JP4879871B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a variable display device capable of displaying variable identification information in a display area, a first control device that performs display control of the variable display device, and a display of the variable display device based on a command from the first control device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a second control device that performs control.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the interest of gaming is enhanced by variably displaying identification information on a variable display device provided in the gaming machine. Such a variable display device is controlled by a display control device, and display control by the display control device is performed based on a command signal from a game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner.

For example, the variable display device is provided with a plurality of (for example, three) display areas, and a symbol made up of numbers is displayed as identification information in the display area, and each of these symbols fluctuates by scroll rotation. .

In Japanese Patent Application No. 10-291947 by the present applicant, the command signal from the game control device indicates the variation mode of the identification information (for example, the speed variation of the scroll variation), and such command signal is transmitted. A gaming machine has been proposed.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing transmission of a symbol-related command signal (a command signal related to symbol display as identification information display) from the game control device to the display control device in the gaming machine of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-291947. .

Such a symbol related command signal is a separate command signal (left symbol related command signal, right symbol related command signal, middle symbol related command) for each symbol (left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol) displayed in each display area. Signal) .

  However, if the command signal for specifying the identification information display for each display screen is transmitted in this way, the absolute amount of the command signal to be transmitted becomes enormous.

The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems. When a variable display device is controlled by a plurality of control devices, the main control device that performs display control of the variable display device directly controls the variable display device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can control a variable display device on the side of a subordinate control device that performs display control of the variable display device based on a command from a main control device without being controlled.

In the first invention, a variable display device capable of displaying variable identification information in a display region, a first control device for transmitting a command signal for instructing display control of the variable display device, and the first control device And a second control device that performs display control of the variable display device based on the command signal, wherein the command signal is identification information for controlling the identification information displayed in the display area. The identification information data includes the first identification information data indicating the identification information displayed in the display area or the identification information displayed in the display area, and allows the previous state to be inherited. in comprises a second identification information data for controlling the identification information in the second control device side as the second control device, the identification information contained in the command signal transmitted from said first control device Based on the data, display control of the variable display device is performed, and when the content of the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the first identification information data, an instruction is given on the first control device side. If the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the second identification information data, the second control is performed so as to take over the previous state. The apparatus can display identification information on the display area.
In the second invention, the command signal further includes operation selection data for instructing a variation mode of the identification information in the display area, and the second control device transmits the command transmitted from the first control device. Display control of the variable display device is performed based on the operation selection data and the identification information data included in a signal.

In a third aspect of the invention , when displaying the identification information so that the first control device operates in a specific variation mode, the first control device operates the content of the operation selection data in the identification information in the specific variation mode. And the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data, and the second control device includes the operation selection data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device. Is the data that instructs the identification information to operate in the specific variation mode, and the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data, the identification information is selected as the operation selection. The display is performed in a specific variation mode instructed by data, and the identification information is updated to other identification information on the second control device side.

In a fourth aspect of the invention , the variable display device has a plurality of display areas, and the command signal indicates a display area that is controlled by the operation selection data and the identification information data among the plurality of display areas. wherein the is et a display area selection data, the second control unit, the display area of the first control device based on the display area selection data contained in the command signal transmitted from a variable display device for displaying control It is characterized by specifying.

In the first invention, a variable display device capable of displaying variable identification information in a display region, a first control device for transmitting a command signal for instructing display control of the variable display device, and the first control device And a second control device that performs display control of the variable display device based on the command signal, wherein the command signal is identification information for controlling the identification information displayed in the display area. The identification information data includes the first identification information data indicating the identification information displayed in the display area or the identification information displayed in the display area, and allows the previous state to be inherited. in comprises a second identification information data for controlling the identification information in the second control device side as the second control device, the identification information contained in the command signal transmitted from said first control device Based on the data, display control of the variable display device is performed, and when the content of the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the first identification information data, an instruction is given on the first control device side. If the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the second identification information data, the second control is performed so as to take over the previous state. Identification information can be displayed in the display area on the apparatus side. In the second invention, the command signal further includes operation selection data for instructing a variation mode of identification information in the display area, and the second control device is transmitted from the first control device. Display control of the variable display device is performed based on the operation selection data and the identification information data included in the command signal. According to the first invention and the second invention, when the identification information is not directly designated on the first control device side, the variation of the identification information displayed on the variable display device can be controlled on the second control device side.

In a third aspect of the invention , when displaying the identification information so that the first control device operates in a specific variation mode, the first control device operates the content of the operation selection data in the identification information in the specific variation mode. And the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data, and the second control device includes the operation selection data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device. Is the data that instructs the identification information to operate in the specific variation mode, and the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data, the identification information is selected as the operation selection. In addition to displaying in a specific variation mode indicated by the data, the identification information is updated to other identification information on the second control device side, so when the identification information is not directly designated on the first control device side You can control the variation of the identification information displayed on the variable display device in the second control device.

In a fourth aspect of the invention , the variable display device has a plurality of display areas, and the command signal is a display area selection indicating a display area to be controlled by the operation selection data and the identification information data among the plurality of display areas. data including the a and al, the second control unit based on the display area selection data included in the command signal transmitted from the first controller, so specifying the display area of the variable display device for displaying control, first When the identification information is not instructed directly on the control device side, it is possible to control the fluctuation of the identification information displayed on the variable display device on the second control device side and improve the reliability of transmission of the command signal. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 1 of a ball game machine (pachinko game machine).

  On the surface of the game board 1, a part surrounded by the guide rail 2 becomes a game area 3. Near the center of the game area 3, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 4 for displaying an image corresponding to the progress of the game is provided. The display screen portion of the variable display device 4 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Brown Tube), etc. (In this embodiment, an LCD is used). The image display of the variable display device 4 is controlled by a display control device 40 (see FIG. 2).

  Below the variable display device 4, a special variable winning device (large winning opening) 5 is arranged. A start opening 7 having an electric gate (ordinary variable winning apparatus) 6 is disposed immediately above the special variation winning device 5, and a special symbol start switch 30 for detecting a winning ball (see FIG. 2). Reference) is provided. The winning timing of the game ball to the starting port 7 is stored in the game control device 20 (see FIG. 2) as a winning memory, and the number of the winning memories is a special symbol memory display 8 at the top of the variable display device 4. Is displayed. The game control device 20 performs a lottery for generating a jackpot based on the winning memory.

  Each time the big winning lottery is selected, the image display of the variable display device 4 is in a variable state. Specifically, the identification information (special symbol) displayed in each of a plurality of display areas (for example, three display areas) on the display screen is changed (for example, scrolled). When the game becomes a big hit state by lottery, each of the changed identification information stops in a predetermined combination, and the special variable winning device 5 does not accept a ball for a predetermined period (a state disadvantageous to the player). Is converted to an open state in which the ball can be easily received (a state advantageous to the player), and the player is given more chances to win a prize ball.

  In the special variable winning device 5, a count switch 31 (see FIG. 2) for counting the number of winning balls to the special variable winning device 5 and a winning ball in a continuous winning port provided in the special variable winning device 5 are detected. A continuation switch 32 (see FIG. 2) is provided.

  In the above open state, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special variable winning device 5 detected by the count switch 31 is executed as one unit (one round). The As long as there is a predetermined number of winnings in the special variable winning device 5 in each round and there is a winning in the continuous winning opening detected by the continuation switch 32, the round is repeated up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 rounds). It is supposed to be.

  At the base of the start port 7, a normal symbol display 10 for displaying a normal symbol which is, for example, a single digit is disposed. Then, based on the passage of the game ball (normal symbol start memory) to the passing port 11 arranged in the game area detected by the normal symbol start switch (normal symbol start sensor) 33 (see FIG. 2). The lottery regarding the variable display on the display 10 and the normal symbol in the game control device 20 is performed. When the lottery regarding the normal symbol is won, the normal symbol display 10 stops at a predetermined winning symbol and the electric gate 6 of the start port 7 is opened. The normal symbol start memory indicating the timing at which the game ball has passed through the passage opening 11 is stored in the game control device 20, and the stored number is displayed on the normal symbol memory display 12 around the normal symbol display 8. It is like that.

  In addition to the above configuration, the game area 3 is provided with general winning holes 13 and 14, a rolling guide member (windmill) 15 for game balls, a decorative lamp 71 (see FIG. 2) including a side lamp 16, and the like. Established. The side lamp 16 also serves as an abnormality notification lamp, and notifies the occurrence of an abnormality such as an illegal act by changing the blinking pattern. Further, most of the game nails disposed in the game area 3 and the plurality of decoration LEDs 72 (see FIG. 2) are omitted from the drawing.

  At the lower part of the gaming machine, an operation unit of a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is arranged, and by operating the game ball (pachinko ball), one by one is launched into the game area.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system centered on the game control device 20 of the ball game machine.

  As shown in the figure, the game control device 20 includes an arithmetic processing device 21 incorporating a ROM 21A and a RAM 21B, an input interface 22, an output interface 23, an oscillator 24, a reset signal generation circuit 25, and the like.

  The arithmetic processing device 21 includes a special symbol start switch (special symbol start sensor) 30 in the start port 7, a count switch (count sensor) 31 and a continuation switch (continuation sensor) 32 in the special variable winning device 5, and a passage port 11. Signals from the normal symbol start gate switch (normal symbol start sensor) 33 and the safe sensor 34 are input. Here, the safe sensor 34 is a collection of game balls (winning balls) won in each winning device (special variable winning device 5, starting port 7, general winning ports 13, 14) in a safe unit (not shown). It is a sensor that detects this winning ball when the player hits.

  Based on these detection signals, the arithmetic processing unit 21 performs overall control (game control) of the game in the ball game machine with a predetermined sequence as a unit by a program (game program) stored in the ROM 21A. .

  Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 21 determines the jackpot lottery (determination as to whether or not the game ball is won at the start port 7 at the jackpot timing based on the above-mentioned winning memory) and the instruction to the display control device 40. Display control of the variable display device 4 by transmission of signals (symbol-related command signal, background-related command signal, character-related command signal), normal symbol display 10, special symbol memory display 8, and normal symbol memory display 12 Control, special fluctuation by sending control signals to the drive solenoid (special variable prize device solenoid) 35 of the special variable prize device 5 and the drive solenoid (ordinary variable prize device solenoid) 36 of the electric gate 6 of the start port 7 Winning device 5, opening / closing control of electric gate 6, control of blinking operation of decorative lamp 71, decorative LED 72, command signal (sound command information) to sound control device 50 Control of the audio output from the speaker 51 by Shin performs winning balls and Kashitama control of emissions from the sphere discharge device 61 by the transmission of prize balls command information to the spherical emission control device 60. The various control signals from the arithmetic processing unit 21 are output to the port of the output interface 23, converted into a communication format, and then transmitted to the various control devices.

  The reset signal generation circuit 25 divides the clock pulse of the oscillation circuit 24 to generate a reset interrupt signal having a constant period (for example, 2 msec) and inputs the reset interrupt signal to the reset terminal of the arithmetic processing unit 21. The arithmetic processing unit 21 executes the game program from a predetermined address every time the reset interrupt signal is input. The processing of one sequence of game control described above is configured to be within the interrupt time (signal cycle) of the reset interrupt signal. Note that the reset of the arithmetic processing device 21 can be performed in software in the arithmetic processing device 21.

The game control device 20 is connected to a hall computer (central management device) 80 of the game store, and receives a jackpot signal when a jackpot occurs, a probability variation signal indicating a transition to a probability variation state, and a symbol stop in the variable display device 4. A symbol stop signal, an abnormality signal, etc. are transmitted to the hall computer 80.

  FIG. 3 is a chart showing data contents of the symbol related command signal (identification information related command signal) transmitted from the game control device 20 to the display control device 40.

  The symbol-related command signal is composed of, for example, 3-byte data, and includes symbol selection data, operation selection data, and symbol number data each consisting of 1-byte data, as shown.

  The symbol selection data is a code indicating which of the three display areas (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the left, middle and right of the variable display device 4 is associated with the symbol related command signal. 01H corresponds to the command signal related to the right symbol, 02H corresponds to the command signal related to the right symbol, and 03H corresponds to the command signal related to the middle symbol. That is, the symbol-related command signals are a left symbol-related command signal, a right symbol-related command signal, and a middle symbol-related command signal each having a 3-byte structure depending on whether the symbol selection data is 01H, 02H, or 03H. The left symbol-related command signal, the right symbol-related command signal, and the middle symbol-related command signal are transmitted on the same signal line and are output at different timings.

  The symbol number data is a code for determining which symbol number is displayed, and the variable display device 4 displays an image of a hexadecimal number corresponding to the hexadecimal data of the symbol number data.

  The action selection data is a code for instructing selection (change) of the action contents of the symbol in the image display. Specifically, 01H indicates a change in which the display mode of the symbol display is “stop operation”, 02H indicates a replacement operation for replacing the display symbol with the symbol indicated by the symbol number data, and 03H indicates a change mode of the symbol display. Is a change in which the symbol display variation mode is “medium speed variation”, 05H is a variation in which the symbol display variation mode is “high-speed variation”, and 06H is Changes that change the symbol display variation mode to “swing motion”, 07H changes symbol display variation mode to “rotation operation”, and 08H changes symbol display variation mode to “pause”. , Respectively.

  Here, “low-speed fluctuation”, “medium-speed fluctuation”, and “high-speed fluctuation” are operations in which the symbols are successively displayed on the screen of the variable display device 4 while the symbols are scroll-changed in the vertical direction. In “low speed fluctuation”, for example, a slow scroll fluctuation of about 800 milliseconds per symbol, and in “medium speed fluctuation”, for example, a medium speed scroll fluctuation of about 64 milliseconds per symbol, In the “variation”, scroll fluctuations at such a high speed that the symbol number cannot be identified for the player are displayed. In addition, the “swaying motion” is an motion in which the symbol slightly swings in the vertical direction (note that a player often recognizes that the symbol is stopped). The “rotating operation” is an operation that looks as if the symbol is rotating around the central axis in the vertical direction.

  As a command signal from the game control device 20 to the display control device 40, a background-related command signal and a character-related command signal are transmitted in addition to such a symbol-related command signal.

  4 to 6 are timing charts showing examples of transmission forms of symbol-related command signals from the game control device 20 to the display control device 40, respectively. The symbol-related command signal may be transmitted as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 18, but the transmission reliability as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 can be improved. Can do.

  In the transmission form shown in the timing chart of FIG. 4, each 1-byte symbol selection data, operation selection data, and symbol number data constituting the symbol-related command signal are sequentially transmitted in synchronization with the strobe signal. In this case, each transmission data transmitted to the display control device 40 has the same data content for a predetermined period, and the display control device 40 determines the content of the data to be held in the same content for a predetermined time. It is configured to read three times at intervals. That is, in the display control device 40, the symbol selection data that should have the same content is sequentially read as A1, A2, and A3 in the transmission of the symbol selection data, and the operation selection that should have the same content in the transmission of the operation selection data. Data B1, B2, and B3 are sequentially read, and in the subsequent transmission of symbol number data, symbol number data C1, C2, and C3 that should have the same contents are sequentially read.

  The display control device 40 that has received such transmission (having read the transmission data) has transmitted three pieces of data (read separately) for each of the symbol selection data, operation selection data, and symbol number data. If two or more data values that are a majority (an integer larger than ½ of the total number) are the same among the total number of three pieces of data that should be transmitted with the same content, Accept as correct data. Thereby, even when noise or the like acts on the symbol-related command signal and data is destroyed, the probability that the display control device 40 can receive transmission data having a correct value is increased.

  On the other hand, when two or more data having the same value are not present, the display control device 40 determines that an abnormality has occurred in command transmission. Therefore, the occurrence of abnormality in command transmission is immediately determined in the display control device 40.

  In the transmission form shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5, three types of transmission data (symbol selection data, operation selection data, symbol number data) are sequentially transmitted in synchronization with the strobe signal. In this sequential transmission, transmission of data that should have the same content (data of the same content) is repeated three times. That is, following the sequential transmission of symbol selection data A1, motion selection data B1, symbol number data C1, symbol selection data A2, motion selection data B2, symbol number data C2 is transmitted in sequence, symbol selection data A3, motion selection Data B3 and symbol number data C3 are sequentially transmitted.

  The display control device 40 receives the symbol selection data, operation selection data, and symbol number data transmitted in this way, and three pieces of data that should have the same contents (for example, symbol selection data A1 and symbol selection data A2). And the symbol selection data A3 are data that should have the same contents unless destroyed by noise, etc. The same applies to the operation selection data B1, B2, B3 and symbol number data C1, C2, C3. ), The same processing as in the transmission mode of FIG. 4 is performed.

  In the transmission form shown in the timing chart of FIG. 6, three signal lines are provided between the game control device 20 and the display control device 40, and the same contents should be provided via these signal lines (the same contents). The symbol related command signals P, Q, and R are transmitted by parallel communication. That is, the symbol selection data A1, the operation selection data B1, and the symbol number data C1 are sequentially transmitted on the first signal line while synchronizing with the strobe signal, and the symbol selection data A2 and the operation selection data B2 are transmitted on the second signal line. Symbol number data C2 is sequentially transmitted, and symbol selection data A3, operation selection data B3, and symbol number data C3 are sequentially transmitted on the third signal line. The transmitted three data are received by the display control device 40 as data that should have the same contents as in the transmission modes of FIGS. 4 and 5, and are processed in the same manner.

  4 to 6, the total number of transmission data that should have the same contents is three, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. That is, the number of transmission data that should have the same content may be any plural number. In this case, if the data value of a predetermined number (for example, the majority number) or more among a plurality of data having the same contents is the same, the data is accepted as correct. On the other hand, if the data indicating the same value does not reach the predetermined number, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in command transmission.

  Although not shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 4 to 6, the symbol-related command signal is transmitted for each communication interrupt request signal as in the conventional example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing the configuration of the display control device 40.

As shown in the figure, the display control device 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42 , a RAM 43, a DMA 44, an input interface 45, an output interface 46, a VDP 47, a font ROM 48 storing image data of the variable display device 4, a clock 49, and the like. The

  When the CPU 41 receives a communication interruption from the game control device 20 via the input interface 45, the CPU 41 reads a command signal from the game control device 20, and based on this command signal, the screen information (variable display data of each symbol). , Background screen information, moving image character screen information, etc.) are created and stored in the RAM 43.

  This screen information is transferred to the VDP 47 by the DMA 44 that receives a transfer command from the VDP 47 at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt from the VDP 47 to the CPU 41. Based on this image information, the VDP 47 takes in the corresponding image data in the font ROM 48 and performs a predetermined image display by performing horizontal scanning and vertical scanning on the screen of the variable display device 4.

  Note that the communication between the game control device 20 and the display control device 40 is only possible in one-way communication from the game control device 20 to the display control device 40. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal act in which an illegal signal is sent from the display control device 40 side to the game control device 20, and to facilitate the inspection of the game control device 20 by the inspection organization. Yes.

  The CPU 41 also includes timers (left symbol monitoring timer, right symbol monitoring timer, middle symbol monitoring timer) for detecting the occurrence of an abnormal condition related to the left, right, and middle symbol displays. These timers are updated in synchronization with the clock signal from the clock 49, and monitor the elapsed time from the transmission of the symbol related command signal. Then, the CPU 41 determines the next symbol related command relating to the same symbol within the set time (see FIG. 8) stored in advance corresponding to the content (see FIG. 3) instructed in the previous symbol related command signal. It is determined whether or not a signal is received, and if the next symbol-related command signal is not within the set range, it is determined that an abnormal state related to symbol display has occurred, and abnormality handling processing is executed (see FIG. 11). (Refer to the flowchart).

  In this abnormality handling process, in the display of the variable display device 4 by the display control device 40, a process of hiding the symbol display in which an abnormal state has occurred, or a process in which the symbol in which the abnormal state has occurred is changed at high speed, all the symbols. Select a process to display a message to inform the player of the occurrence of an abnormal condition after stopping the game, or a process to display a message to inform the player of the occurrence of an abnormal condition after turning off the symbol display (or the entire screen display). Is executed automatically. The detailed contents of these abnormality handling processes will be described in the description of the operation of the present embodiment described later.

  FIG. 8 is a chart showing an example of set times of the monitoring timers (the left symbol monitoring timer, the right symbol monitoring timer, and the middle symbol monitoring timer) provided in the CPU 41 of the display control device 40.

  As shown in the figure, the set time is set for each data content of the symbol related command signal. For example, the left symbol related command signal for instructing the replacement of the left symbol (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 02H, symbol number data) Is optional), if there is no next transmission of the left symbol related command signal between the minimum time of 16 milliseconds and the maximum time of 64 milliseconds since the transmission of the left symbol related command signal, It is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing a game control processing procedure in the game control device 20. Note that, as described above, one sequence of game control is executed for each reset interrupt signal of a fixed period.

  In step S1, a power-on determination process is executed to determine whether or not the reset interrupt signal from the reset signal generation circuit 25 is the first after power-on, and is determined to be the first after power-on. If YES, go to step S2.

  In the initialization process of step S2, the process of storing a predetermined value in the inspection data area of the RAM 21B and the process of initializing the register of the arithmetic processing unit 21 are executed, and the routine is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the reset interrupt signal is not the first one after the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S3, and a switch reading process is executed. In this switch reading process, the detection data input from the various sensors (special symbol start sensor 30, count sensor 31, continuation sensor 32, normal symbol start sensor 33, safe sensor 34) to the port of the input interface 22 is subjected to chattering removal, etc. The processing is read into the arithmetic processing unit 21.

  In step S <b> 4, port output processing is executed, and various control output data in the buffer of the arithmetic processing unit 21 is output to the port of the output interface 23.

  In step S5, an event counter update process is executed to update the counter value of the event counter provided in the arithmetic processing unit 21 by +1. Here, the event counter is used to determine a branch in the time division processing of Step S6, Step S11, and Step S12, which will be described later. Become.

  Step S6 is a time division process, and a corresponding process is selectively executed according to the value of the event counter.

  Specifically, when the event counter value is 2, the left symbol related command port output process of step S6.2, and when the event counter value is 3, the right symbol related command port output process of step S6.3. However, if the event counter value is 4, the middle symbol related command port output process in step S6.4 is executed. Further, when the event counter value is 5, the background-related command port output process of step S6.5 is performed, when the event counter value is 6, the character-related command port output process of step S6.6 is performed, and the event counter If the value is 7, the sound command information port output process of step S6.7 is executed. In these command port output processes, various command signal data edited according to the game state (left symbol related command signal data, right symbol related command signal data, middle symbol related command signal data, background related command Signal data, character-related command signal data, and sound command information) are output to the ports of the output interface 23, respectively. The data output to the port is converted into a communication format and output to various control devices. If the event counter value is 0 or 1, no processing is performed.

  In step S7, a switch read information handling process is executed. In this switch read information corresponding processing, the winning process of the special symbol starting sensor 30, the winning process of the normal symbol starting sensor 33, the number of winnings in the big winning opening based on the detection by the count sensor 31, and the detection by the continuation sensor 32 are used. A determination as to whether or not to continue the round is performed.

  In step S8, prize ball command information editing processing is executed, and prize ball command information transmitted to the ball discharge control device 60 is edited.

  In step S9, the first various random number update processing is executed, and processing such as updating a special symbol random number counter used for jackpot determination is executed.

  In step S10, is the game in an abnormal state (for example, an abnormal state such as a no-count fraud in which a game ball is not detected by the count switch 31 during a big hit, and is different from the abnormal state related to the symbol display described above)? A determination is made whether or not. And if a game is not in an abnormal state, the time division process of subsequent step S11 and step S12 will be performed sequentially. On the other hand, if the game is in an abnormal state, the time division process of step S12 is executed without performing the time division process of step S11.

  Step S11 is a time-sharing process that is not executed when an abnormal state occurs, and processes related to games for determining the award (prize ball) are collectively arranged. Specifically, when the event counter value is 0, the special symbol game progress control process in step S11.0 is performed. When the event counter value is 1, the special symbol variation control process in step S11.1 is performed. When the value is 2, the normal symbol game progress control process of step S11.2 is executed, and when the event counter value is 3, the normal symbol fluctuation control process of step S11.3 is executed. In the special symbol game progress control process, a process for determining whether or not there is a winning memory at the start port 7, a process for monitoring a special symbol for fluctuation stoppage, a process for determining a jackpot related to a special symbol, various operations at the time of a jackpot The process etc. which control are performed. Further, in the special symbol variation control process, a pointer update process or the like indicating a special symbol to be displayed is executed. In the normal symbol game progress control process and the normal symbol variation control process, processes corresponding to the special symbol game progress control process and the special symbol variation control process are executed for the normal symbol. If the event counter value is 4-7, no processing is performed.

  Step S12 is a time-sharing process that is executed even when an abnormal state occurs, and processes that are not related to the game for determining the awarding of the prize are arranged in an intensive manner. Specifically, when the event counter value is 2, the count SW related abnormality monitoring process of step S12.2 is performed, and when the event counter value is 3, the mechanical device output information processing of step S12.3 is performed. If the value is 4, the light emitting device output information editing process in step S12.4 is performed, if the event counter value is 5, the various output information combining processes in step S12.5, and if the event counter value is 7, The business information editing process in step S12.7 is executed. The data of various command signals output to the port of the output interface 23 in the time division process in step S6 is edited in the various output information combining processes in S12.5. If the event counter value is 0, 1, or 6, no processing is performed.

  Step S13 is the second various random number update processing, and the various random number update processing is repeated over the remaining time until the next reset interrupt signal.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a display control processing procedure related to symbol display in the display control device 40.

  In step S21, the variable display data editing process is performed for each of the left, right, and middle symbols. As described above, the fluctuation display data is transferred to the VDP 47 by the DMA 44, and the VDP 47 performs left, right, and middle symbol display based on the fluctuation display data.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not a command signal has been received from the game control device 20. If it is determined in step S22 that the command signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S23, and it is determined whether or not the time-up of the monitor timer for each symbol has been detected. That is, whether or not the transmission time interval of each symbol related command signal exceeds the upper limit (maximum time in FIG. 8) of the set time range stored in advance in the display control device CPU 41 is the left symbol monitoring timer, the right symbol This is determined for each of the monitoring timer for medium and the monitoring timer for medium symbol. If no time-up of any monitoring timer is detected, the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if time-up of any monitoring timer is detected, the process proceeds to step S24, where time-up is detected. It is determined that an abnormal state has occurred with respect to the symbol display corresponding to the monitoring timer, an abnormality response process is executed, and the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that a command signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S25, where it is determined whether or not the command signal is a left symbol related command signal.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the command is a left symbol related command signal, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether or not the command signal is an instruction to stop the left symbol. If it is a left symbol stop command, a left symbol stop symbol setting process is performed in step S27, and the left symbol variation pattern is changed to a stopped state in step S28. Further, in step S29, it is determined whether or not the left symbol is in an abnormal state. If it is in an abnormal state (if an abnormality handling process related to the left symbol is being executed), the abnormality handling process for the left symbol is canceled in step S30. Then, the process returns to step S21, and if it is not in an abnormal state (if the abnormality handling process related to the left symbol is not executed), the process returns to step S21 as it is.

  If it is determined in step S26 that it is not a left symbol stop command, the process proceeds to step S31 to determine whether a left symbol monitoring timer abnormality has occurred. That is, it is determined whether or not the left symbol related command signal has been transmitted at a time interval shorter than the lower limit (the minimum time in FIG. 8) of the set time range stored in advance in the display control device CPU41.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the left symbol monitor timer abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step S24, and an abnormality handling process is executed assuming that an abnormal state has occurred in the left symbol display. On the other hand, if the left symbol monitoring timer abnormality has not occurred, the left symbol variation pattern changing process is performed in step S32, the left symbol monitoring timer is initialized in step S33, and the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the command signal is not the left symbol related command signal, the process proceeds to step S34, and the processing corresponding to the processing in steps S26 to S33 regarding the left symbol is performed for the right symbol and the middle symbol. The processes are sequentially executed, and the process returns to step S21.

  As described above, the abnormality handling process is executed when the transmission time interval of any symbol related command signal does not fall within the set time range, and is canceled by the transmission of the symbol related command signal instructing the stop of the symbol. The

  Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  12 and 13 are tables showing specific examples of the data contents of the symbol related command signal output from the game control device 20 to the display control device 40 over time. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing display changes of the variable display device 4 according to specific examples of the symbol-related command signals shown in the charts of FIGS. FIGS. 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams showing specific displays of the variable display device 4 according to specific examples of the command signals shown in FIGS.

  In addition, the symbol related command signal for every time passage of FIG. 12, FIG. 13 is the change of each fluctuation | variation aspect in the timing chart of FIG. 15, each symbol display in explanatory drawing of FIGS. ..., the response is taken through hi.

  In addition, in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, there are cases where a plurality of symbol-related command signals are transmitted so as to be transmitted at the same timing, but strictly speaking, these command signals are transmitted by different modules. Therefore, in practice, there is at least a time difference (2 milliseconds) of one sequence of game control in the transmission timing of each command signal.

  The output module in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a module in which a symbol related command signal transmission process is performed in a time division process in game control (see the flowcharts in FIGS. 9 and 10). Specifically, if the correspondence with the corresponding process of the game control is shown, the output module X is in the left symbol related output process (step S6.2 in FIG. 9), and the output module Y is in the right symbol related output process (step in FIG. 9). In S6.3), the output module Z corresponds to medium symbol related output processing (step S6.4 in FIG. 9).

  As shown in FIG. 15 (a), there is a special symbol start memory based on winning at the start port 7 in a state where the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are all stopped and displayed on the variable display device 4. As shown in FIG. 12, the game control device 20 that has detected this indicates that the left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, Action selection data = 03H, symbol number data = 3EH), right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, motion selection data = 03H, symbol number data = 3EH), middle symbol Medium symbol related command signals (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 03H, symbol number data = 3EH) are transmitted (symbols A, B, and C), respectively, with the fluctuation mode of FIG. As a result, the left, middle, and right symbols each start a low-speed scroll fluctuation (shown as fluctuation A in FIG. 14) indicated by a single arrow in FIG. 15 (b) from the stop state shown in FIG. 15 (a).

  Note that the symbol number data of 3EH in the command signal indicates that the symbol number is not instructed and the previous state can be taken over as it is. If the symbol number is not directly designated in this way, the variation of the symbol displayed on the variable display device 4 is controlled on the display control device 40 side, and the game control device 20 manages the time from when the command signal is transmitted. By doing so, the symbols displayed at each time point are managed.

  When 800 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, the left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 04H, symbol number data = 3EH) with the variation pattern of the left symbol as the medium speed variation, the variation of the right symbol Right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, action selection data = 04H, symbol number data = 3EH) with medium speed variation, medium symbol related command signal (symbol with medium speed variation) (Selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 04H, symbol number data = 3EH) are transmitted respectively (symbol D, E, F). As a result, the left, middle and right symbols of the variable display device 4 are changed from low speed fluctuation to medium speed fluctuation (shown as fluctuation B in FIG. 14 and double arrows in FIGS. 15 and 16 as shown in FIG. 15 (c). Increase the scrolling speed.

  When 1600 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, the left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 05H, symbol number data = 3EH) with the left symbol variation mode being a high-speed variation, the right symbol variation mode Is a right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, operation selection data = 05H, symbol number data = 3EH), and a middle symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 05H, symbol number data = 3EH) are transmitted (symbol K, K, K), respectively. As a result, the left, middle and right symbols of the variable display device 4 are changed from the medium speed fluctuation state to the high speed fluctuation state (shown as fluctuation C in FIG. 14, as shown in FIGS. 15D to 15E). In FIG. 16, the process moves to (indicated by a triple arrow) and high-speed scroll fluctuation is performed.

  When 6336 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a replacement left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 02H, symbol number data = 04H) is transmitted (symbol k). Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 15F to 15G, the left symbol is replaced with “4”.

  By replacing such display symbol numbers, the certainty of displayed symbol numbers can be increased. That is, as described above, the symbol number displayed on the variable display device 4 is managed so that a predetermined display is performed at a predetermined time based on the passage of time from the starting point. Since the display control may be disturbed by noise or the like, in such a case, the symbol is restored to the correct symbol number by replacement. In the above replacement, the left symbol fluctuates at high speed, so even if the left symbol is replaced, the player does not visually detect this.

  When 6400 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 04H, symbol number data = 3EH) is transmitted (symbol S). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15 (h), the scroll fluctuation speed of the left symbol is changed to the medium speed fluctuation.

  When 7200 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a left symbol-related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, motion selection data = 06H, symbol number data = 3EH) is transmitted (symbol symbol) to change the left symbol's variation mode to a swing motion. ). As a result, the left symbol is the symbol number “7” at the time of transmission shown in FIG. 15 (i). As shown in the wavy line of FIG. 14 and FIG. Start to appear to be upset).

  As shown in FIG. 13, when 7936 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a replacement right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, operation selection data = 02H, symbol number data = 04H) is transmitted (symbol S) . Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 15K to 15L, the right symbol is replaced with “4”.

  When 8000 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, operation selection data = 04H, symbol number data = 3EH) is transmitted (symbol center). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 15 (m), the scroll fluctuation speed of the right symbol is lowered to the medium speed.

  When 8800 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, motion selection data = 06H, symbol number data = 3EH) is transmitted (symbol source). ). As a result, the right symbol is the symbol number “7” at the time of transmission shown in FIG. 16 (n), and starts the shaking operation as shown by the wavy line in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16 (o).

  At the time when 9536 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a replacement middle symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 02H, symbol number data = 0CH) is transmitted (symbol t). As a result, the right symbol is replaced with “C” as shown in FIGS.

  When 9600 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a middle symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 03H, symbol number data = 3EH) is transmitted (symbol h). Thereby, as shown in FIG.16 (r), the fluctuation speed of a middle symbol is dropped to low speed.

  When 13600 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a middle symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 08H) is transmitted (symbol Z). Thereby, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 16 (t) at the symbol number “3” at the time of transmission shown in FIG. 16 (s).

  When 14000 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, a medium symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 03H, operation selection data = 0H) is transmitted (symbol t). As a result, the middle symbol rotates as shown in FIGS. Note that the rotation operation is an operation in which the symbol appears to rotate around the central axis as shown in the figure, and is shown as a variation R in FIG. The symbol numbers displayed in the rotation operation are updated in the display control device 40.

  When 17600 milliseconds have elapsed from the starting point, the left symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 01H, operation selection data = 01H, symbol number data = 07H) that stops the left symbol at “7”, and the right symbol is “7”. The right symbol related command signal (symbol selection data = 02H, operation selection data = 01H, symbol number data = 07H), and the middle symbol related command signal to stop at “6” (symbol selection data = 03H, operation) (Selection data = 01H, symbol number data = 06H) are transmitted (symbols G, C, H). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16 (y), the symbol display of the variable display device 4 finally becomes “767” and stops. Note that the symbol related command signal for commanding the “stop operation” as described above includes the symbol number to be stopped and displayed as symbol number data. Design number.

  In such display on the variable display device 4, as a result of not transmitting the correct symbol related command signal, the time interval of the symbol related command signal transmission monitored by each symbol monitoring timer of the display control device 40 is within the set time. If not, the display control device 40 determines that an abnormality related to the symbol display has occurred, and displays the variable display device 4 by the abnormality handling process.

  FIG. 17 shows various display modes in the abnormality handling process as specific examples.

  In FIG. 17A, in the variable display device 4, the left symbol and the middle symbol are displayed in a medium speed fluctuation state, and the right symbol is displayed by a shaking operation. If it is determined from this state that an abnormal state related to the left symbol has occurred, the display control device 40 displays the display of the variable display device 4 for the abnormality handling in any of the modes shown in FIGS. Move to the display.

  In the anomaly response display in FIG. 17B, a question mark “?” Is displayed in front of the left symbol where the abnormal state has occurred, and the left symbol is hidden. As a result, the display of the variable display device 4 is not erroneously displayed, so that the player will not see the wrong display of the left design and believe, and the display of the variable display device 4 is particularly Since it does not make the player feel uncomfortable, the player can continue the game as it is without necessarily recognizing that an abnormality has occurred in the symbol display.

  In the display for handling an abnormality in FIG. 17C, the left symbol in which the abnormal state has occurred is set to the high-speed scroll fluctuation state regardless of an instruction by the left symbol-related command signal. This prevents the player from visually recognizing the symbol number of the left symbol during high-speed fluctuation, so that the player will not misunderstand the progress of the game by looking at the incorrect left symbol display. . Further, in this case, the display of the variable display device 4 is performed according to one mode of normal display. Therefore, the player can continue the game as it is without particularly recognizing that an abnormality has occurred in the symbol display.

  In the anomaly display shown in FIG. 17D, all three symbols of left, right, and center are temporarily stopped, and a message “abnormality occurrence related to symbol display” is displayed on the front side of these symbol displays. Please wait "(or" Please continue playing "). Thereby, the player can recognize that the displayed symbol is not a legitimate one, and can continue the game without misunderstanding the progress of the game.

  In the anomaly display shown in FIG. 17E, the three symbols (or the entire screen display including the background display and character display) of the left, right, and center are once erased, and the upper part of the erased symbol (screen) is displayed. Displays a message “Please wait for a while” indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition related to symbol display. Thereby, the player can recognize that the displayed symbol is not a legitimate one, and can continue the game without misunderstanding the progress of the game.

  Such an abnormality handling process is canceled when there is an instruction to stop the symbol in an abnormal state, and the symbol display is finally returned to the normal display. In this case, as described above, the symbol related command signal (operation selection data = 01H) for instructing the symbol stop includes symbol number data for designating the symbol number to be stopped. The symbol number is restored. FIG. 17F shows a state in which the left symbol display returns to the normal display by the left symbol stop command and the display of the variable display device 4 stops at “8A7”.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the display control device 40 has an abnormality in the transmission of the symbol related command signal (identification information related command signal) independently based on the data content of the symbol related command signal and the transmission time interval. (The occurrence of an abnormal state related to symbol display) can be detected, and an abnormality handling process can be performed immediately. In this abnormality handling process, an abnormal state has occurred in a process (for example, see FIGS. 17B and 17C) in which the symbol in which the abnormality has occurred is not visually recognized by the player, or in the symbol display. Processing for switching the display to a screen for notifying the player of the fact (for example, see FIGS. 17D and 17E) is executed. Therefore, the state in which the incorrect symbol display (identification information display) continues in the normal display in the variable display device 4 is quickly avoided on the display control device 40 side, and the player can change the game progress state based on the erroneous display. There is no misunderstanding and the game can be continued without interruption.

  In addition, since the monitoring of the occurrence of an abnormal state related to such symbol display is performed for each of the left, right, and middle symbols (each identification information displayed in each display area of the variable display device 4), an abnormality handling process is performed. In the above, it is possible to take a mode in which a symbol in which no abnormality has occurred is displayed as it is, and the interest of the player is not lowered (see the modes of FIGS. 17B and 17C above).

  In addition, the abnormality handling process is canceled by transmitting a symbol related command signal instructing symbol stop. Since this symbol related command signal also includes an instruction related to the stop symbol, an abnormality occurs at the end of symbol variation. The displayed symbol is also restored to the normal symbol display, and the normal stop symbol display is performed. Therefore, the display time by the abnormality handling process can be minimized, and finally, a correct game result can be notified to the player without interrupting the game.

  The following are typical examples of aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims.

  (1) A game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, a variable display device that can display variable identification information in a plurality of display areas, and a variable display device based on a command signal from the game control device. A display control device that controls display, a communication unit that allows only one-way communication from the game control device to the display control device, and a command signal that instructs a change in the variation mode of the identification information for each display region Signal selection means capable of selecting a separate identification information related command signal, and the identification information related command signal selected by the signal selection means at the timing of change of the variation mode of the identification information in the corresponding display area of the variable display device In a gaming machine comprising a timing adjusting means for transmitting to the communication means, an identification information related command signal for each display area to the display control device A time measuring means for measuring the transmission time interval, a determining means for determining whether or not the transmission time interval measured by the time measuring means is within a preset time range stored for each display area, and An abnormality handling means for executing an abnormality handling process by judging that an abnormal state related to identification information display has occurred for a display area in which the transmission time interval of the symbol related command signal is determined not to be within the set time range by the judging means A gaming machine characterized by that.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the abnormality handling means is means for making identification information of a display area where an abnormal state relating to identification information display has occurred in a state in which the player cannot be identified.

  (3) The gaming machine according to (2), wherein the abnormality handling means is means for performing a display that covers and hides identification information of a display area in which an abnormal state relating to identification information display has occurred.

  (4) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the abnormality handling means is means for changing identification information of a display area in which an abnormal state related to identification information display has occurred at a speed at which the player cannot be identified. .

  (5) The abnormality handling means is means for displaying on the variable display device a display for notifying the player that an abnormal state related to identification information display has occurred. Any one of (1) to (4) A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  (6) The abnormality handling means terminates the abnormality handling process upon reception of an identification information related command signal instructing stop display of the identification information of the display area in which an abnormal state relating to identification information display has occurred. The game according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the identification information related command signal for instructing stop display of information includes an instruction for identification information to be stopped and displayed Machine.

  (7) In the game control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, the variable display device that can display variable identification information in a plurality of display areas, and the variable display device based on a command signal from the game control device A display control device that controls display, a communication unit that allows only one-way communication from the game control device to the display control device, and a command signal that instructs a change in the variation mode of the identification information for each display region Signal selection means capable of selecting a separate identification information related command signal, and the identification information related command signal selected by the signal selection means at the timing of change of the variation mode of the identification information in the corresponding display area of the variable display device In a gaming machine comprising a timing adjustment means for transmitting to the communication means, the identification information function transmitted by the communication means to the display control device. The receiving means for receiving a plurality of pieces of data that should have the same contents of the command signal and the same value when there is a predetermined number or more of the data that should have the same contents received by the receiving means. A gaming machine comprising: signal data determination means for accepting regular data.

  (8) The signal data determination means accepts the same value as normal data when the data indicating the same value exceeds a majority of the total number of received data having the same content ( The gaming machine according to 7).

It is a front view which shows the game board of embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which similarly shows the control system of a game machine. It is a chart which similarly shows the data content of a symbol related command signal. It is a timing chart which similarly shows transmission of a symbol related command signal. It is a timing chart which similarly shows transmission of a symbol related command signal. It is a timing chart which similarly shows transmission of a symbol related command signal. It is a block block diagram which similarly shows a display control apparatus. It is a chart which similarly shows the set time of the monitoring timer. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence of game control. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence of game control. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence of the display control regarding a symbol display. It is a chart which similarly shows an example of transmission of the symbol related command signal accompanying progress of time. It is a chart which similarly shows an example of transmission of the symbol related command signal accompanying progress of time. It is a timing chart which similarly shows an example of the fluctuation | variation of the display mode of each symbol with respect to transmission of a symbol related command signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation of the display in a variable display apparatus similarly. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation of the display in a variable display apparatus similarly. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the display of the variable display apparatus in an abnormality response process. It is a timing chart which shows transmission of a symbol related command signal.

Explanation of symbols

4 Variable display device 20 Game control device 40 Display control device

Claims (4)

A variable display device capable of displaying variable identification information in a display area;
A first control device for transmitting a command signal for commanding display control of the variable display device;
In a gaming machine comprising: a second control device that performs display control of the variable display device based on a command signal from the first control device;
The command signal includes identification information data for controlling identification information displayed in the display area,
The identification information data does not indicate the first identification information data indicating the identification information displayed in the display area, or the identification information displayed in the display area, and allows the previous state to be inherited. Including second identification information data for controlling the second control device side,
The second control device includes:
Based on the identification information data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device, display control of the variable display device,
When the content of the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the first identification information data, the identification information instructed on the first control device side can be displayed in the display area,
When the content of the identification information data transmitted from the first control device is the second identification information data, the identification information can be displayed in the display area on the second control device side so as to take over the previous state. A gaming machine characterized by that. The command signal further includes operation selection data for instructing a variation mode of identification information in the display area,
The second control device controls display of the variable display device based on the operation selection data and the identification information data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1. When the first control device displays the identification information so as to operate in a specific variation mode, the content of the operation selection data is instructed to operate the identification information in the specific variation mode. And the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data,
The second control device is data instructing that the content of the operation selection data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device causes the identification information to operate in the specific variation mode, When the content of the identification information data is the second identification information data, the identification information is displayed in a specific variation mode instructed by the operation selection data, and the identification information is displayed on the second control device side. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the game machine is updated to other identification information. The variable display device has a plurality of display areas,
The command signal further includes display area selection data indicating a display area to be controlled by the operation selection data and the identification information data among the plurality of display areas,
The second control device specifies a display region of a variable display device to be controlled based on the display region selection data included in the command signal transmitted from the first control device. The gaming machine according to 2 or 3.

Images