JP7104590B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

As a gaming machine, a gaming medium such as a gaming ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming medium wins a prize in a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the player. There is a pachinko game machine.

In addition, as a gaming machine separate from the pachinko gaming machine, it is equipped with a variable display unit having a plurality of (usually three) reels on which a plurality of types of patterns as identification information are drawn on the outer peripheral portion, and all reels. There is a slot machine in which a prize is generated according to the display result derived when the rotation of is stopped.

As such a gaming machine, after setting on information for opening the solenoid that opens and closes the opening and closing wings of the winning opening, it is determined whether the opening time has elapsed, and if not, the on information is displayed. A gaming machine that maintains and sets off information when it has passed has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-176969

However, when there are a plurality of conditions for the output of the signal as described above, there is a possibility that the processing becomes complicated and an unintended problem may occur.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to simplify processing and prevent erroneous signal output.

It is a gaming machine (slot machine 1) capable of playing games.
A processing means (for example, main CPU 41a) for executing a predetermined process is provided.
The predetermined process executed by the processing means includes a main process (for example, the main process shown in FIG. 9) and an interrupt process (for example, FIG. 9) executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt. The timer interrupt process (main) shown in 16 is included.
The processing means
In the interrupt process, an output process for outputting the output data set in the output data storage area (for example, an output port output process) and
In the main process, the main side setting process (for example, LED data A setting process, LED data B setting process) for setting the output data in the output data storage area, and
In the interrupt process, it is possible to execute an interrupt side setting process (for example, LED data C setting process, LED data D setting process) for setting the output data in the output data storage area .
The main side setting process is performed when the output conditions (for example, the activation condition of LED data A and the activation condition of LED data B) are satisfied after clearing the data set in the output data storage area. It is a process of setting the output data in the output data storage area (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main side setting process, after the LED data A and B are set to OFF, the activation condition of the LED data A is set. This is a process in which LED data A is set to ON when the condition for establishment is satisfied, and LED data B is set to ON when the condition for enabling LED data B is satisfied.)
The processing means
During the main side setting process, after prohibiting the execution of the interrupt process, the data set in the output data storage area is cleared.
After setting the output data in the output data storage area during the main side setting process, the prohibition of execution of the interrupt process is released.
The interrupt side setting process is performed when the output conditions (for example, the activation condition of the signal data C and the activation condition of the signal data D) are not satisfied after the output data is set in the output data storage area. It is a process of clearing the data set in the output data storage area (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the interrupt side setting process is to enable the signal data C after turning on the signal data C and D. This is a process in which the setting of the signal data C is set to OFF when the condition is not satisfied, and the setting of the signal data D is set to OFF when the activation condition of the signal data D is not satisfied).

It is a front view of the slot machine of the Example to which this invention was applied. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the memory map of ROM and RAM mounted on the main control part. It is a figure which shows the input / output port map. It is a figure which shows the error code. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the start processing (main) performed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the built-in register setting process performed by a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main processing performed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the input / withdrawal error check processing performed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the error processing performed by the main control part. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the control content of the reel stop control processing performed by a main control part. It is a flowchart (2) which shows the control content of the reel stop control processing performed by a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the setting process at the end of a game performed by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interrupt process (main) performed by the main control unit. This is a timing chart (No. 1) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control process. It is a timing chart (No. 2) for explaining the stop setting in a reel stop control process. It is a timing chart (No. 3) for explaining the stop setting in a reel stop control process. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the output processing of a payout signal. It is a figure (the 2) for demonstrating the output processing of a payout signal. It is a figure (the 3) for demonstrating the output processing of a payout signal. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the safety about interrupt prohibition. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the setting of output data.

An embodiment of the present embodiment for implementing a slot machine as a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below. The present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and game machines, regardless of the slot machine.

[Slot machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b rotatably pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference are inside the housing 1a of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. (Also referred to as) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided on the front door 1b. It is arranged so that it can be seen from.

On the outer periphery of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a plurality of types of symbols that can be distinguished from each other (for example, "7", "BAR", "watermelon", "cherry", "bell", "replay", etc.) are specified. 21 pieces are drawn in each order. The patterns drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3 provided at substantially the center of the front door 1b.

Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is rotated by the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 3) provided corresponding to each, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. While the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped rotating, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the perspective window 3 as a display result.

In the reels 2L, 2C, 2R of this embodiment, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are used to rotate the reels 2L, 2C, 2R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface, so that the player can use the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. Although it is possible to perform variable display for moving a plurality of visible symbols, the means for performing variable display for moving a plurality of symbols may be other than the reel, for example, a plurality of visible symbols on the outer peripheral surface. It may be configured so that the variable display can be performed by moving the belt on which the symbol is arranged.

Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, there are reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R that detect the reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back. Is provided. Further, the reel LED 55 is composed of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each symbol can be independently irradiated.

Further, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are arranged so as to output a detection signal when the lower end of the symbol region of the symbol number 1 for each reel 2L, 2C, 2R passes a predetermined position on each reel. For each reel, the lower end of the symbol area of symbol number 1 is the reel reference position.

A display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a liquid crystal panel that has transparency in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and passes through the transmission region 51b and the perspective window 3 corresponding to the perspective window 3 of the display region 51a. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b has a medal insertion section 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a player-owned game value). The MAXBET switch 6 operated when setting the maximum number of medals (MAXBET number) out of the specified number of medals (BET number) determined according to the gaming state within the range is stored as a credit. Settlement switch 10, which is operated when the medals used for setting the medals and the number of bets are settled (the medals used for setting the credits and the number of bets are returned), when the game (game) is started. The start switch 7 to be operated, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to be operated when the rotations of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, and the effect switch 56 used for the effect are provided so as to be operable by the player. ing.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b shows a credit display 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, and the contents when an error occurs. Game auxiliary display 12 that displays an error code, etc., 1BETLED14 that notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 1, 2BETLED15 that notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 2, and 3 settings to the number of bets. 3BETLED16 that notifies by lighting that the game is being inserted, insertion request LED17 that notifies by lighting that the medal can be inserted, and start effective LED18 that notifies by lighting that the game start operation by operating the start switch 7 is effective. , Waiting LED19 to notify by lighting that the wait (a state of waiting for the start of rotation of the reel because a certain period of time has not passed since the previous game start) is in progress, Notification by lighting that the replay game is in progress A game display unit 13 provided with an LED 20 during replay is provided.

Inside the MAXBET switch 6, a BET switch effective LED21 (see FIG. 3) is provided to notify by lighting that the operation of setting the number of bets by operating the MAXBET switch 6 is effective, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, Inside the 8R, left, middle, and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R (see FIG. 3) are provided to notify by lighting that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is effective. An effect LED 56a (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the effect switch 56 to notify by lighting that the operation of the effect switch 56 is effective.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. Inside the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 2, a reset switch 23 that detects a reset operation for canceling an error state and a stop state, which will be described later, without opening the front door 1b by a predetermined key operation. The set value display 24, which displays the set value at that time while changing the set value or checking the set value, which will be described later, is in a stopped state (the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed). Stop switch 36a for selecting enable / disable of the stop function to control the state), automatic settlement processing (medals stored as credits are settled (returned) regardless of the player's operation) at a predetermined opportunity. The automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting the enable / disable of the automatic settlement function controlled by the processing), and the flow path of the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are provided in the hopper tank 34a described later inside the housing 1a. (See FIG. 2) Inserted medals for detecting medals inserted from the flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to either the side or the medal payout outlet 9 side and the medal insertion unit 4 and flowing down to the hopper tank 34a side. The sensor 31, the medal selector 29 having the insertion port sensor 26 for detecting the insertion of foreign matter on the upstream side of the insertion medal sensor 31, and the door opening detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the open state of the front door 1b are provided. There is.

Inside the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 2, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 3), and the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively, are located. Reel unit 2 composed of detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 3), external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal (see FIG. 3), and medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are stored. The hopper tank 34a, the hopper motor 34b for paying out the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout outlet 9 (see FIG. 3), and the payout sensor 34c for detecting the medal paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 3). A hopper unit 34 and a power supply box 100 (see FIG. 3) are provided.

An overflow tank 35 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a is provided on the side of the hopper unit 34. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting that the stored medals are full is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front surface of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in normal times. However, in the setting change state, the reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing the setting value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery described later, and the power supply that is operated when the power is turned on / off. A switch 39 is provided.

Since the power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a and the front door 1b can be opened by a predetermined key operation possessed by a clerk or the like, the power supply box 100 is provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100. The setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 can be operated only by a person such as a clerk who has the key, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires further key operation after opening the front door 1b by key operation, only the clerk who has the key to operate the setting key switch 37 among the clerk of the game store. It is possible to operate.

When playing a game on the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, or the number of bets is set using credits. To use the credit, operate the MAXBET switch 6. When the specified number of bets determined according to the game state is set, the winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Become. If more than the maximum number of medals are inserted out of the specified number corresponding to the gaming state, that amount will be added to the credit.

The winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the middle stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, and the middle stage of the reel 2R, that is, the middle stage wins a prize. It is defined as a line. In this embodiment, only one winning line is applied, but a plurality of winning lines may be applied.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to make it easier to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting the winning, the invalid lines LM1 to 4 (LM1 is the left middle right reel) separately from the winning line LN. LM2 is a line extending over each middle stage of the left middle right reel, LM3 is a line extending over each lower stage of the left middle right reel, and LM4 is a line extending over each lower stage of the left middle right reel and middle stage of the middle reel. , The line over the upper part of the right reel.) Is set. The invalid lines LM1 to LM1 to 4 are not determined to win by the combination of the symbols aligned with the invalid lines LM1 to 4, but are invalid lines when the combination of the symbols constituting the specific winning is aligned with the winning line LN. By configuring the combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) that will be awarded when the winning line LN is aligned with any of LM1 to LM4, the symbols constituting the winning line LN are the symbols that constitute a specific winning. This makes it easier to recognize that the combinations are complete.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the invalid line LM1 and the reel 2L are set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the upper stage of the reel 2L, the upper stage of the reel 2C, and the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the upper stage. The lower tier, the lower tier of the reel 2C, the lower tier of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM2 set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the lower tier, the upper tier of the reel 2L, the middle tier of the reel 2C, the lower tier of the reel 2R, that is. Invalid line set across symbols lined up to the right LM3, lower row of reel 2L, middle row of reel 2C, upper row of reel 2R, that is, invalid line set across symbols lined up to the right Four types of LM4 are defined as invalid line LMs.

Further, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, a prize is won when a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, "bell-watermelon-cherry") defined as a winning combination is prepared in the winning line LN, and a predetermined combination of symbols is obtained. When the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are aligned, the combination of symbols (for example, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon"), which is an index that is easier to recognize than the predetermined symbol combination, is aligned, so that the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are aligned. Includes roles that can be made to look like a prize by combining any of the symbols. In the following, when a predetermined combination of symbols is aligned with the winning line LN, the combination of symbols aligned with any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 is referred to as a symbol combination as an index, and a combination of symbols as an index is configured. The symbol is called an index symbol.

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

When all reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a combination of symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination) predetermined on the winning line LN is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. If the game is stopped as a result, a prize will be generated, and a number of medals determined according to the prize will be given to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the maximum number of credits (50 in this embodiment) is reached, medals are directly paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 (see FIG. 1). Further, when the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the gaming state stops on the winning line LN as the display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, the combination of symbols is shifted to the gaming state according to the combination of symbols. ..

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

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

Further, in the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate and the symbol changes start, any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated. When this is done, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped and the symbol is displayed as stopped. The maximum stop delay time from when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated to when the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped is 190 milliseconds (ms).

The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute and change the symbol of 80 x 20 (the number of symbol frames per reel) = 1600 frames, so that the maximum number of symbols is 4 in 190 milliseconds. Will be able to be drawn in. That is, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are up to 4 frames ahead of them, for a total of 5 frames.

Therefore, for example, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated and the symbol displayed on the lower part of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol displayed as the reference is 4 from the reference symbol. Since the symbols up to the frame destination can be displayed in the lower row, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated on each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel corresponding to the stop switch wins a prize. The symbols arranged within 5 frames including the symbols displayed on the line can be displayed on the winning line.

In the following, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be simply referred to as reels when it is not necessary to distinguish them. Further, the reel 2L may be referred to as a left reel, the reel 2C may be referred to as a middle reel, and the reel 2R may be referred to as a right reel. Further, the operation of stopping the reels 2L, 2C, 2R by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R may be referred to as a stop operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game control board 40 controls the game, and the effect control board 90 controls the game. The effect is controlled according to the state, and the power supply board 101 generates a drive power source for the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies the drive power source to each part.

An AC100V power supply is supplied to the power supply board 101 from the outside, and a DC voltage required for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply, so that the game control board 40 and the staging control board 90 are generated. It is supposed to be supplied to. Further, the above-mentioned hopper motor 34b, payout sensor 34c, full tank sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

The game control board 40 includes the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the input medal sensor 31, and the door opening. The detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are connected, and the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, and the reset / setting switch 38 described above are connected via the power supply board 101. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. Further, on the game control board 40, the above-mentioned credit display 11, game auxiliary display 12, 1 to 3 BETLED 14 to 16, input request LED 17, start effective LED 18, wait LED 19, replay LED 20, BET switch effective LED 21, left. , Middle, right stop effective LED 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, flow path switching solenoid 30, reel motor 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the above-mentioned hopper motor 34b is connected via the power supply board 101. These electrical components are connected and are driven under the control of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40.

The game control board 40 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I / O port 41d, and is provided with a random number circuit for generating a random number for an internal lottery, and processes related to the progress of the game. It is input from the main control unit 41 that directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40, and the switches connected directly to the game control board 40 or via the power supply board 101. The switch detection circuit 44 that captures the detected detection signal and transmits it to the main control unit 41, and the motor drive signal (stepping motor phase signals φ0 to φ3) output from the main control unit 41 are transmitted to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R. The motor drive circuit 45, the solenoid drive circuit 46 that transmits the solenoid drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to the flow path switching solenoid 30, and the LED drive signal output from the main control unit 41 are transmitted to the game control board 40. When the LED drive circuit 47 transmitted to various connected indicators and LEDs and the voltage of the power supply supplied to the slot machine 1 are monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that fact is mainly controlled. A power failure detection circuit 48 that outputs to the unit 41 and a reset circuit 49 that gives a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in a state where the power supply is unstable such as when the power is turned on or when the power is cut off are mounted. ..

The main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91. The command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is sent in only one direction, and the command is not sent from the sub control unit 91 to the main control unit 41.

Further, the I / O port 41d includes output ports 0 to 9, and the main control unit 41 can output control signals of the left, middle, and right reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R from the output port 0 and the output port 1. be. It is possible to output the control signals of the left / middle / right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R and the control signal of the flow path switching solenoid 30 from the output port 2. The control signal of the hopper motor 34b and the external output signal can be output from the output port 3. Outputs control signals of credit display 11, game auxiliary display 12, 1 to 3 BETLED 14 to 16, input request LED 17, start effective LED 18, wait LED 19, replay LED 20, BET switch effective LED 21 from output port 4 and output port 5. It is possible. A test signal can be output from the output port 6. An external output signal can be output from the output port 7.

The main control unit 41 repeatedly loops the processing according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes as the main processing, and responds to the change in the detection state of the various switches. Execute the process of gradual migration. Further, the main control unit 41 executes a timer interrupt process (main) at regular time intervals (about 0.56 milliseconds in this embodiment). The execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to be longer than the total time of the time in which the process repeated according to the control state in the main process completes and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main). Therefore, the process of repeating according to the control state always completes at least one cycle between this time and the next timer interrupt process (main).

A staging switch 56 is connected to the staging control board 90, and a detection signal of the staging switch 56 is input. Further, an effect device such as a liquid crystal display 51, an effect LED 52, speakers 53, 54, and a reel LED 55 is connected, and these effect devices are based on control by a sub control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90. It is designed to be driven. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the staging control board 90 controls the output of the staging device such as the liquid crystal display 51, the staging effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55. However, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the staging device is mounted on the staging control board 90 or another board separately from the sub control unit 91, and the sub control unit 91 is based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the staging device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the staging device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output control may be used. The output of the staging device is controlled by both units. Further, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55 are illustrated as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to these, and for example, a mechanically driven display is used. A device or a mechanically driven role object may be applied as a staging device.

The effect control board 90 includes a sub control unit 91 composed of a microcomputer provided with a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I / O port 91d to control the effect, and a liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90. The display control circuit 92 that controls the display, the effect LED 52, the LED drive circuit 93 that controls the drive of the reel LED 55, and the audio output circuit 94 that controls the audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, when the power is turned on or A reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain period of time, and a switch detection circuit 96 that detects a detection signal input from switches connected to the effect control board 90. , The clock device 97 that outputs time information including date information and time information, and when the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 is monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that fact is sent to the sub CPU 91a. A power failure detection circuit 98 that outputs to the signal and other circuits are mounted.

The sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40 to perform various controls for performing the effect, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. Control.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using the winning probability according to the set value in a lottery that affects the player's advantage such as an internal lottery. The set value is composed of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the lower the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is, the lower the advantage is.

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

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

Then, in this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, the winning line that is activated (in the case of this embodiment, the winning line LN is always enabled, so that it is enabled in the following. A prize is won when a combination of symbols called a role is aligned on the winning line LN (simply called a winning line). The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

The types of winning roles are determined according to the game status, but they can be broadly divided into small roles that involve the payout of medals and re-starting the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a game role (replay) and a special role (bonus) that accompanies a transition to a game state that is advantageous to the player. In the following, the small role and the replay role will be collectively referred to as the general role. In order for each winning combination determined according to the gaming state to be won, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag of the winning combination in the RAM 41c. The internal lottery is performed before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7) whether or not the main control unit 41 allows the above-mentioned winning of each winning combination. Is determined by using a random number (at the time of detection). Of the winning flags for each of these combinations, the winning flags for the small combination and the replay combination are valid only in the game in which the flags are set, and are invalid in the next game, but the winning flag for the special combination is , It is valid until the combinations of the allowed combinations are complete by the flag, and is invalid in the game in which the combinations of the allowed combinations are complete. That is, once the winning flag of the special role is won, even if the combination of the winning combination permitted by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

In addition, in the internal lottery, a general role (hereinafter referred to as a duplicate winning combination) that is won in duplicate with the special combination is provided, and if the duplicate winning combination is won in the internal lottery, the special role is also duplicated. It is possible to win the prize, and it is suggested that the special combination may have been won by stopping the symbol combination constituting the duplicate winning combination on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. It has become.

Further, in the internal lottery, a small winning combination that can generate a winning by aligning the symbols constituting the winning combination with the winning line LN only when the stopping operation is performed in a predetermined stop order. A re-game combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a push order combination), a small combination that can generate a prize by aligning the symbols that make up the combination with the winning line LN regardless of the stop order, and a re-game combination (replaying combination) (Sometimes called non-pushing order) can be won.

In addition, in the internal lottery, as the winning combination, a special role (special small role or special replaying role) different from the normal role is included, and by winning the special role in the internal lottery, it is stipulated. The right (hereinafter referred to as AT right) controlled by the assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) described later can be won over the number of games.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 notifies the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, which is advantageous for the player according to the internal lottery result, by the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12. It is possible to control the assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT), which is the notification period during which notification can be executed, and the right to be controlled by AT is elected, and a predetermined start condition (for example, after the AT right is elected) is predetermined. The main control unit 41 starts controlling the AT when the number of games has passed and the predetermined symbol combination is stopped at the reels 2L, 2C, 2R after the AT right is won. , Control to AT. Then, when the AT is controlled, by winning the navigation target combination (corresponding combination among the above-mentioned push order combinations) according to the game state, the navigation notification is executed, which is advantageous for the player. By notifying the operation mode (pushing order, operation timing) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and transmitting a command capable of specifying an operation mode that is advantageous to the player to the sub-control unit 91, the liquid crystal display A navigation effect using a display 51 or the like is executed. By operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the operation mode notified by the navigation notification and the navigation effect, the push order winning combination won in the internal lottery can be reliably won. In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 can execute the navigation notification and execute the navigation effect by satisfying certain conditions even in the normal state where the AT does not control the control.

Next, the stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R performed by the main control unit 41 will be described. The main control unit 41 uses the winning number, the table index stored in the ROM 41b, and the table creation data when the reels start to rotate and when the reels stop and the reels that are still rotating remain. Refer to it and create a stop control table for each spinning reel. Then, when any operation corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected among the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to, and the referenced stop control table is slipped. Based on the number of frames, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R.

In this embodiment, a value of 0 to 4 is set as the number of sliding frames, and it is possible to pull in a maximum of 4 symbols to stop the reel after detecting the stop operation. That is, the stop position of the symbol can be specified from a range of up to 5 frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. Further, since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to pull in a maximum of four symbols after detecting the stop operation to stop the reel, and stop when the stop operation is detected. The stop position of the symbol can be specified from a range of up to 5 symbols including the operation position.

In this embodiment, when any of the winning combinations is won, when the stop operation is performed, the winning winning combinations can be stopped together on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames. If possible, control is performed to align and stop the winning combination, and control is performed to stop the winning combination without aligning it within a pull-in range of a maximum of 4 frames.

If the special role and the small role are won at the same time, such as when the special role is carried over from before the previous game and the small role is won, the maximum on the winning line is when the stop operation is performed. If the winning small wins can be aligned and stopped within the pull-in range of 4 frames, control is performed to align and stop the small wins that have been won within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames on the winning line. If it is not possible to draw in, if it is possible to align and stop the winning special roles in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, control will be performed to align and stop, and the winning combination will be stopped. Control is performed so that the four frames are stopped without being aligned within the pull-in range of four frames. That is, in such a case, the control of aligning the small winning combination on the winning line is prioritized over the special winning combination, and the special winning combination can be won only when the small winning combination cannot be drawn in. If the special role and the small role can be drawn in at the same time, only the small role will be drawn in, and the small role will not be aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special role. Also, when a special role and a small role are won at the same time, the control to align the special role on the winning line is prioritized over the small role, and only when the special role cannot be drawn in, the small role is placed on the winning line. Alignment control may be performed.

Further, in this embodiment, when the special role and the re-game combination are won at the same time, such as when the special role is carried over from before the previous game and the re-game combination is won, the stop operation is performed. At that time, control is performed so that the symbols of the re-game combination are aligned and stopped within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames on the winning line. In this case, the symbols constituting the re-game combination or the symbols constituting the re-game combination to be elected at the same time are arranged within 5 symbols, that is, within 4 frames for all of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. Since it can be stopped at any position within the pull-in range of 4 frames, if the special role and the re-game combination are won at the same time, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player. Instead, all the replay roles will be awarded. That is, in such a case, the control of aligning the re-game combination on the winning line is prioritized over the special combination, and the re-game combination is sure to win the prize. If the special role and the re-game role can be drawn in at the same time, only the re-game role will be drawn in, and the special role will not be aligned on the winning line at the same time as the re-game role.

In this embodiment, the reel stop control is performed using a stop control table that can specify the number of slip frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. However, the stop position that can specify the stop position can be specified. A configuration that specifies the stop position from the table and stops the reel at the specified stop position, and searches for a stop position that can be stopped at the timing when the stop operation is performed without using the stop control table or stop position table. Configuration that performs stop control to specify and stop the reel at the specified stop position, stop control using the stop control table, stop control using the stop position table, stop without using the stop control table or stop position table A configuration in which stop control by searching and specifying a stop position may be used together, or a configuration in which a stop control table or a stop position table is partially changed to perform stop control may be used.

[About the memory area and program of the main control unit]
FIG. 4 is an address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the memory area used by the main control unit 41 includes a memory area (0000H to EFFFH) allocated to the ROM 41b and a memory area (F000H to FFFFH) allocated to the RAM 41c.

The memory area of the ROM 41b includes a program / data area (0000H to 2FBFH) in which the program and fixed data are stored, and another area (2FC0H to EFFFH). The other areas are a ROM comment area where arbitrary data such as the program title and version can be set, and a vector table area where the upper address of the subroutine of the CALLV instruction and the start address of the timer interrupt process (main) are set. The HW parameter area in which parameters for setting the internal functions of the main control unit 41 in terms of hardware are set, and an unused area in which access is prohibited are included.

The memory area of the RAM 41c is composed of a usable area (F000H to F400H) that can be used as a work and other areas (F401H to FFFFH). The other area includes an internal function register area (FE00H to FEACH) in which a register group for controlling each function mounted on the main control unit 41 is stored.

The program / data area in the ROM 41b is related to the game progress, the game program area in which the game program related to the progress of the game is stored, the game data area in which the game data used by the game program is stored, the unused area 1, and the game progress. It includes a non-game program area in which no non-game program is stored, a non-game data area in which non-game data used by the non-game program is stored, and an unused area 2.

Note that the progress of the game is to proceed with a series of processes that make up the game, and if it is a slot machine, at the stage where the number of bets can be set and the game can be started, the game is started and the reels are rotated. The stage of causing the reel to be stopped, the stage of deriving the display result, and the stage of giving a value such as a medal according to the display result are advanced.

In the above, the front and back of the storage area are the magnitude relations of the address values assigned to the storage area, and the smaller address is the front and the larger address is the rear. Therefore, the storage area allocated after the one storage area corresponds to the storage area having an address value larger than that of the one storage area, and is the storage area allocated before the one storage area. , A storage area whose address value is smaller than that of one storage area is applicable.

The RAM 41c includes a game RAM area used as a work by the game program, an unused area 3, a stack area in which the game program saves data, a non-game RAM area used by the non-game program as a work, and an unused area 4. Includes a stack area where non-gaming programs save data.

The game RAM area is composed of areas A to D. Here, the areas A to D are called all initialization target areas, the areas B to D are called the initialization target areas at the end of setting change, the areas C to D are called the initialization target areas at the end of the bonus, and the areas D are called. It is called the initialization target area at the end of the game. The entire initialization target area is an area that is initialized by performing a predetermined operation when a RAM error occurs. The area to be initialized at the end of setting change is an area that is initialized when the setting change is completed. The area to be initialized at the end of the bonus is an area that is initialized at the end of the bonus. The area to be initialized at the end of the game is an area that is initialized every time the game ends.

In the following, the game program area, the game data area, and the game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a game area, and the non-game program area, the non-game data area, and the non-game RAM area may be collectively referred to as a non-game area. .. Further, the unused area 1, the unused area 2, the unused area 3 and the unused area 4 may be collectively referred to as an unused area.

[Instructions used by the program]
The program executed by the main control unit 41 includes a main routine that manages the progress of the entire program and a subroutine that is called during the execution of another program.

Further, a CALL instruction (call instruction) is included as an instruction for causing the main control unit 41 to execute the program stored in the program / data area. The CALL instruction is an instruction that calls and executes a subroutine stored at an address specified in the main routine or the subroutine. When the subroutine is called by the CALL instruction, the main control unit 41 stores the address of the caller in the stack area, and calls and executes the subroutine stored in the designated address. Then, at the end of the subroutine, the RET instruction (return instruction) returns to the address of the caller stored in the stack area, that is, the program of the main routine or the subroutine of the caller that executed the CALL instruction.

The main control unit 41 includes an LD instruction as an instruction to read the data stored in the program / data area. The LD instruction is an instruction to read the 1-byte data stored at the address specified in the main routine or the subroutine into the specified register. The main control unit 41 reads the data stored at the address specified by the LD instruction, and stores the read data in the register specified by the LD instruction. On the other hand, the LDW instruction is an instruction to read the 2-byte data stored at the address specified in the main routine or the subroutine into the specified register.

Here, the game program is a program related to the progress of the game, and is a program for executing a process that hinders the progress of the game unless the process based on the program is executed. On the other hand, the non-game program is a program that is not related to the progress of the game, and even if it is called from the game program and returns to the game program without executing the process based on the program, the game can be progressed. It is a program for executing processing.

[I / O port]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input / output port map. The I / O port 41d includes input ports 0 to 2 and output ports 0 to 8. Detection signals of various connected devices are input from each input port. Various control signals, test signals, and external output signals can be output from each output port. Eight types of signals (D0 to D7 in FIG. 5) can be input or output from each input port or each output port. For example, the main control unit 41 detects left, middle, and right stop switch signals from D0 to D2 of the input port 0 based on the operation of the left, middle, and right stop switches. For example, the left reel motor signal (φ0 to φ3) can be output from D0 to D3 of the output port 0. As a result, the left reel motor can be driven, and the left reel is rotated or stopped. The signal shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and signals other than the signals may be output, and the signal may be input / output from any port.

[Error code]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an error code. As shown in FIG. 6, the error command includes error codes E1 to E8 that can identify the type of abnormality that is occurring. E1 is an overflow error and indicates that the overflow tank 35 is full, E2 is a hopper empty error and an empty state of the hopper tank 34a is detected, and E3 is a medal. It is a clogging error and indicates that a foreign substance near the medal payout outlet 9 has been detected. Indicates that the above has been detected, E5 indicates a medal insertion error, and the insertion medal sensor 31 has detected an abnormal passage of a medal, and E6 indicates a reel rotation error and a reel. Indicates that an abnormality in rotation has been detected, E7 indicates an abnormal winning error, and an internal lottery indicates that a winning combination for which winning is not allowed has been detected, and E8 is a RAM error and at startup. It indicates that it is detected that the data in the RAM 41c is not normal.

[Control contents of various processes]
The control contents of various processes performed by the main control unit 41 by executing the game program and the non-game program will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16.

[Startup process (main)]
First, the start-up process (main), which is the start-up process performed by the main control unit 41, will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the activation process (main) performed by the main control unit. The activation process (main) is a main routine included in the game program.

When the power supply to the slot machine 1 is started, the main control unit 41 starts with the timer interrupt set to be prohibited due to the occurrence of a reset, and performs various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 41b. ..

As shown in FIG. 7, when the main control unit 41 is activated, an activation process (main) is performed. In the start-up process (main), first, the timer interrupt is set to be prohibited (Sa1). Hereinafter, setting the timer interrupt to prohibit is also referred to as performing an interrupt prohibition setting, and setting the timer interrupt to the permitted state is also referred to as performing an interrupt permission setting.

Next, the initial settings of all output ports are performed (Sa2). At that time, first, the initial settings for the output boats 3 and 4, then the initial settings for the output boats 1 and 2, then the initial settings for the output boats 5 and 6, and finally, the output boat 7 Make initial settings for. The initial setting of the output port means to turn off the signal output from the output port. That is, when some signal is output, the output of the signal is stopped by the initial setting of the output port.

Here, the output instruction to the output port can be performed in units of 1 byte (8 bits) or 2 bytes (16 bits). As shown in FIG. 5, eight types of signals are output from each output port. Then, when issuing an output command with each bit set to 0 for one port, 00H (0 data for 8 bits) is set for the output port and the output command is issued. When an output command is issued with each bit set to 0 for two adjacent ports, 0000H (0 data for 16 bits) is set for the output port and the output command is issued.

In this way, it is possible to issue a signal output command to two adjacent ports at once. In the present embodiment, for example, by issuing an output command to the two ports of the output boats 3 and 4, the initial settings of the two ports can be performed at the same time.

Here, the initial setting of the output port is performed in order to prevent various devices from malfunctioning. When the slot machine 1 is started, if a signal is output from the output port in the ON state due to the influence of noise or the like, various devices malfunction. In particular, a popper motor control signal is output from D7 of the output port 3, and there is a risk that the hopper motor will be driven and medals will be paid out due to a malfunction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, the initial settings are made from the output boats 3 and 4. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the hopper motor from malfunctioning as much as possible.

Next, the built-in register setting process (Sa3) is performed. The built-in register is a register for setting a function in the main CPU 41a. The built-in register setting process sets the set values in multiple areas that need to be set when starting control.

Next, the initial setting process (Sa4) is performed. The initial setting process is started in a state in which timer interrupt is prohibited by step Sa1. In the initial setting process, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c. If there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c, the entire initialization target area (areas A to D) is initialized.

When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 41c, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state with reference to the input port 2. If it is determined that the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, the setting change process is performed. In the setting change process, the set value is confirmed by operating the reset / setting switch 38 and the start switch 7 in a predetermined procedure, and it is detected that the setting key switch 37 is turned off, so that the setting change process is performed. Is finished, and the game shifts to a state where it can proceed. Further, in the setting change process, when the setting change process is started, a setting command (start) indicating that the setting change process is started is transmitted to the sub control unit 91, and when the setting change process is finished, the setting change process is completed. A setting command (end) is provided to indicate that the setting change process is to be terminated. When the setting change process is completed, the initialization target areas (areas B to D) at the end of the setting change are initialized.

When it is determined that the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c. If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the RAM 41c, the output buffer for outputting the external output signal is cleared. Further, it is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and clears a reel error counter for counting the number of times a reel rotation error is detected in the main process. After that, by setting the address at the time of power failure in the stack pointer SP based on the stored contents of the RAM 41c, the stack pointer is returned to the state at the time of power failure, and the port input process is performed three times in a row.

In the port input process, the input status data related to the input status such as the detection signals of various switches input to the parallel input port 511 (input data indicating the current input status of various switches, the previous input data and the current input data are the same. This is a process of updating the definite data indicating that the definite data is, and the edge data indicating that the definite data has changed from the previous time. Port input buffers 0 and 2 for storing input state data of various switches are provided in a predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c, and the input state data of the various switches updated by the port input process is the input state data of the various switches. It is stored in a predetermined bit of a port input buffer defined in advance for each type. In the port input process, the detection states (ON state or OFF state) of various switches set to the input ports 0 to 2 of the parallel input port 511 are stored as input data in a predetermined bit of the port input buffer. Also, compare the detection status (ON state or OFF state) in the previous and current port input processing, and if the current and previous input data are in the same state, indicate the detection status of the current input data. On the other hand, if the input data of this time and the previous time are different, the confirmed data of the previous time is maintained. Further, comparing the confirmed data of this time and the previous time, when the confirmed data changes from the OFF state to the ON state, the ON edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from the OFF state to the ON state is input to the port input buffer 0. When the confirmed data changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the OFF edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from the ON state to the OFF state is stored in the predetermined bits of ~ 2 and is specified in the port input buffers 0 to 2. Store in bits. The input data, confirmed data, and edge data of various switches stored in the port input buffer can be referred to from the gaming program and the non-gaming program.

The reason why the port input process is performed three times in a row is as follows. For example, it is assumed that the switch is in the OFF state before the power failure. Then, it is assumed that the switch is pressed during the power failure and the pressed state is continued as it is (for example, a state in which something is caught and held down). In such a case, the detection signal is input in the ON state when the power is restored from the power failure. Further, when compared before and after the power failure, since the state has changed from the OFF state to the ON state, the ON edge is detected. However, in reality, there is a large time difference before and after the power failure, and it is inappropriate to detect this as an ON edge. In order to prevent this, the port input process is performed three times in a row when the power is restored. If the ON state of the switch continues after the power is restored, the ON edge will not be detected by performing the port input process three times in a row. This makes it possible to prevent unintended input state data from being created. For example, it is possible to prevent the reel from being unintentionally stopped due to the stop switch being held down after the power is cut off.

If it is determined that the reset / setting switch 38 is not in the ON state after the port input process is performed, a return command indicating that the control state before the power failure has been restored is sent to the sub-control unit 91, and then all of them are performed. After returning the register to the state before the power failure stored in the RAM 41c, setting the interrupt permission (Sa5), ending the initial setting process and shifting to the timer interrupt process (main), the slot machine 1 It returns to the processing in the main processing that was executed before the power supply to was stopped.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the RAM 41c has an abnormality, the entire initialization target area (areas A to D) is initialized. After that, the interrupt permission setting is performed, a RAM error error code (E8) indicating that there is an abnormality in the RAM 41c is prepared in a predetermined register, the initial setting process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the error process. In the error processing, the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition corresponding to the error code (E8) is satisfied. When the error code (E8) of the RAM error is prepared in a predetermined register and the error state is entered, the setting change state is entered by turning on the power switch 39 with the setting key switch 37 turned on. By initializing all the game RAM areas (areas A to D), it is possible to surely eliminate the abnormality of the data in the RAM 41c and release the error state.

[Built-in register setting process]
The built-in register setting process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the built-in register setting process performed by the main control unit. The built-in register setting process is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the start process (main) included in the game program.

The built-in register is a register for setting a function in the main CPU 41a. As for the built-in register, a built-in register area is provided in the RAM 41c. In the present embodiment, an area from FE00H to FEACH is provided as a built-in register area. For the built-in register, for example, settings related to interrupts and settings related to communication functions are performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the built-in register area has seven areas from the first area to the seventh area. The main CPU 41a sets set values in a plurality of areas that need to be set when starting control. In the present embodiment, set values are set in each of the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions as a plurality of regions that need to be set.

The set value in the built-in register area is set by the LD instruction in which 1-byte data can be set or the LDW instruction in which 2-byte data can be set. At that time, first, the address corresponding to the area that needs to be set is read by the LD instruction. Then, the set value is set in the area corresponding to the address by the LD instruction or the LDW instruction. Further, by adding the difference value to the read address (reference address), the set value can be set in the area corresponding to the address of the difference value destination from the address. Although a specific example will be described later, setting the set value by the latter method rather than the former method reduces the capacity required for the instruction, so that the program capacity can be saved.

In addition, there is a limit to the difference value that can be specified. For example, when only a maximum of 50 can be specified as the difference value, only the area 50 addresses ahead can be set with respect to the read reference address. Therefore, when it is desired to set the set value using the difference value, it is desirable to read the reference address so as to cover a plurality of areas that can be set as much as possible. Hereinafter, the description will be given according to a flowchart.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, in the step of Sb1, the LD instruction capable of setting 1-byte data corresponds to the second region of the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions in which the set value needs to be set. Read the address to the specified register. The address read here is the start address (FE01H) of the second region, and this will be used as a reference address below. The second area corresponds to the smallest address (FE01H) of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas, and is an area in which 1-byte data can be set.

Further, the reference address (FE01H) is 21H (33) away from the sixth region, which is the farthest from the address. In the present embodiment, since the maximum difference value that can be specified is 50, it is possible to set the set value for the sixth region by the LD instruction using the difference value. Here, if a reference value is set in the fourth region, the LD instruction using the difference value cannot be used for the second and third regions. Further, when the address range of the first area is wide, when the reference value is set in the first area, there is a possibility that the LD instruction using the difference value cannot be used for the sixth area.

In this way, by setting the reference value in the second area corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H) in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas, the LD instruction using the difference value is required for the instruction. Since the capacity is small, data can be set efficiently.

Next, in the step of Sb2, data A which is 1-byte data is set in the second area based on the reference address (FE01H). Specifically, the LD instruction is used to store the data A (for example, 150) in the area (that is, the first area) pointed to by the reference address stored in the predetermined register.

Then, in the step of Sb3, data is set in the third region and the fourth region. The third area is an area in which 1-byte data specified by the address FE02H can be set. The fourth area is an area in which 1-byte data specified by the address FE03H can be set. That is, the third area is an area specified by the address obtained by adding the difference value 1 to the reference address. Since both the third area and the fourth area are 1-byte areas, by setting 2-byte data for the start address of the third area, both the third area and the fourth area can be set. Can be set. That is, when setting the set value, the 2-byte data can be set so as to set the set value in each of the third area corresponding to the FE02H and the fourth area corresponding to the FE03H which is the next address of the FE02H.

Specifically, data B (for example, 12) is stored in the third region based on the address (FE02H) calculated by using the difference value (1) with respect to the reference address using the LDW instruction capable of setting 2-byte data. And set the data C (for example, 56) in the fourth area. By the LDW instruction, data B + data C × FFH (= 12 + 56 × FFH) is set to the address obtained by adding 1 which is a difference value to the reference address stored in the predetermined register. As a result, 12 (data B) can be set in the third region, and 56 (data C) can be set in the fourth region one byte ahead by multiplying 56 by FFH.

Here, in order to perform the process of reading the address to the predetermined register by the LD instruction, a capacity of 3 bytes is required. Further, in order to set data in the area pointed to by the address set in the predetermined register by the LD instruction, a capacity of 2 bytes is required. That is, in order to set 1-byte data in a certain area, a capacity of 5 bytes (3 bytes + 2 bytes) is usually required. Further, in order to set 1-byte data for each of the two areas, a capacity of 10 bytes (5 bytes x 2) is required.

On the other hand, as described above, when 1 byte data is set for each of the two areas by the LDW instruction using the difference value, a capacity of 4 bytes is required. In this case, the process of reading the address by the LD instruction as described above is unnecessary. That is, the data capacity of 6 bytes (10 bytes-4 bytes) can be saved as compared with the method not using the above difference value. In this way, by setting data in the third area and the fourth area based on the address calculated using the difference value, it is possible to set the set value in the third area and the fourth area by directly specifying the address. The capacity of the program can be saved. In addition, data can be set collectively for a plurality of areas.

Similarly, for other areas, when 1-byte data is set, data is set using the LD instruction, and when 2-byte data is set, data is set using the LDW instruction. In the step of Sb4, the data D is also set for the sixth region based on the address calculated by using the difference value with respect to the reference address. The sixth area is an area in which 1-byte data specified by the address FE22H can be set. Since the difference value from the reference address is 21H (= FE22H-FE01H), data is stored in the sixth region based on the address (FE22H) calculated by using the difference value (21H) with respect to the reference address using the LD instruction. Set D.

When the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions to which the set values should be set by the steps Sb1 to Sb4, the built-in register setting process ends. This returns to the startup process (main). Then, when the start-up process (main) is completed, the process proceeds to the final process (main process) before the power failure. By shifting to the main process, control of the game is started. In this way, by starting the game control after setting the set values in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set values should be set, the setting of the set values to be set is not completed. The control of the game is not started.

Further, in the start processing (main), the built-in register setting processing (Sa3) is executed after the interrupt prohibition setting (Sa1) is performed, and the interrupt permission setting (Sa5) is performed after the built-in register setting processing is executed. To. In this way, in order to prohibit the execution of the interrupt process until the set value is set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas where the set value should be set, the interrupt process is executed while the set value is set. Therefore, unintended control is not performed.

Further, in the start-up process (main), the output port is initially set (Sa2) before the set values are set in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas by the built-in register setting process (Sa3). By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output from the output port.

[Main processing]
The control content of the main process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the main process performed by the main control unit. The main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game. And one cycle of the main process corresponds to one unit of the game. Further, the main process is included in the game program and includes a plurality of processes. Hereinafter, processes not particularly indicated to be included in the non-game program are included in the game program. Some game programs called by the game program call non-game programs.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 41 first sets the interrupt prohibition setting (Sc1). Next, the set RAM initialization area is cleared (Sc2). The set RAM initialization area is a RAM initialization area (area D) at the end of the game set in Sc36 described later or a RAM initialization area (areas C and D) at the end of the bonus set in Sc38. be. As a result, when one game is completed, the area D is cleared, and when one game is completed and the bonus is further completed, the area C is cleared in addition to the area D. After clearing the RAM initialization area, a game end command that can specify that one game has ended is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 (Sc3).

Next, the RT information output process included in the non-game program is performed (Sc4). In the RT information output process, the information on the game state of the slot machine 1 set in the predetermined area of the game RAM area is referred to, and the information on the game state (for example, the RT state) is used as an external output signal from the output port 7. Set to output.

In the step of Sc5, interrupt processing is performed a plurality of times, which waits until the timer interrupt is performed a specified number of times. Here, when the specified number of times is one, it is called an interrupt one-time wait process. For example, in the interrupt one-time wait process, the timer interrupt is set to allow and waits until the timer interrupt process (main) (hereinafter, also referred to as “interrupt process”) is performed once. Then, when it is specified that the timer interrupt process (main) has been performed once, the interrupt process for waiting once is terminated. By performing the interrupt one-time wait process, the process performed after the interrupt one-time wait process is performed while the maximum time until the next timer interrupt process (main) is secured. This makes it possible to prevent the timer interrupt from being unintentionally performed in the middle of a series of processes performed after the interrupt one-time wait process.

In the interrupt waiting process (Sc5), interrupt waiting is performed 24 times (13.44 ms) so that the external output signal output by the RT information output process is output. Then, after the interrupt processing is performed a plurality of times, the game start waiting process is performed (Sc6), and the process from the end of the control of the previous game to the start of the next game is performed. In the game start waiting process, the number of bets is set according to the insertion of medals, etc., and the operation of the start switch 7 is detected with the specified number of bets set, so that the next game can be played. Perform the process to start.

Then, an internal lottery process for determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of winning (internal lottery) is performed (Sc7). In the internal lottery process, winning is allowed based on the preset values (1 to 6) set in advance in the slot machine 1 and the random number values for the internal lottery acquired at the same time as the start of the game by detecting the start switch 7. An internal lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to do so (that is, whether or not to allow the derivation of the display result).

After that, after performing the ball ejection control process (Sc8) for performing AT lottery or the like, the interrupt prohibition setting is performed (Sc9), and the winning information output process included in the non-game program is performed (Sc10). After performing the winning information output processing, interrupt permission is performed (Sc11). In the winning information output processing, the lottery result of the internal lottery set in the predetermined area of the game RAM area is referred to, and the data that can identify the winning status of the special combination and the winning status of the general combination in the internal lottery is used as a non-game program. It is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c so that it can be referred from the test signal output process described later. The winning status of the special combination and the winning status of the general combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c by the winning information output process are referred to in the test signal output process described later and are output as a test signal. ing.

Next, in the step of Sc12, the command transmission process at the start of the game is executed, and the interrupt process (Sc13) is executed a plurality of times. In the command transmission process at the start of a game, a control state command group including a plurality of commands that can specify various control states at the start of one game and a game start command that can specify that one game has started are sub-controlled. It is transmitted to the unit 91. Further, by executing the interrupt processing (waiting for 133 ms) a plurality of times, the above command can be transmitted in the interrupt process.

After performing the game start command processing in the step of Sc13, the external output signal processing (Sc14) is executed. After performing the external output signal processing in the step of Sc14, refer to the one game time management timer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in order to measure the elapsed time from the reel rotation start time in the previous game. Based on the one-game time management timer, it is determined whether or not the specified time of one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sc15). Then, when it is determined that the specified time of one game has not elapsed, the player waits until the specified time of one game elapses based on the timer for managing one game time, and one game is based on the timer for managing one game time. After the specified time has elapsed, the process proceeds to Sc16. If it is determined in the step of Sc15 that the specified time of one game has elapsed, the process proceeds to Sc16. The one-game time management timer is set to 0 when the specified time of one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) elapses from the start of reel rotation in the game, and the one-game time It is possible to determine whether or not one game specified time has elapsed based on whether or not the management timer is 0.

In the step of Sc16, the interrupt prohibition setting is performed, and the reel rotation start process is performed (Sc17). In the reel rotation start process, as an excitation pattern for excitation control of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, a normal acceleration pattern for controlling the rotation of the reel at a predetermined speed for gaming is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c and set in the RAM 41c. The reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are excited and controlled based on the excitation pattern to start the rotation of the reel.

Next, a reel rotation start command transmission process for transmitting a reel rotation start command that can specify that the rotation control of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is to be started to the sub control unit 91 is performed (Sc18). After performing the reel rotation start command transmission process, the reel stop control process for controlling the reel stop is performed (Sc19). In the reel stop control process, it is determined whether the reel under rotation control is rotating at a predetermined constant speed rotation, and if there is a reel that is not rotating at a constant speed rotation, a reel error is detected and the corresponding reel is applicable. An excitation pattern is set for the reels to accelerate to constant speed rotation, and all reels under rotation control are controlled to rotate at constant speed rotation. On the other hand, when all the reels under rotation control are rotated at a constant speed, the acceptance of the stop operation of the reels under rotation control is enabled, and the process waits until the stop operation by the stop switch is performed. Then, when a valid stop operation is detected for the reel for which the stop operation is enabled (ON edge data is detected for the stop switch for which the stop operation is valid), the reel for which the effective stop operation is performed is performed. Reel stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop position is performed based on the information set in the reel stop initial setting process. Such reel stop control is repeatedly performed for the reel under rotation control to stop the rotation of all the reels, thereby ending the reel stop process.

Then, after the reel stop process is completed, the winning determination process (Sc20) is performed. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred based on the internal lottery result and the symbol combination stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. Then, after the winning determination process in the Sc20 step is performed, the insertion / withdrawal error check process for determining whether or not an abnormality related to the insertion of medals from the medal insertion unit 4 or an abnormality related to the withdrawal of medals from the hopper is detected is detected. (Sc21).

In the payout error check process, a payout error flag indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the transition of the signal of the payout sensor 34c (hereinafter, also referred to as a medal payout signal or a payout signal) and a signal of the payout medal sensor 31 (hereinafter, also referred to as a medal payout signal). , A medal insertion signal, or an insertion error signal indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the transition) is determined whether or not the insertion error flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and the above error flag is set. If so, perform error handling. In the error processing, based on the above error flag, the error code (E4, E5) is controlled to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, and the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition is satisfied. I do. When the condition for canceling the error state is satisfied, the error processing is terminated, the error execution flag indicating that the error processing has been executed is set in the predetermined register, and the input / withdrawal error check processing is terminated.

After the input / withdrawal error check process (Sc21) is performed, the interrupt process is performed once (Sc22), and the process waits until the interrupt process is performed. Then, after the interrupt processing is performed, the interrupt prohibition setting is set (Sc23), and the data processing for the combination ratio monitor included in the non-game program is performed (Sc24). Then, after performing the data processing for the role ratio monitor, the interrupt permission setting is performed (Sc25). By performing the data processing for role ratio monitoring (Sc24) after performing the interrupt processing once, the time until the next timer interrupt processing (main) is secured to the maximum. , The data processing for the role ratio monitor can be performed, and it is possible to prevent the timer from being interrupted unintentionally during the data processing for the role ratio monitor.

In the data processing for the role ratio monitor, each state count process included in the non-game program is performed, and a predetermined period (for example, a period from the current game to 6000 games before, a period from the current game to 175,000 games before) is performed. The data regarding the number of medals to be paid out in the section (advantageous section) controlled to be advantageous to the player during the above period is updated.

Next, the fraudulent winning determination process (Sc26) is performed. In the fraudulent winning determination process, it is determined whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the internal lottery result and the symbol combination stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. After that, RT-related processing (Sc27) is performed. In the RT-related processing, when the combination of RT transition symbols accompanied by the transition of the RT state to the reel is stopped, the reel is updated to the RT state. Next, the bonus end check process (Sc28) for determining the bonus end condition is executed, and the game state setting process (Sc29) is executed. In the game state setting process, a bonus start condition determination process and various data update processes other than the process executed in the bonus end check process are executed. Next, the AT state management process (Sc30) for determining the end of the advantageous section executed at the end of the game is executed, and the command transmission process (Sc31) for transmitting the RT information command is performed.

Next, a medal payout process is performed to pay out a number of medals according to the winning prize generated as a result of the game (Sc32). In the medal payout process, a predetermined number of medals are given to the player according to the winning combination, and the number of medals to be given is added to the credits, and the credit is the maximum number (the maximum number of medals). In this embodiment, when 50) is reached, the hopper motor 34b is driven to pay out the medals not added to the credit from the medal payout outlet 9. After the medal payout process is performed, the payout end command transmission process (Sc33) for transmitting the payout end command is performed.

Then, when the game end setting process is performed (Sc34), it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the re-game combination is stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and the symbol combination of the re-game combination is stopped. (In this embodiment, 3 is set as the replay medal in the replay counter set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c.) , The process of setting the replay flag in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, the process of controlling the LED 20 during replay to the ON state (lighting state), and the like are performed. Then, the advantageous section-related process (Sc35) that initializes the RAM at the end of the advantageous section, sets the signal in the advantageous section, and the like is executed.

Then, the RAM initialization area (area D) at the end of the game is set (Sc38). When the bonus ends, the RAM initialization area (areas C and D) at the end of the bonus is set (Sc38), and the process returns to Sc1. If the bonus has not ended, the process returns to Sc1 with the RAM initialization area (area D) at the end of the game set. Further, as described above, the region set by Sc36 or Sc38 is cleared in Sc2.

After returning to the step of Sc1, the steps of Sc1 to Sc38 are repeated. When the main process goes through, the process related to the control of one unit of game is completed, and the main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game.

As described above, the main processing performed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment is included in the game program, and is included in the non-game program, for example, RT information output processing, winning information output processing, and combination monitor. It is designed to call data processing.

Further, when the main control unit 41 performs various processes according to the non-game program, the main control unit 41 calls the non-game program from the game program by using the above-mentioned CALL instruction or the like to perform various processes according to the non-game program. When each process corresponding to the non-game program is completed, the caller's game program is restored.

[Game start waiting process]
The control content of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit. The game start waiting process is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the game start waiting process, first, the credit number command transmission process (Sd1) for transmitting the credit number command is executed. Next, the medal insertion number display process is performed (Sd2), and the 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 according to the number of medals already inserted into the slot machine 1 are controlled to the ON state (lighting state).

After that, an error code (E1: overflow error) capable of identifying that the hopper tank 34a is full is prepared in a predetermined register, and the predetermined port input buffer is referred to based on the confirmed data of the full tank sensor 35a. It is determined whether or not the hopper tank 34a is full (Sd3). If it is determined in the step of Sd3 that the hopper tank 34a is full, error processing is performed (Sd4). In error handling, control is performed in an error state in which the progress of the game is disabled. Further, an error command capable of identifying the error code (E1) prepared in the predetermined register is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and the error code (E1) can be referred to the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in other processing. Set as an error flag. Further, the error code (E1) is controlled to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. After that, the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition corresponding to the error code (E1) prepared in the predetermined register is satisfied. When the error code (E1) is set in the register and the error state is entered, the process waits until the confirmed data of the full tank sensor 35a is turned OFF, and the confirmed data of the full sensor 35a is turned OFF. , An error command (cancellation) to cancel the error state is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, the error processing is terminated, and the process proceeds to the step of Sd5.

When it is determined that the hopper tank 34a is not full in the step Sd3, or when the error processing in the step Sd4 is completed, the value of the replay counter set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the predetermined register. Read (Sd5). In the replay counter, a value corresponding to the result of the previous game is set by the game end setting process in the previous main process, and the re-game combination is awarded in the previous game and the re-game is given. If this is the case, a numerical value (for example, 3) corresponding to the specified number of bets required to play the game is set, but if the re-game is not given in the previous game, 0 is set.

After that, the replay counter of the RAM 41c is cleared (Sd6), and it is determined whether or not the value of the replay counter read in the step of Sd5 is greater than 0, that is, whether or not the replay is granted (Sd7). If the replay is granted, the medal insertion execution process is performed (Sd8). In the medal insertion execution process, the value of the replay counter is set to the bet number (BET number), and the 1 to 3 BETLEDs 14 to 16 are set to the ON state (lighting state) to set the specified number of bets (in this embodiment). Notify that 3) is set. Further, a command for the number of inserted medals that can specify the number of medals used for setting the number of bets is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

When it is determined that the value of the replay counter is 0 in the step of Sd7, that is, the replay is not granted, and after the medal insertion execution process is performed due to the replay being granted in the step of Sd8, The medal care permission setting process is performed (Sd9). In the medal care permission setting process, the value of the credit set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is referred to, and when the value of the credit does not reach the maximum value (50 in this embodiment), the medal insertion unit 4 starts. A medal care permission flag indicating that the insertion of the medal is permitted is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c.

After performing the medal care permission setting process in the step of Sd9, the interrupt process is performed once (Sd10). By performing the interrupt processing once, the timer interrupt processing (main) is performed and the detection status of various switches, the lighting status of the LED, various timers, etc. are updated, and these various switches are updated. With the detection status updated, subsequent processing (for example, medal insertion / withdrawal error check processing, medal insertion signal processing, operation input reception processing) can be performed.

In the step of Sd10, the interrupt process is performed once, and after the interrupt process is performed once, the input / payout error check process is performed (Sd11). Then, based on whether or not the error execution flag is set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c, it is determined whether or not the error processing is executed in the error check processing (Sd12).

If it is determined in the error check process that the error process has been executed in the step Sd12, the process returns to the step Sd10, and each process of the steps Sd10 to Sd12 is performed again. After that, each process of the steps Sd10 to Sd12 is performed in a state where no abnormality is detected in the transition of the medal payout signal or the transition of the medal insertion signal, so that the error execution flag is not set and the step of Sd12 is performed. Processing will be performed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the error execution flag is not set in the step of Sd12, the medal insertion signal processing is performed (Sd13). In the medal insertion signal processing, the medal insertion status is determined based on the transition of the medal insertion signal. Then, when a normal medal insertion is detected, the medal is accepted for setting the number of bets and credits, and the medal insertion signal processing is terminated. On the other hand, when an abnormal medal insertion is detected, an error code (E5) is prepared and error processing is performed. After that, the error state is released and the error processing is completed, so that the medal insertion signal processing is completed.

After performing the medal insertion signal processing in the step of Sd13, the operation of various switches is enabled, and the operation of the switch for which the operation is enabled is performed, so that the operation input reception process for accepting the operation by the switch is performed. Do (Sd14).

In the operation input acceptance process, when the medal is not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal and the credit set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is 1 or more, the operation is accepted by the MAXBET switch 6. Activate. Further, when the number of bets set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is a specified number when the medal is not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal, the acceptance of the operation by the start switch 7 is enabled. Further, when the medal is not passing based on the transition of the medal insertion signal, the acceptance of the operation by the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 is enabled.

Further, in the operation input reception process, when the operation by the start switch 7 is valid and the operation of the start switch 7 is detected, a start flag indicating that the start switch 7 has been operated is set in the predetermined register. After that, the flow path switching solenoid 30 is turned off and the medal flow path is switched to the medal payout outlet 9 side. Further, when the operation by the setting key switch 37 is detected while the operation by the setting key switch 37 is enabled, the setting value display process for displaying the set value on the setting value display 24 is performed. Further, when the operation by the settlement switch 10 is enabled and the operation by the settlement switch 10 is detected, the settlement process of returning the medals stored in the credit to the player is performed. In addition, when the operation by the MAXBET switch 6 is enabled and the operation by the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, the number of medals up to the specified number is set as the bet number within the possible range based on the credit, and the bet number is set. Performs the process of subtracting the set number of medals from the credit. After performing the processing according to the switches for which the operation is detected, the operation input acceptance processing is terminated.

Here, for example, when the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are operated at the same time, the following processing is performed. Of the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37, the setting key switch 37 has a higher processing priority. Therefore, it is first determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, and if the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, the setting shift state is entered. If the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, it is determined whether or not the settlement switch 10 is in the ON state, and if the settlement switch 10 is in the ON state, the settlement process is performed.

When the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are operated at the same time, it is assumed that the setting change state is entered and the setting change state is terminated. If the settlement switch 10 is still in the ON state when the setting change state is finished, the settlement process is performed. If the settlement switch 10 is in the OFF state when the setting change state is finished, the settlement process is not performed.

Further, a processing method different from the above can be considered. For example, it may be determined whether or not the settlement switch 10 and the setting key switch 37 are in the ON state at the same time, and if they are in the ON state at the same time, neither process may be performed. In this case, the process is performed on the one that has been turned on after waiting for one of them to be turned on. However, it is possible to simplify the process by performing the process having the higher priority as described above, rather than performing the process of determining whether or not the ON states are simultaneously turned on.

After performing the operation input acceptance process in the step of Sd14, it is determined whether or not a valid operation by the start switch 7 is detected based on the start flag (Sd15). If it is determined that the start flag is not set in the predetermined register and a valid operation by the start switch 7 is not detected, the process returns to the step of Sd10 and Sd10 is returned until a valid operation by the start switch 7 is detected. The process of ~ Sd15 is repeated.

In the step of Sd16, when the start flag is set in the predetermined register and it is determined that the effective operation by the start switch 7 is detected, the random number value for the internal lottery is acquired from the random number circuit 42 and the RAM 41c Set in a predetermined area. After that, the medal insertion state data that can specify the set number of bets is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sd17), the start valid LED 18 is set to the OFF state (off state) (Sd18), and the medal care permission flag is set. It is cleared from the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sd19), controlled so as to clear the display of the number of payouts on the game auxiliary display 12 (Sd20), and the game start waiting process is terminated.

[Input / withdrawal error check processing]
The control content of the input / payout error check process performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the input / payout error check process performed by the main control unit. The input / payout error check process is included in the game program, and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program and the game start waiting process.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the input / withdrawal error check process, first, in the step of Se1, the sensor error flag stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is acquired. The sensor error flag includes a payout error flag and an input error flag. When either the payout error flag or the input error flag is set to ON, the sensor error flag is set to ON. Further, when both the payout error flag and the input error flag are set to OFF, the sensor error flag is in the OFF state.

The payout error flag is a flag indicating that an abnormality (medal payout error) in the transition of the signal (medal payout signal) of the payout sensor 34c has been detected. The insertion error flag is a flag indicating that an abnormality (medal insertion error) in the transition of the signal (medal insertion signal) of the insertion medal sensor 31 has been detected.

If the acquired sensor error flag is set to ON (Se2 is YES), the process proceeds to Se3. On the other hand, when the acquired sensor error flag is set to OFF (Se2 is NO), the process proceeds to Se16.

In the step of Se3, first, an error code (E5) indicating that a medal insertion error has been detected is set in a predetermined register. Then, in step Se4, if the payout error flag is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to Se6. On the other hand, in the step of Se4, when the payout error flag is in the ON state, an error code (E4) indicating that a medal payout error has been detected is set in a predetermined register, and the process proceeds to Se6. That is, when a medal payout error is detected, the error coat (E4) is set in a predetermined register, and when a medal insertion error is detected, the error coat (E5) is set in a predetermined register.

Then, the all reel stop LED off process (Se6) is executed. The all reel stop LED off process is a process for setting to turn off all the stop effective LEDs that notify by lighting that the reel stop operation is effective. Then, the flow path switching solenoid off process (Se7) is executed. The flow path switching solenoid off process is a process for setting the flow path switching solenoid 30 to be turned off. Then, after setting the error number based on the error code set in the predetermined register (Se8), the error processing (Se9) is executed.

After executing the error processing, the interrupt prohibition setting is set (Se10), and the sensor error flag is acquired from the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Se11). With respect to the acquired error flag, the payout error or the input error released by the error processing is released and updated (Se12), and stored in the predetermined area of the updated sensor error flag RAM 41c (Se13).

Next, in the step of Se14, the interrupt permission is set, the error execution flag indicating that the error processing is executed is set to the ON state (Se15), and the input / withdrawal error check process is completed.

On the other hand, when the acquired sensor error flag is set to OFF (Se2 is NO), the error execution flag is set to the OFF state in the Se16 step, and the input / withdrawal error check process is completed.

[Error handling]
The control content of the error processing performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control contents of error processing performed by the main control unit. The error processing is included in the game program, and is a subroutine called in the main processing included in the game program, the input / payout error check processing, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the error processing, first, the error number (error code) set before the error processing is executed is stored. For example, when the error processing is called from the input / output error check processing, the error code of E4 or E5 is set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c as an error flag that can be referred to in other processing.

In the step of Sf2, an error start command transmission process for transmitting an error command capable of identifying an error code is executed. In the step of Sf3, the error factor corresponding to the error code is acquired, and in the step of Sf4, the error number display process for controlling the error code to be displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 is performed. After that, the error state is controlled until it is specified that the error state release condition corresponding to the error code prepared in the predetermined register is satisfied (Sf5).

For example, when the error code (E4) is prepared in a predetermined register and the error state is entered, the detection state of the payout sensor 34c is the OFF state and the reset / setting switch 38 is a condition for releasing the error state. Alternatively, it waits until it is established that the reset switch 23 is in the ON state. When the error code (E5) is prepared in the register and the state shifts to the error state, the detection state of the inserted medal sensors 31a to 31c is in the OFF state and the reset / setting switch is set as a condition for releasing the error state. It waits until it is established that the 38 or the reset switch 23 is in the ON state.

When the condition for canceling the error state is satisfied (YES in Sf5), the process proceeds to Sf6 and the interrupt processing is performed once. Then, the input buffers 1 and 2 are acquired (Sf7), and based on the acquired input buffers 1 and 2, it is determined whether the payout sensor, the input medal sensor, and the full tank sensor are normal (Sf8). If it is determined that Sf8 is normal, the process proceeds to Sf9. On the other hand, if it is determined that Sf8 is not normal, the process returns to Sf6, and the steps Sf6 to Sf8 are repeated until it is determined that Sf8 is normal.

In the step of Sf9, the ON edge state of the input buffer 0 is acquired, the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 waits until the ON edge state is reached (until the operation is performed) (NO in Sf10), and the reset / setting is performed. When the switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is in the ON edge state (YES in Sf9), the process proceeds to Sf11.

In the step of Sf11, the payout number display data is stored, the error number is cleared (Sf12), and the error release command transmission process (Sf13) is executed. In the error release command transmission process, an error release command for canceling the error state is transmitted. In the step of Sf14, the interrupt processing is performed once, and the error processing is terminated.

[Reel stop control process]
The control contents of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing the control contents of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit. The reel stop control process is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop control process, first, the all reel stop LED off process for setting to turn off all the stop effective LEDs is executed (Sg1). In the step of Sg2, the interrupt one-time wait process is executed. In the interrupt one-time wait process, the timer waits until the interrupt process (main) is performed once. In the step of Sg3, the interrupt permission is set.

In the step of Sg4, the above-mentioned payout / input error check process is executed. As a result, if an insertion / withdrawal error (medal insertion / withdrawal error or medal withdrawal error) occurs (YES in Sg5), the process returns to the step of Sg2 and the processes of Sg2 to Sg5 are repeated. When the input / withdrawal error is cleared, the process proceeds to the step of Sg6. That is, in the state where the input / withdrawal error has occurred, it is not possible to proceed to the steps after Sg6.

If no input / withdrawal error occurs (NO in Sg5), the process proceeds to the step of Sg6. If no reel rotation error has occurred in the step of Sg6 (NO in Sg6), the process proceeds to the step of Sg10. On the other hand, if a reel rotation error has occurred (YES in Sg6), all reel stop LED off processing (Sg7) is executed, an error code (E6) for the reel rotation error is set, and then error processing is performed. (Sg9) is executed. In error handling, the rotation of all reels is stopped, and the game is controlled to an error state that makes it impossible to proceed and waits. After that, the error processing is terminated by canceling the error state by the reset operation. After the error processing is completed, the process returns to the Sg2 step, the processing from Sg2 to Sg9 is repeated again, and when the reel rotation error does not occur, the process proceeds to the Sg10 step. That is, in the state where the reel rotation error has occurred, it is not possible to proceed to the steps after Sg10.

In the step of Sg10, the internal winning signal output timer is acquired. When the internal winning signal output timer becomes 0 in step Sg11 (YES in Sg11), the process proceeds to the step of Sg12, and the steps of Sg10 and Sg11 are repeated until the internal output timer becomes 0 in step Sg11 (Sg11). The internal winning signal output timer is a timer that becomes 0 when a predetermined time (2 seconds have elapsed) has elapsed since the internal winning signal was output. Therefore, the next process (Sg12) cannot proceed until 2 seconds have passed since the internal winning signal was output.

In addition, before the step of Sg10, a process of disabling the stop switch during the stop control of the reel may be inserted. For example, when the stop control of a certain reel is started, the process of waiting for the maximum stop delay time (190 ms) until the rotation of the reel is stopped may be performed. However, in the present embodiment, since such a process is not inserted, as will be described later, when a plurality of stop switches are operated at almost the same time, the reel stop slip piece storage process (Sg32) if even 1 interrupt is deviated. ) Can be executed, and multiple reels can be stopped at almost the same time.

In the step of Sg12, interrupt prohibition setting is performed. Next, the stop effective LED state address that can specify the state of the stop effective LED is read (Sg13), and the rotation speed state data is acquired (Sg14). The rotation speed state data is information that can identify whether or not each reel motor under rotation control is rotating in a constant speed state. Then, based on the rotation speed state data, it is specified for each reel whether or not the rotation state of the reel under rotation control is the constant speed state, and whether all the reels under rotation control are rotated at the constant speed rotation. Whether or not it is determined (Sg15).

Then, in the step of Sg15, when it is determined that at least one of the reels is not rotating at a constant speed rotation and all the reels under rotation control are not rotating at a constant speed rotation, Sg1 The process returns to the above step, the steps Sg1 to Sg15 are repeatedly executed, and the reels under rotation control are waited until they are rotated at a constant speed. On the other hand, in the step of Sg15, when it is determined that all the reels under rotation control are rotating at a constant speed, the acceptance of the stop operation is effective for all the reels under rotation control.

In Sg16, when the stop effective LED status data is set to OFF and the reel has been accelerated (YES in Sg17), the reel acceleration command transmission process (Sg18) for transmitting the reel acceleration end command is executed, and the reel acceleration command transmission process (Sg18) is executed in Sg19. move on. On the other hand, if the reel has not been accelerated (NO in Sg17), the process proceeds to Sg19 without executing the reel acceleration command transmission process.

Next, the payout number display data is stored (Sg19), the ON edge state of the input buffer is acquired (Sg20), the stop valid LED status address is read, and then only the valid stop switch operation status is acquired (Sg21). , It is determined whether or not there is a valid stop switch operation (stop operation) (Sg22). Whether or not an effective stop switch has been operated is determined by the fact that the stop effective LED is in the ON state and the stop switch signal is in the ON edge state in any of the stop switches.

If it is determined in the step of Sg22 that the effective stop switch has not been operated, the stop effective LED status data is stored in the output buffer 2 (Sg23), and the output port 2 output process (Sg24) is performed. Then, the process returns to the step of Sg2, the steps of Sg2 to Sg24 are repeatedly executed, and the process waits until a valid stop switch operation is detected. After that, when a valid stop switch operation is detected in the step of Sg22 (YES in Sg22), the process proceeds to the step of Sg25.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the control contents of the reel stop control process performed by the main control unit. As shown in FIG. 14, in the step of Sg25, the reel to be stopped is set. At that time, it is determined whether or not a valid stop switch operation is detected in the order of the left stop switch, the middle stop switch, and the right stop switch, and the reel corresponding to the first determined stop switch is the stop target. Become. That is, when there are a plurality of reels to be stopped, the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel are preferentially selected in this order. Next, the interrupt permission setting is made (Sg26), the output buffer 2 is cleared, and then the output port 2 output process (Sg27) is executed.

Next, in the step of Sg28, the interrupt prohibition setting is performed. Then, in the step of Sg29, the number of symbol steps of the reel in which the stop operation is detected is acquired based on the symbol step number counter set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. In the step of Sg30, it is determined whether or not the number of symbol steps is within the determination range set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. If the number of symbol steps is within the predetermined determination range (YES in Sg30), the process proceeds to step Sg32. On the other hand, if the number of symbol steps is not within the determination range (Sg30 is NO), interrupt permission is set (Sg31), the process returns to the Sg28 step, and the steps Sg28 to Sg31 are repeated until the number of symbol steps reaches the predetermined determination range. repeat. When the interrupt permission is set in the step of Sg31, the interrupt process is executed and the symbol step number counter is updated in the interrupt process.

The number of symbol steps is the number of steps corresponding to one symbol out of the number of steps for one round of the reel motor. For example, 16 steps (or 17 steps) are assigned to each symbol. When 16 steps are assigned, the lower end of the symbol is 0 steps and the upper end is 15 steps. The symbol step number counter is a counter for counting the number of symbol steps that pass through a predetermined determination position on the reel. In the case of a 16-step symbol, 0 to 15 are counted. In the present embodiment, the number of symbol steps is acquired in 11 steps, which are common steps, regardless of whether the symbol is a 16-step symbol or a 17-step symbol. That is, the determination range is only 11 steps. That is, it is determined that the number of symbol steps other than 11 is out of the determination range. Not limited to this, the determination range may be 0 to 11 steps, or the determination range may be different between the 16-step symbol and the 17-step symbol.

If the number of symbol steps is within the determination range (YES in Sg30), the reel stop slip frame storage process (step Sg32) is executed while the interrupt prohibition setting is maintained. In the reel stop sliding frame storage process, the value of the symbol number counter set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is acquired, and the value of the symbol number counter is the symbol number when the stop operation is performed (also the symbol number at the time of operation). (Referred to as) is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. In the present embodiment, each of the 20 symbols arranged on one reel is assigned a continuous number (0 to 19) as a symbol number based on the symbol at the reel reference position, and the symbol number counter is a symbol number counter. , It is a counter for counting the symbol number (also referred to as the symbol number at the time of operation) of the symbol located at a predetermined determination position.

Further, with reference to the stop control table set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c, the number of sliding frames corresponding to the timing when the stop operation is performed based on the symbol number at the time of operation is specified, and the number of sliding frames is determined by the RAM 41c. Set in a predetermined area. Further, a stop request is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c in order to stop the corresponding reel at a position corresponding to the number of sliding frames, that is, a symbol having a symbol number corresponding to the number of sliding frames, and the corresponding reel is decelerated. Stop Braking control is started.

After executing the reel stop slip frame number setting process in the step of Sg32, the reel stop reception command transmission process (Sg33) that can specify that the reel stop has been accepted is executed, and the slip that can specify the number of slip frames is executed. The number of frames command transmission process (Sg34) is executed, and the reel stop position command transmission process (Sg35) capable of specifying the reel stop position is executed.

Next, after performing mask processing (Sg36) on the winning flag, the winning prediction processing (Sg37) is executed. The winning prediction process executes a process corresponding to a part of the winning determination process before the symbol combination is derived. Next, a reel stop command transmission process (Sg38) capable of identifying that the reel is stopped is executed.

Next, in the step of Sg39, it is determined whether or not the reel to be stopped is the final stop (third stop). If it is the final stop (YES in Sg39), the process proceeds to Sg40. On the other hand, if it is not the final stop (NO in Sg39), that is, if it is the first stop or the second stop, it returns to Sg2 and until the reel stop slip frame number setting process is executed for all reels (NO). The processing of Sg2 to Sg39 is repeated until the final stop is reached.

If the original interrupt processing timing is included within the period in which the interrupt prohibition setting is made, the interrupt processing is executed at the timing when the interrupt permission setting is made next. Will be done. For example, when the interrupt permission setting is performed after the reel stop slip frame number setting process is executed, the slip frame number and the stop control flag set in the reel stop slip frame number setting process are set at the setting timing. Based on this, braking control for decelerating and stopping the corresponding reel is started.

When it is determined that the final stop is in the step of Sg39, the payout number display data is cleared (Sg40) and the reel motor state data is acquired (Sg41). Based on the acquired reel motor state data, it is determined whether or not all the reel motors are in the OFF state (Sg42). If all reel motors are not in the OFF state (NO in Sg42), wait until all reel motors are in the OFF state. When all the reel motors are turned off (YES in Sg42), the process proceeds to Sg43. The reel motor state data is data capable of specifying the output states of the first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signals and the flow path switching solenoid signal.

In the step of Sg43, the input / withdrawal error check process is executed. In the step of Sg44, the input buffer 0 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the stop switch is in the pressed state (that is, the ON state continues) (Sg45). When the stop switch is in the pressed state (YES in Sg45), the processes of Sg43 to Sg45 are repeated until the pressed state of the stop switch is released, and when the pressed state of the stop switch is released (NO in Sg45). Ends the reel stop control process.

[Setting process at the end of the game]
The control content of the setting process at the end of the game performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the setting process at the end of the game performed by the main control unit. The setting process at the end of the game is included in the game program and is a subroutine called in the main process included in the game program.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the setting process at the end of the game, first, the winning flag is acquired (Sh1). The winning flag is a flag that is set when a winning occurs and can specify the type of winning. Next, based on the winning flag, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred (Sh2). If a replay prize has occurred (YES in Sh2), the process proceeds to Sh3, and if no replay prize has occurred (NO in Sh2), the process proceeds to Sh8.

If a replay prize has occurred (YES in Sh2), the number of BETs (3 in this embodiment) is acquired (Sh3), and the acquired number of BETs is stored in the replay counter (Sh4). , The acquired BET number is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5).

In the step of Sh6, the replay flag that can identify that the replay is in progress is set to ON. Then, in the step of Sh7, the process of controlling the LED 20 to the ON state (lighting state) during replay is executed, and the process proceeds to Sh10.

On the other hand, if no replay prize has occurred (NO in Sh2), the replay flag is set to OFF (Sh8). Then, in the step of Sh9, the process of controlling the LED 20 during replay to the OFF state (off state) is executed, and the process proceeds to Sh10.

In the Sh10 step, bonus-related processing is executed. In the bonus-related processing, a setting process for controlling the game state to the bonus is performed at the start of the bonus, and a process for transmitting a bonus command is performed at the end of the bonus.

[Timer interrupt processing (main)]
The control content of the timer interrupt process (main) performed by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the timer interrupt process (main) performed by the main control unit. The timer interrupt process (main) is a subroutine included in the game program.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the timer interrupt process (main), first, after exchanging all the front and back registers (Si1), interrupt prohibition is set (Si2), and then the timer is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. The value of the current voltage drop state counter is acquired (Si3). Then, with reference to the input port to which the voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48 (Si4), it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal is input (Si5). When a voltage drop signal is input, the voltage drop state counter determines whether or not it has reached a predetermined upper limit value (4 in this embodiment) (Si6), and the voltage drop state counter is the upper limit. When the value is reached, the power interruption process (main) is performed (Si7).

In the power failure processing (main), all the front registers and the back registers are exchanged, and the values of all the registers provided in the main control unit 41 are saved in the game stack area of the game RAM area by storing them in a predetermined order. , The current address of the game stack area indicated by the stack pointer SP is stored in a predetermined area of the game RAM area to save the game. The predetermined area of the game RAM area including the game stack area of the game RAM area in which the main control unit 41 stores the register value and the predetermined area of the game RAM area in which the value of the address indicated by the stack pointer SP is stored is backed up. It is backed up by the power supply, and even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, the stored contents of the game RAM area are saved as long as the power is supplied by the backup power supply.

Then, by initializing each output port, the drive of the hopper motor 34b and the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, and the output of control signals and the like to various switches is stopped. Then, the parity adjustment data of the RAM 41c is calculated so that the exclusive OR of all the storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c becomes 0, and the parity adjustment data is used in the RAM 41c. It is set in a predetermined area, access to the RAM 41c is set to be prohibited, and loop processing is started. In the loop process, the device waits while monitoring the output status of the voltage drop signal. In this state, when the voltage drop signal is no longer input, the voltage recovery is determined, and the program is started from the start processing (main). On the other hand, if the voltage drops while the voltage drop signal is being input, the operation is stopped internally.

When the power supply of AC100V is stopped by the above processing, the power interruption processing (main) is executed, the value of the register before the power interruption is saved in the game stack area of the game RAM area, and the game is concerned. Since the contents of the predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c including the stack area are also held by supplying the backup power, in the start-up process (main) executed when the power supply to the slot machine 1 is restarted. , It is possible to return to the control state before the power failure. Furthermore, it is possible to specify whether or not the stop operation was effective in the control state before the power failure.

Next, if it is determined that the voltage decrease signal has not been input in the step of Si5, or if it is determined that the voltage decrease state counter has not reached the upper limit value in the step of Si6, the process proceeds to the step of Si8 and the voltage decreases. Update the status counter. When the step from the Si5 step to the Si8 step is performed, the current value is maintained by adding 0 to the voltage drop state counter, while when the Si5 step to the Si8 step is performed, the voltage is maintained. Update to add 1 to the drop status counter.

Then, the detection states of various switches are input from the input port, and the port input process for generating input data, confirmation data, and edge data (ON edge data and OFF edge data) is performed (Si9). After that, among the registers provided in the main control unit 41, the values of the flag registers in which the calculation results are stored are stored in the game stack area of the game RAM area in a predetermined order to save them (Si10), and then the non-game program. Performs non-game-related processing included in (Si11). After that, the value of the flag register saved in the game stack area in the step of Si10 is sequentially read from the game stack area in the reverse order of the saving, and set in the flag register before the non-game-related processing is performed. The flag register is returned to the state (Si12).

In the non-game-related processing, first, the value of the current address of the game stack area indicated by the stack pointer SP used by the calling game program is stored in a predetermined area of the non-game RAM area and saved. After that, a predetermined value of the non-game stack area is stored as the value of the stack pointer SP (at the end of the previous non-game program, the address indicated by the stack pointer SP for the non-game program is stored in the predetermined area of the non-game RAM area. By setting the value), the stack pointer SP is set for the non-game program. Then, the values of all the registers included in the main control unit 41 including the above-mentioned flag register are stored in the non-game stack area of the non-game RAM area specified by the stack pointer SP in a predetermined order to save the values. After that, the sensor monitoring process for detecting abnormalities related to the input medal sensors 31a to 31c and the payout sensor 34c, the test signal output process for outputting the test signal generated in relation to the result of the game, and various timers used by the non-game program are updated. The non-game-related timer update process and the combination monitor output data selection process for selecting the output data to be displayed on the combination monitor are sequentially performed. Further, in the sensor monitoring process, when an abnormality related to the input medal sensors 31a to 31c or the payout sensor 34c is detected, the sensor error reference data capable of identifying the type of the detected abnormality is set in a predetermined area of the non-gaming RAM area of the RAM 41c. It is designed to be set. Then, the values of the registers stored and saved in the non-game stack area when the non-game-related processing is started are sequentially read from the non-game stack area in the reverse order of saving, and correspond to the order. By setting it in the register, all the registers are returned to the state when the non-game related processing was started. After that, when the non-game-related processing is started, the value of the stack pointer SP saved in the predetermined area of the non-game RAM area is set in the stack pointer SP, so that the stack is in the state when the non-game-related processing is started. The pointer SP is returned to end the non-game-related processing.

After returning the flag register in the step of Si12, the sensor error reference data set by the non-game-related processing in the step of Si11 is referred to (Si13), and is set by the non-game-related processing in the timer interrupt this time. The logical sum of the sensor error reference data and the sensor error reference data set by the non-game-related processing in the previous timer interrupt is calculated (Si14). Then, a sensor error flag, which is set in a predetermined area of the game RAM area of the RAM 41c and can identify whether or not an abnormality related to the input medal sensors 31a to 31c and the payout sensor 34c is detected, is calculated in the step of Si14. Update based on the logical sum. If it is specified that an abnormality has been detected based on the sensor error reference data by performing the steps Si13 to Si15, whether or not the sensor error flag is in a state indicating that an abnormality has been detected. Regardless, the sensor error flag is updated to indicate that the anomaly has been detected. On the other hand, when it is specified that no abnormality is detected based on the sensor error reference data, the state of the sensor error flag is maintained. That is, when it is specified that an abnormality is detected based on the sensor error reference data, the content of the sensor error reference data is reflected in the sensor error flag, while the abnormality is detected based on the sensor error reference data. When it is specified that the error has not been performed or the abnormality has been cleared, the content of the sensor error reference data is not reflected in the sensor error flag.

After updating the sensor error flag in the step of Si15, the register of the watchdog timer (WDT) provided inside the main control unit 41 is cleared (Si16). After that, the value of the branching counter provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c for branching the processing included in the timer interrupt is read into the predetermined register, and the predetermined value (1 in this embodiment) is added and updated. , The updated value is set as the value of the branching counter in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Si17). In the process of updating the branch counter, if the branch counter is 0 to 2, 1 is added, and if the branch counter is 3, it is initialized and returned to 0, in the range of 0 to 3. Update. That is, the value of the branch counter loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0 ... Each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. Then, the value of the branch counter is referred to in each process executed in the timer interrupt process (main), and in each process, for example, a predetermined control is executed when the branch counter reaches a predetermined value. Control will be branched.

After updating the branch counter in the step of Si17, it is determined whether or not the branch counter is 4 (Si18), and if the branch counter is 4, the branch counter is 4. Is a counter update process (Sj19) for updating predetermined various timers set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and indicators such as various LEDs connected to the output port (credit indicator 11, game auxiliary indicator 12, 1). ~ 3BETLED14 ~ 16, ON request LED17, Start effective LED18, Waiting LED19, Replaying LED20, etc.) are set and transmitted by setting a lighting signal to dynamically turn on the lighting state according to the setting by each processing such as main processing. The LED dynamic display process (Si20) that controls the operation is performed.

When it is determined that the branch counter is not 4 in the step of Si18, and after the LED dynamic display processing is performed in the step of Si20, a medal insertion signal or a medal payout indicating that a medal has been inserted among the external output signals The output setting of the medal payout signal indicating that the above is performed is updated, and the input / payout signal transmission process (Si21) is transmitted to the outside of the slot machine 1. The output settings of the input error signal and the payout error signal) are updated, and the security signal transmission process (Si22) to be transmitted to the outside of the slot machine 1 is performed.

Next, after performing output port 3 output processing (Si23) for transmitting an external output signal, command transmission processing (Si24) for transmitting various commands such as a door command and an operation end command set in the command queue. Are performed in sequence. After that, the reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of the reels is performed by setting the excitation patterns of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R according to the progress of the game (Si25). Next, the effective stop LED signal. And the output port 2 output process (Si26) for transmitting the MAXBETLED signal, and the output port 7 output process (Si27) for transmitting the information regarding the gaming state as an external output signal.

Next, the reel motor output data is created (Si28). The reel motor output data is 2-byte data for outputting the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal to the output ports 0 and 1. Based on the reel motor output data, the output port 0, 1 output process (Si29) for outputting the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal is performed, and the created reel motor output data is stored as the reel motor state data.

Then, all the front and back registers are exchanged (Si30), interrupt permission is set (Si31), the timer interrupt process (main) is terminated, and the timer interrupt process (main) is started. It returns to the main processing at the time.

[Stop setting in reel stop control processing]
Next, the stop setting (reel stop slip frame storage process) in the reel stop control process described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 will be specifically described with reference to the timing charts shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 illustrates the situation when the left stop switch is operated. FIG. 18 illustrates a situation when the left stop switch and the middle top switch are operated with an interrupt of 1 interrupt. FIG. 19 illustrates a situation when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are pressed at the same time.

First, the processing when the left stop switch is operated will be described. FIG. 17 is a timing chart (No. 1) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control process. In the description of FIG. 17, it is assumed that all the reels are rotating at a constant speed and none of the stop switches are operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are shown.

As described above, the port input process (Sj9) is executed in the interrupt process (timer interrupt process (main)). As a result, when the stop switch (left, middle, right stop switch) is operated, the stop switch signal (left, middle, right stop switch signal) is input to the input port 0, and these are input to the port input buffer 0. The signal detection status is stored.

The port input buffer 0 stores the stop switch signal data detected in the current interrupt process, the ON edge data of the stop switch signal, and the like. The ON edge data of the stop switch signal is data indicating that the current input is in the ON state (ON edge is detected) while the previous input is in the OFF state.

For example, if the left stop switch signal is input in the OFF state in the previous interrupt process and the left stop switch signal is input in the ON state in the current interrupt process, the left stop switch signal is input in the current interrupt process. The ON edge is detected, and the ON edge data of the left stop switch signal is stored in the port input buffer 0.

Before t1 in FIG. 17, since all the reels are rotating at a constant speed, the stop control process is executed in the main process. Then, in the interrupt one-time wait process (Sg2), the state becomes a standby state and waits for the interrupt process to be executed.

It is assumed that the execution of the interrupt process is started at t1. At t2, the boat input process is executed, and an input determination is made as to whether or not the ON edge of the stop switch has occurred. At t2, none of the stop switches are operated. Therefore, in the input determination, the ON edge of any of the stop switches is not detected.

When the interrupt process is completed, the reel stop control process in the main process is restarted at t3. Since the ON edge was not detected in the latest interrupt process, it was determined that there was no effective stop switch operation in the reel stop control process (NO in Sg22), and the interrupt was waited once again in step Sg2. The process is executed.

It is assumed that the left stop switch is operated at t4. Then, it is assumed that the interrupt process is executed at t5. The interrupt process executed at t5 is the next interrupt process after the interrupt process executed at t1. In the present embodiment, since the interrupt process is executed every 0.56 ms, the interval between t1 and t5 is 0.56 ms.

At t6, the boat input process is executed, and an input determination is made as to whether or not the ON edge of the stop switch has occurred. In the input determination, the ON edge of the left stop switch is detected based on the operation of the left stop switch at t4.

When the interrupt process is completed, the reel stop control process in the main process is restarted at t7. Since the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch was detected in the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process for setting the stop position of the left reel in the main process after the interrupt process ( Sg32) is executed. Here, the reel stop slip piece storage process for setting the stop position of the left reel is also referred to as "reel stop slide piece storage process (left)", and the reel stop slide piece storage process for setting the stop position of the middle reel is also referred to. Is also referred to as "reel stop slip piece storage process (middle)", and the reel stop slide piece storage process for setting the stop position of the right reel is also referred to as "reel stop slide piece storage process (right)".

Then, after the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is started, the execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop slide frame storage process (left) is completed (interrupt prohibition setting is set in Sg28). Has been). After the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is completed, since the stop of the left reel is not the final stop, the process returns to Sg2 and the interrupt process is performed once. As a result, the interrupt process can be executed at t8.

Then, it is assumed that the interrupt process is executed at t9. In the input determination at t10, since the left stop switch is in the pressed state (continuing the ON state), the ON edge of the left stop switch is not detected. Also, since the middle and right stop switches are not operated, the ON edge of the middle and right stop switches is not detected.

Then, in the reel stop control process restarted after the interrupt process is completed and the process returns to the main process at t11, the ON edge of the stop switch signal is not detected (NO in Sg22), so the process returns to Sg2. Waits for one interrupt. Then, the interrupt process is executed at t12. After that, the process is repeated until the ON edge of the stop switch signal is detected, and the process is waited for the ON edge of the stop switch signal to be detected. In the example of FIG. 17, since the operation of the new stop switch is not performed, the processing of t12 to t15 and the processing of t15 to t18 are the same as the processing of t9 to t12.

Next, the processing when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are operated with a deviation of 1 interrupt will be described. FIG. 18 is a timing chart (No. 2) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control process. Also in the description of FIG. 18, it is assumed that all the reels are rotating at a constant speed and none of the stop switches are operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are shown, and the description of the parts common to FIG. 17 will be omitted.

The situation from t1 to t7 in FIG. 18 is the same as the situation from t1 to t7 in FIG. That is, when the left stop switch is operated at t4, the ON edge of the left stop switch is detected in the input determination of t6, and the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the reel stop control process. At the same time, interruption is prohibited. After the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is completed, the interrupt process can be executed at t9.

In FIG. 18, unlike the situation of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the middle stop switch is operated at t8. When a new interrupt process is executed at t10, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is detected at t11. The ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected with a deviation of 10 interrupts from the ON edge of the left stop switch signal. Since the left stop switch is continuously pressed, the ON edge of the left stop switch is not detected, and the ON edge of the middle stop switch is not detected because the middle stop switch is not operated.

At t12, the reel stop control process is restarted after returning to the main process. It is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred in the main process after the new interrupt process after the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed (Sg6). If a reel rotation error has occurred, error processing (Sg9) is executed.

When a reel rotation error occurs, the error processing cannot be terminated unless the error state is cleared. Therefore, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) cannot be executed based on the new interrupt process. When it is determined that the reel rotation error has not occurred (the reel is rotating normally), it is possible to execute the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) based on the new interrupt process.

When the reel is rotating normally (YES in Sg6), it is determined whether or not a valid stop switch operation has been performed (Sg22). In step Sg22, since the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected (YES in Sg22), the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) (Sg32) for setting the stop position of the middle reel is executed. .. Further, the interrupt processing is prohibited during the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle), and after the reel stop slide frame storage process (middle) is completed, the interrupt process can be executed at t13. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that in FIG. 17, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, after the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is started, the execution of the new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop slide frame storage process (left) is completed, so that a new interrupt process is performed. By executing, the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is not executed. Further, even if the ON edge of both the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process, the process related to the left stop switch is performed and the process related to the middle stop switch is not performed (Sg25). The reel stop slip piece storage process (left) and the reel stop slide piece storage process (middle) are not executed at the same time. By doing so, the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed before the reel stop slip piece storage process (left) based on the operation of the left stop switch is completed. Can be prevented.

Further, in the main process after the new interrupt process, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred, and if a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel stop slip piece is stored based on the new interrupt process. When it is determined that the reel rotation error has not occurred without executing the process (middle), the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed based on the new interrupt process. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed on condition that the reel rotation is normal. In this way, when the reel stop slip piece storage process for setting the reel stop position is continuously executed, the reel stop slide piece storage process can be preferably executed.

Further, as described above, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the predetermined interrupt processing (t5) when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating (t6), the predetermined interrupt processing is performed. In the main process (t7) after the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed. Further, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process (t10) after the predetermined interrupt process (t11), the reel stop slip is performed in the main process (t12) after the interrupt process. Execute the frame storage process (middle).

In this way, if the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected even with one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so the reels are stopped promptly. be able to.

Further, in step Sg35, after completing the reel stop slip frame storage process (left), the reel stop command transmission process is executed. Then, in the reel stop command transmission process, a reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slide frame storage process (left) is output.

The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting the reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel is completed by the reel stop command transmission process (interrupt prohibition setting is set in Sg28). ). By doing so, the process based on the operation of the new stop switch is not performed before the transmission of the reel stop position command is completed.

Further, when the reel stop command transmission process is executed, the transmission process for transmitting a plurality of commands is executed. Specifically, the reel stop acceptance command transmission process (Sg33) for transmitting the reel stop acceptance command, the slip frame number command transmission process (Sg34) for transmitting the slip frame number command, and the reel stop command are transmitted. The reel stop command transmission process (Sg38) for the operation is executed respectively.

Further, the execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting these commands is completed (interrupt prohibition setting is set in Sg28). In this way, it is possible to prevent an unintended command from being output by the interrupt process or a large transmission interval between the plurality of commands before the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed.

Further, when executing the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) (Sg32), the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slide piece storage process (left). do. In this way, since the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel, the symbol combinations to be derived are diverse.

Further, in the example described above, the stop of the left reel is the first stop and the stop of the middle reel is the second stop, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any reel is the first stop. Either reel may be the second stop. Further, not only the combination of the first stop and the second stop, but also the combination of the second stop and the third stop causes the movement as described with reference to FIG.

Further, for example, even when the stop of the middle reel is the third stop and the symbol combination is derived by stopping the middle reel, after starting the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle), the reels Execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the stop slip frame storage process (middle) is completed (Sg32) (interrupt prohibition is set in Sg28). As described above, since other processes are not executed during the execution of the reel stop sliding frame storage process, it is possible to control the reels to be stopped promptly.

Next, the processing when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are pressed at the same time will be described. FIG. 19 is a timing chart (No. 3) for explaining the stop setting in the reel stop control process. Also in the description of FIG. 19, it is assumed that all the reels are rotating at a constant speed and none of the stop switches are operated. For convenience of explanation, only the states of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are shown, and the description of the parts common to FIG. 17 will be omitted.

In FIG. 19, unlike the situation of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are operated at the same time at t4. In this case, in the interrupt process (t5) executed after the operation, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected (t6). In the main process (t7) after this interrupt process, only the valid stop switch operation state is extracted (Sg21).

When both the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal are detected, the left reel is the stop target (Sg25). As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) (Sg34) is executed. On the other hand, since the middle reel is not a stop target, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is not executed.

Further, in this case, the middle stop switch signal is also detected in the ON state in the next interrupt process (t10). However, since the ON state is continuously detected twice, the middle stop switch signal is not detected as an ON edge. Therefore, in the main process (t12) after this interrupt process, the operation of the middle stop switch is not determined as an effective operation (Sg21). NO with Sg22).

However, if the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so that the reels can be stopped promptly. ..

After that, at t13, it is assumed that the pressed state of the left stop switch and the middle stop switch is released. Then, at t18, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed (operated at the same time) again.

In this case, in the next interrupt process (t19), the ON edge of both the left stop switch and the middle stop switch signal is detected (t20). In the main process (t21) after this interrupt process, since the left reel has already executed the reel stop slip frame storage process (left), it is not extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the middle reel does not execute the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle), it is extracted as an effective stop switch operation state.

Therefore, in step Sg22, the operation of the middle stop switch is determined as an effective operation (NO in Sg22). As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) is executed.

As described above, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the predetermined interrupt process when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the predetermined interrupt process is performed. In the main process after the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed, but the reel stop slide frame storage process (middle) is not executed. In this state, it is assumed that the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the subsequent interrupt processing. In this case, since the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) has already been executed, the reel stop slide frame storage process (middle) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process, while the reel stop slip frame storage process is executed. Do not execute (left). In this way, when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are operated at the same time, the rotating reel is stopped, so that the operability of the stop switch is not impaired.

Next, unlike the example in which both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating as described above, an example in which the left reel is stopped and the middle reel is rotating will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed as in t4.

In the interrupt process (t5) in this case, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected (t6). In the main process (t7) after the interrupt process, since the left reel is stopped, it is not extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the middle reel is rotating, it is extracted as an effective stop switch operating state. As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (middle) is executed.

Next, an example in which the middle reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are simultaneously pressed as in t4.

In the interrupt process (t5) in this case, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected (t6). In the main process (t7) after the interrupt process, since the middle reel is stopped, it is not extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. On the other hand, since the left reel is rotating, it is extracted as an effective stop switch operation state. As a result, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is executed.

As described above, even if the ON edges of a plurality of stop switch signals are detected in the same interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process of the rotating reel is executed, so that the operability is not impaired.

Next, the process of acquiring the number of symbol steps will be described. For example, suppose that the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process. In the main process after the interrupt process, the number of steps on the left reel is acquired in step Sg29. Then, when the position of the left reel falls within a predetermined range (11 steps in the present embodiment) in the number of steps of each symbol on the left reel (YES in Sg30), the symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired. , The reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is executed based on the acquired symbol number.

In the above process, the processes of steps Sg28 to Sg31 are repeatedly executed until the position of the left reel falls within a predetermined range in the number of steps of each symbol on the left reel. In the present embodiment, it waits until the position of 11 steps is reached, and when the position of 11 steps is reached, the symbol number is acquired, and the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is performed based on the acquired symbol number. Will be executed. Even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected during this period, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is not accepted. By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storage process can be executed at the position of 11 steps.

Further, when the start switch 7 is operated and the internal lottery process (Sc7) is executed, the process for outputting the internal winning signal is executed in the winning information output process (Sc10). The internal winning signal is output for a predetermined time (2 seconds in this embodiment). That is, the internal winning signal is controlled to be output for 2 seconds based on the operation of the start switch 7.

Further, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are not effective while the internal winning signal is being output. Specifically, in the reel stop control process, the internal winning signal output timer is acquired (Sg10), and in step Sg11, until the internal winning signal output timer becomes 0 (that is, until 2 seconds have elapsed), the next process is performed. I can't proceed. Therefore, even if the stop switch is operated, it is not determined whether or not there is an effective stop switch operation (Sg22).

If 2 seconds have passed since the internal winning signal was output, the internal winning signal output timer becomes 0 (YES in Sg11), and the process can proceed to the next process. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an effective stop switch operation (Sg22), and when the ON edge of the stop switch is detected, the reel stop slip piece storage process (Sg32) can be executed. become able to. That is, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is enabled on condition that 2 seconds have passed since the internal winning signal was output. By doing so, the contents of the internal winning signal can be confirmed by the external device (test device), and then the reel can be stopped.

Next, the output of the reel motor signal will be described. The reel is driven by outputting reel motor signals (first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signals) to the reel motor. As a result, the rotation of the reel can be started or the reel can be stopped.

In the reel stop control process, when the reel stop sliding frame storage process (Sg32) is executed for all reels, that is, when it is determined in step Sg39 that the final stop is performed (YES in Sg39), the reels Acquires the reel motor state based on the motor signal (Sg41).

Then, based on the acquired reel motor state data, it is determined whether or not all the reel motors are in the OFF state (Sg42). That is, it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on determining whether or not the reel motor signal is output to the reel motor. By doing so, it is possible to determine that the reel has stopped based on the output status of the reel motor signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a reel motor signal and a flow path switching solenoid signal are output from the output port 0 and the output port 1. No signals other than these signals are output from the output port 0 and the output port 1.

The flow path switching solenoid 30 is a solenoid of a blocker that switches the flow path of the inserted medal. The flow path switching solenoid 30 is set to the ON state in the medal insertion signal processing in the game start waiting processing. Further, the OFF state is set based on the fact that the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in the operation input reception process. That is, when the rotation of the reel is started based on the operation of the start switch 7, the output of the flow path switching solenoid signal is stopped. Then, during the reel stop control process, the output of the flow path switching solenoid signal is always in the stopped state.

Therefore, in the process (Sg42) of determining whether all the reel motors are in the OFF state, the flow path switching solenoid signal is always in the OFF state. As described above, only the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal are output from the output port 0 and the output port 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, all reel motors are determined to be in the OFF state (YES in Sg42) based on the reel motor state data set based on the output states of the output port 0 and the output port 1. I try to do.

Specifically, the reel motor state data is 2-byte data (16-bit data) corresponding to the output states of the first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signals and the flow path switching solenoid signal. When any of these signals is output, each corresponding bit becomes 1. Conversely, when neither signal is output, all the bits become 0, so that the reel motor state data becomes 0. That is, when all the reel motors are in the OFF state, the bits corresponding to all the reel motor signals are set to 0, and the bits corresponding to the flow path switching solenoid signals are also set to 0. As a result, the reel motor state data is 0. become.

Therefore, in the determination of step Sg42, when the reel motor state data is 0, it is determined that all the reel motors are in the OFF state (YES in Sg42), and when the reel motor state data is not 0, all the reel motors are in the OFF state. A process is performed in which the reel motor is not determined to be in the OFF state (NO in Sg42). In this way, it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on determining whether or not the signal is output from the output ports 0 and 1.

For example, at the time of determination of Sg42, if the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 include a signal to be in the ON state, the first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signal states are changed one by one. It becomes necessary to acquire and determine whether all these data are 0. However, as described above, if all the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 are in the OFF state, whether or not the reel motor state data generated based on the output state of the output ports 0 and 1 is 0. By determining whether or not, it is possible to determine whether or not all the reels have stopped. By appropriately arranging the signals output from the output ports 0 and 1 in this way, the empty port can be handled appropriately, but it does not interfere with the determination of whether or not all the reels have stopped.

[Distribution signal output processing]
The slot machine 1 of this embodiment outputs an external output signal indicating a gaming state, an error occurrence state, and the like. These external output signals are output from the game control board 40 under the control of the main control unit 41, and are output to external devices such as a data display terminal installed corresponding to the hall computer and the slot machine 1. ..

However, old hall computers and other external devices take a relatively long time to detect an external output signal. In order to ensure that the external output signal can be detected even by such an external device, the signal is output for a certain period of time or longer. For example, the output time of the payout signal and the input signal is at least 50 ms as described later. When a replay winning is generated, the payout signal is output for 250 ms.

For example, if the start operation of the next game is not enabled while the replay winning is generated and the payout signal is output, the player will have to wait 250 ms until the start of the next game. During this time, the player may feel uncomfortable because the game is not started even if the start operation is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a replay winning is generated, the start operation is effective in the next game of the game in which the replay winning is generated, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning is completed. I tried to make it. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

FIG. 20 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the output processing of the payout signal. When a replay prize occurs, a payout signal is transmitted based on the replay prize. In addition, the number of BETs (number of bets) is automatically set in the next game based on the replay winning (automatic BET). As a result, the next game can be played without consuming a new medal for setting the BET number. Further, an input signal is transmitted based on the set number of BETs.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the main process, interrupt multiple times wait process (Sc5), game start wait process (Sc6), reel stop control process (Sc19), setting process at the end of the game (Sc34), and the like are executed. Will be done. When the timer interrupt process (main) is executed, the input / payout signal transmission process (Si21), the output port 3 output process (Si23), and the like are executed.

When a replay prize occurs, in the setting process at the end of the game, the numerical data corresponding to the number of BETs set in the game is acquired (Sh3), and the numerical data corresponding to the acquired number of BETs is used as the replay counter. Along with storing (Sh4), the acquired number of BETs is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5).

In the present embodiment, since the number of BETs is "3", "3" is stored in the replay counter and the payout signal counter. The replay counter is a counter used for determining whether or not there is a replay prize in the game start waiting process. Therefore, in the game start waiting process, the BET number may be acquired again and the replay counter may be set. However, as described above, if the replay counter and the payout signal counter are set at the same time in the setting process at the end of the game, the processing load can be reduced and the number of medals can be set efficiently.

After the setting process at the end of the game is completed, the process returns to the main process and the game proceeds to the next game. Then, the interrupt process is executed by executing the interrupt process (Sc5) a plurality of times. In the interrupt process, a payout signal will be output. That is, in the setting process at the end of the game, it is possible to specify that the number of payouts is "3" by executing the interrupt process after "3" is stored in the payout signal counter (Sh5). A payout signal is output.

Specifically, in the interrupt process, the input / payout signal transmission process (Si21) is executed. Then, in the input / payout signal transmission process, the payout signal generation process (Sj3) is executed. In the payout signal generation process, the payout signal data is created based on the payout signal counter. Then, in the output port 3 output process (Si23), the output of the payout signal is started based on the payout signal data.

After the output of the payout signal is started by the interrupt process, the game start waiting process (Sc6) is executed. In the game start waiting process, the replay counter is acquired (Sd5). As described above, in the state where the replay winning is generated in the previous game and "3" is stored in the replay counter, "3" is stored in the replay counter. As a result, in step Sd7, it is determined that the replay counter value> 0 (YES in Sd7), and the medal insertion execution process (Sd8) is executed. In the medal insertion execution process, the number of BETs is set to "3" based on the value of the replay counter.

In this way, the setting of the BET number is executed after starting the output of the payout signal. By doing so, the progress of the game is not hindered by promptly outputting the payout signal, which is the information output to the outside, which takes time to transmit.

In the above game start waiting process, if the interrupt process is executed after "3" is stored in the number of BETs (Sd8), an input signal that can identify that the number of input sheets is "3" can be output. It becomes. However, the input signal cannot be output during the output of the payout signal. The reason is that the following processing is being executed.

When the interrupt process is executed, the input / payout signal transmission process (Si21) is executed. In the input / payout signal transmission process, the input / payout signal generation process (Sj2) is not executed when the payout signal is being transmitted (when the payout pulse is operating (Sj1 is YES)). On the other hand, when the payout signal is not being transmitted (Sj1 is NO)), the input signal generation process (Sj2) is executed. When the input signal generation process (Sj2) is executed, the input signal can be output in the output port 3 output process (Si23). As described above, the input signal cannot be output during the output of the payout signal, and the input signal can be output when the payout signal is not output.

FIG. 21 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the output processing of the payout signal. FIG. 21 (A) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the values of the number of BETs, the replay counter, and the payout signal counter at the time of winning the replay. As shown in FIG. 21 (A), when the game is started by the start operation, "3" is set as the BET number. When the replay winning occurs, as described with reference to FIG. 20, "3" set as the BET number in steps Sh3 to Sh5 of the setting process at the end of the game is stored in the replay counter and the payout counter. ..

Further, the number of BETs set based on the replay counter is always "3" in the present embodiment. Therefore, for example, the replay counter may be a flag that sets ON when BET is performed and OFF when BET is not performed. However, in the present embodiment, the replay counter is set as 1-byte data in which 0 to 255 (00H to FFH) can be set. By doing so, for example, even if the specifications of the slot machine software are changed and the number of BETs set by the replay winning is "2" or another value, the specifications can be changed. Becomes easier.

FIG. 21B is a diagram for explaining an area for storing a payout signal counter in the game RAM area. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the game RAM area has areas A to D. Of these, the areas C and D (areas to be initialized at the end of the bonus) are initialized at the end of the bonus (Sc38, Sc2). Further, the area D (the area to be initialized at the end of the game) is initialized every time one game is completed (Sc36, Sc2).

In the present embodiment, the payout signal counter is stored in the area A of the game RAM. The area A is an area that is not initialized by either the process of initializing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game and the process of initializing the areas C and D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus.

If the payout signal counter is stored in the area C or D, the payout signal counter is cleared by clearing the game RAM areas C and D (Sc2) after the bonus ends (YES in Sc37). There is a risk of being killed. Therefore, by setting the payout signal counter in the area A, it is possible to prevent the output of the payout signal from being unintentionally stopped due to the initialization process of the game RAM.

FIG. 22 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the output processing of the payout signal. The period during which the payout signal is output is set to be constant according to the number of medals paid out (value of the payout signal counter). When the number of payouts is 1, a pulse signal having an output time of 50 ms is output once as a payout signal. When the number of payouts is 2 or more, a period during which no signal is output (signal OFF state) is provided between the pulse signals and the pulse signals for 50 ms.

For example, when a replay prize occurs, the value of the payout signal counter is 3, so the payout signal output is a 50 ms pulse signal output (signal ON state), a 50 ms signal OFF state, and a 50 ms pulse signal output. (Signal ON state), 50 ms signal OFF state, 50 ms pulse signal output (Signal ON state) (total 250 ms). That is, when a replay winning is generated, it takes 250 ms from the start of the output of the payout signal to the completion of the output of the signal.

On the other hand, the period during which the input signal is output is set to be constant according to the number of BETs. Similar to the payout signal, when the BET number is 1, the input signal also outputs a pulse signal having an output time of 50 ms once as an input signal. When the number of BETs is 2 or more, a period during which no signal is output (signal OFF state) is provided between the pulse signals for 50 ms. For example, when a replay prize occurs, the number of BETs is set to 3 by automatic BET. As a result, similarly to the above, the pulse signal is output three times as the input signal, and it takes 250 ms from the start of the output of the input signal to the completion of the output of the signal. Hereinafter, the signal output status will be specifically described using a timing chart.

FIG. 22A is a timing chart showing the output status of the payout signal and the input signal when the replay winning is generated. As shown in FIG. 22 (A), it is assumed that a replay prize is generated at t1. Based on the occurrence of the replay winning, the output of the payout signal is started. Further, when the replay winning is generated, the start operation is enabled in the next game of the game in which the replay winning is generated, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning is completed.

Here, if a replay occurs, it is assumed that the start operation in the next game is activated after waiting for the completion of the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning. For example, in the setting process at the end of the game described with reference to FIG. 20, it is assumed that after step Sh5, a process of waiting until the payout signal output is completed is inserted. In this way, even though the replay has won a prize, the game does not start even if the start operation is performed for 250 ms, and the player may feel uncomfortable. However, since the start operation is enabled immediately after the replay winning as in the present embodiment, the progress of the game can be promptly advanced without causing the player to feel stress.

Next, it is assumed that the output of the payout signal is completed at t2, which is 250 ms after t1. Then, at t3, it is assumed that the start operation is performed. As a result, the output of the input signal is started, and the output of the input signal is completed at t4 after 250 ms has passed.

FIG. 22B is a timing chart illustrating a case where a start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed. As shown in FIG. 22 (A), it is assumed that a replay prize is generated at t1. Based on the occurrence of the replay winning, the output of the payout signal is started. In addition, the start operation in the next game is enabled. Here, unlike the situation of FIG. 22 (A), in FIG. 22 (B), it is assumed that the start operation is performed at t2 before the output of the payout signal is completed.

In this way, if the input signal is output based on the start operation and the start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed, the output of the input signal is output after the output of the payout signal is completed (t3). To start. Then, at t4, 250 ms after t3, the output of the input signal is completed. By delaying the output of the input signal in this way, the output timings of the input signal and the payout signal do not overlap. Therefore, by checking the signal received by the external device, the processing order of the processing executed by the main CPU 41a is specified. It will be easier.

On the other hand, when the payout signal of t1 is output, the payout signal is output without confirming the output of the input signal. That is, when outputting the input signal, the output state of the payout signal is confirmed, when the payout signal is not output, the input signal is output, and when the payout signal is output, the output state of the input signal is checked. The payout signal is output without confirmation.

This is done for the following reasons. When the output of the input signal is started based on the start operation, the time (250 ms) until the output of the input signal is completed is longer than the time until the winning is generated and the output of the payout signal is started. short. That is, when the output of the payout signal is started, the output of the input signal has already ended, so that it is not necessary to dare to check the output state of the input signal at the time of output of the payout signal. By omitting the confirmation of the output state of the input signal in this way, the processing load can be reduced.

Further, during the output of the payout signal, it is controlled to a specific state when the transition condition is satisfied. For example, the migration condition is an error occurrence and the specific state is an error state. The transition condition is the setting confirmation operation, and the specific state is the setting confirmation state.

For example, if it is determined in the input / withdrawal error check process (Sd11) that an error has occurred, the error process (Se9) is executed. Further, when the setting confirmation operation is detected in the operation input reception process (Sd14), the setting confirmation state is controlled. In the present embodiment, when the output of the payout signal is started, the process of waiting until the output is completed is not performed. Therefore, the error processing (Se9) and the operation input reception processing (Sd14) as described above can be executed even during the output of the payout signal, and the setting confirmation state and the error state can be controlled.

By doing so, the progress of the control is not hindered, and even if the control is performed in an error state or the like, the output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed. Is not transmitted to the outside.

In addition, in the setting process at the end of the game, if a replay prize occurs (YES in Sh2), the LED during replay is set to ON (Sh7), and if a replay prize does not occur (NO in Sh2), The LED is set to OFF (Sh9) during replay. Further, the setting process at the end of the game is a process executed for each game regardless of which game state (for example, normal state, bonus, AT) is being controlled.

In this way, it is determined for each game whether or not a replay winning has occurred, the LED during replay is turned on when the replay winning is occurring, and the LED during replay is turned off when the replay is not occurring. By doing so, it is possible to output the occurrence status of the replay prize based on the situation for each game.

[Safety regarding interrupt prohibition]
Next, the safety of interrupt prohibition will be described. In the present embodiment, the interrupt process can be executed while the main process is being executed. Further, among the data stored in the RAM 41c, there is data that is updated not only in the main process but also in the interrupt process. For example, when such data is acquired from the RAM 41c in the main process and the data is to be updated, the interrupt process may be executed to update the data. In this way, the data may be updated by an unintended interrupt process, resulting in inconsistency in the data.

Therefore, when updating such data in the main process, an interrupt prohibition setting is set so that the data is not updated by the interrupt process. Data security is ensured by setting interrupt prohibition in this way. However, in software development of slot machines, the following problems may occur when the specifications of the program are changed.

For example, when another subroutine is called by a call instruction (CALL instruction) in one subroutine, the place where each subroutine is described may be far from each other in the program. In such a case, there is a case where the interrupt prohibition setting is set in the subroutine of the call destination, and immediately after returning to the subroutine of the caller by the return instruction, the data acquisition process that can be updated by the interrupt process is performed. Even if this is done, the data will not be updated by unintended interrupt processing, but it is very difficult to understand because the descriptions of the programs are far from each other. In addition, if the subroutine of the called destination is deleted when the program specifications are changed, an unintended interrupt process will occur, and the data will be interrupted by prohibiting the interrupt. Safety is not guaranteed.

In the present embodiment, in order to improve the maintainability of the program at the time of specification change by ensuring such safety, the callee program performs interrupt processing once, and the caller program also performs interrupt processing. I am trying to set the prohibition of inclusion. Hereinafter, details will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the safety of interrupt interruption prohibition. As shown in FIG. 23, the main process includes an input / payout error check process and an error process. The error processing is called by the call instruction (CALL instruction) in the input / payout error check process, and returns to the input / payout error check process by the return instruction (RET instruction). That is, the input / payout error check processing is the calling program, and the error processing is the calling program. In the input / withdrawal error check process, a process of acquiring and updating the sensor error flag is performed. The sensor error flag is data that is updated not only in the main process but also in the interrupt process as described above.

As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, if it is determined that an error has occurred after the input / withdrawal error check process is started, the error process (step Se9) is executed. The error processing is called by the CALL instruction of the input / withdrawal error check processing. In the error processing, when the error release condition is satisfied and the error is released, the error release command transmission process (Sf13) is executed. Then, after the interrupt one-time wait process (Sf14) is executed, the input / payout error check process is returned by the RET instruction.

In this way, in error processing, an error release command is transmitted before the error processing is completed, and an interrupt is waited once before returning to the input / output error check process by the RET instruction so that the transmission of the command is completed. The process is being executed. As a result, the next process can be executed after the error release command is surely transmitted.

Returning to the input / withdrawal error check process, the interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) is performed. The sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) is performed with the interrupt prohibition setting set. When the sensor error flag update process is completed, the interrupt permission setting (Se14) is performed.

In the sensor error flag update process, the sensor error flag is acquired. Since the sensor error flag is data that is updated in the interrupt process, the value of the sensor error flag may fluctuate if an unintended interrupt occurs. In this way, the interrupt prohibition setting is performed so that the sensor error flag is not updated while the sensor error flag is being acquired.

In addition, the interrupt one-time wait process (Sf14) is executed in the process immediately before the interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) is performed. Since the interrupt process is executed by the interrupt process once, the interrupt prohibition setting (Se10) and the sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) are executed immediately after the interrupt process is executed. It will be. The time from the execution of the interrupt process to the execution of the sensor error flag update process is shorter than the time from the execution of the interrupt process to the execution of the next interrupt process. Therefore, an interrupt does not occur during the sensor error flag update process.

However, in this way, not only the interrupt processing is performed once in the error processing, but also the input / withdrawal error check processing is performed by performing double measures such as prohibiting the execution of the interrupt processing, so that an unintended interrupt is performed. Processing can be reliably prevented. Further, as described above, in order to improve the maintainability of the program in the software development of the slot machine, it is desirable to perform such a double measure. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unintended problem from occurring even when the program is modified, and it is possible to improve the maintainability of the program.

Further, in the present embodiment, after returning from the error processing to the input / payout error check processing, the sensor error flag update processing (Se11 to Se13) is executed without calling another processing by the CALL instruction. As a result, the sensor error flag update process can be executed immediately after the error process is completed.

In this embodiment, the sensor error flag update process is executed in the input / payout error check process, which is a game program. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sensor error flag may be updated in a non-game program. Specifically, the sensor error flag update process (Se11 to Se13) may be defined as a subroutine of the non-game program, and the subroutine may be called by the CALL instruction by the input / payout error check process. In the non-game program, the interrupt process is not executed during the execution of the program. Therefore, the interrupt process does not occur during the update process of the sensor error flag.

[Output data settings]
Next, the difference in the output data setting process performed between the main side setting process and the interrupt side setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the setting of output data.

The main side setting process is a process executed in the main process and is a process of setting output data. For example, a process of setting output data performed in the reel stop control process (Sc19) of the main process corresponds to this. On the other hand, the interrupt side setting process is a process executed in the timer interrupt process (main) and is a process for setting output data. For example, a process of setting output data performed in the security signal transmission process (Si22) of the timer interrupt process (main) corresponds to this.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is schematically shown in order to make it easier to understand the flow of the process of setting the output data. The LED data A and B shown below may be any LED data output from the output ports 0 to 8, and the signal data C and D are any signal data output from the output port. The output buffers A and B may be any output buffer used to output the output ports 0 to 8.

Hereinafter, in the main side setting process, the LED data A setting process and the LED data B setting process are performed. Further, in the interrupt side setting process, the LED data C setting process and the LED data D setting process are executed. In the present embodiment, setting the data OFF is also referred to as "clear", and setting ON is simply referred to as "setting".

As shown in FIG. 24, in the main side setting process, the interrupt prohibition setting is first performed (Sm1). The LEDA and B data are data updated by the interrupt process. Therefore, during the execution of the main side setting process, there is a possibility that the LED may be unintentionally turned on based on the temporarily set data. Further, when the updated data is signal data, there is a risk that an unintended signal is output based on the temporarily set data. By setting the interrupt prohibition setting in this way, it is possible to prevent unintended LED lighting or extinguishing and signal output.

Next, the LED data A and the LED data B are collectively set to OFF (Sm2). The LED data A and the LED data B are data corresponding to each bit in the 1-byte LED data. For example, when the first bit of the LED data is 1, the LED data A is ON, when the first bit of the LED data is 0, the LED data A is OFF, and the second bit of the LED data is 1. Sometimes the LED data B is turned on, and when the second bit of the LED data is 0, the LED data B is turned off. Therefore, by setting the LED data to 0, the LED data A and the LED data B are collectively set to OFF, so that the processing is easy.

If the LED data A activation condition is satisfied in the Sm3 step (Sm3 is YES), the LED data A is set to ON (Sm4), and the process proceeds to the Sm5 step. On the other hand, if the activation condition of the LED data A is not satisfied (Sm3 is NO), the process proceeds to the step of Sm5.

If the LED data B activation condition (LED lighting condition) is satisfied in the Sm5 step (Sm5 is YES), the LED data B is set to ON (Sm6), and the process proceeds to the Sm7 step. On the other hand, if the activation condition of the LED data B is not satisfied (Sm5 is NO), the process proceeds to the step of Sm7.

In the step of Sm7, LED data A and LED data B are set in the output buffer A. In the step of Sm8, the interrupt permission setting (Sm8) is performed, and the main side setting process is completed. When the interrupt process is executed according to the interrupt permission setting, the LEDA and LEDB are turned on or off based on the data set in the output buffer A.

In this way, the main side setting process outputs when the output conditions (LED data A, B activation conditions) are satisfied after the output data (LED data A, B) settings are collectively set to OFF. This is the process of turning on the data. Then, the LEDs A and LEDB are turned on or off based on the LED data A and the LED data B set by the main side setting process. As described above, in the main side setting process, the OFF setting of the output data becomes easy by performing the setting collectively.

In the present embodiment, the LED data A and B are set in the output buffer A, and the LEDs A and B are turned on or off by the output port output process based on the output buffer A, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of setting the LED data A and B in the output buffer A, the LEDs A and B may be turned on or off by the output port output process based on the LED data A and B.

Next, the interrupt side setting process will be described. In the interrupt side setting process, the signal data C and the signal data D are collectively set to ON (Sn1). The signal data C and the signal data D are data corresponding to each bit in the 1-byte signal data. For example, when the first bit of the signal data is 1, the signal data C is ON, when the first bit of the signal data is 0, the signal data C is OFF, and the second bit of the signal data is 1. Sometimes the signal data D is turned on, and when the second bit of the signal data is 0, the signal data D is turned off. Therefore, by setting the signal data to FFH, the signal data A and the LED data B are collectively set to ON, so that the processing is easy.

In the Sn2 step, if the invalidation condition (signal stop condition) of the signal data C is satisfied (Sn2 is YES), the signal data C is set to OFF (Sn3), and the process proceeds to the Sm4 step. On the other hand, if the invalidation condition of the signal data C is not satisfied (Sn2 is NO), the process proceeds to the step S4.

In the Sn4 step, if the invalidation condition of the signal data D is satisfied (Sn4 is YES), the signal data D is set to OFF (Sn5), and the process proceeds to the Sn6 step. On the other hand, if the activation condition of the signal data D is not satisfied (Sn4 is NO), the process proceeds to the Sn6 step.

In the Sn6 step, the signal data C and the signal data D are set in the output buffer B, and the interrupt side setting process is completed. When the interrupt side setting process is completed, the signal C and the signal D are output based on the data set in the output buffer B in the output process of the output port executed in the interrupt process.

In this way, in the interrupt side setting process, after the output data (signal data C and D) are collectively set to ON, the output data is not satisfied when the output condition (validation condition of the signal data C and D) is not satisfied. This is the process of turning off the setting of. Then, the signal C and the signal D are output based on the signal data C and the signal data D set by the interrupt side setting process. As described above, in the interrupt side setting process, the ON setting of the output data becomes easy by performing the settings collectively.

Further, it is determined whether or not the invalidation condition is satisfied for each of the signal data C and the signal data D, and when the invalidation condition of the signal data C is satisfied, the signal data C is set to OFF, and the following is satisfied. When the invalidation condition of the signal data D, which is a condition, is satisfied, the signal data D is set to OFF.

For example, there is also a method in which the determination result of the invalidation condition is held every time the invalidation condition is determined, and the signal data is turned off collectively after all the determinations are completed. However, in this way, it becomes necessary to retain the determination result of the invalidation condition one by one. As described above, by setting the signal data to OFF each time the invalidation condition is satisfied, it is not necessary to hold the determination result of the invalidation condition each time.

In the present embodiment, the signal data C and D are set in the output buffer B, and the signals C and D are output by the output port output process based on the output buffer B, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of setting the signal data C and D in the output buffer B, the signal C and the signal D may be output by the output port output process based on the signal data C and D.

As described above, the data processing can be simplified by first setting the output data to ON or OFF and updating the output data as necessary when the conditions are satisfied. For example, when there is 1-byte data including a plurality of signal data and each signal data corresponds to each bit in the 1-byte data (including 8-bit signal data), the 1-byte data is rewritten to FFH. Then, all signal data can be set to ON. Further, by rewriting the 1-byte data to 00H, all signal data can be set to OFF.

As the instructions used by the program, the instructions for setting (clearing) the data to OFF are more substantial than the instructions for setting the data to ON. For example, the contents of the register holding 00H or FFH data can be read from the register holding the 1-byte data to set the data to OFF (00H) or ON (FFH). On the other hand, regarding the data OFF setting, the data can be cleared (00H) at one time by executing the clear instruction, so that the processing capacity is reduced.

Therefore, it is desirable to set the data to OFF once and then set it to ON as needed from the viewpoint of reducing the processing capacity. Therefore, in the interrupt side setting process, the output data is set to ON first, and the output data is set to OFF when the condition is satisfied. This simplifies the program. On the other hand, if the ON setting is made first in the main process, there is a risk that an erroneous signal will be output due to the execution of the interrupt process. Therefore, in the main side setting process, the output data is set to OFF first, and the output data is set to ON when the establishment condition is satisfied. As a result, it is possible to prevent an erroneous signal from being output.

[Structure and effect of the slot machine of the present embodiment]
Next, the configuration and the effect of the slot machine of the present embodiment will be described.

(1-1) A plurality of variable display units capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, are provided.
After variable display of the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be generated according to the display result combination which is a combination of the display results of a plurality of variable display units. In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1)
A plurality of derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated to derive a display result combination, and
A processing means (for example, main CPU 41a) for executing a predetermined process is provided.
The predetermined process executed by the processing means includes a main process (for example, the main process shown in FIG. 9) and an interrupt process (for example, FIG. 9) executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt. The timer interrupt process (main) shown in 16 is included.
The processing means
In the interrupt process, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on any of the plurality of derivation operation means, and the operation of the first derivation operation means (for example, the left stop switch) among the plurality of derivation operation means is performed. When it is determined that there is a first input (for example, detection of an ON edge of a left stop switch signal) based on the above, in the main process after the interrupt process, the first variable display unit among the plurality of variable display units The first setting process (for example, the reel stop slip piece storage process) for setting the stop position of the variation display in (for example, the area of the left reel visible from the player side through the see-through window 3) is executed (for example). For example, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, the reel stop slip piece storage process for setting the stop position of the left reel in the main process after the interrupt process (left). To execute),
After starting the first setting process, execution of the new interrupt process is prohibited until the first setting process is completed, and after the first setting process is completed, the new interrupt process is executed (for example). , As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, after starting the reel stop slip piece storage process (left), execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop slide piece storage process (left) is completed. A new interrupt process is executed after the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is completed),
In the new interrupt process, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on any of the plurality of derivation operation means, and the second derivation operation means (for example, the middle stop switch) of the plurality of derivation operation means is determined. ), When it is determined that there is a second input (for example, detection of the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal), among the plurality of variable display units in the main process after the new interrupt process. A second setting process (for example, a reel stop slip piece storage process) for setting a stop position of the variation display in the second variable display unit (for example, a region of the middle reel that can be seen from the player side through the see-through window 3). ) Is executed (for example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is detected in the new interrupt process, a new interrupt is executed. In the main process after the interrupt process, the reel stop slide frame storage process (middle) for setting the stop position of the middle reel is executed),
The processing means further determines whether or not the variation display of the variable display unit is normal (for example, a reel rotation error) in the main process after the new interrupt process, and the variation display is normal. If it is determined that this is not the case, the second setting process is not executed based on the second input determined in the new interrupt process, and if it is determined that the variation display is normal, the new interrupt process is performed. The second setting process is executed based on the second input determined in (For example, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred in the main process after the new interrupt process, and a reel rotation error occurs. If it occurs, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is not executed based on the new interrupt process, and if it is determined that a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel stop slip is based on the new interrupt process. Execute the frame storage process (middle)).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal based on the operation of the left stop switch is detected, the left reel is used in the main process after the interrupt process. After executing the reel stop slip piece storage process (left) to set the stop position of, and starting the reel stop slide piece storage process (left), a new reel stop slide piece storage process (left) is completed. The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited, a new interrupt process is executed after the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is completed, and in the new interrupt process, the middle stop switch signal based on the operation of the middle stop switch is displayed. When the ON edge is detected, in the main process after the new interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) for setting the stop position of the middle reel is executed. By doing so, the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed before the reel stop slip piece storage process (left) based on the operation of the left stop switch is completed. Can be prevented. Further, in the main process after the new interrupt process, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error has occurred, and if a reel rotation error has occurred, the reel stop slip piece is stored based on the new interrupt process. When it is determined that the reel rotation error has not occurred without executing the process (middle), the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed based on the new interrupt process. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) based on the operation of the middle stop switch is executed on condition that the reel rotation is normal. In this way, when the reel stop slip piece storage process for setting the reel stop position is continuously executed, the reel stop slide piece storage process can be preferably executed.

(1-2) The processing means is
After completing the first setting process, a first stop command (for example, a reel stop position command) indicating a stop position of the variation display in the first variable display unit set by the first setting process is output (for example). , As shown in FIG. 14, after completing the reel stop slip piece storage process (left), a reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slide piece storage process (left) is output). ,
Execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting the first stop command is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, for outputting the reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel. Execution of interrupt processing is prohibited until the setting is completed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, after the reel stop slip piece storage process (left) is completed, the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slide piece storage process (left) is shown. The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting the reel stop position command and outputting the reel stop position command indicating the stop position of the left reel is completed. Therefore, the process based on the operation of the new stop switch is not performed before the transmission of the reel stop position command is completed.

(1-3) The processing means is
When the first stop command is output, a plurality of commands including the first stop command are output (for example, a reel stop acceptance command, a reel stop position command, a slip frame number command, a reel stop command).

Execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the interrupt process is performed until the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed. Prohibit execution).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reel stop position command is output, the reel stop acceptance time command, the slip frame number command, and the reel stop command are output, and a plurality of these commands are output. The execution of the interrupt process is prohibited until the setting for the operation is completed. In this way, it is possible to prevent an unintended command from being output by the interrupt process or a large transmission interval between the plurality of commands before the setting for outputting the plurality of commands is completed.

(1-4) In the second setting process, the processing means changes in the second variable display unit based on the stop position of the variation display in the first variable display unit set by the first setting process. Set the stop position of the display (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle), based on the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slide piece storage process (left). Set the stop position of the middle reel.)

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle), the middle is based on the stop position of the left reel set by the reel stop slip piece storage process (left). Set the reel stop position. In this way, since the stop position of the middle reel is set based on the stop position of the left reel, the symbol combinations to be derived are diverse.

(1-5) Even when the display result combination is derived by stopping the variable display in the second variable display unit, the processing means performs the second setting process after starting the second setting process. Execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the setting process is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, even if the symbol combination is derived by stopping the left reel, the reel stop slip frame After starting the storage process (middle), execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is completed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, even when the symbol combination is derived by stopping the middle reel, after starting the reel stop sliding piece storage process (middle), the reel Execution of a new interrupt process is prohibited until the stop slip frame storage process (middle) is completed. As described above, since other processes are not executed during the execution of the reel stop sliding frame storage process, it is possible to control the reels to be stopped promptly.

(1-6) The processing means determines that the first input and the second input have been made in the interrupt processing when both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are variable-displayed. If so, in the main process after the interrupt process, the first setting process is executed, but the second setting process is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, both the left reel and the middle reel are executed. When the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process when rotating, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process. On the other hand, the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) is not executed.)

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating. In this case, in the main process after the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed, but the reel stop slide frame storage process (middle) is not executed. However, if the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected even in one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so that the reels can be stopped promptly. ..

(1-7) The processing means is
When it is determined that the first input has been made in the predetermined interrupt processing when both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are variable display, the main after the predetermined interrupt processing is performed. In the process, the first setting process can be executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 17, in a predetermined interrupt process when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is executed. Is detected, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the main process after the predetermined interrupt process),
When it is determined that the second input has been made in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process, the second setting process can be executed in the main process after the interrupt process (for example, FIG. As shown in 17, when the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is performed in the main process after the interrupt process. ) Is executed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in a predetermined interrupt process when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, it is predetermined. When the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process of, and the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process, the corresponding In the main process after the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed. In this way, if the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the middle stop switch signal is detected even with one interrupt process, the left reel and the middle reel can be stopped, so the reels should be stopped promptly. Can be done.

(1-8) The processing means is
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the predetermined interrupt processing when both the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are variable display, the predetermined interrupt is performed. In the main process after the process, when the first setting process is executed but the second setting process is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating). When the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the predetermined interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is performed in the main process after the predetermined interrupt process. While executing, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is not executed),
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process, the second setting process is executed in the main process after the interrupt process. The first setting process is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process. If this is done, in the main process after the interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed, while the reel stop slide frame storage process (left) is not executed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in a predetermined interrupt process when both the left reel and the middle reel are rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are ON. When an edge is detected, the reel stop slip piece storage process (left) is executed, but the reel stop slip piece storage process (middle) is not executed in the main process after the predetermined interrupt process. Further, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected in the interrupt process after the predetermined interrupt process, the reel stop slip piece is stored in the main process after the interrupt process. While the process (middle) is executed, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is not executed. In this way, when the left stop switch and the middle stop switch are operated at the same time, the rotating reel is stopped, so that the operability of the stop switch is not impaired.

(1-9) The processing means is
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the interrupt process when the variable display in the first variable display unit is stopped and the second variable display unit is variable display, the interrupt processing is performed. In the main process after the interrupt process, the second setting process is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interrupt process when the left reel is stopped and the middle reel is rotating, the left stop switch is used. When the ON edge of the signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process),
When it is determined that the first input and the second input are present in the interrupt process when the variable display in the second variable display unit is stopped and the first variable display unit is variable display, the interrupt processing is performed. In the main process after the interrupt process, the first setting process is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interrupt process when the middle reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating, the middle stop switch is used. When the ON edge of the signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the interrupt process when the left reel is stopped and the middle reel is rotating, the ON edge of the left stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are ON. When an edge is detected, the reel stop slip frame storage process (middle) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process, and in the interrupt process when the middle reel is stopped and the left reel is rotating, the middle reel is executed. When the ON edge of the stop switch signal and the ON edge of the left stop switch signal are detected, the reel stop slip frame storage process (left) is executed in the main process after the interrupt process. As described above, even if the ON edges of a plurality of stop switch signals are detected in the same interrupt process, the reel stop slip frame storage process of the rotating reel is executed, so that the operability is not impaired.

(1-10) The processing means is
When it is determined that the first input has been made in the interrupt process, in the main process after the interrupt process, the position of the variable display in the first variable display unit is the identification information of each of the first variable display units. Acquire the identification number (for example, symbol number) corresponding to the identification information when the position of a common step (for example, 11 steps) is reached in the range corresponding to (for example, the symbol) (for example, the number of steps of each symbol). Then, the first setting process is executed based on the identification number (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process, the main process after the interrupt process is performed. In, when the position of the left reel becomes the position of a predetermined step in the number of steps of each symbol of the left reel, the symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired, and the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is performed based on the symbol number. Execute),
After determining that the first input has been made, the second input is not accepted even if there is the second input until the position of the variable display in the first variable display unit becomes the position of the common step (the second input is not accepted). For example, as shown in FIG. 14, after the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected, the middle stop is detected even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected until the position of the left reel reaches the position of 11 steps. Does not accept the ON edge of the switch signal).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, when the ON edge of the left stop switch signal is detected in the interrupt process, the position of the left reel is set to the left reel in the main process after the interrupt process. When the position of 11 steps in the number of steps of each symbol is reached, the symbol number corresponding to the symbol is acquired, the reel stop sliding frame storage process (left) is executed based on the symbol number, and the left stop switch signal is turned ON. After the edge is detected, the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is not accepted even if the ON edge of the middle stop switch signal is detected until the position of the left reel reaches the position of 11 steps. By doing so, the reel stop sliding frame storage process can be executed from the position of 11 steps.

(1-11) Further provided with a start operation means (for example, a start switch 7) for starting variable display in the plurality of variable display units.
The processing means
Based on the operation of the start operation means, control is performed to output a specific signal (for example, an internal winning signal) for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation of the start switch 7). Controls to output the internal winning signal for 2 seconds),
The operation of the plurality of derivation operation means is enabled on the condition that the predetermined time has elapsed (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are enabled on the condition that 2 seconds have elapsed. Enable the operation of).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, based on the operation of the start switch 7, the control to output the internal winning signal is performed for 2 seconds, and the stop is performed on the condition that 2 seconds have elapsed. Enable the operation of switches 8L, 8C, 8R. By doing so, the contents of the internal winning signal can be confirmed by the external device (test device), and then the reel can be stopped.

(1-12) The processing means has a drive signal (for example, a first to third reel motor φ0 to φ3 signal) with respect to a motor (for example, a reel motor) for starting a fluctuation display in the plurality of variable display units. ) Is output, and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display of all the plurality of variable display units has stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, with respect to the reel motor). Based on determining whether or not the reel motor signal is output, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, it is based on determining whether or not a reel motor signal (first to third reel motors φ0 to φ3 signals) is output to the reel motor. It is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped. By doing so, it is possible to determine that the reel has stopped based on the output status of the reel motor signal.

(1-13) The processing means is
The drive signal for the motor and the drive signal (for example, the flow path switching solenoid signal) for the blocker solenoid (for example, the flow path switching solenoid 30) for switching the flow path of the input game medium are set to the specific port (for example, the output port 0). , 1) (for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal are output from the output ports 0 and 1).
When starting the fluctuation display in the plurality of variable display units, the output of the drive signal to the solenoid is stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when starting the rotation of all the reels, the flow path switching solenoid Stop the signal output),
Based on determining whether or not a signal is output from the specific port, it is determined whether or not the variable display of all of the plurality of variable display units has stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the output port. Based on determining whether or not a signal is output from 0, 1, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, when the reel motor signal and the flow path switching solenoid signal are output from the output ports 0 and 1, the rotation of all the reels is started. The output of the path switching solenoid signal is stopped, and it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped based on the determination as to whether or not the signal is being output from the output ports 0 and 1. By doing so, while the empty port can be handled appropriately, it does not interfere with the determination of whether or not all the reels have stopped.

(2-1) The processing means is
An out signal (for example, a payout signal) is output based on the occurrence of a replay prize (for example, a replay prize) that allows the next game to be started without using the player-owned game value (for example, a medal) (for example, a payout signal). For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a payout signal is output based on the occurrence of a replay prize),
When the re-game winning is generated, the operation of the start operation means is performed in the next game of the game in which the re-game winning is generated, regardless of whether or not the output of the out signal based on the re-game winning is completed. Enable (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, when a replay winning occurs, it starts in the next game of the game in which the replay winning occurs, regardless of whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay winning is completed. Enable the operation).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a payout signal is output based on the occurrence of a replay prize, and when a replay prize occurs, whether or not the output of the payout signal based on the replay prize is completed. Regardless, the start operation is enabled in the game following the game in which the replay prize has occurred. By doing so, the progress of the game can be promptly advanced.

(2-2) The processing means is
An in signal (for example, an input signal) is output based on the operation of the start operation means (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, an input signal is output based on the start operation).
If the start operating means is operated before the output of the out signal is completed, the output of the in signal is started after the output of the out signal is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, of the payout signal). If the start operation is performed before the output is completed, the output of the input signal is started after the output of the payout signal is completed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, when the input signal is output based on the start operation and the start operation is performed before the output of the payout signal is completed, the payout signal is output. Is completed, the output of the input signal is started. By delaying the output of the input signal in this way, the output timings of the input signal and the payout signal do not overlap. Therefore, by checking the signal received by the external device, the processing order of the processing executed by the main CPU 41a is specified. It will be easier.

(2-3) The processing means is
When outputting the in signal, the output state of the out signal is confirmed, and when the out signal is not output, the in signal is output (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, an input signal is output. When doing so, check the output status of the payout signal, and if the payout signal is not output, output the input signal),
When the out signal is output, the out signal is output without confirming the output state of the in signal (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, when the payout signal is output, the input signal is output. Output the payout signal without checking the status).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, when outputting the input signal, the output state of the payout signal is confirmed, and when the payout signal is not output, the input signal is output and the payout signal is output. When outputting the signal, the payout signal is output without confirming the output state of the input signal. Since the payout signal is not output during the output of the input signal, the processing load can be reduced by omitting the confirmation of the output state of the input signal.

(2-4) The processing means is
The first initialization process (for example, the process of clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game (Sa2)) that initializes the storage area in the storage means (for example, RAM 41c) when the unit game (for example, one game) is completed. ))When,
The second initialization process (for example, the area C, D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus) that initializes the storage area in the storage means when the control to the advantageous state (for example, the bonus state) advantageous to the player is completed. It is possible to execute the process of clearing (Sa2)).
The output data of the out signal is set in the storage area (for example, area A of the game RAM area) in the storage means that is not initialized by either the first initialization process or the second initialization process (for example, the output data of the out signal). For example, as shown in FIG. 21B, the game is not initialized by either the process of clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game and the process of clearing the areas C and D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus. The output data of the payout signal is set in the area A of the RAM).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21B, either the process of clearing the area D of the game RAM at the end of the game or the process of clearing the areas C and D of the game RAM at the end of the bonus. The output data of the payout signal is set in the area A of the game RAM that is not initialized even by. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the output of the payout signal from being unintentionally stopped due to the clearing process of the gaming RAM.

(2-5) The processing means executes the setting of the number of bets for starting the game based on the occurrence of the re-game winning after starting the output of the out signal (for example, as shown in FIG. 20). , Set the number of BETs to start the game based on the occurrence of the replay prize, after starting the output of the payout signal).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the number of BETs for starting the game based on the occurrence of the replay winning is set after the output of the payout signal is started. In this way, by promptly outputting the payout signal, which is an information output to the outside, which takes time to transmit, the progress of the game is not hindered.

(2-6) The processing means is
During the output of the out signal, when a transition condition (for example, error occurrence, setting change operation) is satisfied, control is performed to a specific state (for example, error state, setting change state).
Even when controlled to the specific state, the output of the out signal is continued until the output of the out signal is completed (for example, even when controlled to the error state as shown in FIG. 10). , The output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, since the error state is controlled when an error occurs during the output of the payout signal, the progress of the control is not hindered and the control is performed in the error state. Even if this is done, the output of the payout signal is continued until the output of the payout signal is completed, so that erroneous information is not transmitted to the outside.

(2-7) When the re-game winning is generated, the processing means acquires the bet number (for example, the number of BETs) set in the game in which the re-game winning occurs, and the acquired bet number is used. The corresponding numerical data (for example, 3) is stored in a storage area for setting the number of bets by the replay winning (for example, a replay counter) and a storage area for outputting the out signal (for example, a payout signal counter). (For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when a replay winning is generated, the number of BETs set in the game in which the replay has occurred is acquired, and the numerical data corresponding to the acquired number of BETs is used for replay. Stored in the counter and the payout signal counter).

For example, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, when a replay prize is generated, the number of BETs set in the game in which the replay occurs is acquired, and the numerical value corresponding to the acquired number of BETs is acquired. The data is stored in the replay counter and the payout signal counter. By doing so, the number of medals can be set efficiently.

(2-8) Even when the number of bets is set to a predetermined number (for example, 3), the storage area for setting the number of bets by the re-game winning is other than the numerical data corresponding to the predetermined number. Numerical data (for example, 0 to 2, 4 to 255) can be stored (for example, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), the replay counter has a BET number of 3 even when the number of BETs is set to 3. , Can store numbers from 0 to 255).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), the replay counter can store a numerical value from 0 to 255 even when the BET number is set to 3. .. By doing so, even if the specifications of the software of the slot machine are changed, it becomes easy to respond to the changes in the specifications.

(2-9) The processing means determines whether or not the re-game winning is generated for each unit game regardless of which game state (for example, normal state, bonus, AT) is being controlled. When the determination is made and the replay winning is occurring, the lighting means (for example, the LED during replay) is turned on, and when the replay winning is not occurring, the lighting means is turned off (for example, as shown in FIG. 15). In addition, regardless of which game state is being controlled, it is determined for each game whether or not a replay prize has occurred, and when a replay prize has occurred, the LED during replay is turned on and the replay is performed. When it is not occurring, the LED is turned off during replay.)

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined for each game whether or not a replay prize has occurred regardless of which game state is being controlled, and the replay prize is determined. When it is occurring, the LED during replay is turned on, and when replay is not occurring, the LED during replay is turned off. By doing so, it is possible to output the occurrence status of the replay prize based on the situation for each game.

(3-1) The main process is called by a first process (for example, input / payout error check process) and a call instruction (for example, CALL instruction) in the first process, and is called by a return instruction (for example, RET instruction). Including a second process (for example, error process) that returns to the first process,
The second process includes an interrupt wait process (for example, an interrupt one-time wait process) that waits until the interrupt process is executed and proceeds to the next process on condition that the interrupt process is executed. ,
The processing means prohibits the execution of the interrupt processing when executing the predetermined processing after returning from the second processing in the first processing (for example, as shown in FIG. 23, input / payout error check. In the process, after returning from the error process, when executing the process to acquire the sensor error flag, the execution of the interrupt process is prohibited).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the main process is called by the CALL command in the input / payout error check process and the input / payout error check process, and returns to the input / payout error check process by the RET command. Including error processing, error processing includes input / withdrawal error check including one interrupt waiting process that waits until the interrupt process is executed and proceeds to the next process on condition that the interrupt process is executed. In the process, when the process of acquiring the sensor error flag is executed after returning from the error process, the execution of the interrupt process is prohibited. In this way, not only the interrupt processing is performed once in the error processing, but also the execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited in the input / withdrawal error check processing, so that the unintended interrupt processing can be reliably prevented. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended problem from occurring even when the program is modified in the development of the slot machine, and it is possible to improve the maintainability of the program.

(3-2) In the second process, the processing means transmits a command (for example, an error release command) before ending the second process, and the return command is completed so that the transmission of the command is completed. The interrupt wait process is executed before returning to the first process (for example, as shown in FIG. 23, in the error process, an error release command is transmitted before the error process is completed, and the error release command is executed. Before returning to the input / payout error check process by the RET command, the interrupt wait process is executed once so that the transmission is completed).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, in the error processing, the error release command is transmitted before the error processing is completed, and the input / withdrawal is performed by the RET command so that the transmission of the error release command is completed. Before returning to the error check processing, the interrupt processing is executed once. By doing so, the next process can be executed after the error release command is surely transmitted.

(3-3) The predetermined process is a process of acquiring predetermined information (for example, a sensor error flag) updated in the interrupt process (for example, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is in the interrupt process. It is the update process of the sensor error flag to acquire the sensor error flag to be updated).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is the sensor error flag update process for acquiring the sensor error flag updated in the interrupt process. After returning from the error processing, the execution of the interrupt processing is prohibited, so that the sensor error flag is not updated while the sensor error flag is being acquired.

(3-4) The predetermined process is a process executed by calling a non-game program different from the game program related to the progress of the game by the call command by the first process (for example, as shown in FIG. 23). In addition, the predetermined process is a process executed by calling a non-game program different from the game program related to the progress of the game by a CALL instruction by the input / payout error check process).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined process is executed by calling a non-game program different from the game program related to the progress of the game by a CALL instruction by the input / payout error check process. It is a process. By doing so, interruption does not occur during execution of the non-game program.

(3-5) After returning from the second process to the first process, the processing means executes the predetermined process without calling another process by the call command (for example, as shown in FIG. 23). , After returning from the error processing to the input / withdrawal error check processing, the predetermined processing is executed without calling other processing by the CALL instruction).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, after returning from the error processing to the input / payout error check processing, the predetermined processing is executed without calling another processing by the CALL instruction. By doing so, the predetermined processing can be executed promptly after the error processing is completed.

(4-1) The processing means is
In the interrupt process, an output process (for example, an output port output process) that outputs output data set in the storage area of the storage means, and
In the main process, the main side setting process for setting the output data (for example, LED data A setting process, LED data B setting process) and
In the interrupt process, it is possible to execute an interrupt side setting process (for example, LED data C setting process, LED data D setting process) for setting the output data.
The main side setting process sets the output data when the output conditions (for example, the activation condition of the LED data A and the activation condition of the LED data B) are satisfied after clearing the setting of the output data. (For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the main side setting process is the LED data when the activation condition of the LED data A is satisfied after the LED data A and B are set to OFF. This is a process in which A is set to ON and LED data B is set to ON when the condition for enabling LED data B is satisfied).
After setting the output data, the interrupt side setting process sets the output data when the output conditions (for example, the activation condition of the signal data C and the activation condition of the signal data D) are not satisfied. This is a process for clearing (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the interrupt side setting process is the signal data C when the activation condition of the signal data C is not satisfied after the signal data C and D are set to ON. This is a process in which the setting of the signal data D is set to OFF, and the setting of the signal data D is set to OFF when the activation condition of the signal data D is not satisfied).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main side setting process, after the LED data A and B settings are set to OFF, the LED data A activation condition is satisfied. This is a process in which the LED data A is sometimes set to ON, and the LED data B is set to ON when the condition for enabling the LED data B is satisfied. Further, in the interrupt side setting process, after the signal data C and D are set to ON, the setting of the signal data C is set to OFF when the activation condition of the signal data C is not satisfied, and the signal data D is enabled. This is a process of turning off the setting of the signal data D when the condition is not satisfied. In this way, the data processing can be simplified by first setting the output data to ON or OFF and updating the output data as necessary when the establishment condition is satisfied. In addition, since the instruction to set the data OFF is more substantial than the instruction to set the data ON, in the interrupt side setting process, the output data is set ON first and the output data is set when the establishment condition is satisfied. The program can be further simplified by setting it to OFF. On the other hand, if such a process is performed in the main process, an erroneous signal may be output due to the execution of the interrupt process. Therefore, in the main side setting process, it is possible to prevent an erroneous signal from being output by first setting the output data to OFF and setting the output data to ON when the establishment condition is satisfied.

(4-2) The processing means is
In the output process, a plurality of signals (for example, signal C and signal D) are output based on the output data set by the interrupt side setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, by the interrupt side setting process). Outputs signal C and signal D based on signal data C and signal data D set to ON),
In the interrupt side setting process, the output data corresponding to the plurality of signals are collectively set (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the signal data corresponding to the signal C and the signal D in the interrupt side setting process). C and signal data D are collectively set to ON).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the signal C and the signal D are output based on the signal data C and the signal data D set ON by the interrupt side setting process, and in the interrupt side setting process. , Signal C, signal data C corresponding to signal D, and signal data D are collectively set to ON. By doing so, it becomes easy to set the signal data C and the signal data D to be ON.

(4-3) The processing means is
In the output process, a plurality of signals (for example, signal A and signal B) are output based on the output data set by the main side setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, ON setting is performed by the main side setting process. LEDA and LEDB are turned on or off based on the LED data A and LED data B),
In the main side setting process, the output data corresponding to the plurality of signals are collectively cleared (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the main side setting process, the LED data A and LED data corresponding to the LEDs A and LED B are cleared. B is set to OFF at once).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the LEDs A and LEDB are turned on or off based on the LED data A and the LED data B set by the main side setting process, and the LEDA, LED data A and LED data B corresponding to LEDB are collectively set to OFF. By doing so, it becomes easy to set the LED data A and the LED data B to be OFF.

(4-4) The processing means is
For each of the plurality of signals output in the output process, it is determined whether or not the output condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, for each of the signal data C and the signal data D). , Determine if the invalidation condition is met),
After updating the output data based on one output condition, the output data is updated based on the next output condition of the one output condition (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the invalidation condition of the signal data C). When is satisfied, the signal data C is set to OFF, and when the next condition for invalidating the signal data D is satisfied, the signal data D is set to OFF).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the invalidation condition is satisfied for each of the signal data C and the signal data D, and the invalidation condition of the signal data C is satisfied. When this is done, the signal data C is set to OFF, and when the invalidation condition of the signal data D, which is the next establishment condition, is satisfied, the signal data D is set to OFF. By doing so, it is not necessary to retain the determination result of the invalidation condition each time.

(4-5) The processing means prohibits execution of the interrupt processing during the main side setting process (for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the interrupt prohibition setting is performed during the main side setting process).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, since the interrupt prohibition setting is performed during the main side setting process, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output.

(5-1) The storage means is provided with an area from a start address to an end address as a storage area (for example, a built-in register area) for setting a function in the processing means (for example, FIG. 8). As shown, the RAM 41c is provided with an area from FE00H to FEACH as a built-in register area for function setting in the main CPU 41a).
At the start of control, the processing means sets set values in a plurality of areas (for example, second, third, fourth, and sixth areas) of the storage areas (for example, first to seventh areas) for setting the function. At that time, data capable of identifying a reference address (for example, FE01H) corresponding to a predetermined area (for example, a second area) among the plurality of areas is read out, and a set value (for example, for example) is set in the predetermined area based on the reference address. , Data A), and then set the set value (for example, data B) in the specific area (for example, the third area) based on the address calculated by using the difference value (for example, 1) with respect to the reference address. (For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the main CPU 41a sets a set value in the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas of the built-in register area at the start of control, the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas are used. Data that can identify the reference address (FE01H) corresponding to the second region is read out, data A is set in the second region based on the reference address, and then the difference value (1) is used for the reference address. Data B is set in the third area based on the calculated address (FE02H)).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 41c is provided with an area from FE00H to FEACH as a built-in register area for function setting in the main CPU 41a, and the main CPU 41a controls. When setting the set value in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th areas of the built-in register area at the start, the reference address (FE01H) corresponding to the 1st area of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th areas is specified. After reading the possible data and setting the data A in the second area based on the reference address, the data B is set in the third area based on the address (FE02H) calculated by using the difference value (1) with respect to the reference address. Set. In this way, by setting data in the third area based on the address calculated using the difference value, it is possible to save the program capacity compared to setting the set value in the third area by directly specifying the address. can.

(5-2) The predetermined region is an region corresponding to the smallest address (for example, FE01H) among the plurality of regions (for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second region is the second and third regions. , 4, 6 The area corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H)).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, since the second region is the region corresponding to the smallest address (FE01H) among the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions, the difference value is set. When setting data in the area based on the address calculated using the data, the data can be set efficiently.

(5-3) When setting a set value, the processing means has an area corresponding to a predetermined address (for example, FE02H) (for example, a third area) and an address next to the predetermined address (for example, FE03H). The 2-byte data (for example, 12 + FFH × 56) is set so as to set the set value in each of the areas corresponding to (for example, the fourth area) (for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 41a has the set value. 2 byte data (12 + FFH ×) so as to set the set value in each of the third area corresponding to the predetermined address (FE02H) and the fourth area corresponding to the next address (FE03H) of the predetermined address 56) is set).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when setting the set value, the main CPU 41a has a third area corresponding to the predetermined address (FE02H) and the address next to the predetermined address (FE03H). The 2-byte data (12 + FFH × 56) is set so as to set the set value in each of the fourth regions corresponding to. By doing so, data can be set collectively for a plurality of areas.

(5-4) The processing means starts controlling the game by setting the set values in all of the plurality of areas for which the set values should be set (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The CPU 41a starts controlling the game by setting the set values in all of the first to fifth areas in which the set values should be set).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a sets the set values in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas in which the set values should be set. Start control. By doing so, the control of the game is not started in the situation where the setting value to be set is not completed.

(5-5) The processing means prohibits execution of the interrupt process until the set values are set in all of the plurality of areas for which the set values should be set (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). , The main CPU 41a prohibits the execution of the interrupt process until the set values are set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas in which the set values should be set).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a interrupts until the set value is set in all of the second, third, fourth, and sixth areas in which the set value should be set. Prohibit the execution of processing. By doing so, unintended control is not performed by executing the interrupt process while setting the set value.

(5-6) The processing means initializes a port (for example, an output port) before setting a set value in the plurality of areas (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a has a main CPU 41a. Initialize the output port before setting the set values in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th areas).

For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main CPU 41a initializes the output port before setting the set value in the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended signal from being output from the output port.

[Modification example]
Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About built-in register setting processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, there are seven regions from the first region to the seventh region, and as a plurality of regions that need to be set, the second, third, fourth, and sixth regions are used. Set values were set in each area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the area that needs to be set may be any area out of all areas, and may be set for all areas.

[Reel stop control processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, an example in which the stop of the left reel is the first stop and the stop of the middle reel is the second stop has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Reel may be the first stop, and any reel may be the second stop. Further, the combination of the first stop and the second stop is not limited to the combination of the second stop and the third stop.

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

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that can play games,
Equipped with a processing means to execute a predetermined process,
The predetermined process executed by the processing means includes a main process and an interrupt process executed by interrupting the main process based on the occurrence of an interrupt.
The processing means
In the interrupt process, the output process that outputs the output data set in the output data storage area and the output process.
In the main process, the main side setting process for setting the output data in the output data storage area and
In the interrupt process, it is possible to execute an interrupt side setting process for setting the output data in the output data storage area .
The main side setting process is a process of setting the output data in the output data storage area when the output condition is satisfied after clearing the data set in the output data storage area.
The processing means
During the main side setting process, after prohibiting the execution of the interrupt process, the data set in the output data storage area is cleared.
After setting the output data in the output data storage area during the main side setting process, the prohibition of execution of the interrupt process is released.
The interrupt side setting process is a process of setting the output data in the output data storage area and then clearing the data set in the output data storage area when the output condition is not satisfied. ..

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