JP7048219B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

There are known gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines that give a certain amount of gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls and perform games for acquiring such gaming media. In this type of gaming machine, various lottery using random numbers is performed for the progress of the game and the determination of the production. For example, conventionally, the count value in the reach random value setting area, which is counted up in a predetermined cycle, is read based on the detection of the game ball by the start SW, and is accumulated as the reach random value in the reach random value storage area of the RAM. , A pachinko machine has been proposed that sets the content of a variation pattern of a special symbol in a reach effect based on this reach random value (Patent Document 1 below). In addition to the so-called hardware random number method that utilizes the irregularity derived from hardware, the slot machine that generates pseudo-random numbers by a software random number method, for example, a random number generation algorithm such as the Mersenne Twister method, is known for lottery. (Patent Document 2 below).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-329139 Japanese Patent No. 5467559

A software random number generation processing system such as the Mersenne Twister method described above can generate a high-quality pseudo-random number sequence in which random numbers are evenly distributed in high dimensions (623 dimensions) with a long random number period. However, while recent software-based random number generation programs are often configured to generate random numbers with a bit width of, for example, 64 to 32 bits, they are necessary for game machines, such as lottery and production control. The random number that becomes is may be a random number with a bit width of about 16 bits, which is smaller than that, and it is necessary to convert the random number generated by the random number generation program into a random number that can be used in the control program for lottery or production. .. In that case, for example, if the random numbers generated by the random number generation program for 32 bits are converted into 16 bits one by one, all the generated bit patterns cannot be used and the processing load may increase.

In view of the above, the subject of the present invention is efficiency even when the size of the random number generated by the random number generation system and the control system using the random number, for example, the random number required by the effect control unit are different in the game machine. It is often and easily generated by a random number generation means, divided into random numbers of a size required by a control system using the random numbers, output, and made available for use.

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, a control means (P1) that controls based on a random number, a random number generation means (P3) that generates a random number based on a predetermined algorithm, and a random number generated by the random number generation means. Is provided with a dividing means (S12 to S14) for dividing the random numbers into a plurality of random numbers, and the random numbers divided into a plurality of random numbers by the dividing means (S12 to S14) are left so as not to break the order in which the random numbers are generated. The control means (P1) is output to the control means (P1), and the control means (P1) adopts a configuration in which control is performed based on the divided random numbers.

According to the above configuration, even when the size of the random number generated by the random number generation means and the random number required by the control means, for example, the bit width, are different, the random number generation means efficiently and easily generates the random number. For example, it can be divided into random numbers of a size required by the control means and output to the control means so as not to break the order in which the random numbers are generated, and can be used.

It should be noted that the means for solving the above problems and the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the column of the effect of the invention are merely for convenience showing the association with the members of the following embodiments, and are merely for convenience of the present invention. It is not intended to limit the configuration.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure in the state which the door of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention is opened. It is a front view of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the functional block of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the detailed structure of the auxiliary control part of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory address space of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the flow concerning the random number generation in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the method of 32-bit extension of the counter value of a debug counter. It is a flowchart which shows the random number generation processing at the time of power-on in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the storage process of a random number in a random number buffer in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating task scheduling in a task management program, and (b) is a time chart diagram showing an execution state of the task scheduled in FIG. 10 (a). It is a flowchart which shows the random number generation processing at the time of system stabilization in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of determining the generation number of 32-bit random numbers in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a flowchart showing a main part of the random number acquisition driver in the game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) and (c) are different alternatives for dealing with the exhaustion of the random number buffer used in the random number acquisition driver. It is a flowchart which shows each process. It is a flowchart which shows the random number generation process which includes the recovery process which copes with the random number generation abnormality in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the gaming machine which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement of the reel in the gaming machine which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure explaining the functional block of the gaming machine which concerns on the modification of this invention.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. The embodiments described below do not unreasonably limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent requirements of the present invention. Further, in the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are shown. Is omitted.

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 100, which is the gaming machine of the present embodiment, and shows a state in which the door is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 in which a surrounding space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 104 that is openably and closably attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism. The middle frame 104 is provided with a front frame 106 that is openable and closable by a hinge mechanism.

Similar to the outer frame 102, the middle frame 104 has a surrounding space formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape. In the pachinko machine 100, the game board 108 is held in the surrounding space of the middle frame 104. Further, the front frame 106 holds a transparent plate 110 made of glass or resin. Then, in the pachinko machine 100, when the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 face each other substantially in parallel while maintaining a predetermined distance, and the pachinko machine 100 The game board 108 can be visually recognized from the front side of the machine via the transmission plate 110.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, an operation handle 112 projecting to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 106. The operation handle 112 is provided so as to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operation handle 112 to perform a firing operation, the firing mechanism (not shown) has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112. Fires a game ball. The game ball launched in this way climbs between the rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to the game area 116.

The game area 116 is a space formed at a distance between the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 (see FIG. 1), and is an area where the game ball can flow down or roll. A large number of nails and windmills are provided on the game board 108, and the game ball guided to the game area 116 collides with the nails and the windmills so as to flow down and roll in an irregular direction.

The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b in which the degree of entry of the game ball differs from each other according to the firing intensity of the firing mechanism. The first gaming area 116a is located on the left side of the gaming area 116 as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine 100, and the second gaming area 116b is the gaming area 116 as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine 100. It is located on the right side of. In the pachinko machine 100, since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, the game ball launched by the launch mechanism with a firing intensity lower than the predetermined strength enters the first game area 116a and exceeds the predetermined strength. The gaming ball launched at the firing intensity of the above will enter the second gaming area 116b.

Further, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning opening 118, a first starting opening 120, and a second starting opening 122 into which a game ball can enter, and the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, and the second starting opening 122 are provided. When a game ball enters the starting port 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. In the pachinko machine 100, the number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more, and the number of prize balls to be paid out at each of the general winning opening 118, the first starting port 120, and the second starting opening 122 is set. They may be different or set to the same number of prize balls. In the pachinko machine 100, the number of prize balls that the game ball enters and pays out at the first starting port 120 may be set to be smaller than the number of prize balls that the game ball enters and pays out at the second starting port 122. It is possible.

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the first starting area is provided in the first starting port 120, and the second starting area is provided in the second starting port 122. Then, in the pachinko machine 100, when the game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122 and the game ball enters the first starting area or the second starting area, the pachinko machine 100 is provided in advance. A lottery is held to determine one of the special symbols from among the plurality of special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various benefits (game profits) such as whether or not a player can execute a major role game that is advantageous to the player, and what kind of game state the subsequent game state should be. Therefore, when the game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player obtains a predetermined prize ball and at the same time obtains an opportunity to acquire the right to receive various benefits. Become.

Further, the second starting port 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and is configured so that the ease of entry of the game ball into the second starting port 122 changes according to the state of the movable piece 122b. Has been done. Specifically, when the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, it is impossible for the game ball to enter the second starting port 122, and when the movable piece 122b is open and is in a state of being wider than the diameter of the game ball, It is possible to enter the game ball into the second starting port 122.

In the pachinko machine 100, when the game ball passes through the approach area in the gate 124 provided in the game area 116, a lottery of ordinary symbols is performed, and when the winning is won by the lottery, the movable piece 122b is opened for a predetermined time. Be controlled. By controlling the movable piece 122b to be in the open state, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the movable piece 122b functions as a saucer for guiding the game ball to the second starting port 122, and the game ball to the second starting port 122. It becomes easy to enter the ball. The pachinko machine 100 is configured so that the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 122 when the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, but the second starting port 122 is closed. It may be configured so that the game ball can enter the ball at a constant frequency even when it is in a state.

The game area 116 is provided with a large winning opening 128 into which a game ball can enter. An opening / closing door 128b is provided in the large winning opening 128 so that the opening / closing door 128b can be opened / closed. Normally, the opening / closing door 128b closes the large winning opening 128, making it impossible for a game ball to enter the large winning opening 128. ing. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100, when the big role game is executed, the opening / closing door 128b is opened, and the game ball can enter the big winning opening 128. Then, in the pachinko machine 100, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

At the bottom of the game area 116, game balls that did not enter any of the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, and the large winning opening 128 are placed from the game area 116 to the game board 108. A discharge port 130 for discharging is provided on the back side of the above.

The pachinko machine 100 is controlled by an effect display device 201 composed of a liquid crystal display device, an effect accessory device 202 composed of a drive device, and various lighting modes and emission colors as an effect device 200 for producing an effect while a game is in progress. An effect lighting device 204 composed of a lamp, a music output device 206 composed of a speaker, and an effect operation device 208 for receiving operations related to the player's effect are provided.

The effect display device 201 includes an image display unit that displays an image at a position visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 100 in a substantially central portion of the game board 108. As shown in FIG. 2, in the effect display device 201, the effect symbols 210a to 210c are variablely displayed on the image display unit, and the effect lottery result is notified to the player depending on the stop display mode of the effect symbols 210a to 210c. It will be executed.

The effect display device 202 is arranged in front of the effect display device 201 and is normally retracted to the back side of the game board 108. However, during the variable display of the effect symbols 210a to 210c, the effect display device 201 It moves to the front and gives the player a sense of expectation of a big hit.

The effect lighting device 204 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), is provided on the effect accessory device 202, the game board 108, or the like, and is lit in various ways according to the image or the like displayed on the effect display device 201. Be controlled.

The music output device 206 is provided at the upper position of the front frame 106 and the lowest position of the outer frame 102 (see FIG. 1), and is located on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 in accordance with the image displayed on the effect display device 201. Output various songs for. The musical piece includes all concepts related to sound such as musical tones, tones, sounds, and onomatopoeia.

The effect operation device 208 is composed of a button for receiving a player's pressing operation and a rotation operation unit (for example, a jog dial) for receiving a player's rotation operation, and is substantially at the center position in the width direction of the pachinko machine 100. Moreover, it is provided at a position below the transmission plate 110. The effect operation device 208 is enabled according to an image or the like displayed on the effect display device 201, and when the player's operation is received within the operation valid period, various effects are executed according to the operation.

Further, behind the effect operation device 208, a prize ball paid out from the pachinko machine 100 and an upper plate 132 to which the game ball rented from the game ball lending device is guided are provided, and a lower plate 134 is provided below the upper plate 132. It is provided. In the pachinko machine 100, when the upper plate 132 is filled with the game balls, the game balls are guided to the lower plate 134. Further, on the bottom surface of the lower plate 134, a ball extraction hole (not shown) for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 134 is formed. The ball pulling hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by sliding the ball pulling knob 134a in the left-right direction in the figure, the opening / closing plate slides integrally with the ball pulling knob 134a. , It is possible to eject the game ball below the lower plate 134 from the ball extraction hole.

On the game board 108, as a device for displaying various situations related to the game at a position outside the game area 116 and visible to the player, the first special symbol display 160, No. 1 2 A special symbol display 162, a first special symbol hold display 164, a second special symbol hold display 166, a normal symbol display 168, a normal symbol hold display 170, and a right-handed notification display 172 are provided.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment. The main control unit 300 controls the progress of the game, and includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. Based on the input signals from each detection switch and timer, the main CPU 300a reads the program stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or produces the result of arithmetic processing. By transmitting the command generated by the main control unit 300 to other control units in response, the control process related to the progress of the game is executed. The main RAM 300c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

The main control unit 300 includes a general winning opening detection switch 118s that detects that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 118, and a first starting port that detects that a game ball has entered the first starting opening 120. The detection switch 120s, the second start port detection switch 122s that detects that the game ball has entered the second start port 122, the gate detection switch 124s that detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, and a big prize. A large winning opening detection switch 128s for detecting that a game ball has entered the mouth 128 is connected, and the detection signal output from each detection switch is configured to be input to the main control unit 300. ..

Further, the main control unit 300 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122, and a large winning opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening / closing door 128b that opens and closes the large winning opening 128. It is connected, and is configured so that the main control unit 300 executes opening / closing control of the second starting port 122 and the large winning opening 128.

Further, the main control unit 300 includes a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol hold display 164, a second special symbol hold display 166, and a normal symbol display. The device 168, the normal symbol hold display 170, and the right-handed notification display 172 are connected, and the display control of each of these displays is executed by the main control unit 300.

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, a special game started mainly by entering the game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a special game started by the game ball passing through the gate 124. The types of games are roughly divided into normal games and games. The main ROM 300b of the main control unit 300 stores various programs for advancing special games and normal games, as well as data and tables required for various games.

Further, in addition to the main CPU 300a, the main ROM 300b, and the main RAM 300c, a random number generator 430a and a sampling circuit 430b are mounted on the main control unit 300, and the random number generator 430a is hard for determining a major game. Generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number generated by the random number generator 430a is input to the main CPU 300a through the sampling circuit 430b. When the first start port detection switch 120s or the second start port detection switch 122s detects a game ball, the main CPU 300a acquires a random number from the random number generator 430a through the sampling circuit 430b, and is special based on the acquired random number. A lottery related to the success or failure of the symbol is executed. Further, when the gate detection switch 124s detects the game ball, a random number is acquired from the random number generator 430a through the sampling circuit 430b, and a lottery relating to the success or failure of the normal symbol is executed based on the acquired random number. Then, based on the results of these lottery, a signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122c to operate the movable piece 122b, a signal is output to the large winning opening solenoid 128c to operate the opening / closing door 128b, and the like. Performs progress control.

Further, a payout / launch control unit 310 and a sub control unit 330 are connected to the main control unit 300. The pachinko machine 100 has a main control unit 300, a payout / launch control unit 310, and a sub control unit 330 as independent control boards, and the sub control unit 330 is subordinate to the main control unit 300. It is connected to the main control unit 300 in such a manner that it can communicate with the control unit 330 in only one direction. A power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, and power is supplied from a commercial power source to each board via the power supply board.

The payout / launch control unit 310 controls to launch the game ball and controls to pay out the prize ball. The payout / launch control unit 310 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, similarly to the main control unit 300, and is connected to the main control unit 300 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to the payout / launch control unit 310, and various information on the game progress output from the main control unit 300 is transmitted to the payout / launch control unit 310 and the game information output terminal board. It will be output to a hall computer or the like of a game store via 312.

Further, a payout motor 314 for paying out the game ball stored in the storage unit to the player as a prize ball is connected to the payout / launch control unit 310. The payout / launch control unit 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to control the player to pay out a predetermined prize ball. At this time, the pachinko machine 100 is configured so that the number of game balls paid out is detected by the payout ball counting switch 316s, and it is known whether the prize balls to be paid out are paid out to the player.

Further, a plate full tank detection switch 318s for detecting a full tank state of the lower plate 134 is connected to the payout / launch control unit 310. The plate full tank detection switch 318s is provided in a passage that guides the game ball to be paid out as a prize ball to the lower plate 134, and each time the game ball passes through the passage, the game ball detection signal is paid out and the launch control unit 310. It is configured to output to.

Then, when the plate full tank detection switch 318s is in a full tank state in which a predetermined amount or more of the game balls are stored in the lower plate 134, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower plate 134 and are discharged. -The game ball detection signal is continuously output to the launch control unit 310. When the game ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time, the payout / launch control unit 310 determines that the lower plate 134 is in a full tank state, and transmits a plate full tank command to the main control unit 300. If the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted after the dish full tank command is transmitted, the payout / launch control unit 310 determines that the full tank state has been canceled, and issues the dish full tank release command to the main control unit. Send to 300.

Further, the payout / launch control unit 310 is provided with a payout / launch control circuit 320 that controls the launch of the game ball. The payout / launch control unit 310 includes a touch sensor 112s provided on the operation handle 112 and detecting that the player touches the operation handle 112, and an operation volume 112a for detecting the operation angle of the operation handle 112. It is connected. Then, when a signal is input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the payout / launch control circuit 320 executes a control to energize the launch solenoid 112c provided in the game ball launcher to launch the game ball. To.

The sub-control unit 330 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or during standby, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an effect control chip 330a composed of a sub CPU 330a1 and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 330a2. And a sub ROM 330b and a sub RAM 330c. Further, the effect device 200 is connected to the sub control unit 330, and the press detection switch 2081s and the rotation detection switch 2082s for detecting the player's operation are connected as the effect operation device 208. The press detection switch 2081s detects the player's pressing operation when the player presses the button of the effect operation device 208, and the rotation detection switch 2082s causes the player to rotate the rotation operation unit of the effect operation device 208. When operated, the player's rotation operation is detected.

The sub ROM 330b is specifically composed of the control ROM 654 and the image / audio ROM 611 shown in FIG. 4, and includes an effect program P1, a random number seed generation program P2, a random number generation program P3, a task management program P4, a random number acquisition driver P5, and debugging. Various programs such as the information acquisition driver P6 and production data such as a plurality of production lottery tables for determining the content of the production are stored. The sub CPU 330a1 functions as an effect control means, a random number seed generation means, a random number generation means, and a task management means by reading the programs stored in the sub ROM 330b and performing arithmetic processing. Further, the sub RAM 330c is specifically composed of the CPU RAM 602, the built-in eRAM 604, the backup SRAM 655, etc. shown in FIG. 4, and functions as a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 330a1.

The effect control means is a means that functions by reading and executing the effect program P1 by the sub CPU 330a1. The effect lottery process that determines the effect to be executed based on a random number, and the control that displays an image on the effect display device 201. It executes control related to production such as a certain image display process, a drive control process for driving the effect accessory device 202, a lighting control process for lighting the effect lighting device 204, and a music output control process for outputting music from the music output device 206. .. The effect control means executes these effect processes based on external signals such as commands transmitted from the main control unit 300, input signals from the timer, and input signals from the effect operation device 208. The timer that generates this external signal includes a watch dog timer and the like.

The random number seed generation means is a means that functions by being read and executed by the sub CPU 330a1 by the random number seed generation program P2, and is a basis for calculating a software random number (pseudo-random number) used in the above-mentioned effect lottery process. Generates a random number species (hereinafter also referred to as a seed value).

The random number generation means is a means that functions by being read and executed by the sub CPU 330a1 by the random number generation program P3, and executes a random number generation process that generates random numbers by calculation based on a predetermined random number generation algorithm. The sub-control unit 330 uses software random numbers generated by an operation based on a random number generation algorithm, unlike the main control unit 300, which draws lots using hardware random numbers.

The task management means functions by reading and executing the task management program P4 by the sub CPU 330a1 and sets the priority of the task related to the control process executed by the sub CPU 330a1. Here, the task is a unit of processing that can be executed by the sub CPU 330a1, and is a processing unit that subdivides the processing (hereinafter, also referred to as a process) when executing the program. The task management means updates the priority setting every predetermined time with a short interval (cycle of 30 fps (33.33 ms) in the present embodiment), and the sub CPU 330a1 performs a task that can be executed within the predetermined time. Sequential processing is performed according to priority. By repeatedly executing the above processes, it appears to the player that a plurality of processes are being executed at the same time.

<Detailed configuration of sub-control unit>
Next, the detailed configuration of the sub-control unit 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control chip 330a includes a sub CPU 330a1 and a VDP 330a2 that form a control main body of the sub control unit 330, and is configured by an integrated hardware LSI in a form of incorporating the CPU into the VDP. There is.

The sub CPU330a1 is an I / O port array for inputting / outputting the CPU core 601 and the CPU RAM 602 that the CPU core 601 can access without waiting time, and the peripheral members (651 to 656) on the left side of the figure, which are common in game machines. It includes a built-in eDRAM (Embedd DRAM) 604 mainly used as a cache memory and the like, and a debug counter 605 which is a hardware counter used at the time of debugging.

The I / O port array 603 includes a main control unit 300, a main control unit I / O 651 (command receiving means) mainly for input / output commands, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 652 used for timekeeping control, for example, a sub. The DIP switch 653 arranged on the board of the control unit 330, the control ROM 654 arranged on the sub-control unit board used for storing the firmware of the sub-control unit 330, and the state of the sub-control unit 330 are backed up as needed. It is connected to a backup SRAM 655, a debug UART 656, etc., which are used for these purposes, and is used for signal input / output with each of these parts. The DIP switch 653 is used for mode setting for debugging, verification operation, and the like.

The VDP330a2 includes an image control unit 640 including an effect display device 201, an LCDI / F641 for input / output, and a VRAM642. The image control unit 640 may include image processing hardware or the like for performing image rendering or the like. Further, the VDP330a2 of the present embodiment is, for example, a product specialized for a game machine, and is a sound control unit 620 composed of a sound I / F 621 for outputting sound to a speaker constituting the music output device 206, and a directing role. A movable object / sensor control unit 630 having ASIB I / F631 for controlling a motor of a drive system of a movable object such as an object device 202, controlling a solenoid, and capturing detection signals of sensors is provided. Further, the VDP330a2 includes a CGROMI / F650 for reading data from an image / audio ROM 611 (CGROM) that stores a production voice, a background of the production image, and a material such as a character.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the storage area of the sub control unit 330, particularly the memory address space accessed / managed by the sub CPU 330a1. In FIG. 5, the high address of the memory is taken at the lower part of the figure, and the low address is taken at the upper part of the figure. In the memory arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the storage area for the memory-mapped I / O is arranged in the low address area. That is, the area for these memory-mapped I / O includes an area for the sub CPU 330a1 to access the control ROM 654, the backup SRAM 655, the external control signal I / O 606, the debug UARTI / O656, and the like.

In the configuration of FIG. 5, the area of the built-in eRAM604 is further arranged at the higher address, and the space of the VRAM 642 of the VDP 330a2 is mapped to the higher address of the built-in eRAM 604. Further, in the space of the higher address of the VRAM 642, an area of the CPU register I / O 607 that can be memory-mapped I / O is arranged with respect to the register of the CPU core 601. Further, the space of the CPU RAM 602 is mapped to the space on the upper address side of the CPU register I / O 607.

More specifically, a backup battery is connected to the backup SRAM 655 so that the stored data can be retained even when the power is turned off. Therefore, in the address area of the backup SRAM 655, a backup area 6552 for backing up the contents of the specific area of the sub RAM when the power is turned off is provided. Further, in the address area of the backup SRAM 655, an auxiliary counter 6551 for storing a 32-bit counter value used as a variable for generating a random number species described later is provided. In this auxiliary counter 6551, the increment value of the fixed width is added only once when the random number seed is generated. An arbitrary prime number is used for the increment value of this fixed width.

Further, in the address area of the CPU RAM 602, a random number variable area 6021 for storing data related to random numbers and states such as registers and flags used by the sub CPU 330a1 when switching processes (hereinafter referred to as context) are stored. The kernel stack area 6022 and the like are provided. Further, in the random number variable area 6021, a random number information storage area 6021b in which information related to a random number such as a state vector referred to at the time of random number generation, a value of a random number type, and the number of times a random number is generated is stored, and a generated random number. Is provided with a random number buffer 6021a in which the is stored.

The number of occurrences of the random number does not mean the number of times the random number is stored in the random number buffer 6021a, but the number of times the random number is taken out from the random number buffer 6021a. Further, the random number buffer 6021a is a first-in first-out buffer (FIFO (First-in First-out) buffer) that is read out in the order in which the random numbers are stored, and is a random number that is stored even if a large number of random numbers are momentarily used. It is provided with a predetermined capacity (512 buffers in the present embodiment) so as not to be exhausted.

2. 2. Flow of random number control processing in the sub-control unit Next, a flow of processing related to random number control in the sub-control unit 330 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 330 generates the software random number in advance before the lottery and stores it in the random number buffer 6021a. Therefore, when this is executed by the main control unit 300, the lottery related to the payout is executed in advance. It ends up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the software random number is used by the sub-control unit 330 that executes the process related to the effect. Hereinafter, the random number processing related to the sub-control unit 330 will be mainly described. First, the flow of random number acquisition by the effect program P1 will be described.

When there is a random number acquisition request from the effect program P1 in order to execute the effect lottery process, the random numbers stored in the random number buffer 6021a are passed to the effect program P1. Here, all the data related to the random numbers such as the random number buffer 6021a are stored in the CPU RAM 602 as described above, and are located in the system layer used by the kernel on the memory address space. On the other hand, the effect program P1 is an application that is software that operates on the OS, and accesses an area located in a user layer lower than the system layer in the memory address space. Here, if the effect program P1 directly accesses the random number variable area 6021 located in the system layer, if there is a problem in the effect program P1, the data in the system layer used by the kernel may be affected. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the effect program P1 acquires a random number from the random number buffer 6021a, the random number is always passed from the random number buffer 6021a located in the system layer via the random number acquisition driver P5. It has become.

Similarly, when a request for debug information is received from an external computer or the like during debugging, information such as a random number type and the number of times a random number is generated is passed from the random number information storage area 6021b via the debug information acquisition driver P6. ing. That is, in the present embodiment, it is prohibited to directly access the random number control class on the system layer side from the user layer side such as the effect program P1, and the information related to the random number such as the above random number and the debug information. Is always acquired via the random number driver class of either the above random number acquisition driver P5 or the debug information acquisition driver P6.

Next, the flow of random number generation in the above random number control class will be described. In the random number control class, when generating a random number, the random number seed generation program P2 generates a random number seed that is the basis of random number generation. Specifically, the random number seed generation program P2 calculates a random number seed (seed value) based on the 32-bit counter value (auxiliary counter value) of the auxiliary counter 6551 according to the following equation (1).

Seed value = (auxiliary counter value XOR checksum value) XOR
((Debug counter [bit7: 0] << 16)
＋ (Debug counter [bit15: 8] << 24))… (1)

That is, the random number seed generation program P2 obtains the exclusive OR (XOR) of the auxiliary counter value and the checksum value, and further obtains the exclusive OR (XOR) of the counter value of the debug counter 605. Is being calculated. The checksum value is a 32-bit checksum value obtained from a specific area of the backup area 6552 by some checksum operation.

Further, since the counter value of the debug counter 605 is 16-bit length data, while the target seed value and auxiliary counter value are 32-bit length data, the counter value of the debug counter 605 is the above equation (1). It is used after being processed so as to be expanded to 32 bits by a bit shift operation as shown in the second and third lines. FIG. 7 shows the processing of the counter value of the debug counter 605.

In this processing, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 7, the data of the lower 8 bits (0 to 7 bits) of the debug counter 605 is taken out, 16-bit left shift calculation is performed, and the result is expanded by 32 bits (2 lines in the above equation (1)). (Eye) and the result of taking out the data of the upper 8 bits (8 to 15 bits) of the debug counter 605, performing a 24-bit left shift operation, and expanding by 32 bits (the above equation (1), 3rd line) are added, and FIG. It is the counter value of the lower debug counter 605.

Since the auxiliary counter 6551 is provided in the backup SRAM 655, the data is retained even when the power is turned off, and the value is not initialized even when all the RAMs are cleared. Therefore, it is prevented that the seed value is fixed by clearing the RAM. Further, by processing and using the counter value of the debug counter 605 as described above, the seed value is prevented from becoming "0", and by performing a bit shift operation and expanding by 32 bits, the seed value is particularly lower than the seed value. All the bits of the upper bit from the bit can be agitated at random, and in particular, the value on the upper 16 bit side can be agitated at random without leaking.

When the random number seed is generated, the generated random number seed is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b, and the value of the auxiliary counter 6551 is updated. Then, the random number generation program P3 calculates a software random number using the random number seed stored in the random number information storage area 6021b, and executes a random number generation process of storing the generated random number in the random number buffer 6021a.

In the random number generation process, in the present embodiment, a random number is generated by using the Mersenne Twister method. The Mersenne Twister method is a pseudo-random number generation method using an M-sequence random number generation algorithm. The M-sequence random number generation algorithm is an algorithm that generates random numbers by a high-order recurrence formula, and is characterized by performing an exclusive OR operation in the formula. Further, in the Mersenne Twister method, the random number generation program P3 has a predetermined number (623 in this embodiment) of state vectors (initial values) held internally to generate the next value of the random number sequence. It is necessary, and this state vector is stored in the above-mentioned random number information storage area 6021b.

3. 3. Random number generation timing Next, the random number generation timing will be described. In the Mersenne Twister method, a random number sequence with a very long random number period (2 ^19937-1 ) and even distribution in high dimensions (623 dimensions) can be generated, and the generated random numbers have an arbitrary bit length (8/16/32). It can be used as random number data of / 64 bits). However, on the other hand, it is necessary to update the state vector data at the time of initialization and at the time of acquiring the 624nth random number (n is a natural number), which has a demerit that the processing load temporarily increases. That is, in the Mersenne Twister method, the state vector is updated by dividing it into a predetermined period shorter than the random number period, but when the predetermined period of updating this state vector arrives at the time of random number generation, it is determined. Temporarily increases the processing load.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent the peak of the load of the random number generation process from arriving when the load of the sub CPU 330a1 is high, the random numbers are generated in advance before use as described above. It is configured to accumulate in the random number buffer 6021a and to generate and store the random numbers when the power of the gaming machine is turned on and when the load of the sub CPU 330a1 is low (hereinafter, also referred to as system stabilization). Hereinafter, the random number generation processing when the power is turned on and when the system is stable will be described in detail.

<Random number generation process when the power is turned on>
First, the random number generation process at the time of turning on the power will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. As shown in FIG. 8, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the initialization process is first executed for the kernel stack area 6022 and the random number variable area 6021 of the CPU RAM 602 (S1 in FIG. 8). In this initialization process, since the random number variable area 6021 is initialized, data such as a state vector and a random number species stored in the random number information storage area 6021b and a random number stored in the random number buffer 6021a are initialized. Random numbers.

When the initialization process is executed, the random number seed generation program P2 is then executed to generate a random number seed, and the generated random number seed is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b (S2). When a new random number species is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b, the random number generation program P3 is executed, and random number generation is executed based on the new random number species (S3).

When the random number generation is executed by the Mersenne Twister method described above, the state vector data is initialized when the power is turned on. Therefore, the random number seed generation program P2 (FIG. 6) updates the state vector data. It is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b. Then, the random number generation program P3 determines the number of random number values to be generated, and generates a desired number of random number values based on the new random number species and the state vector.

Here, in the present embodiment, a 32-bit length random value is generated by the Mersenne Twister method. On the other hand, the random number value is stored in the random number buffer 6021a as data having a length of 16 bits. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the 32-bit length random number value generated by the Mersenne Twister method, the upper 16-bit value and the lower 16-bit value are stored in the random number buffer 6021a as separate random numbers. ..

As described above, the random number buffer 6021a is composed of a ring buffer having a FIFO structure of 512 stages, and when the power is turned on, random numbers are stored in all of the random number buffers 6021a of 512 stages. Therefore, the random number generation program P3 generates 512/2 = 256 32-bit length random numbers by the Mersenne Twister method, and the generated 256 32-bit length random numbers are generated in the order of the generated random numbers in the upper 16 bits. It is stored in the random number buffer 6021a in the order of the lower 16 bits (S4).

Then, when random numbers are stored in all of the 512-stage random number buffers 6021a (Yes in S5), the random number generation process is terminated, and when there is a vacancy in the random number buffer 6021a (No in S5), the vacancy disappears. Generate random numbers up to. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the random numbers are generated until the random number buffer 6021a becomes full when the power is turned on, the random numbers can be generated as much as possible before the game starts, and after the game starts, the random numbers can be generated as much as possible. The load of random number generation can be reduced.

<Random number generation processing when the system is stable>
Next, the random number generation process when the system is stable will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. After the system is started, the task management program P4 sets a priority for the task of the process that can be executed at predetermined time intervals (cycle of 30 fps (33.33 ms) in this embodiment), and the sub CPU 330a1 sets the priority to the task management program. Each task is sequentially processed according to the priority set by P4.

Hereinafter, the task processing by the sub CPU 330a1 will be described in detail by taking as an example the case of executing the processes A to C for executing the effect processing and the process D for executing the random number generation processing. It is assumed that the process A is composed of tasks A1 and A2, the process B is composed of the task B1, the process C is composed of the task C1, and the process D is composed of the task D1. As shown in FIG. 10A, the task management program P4 according to the present embodiment sets a priority for a task in an executable state among the generated tasks (processes), and the set priority is set. Set the task order according to the degree. For example, in the first cycle T1, the order of tasks to be executed is set as A1 → B1 → C1 → D1.

When the priority is set in this way, the sub CPU 330a1 sequentially processes each task in the first cycle T1 according to the priority set by the task management program P4. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the first cycle T1, the amount of tasks that can be executed is large for a single cycle, so that the first cycle T1 ends when the task C1 is executed. It ends up. In this way, if the low-priority task cannot be processed in the cycle, the processing is carried over for the task that could not be processed (task D1 in the first cycle T1), and the task management program P4. Will prioritize again at the start of the next cycle (second cycle T2).

Since the processes B and C are terminated in the first cycle T1 and the task A1 is executed, the task A2 of the process A can be executed in the second cycle T2. Therefore, the task management program P4 sets the priority for the task A2 and the unexecuted task D1, and sets the order of the tasks to be executed in the second cycle T2 from A2 to D1. In the second cycle T2, the sub CPU330a1 sequentially processes the tasks A2 and D1 according to the set priority. In the second cycle T2, only task A2 has a higher priority than task D1, which is a random number generation process. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B, after task A2 is executed, during the second cycle T2. The above task D1 can also be executed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when the task D1 is activated, the random number generation program P3 is called, and the random number generation program P3 first confirms whether or not the state vector needs to be updated (FIG. 11). 11 S10). That is, it is determined whether or not the random number generation process this time corresponds to the 624nth random number generation from the previous update of the state vector, and in the case of the 624nth random number generation (Yes in S10), it is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b. The value of the state vector is updated (S15). Further, when it is not necessary to update the state vector (No in S10), it is determined whether or not the random number buffer 6021a is full, that is, whether or not the random number buffer 6021a is full (S11). Here, when there is no free space for storing the 16-bit random number (Yes in S11), the task D1 for executing the random number generation program P3 is terminated.

On the other hand, when there is a free space capable of storing a 16-bit random number (No in S11), the random number generation program P3 determines the number of random numbers generated (S12). The process of determining the number of random numbers generated (N) in S12 of FIG. 11 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the number of random numbers to be generated by the random number generation algorithm is determined (S12), the random number generation program P3 generates the determined number of 32-bit random numbers by the Mersenne Twister method (S13) and breaks the generated order. Instead, it is stored in the random number buffer 6021a from the upper 16-bit side (S14). Note that FIG. 11 describes that the update of the state vector is confirmed only at the position of step S10 for simplification, but in the actual processing, when a plurality of random numbers are generated in step S13, each of them is described. It is confirmed whether or not the state vector needs to be updated every time one random number is generated.

In this way, the task management program P4 incorporates the task related to the random number generation process (for example, task D1) into the waiting queue (queue) of the executable task for each cycle, and the task related to the random number generation process performs the effect processing. The priority is set so that the priority is lower than that of the task (for example, tasks A1, A2, B1, C1). More specifically, the task management program P4 is set to have the lowest priority of the task related to the random number generation process. Therefore, in a state where the load of the sub CPU330a1 is heavy (when the load is high) due to the processing of another task as in the cycle T1 of FIG. 10B, the task related to the random number generation processing is not executed, and at least within a predetermined cycle. It is configured so that the task related to the random number generation process is executed when the load is low (that is, when the system is stable) when all the tasks related to the process are executed.

As described above, the gaming machine (100) according to the present embodiment has a lottery means (P1) that executes a lottery process based on random numbers, a storage means (6021a) that stores a plurality of random numbers, and a random number generation. A random number is generated by an operation based on an algorithm, a random number generation process for storing the generated random number in the storage means (6021a) is executed, and the random number acquired by the lottery means (P1) is stored in advance in the storage means (6021a). ), And the random numbers stored in the storage means (6021a) are configured to be acquired in the order stored in the storage means (6021a).

That is, the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a random number buffer 6021a, and before the effect program P1 uses the random numbers, the random number generation program P3 generates and stores the random numbers in advance. That is, the random number buffer 6021a is arranged, and the random number generation process is configured to be executed asynchronously with the acquisition of the random number or the actual timing of using the random number. With such a configuration, for example, a large amount of random numbers are instantaneously consumed in order to determine various states such as the transition of the internal state, the effect time, and the strength of the effect, and the sub CPU330a1 is subjected to various operations related to the effect. Random number generation can be executed while avoiding the time of occurrence of the effect generated by the user operation in the high load state or the time of switching the effect, and the processing load related to the random number generation can be distributed. In particular, high-performance random number generation algorithms such as the Mersenne Twister method have a relatively high processing load and require a certain amount of processing power to generate random number values. It is possible to prevent the load of the random number generation process from interfering with the control of other devices, and to prevent the occurrence of defects in the production (frame dropping, sound interruption) and the like.

Further, a random number buffer 6021a as a storage means is configured as a FIFO buffer, and software random numbers are stored in the random number buffer 6021a. Software random numbers ensure the correctness of the random numbers compensated as an algorithm because the generated time axis does not affect the randomness of the random numbers and they are used in the order in which the random numbers are generated. be able to.

Further, the lottery means is an effect control means (P1) for executing an effect lottery process for determining an effect to be executed based on a random number and causing the effect device (200) to execute the determined effect, and the random number. The generation means (P3) stores the random numbers generated by executing the random number generation process in the storage means (6021a) in a state where the processing load by the control executed by the effect control means is equal to or less than a predetermined load. are doing.

That is, in the random number generation program P3, for example, when the game ball has not entered the start opening 120, 122 or the big winning opening 128, or when the demo screen is displayed when the game is not executed by the player, the sub CPU 330a1 is used. The above random numbers can be generated in a low processing load state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid allocating the processing capacity of the sub CPU 330a1 for random number generation when the sub CPU 330a1 is in a high load state such as when the above-mentioned effect is switched.

Further, the pachinko machine 100 sets the priority of the task related to the execution of the control process, and the priority of the task related to the random number generation process by the random number generation means (P3) is determined by the effect lottery process. It is provided with a task management means (P4) that is set lower than the task related to the control process related to the effect.

That is, the task management program P4 sets the task related to the control process related to the effect lower than the task related to the random number generation process, so that even if the task related to the effect is executed, the task related to the random number generation process is still executed. It is possible to generate a random number in the above-mentioned low processing load state, that is, when the system is stable.

Further, the random number generation means (P3) executes the random number generation process when the power is turned on. That is, by executing the random number generation process when the power is turned on and storing the random numbers in the random number buffer 6021a, the random numbers can be stored in the random number buffer 6021a in the state where the game is not started, and the random numbers are generated after the game is started. The load can be reduced.

4. Details of Random Number Generation or Acquisition Processing Hereinafter, various configurations that can be adopted in the details of the processing of the random number generation system, particularly the random number generation system in the present embodiment will be described in detail. Even in the following, random number generation shall be performed by the Mersenne Twister method.

<Random number generation and storage in random number buffer>
In the present embodiment, as described above, the random number generation program P3 called in the random number generation process (task D1 described above) generates a 32-bit random number in the random number generation. On the other hand, the random number value required for the effect control by the effect program P1 which is the effect control means arranged in the user layer (FIG. 6) is a 16-bit random number.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a division means for dividing the random number generated by the following random number generation means (random number generation program P3) into a plurality of random numbers is used. That is, a random number buffer 6021a having, for example, 512 stages of 16-bit storage stages corresponding to 16-bit random numbers that can be output to the effect program P1 is arranged (FIG. 6). The random number buffer 6021a functions as a FIFO buffer for asynchronously performing random number output to the effect program P1 and random number generation in consideration of the distribution of the processing load of random number generation. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, one 32-bit random number generated by the random number generation program P3 is divided into upper 16 bits and lower 16 bits, and stored in two storage stages of the random number buffer 6021a.

In the above configuration, if the random number generation in FIG. 11 and the storage in the random number buffer (FIFA) are performed and the random number buffer 6021a has only one 16-bit storage area, the random number generation program When P3 is called to generate a 32-bit random number, one 16-bit random number can be stored in the random number buffer 6021a, but the remaining 16-bit random numbers cannot be stored. In particular, when a method such as the Mersenne Twister method in which a state vector is stored in the random number information storage area 6021b in advance is used for random number generation in order to guarantee an even distribution of random numbers, it cannot be stored in the random number buffer 6021a. Discarding the remaining 16-bit random numbers disturbs the random number sequence and is not appropriate.

Therefore, in the following, the detailed configuration of S12 in FIG. 11, that is, 32 that can be divided and stored in the current free capacity of the random number buffer 6021a that the sub CPU 330a1 (FIGS. 3 and 4) generates in the random number generation program P3. An example of detailed processing for determining the number of generated bit random numbers (N) is shown in detail.

In the process of FIG. 12, first, the number of empty stages E of the random number buffer 6021a is obtained (S21). The number of free stages E is a value corresponding to the number of unused storage stages for storing 16-bit random numbers, that is, the free capacity of the random number buffer 6021a. For example, the number of free stages E is processed as follows. Can be asked.

For example, the sub CPU 330a1 as a control means manages the random number buffer 6021a as a 512-stage FIFO buffer as described above. Generally, for input / output control of such a FIFO buffer, a read pointer R holding a read address in the buffer and a write pointer W holding a write address are used. The pointers R and W that indicate the storage area (storage stage) of the random number buffer 6021a having a FIFO structure for storing the 16-bit data are implemented as pointers that indicate the address of the storage area having a width of 16 bits. Further, when the pointers R and W are incremented (or decremented) by 1, the actual address value is increased (decreased) by an offset value corresponding to one 16-bit storage area. It should be noted that such handling of pointers is common in processing systems such as C language, but in other different processing systems, the pointers (address counters) that control the reading and writing of FIFO buffers are described above. A different arithmetic rule may be used.

Further, the FIFO buffer is usually used as a so-called ring buffer, and after the sub CPU330a1 reads or writes to the terminal address of the random number buffer 6021a as the FIFO buffer according to the values of the pointers R and W described above, the FIFO buffer is used as a so-called ring buffer. Reset to point to the beginning. Therefore, when the random number buffer 6021a has 512 stages and the number of free stages E for storing the newly generated 16-bit random number is obtained, for example, the number of free stages E is obtained by an operation such as the following equation (2). Can be done.

E = (512-W) + (R-1) ... (2)

Here, R and W in the above equation (2) are pseudo representations of the slot (stage) positions of the random number buffer 6021a instructed by the pointers R and W, for example, the first on the right side thereof. The term corresponds to the number of empty columns remaining after the write pointer W, and the second term on the right side corresponds to the number of empty columns left by reading.

Subsequently, in the processing procedure of FIG. 12, the number N of 32-bit random numbers to be generated by the random number generation program P3 is acquired by the following equation (3) using the number of empty stages E obtained as described above (S22).

N = INT ((E + n) / n) -1 ... (3)

Here, in the above equation (3), INT indicates an operation of integerization (rounding down). Further, n indicates the number of divisions for storing the (32-bit) random number generated by the random number generation program P3 in the (16-bit) random number buffer 6021a, and in the present embodiment, n = 2. be. In the calculation of the above equation (3), the numerical value of the number of empty stages E is increased in advance by the number of divisions n for truncation, then divided by the number of divisions n, and the number after the decimal point is rounded down to one 32-bit random number. The corresponding 1 is subtracted. For example, when the number of divisions n = 2 and the number of free stages E (free capacity) of the 16-bit random number buffer 6021a is E = 33 and when E = 32, according to the above equation (3), both cases are used. The number of 32-bit random numbers generated N is N = 16. The calculation method for obtaining the number of random numbers to be generated by the random number generation program P3 in order to divide the random numbers into small bit width random numbers is not limited to the above equation (3) and can be arbitrarily changed by those skilled in the art. I do not care.

Further, considering that the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process of FIG. 11 are executed with low priority when the system is stable with a low load, a desired number of 32-bit random numbers are generated by one call. It is conceivable to limit the maximum value of the number N of 32-bit random numbers generated so that the process of dividing and storing in the 16-bit random number buffer 6021a can be completed. For example, the number N of 32-bit random numbers generated by the above equation (3) in step S12 is limited so as not to exceed a predetermined maximum value M. In this way, when limiting the number of 32-bit random numbers generated N to M, for example, the value of M may be about 16, 32, 48 ... (M = 16 in the above description with respect to FIG. 11). ..

As described above, according to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12, the 32-bit random number generated by the random number generation program P3 is divided into 16-bit random numbers required by the effect program P1 and stored in the random number buffer 6021a, and stored in the random number buffer 6021a. Can be output via. By using such a random number dividing means, the random number bit pattern can be efficiently and easily divided into random numbers of the size required by the effect program P1 and output, and used by the effect program P1. Can be done.

Moreover, according to the random number dividing means as described above, the number N of 32-bit random numbers generated that can be stored in the current free capacity of the random number buffer 6021a can be obtained, and therefore, the 32-bit random numbers shown in FIG. 12 can be obtained. If the process of determining the number of generations N is applied to S12 of FIG. 11, in S13 of FIG. 11, a 32-bit random number of the number of generations N that can be stored in the free space of the random number buffer 6021a having a 16-bit width configuration is sent to the random number generation program P3. Can be generated.

Therefore, according to the determination process of the number N of 32-bit random numbers generated shown in FIG. 12, a simple pointer operation or an integer operation is performed, and the random number buffer 6021a is divided into the free space according to the free space by the means. The number of 32-bit random numbers generated can be determined so that the random numbers divided into multiple parts can be stored, and the 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing the generated 32-bit random numbers can be used without discarding a part of them. In addition, it can be efficiently output to an effect control means that requires a random number, for example, an effect program P1 in the order of generation. Therefore, according to the method for determining the number of 32-bit random numbers generated in FIG. 12, the random number appearance probability distribution guaranteed by the random number generation method such as the Mersenne Twister method is not impaired.

In the above, the random number generation program P3 is made to generate a number of 32-bit random numbers that can be stored in the free space of the random number buffer 6021a by the calculation as in the above equation (3), thereby dividing the 32-bit random numbers. The configuration in which the obtained 16-bit random numbers are efficiently output to the effect program P1 in the order of generation according to the request of the effect program P1 is shown. However, for example, a 32-bit random number is generated by the random number generation program P3 without performing the calculation as in the above equation (3), and all 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing the 32-bit random number are used in the current random number buffer 6021a. A configuration may be adopted in which a spare buffer for storing 16-bit random numbers that could not be stored in the random number buffer 6021a is prepared when a state that cannot be stored in the free space occurs.

This spare buffer is composed of 16-bit storage stages having an appropriate number of stages, and is provided with a spare buffer flag indicating whether or not a 16-bit random number is stored in the spare buffer. Further, in order to manage the number of random numbers stored in the spare buffer and the read / write position, it is conceivable to prepare pointers for indicating the read position and the write position, which are the same as the pointers R and W described above. When such a spare buffer is used, for example, the random number generation program P3 monitors whether or not the random number buffer 6021a has a vacancy, and if there is a vacancy of a size that can store the random numbers stored in the spare buffer (the above equation (the above equation). 2)) occurs, a random number is copied from the spare buffer to the random number buffer 6021a as appropriate, and the spare buffer is cleared. In this way, the 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing the 32-bit random numbers can be sequentially output from the random number buffer 6021a in the order of generation. Alternatively, in order to manage the output order of the random numbers stored in the random number buffer 6021a and the spare buffer in the original order, a list of pointers that store the random number storage addresses of the respective buffers in order may be used. By using such a list of pointers, 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing a 32-bit random number can be sequentially output from the random number buffer 6021a or from the spare buffer in the order of generation.

Even by performing the above control, a 16-bit random number obtained by dividing a 32-bit random number is generated without damaging the random number appearance probability distribution guaranteed by a random number generation method such as the Mersenne Twister method. It is possible to output in order, efficiently and sequentially according to the request of the effect program P1. In the above, the demand side of the random number that calls the random number acquisition driver P5 has been described as being the effect program P1, but the control system on the demand side of the random number is not limited to the effect program P1 but is the software of the sub-control unit 330. It may be any part composed of hardware.

<Countermeasures against random number buffer exhaustion>
As described above, in the present embodiment, a random number buffer 6021a having a FIFA configuration is prepared, and a random number generation program P3 (random number generation means) executed asynchronously with the random number acquisition of the effect program P1 when the system is stable with a low load. A random number generation and a random number buffer storage process (FIG. 11) are executed in which a random number is generated and the generated random number is stored in the random number buffer 6021a.

Further, the sub CPU 330a1 as the control means reads out from the random number buffer 6021a in the order of generating random numbers in response to the request of the effect program P1 (effect control means), and outputs the output to the effect program P1 (effect control means) in a so-called buffer mode. At that time, the 32-bit random number generated by the random number generation program P3 is divided into 16-bit random numbers, and the divided 16-bit random numbers are stored in the random number buffer 6021a without being discarded, and are produced via the random number buffer 6021a. Output to program P1 (effect control means).

On the other hand, the effect program P1 requests one 16-bit random number by calling the random number acquisition driver P5 (FIG. 6). At this time, the random number control class (FIG. 6) on the system side takes out one 16-bit random number from the random number buffer 6021a and outputs it to the effect program P1. For the output of this 16-bit random number, a method of returning a random number value as a return value from the random number acquisition driver P5 to the calling effect program P1 or an effect program P1 specified for the random number acquisition driver P5. Either method of storing in the output buffer of the address (or a predetermined address secured globally) may be used.

As described above, the random number buffer 6021a is configured in a size of about 512 stages capable of storing 512 16-bit random numbers, and is unused in advance by the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process of FIG. 11 prior to the request of the effect program P1. The 16-bit random number is operated so as to be stored in the random number buffer 6021a. For that purpose, for example, it is possible to use a method of conducting an operation experiment in advance and tuning the priority given to the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process of FIG. 11 so that the request of the effect program P1 can be responded with a margin.

However, even if the above tuning is performed carefully, depending on the game state, the effect program P1 continuously requests 16-bit random numbers, and a large amount of 16 is preceded by the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process of FIG. It cannot be denied that the bit random numbers are consumed and the random number buffer 6021a is exhausted, that is, the random number buffer 6021a is in an empty state where no 16-bit random numbers to be output remain. In consideration of this point, it is conceivable to set aside a larger number of stages (size) of the random number buffer 6021a for storing 16-bit random numbers than the above 512 stages, but consider all games or the corresponding production state. Therefore, it is not easy to determine a sufficient number of stages of the random number buffer 6021a (which is considered to be sufficient). Further, considering even an extremely rare game or production state, it may be possible to secure a random number buffer 6021a that is uselessly too large and is rarely used.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by configuring the random number acquisition driver P5 as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) or (c), a control system that requires a random number and a random number are not generated. The relationship between the supply / supply of random numbers is adjusted with the control system to be acquired. For example, when the random number buffer 6021a is exhausted, the alternative process (alternative process 1 or 2 below) can be executed, and even when the random number buffer 6021a of about 16 bits × 512 stages is arranged, it is necessary for the effect program P1. 16-bit random numbers can be output. Also in the processes of FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c), it is assumed that the random number generation method is the Mersenne Twister method.

In FIG. 13, as an alternative process to be performed when the random number to be output to the effect control means does not remain in the random number buffer, the effect program P1 (effect control) is performed regardless of the buffer mode via the random number buffer 6021a of the FIFO configuration. Execute a direct mode to generate a random number to be output directly to the means). As the form of the direct mode for generating a random number without going through the random number buffer 6021a, which is executed in place of the buffer mode, for example, the following two can be considered.

One of the direct modes is not based on the above buffer mode, that is, without going through the random number buffer 6021a, the random number generation program P3, which is the original random number generation means, is called to generate random numbers, and the generated random numbers are generated. It is output to the effect program P1 (effect control means) (alternative process 1 in FIG. 13B). In this case, when the random number generation program P3 is called, one 32-bit random number is generated, but since the random number to be output in response to the request of the effect program P1 is a 16-bit random number, the random number generation program P3 is used. A part of the 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing the generated 32-bit random numbers into multiple parts, that is, one of the 16-bit random numbers is output to the effect program P1, while the random numbers not output to the effect program P1 are random numbers. The above pointers R and W, which are stored in the buffer 6021a and control FIFA access, are updated as appropriate. By such processing, all of the 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing into a plurality of random numbers can be output without discarding or erasing them. Therefore, as in the Mersenne Twister method, a state vector or the like can be used. The consistency of the random number generation system in which the appearance probability of the pseudo-random number generated in advance is determined is not impaired.

Further, in the other one of the direct modes, a random number is generated by another means different from the random number generation program P3 which is the original random number generation means, and the generated random number is directly output to the effect control means (Fig.). It is an alternative process 2) of 13 (c).

FIG. 13A shows the entire flow of the processing procedure in which the random number acquisition driver P5 outputs random numbers from the random number buffer 6021a mainly in the above buffer mode in response to the class call of the effect program P1. First, it is determined whether or not the random number buffer 6021a is in an exhausted (empty) state in which no 16-bit random number to be output remains (S31).

The exhaustion determination of the random number buffer 6021a can be performed by, for example, the pointer calculation for the above-mentioned read / write pointers R and W for FIFO access. For example, the exhausted state (remaining amount 0) of the random number buffer 6021a can be detected as a state in which the address value of the read pointer R has caught up with the address value pointing to the next write address in the random number buffer 6021a. can.

If the random number buffer 6021a is not exhausted (remaining amount 0), the process shifts from S31 to S32, one 16-bit random number is read from the random number buffer 6021a (S32), and then the value of the read pointer R is updated. (S33), and the read 16-bit random number is output to the effect program P1 (S34).

On the other hand, when the random number buffer 6021a is exhausted (remaining amount 0), there is no 16-bit random number that can be read from the random number buffer 6021a, so an alternative process for generating a 16-bit random number that can be output in the output step (S34). (S35) is executed.

13 (b) and 13 (c) show different configuration examples of the alternative process (S35) in which a 16-bit random number is generated and output by the above direct mode. First, the alternative process 1 of FIG. 13B calls the random number generation program P3 as an emergency evacuation without going through the random number buffer 6021a of the FIFO to generate and output at least one 16-bit random number. ..

In the alternative process 1 of FIG. 13 (b), first, the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process of FIG. 11, which is operating as a low priority task (or process, thread), is temporarily suspended (S51). For this random number generation and suspension of the random number buffer storage process, it is possible to use an intertask communication means (or an interprocess communication means, an interthread communication means, etc.) such as a signal provided in the system. can.

Subsequently, the random number generation program P3 is called to generate N 32-bit random numbers (S52). The number N of 32-bit random numbers generated is about 1 (or several). The N 32-bit random numbers are divided into n (n = 2 in the present embodiment) in order to obtain random numbers of the size required by the effect program P1, and N * n (16 in the present embodiment). Generate a random number (of bits) (S53).

Then, the first one of the generated and divided N * n random numbers is output to the effect program P1 (S54), and the remaining (N * n-1) random numbers are stored in the random number buffer 6021a (S55). , The values of the read and write pointers R and W that control the FIFO input / output of the random number buffer 6021a are updated accordingly (S56). Further, the random number generation and the random number buffer storage process (FIG. 11) suspended in S51 are restarted (S57). This task (or process, thread) resumption process is also executed by the intertask (or process, thread) communication means such as the above-mentioned signal (signal).

When the exhaustion state of the random number buffer 6021a is detected as described above, the alternative process 1 implemented as the direct mode that does not go through the random number buffer 6021a is executed. Directly call the random number generation program P3 as an emergency evacuation without going through the random number buffer 6021a (FIFO) to generate a 32-bit random number, divide it into 16-bit random numbers, and output one 16-bit random number from the beginning. be able to. This process can be executed at high speed in the random number acquisition driver P5 which is usually operated by giving a relatively high priority in order to quickly respond to the request of the effect program P1. Moreover, in that case, among the 16-bit random numbers obtained by dividing the 32-bit random numbers, the unused ones are stored in the random number buffer 6021a (FIFO), so that the random number sequence can be obtained as in the Mersenne Twister method. Even if a random number generation method is used in which some of the generated random number sequences cannot be discarded in consideration of consistency, the consistency of the random number system is not impaired.

On the other hand, FIG. 13C shows a configuration example of another alternative process 2 that generates and outputs a 16-bit random number by the above direct mode. The alternative process 2 of FIG. 13 (c) may slightly impair the integrity of the random number system, but it is 16 bits by another random number generation means as an emergency evacuation without calling the original random number generation program P3. Generate one random number (S61).

One 16-bit random number generated by another random number generation means in S61 of FIG. 13C is output to the effect program P1 in S62 of FIG. For the generation of 16-bit random numbers (S61) by another random number generation means different from the original random number generation program P3, appropriate hardware timers and counters, for example, the count values of the debug counter 605 and the auxiliary counter 6551 are used. Then, a method of generating a 16-bit random number that can be output in response to the request of the effect program P1 can be considered.

In the alternative process 2 of FIG. 13C, the above-mentioned debug counter 605 or auxiliary counter can be used as other random number generation means (different from the original random number generation program P3) used when changing the random number acquisition method. In addition to the method using 6551, the timed value of RTC652 (system timer) is appropriately bit-shifted to acquire a 16-bit random number, or the output of a random number generation chip separately arranged on a sub-board by hardware (not shown) is used. , Etc. can be used.

Since the alternative process 2 in FIG. 13C does not call the original random number generation program P3, it is executed by the random number acquisition driver P5 (system-level random number control class) and also by the user-level production program P1. You may adopt such a structure. In that case, when the random number acquisition driver P5 detects the exhaustion of the random number buffer 6021a at the beginning of FIG. 13A, it returns a return value (error code) indicating an appropriately determined error to the user-level effect program P1. And implement the process so that it ends with an error. Then, on the effect program P1 side, when the return value (error code) is detected, it may be operated so as to generate a random number by another means shown in S61 of FIG. 13 (c).

As described above, according to the alternative process 2 of FIG. 13C, the 16-bit random number required by the effect program P1 is generated when the random number buffer 6021a is exhausted (the remaining number of 16-bit random numbers is 0). can do. Since the alternative process 2 of FIG. 13C generates a 16-bit random number in an emergency evacuation without calling the original random number generation program P3, the integrity of the random number system may be impaired. However, there is a possibility that an alternative 16-bit random number to be output to the effect program P1 can be generated at a higher speed at the cost of slightly impairing the integrity of the random number system.

Further, the processing methods shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C provide a buffer mode in which random numbers are input / output via the random number buffer 6021a and a direct mode in which the random numbers are not passed through the random number buffer 6021a. In other words, it is a configuration that switches between buffer mode and direct mode according to the situation related to the demand and supply of random numbers, and with such a configuration, the demand for random numbers and the demand for random numbers between the random number generation system and the processing system that uses random numbers. The supply relationship can be adjusted well.

Note that FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c) show a configuration in which the buffer mode is used in the normal state and the direct mode is used in the alternative process 1 or 2, but this relationship may be reversed. Further, the adjustment of the supply and demand of random numbers should not always be performed on the condition that the buffer exhaustion state is detected.

For example, here, in the normal state, consider generating a random number by the random number generation program P3 in the direct mode. With this configuration, there may be a timing when the demand for random numbers in the effect program P1 cannot be satisfied. For example, if the random number generation program P3 uses a random number method such as the Mersenne Twister method in which the processing becomes heavy due to the state vector update every 624n random number generations, for example, the random number generation program P3 is used in the direct mode when the load is high. When called, it may take a long time to get the generated random numbers. Therefore, when a random number is generated by the random number generation program P3 in the direct mode, the load of the system, for example, the sub CPU330a1 acquires a value such as load average, and if the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the random number is generated. It is conceivable to switch the input / output to buffer mode. In this case, in the random number buffer 6021a, for example, a random number generation means different from the random number generation program P3, for example, a random number process for generating and storing a random number from the value of a hardware counter or a timer is operated as a low priority task. .. Then, when the load of the system is too high according to the load average or the like, the random numbers stored in the random number buffer 6021a are output without calling the random number generation program P3 in the direct mode. As described above, there is a possibility that the direct mode is used in the normal state and the buffer mode is used in the alternative process 1 or 2, and the supply and demand of random numbers can be appropriately adjusted.

<Countermeasures for random number generation abnormalities>
In this embodiment, the Mersenne Twister method is used as the random number generation method. For example, when the hardware and software of the random number generation system are operating normally, a pseudo-random number sequence having a very long period is generated. , The production program P1 can use this. However, if there is an abnormality in the hardware and software of the random number generation system, there is a possibility that the random number generation abnormality will occur.

For example, when a state occurs in which the random number information storage area 6021b of the CPU RAM 602 that stores the state vector in the Mersenne Twister method is damaged, the cycle is shorter than the cycle of the original random number sequence, for example, the same bit pattern (0 or , A bit pattern corresponding to another specific value) may cause a generation abnormality such that random numbers are continuously output. For example, when the random number information storage area 6021b of the CPU RAM 602 is damaged in terms of hardware due to physical disturbance, or the random number control data of the random number information storage area 6021b is rewritten due to a runaway of the system program, for example, the state vector in the Mersenne Twister method is rewritten. If this happens, the above-mentioned random number generation abnormality may occur.

FIG. 14 shows the flow of the random number generation and random number buffer storage processing of FIG. 11 that implements the recovery processing when the above-mentioned random number generation abnormality occurs, and in particular, the processing procedure corresponding to S13 and S14 of FIG. ing.

The recovery process (S46) shown in FIG. 14 is configured by a procedure for changing the random number acquisition method when a random number generation abnormality is detected. One of the procedures for changing the random number acquisition method is, for example, to generate a random number by a means different from the random number generation program P3 (random number generation means), and to generate at least a part of the random numbers in which the random number generation abnormality is detected. Instead, it is output to the effect control means ((A) below). Further, another procedure for changing the random number acquisition method is, for example, initialization or update of the random number generation program P3 (random number generation means) ((B) below), and as this initialization or update process. Specifically, in the initialization or update process of the random number control data stored in the random number information storage area 6021b of the random number generation program P3 (random number generation means), for example, in the Mersenne Twister method, the random number information storage area. It is possible to update the state vector stored as random number control data in 6021b.

Further, as described above, the random number generation abnormality is generated in, for example, the random number generation program P3 (random number generation means), or when a plurality of specific same values are continuously stored in a plurality of random numbers further divided and stored in a random number buffer. In addition, a method for detecting the occurrence of the generation abnormality can be used.

In the random number generation and storage process of FIG. 14 (corresponding to S13 and S14 of FIG. 11), first, it is determined whether or not the 32-bit random number of the generated number N acquired in S12 of FIG. 11 has been generated and stored (S41). .. Here, if N 32-bit random numbers have already been generated and stored, the random number generation and storage processing (S13, S14 in FIG. 11) is terminated.

On the other hand, when the generation and storage of the 32-bit random number of the generation number N acquired in S12 of FIG. 11 is not completed, the random number generation program P3 is called to generate one 32-bit random number (S42), and n It is divided into 16-bit random numbers (n = 2 in this embodiment) and stored in the random number buffer 6021a (S43).

Subsequently, the 16-bit random number sequence stored in the random number buffer 6021a up to that point is inspected, and it is determined whether or not a random number generation abnormality has occurred (S44). For example, in this determination (S44), whether several 16-bit random number strings stored at the end, for example, several 4 to 10 are all (consecutively) the same value (0 or other specific numerical value). It is done by inspecting whether or not. Then, when such a random number generation abnormality does not occur, the value of the write pointer W is updated (S45), and the control is returned to the above S41. The number of 16-bit random numbers that are continuously checked for the same value in order to detect an abnormality in random number generation does not necessarily have to be in the above range of 4 to 10. For example, if the number of random numbers to be continuously checked for the same value can be determined by an appropriate calculation method in order to detect an abnormality in random number generation, the number of random numbers may be adopted. .. However, in general, if the number of 16-bit random numbers that continuously check whether the values are the same is about 1 to 3, there is a high possibility that false positives will occur frequently, and there are too many such as 10 or more. In that case, it is considered that there is a possibility that only the production abnormality that occurs very rarely can be detected.

On the other hand, if the random number generation abnormality has occurred in step S44, the recovery process (S46) is executed and then the process proceeds to S45.

As one of the methods (A) of this recovery process (S46), for example, several (for example, about 4, 6, 8) generation abnormalities are caused by other means different from the original random number generation program P3. It is conceivable to generate a random number that replaces at least one of the 16-bit random numbers (several) by other means. For the random number generation (A) by other means, as described in the alternative process 2 of FIG. 13 (c), the values of the debug counter 605 and the auxiliary counter 6551, the timed values of the RTC652 (system timer), and the like are appropriately used. A method of bit-shifting to acquire a 16-bit random number, or a method of separately using the output of a random number generation chip by hardware (not shown) arranged on a sub-board can be used.

FIG. 9 shows how a 16-bit random number in which a generation abnormality has occurred is replaced with a random number generated by a means different from the original random number generation program P3. In the example of FIG. 9, at least one of four 16-bit random numbers in which "0" generated by the random number generation program P3 is continuous, for example, the value in the 511th stage of the random number buffer 6021a is obtained from another means. It is rewritten with the acquired random number (for example, the counter value of the debug counter 605 or the value obtained by processing it). In this way, when the generated random number has a periodicity shorter than the period of the random number sequence generated by the random number generation algorithm, the random number is generated by a random number generation means different from the original random number generation program P3. By replacing at least a part of the above, even if some trouble occurs in the hardware or software of the random number generation system, the randomness of the random numbers used by the production program P1 is sequentially guaranteed as much as possible. Can be done. The counter value to be replaced as the random number value is not limited to the counter value of the debug counter 605, but may be a counter value of RTC652 or the like, and any value as long as it is a value generated by a means other than the random number generation program P3. It may be.

As the value for replacing the random number in which the generation abnormality has occurred, a value generated by a means other than the random number generation program P3, for example, any value that does not hinder the use as a random number is used. Is also good.

Further, as another method (B) of the recovery process (S46), the state vector update process (for example, S15 in FIG. 11) is forcibly activated to initialize the random number information storage area 6021b of the CPU RAM 602. Or you can take a method of performing update processing.

As described above, when a 16-bit random number generation abnormality is detected via continuous output of the same bit pattern (0 or another specific bit pattern), and such a 16-bit random number generation abnormality occurs. The consistency of the random number system can be recovered as appropriate by performing a recovery process. This recovery process changes the method of acquiring random numbers, for example, as described in S46 above, (A) generation of alternative random numbers by other means, (B) control data of a random number generation system, for example, random numbers. This can be realized by initializing or updating the random number control data (state vector) stored in the information storage area 6021b.

In the recovery process, when the method of generating the alternative random number by the above-mentioned other means (A) is adopted, the user-level effect program P1 is used in the same manner as in the case of the alternative process described with reference to FIG. 13 (c). It could be configured to do so. In that case, it is determined whether or not a series of the same bit pattern (0 or other specific bit pattern) appears in the latest several (for example, several 4, 6, 8) 16-bit random number sequences. (S44 above) and the recovery process (S46 above) by generating an alternative random number using another means according to the determination result are executed by the effect program P1. Further, in the example of FIG. 9, among the four consecutive "0" determined to be generation abnormalities, the third "0" is rewritten to a random number obtained from another means, but it is determined to be a generation abnormality. It is arbitrary which random number is rewritten among the consecutive random numbers of the same value. Further, it may be configured to rewrite all consecutive random numbers having the same value, which are determined to be generation abnormalities, with random numbers obtained from an appropriate means.

5. Modification Example In the above-described embodiment, the Mersenne Twister method is adopted as the random number generation algorithm, but the present invention is not limited to this, and random numbers are generated by another random number generation algorithm such as the Xorshift method. Is also good. Further, the random number buffer for storing random numbers is configured by the FIFO buffer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the application side such as the production program P1 using random numbers so that the generated random numbers are consumed in the order in which they are generated. You may configure the program of.

Further, the counter value of the auxiliary counter 6551 is used for the generation of the random number seed, but the counter value is not limited to this. Or the counter value of the debug counter 605 may be used to generate a random number seed. Further, the counter value of the auxiliary counter 6551 may be used as it is as a random number seed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary counter 6551 in the backup SRAM 655 is configured to hold the value when the power is cut off (when the power is turned off). For example, the value of the auxiliary counter is held when the power is cut off. It may be configured so that the value is undefined when the power is turned on by not performing the initialization of the auxiliary counter when the power is turned on. In this way, by making the value of the auxiliary counter used to generate the random number species at power-on indefinite, it is possible to prevent the value of the random number species at power-on from becoming a constant value. ..

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the random number generation algorithm generates a random number having a bit length longer than the random number stored in the random number buffer 6021a, and the random number generated by this random number generation algorithm is divided into a plurality of random numbers in the random number buffer. It is configured to be stored in 6021a, but is not limited to this, for example, the bit length of the random number generated by the random number generation algorithm and the bit length of the random number stored in the random number buffer 6021a are made the same, and the division process is performed. Instead, it may be configured to be stored in the random number buffer 6021a as it is. On the contrary, the bit length of the random number generated by the random number generation algorithm is made shorter than the bit length of the random number stored in the random number buffer 6021a, and the generated plurality of random numbers are combined to form one random number in the random number buffer 6021a. It may be stored in. That is, in order to ensure the validity of the random numbers, how to store the random numbers generated by the random number generation algorithm in the random number buffer 6021a if the random numbers are used without disturbing the order of the original random number sequences. You may do so. Further, the random number buffer does not necessarily have to be one as in the above-described embodiment. For example, when the first random number buffer overflows, a second random number buffer for storing the overflowing random numbers may be provided.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sub CPU 330a1 shifts to the execution of the next task when the task is completed, and is configured to switch the task as a trigger for changing the status of the task, for example. In the task management program P4, the time for each task to be executed is set according to the priority in a predetermined cycle, and the sub CPU 330a1 is next when the time set according to this task elapses. It may be configured to perform a task. Further, the setting is not limited to the task priority setting, and for example, the load of the sub CPU330a1 may be configured to monitor a predetermined load, and the random number generation process may be executed when the load of the subCPU330a1 is equal to or less than the predetermined load. good. At this time, the random number generation process may be executed by the interrupt process, or may be set to be executed in the cycle process by increasing its priority.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the effect program P1 has been described as an example of the lottery means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if any random number lottery is executed, the random number buffer 6021a as the storage means is used. The stored random numbers may be used for any means (program), and the present invention may be applied not only to the sub control unit 330 but also to the main control unit 300. Further, the sub CPU 330a1 and the VDP 330a2 do not necessarily have to be mounted on an integrated hardware LSI, and may be configured by a separate LSI.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a gaming machine, a symbol determining means for determining one from a plurality of types of symbols including a jackpot symbol, and a symbol display unit when a predetermined fluctuation time elapses after the symbol is determined. A symbol display means for displaying a symbol on the machine, a major role game execution means for executing a major role game composed of a plurality of round games when a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit, and a round game in the major role game in advance. During a set specific round game, when a game ball that has entered a large winning opening enters a specific area, a game profit-giving means that grants a predetermined game profit and a production execution means that executes a production during a major role game. Although the pachinko machine 100 capable of so-called first-class gaming provided with the The present invention can be applied even to a pachinko machine capable of seed games. Further, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine capable of performing a third-class game, or a pachinko machine capable of performing any of these first-class or third-class games in combination. Further, for example, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface, a start switch for detecting a start operation by a player, and a start switch corresponding to the plurality of reels are provided to stop each reel. It is equipped with a stop switch that detects a stop operation, a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit that has an effect control means that controls the effect based on commands. Based on the internal lottery means for performing the internal lottery to be determined and the detection of the start operation by the start switch, a plurality of reels are rotated, and the detection of the stop operation by the stop switch and the result of the internal lottery determined by the internal lottery means are used. The reel control means for controlling the reel stop to stop the rotating reel and the symbol combination showing the winning form predetermined for each winning combination with a plurality of reels stopped are displayed on the effective line. The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine having a winning determination means for determining that a winning combination has been won based on the above. Hereinafter, the slot machine 1 will be described in detail.

<Mechanical configuration of slot machine>
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is a so-called spinning machine, and is a type of gaming machine that plays a game using a medal as a gaming medium.

In the slot machine 1, a reel unit composed of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 as a plurality of reels is housed in a box-shaped housing composed of a storage box BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. Further, a hopper unit 920 (see FIG. 17) as a medal payout device is housed in the lower part of the reel unit in the housing. Further, in the housing of the slot machine 1, a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, and the like are mounted, and a control board for controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 is also housed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are each divided into 20 regions (hereinafter, each region is referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and each frame is divided into 20 regions. Any of the plurality of types of symbols shown in FIG. 16 is arranged.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing each symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 16, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the red 7 symbol "red 7", the white 7 symbol "white 7", the blue 7 symbol "blue 7", and the BAR symbol "BAR" , Replay symbol "RP", bell symbol "BL", cherry symbol "CH", watermelon symbol A "WMA", watermelon symbol B "WMB", and blank symbol "BLK" are arranged. Further, 20 frames of symbols are arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and each stop number 0 to 19 is assigned.

The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (not shown) as a reel driving means, and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor, respectively, and the number of pulses and pulses of the driving pulse of the stepping motor. By controlling the width and the like, it is provided so that it can be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle unit, predetermined rotation amount unit). That is, in the slot machine 1, the stepping motor rotationally drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in response to the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when the supply of the drive pulse is cut off from the control board, the stepping motor The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop as the rotation of the first reel stops.

The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is provided with a display window DW that enables observation of the rotating state and the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. In the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, they are continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, and lower symbol) can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display window DW.

Further, in the slot machine 1, upper, middle, and lower stages are provided for each reel as display positions for observing a symbol through the display window DW, and an effective line L1 is set by a combination of display positions of each reel. There is. In the slot machine 1, the number of medals required for one game, that is, the so-called specified number of medals, is 2 (2nd specified number) or 3 (1st specified number), respectively, depending on the game state. When medals corresponding to the specified number of inserted medals set in each gaming state are inserted, the effective line L1 composed of the middle stages of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated.

Then, the game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 in the display window DW, and when the symbol combination on the effective line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination, the combination is determined. As a winning combination, medals will be paid out from the hopper unit 920.

The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display unit DS including a main control display device 500. The game information display unit DS consists of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and is the total number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, and the total number of medals paid out or acquired in a bonus state. Various game information such as the total of the above, information on the winning combination in this game, and information suggesting how to press the stop buttons B1 to B3 related to the payout of medals are displayed. A winning command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in this game, when a specified number of medals are inserted into the main control display device 500 and the start lever SL is operated. The notification display, which is the display corresponding to, is displayed. Further, the main control display device 500 is a dot of a 7-segment display, which lights up when the advantageous period is started by the advantageous period control means 710 described later, and the advantageous period is not started, that is, it is not advantageous. An advantageous period notification unit 500A is provided to notify whether or not the advantageous period has started by turning off the light when the period has started.

Further, the front upper door UD is provided with an effect display device 930 for performing an effect. The effect display device 930 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images and images for assisting the game and enlivening the game. Further, in the slot machine 1, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for producing an effect are provided on the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD. From the speaker, various sounds for assisting the game and enlivening the game are output.

Various operating means are provided on the front lower door DD. As the operation means, the single bet button BT for inserting one medal and the max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals are used as the insertion operation means for inserting the credited (reserved) medals. The first reel is rotationally driven by a start lever SL as a game start operation means for causing the player to execute a start operation that triggers the start of the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and a stepping motor. Stop button B1 to stop button B3 as a stop operation means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that triggers to stop each of the reels R1 to the third reel R3, and a settlement button BS for settlement of credited medals. , A production operation device JG that accepts operations related to the production of the player is also provided.

The effect operation device JG is composed of a ring-shaped rotation operation unit JGD that can rotate left and right, and a button JGB that is provided at the rotation center of the rotation operation unit JGD and can be pressed. The rotation operation unit JGD can receive the rotation operation of the player by detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount (angle) and outputting the detected information. When the button JGB is pressed, the button JGB receives the player's pressing operation by outputting a signal to the sub-control unit 20 (see FIG. 17). The effect operation device JG is activated according to the image displayed on the effect display device 930, and when the player's operation is received within the operation valid period, various effects are executed according to the operation.

In the slot machine 1, the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot MI, or when the medal is credited in excess of the specified number of inserted medals, a single bet operation is performed in which the single bet button BT is pressed the same number of times as the specified number of inserted medals. By pressing the max bet button MB, the specified number of medals to be inserted is set to the inserted state, and the rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is set to the ready state where it is possible to start. Will be done. Then, when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are started to rotate by driving the stepping motor on the control board, and an internal lottery using random numbers is performed. On condition that the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed and the rotation has become steady, the operation of pressing the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is permitted, that is, the stop buttons B1 to the stop button B3. The stop operation by is enabled.

After that, when the player presses the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 at an arbitrary timing (hereinafter referred to as "pressing timing"), the stop signal output built in each of the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is output. The stop switch 840 as a means performs an ON operation, and changes the reel stop signal output to the control board from the OFF state to the ON state.

Further, when the player releases the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 which are in the pressed state at an arbitrary timing, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to the stop button B3 are turned off, and the reel is output to the control board. The stop signal is changed from the ON state to the OFF state. Then, the control board responds to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from the OFF state to the ON state of the reel stop signal whose signal state changes according to the pressing timing and the release timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped at the stop position.

Further, a medal payout outlet MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the lower part of the front lower door DD, and the number of medals according to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout exit MO to the medal tray MP. ing. Further, when the settlement button BS is pressed while the credited medals are stored in the game machine, it corresponds to the number of credits (the number of credited medals) from the hopper unit 920 as the settlement button BS is pressed. The settlement process for paying out the number of medals to be performed is executed, and the medals are paid out from the medal payment exit MO to the medal tray MP.

<Electrical configuration of slot machine>
FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is controlled by a main control unit 10 and a sub control unit 20, which are independent control boards. The main control unit 10 receives input signals from the input means of the medal insertion switch 810, the bet switch 820, the start switch 830, the stop switch 840, the setting change switch 850, and the reset switch 860 as the plurality of main operation detection means. Various calculations for executing the game are performed, and the operation of the output means such as the reel unit 910, the hopper unit 920, and the game information display unit DS is controlled based on the calculation results. Further, in the slot machine 1, the main control unit 10 and the sub control unit 20 are configured to enable only short-direction communication from the main control unit 10 to the sub control unit 20, and the main control unit 10 to the sub control unit 20. Although various signals can be transmitted to, the communication connection is made so that various signals cannot be transmitted from the sub control unit 20 to the main control unit 10.

The main control unit 10 controls the progress of the game, and includes a main CPU 11, a main ROM 12, and a main RAM 13. Based on the input signal from each input means, the main CPU 11 reads out the program stored in the main ROM 12 and performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or depending on the result of arithmetic processing. By transmitting a first command, which is a command generated by the main control unit 10, to another control unit, control processing related to the progress of the game is executed. The main RAM 13 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 11.

Based on the program stored in the main ROM 12, the main CPU 11 cooperates with the main RAM 13, and the setting changing means 701, the input receiving means 702, the random number generation means 703, the internal lottery means 704, the reel control means 705, and the winning determination means. It functions as a payout control means 707, a replay processing means 708, a game state transition control means 709, an advantageous period control means 710, and an instruction function state control means 711.

The setting changing means 701 controls to change the setting value stored in the main RAM 13. In the slot machine 1, the setting change is executed by inputting the setting signal which is the signal output from the setting change switch 850 provided in the power supply device housed in the storage box BX. In the slot machine 1, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won by the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 704 is changed according to the set value determined by the setting changing means 701.

The insertion receiving means 702 performs a process of validating the game start operation for the start lever SL based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the specified number of insertions during the insertion acceptance period for accepting the insertion of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the medal insertion switch 810 is activated, and the insertion reception means 702 puts the inserted medals into the insertion state up to the specified number of insertions. Set. Further, in the insertion receiving means 702, when the bet operation in which the single bet button BT or the max bet button MB is pressed is executed while the medal is credited, the bet switch 820 is activated and the specified number of insertions are made. The credited medal is set to the inserted state up to the limit.

In the slot machine 1, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL activated based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the specified number of insertions is accepted as the start operation of the game by the player, and the first reel R1 to the first reel R1 to the first. The rotation of the 3-reel R3 is started, and the internal lottery means 704, which will be described later, is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery.

The random number generation means 703, which is the main random number generation means, is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. Random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate in a predetermined count range). It should be noted that the "random number" is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, it can substantially function as a random number because the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. The value is also included.

The internal lottery means 704 performs an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of the winning combination based on the start signal output when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 830 detects the start operation. It is a means to perform, such as a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, and a lottery flag setting process.

In the lottery table selection process, which of the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the main ROM 12 is used for the internal lottery is selected based on the current gaming state. In each internal lottery table, each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535) is associated with various roles such as replay, small role and bonus, and loss (unwinning). ..

In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generation means 703 is acquired for each game based on the start signal output from the start switch 830, and the acquired random number is selected in the lottery table selection process. It is compared with the lottery table, and it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won based on the comparison result.

In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from the non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (second flag state). , ON state). In the slot machine 1, when two or more types of winning combinations are won in duplicate, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning combinations is set in the established state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the main RAM 13.

The reel control means 705 is a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 by a stepping motor based on the fact that a start signal is output from a start switch 830 that is operated by the player executing a start operation to the start lever SL. Starts the rotation drive of. Further, the reel control means 705 has a stop button B1 corresponding to each reel when the rotation state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 becomes a rotation state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm). -When the stop button B3 is pressed, the control for enabling the stop operation detected by the stop switch 840 is executed. Then, the reel control means 705 stops the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 910 when the reel stop signal is output from the stop switch 840 based on the detection of the stop operation. , Controls to stop each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. At this time, the reel control means 705 controls to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, in a state in which the lottery flag is set, that is, in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the reel control means 705 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 each time each button of the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is pressed. Then, the reel is controlled to be stopped at the determined stop position.

Further, in the slot machine 1, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed. It has become like. Here, when the rotating reel is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each rotating reel depends on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, and the reel stops from the time when the stop button is pressed. It is configured to be rotatable for up to 4 frames before it is done. In the reel control means 705, the stop button is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button to which the pressing operation is performed among the stop buttons B1 to the stop button B3. When the position is within the range of 0 to 4 frames with respect to the display position on the effective line L1 at the time when the pressing operation is performed, the symbol corresponding to the combination in which the lottery flag is set to the winning state is valid. Control is performed to stop the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button on which the pressing operation has been performed so that the reel is displayed at the display position on the line L1.

When the reel control means 705 receives the start signal output when the start switch 830 detects the start operation and starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start one game. , It is configured to set a waiting time (about 4.1 seconds) generally referred to as a wait (or wait time). When the reel control means 705 receives the start signal from the start switch 830 within the period from the setting of the standby time to the elapse of the standby time, the reel control means 705 receives the start signal from the start switch 830, and after the standby time elapses, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 Is configured to start spinning. With this configuration, the reel control means 705 can start the game after the minimum game time (about 4.1 seconds) has elapsed as a fixed time from the start of one game to the start of the next game. ..

In the winning determination means 706, when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 (the stop mode of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3) is previously set. Performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not the winning combination is in the form of winning. In the slot machine 1, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 706 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a small winning combination wins, a process of determining the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 707 is performed, and when the replay wins a prize. Causes the replay processing means 708 to perform a process of executing the game without consuming medals in the next game, and when a bonus is won, a process of operating the bonus won by the game state transition control means 709 is performed.

The payout control means 707 performs payout control in which medals corresponding to the number of payouts are paid out to the hopper unit 920 as a payout device based on the result of the prize determination process by the prize determination means 706. The hopper unit 920 is provided with a payout medal detection switch 925 that operates every time one medal is paid out. The payout control means 707 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 920 based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 925. If medals are allowed to be credited, the number of credits (credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the main RAM 13 instead of actually paying out the medals by the hopper unit 920. The number of medals is virtually paid out by performing a credit addition process that adds the number of payouts to the number of payouts.

The replay processing means 708 determines that the winning determination means 706 has stopped and displayed the symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of the plurality of types of replays on the effective line L1, and when the replay wins, the next game The replay process (replay process) is performed to set the ready state so that the game can be executed without the need to insert medals. That is, in the slot machine 1, when the replay wins, the automatic insertion process of automatically inserting the specified number of medals without using the player's own medals (including credit medals) is performed, and the previous insertion process is performed. With the same effective line L1 as in the game set, the next start operation for the start lever SL is waited for.

The game state transition control means 709 is used when the lottery flag is set to the established state in the transition of the game state between a plurality of game states having different replay winning modes and the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 704. When a bonus that is maintained in the established state until a prize is won, the game state is changed from the current gaming state to the bonus established state, and the winning bonus is activated and the operating state corresponds to the activated bonus. The game state shifts to the bonus state and the game state shift control is performed.

The advantageous period control means 710 is a period in which an advantageous period (advantageous section) in which a game in which a winning assist control for assisting a winning of a specific combination is executed is executed, and a period in which a game in which the winning assist control is not executed is executed. Performs control over the transition between a non-advantageous period (non-advantageous interval). The advantageous period control means 710, as a control relating to the transition between the advantageous period and the non-advantageous period, when the bonus is not established and the bonus is not operating in the game within the non-advantageous period. When a winning area with no setting difference is won, an advantageous period lottery is executed, which is a lottery for determining whether or not to end the non-advantageous period and start the advantageous period.

The advantageous period control means 710 has an advantageous period when a condition for ending the preset advantageous period is satisfied or when a predetermined number of games (for example, 1500 games) are executed after the advantageous period is started. Is terminated and the non-advantageous period is started from the next game, and the termination process, which is the process of initializing all the parameters related to the instruction function used during the advantageous period, is executed. Further, the advantageous period control means 710 turns on the advantageous period notification unit 500A when the advantageous period is started, and turns off the advantageous period notification unit 500A when the non-advantageous period is started.

The instruction function state control means 711 is an instruction function state among a plurality of instruction function states including an AT state which is a state in which the winning assist control can be executed when the advantageous period is started by the advantageous period control means 710. Control related to the instruction function (assist time control) including control related to the transition of. The instruction function state control means 711 corresponds to the winning area won by the internal lottery means 704 as a control for increasing the probability that a specific combination wins when the instruction function state is a state in which the winning assistance control can be executed. By creating different winning commands and transmitting the created winning commands to the main control display device 500, it is notified to which winning area the winning area won in the internal lottery is, and the stop button B1 is notified to the player. The notification display, which is a function (instruction function) for instructing the operation method of the stop button B3, is configured to be able to execute the winning auxiliary control, which is the control executed by the main control display device 500.

The sub control unit 20 controls the effect based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 10, and includes a sub CPU 21, a sub ROM 22, and a sub RAM 23. The sub CPU 21 reads a program stored in the sub ROM 22 and performs arithmetic processing based on an external signal such as a command transmitted from the main control unit 10 or an input signal from a timer, and also performs arithmetic processing, and also performs an effect display device 930 and sound. The control related to the effect of causing the effect device 900 including the device 940 to execute the effect is executed. The sub RAM 23 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 21.

In the sub ROM 22, various programs such as the effect program P11, the random number seed generation program P21, the random number generation program P31, the task management program P41, the random number acquisition driver P51, and the debug information acquisition driver P61, and the contents of the effect are determined. Data such as a plurality of effect lottery tables are stored, and the sub CPU 21 reads the programs stored in these sub ROMs 22 and performs arithmetic processing, whereby the effect control means, the random number seed generation means, the random number generation means, and the task. Functions as a management means. Further, the sub RAM 23 is provided with a random number buffer 6021a1 in which random numbers used by the effect program P11 when executing the effect lottery process are stored.

The effect control means functions by reading and executing the effect program P11 by the sub CPU 21, and executes control related to the effect such as the effect lottery process in which the effect to be executed is determined based on a random number. The effect control means executes these processes based on an external signal such as a command transmitted from the main control unit 10, an input signal from the timer, and a player's input to the effect operation device 800.

The random number seed generation means is a means that functions by being read and executed by the random number seed generation program P21 by the sub CPU 21, and is a basis for calculating a software random number (pseudo-random number) used in the above-mentioned effect lottery process. Generates a random number species (hereinafter also referred to as a seed value).

The random number generation means functions by reading and executing the random number generation program P31 by the sub CPU 21, and executes a random number generation process for generating random numbers by calculation based on a predetermined random number generation algorithm. As described above, the random number generation program P31 executes the random number generation process when the slot machine 1 is powered on and when the system is stable.

The task management means functions by reading and executing the task management program P41 by the sub CPU 21, and sets the priority of the task related to the control process executed by the sub CPU 21. The task management means updates the priority setting every predetermined time with a short interval (cycle of 30 fps (33.33 ms) in the present embodiment), and the sub CPU 21 performs a task that can be executed within the predetermined time. Sequential processing is performed according to priority. By repeatedly executing the above processes, the player can see that a plurality of processes are being executed at the same time.

Similar to the pachinko machine 100 described above, the slot machine 1 is also provided with a random number buffer 6021a1 and generates and stores random numbers by the random number generation program P31 in advance before the effect program P11 uses the random numbers. The timing is shifted to a timing other than when random numbers are used. As a result, for example, after the start switch 830 detects the start operation, the period between each stop button B1 and the stop button B3 being pressed, or when the demo screen is displayed when the game is not executed by the player, the sub A random number can be generated in a low processing load state in which the input of an external signal to the CPU 21 is a predetermined amount or less, and the processing load related to the random number generation can be distributed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid allocating the processing capacity of the sub CPU 21 for random number generation when the sub CPU 21 is in a high load state such as when the above-mentioned effect is switched.

Further, also in the slot machine 1, similarly to the pachinko machine 100 described above, a 32-bit random number generated by the random number generation program P31 is divided into 16-bit random numbers via, for example, a random number buffer 6021a1 having a 16-bit configuration. When used for P11, the random number generation process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and the determination process of the number of 32-bit random numbers generated (N) can be performed, and the same effects as described above can be expected. Further, in the slot machine 1 as well as the pachinko machine 100 described above, when the random number buffer 6021a1 is arranged, an alternative process (FIGS. 13 (b) and (c)) for dealing with the exhaustion of the random number buffer 6021a1 is provided. The configuration of the random number acquisition driver, especially the buffer mode that inputs and outputs random numbers via the random number buffer 6021a and the direct mode that does not pass through the random number buffer 6021a, is provided, and the situation related to the exhaustion of random numbers, in other words, the demand and supply of random numbers. A configuration for switching between the buffer mode and the direct mode (FIGS. 13A to 13C) can be implemented according to the above, and the same effect as described above can be expected. Further, it is possible to implement a configuration (FIG. 14) of a random number generation program P31 having a recovery process for detecting a random number generation abnormality and performing a recovery process in response to the occurrence of the random number generation abnormality, and expects the same effects as described above. can.

The inventions described in the above-described embodiments may be combined in any way, and the contents of the random number generation process described in the embodiments of the pachinko machine 100 are naturally applied to the slot machine 1. can do. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a so-called ART machine, which is a combination of an RT state in which the replay probability fluctuates and an AT state, has been described. The present invention can also be applied to a normal machine that increases the number of balls to be played, mainly a bonus.

100: Game machine (pachinko machine), 6021a: Storage means (random number buffer), P1: Lottery means (effect program: effect control means), P3: Random number generation means (random number generation program), P4: Task management means (task management) Program), P5: Random number generation driver

Claims (1)

Control means that controls based on random numbers,
Random number generation means that generates random numbers based on a predetermined algorithm,
A division means for dividing a random number generated by the random number generation means into a plurality of random numbers, and a division means.
Equipped with
The random numbers divided into a plurality of pieces by the dividing means are output to the control means without leaving the order in which the random numbers are generated .
The control means is a gaming machine characterized in that control is performed based on a divided random number.

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