to the inside of the slot machine, and outputting a plurality of types of signals including a first signal and a second signal according to a detection state;
A first program storage area in which a first program including an update program for updating a game value for enabling start of variable display of the variable display section is stored;
A second program storage area for storing a second program including a fraud program for judging fraud to the slot machine;
Program execution means for executing the first program and the second program,
The program execution means includes
In the update program, the game value is updated based on only the first signal out of the first signal and the second signal output by the signal output means,
In the fraud program, fraud to the slot machine is determined based on only the second signal out of the first signal and the second signal output by the signal output means.
The slot machine may have the following configuration.
(2) Provided with a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
In the slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a winning result can be generated according to the display result after the variable display portion is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display portion.
A plurality of types of signals including a first signal (for example, an input number update signal) and a second signal (for example, an input abnormality determination signal) can be detected according to a detection state. Signal output means for outputting (for example, sensor 1 to sensor 3, signal output circuit shown in FIG. 18B);
An update program (for example, insertion determination) for updating a game value (for example, the number of bets and credits) for enabling the variable display of the variable display unit to start in response to a medium being inserted from the insertion port. A game program storage area (for example, the game program area of FIG. 6) in which a game program including a process, a BET process) is stored;
Non-gaming programs that are not related to the progress of the game, including fraudulent programs (for example, inserted medal error determination processing) for dealing with fraud (for example, abnormalities, backflow of inserted medals, clogged medals, foreign object detection, etc.) to the slot machine Is stored in a non-game program storage area (for example, the non-game program area in FIG. 6);
Program execution means (for example, main control unit 41) for executing the game program and the non-game program,
The program execution means includes
The update program is executed based on the first signal from the signal output means (for example, a modification of the input determination process shown in FIG. 17A) is executed,
The fraud program is executed based on the second signal from the signal output means (for example, a modification of the inserted medal error determination process shown in FIG. 17B is executed).

  According to such a configuration, in the configuration in which the update program and the fraud program are stored in different program storage areas, the detection means related to the update program and the detection means related to the fraud program are output while being shared. By making the signals different, an appropriate program can be executed in accordance with the signals, so that the medium and fraudulent acts can be detected without increasing the program storage area.

(3) In the slot machine of (1) above,
The second detection means includes a plurality of detection means (for example, inserted medal sensors 106a to 106, sensors 1 to 3),
The first detection means is downstream of one detection means (for example, the insertion medal sensor 106a, sensor 1) of the plurality of detection means in the flow path of the inserted medium, and the other one It is provided upstream of the detection means (for example, inserted medal sensor 106c, sensor 3) (see, for example, FIG. 12A).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the backflow medium from being detected and update the game value, or to detect the medium in a state where the medium cannot be inserted.

(4) In the slot machine of (3) above,
The flow-down path of either the discharge-side path (for example, the discharge-side path 303) or the intake-side path (for example, the intake-side path 302) for taking the flow-down path of the medium input from the input port to the outside. A flow path switching means (for example, a flow path switching solenoid 107) for switching to
The first detection means is provided in the take-in side path (see, for example, FIG. 12A).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the medium detected by the first detection means is caught by the flow path switching means and cannot be taken into the slot machine.

(5) In the slot machine of (2) above,
The signal output means includes a plurality of detection means (for example, sensors 1 to 3), and the detection states of the plurality of detection means are all predetermined detection states (for example, the detection states of each of the sensors 1 to 3 are all). on), the first signal is output (for example, FIG. 18B).

  According to such a configuration, the first signal can be output accurately, and as a result, the gaming value can be updated accurately.

  Note that the slot machine of any one of the above (1) to (5) may have the following configuration.

(6) game fixed data storage area (game data area) in which game fixed data (game data) referred to by the game program is readable and stored;
A game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in which game variation data (game program work data) referred to by the game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
Non-game fixed data storage area (non-game data area) in which non-game fixed data (non-game data) referred to by the non-game program is readably stored;
A non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) in which non-game variation data (work data of the non-game program) referred to by the non-game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
The non-game program is a program called by the game program,
The program execution means includes
When executing the game program, without referring to the non-game fixed data storage area (non-game data area) and the non-game variable data storage area (non-game RAM area),
When executing the non-game program, without referring to the game fixed data storage area (game data area) and the game variation data storage area (game RAM area),
Information indicating that the game state is the specific state in the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) when the game state is the specific state (setting contents of internal winning flag, game state type, RT type, etc.) Is stored in the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) as well (information of the internal winning flag, the type of game state, the type of RT, etc.) indicating the specific state. Let

  According to such a configuration, a game program storage area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game fixed data storage area in which game fixed data referred to by the game program is readable and stored, and a game A game variation data storage area in which game variation data referred to by the program is stored so as to be readable and writable, and a non-game program that is called by the game program and stores a non-game program not related to the progress of the game A storage area, a non-game fixed data storage area in which non-game fixed data referred to by a non-game program is readable and stored, and a non-game variation data referenced by a non-game program are stored in a readable and writable manner. Non-game variable data storage areas are allocated separately. Because, game programs, and gaming fixed data and the game variation data, non-game program, and a non-gaming fixed data and a non-gaming variation data can be readily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  Further, when the program execution means executes the game program, the non-game fixed data storage area and the non-game variable data storage area are not referred to, and when the non-game program is executed, the game fixed data storage area In addition, since the game variation data storage area is not referred to, both the game program and the non-game program can be easily designed.

  Further, even when the non-game variable data storage area is not referred to when the game program is executed and the non-game variable data storage area is not referred to when the non-game program is executed, the game state is specified. When it is in a state, information indicating that it is in a specific state is stored in the game variation data storage area, and information indicating that it is in a specific state is also stored in the non-game change data storage area Thus, it is possible to specify that the game state is the specific state in both the game program and the non-game program and to perform control according to the specific state.

In addition, a specific storage area (register) used by the program execution means is provided,
The program execution means transfers the value stored in the specific storage area (register) in the game program so that the non-game program can use it.

  According to such a configuration, data used in the game program can be used also in the non-game program.

In addition, a specific storage area (register) used by the program execution means is provided,
The program execution means updates the value stored in the specific storage area (register) in the non-game program to a specific value (value saved in the stack) and then returns to the game program.

  According to such a configuration, the value stored in the specific storage area in the non-game program does not affect the game program.

  The game program and the non-game program each include a determination program (common determination program) having the same processing content.

  According to such a configuration, the same determination can be made without affecting each other's results.

  The non-game program includes a process (error process) that disables the progress of the game when a specific condition is satisfied (when an abnormality is detected).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from proceeding as it is when an abnormality or the like is detected in the processing in the non-game program.

The game program includes a first common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processing related to the progress of the game,
The non-game program is a program that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes that are not related to the progress of the game, and is a second common program that performs the same process as the first common program (a common program included in the non-game program). General-purpose program).

  According to such a configuration, even if it is a common program with the same processing content, it is provided with a game program and a non-game program, respectively. Can be easily identified.

In addition, non-game detection means (input port sensor 26, full tank sensor 35a, door opening detection switch 25) that are not used for the progress of the game are provided,
Whether or not a predetermined detection is made by the non-game detecting means (the slot sensor 26, the full sensor 35a, the door opening detection switch 25) is made by a non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, the determination as to whether or not the predetermined detection is made by the non-game detecting means is performed by the non-game program, so that the game program does not become complicated.

In addition, game detection means (inserted medal sensor 106d, payout sensor 34c) used for the progress of the game are provided,
In a situation where the detection result of the game detecting means (inserted medal sensor 106d, payout sensor 34c) is not used for the progress of the game, whether or not a predetermined detection has been made by the game detecting means (inserted medal sensor 106d, payout sensor 34c). This determination is made by a non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, in a situation where the detection result of the game detection unit is not used for the progress of the game, it is determined by the non-game program whether or not the predetermined detection is performed by the game detection unit. Even in a situation where the detection result of the detection means is not used for the progress of the game, the detection result of the game detection means can be used and the game program does not become more complicated than necessary.

(7) Fixed game data storage area (game data area) in which game fixed data (game data) referred to by the game program is stored in a readable manner;
A game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in which game variation data (game program work data) referred to by the game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
Non-game fixed data storage area (non-game data area) in which non-game fixed data (non-game data) referred to by the non-game program is readably stored;
Non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) in which non-game variation data (non-game program work data) referenced by the non-game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
A specific storage area (register) used by the program execution means,
The non-game program is a program called by the game program,
The program execution means includes
When the game program is executed, the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) is neither referenced nor updated,
When executing the non-game program, the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) may be referred to but not updated.
When executing the non-game program, a protection process (a process for saving to the stack) that protects all areas of the specific storage area (register) regardless of whether or not the area is used by the game program. Do.

  According to such a configuration, a game program storage area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game fixed data storage area in which game fixed data referred to by the game program is readable and stored, and a game A game variation data storage area in which game variation data referred to by the program is stored so as to be readable and writable, and a non-game program that is called by the game program and stores a non-game program not related to the progress of the game A storage area, a non-game fixed data storage area in which non-game fixed data referred to by a non-game program is readable and stored, and a non-game variation data referenced by a non-game program are stored in a readable and writable manner. Non-game variable data storage areas are allocated separately. Because, game programs, and gaming fixed data and the game variation data, non-game program, and a non-gaming fixed data and a non-gaming variation data can be readily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  Also, the program execution means refers to the game variation data storage area when executing the non-game program while the program execution means does not refer to or update the non-game variation data storage area when executing the game program. However, since the data is not updated, the data used by the game program can be easily used to execute the non-game program, and the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

  In addition, when executing a non-game program, a protection process is performed to protect all areas of the specific storage area regardless of whether or not the area is used by the game program. In addition, it is possible to reliably return from the state at the time when the non-game program is called.

  Further, the program execution means calls the non-game program after performing the protection process (register saving) in the game program, and stores the data protected by the protection process after returning from the non-game program in a specific storage area. Perform recovery processing (register recovery) to return to.

  According to such a configuration, the specific storage area is protected before the non-game program is called, and the specific storage area is restored after returning from the non-game program. The data stored in the game program does not affect the game program.

  The program execution means can refer only to a specific storage area (specific area) in the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) when executing the non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, since the data referred to by the non-game program is limited to a specific storage area, the reference destination of the non-game program can be easily specified.

Further, the game program includes a common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processing related to the progress of the game,
The program execution means can call and execute the common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) from a plurality of types of processing not related to the progress of the game included in the non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, a common program common to a plurality of types of processing in a game program can be used also in a non-game program.

(8) Fixed game data storage area (game data area) in which game fixed data (game data) referred to by the game program is stored in a readable manner;
A game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in which game variation data (game program work data) referred to by the game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
Non-game fixed data storage area (non-game data area) in which non-game fixed data (non-game data) referred to by the non-game program is readably stored;
A non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) in which non-game variation data (work data of the non-game program) referred to by the non-game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
The non-game program is a program called by the game program,
The game variation data storage area (game RAM area) and the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) can hold stored data even when power supply is stopped.
The program execution means includes
When the power supply stop condition is satisfied, the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) is used to determine whether or not the game variation data (game program work data) is normal. First data calculation processing for calculating one data (parity adjustment data 1) and non-game variation data (non-game program work) using data in the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) A second data calculation process for calculating second data (parity adjustment data 2) for determining whether the data is normal, and a data setting process (parity adjustment) for setting the first data and the second data. Processing for setting the data 1 for the game in the game RAM area and setting the data 2 for parity adjustment in the non-game RAM area 2),
First determination processing (determination of whether or not RAM parity 1 is 0) for determining whether or not the game variation data is normal using the first data when power supply is started, and the second data Is used to determine whether the non-game variation data is normal or not (determining whether the RAM parity 2 is 0), and in the first determination processing, the game variation data (game program Control state before power supply is stopped when it is determined that the non-game variation data (work data of the non-game program) is normal in the second determination process. And a return process for returning to.

  According to such a configuration, a game program storage area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game fixed data storage area in which game fixed data referred to by the game program is readable and stored, and a game A game variation data storage area in which game variation data referred to by the program is stored so as to be readable and writable, and a non-game program that is called by the game program and stores a non-game program not related to the progress of the game A storage area, a non-game fixed data storage area in which non-game fixed data referred to by a non-game program is readable and stored, and a non-game variation data referenced by a non-game program are stored in a readable and writable manner. Non-game variable data storage areas are allocated separately. Because, game programs, and gaming fixed data and the game variation data, non-game program, and a non-gaming fixed data and a non-gaming variation data can be readily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  Also, a process for calculating data for determining whether data is normal when a power supply stop condition is satisfied, and a process for determining whether data is normal when power supply is started Therefore, the data storage area necessary for designing these processes can be easily specified.

  Further, the program execution means uses the data of all areas including an unused area (unused area 1) in the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in the first data calculation process. One data (parity adjustment data 1) is calculated.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized program from being stored in an unused area.

  Further, the program execution means uses data of all areas including an unused area (unused area 2) in the non-game variable data storage area (non-game RAM area) in the second data calculation process. The second data (parity adjustment data 2) is calculated.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized program from being stored in an unused area.

Further, a game fixed data storage area (game data area) in which game fixed data (game data) referred to by the game program is readable and stored,
A game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in which game variation data (game program work data) referred to by the game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
Non-game fixed data storage area (non-game data area) in which non-game fixed data (non-game data) referred to by the non-game program is readably stored;
A non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) in which non-game variation data (work data of the non-game program) referred to by the non-game program is stored so as to be readable and writable;
The non-game program is a program called by the game program,
The game variation data storage area (game RAM area) and the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) can hold stored data even when power supply is stopped.
The program execution means includes
When the power supply stop condition is established, the game variation data (game program) is stored using data in the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) and the non-game change data storage area (non-game RAM area). ) And predetermined data calculation processing for calculating predetermined data (parity adjustment data) for determining whether or not the non-game variation data (non-game program work data) is normal, and setting the predetermined data Data setting processing (processing for setting parity adjustment data in the game RAM area or non-game RAM area),
A determination process (whether or not the RAM parity is 0) that determines whether the game variation data and the non-game variation data are normal using the predetermined data (parity adjustment data) when power supply is started. Power supply is stopped when it is determined that the game variation data (work data of the game program) and the non-game variation data (work data of the non-game program) are normal in the determination process. And a return process for returning to the control state before starting.

  According to such a configuration, a game program storage area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game fixed data storage area in which game fixed data referred to by the game program is readable and stored, and a game A game variation data storage area in which game variation data referred to by the program is stored so as to be readable and writable, and a non-game program that is called by the game program and stores a non-game program not related to the progress of the game A storage area, a non-game fixed data storage area in which non-game fixed data referred to by a non-game program is readable and stored, and a non-game variation data referenced by a non-game program are stored in a readable and writable manner. Non-game variable data storage areas are allocated separately. Because, game programs, and gaming fixed data and the game variation data, non-game program, and a non-gaming fixed data and a non-gaming variation data can be readily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  In addition, a process for calculating data for determining whether data is normal when a power supply stop condition is satisfied, and a process for determining whether data is normal when power supply is started, Since the game variable data storage area and the non-game variable data storage area are distinguished from each other, the program capacity necessary for these processes can be reduced.

  In addition, the program execution means may use an unused area (unused area) of the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) and the non-game variation data storage area (non-game RAM area) in the predetermined data calculation process. The predetermined data (parity adjustment data) is calculated using the data of all the areas including 1 and 2).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized program from being stored in an unused area.

A storage area setting means in which a storage area of the program executable by the program execution means (a designated area monitored by the IAT circuit 506a) is set;
Predetermined control means (IAT circuit 506a) that performs predetermined control (output of an IAT generation signal) when a program in a storage area other than the designated area monitored by the storage area IAT circuit 506a set by the storage area setting means is executed. When,
With
In the storage area setting means, the game program storage area (game program area) and the non-game program storage area (non-game program area) are set separately.

  According to such a configuration, even when a game program in the game program storage area or a non-game program in the non-game program storage area is changed, the storage area set by the storage area setting means can be easily reset. .

  In addition, the program execution means includes a first initialization process for initializing the game variation data storage area (game RAM area) in response to the establishment of an initialization condition, and the non-game variation data storage area ( A second initialization process for initializing the non-game RAM area) can be performed.

  According to such a configuration, even when the size of the game variation data storage area or the non-game variation data storage area is changed, it can be easily handled.

Further, the game program includes a common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processing related to the progress of the game,
The program execution means can call and execute the common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) from a plurality of types of processing not related to the progress of the game included in the non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to use a common program common to processing of a plurality of documents in a game program also in a non-game program.

Further, the game program includes a common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processing related to the progress of the game,
The program execution means can call and execute the common program (common general-purpose program included in the game program) from a plurality of types of processing not related to the progress of the game included in the non-game program.

  According to such a configuration, the determination as to whether or not the predetermined detection is made by the non-game detecting means is performed by the non-game program, so that the game program does not become complicated.

It is a front view of the slot machine of Examples 1-3 to which the present invention was applied. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure 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 figure which shows an example of the address map in a main control part. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game program in Example 1, and a non-game program. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of calling a non-game program in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control details of a start process in a main control unit according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control details of power interruption processing in a main control unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a medal selector. It is a figure which shows the structure of a medal selector. It is a figure which shows the flow situation of the medal which flows down normally. It is a figure which shows the transition of the detection state by the sensor of the medal normally flowing down in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of an unauthorized detection state. (A) is a flowchart which shows the control content of insertion determination processing, (b) is a flowchart which shows the control content of insertion medal error determination processing. It is a figure which shows the transition of the detection state by the sensor of the medal normally flowing down in a modification. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of calling a non-game program in Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game program in Example 3, and a non-game program. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in Example 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 5. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the game area | region and non-game area | region in the modification 6. FIG.

A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.
[Example 1]
Embodiment 1 of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1a whose front surface is open and a housing 1a. And a front door 1b pivotally supported at the side end.

  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, “red 7”, “blue 7”, “white 7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “cherry a”, “cherry” are respectively provided on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. A plurality of types of mutually distinguishable symbols such as “b”, “bell”, “replay”, and “plum” are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3 provided at the approximate center of the front door 1b. In the following, “red 7”, “blue 7” and “white 7” may be collectively referred to as “7”, and “cherry a” and “cherry b” may be simply referred to as “cherry”. is there.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 4) provided in correspondence with each other, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. On the other hand, when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped from rotating, 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.

  A display area 51a of a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is disposed at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a transmissive liquid crystal panel in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and the transmissive area 51b corresponding to the transmissive window 3 of the display area 51a and the transmissive window 3 are interposed. Thus, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side. In addition, a light guide plate (not shown) for irradiating the display area 51a from the back surface side is provided on the back surface of the display area 51a, and the transmissive area 51b of the display area 51a is excluded from the back surface. A concealing member (not shown) for concealing the inside is provided in the region. The liquid crystal display 51 is a display device that can change the display mode by controlling the liquid crystal element in either a state in which light irradiated by the light guide plate is allowed to pass or a state in which the light is not allowed to pass through.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front door 1b, there are a medal insertion portion 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). Using the MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when setting the maximum bet number among the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state within the range, setting of medals and bets stored as credits Settlement switch 10 that is operated when the medals used in the game are settled (the medals used for setting credits and bets are returned), start switch 7 that is operated when the game is started, and reels 2L and 2C. Stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of 2R are provided so as to be operable by the player.

  In this embodiment, among the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started to rotate, the reel that stops first is referred to as a first stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a first stop. Similarly, the reel that stops second is called the second stop reel, the stop is called second stop, the reel that stops third is called the third stop reel, and the stop is the third stop. Alternatively, it is called final stop.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b shows a credit indicator 11 for displaying the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a winning, and the contents when an error occurs. An error code, a game auxiliary display 12 that displays information that can identify the reel stop order by navigation notification described later, a 1BETLED 14 that notifies that a bet number is set by 1, and a bet number that is set to 2 2BETLED 15 for notifying that the bet is set, 3BETLED 16 for notifying that the bet number is set to 3, the insertion request LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted is lit, and the start of the game by operating the start switch 7 Start valid LED 18 that lights up to indicate that the operation is valid, wait (the previous game opened A waiting LED 19 that lights up to indicate that the reel is starting to rotate because a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start, and a replaying LED 20 that lights up to indicate that a replay game to be described later is on. A provided game display unit 13 is provided.

  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, as shown in FIG. 2, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state to be described later and a stop state to be described later by a predetermined key operation, and changing a set value to be described later A set value display 24 that displays the set value at that time while checking the set value, and a hit that controls to a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) at a predetermined trigger A stop switch 36a for selecting the validity / invalidity of the stop function, automatic control for automatic settlement processing (processing to settle (return) medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation) at a predetermined opportunity An automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting whether the settlement function is valid / invalid, a door opening detection switch 25 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the open state of the front door 1b, and a medal selector 29 are provided. It is.

  The medal selector 29 passes a flow path of a medium such as a medal inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 on either the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 2) described later provided on the inside of the housing 1a or the medal payout outlet 9 side. A flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to one of these, a insertion medal sensor 106a to 106d for detecting a medium such as a medal that is inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 and flows down to the hopper tank 34a side, and a insertion medal sensor 106a. To the inlet sensor 26 that detects the insertion of a foreign object on the upstream side of .about.106d. In addition, the medal selector 29 is configured with a flow path (for example, an input flow path 301 to be described later) so as to return illegal medals having different diameters and thicknesses from the medal payout opening 9 regardless of the state of the flow path switching solenoid 30. ing.

  In the normal state, the flow path switching solenoid 30 is energized, and medals flowing down in this state flow down the take-in side passage 302 (see FIG. 13A) and inserted medal sensors 106a to 106d (FIG. 13A). After being detected by the reference), it is stored in the hopper tank 34a. When the medal insertion is impossible, the excitation of the flow path switching solenoid 107 is released, the flow path is switched to the discharge side passage 303 (see FIG. 12A) and returned from the medal payout hole 9.

  Among the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106d, the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c are sensors for detecting a reverse flow of the inserted medal, detecting a clogged medal in the medal selector 29, detecting a foreign object in the medal selector 29, and the like. The sensor 106d is a sensor for detecting the detected medium as an inserted medal.

  In the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 2, the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 4), and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are respectively shown. A reel unit 2 comprising detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 4), an external output board 1000 (see FIG. 4) for outputting an external output signal, and a medal inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are stored. Hopper tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 4), and a payout sensor 34c for detecting the medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 4). A hopper unit 34 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 tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) is provided for detecting that the number of stored medals exceeds a predetermined amount, that is, the overflow tank 35 is full.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a function key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state is provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100, and functions as a reset switch for releasing an error state or a stop state in normal times. In the setting change state, the reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing the set value of the player's advantage (delay rate), and the power switch that is operated when the power is turned on / off. 39 is provided.

  The power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a, and the front door 1b can be opened by a predetermined key operation held by a store clerk or the like. The set key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 are operated only by a person such as a store clerk who has the key, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires further key operation after the front door 1b is opened by key operation, only the store clerk possessing the key for operating the setting key switch 37 among the game store clerk. Operation is possible.

  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 winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the state where the game can be started. Become. 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, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged in the horizontal direction in the middle stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the middle stage of the reel 2R, that is, the middle stage, is used as the winning line. It has been established. In this embodiment, only one winning line is applied, but a plurality of winning lines may be applied.

  Further, in the present embodiment, invalid lines LM1 to LM1 are set apart from the winning line LN in order to make it easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting the winning line. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined based on the combination of symbols arranged in the invalid lines LM1 to LM4. When the combination of symbols constituting a specific prize is arranged on the winning line LN, the invalid line is displayed. When a combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) that is awarded when the winning line LN is aligned with any of the LM1 to LM4 is arranged, the symbols constituting a specific winning in the winning line LN It is easy to recognize that the combination is complete. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an invalid line LM1 and a lower stage of the reel 2L, which are set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the upper stage of the reel 2L, the upper stage of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the upper stage. , The lower stage of the reel 2C, the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM2 set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the lower stage, the upper stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, and the lower stage of the reel 2R, that is, lower right There are four types of invalid lines LM3, the invalid line LM3 set across the symbols arranged in the right line LM3, the lower stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the symbols lined up to the right. It is defined as.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, a winning combination is obtained when a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “Bell-Watermelon-Cherry b”) determined as a winning combination in the winning line LN is prepared, and the predetermined symbol is also obtained. When the combinations are aligned, any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 has a combination of symbols (for example, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”) that serves as an index that is easier to recognize than the predetermined symbol combination. The combination which can be shown as having won a prize by the combination of the symbols arranged in any of the above is included. Hereinafter, a combination of symbols that is aligned with any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 when a predetermined symbol combination is aligned with the winning line LN is referred to as a symbol combination serving as an index, and constitutes a symbol combination serving as an index. The symbol is called an index symbol.

  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 predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a winning combination) is displayed on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R on the winning line LN. If the game stops as a result, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are given to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit (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 accompanying the transition of the gaming state on the winning line LN is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, the gaming state according to the combination of symbols is shifted. .

  In this embodiment, the game starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, and the game ends when all the reels are stopped. Further, one unit of control (game control) for executing a game starts when all the controls associated with the end of the previous game are completed, and when all the controls associated with the end of the game are completed. finish.

  In this embodiment, a configuration using three reels is illustrated, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, a configuration using four or more reels may be used. In the configuration using two or more reels, a winning determination may be made based on a combination of display results derived for all two or more reels. In this embodiment, the variable display device is configured by physical reels. However, the variable display device may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  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.

  Hereinafter, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be simply referred to as reels unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. Further, the reel 2L may be referred to as a left reel, the reel 2C as a middle reel, and the reel 2R as a right reel. Further, an operation for stopping the reels 2L, 2C, 2R by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R may be referred to as a stop operation.

  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 a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply. The game control board 40 and the game control board 40 It is supplied to the production control board 90 connected through the. The power supply line for supplying power to the effect control board is directly connected from the power supply board 101 to the effect control board 90 without going through the game control board 40, and the power supply board 101 directly supplies power to the effect control board 90. May be supplied.

  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, insertion medal sensors 106a to 106d, The inlet sensor 26, the door opening detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the above-described payout sensor 34c, full sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, and reset / setting switch are connected via the power supply board 101. 38 is connected, and detection signals of these connected switches are inputted.

  Further, the game control board 40 includes the credit indicator 11, the game auxiliary indicator 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, the insertion request LED 17, the start valid LED 18, the waiting LED 19, the replaying LED 20, the BET switch valid LED 21, the left The middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R, the set value display 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C and 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b described above is connected via the power supply board 101. These electrical components are connected, and 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 mainly performs processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40.

  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 shown in FIG. 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 circuits 508a and 508b shown in FIG.

  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 (stepping motor phase 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 47 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.

  FIG. 5 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. 5 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a verification block 503, a specific information storage circuit 504, an arithmetic circuit 505, and a reset / interrupt. A controller 506, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, a free-run counter circuit 507, random number circuits 508a and 508b, a timer circuit 509, The interrupt controller 510 includes a parallel input port 511, a serial communication circuit 512, a parallel output port 513, and an address decoding circuit 514.

  The reset / interrupt controller 506 is for controlling various resets and interrupt requests generated inside or outside the main control unit 41.

  The reset / interrupt controller 506 includes an out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) circuit 506a and a watchdog timer (WDT) 506b. The IAT circuit 506a is a circuit that monitors whether the user program is correctly executed in the designated area, and has a function of outputting an IAT generation signal when it is detected that the user program is executed outside the designated area. The watchdog timer 506b has a function of generating a timeout signal for each set period.

  The external bus interface 501 is a bus interface having an interface function between an external bus and an internal bus of a chip constituting the main control unit 41, an address bus, a data bus, and a direction control function of each control signal.

  The clock circuit 502 is a circuit that generates the internal system clock SCLK by, for example, dividing the control clock CCLK by two.

  The verification block 503 is connected to an external verification machine and has a function of performing chip verification. The unique information storage circuit 504 is a circuit that stores a plurality of types of unique information that is internal information of the main control unit 41. The arithmetic circuit 505 is a circuit that performs multiplication and division.

  The CPU 41a is a control CPU that executes game control in the slot machine 1 by executing a user program (game control processing program for game control) based on the control code read from the ROM 41b. When such game control is executed, the CPU 41a reads fixed data from the ROM 41b, the variable data writing operation in which the CPU 41a writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 41c and temporarily stores them, and the CPU 41a is temporarily stored in the RAM 41c. A variable data reading operation for reading out various variable data being received, a receiving operation in which the CPU 41a receives input of various signals from the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, the parallel input port 511, the serial communication circuit 512, etc. However, a transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, the serial communication circuit 512, the parallel output port 513, and the like is also performed.

  The ROM 41b stores a control code indicating a user program (game control processing program for game control), fixed data, and the like.

  The RAM 41c provides a work area for game control. Here, at least a part of the RAM 41c (in this embodiment, the entire area of the RAM 41c) may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, at least a part of the contents of the RAM 41c is stored for a predetermined period.

  As the free-run counter circuit 507, four channels of 8-bit free-run counters are mounted.

  The random number circuits 508a and 508b are circuits that generate numerical data that is a random value having a predetermined update range, such as an 8-bit random number or a 16-bit random number. In this embodiment, the hardware random number generated by the 16-bit random number circuit 508b among the random number circuits 508a and 508b is used as a random number for internal lottery described later.

  The timer circuit 509 is an 8-bit programmable timer, and the main control unit 41 includes three channels of 8-bit counters as the timer circuit 509. In this embodiment, it is possible to perform a real-time interrupt request and time measurement by using a timer circuit 509 and setting by a user program.

  The interrupt controller 510 is a circuit that controls an external interrupt request from the PI5 / XINT terminal and an interrupt request from a built-in peripheral circuit (for example, serial communication circuit 512, random number circuits 508a and 508b, timer circuit 509). is there.

  The parallel input port 511 incorporates an 8-bit wide input-only port (PIP). Further, the parallel output port 513 provided in the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5 incorporates an output-only port (POP) having an 11-bit width.

  The serial communication circuit 512 is a circuit that performs asynchronous serial communication in input / output with respect to the outside. The main control unit 41 includes, as the serial communication circuit 512, a 1-channel circuit for both transmission and reception and a 3-channel circuit for transmission only.

  The address decoding circuit 514 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. In response to the chip select signal, the internal circuit of the main control unit 41 or the external device serving as a peripheral device is selectively activated to enable access from the CPU 41a.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513. 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. In this embodiment, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513, that is, the command is transmitted as a parallel signal, but via the serial communication circuit 512. A configuration in which a command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91, that is, a configuration in which the command is transmitted as a serial signal may be employed.

  The main control unit 41 also receives detection states of various switches connected to the game control board 40 from the parallel input port 511. The main control unit 41 executes basic processing that shifts in stages according to the detection states of various switches input from the parallel input port 511.

  Further, the main control unit 41 can execute an interrupt process by interrupting the basic process when an interrupt occurs. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt process (main), which will be described later, is executed every time a time-out occurs in the timer circuit 509, that is, every fixed time interval (about 0.56 ms in this embodiment).

  The main control unit 41 is set to prohibit other interrupts during the 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. If another interrupt factor occurs during the execution of the interrupt process and the interrupt factor continues even after the interrupt process is completed, a new interrupt will occur at that point. It will be.

  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.

  The effect control board 90 is connected with effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, an effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and a reel LED 55. It is driven based on control by the unit 91.

  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 rendering device.

  The effect control board 90 is composed of a microcomputer having a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, and I / O port 91d, and a liquid crystal display connected to the effect control board 90, a sub control unit 91 for effect control. 51, a display control circuit 92 for performing display control, an LED driving circuit 93 for controlling driving of the effect LED 52 and the reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling audio output from the speakers 53, 54, when the power is turned on or from the sub CPU 91a The reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when the initialization command is not input for a certain period of time, the switch detection circuit 96 that detects the detection signal input from the switches connected to the effect control board 90, date information and time Clock device 97 for outputting time information including information, slot machine 1 The power supply voltage to be supplied is monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a power failure detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal to that effect to the sub CPU 91a, and other circuits are mounted. In response to the command transmitted from the game control board 40, the CPU 91a performs various controls for performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90.

  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 input number of system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, every certain time interval (about 2 ms).

  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 a lottery that affects the player's advantage such as 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 41c is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, 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 set value display 24 is updated one by one (when the set value 6 is further operated, the set value 1 is set. Return). When the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  In addition, when the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the configuration may be changed to the setting change state on condition that the opening of the front door 1b is detected by the door opening detection switch 25. By setting it as such a structure, it can prevent that a setting change will be carried out illegally in the state which the front door 1b is not open | released. Further, in the configuration that shifts to the setting change state on the condition that the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the door opening detection switch 25 does not detect the opening of the front door 1b after shifting to the setting change state. However, it is preferable to maintain the setting change state, so that even if the front door 1b is temporarily closed during the setting change, the operation for changing to the setting change state is not required again, and the setting change state is required. Operation is not complicated. In addition, after shifting to the setting change state, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off after the start switch 7 is operated and the set value is confirmed, the door opening detection switch 25 detects the opening of the front door 1b. On the condition that the setting change state is terminated, it may be configured to shift to a state in which the game can proceed. Even in such a configuration, the setting change is illegally performed when the front door 1b is not opened. Can be prevented.

  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 41c 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.

  After the game, the setting is made on the condition that the opening of the front door 1b is detected by the door opening detection switch 25 when the setting key switch 37 is turned on with no betting number set. A configuration for shifting to the confirmation state may be adopted, and by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the setting value from being illegally confirmed without the front door 1b being opened. Further, in the configuration that shifts to the setting confirmation state on the condition that the opening of the front door 1b is detected, the door opening detection switch 25 does not detect the opening of the front door 1b after the transition to the setting confirmation state. However, it is preferable to maintain the setting confirmation state, so that even if the front door 1b is temporarily closed during the setting confirmation, the operation for shifting to the setting confirmation state is not required again, and the setting confirmation state is required. Operation is not complicated. In addition, after shifting to the setting confirmation state, when the set key switch 37 is turned off after the set value is confirmed by operating the start switch 7, the door opening detection switch 25 detects the opening of the front door 1b. On the condition that the setting confirmation state is terminated, it may be configured to return to a state in which the game can proceed. Even in such a configuration, the setting value is illegally set when the front door 1b is not opened. It can be prevented from being confirmed.

  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. When the determination process is performed and it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected in the power failure determination process, a power interruption process (main) for setting data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the next return is performed. Execute.

  Then, the main control unit 41 returns the processing state of the main control unit 41 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c on the condition that the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of activation. However, if the RAM 41c data is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM abnormal error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormal error state, thereby disabling the progress of the game.

  Further, the sub control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 98 is detected in the timer interruption process (sub), and when it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, A power interruption process (sub) for setting data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the next return is executed.

  Then, the sub-control unit 91 returns the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 91c on the condition that the data of the RAM 91c is normal at the time of activation. However, if the data in the RAM 91c is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, unlike the main control unit 41, only the RAM 91c is initialized, and the performance is not disabled.

  In addition, even when it is determined that the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the time of activation, the sub control unit 91 activates when receiving a setting command (described later) indicating that the setting change state has been entered from the main control unit 41. Even when a later-described return command or setting command indicating that the control state of the main control unit 41 has returned is not received even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, the execution of the performance is not disabled only by initializing the RAM 91c.

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

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 stores data in the RAM 41c when a RAM abnormality error occurs, when the setting key switch 37 is activated with the setting key switch 37 turned on, when the bonus is ended, and when the setting key switch 37 is activated with the setting key switch 37 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 a setting key switch 37 that is on at the time of startup, and is an initialization that is performed before the transition to the setting change state or an initialization that occurs when a RAM error occurs. In the storage area of the RAM 41c, areas other than the important work and the special work are initialized. Initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of the bonus. In initialization 2, the general work, the unused area, and the unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. Initialization 3 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is off at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 41c 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 41c 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. Anyway.

  In this embodiment, in the initialization 1, the area other than the important work and the special work in the storage area of the RAM 41 c is initialized. However, all areas of the RAM 41 c may be initialized.

  The special work includes a game state storage work in which a game state flag indicating a game state is stored and an internal winning flag storage work in which an internal winning flag is stored. Since the special work is not initialized, the game state and the internal winning flag before the setting change are maintained even when the setting is changed.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a prescribed number of bets that can be set according to the gaming state is determined, and the game is performed on the condition that the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state is set. Can be started. In the present embodiment, the winning line LN is activated when a specified number of bets according to the gaming state are set.

  In this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the activated pay line is activated (in the present embodiment, all the pay lines are always activated. A winning combination is obtained when a combination of symbols called “combinations” is arranged on the winning line. 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 for winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery to be described later and set a winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c.

  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 a combination of combinations permitted by the flag is completed, and is invalid in a game having a combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of the combinations permitted by the flag cannot be made, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, whether or not the main control unit 41 allows the winning of each combination described above before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7 At the time of detection). 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 generated by the random number circuit 508b and stored in the random number value register of the random number circuit 508b is set as the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. And, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, according to the numerical data stored in the lottery work and the number of determination values of each combination determined according to the current gaming state, the number of bets and the set value A determination is made as to whether or not winning is permitted.

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

Next, stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R will be described.
The main control unit 41 refers to the table index and table creation data stored in the ROM 41b when the reel starts to rotate and when the reel stops and the reel that is still rotating still remains. A stop control table is created for each reel that is rotating. 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, index data indicating 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 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 the system. And to be able to identify the Do 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 this embodiment, stepping motors that make one turn at a cycle of 336 steps (0 to 335) are 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 control unit 41 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 is described. To explain, when any operation corresponding to the rotating reel is detected effectively among the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the stop operation position is based on the number of steps from the reel reference position when the stop operation is detected. The number of sliding symbols corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is acquired by referring to the stop control table of the reel where the stop operation is detected. 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 contains 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 a 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, if any of the winning combinations is won, when the stop operation is performed, the winning combination can be stopped on the winning line within a drawing range of up to four frames. If possible, control is performed to align and stop, and the winning combination that has not been won is controlled to be stopped without being aligned in the drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  In addition, in this embodiment, 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, a stop operation is performed. In addition, if it is possible to align and stop the small roles that have been elected on the winning line in the drawing range of up to 4 frames, the control is performed to align and stop them, and the winning line can be drawn in up to 4 frames on the winning line. If the winning small role cannot be withdrawn, if the winning combination can be stopped on the winning line with a maximum of 4 draws, it will be controlled. The winning combination that is not won is controlled to be stopped without being aligned in the drawing range of 4 frames. 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. In the case where a special combination and a small combination can be withdrawn at the same time, only the small combination is drawn, and the small combination is not aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special combination.

  Also, when a special role and a small role are elected at the same time, priority is given to the control of aligning the special role on the winning line over the small role, and only when the special role cannot be drawn, the small role is placed on the winning line. You may perform control to align.

  Also, in this embodiment, when the special role and the replaying role are won at the same time, such as when the replaying role is won while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, the stop operation is performed. In this case, the control is performed so that the symbols of the re-gamer are aligned and stopped on the winning line 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, the reel stop control is performed by using a stop control table that can specify the number of sliding frames for each timing at which the stop operation is performed. A configuration that performs stop control by specifying the stop position from the table and stopping the reel at the specified stop position, and searching for a stop position that can be stopped when the stop operation is performed without using the stop control table or the stop position table. A configuration that performs stop control that identifies and stops the reel at the specified stop position, stop control using the stop control table, stop control using the stop position table, and can be stopped without using the stop control table or the stop position table A configuration that uses stop control by searching and specifying the stop position together, and a configuration that performs stop control by partially changing the stop control table and stop position table. It may be.

  In this embodiment, after the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started, the main control unit 41 rotates the reels for which the stop operation has not been detected yet until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. Continuously, on the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected, control is performed to stop the display result on the corresponding reel. Even if the reel rotation temporarily stops due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected after the reel rotation is restarted. Control is performed to stop the display result of the corresponding reels on the condition that the rotation of the reels that have not been continued is continued and the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected.

  In this embodiment, the 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. When a predetermined automatic stop time has elapsed, even if the reel stop operation is not performed, it is assumed that the stop operation has been performed, and automatic stop control is performed to automatically stop each reel. May be. In this case, since the reels are stopped without the player's operation, it is preferable to derive a display result that does not constitute any combination even if any combination is won.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 measures the game time, which is the time elapsed from the start of the reel rotation every time the reel starts rotating after the game starts. After a game is over, when a specified number of bets are set by inserting medals, etc., and the game start operation is enabled, the reel start of the previous game is started. If the game time that has started counting from the time is more than the specified time (4.1 seconds in this embodiment), that is, if the specified time has elapsed since the reel rotation start time of the previous game, no wait is generated. At that time, the reel for the game in the game is started to rotate.

  On the other hand, after the end of one game, when a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, etc., and when the game start operation is enabled, the reel rotation of the previous game is started. If the game time that started timing from the time is less than the specified time, that is, if the specified time has not elapsed since the start of reel rotation of the previous game, a wait is generated and the reel starts rotating at that time. First, it waits until the game time that has started timing from the reel rotation start time of the previous game reaches the specified time, and starts rotating the reel when it reaches the specified time.

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

  These external output signals are output to a hall device such as a hall computer via the information output terminal board of the game shop (hall) where the external output board 1000 and the slot machine 1 are installed.

  The main control unit 41 has 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 awarded to the player due to the occurrence of winning, and the gaming state is RB (regular bonus). RB signal indicating the effect, BB signal indicating that the gaming state is BB (big bonus) described later, RT signal indicating that RT (replay time) is being performed, and front door 1b being open A door opening signal, 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.

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

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

  On the other hand, the door opening signal, setting 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, and information is provided. Output to the terminal board.

  In this embodiment, the game control board 40 can be connected to the test apparatus via an interface (IF) board, and a test signal is input from the test apparatus to the game control board 40, and the game A test signal generated in relation to the result is output from the game control board 40 to the test apparatus, and a simulation test can be automatically performed by connecting the game control board 40 and the test apparatus. It is possible.

  In this embodiment, a loading request ramp signal, a start possible ramp signal, a BB in-progress signal, an RB game in-progress signal, a replay game in-progress signal, a first to third reel stop feasible ramp signal, a first to third reel index signal, and a payout request signal , Payout count signal, stop signal, set value display 7 segment display ag signal, internal winning flag signal, first reel motor excitation signal, second reel motor excitation signal, third reel motor excitation signal are test signals. Is output from the game control board 40 to the test apparatus.

  Test signals output from the game control board 40 to the test apparatus 1300 are output under the control of the main control unit 41.

  The insertion request lamp signal is a drive signal of the insertion request LED 17, that is, a signal indicating whether or not the insertion request LED 17 is lit, and can specify whether or not a medal insertion is requested.

  The start enable lamp signal is a drive signal of the start valid LED 18, that is, a signal indicating whether or not the start valid LED 18 is lit, and can specify whether or not a game start operation is requested. .

  The BB in-progress signal, RB game in-progress signal, and replay game in-progress signal are signals indicating that the gaming state is BB, during RB, and during the replay game, respectively, and the gaming state at that time can be specified.

  The first to third reel stop enable lamp signals are signals indicating whether the left, middle and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R are driven, that is, whether the left, middle and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R are lit. It is possible to specify whether or not the left reel, middle reel, and right reel can be stopped.

  The first to third reel index signals are detection signals of the reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R, and can specify the passage of the reference positions of the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel.

  The payout request signal is a drive signal for the hopper motor 34b, that is, a signal indicating whether or not the hopper motor 34b is being driven, and it is possible to specify that a medal payout operation is being performed.

  The payout count signal is a signal that is output every time a medal payout associated with winning is detected, and is a signal that causes the test apparatus 1300 to count the payout of medals.

The stop signal is a signal indicating that the stop state is controlled.
The 7-segment display a to g signals for setting value display are drive signals for the LEDs constituting each segment of the setting value display 24, and the setting values displayed on the setting value display 24 can be specified. .

The internal winning flag signal is a signal indicating the winning status of the combination.
The first to third reel motor excitation signals are drive signals for the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, that is, the reel motors that drive the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel, and the drive status of each reel can be specified. .

  In this embodiment, the insertion switch signal, the reel start switch signal, the first to third reel stop switch signals, the payout switch signal, the stop release switch signal, the setting key switch signal, and the setting switch signal are used as test signals from the test apparatus. It is input to the game control board 40. These test signals are signals that function in the same manner as the detection signals of the various switches and sensors provided in the slot machine 1, and these test signals are detected by the switch detection circuit 44 provided in the game control board 40, and the main control unit 41 is used to determine the detection of a switch or sensor corresponding to each test signal.

  The insertion switch signal is a signal corresponding to the insertion medal sensors 106 a to 106 d, and the reel start switch signal is a signal corresponding to the start switch 7. The first to third reel stop switch signals are signals corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, respectively. The payout switch signal is a signal corresponding to the payout sensor 34c. The stop release switch signal is a signal corresponding to the reset switch 23. The setting key switch signal is a signal corresponding to the setting key switch 37. The setting switch signal is a signal corresponding to the reset / setting switch 38.

  In this embodiment, the game control board 40 is provided with a connection terminal to which wiring from the IF board can be connected, and a test signal output from the main control unit 41 and various drive circuits is transmitted to the connection terminal. Wiring patterns for transmitting the test signals from the connection terminals to the switch detection circuit 44 are formed, and the test signals output from the main control unit 41 and various drive circuits are connected to the wiring patterns and In addition to being output via the connection terminal, a test signal input via the connection terminal and the wiring pattern is input to the switch detection circuit 44.

  In addition, since the connection terminal is constituted by, for example, a signal pin that can connect a probe from the IF board or a connector that can connect a cable from the IF board, the wiring from the IF board can be routed through these connection terminals. It becomes possible to connect easily.

  The connection terminal is provided for the purpose of connecting the IF board, and the connection terminal for inputting and outputting the test signal and the test signal is used for a slot machine shipped to an amusement store. The game control board 40 is not necessary. For this reason, the gaming control board 40 of the present embodiment has a plurality of cutting holes for cutting the portion provided with the connection terminals, and can be cut along these cutting holes. At the time of shipment, the portion where the connection terminal is provided can be cut to a state where an unnecessary signal cannot be input / output. This makes it easy to use test signals for purposes other than testing, such as detecting internal winning flag signals in hall equipment, identifying the winning status of the internal winning flag from the internal winning flag signal, and notifying the fact. Can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary signal from being easily input to the game control board 40.

  The number of slot machines provided for testing by a third-party organization is usually only a few. In addition, the slot machines for mass production shipped to amusement stores can input and output these test signals and test signals. Since it is less necessary to carry out, these mass production slot machines may be equipped with the game control board 40 that is provided with the wiring pattern but is not provided with the connection terminals described above. The manufacturing cost of the slot machine can be reduced. Further, in this case, since the wiring pattern for transmitting the test signal and the test signal is formed on the game control board 40, the IF board and the test apparatus 1300 can be simply connected simply by mounting the connection terminal. Is possible. Also, only the test slot machine is provided with a wiring pattern for transmitting test signals and test signals, and connection terminals for connection with IF boards and test equipment. A structure without a terminal may be employed. That is, the main control unit 41 controls the output of the test signal, but the test signal may not be actually output. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the slot machine for mass production can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, such a test signal and test signal are exchanged between the slot machine and the test apparatus, so that a simulation test is automatically performed. It is possible to output the payout rate of the slot machine as a test result.

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

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends the inserted number command, credit command, gaming state command, AT state command, internal winning command, stop order command, reel acceleration information command, stop operation to the sub control unit 91. Command, sliding frame number command, stop command, game end command, winning number command, payout start command, payout end command, standby command, stop command, error command, return command, setting command, setting confirmation command, door command, operation Send multiple types of commands including detection commands.

  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 inserted number command is a command that can specify the number of inserted medals, that is, the number of medals used for setting the number of bets, and is a state from the end of the game (after changing the setting) to the start of the game. Or, when a prescribed number of bets is not set, a medal is inserted, or when the bet number is set by operating the MAXBET switch 6. The inserted number command is transmitted when the betting number setting operation is performed, so that it is possible to specify that the betting number setting operation has been performed by receiving the inserted number 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 game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the game, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game.

  The AT state command is a command that can specify whether or not the game is in an assist time (a gaming state in which an operation mode advantageous to the player is notified, hereinafter referred to as AT). And transmitted after the gaming state command.

  The internal winning command is a command that can specify the internal lottery result, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game and after the gaming state command is transmitted. The internal winning command is transmitted when the game starts and after the AT state command.

  Since the game state command, AT state command, and internal winning command are transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated and the game starts, the game is started when the start switch 7 is operated by receiving these commands. Can be specified.

  In addition, the internal winning command can specify that one of the specific roles having different advantages depending on the operation mode is won, but it is advantageous for the player at the time of winning the specific role. It is impossible to specify a specific operation mode.

  The stop order command is a command that can specify an operation mode advantageous to the player at the time of winning the specified role, and is transmitted after the internal winning command is transmitted when the game is started and the navigation notification described later is performed. Is done.

  The reel acceleration information command is a command that can specify that the rotation of the reel starts with the progress of the game, and is transmitted when the rotation of the reel starts with the progress of the game.

  The stop operation command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and the area number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel. Sent every time the accompanying stop control is performed.

  The sliding frame number command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is a left reel, a middle reel, or a right reel, and the number of sliding frames to be moved from when the corresponding reel is stopped until it stops. Each time stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel is performed, the corresponding stop operation command is transmitted after being transmitted.

  The stop command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is a left reel, a middle reel, or a right reel, and the area number of the stop position of the corresponding reel, and stop control accompanying the stop operation of each reel Is transmitted after the corresponding sliding frame number command is transmitted.

  With the stop operation command, the sliding frame number command, and the stop command, it is possible to specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and accompanying the stop operation of each reel Since it is transmitted every time stop control is performed, by receiving these commands, it is possible to specify that one of the reels has been stopped and the reel to be stopped.

  The game end command is a command that can specify that the game has ended and the game state of the next game. The player presses the stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch. When sent.

  The winning number command is a command that can specify a combination of symbols arranged on the winning line LN, whether or not a winning is received, a type of winning, and a payout number of medals at the time of winning. The player stops the third stop reel. This is when the stop switch is pressed and released, and is transmitted after the game end command is transmitted.

  Both the game end command and the winning number command are transmitted when the player presses the stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch. It is possible to specify that all operations necessary to advance one game have been completed.

  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 stand-by command is a command indicating a transition to the stand-by state. When one game is over and the bet amount is not set and the estimated end time (60 seconds in this embodiment) has passed, It is transmitted after the payout of medals by the settlement (including medals used for setting the number of bets) is completed and a payout end command is transmitted.

  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. When entering the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation command that indicates the start of setting confirmation is transmitted, 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 the operation switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), and is transmitted at regular intervals.

  Of these commands, commands other than the door command and the operation detection command are generated in the basic process, temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c, and transmitted in the subsequent command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main). The

  On the other hand, the door command is generated in the door monitoring process of the timer interrupt process (main), temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c, and transmitted in the subsequent command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main). Is done.

  The operation detection command is generated based on the detection state of the switch every time the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main) is executed 10 times, and is temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c. Then, it is transmitted in the command transmission process of the subsequent timer interrupt process (main).

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 measures the game time, which is the time elapsed from the start of the reel rotation every time the reel starts rotating after the game starts. After a game is over, when a specified number of bets are set by inserting medals, etc., and the game start operation is enabled, the reel start of the previous game is started. If the game time that has started counting from the time is more than the specified time (4.1 seconds in this embodiment), that is, if the specified time has elapsed since the reel rotation start time of the previous game, no wait is generated. At that time, rotation of a reel for a game in the game (hereinafter, a game accompanying the progress of the game is referred to as a normal game in order to be distinguished from a pseudo game described later) is started.

  On the other hand, when a specified number of bets are set by inserting medals after the end of one game, and when the normal game start operation is performed with the game start operation enabled, the reel rotation of the previous game is performed. If the game time that started timing from the start time is less than the specified time, that is, if the specified time has not elapsed since the start of reel rotation of the previous game, a wait is generated and the reel starts rotating at that time. Without waiting, it waits until the game time which started timing from the reel rotation start time of the previous game reaches a specified time, and starts the rotation of the reel in the normal game when the specified time is reached.

  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 55, 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.

  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.

  In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 provides a notification period in which a navigation notification for notifying the stop order that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result by the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12 can be executed. Control is possible at the assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT).

  When the main control unit 41 is controlled by the AT, the main control unit 41 performs navigation notification by winning the navigation target combination corresponding to the gaming state, and transmits a push order command to the sub control unit 91. Thus, a navigation effect using the liquid crystal display 51 or the like is executed. Further, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 can execute navigation notification and execute a navigation effect by satisfying certain conditions even in a normal state where the control is not performed by the AT.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an address map in the main control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory area managed by the main control unit 41 includes a ROM area assigned to the ROM 41b and a RAM area assigned to the RAM 41c.

  Further, the ROM area stores a game program area in which a game program relating to the progress of the game is stored, a game data area in which game data used by the game program is stored, and a non-game program not related to the progress of the game. It includes a game program area, a non-game data area in which non-game data used by the non-game program is stored, and an unused area.

  The progress of the game is to advance a series of processes constituting the game. In the case of a slot machine, the stage where the game can be started by setting the number of bets is started and the reel is rotated. A step of stopping the reel, a step of deriving a display result, and a step of giving a value such as a medal according to the display result.

  The game program area and the game data area, the non-game program area and the non-game data are respectively assigned to the continuous address area, and the game program area and the game data area, and the non-game program area and the non-game data are not used. It is assigned to non-contiguous address areas across the area.

  The RAM area includes a game RAM area used as a work by the game program, an unused area 1 in the game RAM area, a non-game RAM area used as a work by the non-game program, and an unused area 2 in the non-game RAM area. , An unused stack area and an in-use stack area.

  The game RAM area and the non-game RAM area are assigned to non-contiguous address areas across the unused area.

  Hereinafter, the game program area, the game data area, and the game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a game area, and the non-game program area, the non-game data area, and the non-game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a non-game area. . Further, the unused area 1 and the unused area 2 may be collectively referred to as an unused area.

  The game program is a program related to the progress of the game as described above, and is a program for executing a process that hinders the progress of the game unless the process based on the program is executed.

  On the other hand, a non-game program is a program that is not related to the progress of the game as described above, and advances the game even when the game program is called to return to the game program without executing the processing based on the program. It is a program for executing processing that can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the game program includes a game dedicated program included only in the game program, and a common determination program and a common general-purpose program included in both the game program and the non-game program.

  The game dedicated program includes, for example, a BET process, an internal lottery process, a reel rotation process, a payout process, and an external output 1 process. The BET process is a process for starting a game by setting a bet number by inserting medals, etc. after the control of one game is completed, and operating a start switch 7 after a specified number of bets are set. The internal lottery process is a process of performing an internal lottery and setting a winning flag, etc. The reel rotation process starts the reel rotation, and the reels are operated by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. The payout process determines whether or not a winning has occurred according to the stop position of the stopped reel, and pays out medals, sets a re-game, changes the game state, etc. The external output 1 process is a process for performing output control of the medal IN signal, the medal OUT signal, the RB signal, the BB signal, and the RT signal among the external output signals. Further, although not particularly shown, the game program includes processing related to AT (lottery related to AT, control related to navigation notification, etc.).

  The common determination program in the game program includes, for example, an input determination process and a payout determination process. The insertion determination process is a process for determining whether or not the medal is normally passed by the inserted medal sensor 106d, and is a process executed in a state where a medal can be inserted for setting a bet amount. The payout determination process is a process for determining whether or not the medal is normally passed by the payout sensor 34c, and is a process executed in a state where the payout of the medal is permitted at the time of winning a small role or at the time of credit settlement. It is.

  The common general-purpose program in the game program is a process that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes constituting the game program. For example, a counter update process, a port input process, a data conversion process, an LED display process, a data setting process, Includes command setting processing. The counter update process is a process for updating the designated counter value, the port input process is a process for acquiring the input state of the designated port, and the data conversion process is input using game data. Is a process for converting and outputting the data, the LED display process is a process for setting the specified value to be displayed on the LED, and the data setting process is a process for setting the specified data, The command setting process is a process for setting a specified command in the command queue.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the non-game program includes a non-game exclusive program included only in the non-game program, and a common determination program and a common general-purpose program that are the same as the game program.

  The non-game dedicated program includes, for example, test signal output processing, foreign object detection processing, door monitoring processing, external output 2 processing, inserted medal error determination processing, payout medal error determination processing, start-up processing, set value abnormality confirmation processing, and error processing. Including. The test signal output process is a process for outputting a test signal generated in relation to the game result, and the foreign object detection process is a process for detecting a foreign object in the medal path by the insertion port sensor 26. The door monitoring process is a process for detecting the opening of the front door 1b, and the external output 2 process is a security signal (door open signal, setting change signal, input error signal, payout error signal) among external output signals. The inserted medal error determination process is a process for performing output control. The inserted medal error detection process is performed based on the detection status of the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c, the medal clogging detection in the medal selector 29, and the foreign matter in the medal selector 29. This is a process for detecting, and the payout medal error determination process is based on the detection status of the payout sensor 34a, detecting the reverse flow of the payout medal, This process is to detect clogged medals and to detect foreign objects near the payout exit. The startup process is a process for making the game possible when the power is turned on (random error check, RAM error check, backup error check, The register value initialization process is a process for determining whether or not the set value is within a normal range. The error process includes various errors (medal insertion errors, Foreign matter detection in the medal selector 29, reel rotation abnormality, medal payout abnormality, foreign matter detection near the payout exit, RAM abnormality, setting value abnormality, hopper tank 34a empty, overflow tank 35 full tank detection, etc.) were detected. In this case, it is a process for disabling the game.

  The common general-purpose program in the non-game program is a process that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes constituting the non-game program.For example, the counter update process, the port input process, Includes data conversion processing, LED display processing, data setting processing, and command setting processing.

  In particular, the non-game program, when an abnormality is detected as described above, the release condition according to the type of abnormality (in the case of random number abnormality, RAM abnormality, backup abnormality, setting value abnormality, setting value resetting, In the case of other abnormalities, error processing is included that disables the progress of the game until a reset operation is established.

  In addition, the non-game program has a predetermined detection status based on the detection status of the detection means (the insertion slot sensor 26, the insertion medal sensors 106a to 106c, the full sensor 35a, the door opening detection switch 25) that is not related to the progress of the game. Including the process of determining whether or not.

  In addition, the non-game program functions as a detection means related to the progress of the game in a specific control state among a plurality of control states (BET processing, internal lottery processing, reel rotation processing, payout processing), and other control states The detection means (for example, the inserted medal sensor 106d and the payout sensor 34c) functioning as detection means not related to the progress of the game is based on the detection status in the control state not related to the progress of the game. (For example, a inserted medal detection process or a payout medal detection process for detecting an abnormality caused by detecting the insertion of a medal during reel rotation or the payout of a medal). Such a determination process corresponds to the common determination program because it is the same process as the process for determining whether or not the game program is in a predetermined detection status based on the detection status in the control state related to the progress of the game. .

  Among the processes included in the game program, the external output 1 process, the process of counting the number of medals inserted in the BET process, the process of switching the flow path switching solenoid 30, the process of counting the number of medals paid out in the payout process, the hopper If the processing is not directly related to the progress of the game, such as processing for detecting that the tank 34a is empty, processing for updating software random numbers, processing related to AT, etc., all or part of these processing A configuration included in a non-game program may be used. On the other hand, a configuration in which all or a part of these processes are included in the game program as long as it is indirectly related to the progress of the game, such as an activation process and a set value abnormality confirmation process among the processes included in the non-game program It may be.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 calls a non-game program in the process based on the game program, executes the process based on the non-game program, and after the process based on the non-game program ends. Return to the processing based on the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the CPU 41a calls a non-game program from the processing based on the game program, the CPU 41a uses arithmetic registers (A, F, BC, DE, All the values of the HL register (hereinafter referred to simply as a register for calculation) are saved in the stack area to protect the data used by the game program. Then, after all the processes based on the non-game program are completed, the value saved in the stack area is returned to the register, and thereafter, the process returns to the process based on the game program.

  In this embodiment, the register value used by the game program is protected by saving it in the stack area, but the game program uses it by changing the value of the front register and back register. The register value may be protected.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a non-game program is called from the processing based on the game program, the register value used by the game program is protected at the beginning of the non-game program, and at the end of the non-game program, It is configured to restore the value of the protected register, but the register value used by the game program immediately before calling the non-game program from the process based on the game program is protected, and all the processes based on the non-game program are performed. After completion, when the non-game program is called from the processing based on the game program, the configuration in which the value of the register protected at the first stage of returning to the game program is restored, the game program is After protecting the value of the register used and after all processing based on the non-game program is completed , A configuration in which the value of the register protected at the initial stage of returning to the game program is restored, the value of the register used by the game program immediately before calling the non-game program from the processing based on the game program, A configuration may be adopted in which the value of the protected register is restored at the end of the game program.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 41a, in principle, executes processing based on a game program by referring to game data in the game data area and uses the game RAM area as a work. The contents of the game RAM area can be referred to and updated. Further, the CPU 41a, in principle, executes processing based on the non-game program by referring to the game data in the non-game data area, and uses the non-game RAM area as a work. It is possible to refer to and update the contents of the non-game RAM area.

  Further, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not update the non-game RAM area when executing processing based on the game program, but can refer to the non-game RAM area. In executing the processing based on the non-game program, the game data area is not referred to and the game RAM area is not updated, but the game RAM area can be referred to.

  The processing based on the game program can be referred to only a specific area necessary for the game program in the non-game RAM area (for example, an error flag setting area indicating abnormality detection). In the processing based on the game RAM area, only specific areas necessary for the non-game program (for example, an internal winning flag setting area, a gaming state setting area, an RT setting area, etc.) can be referred to. In addition, a specific area in the non-game RAM area where the process based on the game program can be referred to, and a specific area in the game RAM area where the process based on the non-game program can be referred to may be assigned to a continuous address area. However, a configuration in which a part or all of the addresses are assigned to non-contiguous address areas may be used.

  However, the RAM abnormality check, the backup abnormality confirmation, the initialization of the RAM 41c, and the power interruption process to be described later are included in the non-game program, with the exception that these processes allow access to the entire area of the RAM 41c. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, a game program area and a non-game program area are set separately as designated areas monitored by the IAT circuit 506a of the main control unit 41, and the game program areas and When the user program is executed outside the non-game program area, the IAT circuit 506a outputs an IAT generation signal. When the IAT generation signal is output, the CPU 41a controls to an error state and disables the game. In this case, unlike a normal error, the game does not return to a state in which the game can proceed until a new set value is set.

  In this embodiment, the game program area and the non-game program area are allocated to non-contiguous address areas across the unused area, but the game program area and the non-game program area are allocated to continuous address areas. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the game program area and the non-game program area are separately set as the designated areas monitored by the IAT circuit 506a.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a game program area in which a game program related to the progress of a game is stored, a game data area in which game data referred to by the game program is readable and stored, and work data referred to by the game program Is a game RAM area that is stored so as to be readable and writable, a program that is called by the game program, a non-game program area that stores a non-game program that is not related to the progress of the game, and a non-game that is referenced by the non-game program Since a non-game data area in which data is stored in a readable manner and a non-game RAM area in which work data referred to by the non-game program are stored in a readable and writable manner are separately allocated, a game program, Game data and work program work data; Game program, the workpiece data of the non game data and non-game program, can be easily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  In addition, by dividing the game program area and the game data area from the non-game program area and the non-game data area, the area occupied by the ROM 41b can be managed in a compact manner according to each function. It becomes easier to specify the corresponding data.

  Further, in this embodiment, when executing the game program, it is possible to refer to the non-game RAM area, and when executing the non-game program, it is possible to refer to the game RAM area. In executing the game program, the data used by the non-game program can be easily used, and in executing the non-game program, the data used by the game program can be used easily. On the other hand, it is impossible to update the non-game RAM area when executing the game program, and it is impossible to update the game RAM area when executing the non-game program. Does not affect the processing of the non-game program, and the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

  Further, in this embodiment, the processing based on the game program can be referred to only a specific area required for the game program in the non-game RAM area (for example, an error flag setting area indicating abnormality detection). The processing based on the non-gaming program can be referred to only specific areas (for example, an internal winning flag setting area, a gaming state setting area, an RT setting area, etc.) necessary for the non-gaming program in the gaming RAM area. Therefore, since the data that can be referred to by the game program in the non-game RAM area and the data that can be referred to by the non-game program are limited to a specific area, the reference destination of the game program or the non-game program can be easily specified. be able to.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the non-game program includes an error process that disables the progress of the game until the cancellation condition is satisfied according to the type of the abnormality when the abnormality is detected, the process in the non-game program It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding as it is when an abnormality or the like is detected.

  In this embodiment, since the non-game program includes a common determination program having the same contents as the common determination program included in the game program (for example, the input determination process and the payout determination process), the game program and the non-game program are mutually connected. The same determination can be made without affecting the result.

  In the present embodiment, the non-game program is a process that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes constituting the non-game program, and includes a common general-purpose program similar to the common general-purpose program included in the game program. Even if it is a common general-purpose program with the same processing content, it is provided with a game program and a non-game program, so whether the processing content is the same or a non-game program even if it is a common general-purpose program with the same processing content Can be easily identified.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the non-game program is in a predetermined detection state based on the detection state of the detection means (the inlet sensor 26, the full tank sensor 35a, the door opening detection switch 25) that is not related to the progress of the game. Since the determination process is included, the determination as to whether or not the predetermined detection is performed by the detection means not related to the progress of the game is performed by the non-game program, so that the game program does not become complicated.

  In the present embodiment, the non-game program functions as a detection means related to the progress of the game in a specific control state among a plurality of control states (BET processing, internal lottery processing, reel rotation processing, payout processing). In other control states, the detection means (for example, the inserted medal sensor 106d and the payout sensor 34c) functioning as detection means not related to the progress of the game is based on the detection state in the control state not related to the progress of the game. A process for determining whether or not a predetermined detection status is present (for example, a inserted medal detection process or a payout medal detection process for detecting an abnormality caused by detecting the insertion of a medal during reel rotation or the payout of a medal) Therefore, in the situation where the detection result of the detection means as described above is not used for the progress of the game, the determination as to whether the detection means has made a predetermined detection is not possible. By being performed by the technique program, the detection result of the detection means can be used even in a situation where the detection result of the detection means is not used for the progress of the game, and the game program does not become more complicated than necessary. .

  Further, in this embodiment, when a game program calls a non-game program and executes the non-game program, all areas of the register are protected regardless of whether or not the game program is the register actually used. Therefore, when returning to the game program, it is possible to reliably return from the state at the time when the non-game program is called.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a non-game program is called from the processing based on the game program, the register value used by the game program is protected at the beginning of the non-game program, and at the end of the non-game program, Since the value of the protected register is restored, the capacity of the game program can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the register value used by the game program immediately before calling the non-game program from the process based on the game program is protected, and after all the processes based on the non-game program are completed, at the first stage of returning to the game program A configuration may be adopted in which the value of the protected register is restored. With this configuration, register protection processing is performed before the non-game program is called, and register restoration processing is performed after the non-game program is restored. Therefore, the data stored in the register by the non-game program does not affect the game program.

  In the present embodiment, a game program area and a non-game program area are set separately as designated areas monitored by the IAT circuit 506a of the main control unit 41, and the game program areas and When the user program is executed outside the non-game program area, the IAT circuit 506a outputs an IAT generation signal. When the IAT generation signal is output, the CPU 41a controls to an error state and disables the game. In addition, since the game program area and the non-game program area are set separately as the designated areas monitored by the IAT circuit 506a, the game program in the game program area and the non-game program in the non-game program area are changed. However, the storage area set as the designated area can be easily reset.

  Next, a description will be given of a startup process that is executed when the main control unit 41 starts up when power is turned on or a restart that occurs when a reset signal is input and a power-off process that is executed when a power-off is detected. In this embodiment, the activation process and the power interruption process are included in the non-game program.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the start-up process, interrupts are first disabled (Sa1), the parallel output port 513 is initialized (Sa2), and the built-in registers are initialized (Sa3). Next, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is detected, that is, whether or not the voltage is unstable (Sa4). If the voltage drop signal is detected, the voltage drop is detected. Wait until no signal is detected.

  If a voltage drop signal is not detected in step Sa4, random number abnormality confirmation processing for determining abnormality of the random number circuit is performed (Sa6), the address of the program to be executed when an interrupt occurs is set in the I register (Sa6), Access to the RAM 41c is permitted (Sa7), and a stack pointer is set (Sa8).

  Next, the RAM parity (hereinafter referred to as RAM parity 1) of all the game RAM areas (including the unused area 1) of the RAM 41c and all the non-game RAM areas (the unused area 2 and the unused stack area). RAM parity (hereinafter referred to as RAM parity 2) and RAM parity (hereinafter referred to as RAM parity 3) in the stack area (unused stack area and in-use stack area) are calculated (Sa9). It is determined whether 1 to 3 are 0 (Sa10). As will be described later, if the power-off process is normally performed at the time of the previous power-off, all of the RAM parities 1 to 3 should be 0. Therefore, in the step of Sa10, any one of the RAM parities 1 to 3 is set. If it is not zero, the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal. In this case, the process proceeds to step Sa14.

  On the other hand, if the RAM parities 1 to 3 are 0 in the step of Sa10, the destruction diagnosis data 1 stored in the game RAM area, the destruction diagnosis data 2 stored in the non-game RAM area, and the stack area It is determined whether the stored destructive diagnosis data 3 is normal (Sa11). As described later, if the power interruption process is normally performed at the time of the previous power shutdown, the destruction diagnosis data 1 is set in the game RAM area, and the destruction diagnosis data 2 is set in the non-game RAM area. Data 3 should be set in the stack area, and if the failure diagnosis data 1 to 3 are not normal in the step Sa11 (5A (H) ( In a case other than (a specific value other than 00 (H)), the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, and the process proceeds to step Sa14.

  If it is determined in step Sa11 that the destruction diagnosis data 1 to 3 are normal, the data in the RAM 41c is normal, so the destruction diagnosis data 1 to 3 are cleared (Sa12), and the data in the RAM 41c is normal. Is set in the RAM 41c (Sa13), and the process proceeds to step Sa14.

  In step Sa14, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is on. If the setting key switch 37 is on, initialization 1 for initializing areas other than the important work and the special work in the storage area of the RAM 41c is performed. Execute (Sa14). In the initialization 1, an initialization process for initializing the areas other than the important work and the special work and the unused area 1 in the game RAM area, and an area other than the important work and the special work and the unused area in the non-game RAM area. An initialization process for initializing 2 and an initialization process for initializing the stack area are performed separately. In addition, in the initialization 1, the structure which initializes all the areas collectively without dividing a game RAM area and a non-game RAM area may be sufficient.

  After initialization 1 in step Sa15, interrupts are permitted (Sa16), the process proceeds to a setting change process controlled to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed (Sa17), and a new setting value is set. Thus, after the setting change process is completed, the register is initialized (Sa18), and the process proceeds to the top of the BET process in the game program.

  If the setting key switch 37 is off in step Sa14, it is determined whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on whether or not the RAM normal flag is set (Sa22), and the data in the RAM 41c is determined not to be normal. In step S15, initialization 1 similar to step S15 is executed to initialize areas other than the important work and special work in the storage area of the RAM 41c (Sa19), and interrupts are permitted (Sa20). Then, an error code indicating a RAM abnormality is set (Sa21), and an error process, that is, a RAM abnormality error state is entered. Also, unlike a normal error, a RAM abnormality error does not return to a state in which the game can proceed until a new set value is set.

  If it is determined in step Sa22 that the data in the RAM 41c is normal, initialization 3 is performed to initialize the non-saved work, the unused area 1, the unused area 2 and the unused stack area in the RAM 41c (Sa23). ). Thereafter, the stack pointer is restored to the state before power interruption (Sa24), the input buffer for storing the input state of detection signals such as various switches inputted to the parallel input port 511 is initialized (Sa25), and parallel output is performed. The output state of the port 513 is restored to the state before the power interruption (Sa26), each register is restored to the state before the power interruption, that is, the state stored in the stack area (Sa27), and the interrupt is permitted ( Sa28), the process returns to the last execution before the power interruption.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the power interruption process, first, all registers that may be in use are saved in the stack area (Sm1).

  Next, the destruction diagnosis data 1 is set in the game RAM area, the destruction diagnosis data 2 is set in the non-game RAM area, and the destruction diagnosis data 3 is set in the stack area (Sm2). The data for destructive diagnosis are all 5A (H). Next, the parallel output port 513 is initialized (Sm3), and the RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated so that the exclusive OR of all areas of the game RAM area (including the unused area 1) becomes 0. Set in the RAM area, calculate the RAM parity adjustment data 2 so that the exclusive OR of all the non-game RAM areas (including the unused area 2) is 0, and set it in the non-game RAM area The RAM parity adjustment data 3 is calculated and set in the stack area so that the exclusive OR of all the areas of the stack area (unused stack area and in-use stack area) becomes 0 (Sm4), and the data is transferred to the RAM 41c. Is prohibited (Sm5), and loop processing is started.

  In the loop processing, the process waits in a state where the output state of the voltage drop signal is monitored (Sm6). In this state, when the voltage drop signal is not input, it is determined that the voltage is restored, and the program is started from the startup process. On the other hand, when the voltage drops while the voltage drop signal is input, the operation is stopped internally.

  When the power supply of AC100V is stopped by the above process, the power interruption process is executed, the destruction diagnosis data 1 to 3 and the RAM parity adjustment data 1 to 3 are stored in the backup RAM, and the RAM access is performed. It is disabled and the output port is cleared.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the power interruption process executed when power interruption is detected, the RAM parity adjustment data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal is calculated. A process for calculating the RAM parity for determining whether or not the RAM 41c is normal, and a process for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity when the power is turned on are divided into a game RAM area and a non-game RAM area. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify a data storage area necessary for designing these processes.

  In this embodiment, the adjustment data is set in the target area so that the calculation result of the target area in the power interruption process becomes a specific value (0 in this embodiment), and the target data is set in the start process. Whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal is determined based on whether or not the calculation result of the area to be a specific value. The calculation result of the area to be processed in the power interruption process and the area to be processed in the start-up process It may be configured to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal depending on whether or not the result of the calculation matches. The calculation method is not limited to exclusive OR, and other calculation methods (for example, summation) may be used.

  In this embodiment, the RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated using data stored in all areas of the game RAM area including the unused area 1 in the power interruption process, and the non-game including the unused area 2 is performed. RAM parity adjustment data is calculated using data stored in all areas of the RAM area, and RAM is calculated using data stored in all areas of the game RAM area including the unused area 1 in the startup process. It is determined whether or not the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity 2 calculated using data stored in all areas of the non-game RAM area including the parity 1 and the unused area 2. If an illegal program is stored in the used areas 1 and 2, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal program from being stored in the unused areas 1 and 2. That.

  In this embodiment, the RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated using data stored in all the game RAM areas including the unused area 1 in the power interruption process, and the non-game including the unused area 2 is performed. RAM parity adjustment data is calculated using data stored in all areas of the RAM area, and RAM is calculated using data stored in all areas of the game RAM area including the unused area 1 in the startup process. It is configured to determine whether or not the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity 2 calculated using data stored in all the non-game RAM areas including the parity 1 and the unused area 2. The RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated using the data stored in the game RAM area not including the area 1, and stored in the non-game RAM area not including the unused area 2. RAM parity adjustment data is calculated using the data, and the RAM parity 1 calculated using the data stored in the game RAM area that does not include the unused area 1 in the startup process, the non-game that does not include the unused area 2 The RAM 41c may be determined to be normal based on the RAM parity 2 calculated using the data stored in the RAM area.

  In addition, the RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated using data stored in all areas of the game RAM area including the unused area 1 in the power interruption process, and stored in the non-game RAM area not including the unused area 2. RAM parity adjustment data is calculated using the generated data, and RAM parity 1 and unused area 2 are calculated using data stored in all areas of the game RAM area including the unused area 1 in the startup process. It may be configured to determine whether or not the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity 2 calculated using data stored in the non-game RAM area that does not include the non-game RAM area. When an illegal program is stored in 1, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, so that it is possible to prevent the unauthorized program from being stored in the unused area 1.

  In addition, RAM parity adjustment data 1 is calculated using data stored in the game RAM area not including the unused area 1 in the power interruption process, and stored in all the non-game RAM areas including the unused area 2. Non-game including RAM parity 1 and unused area 2 calculated using data stored in the game RAM area not including the unused area 1 in the startup process. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined whether or not the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity 2 calculated using data stored in all the regions of the RAM region. Even in such a configuration, the unused region 2 If an illegal program is stored in the memory area, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, so that it is possible to prevent the unauthorized program from being stored in the unused area 2.

  In this embodiment, in the power interruption process executed when power interruption is detected, the RAM parity adjustment data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal is calculated, and the data is normal when the power is turned on. The process of calculating the RAM parity for determining whether or not, and the process of determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on the RAM parity when the power is turned on are divided into a game RAM area and a non-game RAM area However, in the power interruption process, the game RAM area is calculated by calculating adjustment data in which the calculation result using both the data stored in the game RAM area and the data stored in the non-game RAM area becomes a specific value. Or, it is set in the non-game RAM area, and both the data stored in the game RAM area and the data stored in the non-game RAM area are used in the startup process. Configuration for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on whether or not the calculated result is a specific value, that is, adjustment data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal in the power interruption process Game RAM, processing for calculating data for determining whether the data is normal when the power is turned on, processing for determining whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on the data calculated when the power is turned on, The area and the non-game RAM area may be distinguished from each other, and with such a structure, adjustment data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal is calculated in the power interruption process. Processing, data for determining whether data is normal when power is turned on, data in RAM 41c based on data calculated when power is turned on It can be reduced program capacity necessary for processing for determining normal or not.

  Also in such a configuration, in the power interruption process, not only the game RAM area and the non-game RAM area, but also the adjustment data is calculated using the data of all areas including the unused areas 1 and 2, and the start process In addition, whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal depending on whether or not the result calculated using the data of all the areas including the unused areas 1 and 2 is a specific value in addition to the game RAM area and the non-game RAM area. In such a configuration, if an invalid program is stored in the unused areas 1 and 2, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal. It is possible to prevent an illegal program from being stored in the memory.

  In this embodiment, when data in the RAM 41c is initialized, an initialization process for initializing the areas other than the important work and the special work and the unused area 1 in the game RAM area, and the non-game RAM area. The area other than the important work and the special work and the initialization process for initializing the unused area 2 are separately performed. For example, when the size of the game RAM area and the non-game RAM area is changed But it can be easily handled.

  In this embodiment, the game RAM area and the non-game RAM area are each assigned to a continuous address area, but all or part of the game RAM area is assigned to a non-continuous address area, A configuration may be adopted in which all or part of the non-game RAM area is assigned to non-contiguous address areas.

  In such a configuration, for example, a general work in the game RAM area that is initialized by initialization 2 and a general work in the non-game RAM area that is initialized by initialization 2 are consecutive. An area that is initialized when a specific initialization condition is established in the game RAM area, such as allocation to an address area, and an area that is initialized when a specific initialization condition is established in the non-game RAM area , Are assigned to consecutive address areas, and when a specific initialization condition is met, the initial address of the non-game RAM area to be initialized is initialized collectively from the start address of the game RAM area to be initialized Thus, the program capacity required for the initialization process can be reduced.

  FIGS. 12A and 13A are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the medal selector 29 provided in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 13A.

  In the medal selector 29, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), an introduction channel 301 through which medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 flow down and a medal that flows down the insertion channel 301 are guided to the hopper tank 58a. A side flow path 302 is formed. Also, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, below the input flow path 301, there are a flow path switching plate 304 that swings around the shaft 304 a by the excitation of the flow path switching solenoid 30 and the input flow path 301. A discharge side channel 303 is provided for guiding the medals dropped from the medals to the medal payout port 9.

  In the state where the flow path switching solenoid 30 is not excited, the flow path switching plate 304 has its upper end 304b housed in a recess 305 provided in the medal selector body as shown in FIGS. Since the charging flow path 301 and the discharge-side flow path 303 are in communication with each other, the medal flowing down the charging flow path 301 falls into the discharge-side flow path 303 and is discharged from the medal payout opening 9. Is done. Further, in the state where the flow path switching solenoid 30 is excited, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the flow path switching plate 304 has an upper portion of the flow path switching plate 304 with a shaft 304a as a fulcrum in the left side of the figure. By swinging in the direction (arrow direction), the upper end portion 304 b of the flow path switching plate 304 protrudes from the recess 305, so that the medal flowing down the input flow path 301 is the upper end portion 304 b of the flow path switching plate 304. Along the intake side flow path 302 and guided to the hopper tank 34a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, the insertion-side flow path 302 includes insertion medal sensors 106a to 106d (hereinafter referred to as the insertion medal sensor 106a) that detect passage of medals flowing down the acquisition-side flow path 302. 1, the inserted medal sensor 106 b is referred to as sensor 2, the inserted medal sensor 106 c is referred to as sensor 3, and the inserted medal sensor 106 d is referred to as sensor 4). Is located at a position where the passage of the upper end of the disk-shaped medal flowing down the intake side flow path 302 can be detected on the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively. It is arranged at a lower position of the side flow path 302, that is, a position where the passage of the lower end of the disk-shaped medal flowing down the take-in flow path 302 can be detected. Further, the sensor 2 is disposed between the sensor 1 and the sensor 3 as indicated by a dotted line B and a dotted line C in FIG.

  In addition, the sensor 4 is arranged at a center position of the intake-side flow path 302, that is, a position where the passage of the center of the disk-shaped medal flowing down the intake-side flow path 302 can be detected. Moreover, the sensor 4 is arrange | positioned between the sensor 1 and the sensor 3 as shown to the dotted line B and dotted line C of Fig.12 (a), and also the sensors 1-4 have the intake side flow path 302 further. The medals that normally flow down are arranged at positions where the sensor 4, the sensor 1, the sensor 2, and the sensor 3 are detected in this order.

  In the present embodiment, a conventionally known photo sensor is used as a sensor for detecting the medium. However, other detection means such as a proximity sensor and a reflection sensor are used as long as they can detect the passage of medals. May be.

  FIGS. 14A to 14H are diagrams showing a flow state of medals that normally flow down the intake-side flow path 302, that is, medals that flow down in a normal direction (right direction in the drawing).

  As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14H, the medal that normally flows down the intake side flow path 302 flows down toward the right side in the figure and the sensor 4 is at the center position of the intake side flow path 302. Since they are arranged, the passage is detected in the order of sensor 4, sensor 1, sensor 2, and sensor 3. Specifically, first, the right end of the medal is detected by the sensor 4 arranged at the center position of the take-in side flow path 302 (see FIG. 14A). Next, the upper end of the medal is detected by the sensor 1 at the upper end on the upstream side (see FIG. 14B), and then the lower end of the medal is detected by the sensor 2 at the lower end of the take-in channel 302 (see FIG. 14C). Next, the upper end of the medal is detected by the sensor 3 at the upper end on the downstream side of the take-in channel 302 (see FIG. 14D).

  After the medals are detected by all of the sensors 1 to 4, the detection by the sensor 1 is finished first (see FIG. 14E), and then the detection by the sensor 2 is finished (FIG. 14F). Reference), the detection by the sensor 3 ends (see FIG. 14G), and finally the detection by the sensor 4 ends.

  Transition of the detection state by the sensors 1 to 4 of medals that normally flow down the intake side flow path 302 is always as shown in a timing chart shown in FIG.

  Specifically, the state a-b in which only the sensor 4 is detected (sensor 1: off, sensor 2: off, sensor 3: off, sensor 4: on), the state b in which both the sensor 4 and the sensor 1 are detected. -C (sensor 1: on, sensor 2: off, sensor 3: off, sensor 4: on), sensor 4, sensor 1, sensor 2 detected state cd (sensor 1: on, sensor 2: on , Sensor 3: off, sensor 4: on), state de (sensor 1: on, sensor 2: on, sensor 3: on, sensor 4: on), sensor 4 , State ef in which sensor 2 and sensor 3 are detected (sensor 1: off, sensor 2: on, sensor 3: on, sensor 4: on), state in which both sensor 4 and sensor 3 are detected f- g (Sensor 1: off, Sensor 2: off Sensor 3: on, sensor 4: on), state g-h (sensor 1: off, sensor 2: off, sensor 3: off, sensor 4: on) in the order of sensor 4 only. The detection state transitions.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the transition of the detection state by the sensors 1 to 3 is always the same pattern transition from when the medal that normally flows down the intake-side flow path 302 is detected by the sensor 4 until the end. Therefore, it is possible to detect fraud related to the insertion of medals when the detection state transitions of the sensors 1 to 3 become different state transitions.

  For example, in the medal selector 29 of the present embodiment, the sensors 1 and 3 are arranged at positions where the passage of the upper end of the medal flowing down the take-in flow path 302 can be detected on the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the flow direction is different, that is, when an illegal act of pulling a medal once inserted from the outside and reusing it, so-called reverse flow (return) is performed. Is detected in the order of sensor 3, sensor 2, and sensor 1, as shown in FIG. That is, since the sensor 3 provided on the downstream side of the sensor 1 is in the detection state first, the backflow detection of the inserted medal can be performed.

  Similarly, when a medal clogging in the medal selector 29 occurs or when a foreign object different from the regular medal is inserted, the state transition of the sensors 1 to 3 is within the predetermined range of the state transition shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to detect clogged medals in the medal selector 29 and foreign matter in the medal selector 29. For example, when the detection time by at least one of the sensors 1 to 3 exceeds a predetermined range of detection time when a regular medal flows down, medal clogging detection indicating that the medal is clogged may be performed. it can. Further, after the sensor 1 is detected, when the sensor 3 is detected without detecting the sensor 2, or when the sensor 2 is detected without detecting the sensor 1, the detected medium is normal. Since it is not a medal, it is possible to detect foreign matter indicating that it is a foreign matter.

  The detection of these abnormalities is a non-game program, and is performed by a inserted medal error determination process included in the non-game dedicated program. FIG. 17B is a flowchart showing the control content of the inserted medal error determination process. In the inserted medal error determination process, first, in Sc01, it is determined whether or not the state transition of the sensors 1 to 3 is a normal transition that falls within the predetermined range of the state transition shown in FIG. When it is determined that the state transition of the sensors 1 to 3 is a normal transition, the inserted medal error determination process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the state transition of the sensors 1 to 3 is a normal transition, as described above, the detection of the inserted medal backflow, the medal clogging detection in the medal selector 29, and the foreign object detection in the medal selector 29 are performed. If there is, the insertion abnormality flag is set in a predetermined area of the non-game RAM, and the insertion medal error determination process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the example in which the common payout abnormality flag is set when the state transition of the sensors 1 to 3 is not determined to be a normal transition has been described. From this, it is determined whether the inserted medal backflow detection, the medal clogging detection in the medal selector 29, or the foreign object detection in the medal selector 29 is detected, and a payout abnormality flag corresponding to the type of detection is set. Also good.

  On the other hand, detection of medal insertion is a game program and is performed by insertion determination processing included in the common determination program. FIG. 17A is a flowchart showing the control contents of the input determination process. In the insertion determination process, first, it is determined in Sb01 whether or not the sensor 4 has changed from on to off. When it is determined in Sb01 that there is no change from on to off, the input determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in Sb01 that the sensor 4 has changed from on to off, it is determined in Sb02 whether or not a payout abnormality flag is set in the non-game RAM. When it is determined that the payout abnormality flag is not set, it is determined in Sb03 that the medal has passed normally, a medal insertion flag indicating that the medal has been inserted is set in a predetermined area of the game RAM area, The input determination process is terminated. When the medal insertion flag is set in the game RAM area, 1 is added to the bet number or credit in the BET process included in the game program. The medal insertion flag is cleared after adding the number of bets or credits.

  When it is determined in Sb02 that the payout abnormality flag is set in the non-game RAM, since the insertion abnormality has occurred as shown in FIG. 17B, the insertion determination is made without setting the medal insertion flag. The process ends.

  In the configuration in which the program for the insertion determination process and the BET process and the program for the insertion medal error determination process are stored in different program storage areas by exemplifying FIG. By providing the sensor 4 related to the processing and BET processing and the sensors 1 to 3 related to the insertion medal error determination processing, the insertion determination processing and BET processing are performed from the sensors 1 to 3 according to the detection signal from the sensor 4. The inserted medal error determination process can be executed according to the detected signal. Thus, since an appropriate program can be executed according to the type of sensor, for example, the main control unit 41 does not need to perform processing such as determining a program to be executed based on a detection signal from the sensor, Media and fraud can be detected without increasing the program storage area.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12A, the sensor 4 is provided between the sensor 1 and the sensor 3 and between the sensor 1 and the sensor 2. As shown in FIG. 1 to 3 increases the time for detecting the medium. For this reason, the medal insertion flag is set based on the detection signal of the sensor 1 to update the bet number, credit, etc. while specifying whether or not an abnormality such as backflow detection or foreign object detection is detected by the sensors 1 to 3. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the number of bets and credits are updated when an abnormality is detected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, the sensor 4 is attached to the intake side passage 302 on the downstream side of the flow path switching plate 304, so that the medium detected by the sensor 4 is the flow path switching plate. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as being bitten by the operation 304 and not being able to guide to the hopper tank 34a.

  As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included.

  (1) In Example 1 mentioned above, as shown in FIG. 12 etc., the one sensor 4 was illustrated as a 1st detection means, and the some sensors 1-3 were illustrated as a 2nd detection means. However, the first detection means is not limited to one sensor, and may be composed of a plurality of sensors, and the update program may be executed according to the detection states of the plurality of sensors. Further, the second detection means is not limited to a plurality of sensors, and may be composed of a single sensor.

  (2) Although the sensor 4 as the first detection unit has been described with respect to the example provided between the sensors 1 to 3 as the second detection unit, the sensor 4 as the first detection unit is not limited thereto. The sensor may be provided on the upstream side of any of the sensors 1 to 3, or may be provided on the downstream side. For example, the sensor 4 as the first detection means may be attached to the flow path switching plate 304 or the flapper that is a member attached to the base of the medal selector 29. In this case, since the first detection means can be attached without changing the mold for forming the base of the medal selector 29, the design change can be facilitated.

  (3) In the slot machine according to the first embodiment, sensors 1 to 3 for abnormality determination (for abnormality determination such as backflow of inserted medals, clogged medals, foreign matter detection, etc.) are sensors that can detect a medium such as inserted medals. And the medal insertion determination sensor 4 are provided separately, and an example in which the main control unit 41 performs abnormality determination and medal insertion determination based on detection signals from these sensors has been described. However, the method by which the main control unit 41 performs abnormality determination and medal insertion determination is not limited to providing separate sensors. For example, as described below, for example, an abnormality determination sensor and a medal insertion determination It is also possible to make the main control unit 41 separately input an abnormality determination signal and a medal insertion determination signal according to the detection state.

  The medal selector 29 ′ in this modification has the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c in the first embodiment described above as sensors for detecting a medium such as a medal that has flowed down to the hopper tank 34a, and corresponds to the inserted medal sensor 106d. Does not have a sensor. Sensors 1 to 3 are arranged at positions where medals that normally flow down the intake-side flow path 302 are detected in the order of sensor 1, sensor 2, and sensor 3.

  The transition of the detection state by the sensors 1 to 3 of the medals that normally flow down the intake side flow path 302 is always as shown in the timing chart of FIG. Specifically, states ab (sensor 1: on, sensor 2: off, sensor 3: off) where only sensor 1 is detected, states bc (sensor 1) where both sensor 1 and sensor 2 are detected : On, sensor 2: on, sensor 3: off), state cd (sensor 1: on, sensor 2: on, sensor 3: on), sensor 2, sensor 3 Are detected (de: sensor 1: off, sensor 2: on, sensor 3: on), and only the sensor 3 is detected (e: sensor 1: off, sensor 2: off, sensor 3). : On), the detection states of the sensors 1 to 3 transition.

  In addition, the medal selector 29 'includes a signal output circuit shown in FIG. Specifically, the medal selector 29 ′ can output an insertion abnormality determination signal according to the detection state of each of the sensors 1 to 3 to the main control unit 41, and each of the sensors 1 to 3 is output by the AND circuits 29 a and 29 b. A signal output circuit is provided that enables an input number update signal to be output to the main control unit 41 when the detection state is on.

  Further, in the inserted medal error determination process in the present modification, the state transitions of the sensors 1 to 3 are within the predetermined range of the state transition shown in FIG. 18 based on the insertion abnormality determination signal as in the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not it is a normal transition, and when it is not a normal transition, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and a throwing abnormality flag is set in a predetermined area of the non-game RAM. As in the case of the first embodiment, the dispensing abnormality flag may be set as a dispensing abnormality flag corresponding to the detected abnormality type.

  In addition, in the insertion determination process in the present modification, first, an input number update signal that is output when all the detection states of the sensors 1 to 3 are turned on is input. It is determined whether the insertion number update signal has changed from off to the detection state, and when it is determined that the insertion number update signal has changed from on to off, the medal insertion flag is set to the game RAM. Set to a predetermined area. When the medal insertion flag is set in the game RAM area, 1 is added to the bet number or credit in the BET process included in the game program. The medal insertion flag is cleared after adding the number of bets or credits. When the payout abnormality flag is set in the non-game RAM after the medal insertion flag is set, the medal insertion flag is cleared without adding the bet amount or credit.

  In such a modified example, as in the first embodiment, since the transition of the detection state by the sensors 1 to 3 of the medals that normally flow down the intake-side flow path 302 is always the state transition of the same pattern, the sensor 1 It is possible to detect fraud and anomaly related to medal insertion by changing the transition of the detection state by ~ 3 to different state transitions.

  Further, in the configuration in which the program for the insertion determination process or the BET process and the program for the insertion medal error determination process are stored in different program storage areas by exemplifying FIG. 6, the sensor and the insertion medal error related to the insertion determination process or the BET process are stored. The signal output circuit shown in FIG. 18B also serves as a sensor for the determination process, and a signal for updating the number of insertions related to the insertion determination process and the BET process, and a signal for determining the abnormality of insertion related to the insertion medal error determination process. By outputting different signals, it is possible to execute insertion determination processing and BET processing according to the insertion number update signal, and insertion medal error determination processing according to the insertion abnormality determination signal. In this way, an appropriate program can be executed according to the type of signal while also using the sensor. For example, the main control unit 41 determines a program to be executed based on a detection signal from the sensor. It is possible to detect media and fraud without increasing the program storage area.

  Further, the number-of-insertion update signal related to the input determination process and the BET process is output when the detection states of the sensors 1 to 3 are all in the detection state. For this reason, compared with what outputs a signal according to the detection state of one sensor, the insertion number update signal can be output more accurately, and as a result, the number of bets or credits can be accurately added.

  In this modification, a signal output circuit using an AND circuit as shown in FIG. 18B is used as a configuration for separately outputting an abnormality determination signal and a medal insertion determination signal. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the abnormality determination signal and the medal insertion determination signal can be output separately according to the detection state of the sensor.

  Further, in this modification, the example in which the medal selector 29 ′ includes a configuration for separately outputting the abnormality determination signal and the medal insertion determination signal has been described. However, the abnormality determination signal and the medal insertion are described. The determination signal is not limited to this as long as it can be input to the main control unit 41, and is separate from the medal selector 29 ′ and provided between the medal selector 29 ′ and the main control unit 41. It may be.

(4) Others In the first embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which bets are set using medals and credits as game values has been described. However, bets using game balls as game values are described. The present invention may also be applied to a slot machine that sets a bet or a fully credit type slot machine that uses only credit as a gaming value to set a bet amount. In the case of using a game ball as a game value, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when three bets are set in the first embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the use of only one of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, for example, a combination of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls. It may be. That is, it is possible to play a game by setting the number of bets using any of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of types of games such as medals and game balls when a winning occurs. You may apply the slot machine which can pay out all of utility values.

  In the first embodiment, the main control unit 41 that controls the game distinguishes the game program related to the progress of the game from the non-game program not related to the progress of the game, and further includes the game area including the game program and the non-game program. In this configuration, the non-game areas that are included are differentiated and managed. However, a part of the game control (for example, reel control, credit control, medal payout control, control related to AT) is performed by a part other than the main control unit 41. Alternatively, in the case where the configuration is made to be performed by a plurality of control units, in these control units, a game program related to the progress of the game is distinguished from a non-game program not related to the progress of the game, and a game area including the game program A configuration may be adopted in which a non-game area including a non-game program is distinguished and managed.

  In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine. However, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that plays a game by launching a game ball in the game area. In this case, the game control unit that controls the game in the pachinko gaming machine distinguishes the game program related to the progress of the game from the non-game program not related to the progress of the game, and further includes the game area including the game program and the non-game What is necessary is just to make it the structure which distinguishes and manages the non-game area | region containing a program.

  In the pachinko machine, the progress of the game means the stage where the pachinko ball wins the winning opening, the stage where the pachinko ball is awarded by winning, the stage where the pachinko ball wins the winning opening, and the winning The step of changing the identification information by the step, the step of deriving the display result from the identification information, and the step of assigning a value such as a big hit state according to the derived display result are advanced.

  Also in pachinko gaming machines, some of the game controls (for example, display control of identification information, control related to scores and points in pachinko gaming machines with a score management type that manages the increase or decrease of pachinko balls by the score or the number of points) In the case where one or a plurality of control units other than the game control unit are configured to perform the pachinko ball payout control), these control units are not involved in the game program related to the progress of the game and the progress of the game. A configuration may be adopted in which a non-game program is distinguished, and a game area including a game program and a non-game area including a non-game program are distinguished and managed.

[Example 2]
Second Embodiment A slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore, different points will be mainly described here.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 41a does not update the non-game RAM area when executing the process based on the game program, but can refer to the non-game RAM area, and performs the process based on the non-game program. In the execution, the game RAM area is not updated, but it is possible to refer to the game RAM area. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. In executing the process based on the non-game RAM area, neither the game RAM area is updated nor referred to, and in executing the process based on the non-game program, the game RAM area is neither updated nor referenced. .

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 41a can transfer data required for the non-game program among the data in the game RAM area, etc., via a register.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, when calling a non-game program from processing based on a game program, the CPU 41a first saves all register values to the stack area to protect the data used by the game program. To do. Next, data necessary for the game program to be called, for example, the setting contents of the internal winning flag, the type of gaming state, the type of RT, etc. are read from the gaming RAM area and set in the register. Then, the non-game program is called. In the non-game program, the value of the register is read, and the transferred data, that is, the setting contents of the internal winning flag, the type of game state, the type of RT, and the like are stored in the non-game RAM area. These data can be specified even in a non-game program. Thereafter, after all the processes based on the non-game program are completed, the process returns to the process based on the game program, the value saved in the stack area is returned to the register, and the process based on the game program is resumed. .

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a game program area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game data area in which game data referred to by the game program is readably stored, and a game program are stored. A game RAM area in which work data to be referenced is stored so as to be readable and writable, a program called by a game program, a non-game program area in which a non-game program not related to the progress of the game is stored, and a non-game program A non-game data area in which non-game data to be referenced is stored so as to be readable, and a non-game RAM area in which work data to be referred to by a non-game program are stored so as to be readable and writable are allocated separately. , Game program, game data and game program work data And data, non-game programs, and work data of the non-game data and non-game program, can be easily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  In addition, by dividing the game program area and the game data area from the non-game program area and the non-game data area, the area occupied by the ROM 41b can be managed in a compact manner according to each function. It becomes easier to specify the corresponding data.

  Further, in this embodiment, when executing the game program, the non-game data area and the non-game RAM area are not referred to, and when the non-game program is executed, the game data area and the game RAM area are not referred to. Both game programs and non-game programs can be easily designed.

  In addition, when the gaming state is a specific state even when the non-gaming RAM area is not referred to when the gaming program is executed, and the gaming RAM area is not referred to when the non-gaming program is executed, Information indicating that the game RAM area is in a specific state (data such as the setting contents of the internal winning flag, the type of game state, the type of RT, etc.) is stored, and also indicates that the non-game RAM area is also in a specific state Information (data such as setting contents of internal winning flag, type of gaming state, type of RT, etc.) is stored, and it is specified that the gaming state is a specific state in both the gaming program and the non-gaming program And control according to a specific state can be performed, respectively.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the value stored in the register in the game program is transferred so that the non-game program can be used, even when the non-game program is executed, the game RAM area is not referred to. Data used in the game program can be used also in the non-game program.

  Further, in this embodiment, when returning from a non-game program to a game program, the value of the register is updated to the value protected by being saved on the stack, and stored in the register in the non-game program. The value set does not affect the game program.

  Even when the register value is updated to a specific value such as clearing the register value when returning from the non-game program to the game program, the value stored in the register in the non-game program affects the game program. There is no effect.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when an abnormality is detected, the non-game program includes error processing that disables the progress of the game until a cancellation condition is satisfied according to the type of abnormality. It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding as it is when an abnormality or the like is detected in the processing in the non-game program.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program includes a common determination program having the same content as the common determination program (for example, the input determination process and the payout determination process) included in the game program. And non-game programs can make similar determinations without affecting each other's results.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program is a process that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes constituting the non-game program, and is the same as the common general-purpose program included in the game program. Since it includes a common general-purpose program, even if it is a common general-purpose program with the same processing content, it is provided with a game program and a non-game program, respectively. It can be easily identified whether it is included in the program.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program is determined based on the detection status of the detection means (the slot sensor 26, the full tank sensor 35a, the door opening detection switch 25) that is not involved in the progress of the game. Since it includes a process for determining whether or not it is in a detection state, the determination of whether or not a predetermined detection has been made by a detection means not related to the progress of the game is made by a non-game program, which makes the game program complicated There is no.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program can play a game in a specific control state among a plurality of control states (BET processing, internal lottery processing, reel rotation processing, payout processing). Control that functions as a detection unit related to the detection unit and functions as a detection unit not related to the progress of the game in other control states (for example, the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c and the payout sensor 34c) does not control the progress of the game. Processing for determining whether or not a predetermined detection status is based on the detection status in the state (for example, inserted medal detection processing for detecting an abnormality caused by detecting the insertion of a medal during reel rotation or the payout of a medal) In the situation where the detection result of the detection means as described above is not used for the progress of the game, a predetermined detection is performed by the detection means. The determination of whether or not the game has been made is performed by a non-game program, so that the detection result of the detection means can be used even in a situation where the detection result of the detection means is not used for the progress of the game, and the game program is more than necessary. It will not be complicated.

  As described above, the second embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment, and changes and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say. Further, the same or similar configuration as the first embodiment has the same effect as that described in the first embodiment. Further, the modified example illustrated for the first embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment.

[Example 3]
A third embodiment of the slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore, different points will be mainly described here.

  In the first embodiment, the game program is configured to include a game dedicated program included only in the game program, and a common determination program and a common general-purpose program included in both the game program and the non-game program. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the game program includes a game dedicated program included only in the game program and a common program called by both the game program and the non-game program. The common program includes the common determination program and the common general-purpose program in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the non-game program is configured to include a non-game dedicated program included only in the non-game program and a common determination program and a common general-purpose program that are the same as the game program. As shown in FIG. 21, only the non-game dedicated program is included, and the common determination program and the common general-purpose program are not included.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the process based on the non-game program is configured not to call the program included in the game program. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the process based on the non-game program is performed. From among the game programs, a common program is called and executed, and thereafter, it is possible to return to the non-game program.

  In the first embodiment, the non-game RAM area can be referred to when executing the processing based on the game program. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. In executing the process based on the non-game RAM area, neither the game RAM area is updated nor referred to. In the process based on the non-game program, the game RAM area is not updated, but the game RAM area is referred to. It is possible.

  In addition, the processing based on the non-game program can be referred to only specific areas (for example, an internal winning flag setting area, a gaming state setting area, an RT setting area) necessary for the non-game program in the game RAM area. Has been.

  However, the RAM abnormality check, the backup abnormality confirmation, the initialization of the RAM 41c, and the power interruption process in the startup process are included in the non-game program. However, with the exception of these processes, the entire area of the RAM 41c can be accessed. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a game program area in which a game program related to the progress of the game is stored, a game data area in which game data referred to by the game program is readably stored, and a game program are stored. A game RAM area in which work data to be referenced is stored so as to be readable and writable, a program called by a game program, a non-game program area in which a non-game program not related to the progress of the game is stored, and a non-game program A non-game data area in which non-game data to be referenced is stored so as to be readable, and a non-game RAM area in which work data to be referred to by a non-game program are stored so as to be readable and writable are allocated separately. , Game program, game data and game program work data And data, non-game programs, and work data of the non-game data and non-game program, can be easily identified according to a difference in the storage area.

  In addition, by dividing the game program area and the game data area from the non-game program area and the non-game data area, the area occupied by the ROM 41b can be managed in a compact manner according to each function. It becomes easier to specify the corresponding data.

  Further, in this embodiment, since it is possible to refer to the game RAM area when executing the processing based on the non-game program, the data used by the game program can be easily obtained when executing the non-game program. Can be used. On the other hand, since it is impossible to update the game RAM area when the non-game program is executed, the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

  In the present embodiment, the processing based on the non-game program is a specific area required for the non-game program in the game RAM area (for example, an internal winning flag setting area, a game state setting area, an RT setting area, etc. Since the data that can be referred to by the non-game program is limited to a specific area, the reference destination of the non-game program can be easily specified.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the game program calls the non-game program and executes the non-game program, the register is used regardless of whether or not the game program is actually used. Since the processing for protecting all the areas is performed, when returning to the game program, it is possible to reliably return from the state at the time when the non-game program is called.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the non-game program is called from the processing based on the game program as in the first embodiment, the register value used by the game program is protected at the beginning of the non-game program, Since the value of the protected register is restored at the end of the game program, the capacity of the game program can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the register value used by the game program immediately before calling the non-game program from the process based on the game program is protected, and after all the processes based on the non-game program are completed, at the first stage of returning to the game program A configuration may be adopted in which the value of the protected register is restored. With this configuration, register protection processing is performed before the non-game program is called, and register restoration processing is performed after the non-game program is restored. Therefore, the data stored in the register by the non-game program does not affect the game program.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when an abnormality is detected, the non-game program includes error processing that disables the progress of the game until a cancellation condition is satisfied according to the type of abnormality. It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding as it is when an abnormality or the like is detected in the processing in the non-game program.

  Also, in this embodiment, it is possible for a non-game program to call and execute a common general-purpose program that is called and executed from a plurality of types of processes constituting the game program from a plurality of processes that are not related to the progress of the game. Thus, a common general-purpose program common to a plurality of types of processing in the game program can be used also in the non-game program.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program is determined based on the detection status of the detection means (the slot sensor 26, the full tank sensor 35a, the door opening detection switch 25) that is not involved in the progress of the game. Since it includes a process for determining whether or not it is in a detection state, the determination of whether or not a predetermined detection has been made by a detection means not related to the progress of the game is made by a non-game program, which makes the game program complicated There is no.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the non-game program can play a game in a specific control state among a plurality of control states (BET processing, internal lottery processing, reel rotation processing, payout processing). Control that functions as a detection unit related to the detection unit and functions as a detection unit not related to the progress of the game in other control states (for example, the inserted medal sensors 106a to 106c and the payout sensor 34c) does not control the progress of the game. Processing for determining whether or not a predetermined detection status is based on the detection status in the state (for example, inserted medal detection processing for detecting an abnormality caused by detecting the insertion of a medal during reel rotation or the payout of a medal) In the situation where the detection result of the detection means as described above is not used for the progress of the game, a predetermined detection is performed by the detection means. The determination of whether or not the game has been made is performed by a non-game program, so that the detection result of the detection means can be used even in a situation where the detection result of the detection means is not used for the progress of the game, and the game program is more than necessary. It will not be complicated.

  As described above, the third embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the third embodiment, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say. Further, the same or similar configuration as in the first and second embodiments has the same effect as that described in the first and second embodiments. Further, the modified example illustrated for the first and second embodiments can also be applied to the third embodiment.

Next, a modified example of the relationship between the game area and the non-game area will be described below.
[Modification 1]
In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not refer to the non-game RAM area when executing the processing based on the game program. On the other hand, the CPU 41a can refer to the game data area and execute the process based on the non-game program, and does not update the game RAM area, but can refer to the game RAM area. is there.

  As described above, when the non-game program is executed, it is possible to refer to the game RAM area. Therefore, when the non-game program is executed, the data used by the game program can be easily used. . On the other hand, since it is impossible to update the game RAM area when the non-game program is executed, the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

  In addition, since the non-game program can refer to the game data in the game data area, it is not necessary to store duplicate data in the game data area and the non-game data area, and the ROM capacity can be reduced. .

[Modification 2]
In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 24, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not refer to the non-game RAM area when executing the processing based on the game program. On the other hand, the CPU 41a can refer to the game data area when executing the processing based on the non-game program, but does not update or refer to the game RAM area.

  As described above, since the non-game program can refer to the game data in the game data area, it is not necessary to store data overlapping in the game data area and the non-game data area, and the ROM capacity can be reduced. Can do.

  Further, since the non-game data area and the non-game RAM area are not referred to when the game program is executed, the game program can be easily designed.

[Modification 3]
In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not refer to the non-game RAM area when executing processing based on the game program. On the other hand, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area when executing the process based on the non-game program, but can update or refer to the game RAM area.

  As described above, when the non-game program is executed, the game RAM area can be referred to or updated, so that the data used by the game program can be easily used in executing the non-game program. In addition, since the non-game program can be directly updated, the game program and the non-game program can be easily linked.

[Modification 4]
In the fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not refer to the non-game RAM area when executing the processing based on the game program. On the other hand, the CPU 41a can refer to the game data area when executing the process based on the non-game program, and can update or refer to the game RAM area.

  As described above, since the non-game program can refer to the game data in the game data area, it is not necessary to store data overlapping in the game data area and the non-game data area, and the ROM capacity can be reduced. Can do.

  In addition, when executing a non-game program, it is possible to refer to or update the game RAM area, so that the data used by the game program can be easily used when executing the non-game program. In addition, since the non-game program can be directly updated, it is easy to link the game program and the non-game program.

[Modification 5]
In the modified example 5, as shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 41a does not refer to the non-game data area and does not update the non-game RAM area when executing the processing based on the game program. It is possible to refer to the RAM area. On the other hand, the CPU 41a can refer to the game data area and execute the process based on the non-game program, and does not update the game RAM area, but can refer to the game RAM area. is there.

  As described above, since the non-game program can refer to the game data in the game data area, it is not necessary to store data overlapping in the game data area and the non-game data area, and the ROM capacity can be reduced. Can do.

  Further, in this embodiment, when executing the game program, it is possible to refer to the non-game RAM area, and when executing the non-game program, it is possible to refer to the game RAM area. In executing the game program, the data used by the non-game program can be easily used, and in executing the non-game program, the data used by the game program can be used easily. On the other hand, it is impossible to update the non-game RAM area when executing the game program, and it is impossible to update the game RAM area when executing the non-game program. Does not affect the processing of the non-game program, and the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

[Modification 6]
In the modified example 6, as shown in FIG. 28, the CPU 41a can refer to the non-game data area and does not update the non-game RAM area when executing the processing based on the game program. It is possible to refer to a non-game RAM area. On the other hand, the CPU 41a can refer to the game data area and execute the process based on the non-game program, and does not update the game RAM area, but can refer to the game RAM area. is there.

  Thus, the game program can refer to the non-game data in the non-game data area, and the non-game program can refer to the game data in the game data area. It is not necessary to store data overlapping with the data area, and the ROM capacity can be reduced.

  Further, in this embodiment, when executing the game program, it is possible to refer to the non-game RAM area, and when executing the non-game program, it is possible to refer to the game RAM area. In executing the game program, the data used by the non-game program can be easily used, and in executing the non-game program, the data used by the game program can be used easily. On the other hand, it is impossible to update the non-game RAM area when executing the game program, and it is impossible to update the game RAM area when executing the non-game program. Does not affect the processing of the non-game program, and the non-game program does not affect the processing of the game program.

  It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 41 main control unit, 41a CPU, 41b ROM, 41c RAM.

Claims (2)

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,
First detection means capable of detecting a medium introduced from an insertion port and guided into the slot machine ;
A second detection means capable of detecting a medium introduced from the insertion port and guided into the slot machine ;
A first program storage area where the first program including a pre-Symbol variable display unit variable display start possible to update program to update the value for a game for are stored,
A second program storage area for storing a second program including a fraud program for judging fraud to the slot machine;
Program execution means for executing the first program and the second program,
The program execution means includes
In the update program, the gaming value is updated based on only the detection state of the first detection means out of the detection state of the first detection means and the detection state of the second detection means ,
A slot machine that determines fraud to a slot machine based on only the detection state of the second detection means , out of the detection state of the first detection means and the detection state of the second detection means, in the fraud program . 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,
A signal output means capable of detecting a medium introduced from an insertion port and guided to the inside of the slot machine, and outputting a plurality of types of signals including a first signal and a second signal according to a detection state;
A first program storage area where the first program including a pre-Symbol variable display unit variable display start possible to update program to update the value for a game for are stored,
A second program storage area for storing a second program including a fraud program for judging fraud to the slot machine;
Program execution means for executing the first program and the second program,
The program execution means includes
In the update program, the game value is updated based on only the first signal out of the first signal and the second signal output by the signal output means ,
In the fraud program, a slot machine that judges fraud to a slot machine based only on the second signal out of the first signal and the second signal output by the signal output means .

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