JP6392198B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  The gaming machine has a plurality of boards and inputs and outputs control signals between the boards (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-120729 A

  By the way, in the gaming machine, when the control signal is output, the input timing of the control signal is notified to the input side by the strobe signal. However, the control signal was missed (input error).

  This invention was made paying attention to the problem which exists in such a prior art, and the objective is to provide the game machine which outputs a control signal appropriately.

Gaming machine to solve the above problem, a control signal output means for outputting a control signal, and a strobe signal output means for outputting a strobe signal, a control for inputting the control signal outputted from the pre-SL control signal outputting means Signal input means, and strobe signal input means for inputting the strobe signal. The strobe signal output means is configured to output the control signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control signal output means started outputting the control signal. transits the state of the signal to the instruction state indicating the input timing of the control signal, said control signal input means, in response to the state of the strobe signal the strobe signal input means for inputting becomes the indication state, wherein is configured to receive a control signal output from the control signal output means, starts output of the control signal output means said control signal After that, the time until the state of the strobe signal becomes the indication state is a normal time that can be executed at predetermined intervals during error processing executed when at least a specific error occurs among a plurality of errors. The summary is that it is shorter than processing .

The gaming machine includes processing means for performing various processes, and the processing means is configured to sequentially perform a predetermined process after the strobe signal is in the instruction state, and the processing by the processing means is performed. When finished, the strobe signal output means is configured to change the strobe signal from the instruction state to the non-instruction state, and is performed by the processing means during a period in which the strobe signal is in the instruction state. execution time of each processing may be a predetermined time der so that each.

  In the above gaming machine, the time from when the control signal output means starts outputting the control signal until the strobe signal is instructed is executed when at least a specific error occurs among a plurality of errors. During error processing, it may be shorter than normal processing that can be executed every predetermined period.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately output a control signal.

The front view which shows a slot machine typically. The enlarged view which shows an information panel typically. The schematic diagram which shows the specific example about the correspondence of a symbol combination (combination) and a prize. Explanatory drawing which shows the kind of error. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a slot machine. The schematic diagram which shows the specific example about the correspondence of the winning number and the symbol combination which can be displayed in a variation game. The flowchart which shows a game progress main process. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. (A) And (b) is a timing chart which shows the timing which the state of a signal changes. The flowchart which shows an error display process. The flowchart which shows a non-recoverable error process.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a slot machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described. The slot machine according to this embodiment is a spinning machine that is also called a pachislot machine. In this specification, each of the upward, downward, left, right, front, and rear directions refers to each direction when viewed from a player who plays a game in a slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a square box-shaped main body cabinet 11. The main body cabinet 11 includes an opening (not shown) on the front surface. The slot machine 10 includes a front door 12 that covers an opening of the main body cabinet 11. The front door 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body cabinet 11.

  The slot machine 10 executes on the front surface of the front door 12 an effect (hereinafter referred to as a light-emitting effect) of turning on, turning off, and blinking a light emitter as one of the effects accompanying the game (hereinafter referred to as a game effect). A decorative lamp 13 is provided. The slot machine 10 includes, on the front surface of the front door 12, a speaker 14 that can execute an effect of outputting sound such as sound effects and music (hereinafter referred to as an audio effect) as one of game effects.

  The slot machine 10 includes, on the front surface of the front door 12, an effect display device 15 capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) for displaying an image imitating, for example, a character or a character as one of game effects. Yes. The effect display device 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like. The slot machine 10 includes a substantially rectangular display window 12a through which the player can see through the interior of the front door 12 and below the effect display device 15.

  The slot machine 10 includes a reel unit 16. The reel unit 16 is disposed inside the machine so that the player can visually recognize it through the display window 12a. The reel unit 16 includes a left (first) reel 16a, a middle (second) reel 16b, and a right (third) reel 16c. The reels 16a to 16c are rotating drums also called drums.

  Each of the reels 16a to 16c includes a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are identifiable along the outer peripheral surface thereof. The symbol row is provided by winding a strip-shaped translucent film on which a plurality of symbols are printed along the longitudinal direction, around the reels 16a to 16c. Each of the symbol rows of the reels 16a to 16c includes a total of 21 symbols from symbol number “0” to symbol number “20”.

  In addition, there are a plurality of types of symbols in this embodiment. For example, a plurality of types of symbols include a red cherry symbol which is a symbol imitating a red cherry. The plural kinds of symbols include a watermelon symbol that is a symbol imitating a watermelon, a bell symbol that is a symbol imitating a bell, and a red seven symbol that is a symbol imitating a red Arabic numeral “7”. In addition, the plurality of types of symbols include a BAR symbol that imitates the character “BAR” and a replay symbol that imitates the character “REPLAY”.

  The reel unit 16 includes an actuator that rotates and stops the left reel 16a, an actuator that rotates and stops the middle reel 16b, and an actuator that rotates and stops the right reel 16c (none is shown). . These actuators that drive the reels 16a to 16c are, for example, stepping motors. The reels 16a to 16c can be rotated and stopped in the vertical direction independently of each other by actuators provided corresponding to the reels 16a to 16c. In the slot machine 10, when the reels 16a to 16c rotate, the symbol row (plural types of symbols) that can be visually recognized through the display window 12a is changed, and thereby a variable game is performed. For example, the variation of the symbol sequence is performed in such a manner that the symbol sequence is scroll-displayed in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom.

  The reel unit 16 detects the rotational position of the left reel 16a, the left reel sensor SE1 for detecting the rotational position of the left reel 16a, the middle reel sensor SE2 for detecting the rotational position of the middle reel 16b, and the rotational position of the right reel 16c. And a right reel sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 5).

  The display window 12a has a size capable of displaying three symbols that are continuous in the circumferential direction on the reels 16a to 16c. In the display window 12a, an upper stop position, an intermediate stop position, and a lower stop position are set for each of the reels 16a to 16c. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to determine that the stopped symbol combination is a winning combination by a combination of stop positions selected one by one from the three stop positions set for each of the reels 16a to 16c. A combination of stop positions is set. In the following description, a line connecting a plurality of stop positions constituting a combination of effective stop positions is simply referred to as an effective line NL. In this embodiment, an effective line NL (a combination of effective stop positions) is configured by the middle stage stop positions of the reels 16a to 16c.

  Here, when the symbol is simply indicated as “stop”, the symbol is stopped in the display window 12a, that is, at any one of the upper stop position, the middle stop position, and the lower stop position, and is displayed so as to be visible to the player. Is meant to be. Further, “winning” means that a predetermined combination of symbols necessary for winning a prize is displayed on the active line NL. In the slot machine 10, when a winning occurs, a predetermined prize is awarded to the winning symbol combination. In the following description, a symbol combination that can win a prize by being displayed on the active line NL may be indicated as “combination”.

  The combinations other than the effective stop position combinations are invalid stop position combinations (so-called invalid lines) in which the displayed symbol combinations cannot be determined as winning. In this specification, “derived” means that a symbol combination corresponding to a game result is displayed on the effective line NL by stopping the symbol on the effective line NL.

  Further, the slot machine 10 includes a MAXBET button 18 on the front surface of the front door 12. The MAXBET button 18 can be grasped as a means for betting a predetermined number (three in this embodiment) of medals from credits stored internally in the slot machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as a bet). The slot machine 10 includes a settlement button 19 on the front surface of the front door 12. The checkout button 19 can be grasped as a means for operating when betting out medals and credits stored internally in the slot machine 10.

  The slot machine 10 includes a start lever 20 on the front surface of the front door 12. The start lever 20 can be grasped as a means for performing a start operation for starting the rotation of the reels 16a to 16c. That is, the acceptance of the start operation is an opportunity to start the variable game.

  The slot machine 10 includes a left (first) stop button 21 a on the front surface of the front door 12. The left stop button 21a corresponds to the left reel 16a, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the left reel 16a after the variable game is started. The slot machine 10 includes a middle (second) stop button 21 b on the front surface of the front door 12. The middle stop button 21b corresponds to the middle reel 16b, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the middle reel 16b after the variable game is started.

  The slot machine 10 includes a right (third) stop button 21 c on the front surface of the front door 12. The right stop button 21c corresponds to the right reel 16c, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the right reel 16c after the variable game is started. In this way, the stop buttons 21a to 21c correspond to a plurality of symbol sequences, respectively, and correspond to a plurality of operation units for performing a stop operation of the corresponding symbol sequences in the variable game. In the following description, after the variable game is started, the first stop operation among the reels 16a to 16c (stop buttons 21a to 21c) is referred to as a first stop operation, and the second stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation. The third stop operation is indicated as a third stop operation. The operation order of the stop buttons 21a to 21c (hereinafter referred to as the pressing order) includes a total of six types of pressing orders in which the stop buttons for performing the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation are different. is there.

  Further, the slot machine 10 is provided with a medal slot 17 for inserting medals as game media on the front surface of the front door 12. The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 pass through the medal selector 22 provided inside. The medal selector 22 is formed to branch into a storage passage 22a and a discharge passage 22b. Further, at the branch point of the storage passage 22a and the discharge passage 22b in the medal selector 22, a medal inserted from the medal insertion port 17 and passing through the medal selector 22 is guided to either the storage passage 22a or the discharge passage 22b. A medal blocker MB is provided as a guidance device operable to perform (sort).

  The medal blocker MB is configured to be operable by a blocker solenoid BS (shown in FIG. 5). The medal blocker MB operates (displaces) so as to guide the inserted medal to the storage passage 22a when the medal blocker operation signal is output to the blocker solenoid BS. On the other hand, the medal blocker MB operates to guide the inserted medal to the discharge passage 22b when no medal blocker operation signal is output to the blocker solenoid BS.

  The storage passage 22a is provided with an insertion sensor SE4 (shown in FIG. 5) that detects an inserted medal. The insertion sensor SE4 is disposed downstream of the medal blocker MB in the storage passage 22a. And the medal which passed the storage channel | path 22a is stored in the hopper 23 for storing the inserted medal. Therefore, when the medal blocker MB is operated so as to guide the inserted medal to the storage passage 22a, the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 17 passes through the storage passage 22a of the medal selector 22 and passes through the hopper 23. Stored. In the storage passage 22a, a passage sensor SE5 (shown in FIG. 5) that detects a medal that has passed through the storage passage 22a is provided. The passage sensor SE5 is disposed on the downstream side of the insertion sensor SE4, and detects a medal immediately before the medal is stored in the hopper 23.

  On the other hand, the discharge passage 22b is not provided with a insertion sensor for detecting the inserted medal. Then, the medals that have passed through the discharge passage 22b are discharged to the outside of the slot machine 10 through the medal discharge port 24 for discharging the medals. Therefore, when the medal blocker MB is operated so as to guide the inserted medal to the discharge passage 22b, the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 17 passes through the discharge passage 22b of the medal selector 22, and the slot machine 10 It is discharged from a medal discharge port 24 formed at the center lower part. That is, medals are returned without being stored in the slot machine 10.

  As described above, the closing sensor 22 is provided in the storage passage 22a, while the closing sensor 22 is not provided in the discharge passage 22b. Therefore, guiding the inserted medal to the storage passage 22a is equivalent to guiding the inserted medal to be detected by the insertion sensor SE4. On the other hand, guiding the inserted medal to the discharge passage 22b corresponds to guiding the inserted medal to be returned without being detected by the insertion sensor SE4.

  The hopper 23 has a function of storing medals and a function of paying out medals. When a payout device operation signal is output to the hopper 23, the hopper 23 is operated and the stored medals are paid out.

  The medals paid out from the hopper 23 pass through the discharge passage 22b and are discharged from the medal discharge port 24. Thereby, a medal is awarded to the player. Incidentally, the fact that a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 passes through the discharge passage 22b as it is and is discharged from the medal discharge opening 24 corresponds to the return of the medal to the player. On the other hand, a medal stored in the hopper 23 passing through the discharge passage 22b and being discharged from the medal discharge port 24 is equivalent to giving a medal to the player. The hopper 23 is provided with a payout sensor SE6 (shown in FIG. 5) that detects the payout medal. In addition, a tray 25 for receiving medals discharged from the medal outlet 24 is provided below the medal outlet 24.

The slot machine 10 includes an information panel 30 that can display information on the front surface of the front door 12.
As shown in FIG. 2, the information panel 30 includes an insertable display unit 31 that displays whether or not a medal can be inserted. The information panel 30 includes a replay display unit 32 that displays whether or not a replay (replay) is performed. The information panel 30 includes a weight display unit 33 that displays whether or not the wait time is in progress. The wait time is the shortest game time set so that the number of executions of the variable game per unit time does not exceed a predetermined number of times. The information panel 30 includes a state display unit 34. The status display unit 34 includes, for example, one 7-segment display. The status display unit 34 displays an error code or the like so that, for example, an error that has occurred in the slot machine 10 can be identified.

  The information panel 30 also includes a bet display unit 35 that displays the number of bets (the number of bets). The bet display unit 35 includes a 1 bet display unit 35a, a 2 bet display unit 35b, and a 3 bet display unit 35c. The information panel 30 includes a credit display unit 36 for displaying the number of medals stored as credits inside the machine. The information panel 30 includes a payout display unit 37 that displays information related to the number of medals to be paid out when a winning in a variable game occurs.

Next, an example of a prize predetermined for the symbol combination (combination) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the symbol combination, a symbol combination (small role, paying combination) in which medals are paid out as a prize, a symbol combination (replaying combination) in which a replay is defined as a prize, and a bonus as a prize. There are certain symbol combinations (bonus combinations).

  Examples of the small role (payout role) include a red cherry role, a bell role, and a bell spilling role. The red cherry role is, for example, a symbol combination of [red cherry, ANY, ANY]. “ANY” means that it does not matter which symbol. For these cherry roles, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of medals is determined as a prize.

  The bell role is, for example, a symbol combination of [Bell Bell Bell]. As a bell, a predetermined number (for example, eight) of medals is determined as a prize. The bell spilling combination is, for example, a symbol combination of [Replay / Bell / Replay]. For the bell spilling combination, a predetermined number (for example, two) of medals is determined as a prize. When winning the bell spilling role, for example, [Bell / Bell / Bell] is displayed on the invalid line rising to the right.

  As a bonus combination, for example, there is a red seven combination. The red seven role is, for example, a symbol combination of [red seven, red seven, red seven]. For the red seven role, a bonus state (bonus game) is given as a prize, but a medal payout is not decided.

  For example, the replay combination includes a normal replay combination. The normal replay combination is, for example, a symbol combination of [Replay / Replay / Replay]. Replay is that the next variable game can be started without the need to bet medals.

  In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the internal control state is controlled to the bonus state (bonus game) when a bonus combination is won. In the slot machine 10, the bonus state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, for example, when a variable game in which the total payout number of medals in the bonus state exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 360) is ended.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of errors can be detected. For errors, if the cause of the error is removed, the error is canceled and the game can be resumed in the state before the error is detected, and it is impossible to remove the cause of the error As a result, there is a second type of error in which the game cannot be resumed before the error is detected. That is, the error of the first type is an error that allows the game to be resumed if the error is released, even if the stored contents of the main control RAM 40c as the storage means are not initialized (reset). On the other hand, the second type error is an error in which the game cannot be resumed at least if the stored contents of the main control RAM 40c as the storage means are not initialized.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the first type error, for example, there is a medal empty error indicating that the medal in the hopper 23 is empty. Further, in the first type error, there is a medal staying error indicating that a medal is staying behind the medal insertion slot 17. The first type of error includes an illegal medal passing error indicating that a medal has passed through the medal insertion slot 17 and detected by the insertion sensor SE4.

  On the other hand, for the second type error, for example, the bet number is less than the prescribed bet number “3” indicating that the variable game can be started even though the start operation of the start lever 20 is accepted. There is a bet number error indicating The second type of error includes a symbol stop error indicating that a symbol combination (combination) that is not permitted by the winning number is stopped when the reels 16a to 16c are stopped. These errors are configured to be detected using various sensors and condition determination.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 10 includes a main board 40 inside the machine. The main board 40 performs processing relating to the progress of the game and outputs control information (control command) according to the result of the processing. The slot machine 10 includes a sub-board 41 inside the machine. The sub-board 41 performs processing related to the execution of effects based on information (commands and the like) input from the main board 40. That is, the sub-board 41 controls the display effect by the effect display device 15, the light emission effect by the decoration lamp 13, and the sound effect by the speaker 14.

First, the main substrate 40 will be described in detail.
The main board 40 includes a main control CPU 40a, a main control ROM 40b, and a main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a mainly executes processing related to the progress of the game. The main board 40 includes an output port for outputting information (including signals, commands, data, and the like) and an input port for inputting information.

  For example, the main board 40 is connected to the left reel sensor SE1 via the input port P1. Similarly, the main board 40 is connected to the middle reel sensor SE2 via the input port P2, the right reel sensor SE3 via the input port P3, and the closing sensor SE4 via the input port P4. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input signals output from the sensors SE1 to SE4. The main board 40 is connected to the actuator of the reel 16a through the output port P5, the actuator of the reel 16b through the output port P6, and the actuator of the reel 16c through the output port P7. The main control CPU 40a can individually control the operation of each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c by controlling the output mode of a signal (pulse signal) to each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c via the output ports P5 to P7. It is configured.

  Similarly, the main board 40 is connected to the MAXBET button 18, the settlement button 19, the start lever 20, and the stop buttons 21a to 21c via the input ports P8 to P13, respectively. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input an operation signal that is output when the MAXBET button 18, the settlement button 19, the start lever 20, and the stop buttons 21a to 21c are operated. The main board 40 is connected to the information panel 30 via the output port P14. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information panel 30. The main board 40 is connected to the hopper 23 through the output port P16. The main control CPU 40a is connected so that the hopper 23 can be controlled. The main board 40 is connected to the blocker solenoid BS through the output port P17. The main control CPU 40a is connected to be able to control the blocker solenoid BS.

  The main board 40 is connected to the passage sensor SE5 via the input port P18. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input a signal output from the passage sensor SE5. The main board 40 is connected to the payout sensor SE6 via the input port P19. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input a signal output from the payout sensor SE6.

  The main control ROM 40b stores a main control program, a lottery table used for a lottery process for making a decision regarding the progress of the game, and the like. Further, the main control RAM 40c can store various information rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10, such as the credit described above. The information stored in the main control RAM 40c is, for example, credits, bet numbers, flags, counters, timers, and the like.

  The main board 40 is configured to be able to generate a random number used for a predetermined lottery process. For example, the random number may be generated as a hardware random number by providing a random number generation circuit that updates a value each time a clock signal is input. In addition to or instead of this, the random number may be generated as a software random number by executing, for example, a random number update process in which the main control CPU 40a updates a value every predetermined control cycle.

  Further, the main board 40 is provided with an information output port OP as a control signal output means for outputting information (control signal) to the sub board 41. The information output port OP is composed of a total of eight output ports from the first output port to the eighth output port, each configured to output 1-bit information. That is, it is possible to output information of a predetermined output unit (1 byte) at a time by the parallel transmission method. Note that each piece of information output from a total of eight output ports from the first output port to the eighth output port is a signal composed of binary values of a high state and a low state. When the signal is in a high state, it corresponds to outputting a signal corresponding to “1”, and when the signal is in a low state, it corresponds to outputting a signal corresponding to “0”.

  Further, the main board 40 includes a strobe output port SOP as strobe signal output means for outputting a strobe signal indicating the input timing (reading timing) of information (control signal). The strobe signal is a signal (one-bit signal) composed of two values of a high state and a low state. Then, when the strobe signal transitions to a predetermined instruction state (for example, a high state), an instruction to input data (signal) is given.

  Next, among the lottery tables stored in the main control ROM 40b, a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as a winning number lottery) for determining a winning number from a plurality of winning numbers; The winning numbers will be described in detail.

  First, the winning number will be described in detail. The winning number of this embodiment is control information in which one or a plurality of symbol combinations are determined as symbol combinations that can be displayed (derived) in the variable game. In other words, the winning number is a conditional device identifier (ID) in which one or a plurality of winning combinations are determined as possible winning combinations in the variable game.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of winning numbers including winning numbers 001 to 004 are set.
For example, in the winning number 001, a red cherry combination is defined as a combination that can be won in a variable game. When the winning number 001 is won and the stop button 21 is operated at a predetermined timing, the reel is stopped to win the red cherry combination. On the other hand, when the stop button 21 is operated at a timing different from the predetermined timing, the reels are stopped so that an out-of-order symbol combination is derived.

  In the winning number 002, a red seven combination as a bonus combination is determined as a combination that can be won in a variable game. When the winning number 002 is won and the stop button 21 is operated at a predetermined timing, the reel is stopped to win the red seven combination. On the other hand, when the stop button 21 is operated at a timing different from the predetermined timing, the reels are stopped so that an out-of-order symbol combination is derived.

  In addition, the winning number 003 includes a bell role and a bell spilling role as winning roles in the variable game. When the winning number 003 is won, and the stop button 21 is operated in a predetermined pressing order, the reel is stopped so as to win the bell role. On the other hand, when the stop button 21 is operated in a direction other than the predetermined pressing order, the reel is stopped so as to win the bell spilling combination.

  In the winning number 004, a normal replay combination is defined as a combination that can be won in a variable game. When the winning number 004 is won, when the stop button 21 is operated, the reels are stopped so as to win the normal replay combination regardless of the pressing order.

  The winning number lottery table includes a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery in a non-bonus state. The winning number lottery table includes a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery in a bonus state. In the winning number lottery table, for a winning number that can be determined, a random number value (hereinafter referred to as a winning number random number) used for lottery of the winning number is predetermined from the values that the random number can take. It is sorted by number.

  In the winning number lottery table for the bonus state, the winning number is increased so that the probability that the decision number of the winning number for which the bell role is determined (winning probability) is added is higher than the winning number lottery table for the non-bonus state. Random numbers are assigned. Thereby, in the bonus state, the determination probability of the bell combination is changed with a higher probability than in the non-bonus state.

Next, the sub-board 41 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-board 41 includes a sub-control CPU 41a, a sub-control ROM 41b, and a sub-control RAM 41c. The sub control CPU 41a executes a process related to the effect based on the sub control program. The sub-board 41 includes an output port for outputting information (including signals, commands, data, and the like) and an input port for inputting information.

  For example, the sub board 41 is connected to the effect display device 15 via the output port P21. The sub control CPU 41 a is configured to be able to control the display mode of the effect display device 15. The sub-board 41 is connected to the decorative lamp 13 through the output port P22. The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the lighting mode of the decorative lamp 13. The sub board 41 is connected to the speaker 14 through the output port P23. The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker 14.

  The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sub-control program, a lottery table used for a lottery process for making a decision regarding production, and the like. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a display effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the display effect in the effect display device 15, and display effect data used to execute the display effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sound effect pattern that can specify a sound effect mode (contents) in the speaker 14 and sound effect data used to execute the sound effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a light-emitting effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the light-emitting effect in the decorative lamp 13, and light-emitting effect data used to execute the light-emitting effect.

  The sub-control RAM 41c can store various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10. The information stored in the sub control RAM 41c is, for example, a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Similar to the main board 40, the sub board 41 is configured to be able to generate a random number used for a predetermined lottery process as a hardware random number or a software random number.

  Further, the sub board 41 is provided with an information input port IP as a control signal input means for inputting information (control signal) output from the information output port OP of the main board 40. The information input port IP is composed of a total of eight input ports from the first input port to the eighth input port so as to correspond to the information output port OP provided on the main board 40, each of which is 1-bit information. (Low state or high state signal) can be input. That is, information of a predetermined input unit (1 byte) can be input at a time. Note that each piece of information input from a total of eight input ports from the first input port to the eighth input port is a signal composed of binary values of a high state and a low state. When the signal is in a high state, it corresponds to inputting a signal corresponding to “1”, and when the signal is in a low state, it corresponds to inputting a signal corresponding to “0”.

  The sub-board 41 includes a strobe input port SIP as strobe signal input means for inputting a strobe signal. The sub-board 41 is triggered by the transition of the strobe signal state to the instruction state (triggered by the transition to the high state) from each of the eight input ports from the first input port to the eighth input port. It is configured to input information.

  Next, processing executed by the main control CPU 40a of the main board 40 will be described. The main control CPU 40a performs the following game progress main process as one of the processes related to the progress of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main control CPU 40a performs a game start setting process (step S101). In the game start setting process, the main control CPU 40a checks the internal control state of the slot machine 10 (checks whether or not it is during re-game operation, etc.), or initializes a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 40c. Or make a change. In addition, the main control CPU 40a makes it possible to accept a medal bet. In addition, when the re-game is activated (when the re-game flag indicating the re-game player win is set), the bet number “3” in the previous variable game is used as the bet number in the current variable game. It is set again in the main control RAM 40c.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not it is a re-game operation (step S102). If it is not during the re-game operation (step S102: NO), the main control CPU 40a performs a medal management process for setting the number of bets in the current variable game (step S103). In step S103, when the medal detection signal is input from the insertion sensor SE4, the main control CPU 40a adds 1 to the number of bets stored in the main control RAM 40c. In the process of step S103, when the main control CPU 40a receives an operation signal from the MAXBET button 18, the bet number so that the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c becomes the predetermined bet number “3”. And the credit stored in the main control RAM 40c is subtracted by the added amount.

  When it is during re-game operation (step S102: YES) or when the process of step S103 is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs a medal insertion error check (step S104). In this process, for example, when the main control CPU 40a determines that the medal has not passed through the storage passage 22a even if the insertion sensor SE4 has detected a medal even after a predetermined time has elapsed, The CPU 40a determines that medals are staying in the medal selector 22. That is, even if the insertion sensor SE4 detects a medal, if the medal cannot be detected by the passage sensor SE5 provided in the storage passage 22a even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the medal is retained. In this case, the main control CPU 40a detects the occurrence of a medal retention error (first type error) and stores information indicating the occurrence of the medal retention error in a predetermined storage area (error area) of the main control RAM 40c. . Further, for example, when the main control CPU 40a determines that the medal is detected by the insertion sensor SE4 even though the medal blocker MB is not operated so as to guide the inserted medal to the storage passage 22a, The main control CPU 40a determines that a medal has been illegally detected by the insertion sensor SE4. In this case, the main control CPU 40a detects the occurrence of an illegal medal passage error (first type error) indicating that the medal has illegally passed through the medal insertion slot 17 and has been detected by the insertion sensor SE4. Information indicating the occurrence of an illegal passing error is stored in a predetermined storage area (error area) of the main control RAM 40c. When these first type errors are detected, the process branches from the game progress main process, and an error display process described later is executed until the first type error is canceled.

  When no error is detected in the medal insertion error check (or when the error is canceled), the main control CPU 40a has a specified bet number X (= “3” indicating that the bet number can start a variable game. ")", And it is determined whether or not the variable game can be started (step S105).

  When the bet number does not match the specified bet number “3” (step S105: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S102. On the other hand, when the bet number in the current variable game matches the specified bet number X (= “3”) (step S105: YES), the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the start operation by the start lever 20 has been accepted. (Step S106). In the process of step S106, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from the start lever 20, and makes a negative determination when an operation signal is not input from the start lever 20. When the start operation is not accepted (step S106: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S102.

  On the other hand, when the start operation is accepted (step S106: YES), the main control CPU 40a performs an error check before lottery (step S107). At this time, if the main control CPU 40a determines that the bet number is less than the specified bet number “3” even though the start operation by the start lever 20 has been received, the bet number error (second type error) Detects the occurrence of At this time, the main control CPU 40a stores the fact that a bet number error has been detected in a predetermined storage area (error area) of the main control RAM 40c. When a second type error is detected, the process branches from the game progress main process, and an unrecoverable error process described later is performed to stop the error.

  When no error is detected in the pre-lottery error check, the main control CPU 40a performs a winning number lottery process for determining a winning number as the above-described internal lottery (step S108). The winning number lottery process is as follows.

  The main control CPU 40a identifies whether the current internal control state is a non-bonus state or a bonus state by referring to the value of the internal control state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a selects a winning number lottery table determined in the specified internal control state. The main control CPU 40a acquires the value of the winning number random number generated in the main board 40. Then, the main control CPU 40a refers to the selected winning number lottery table based on the acquired winning number random number value, and determines the winning number to which the acquired winning number random number value is distributed. To do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the winning combination has a symbol combination (combination) that can be won in a variable game. Therefore, the process of step S108 (winning number lottery process) corresponds to a result determination process of determining a symbol combination (combination) as a game result that can be derived in the variable game. Then, the main control CPU 40a executes a winning number lottery process, thereby realizing a result determining means for determining a symbol combination (combination) that can be derived in the variable game. The winning number lottery process is a so-called role lottery.

  When the winning number lottery is performed, the main control CPU 40a sets a winning number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c to a value (information) that can identify the determined winning number. The main control CPU 40a can specify the determined winning number by referring to the winning number flag. In addition, when the winning number 002 is won, the main control CPU 40a stores a bonus flag indicating that the bonus combination is won in the main control RAM 40c. Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the winning number lottery process and returns to the game progress main process.

  When the process of step S108 is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs an effect command storage process (step S109). In the effect command storage process, the main control CPU 40a stores an effect command corresponding to the winning number in the output buffer. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the command stored in the output buffer is output to the sub board 41 by a timer interrupt process described later. The production command includes, for example, a notification that the winning number 001 (red cherry role) is won, and a notification that notifies the winning number 002 (red seven role) is won.

  When the process of step S109 (effect command storage process) is completed, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the shortest gaming time (wait time) has elapsed (step S110). When the shortest game time has not elapsed (step S110: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until the shortest game time has elapsed. When the shortest game time has elapsed (step S110: YES), the main control CPU 40a controls each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c so that the rotation of the reels 16a to 16c is started (step S111). That is, the process of step S111 corresponds to a start process for starting a variable game by controlling the reel unit 16. In the process of step S111, the main control CPU 40a waits until the rotation speed of the reels 16a to 16c becomes constant at a predetermined rotation speed and the stop operation by the stop buttons 21a to 21c can be accepted.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a stop operation by any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c has been received (step S112). In the process of step S112, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c, and inputs an operation signal from any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c. If not, a negative determination is made. When the stop operation is not received (step S112: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until the stop operation is received.

  On the other hand, when the stop operation is accepted (step S112: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button to which the operation signal is input (step S113). That is, the main control CPU 40a controls the actuator in response to acceptance of the stop operation, and stops the symbols on the reel corresponding to the accepted stop operation.

  More specifically, the main control CPU 40a is determined in advance based on the winning number determined in the process of step S108 (winning number lottery process) and the operation mode (pressing order and pressing position) of the stop buttons 21a to 21c. A symbol that can be stopped on the active line NL is retrieved from symbols located within the pull-in range (for example, four symbols). Then, the main control CPU 40a controls the actuator so that the searched symbol is stopped on the effective line NL. The main control CPU 40a performs such reel stop control with respect to the stop operation of the reels 16a to 16c, thereby stopping the symbol combination corresponding to the winning number and the operation mode of the stop button on the effective line NL. In the process of step S113, when the operation signal is input from the stop buttons 21a to 21c, the main control CPU 40a generates an operation command that can specify the stop button to which the operation signal is input and stores it in the output buffer. .

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not all of the reels 16a to 16c have been stopped (step S114). When one or more of the reels 16a to 16c are not stopped (step S114: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S112. On the other hand, when all of the reels 16a to 16c are stopped (step S114: YES), a display symbol determination process for determining a symbol combination stopped on the effective line NL is performed (step S115). In the process of step S115, the main control CPU 40a determines whether the symbol combination (combination) that determines the award has been derived, and if the symbol combination (combination) that determines the award has been derived, judge.

  If the main control CPU 40a determines in step S115 that a symbol combination (combination) that is not permitted by the winning number is derived on the active line NL, a symbol stop error (second type error) ) Is detected, and information indicating the occurrence of the symbol stop error is stored in a predetermined storage area (error area) of the main control RAM 40c. When a second type error is detected, the process branches from the game progress main process, and an unrecoverable error process described later is performed to stop the error.

  When the display symbol determination process ends normally (when no error is detected), the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not to pay out a medal to the player (step S116). In the process of step S116, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when winning a payout combination, and makes a negative determination when not winning a payout combination. When a medal is paid out (step S116: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a medal payout process (step S117). In step S117, the main control CPU 40a adds the number of medals to be paid out to the credit. Incidentally, when the credit upper limit number is exceeded when added to the credit, the main control CPU 40a outputs a signal to the hopper 23 in order to drive the hopper 23 so as to pay out medals in excess of the credit upper limit number. . As described above, the slot machine 10 can generate medals as a predetermined game value in accordance with the symbol combination stopped on the active line NL. Further, in the process of step S117, the main control CPU 40a controls the payout display unit 37 so as to display information relating to the number of medals to be paid out when a winning occurs.

  In step S117, the main control CPU 40a does not detect the passage of the medal even if a predetermined time elapses from the payout sensor SE6 provided in the hopper 23, even though it outputs a signal to pay out the medal. If it is determined that the medal in the hopper 23 is empty. When the main control CPU 40a determines that the medal in the hopper 23 is empty, the main control CPU 40a detects the occurrence of a medal empty error (first type error) and provides information indicating the occurrence of the medal empty error to the main control RAM 40c. Stored in a predetermined storage area (error area). When a first type error is detected, the process branches from the game progress main process, and an error display process described later is executed until the first type error is canceled.

  When the process of step S117 ends normally, the main control CPU 40a performs an end process for ending one variation game (step S118). In step S118, the main control CPU 40a generates a variable game end command for instructing the end of the variable game, and stores it in the output buffer. The variable game end command can specify the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning symbol combination (combination). If the re-gamer has won a prize, the main control CPU 40a sets information (re-game flag) indicating the re-gamer's win.

  Further, the main control CPU 40a performs a process of shifting the internal control state in accordance with the symbol combination (combination) determined to be winning in the process of step S118. That is, when the main control CPU 40a wins a bonus combination in a non-bonus state, a value (information) that can be specified to control the bonus state is set in the internal control state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. To do. The main control CPU 40a sets an internal control state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c so as to control to the internal control state before shifting to the bonus state when the bonus state end condition is satisfied. To do.

  In the termination process, the main control CPU 40a erases the bonus flag indicating that the bonus combination is won when the winning number 002 is won and the bonus combination is not won. Not carry over to the next floating game. That is, when the bonus flag is carried over, the main control CPU 40a does not win the winning number 002 in the winning number lottery process in the current variable game, and does not win the next variable game. A winning combination can be generated. On the other hand, the main control CPU 40a clears the winning number flag every time the variable game ends, and therefore does not carry over information related to winning for a role other than the bonus role.

  Then, when the end process is ended, the main control CPU 40a ends the game progress main process related to the execution of one variation game, and returns to the process of step S101 again. As described above, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment starts the variable game when the start operation is accepted, and stops the symbol sequence when the stop operation is accepted.

Next, the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. The timer interrupt process is a process (normal process) that is executed at predetermined intervals unless interruption is regulated.
When the timer interrupt process is started, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a normal control command among the control commands is stored in the output buffer (step S201). In the present embodiment, a normal control command is a command composed of a total of 2 bytes of data, an upper byte (1 byte) and a lower byte (1 byte). For example, the normal control command includes an effect command, an operation command, and a variable game end command that can be determined in the game progress main process.

  When the normal control command is stored in the output buffer (step S201: YES), the main control CPU 40a specifies the type of the normal control command stored in the output buffer, and determines the specified normal control command. Based on the type, data to be output is set in a predetermined area of the main control RAM 40c (step S202). Since the data output unit is one byte, the main control CPU 40a outputs the data separately in the order of the upper byte and the lower byte when outputting a normal control command. In the case of outputting upper byte data, this fact is stored in the main control RAM 40c. Therefore, if it is not stored that the upper byte data has been output, in step S203, the main control CPU 40a sets the upper byte data as data to be output. On the other hand, if it is stored that the upper byte data has been output, in step S203, the main control CPU 40a sets the lower byte data as data to be output.

  In the normal control command, the value (range) that can be taken is different between the upper byte data and the lower byte data. Therefore, the sub-control CPU 41a that inputs the normal control command uses the higher byte data from the value. It is possible to determine whether the data is lower byte data. Further, the sub-control CPU 41a that inputs a normal control command is configured to be able to determine that it is a normal control command (a 2-byte command) from the values that can be taken by the upper byte data. Similarly, the sub-control CPU 41a that inputs a normal control command is configured to be able to determine whether it is a normal control command (a 2-byte command) from the values that the lower byte data can take. .

  When the processing in step S202 ends, the main control CPU 40a outputs the set data (upper byte data or lower byte data constituting a normal control command) via the information output port OP (step S202). S203).

  Specifically, the main control CPU 40a outputs the first bit information (high state or low state signal) of the set data through the first output port constituting the information output port OP.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the information of the first bit in the set data is “1”, the main control CPU 40a outputs it via the first output port constituting the information output port OP. The state of the signal to be changed is set to the high state (see time point T1). On the other hand, when the information of the second bit in the determined data is “0”, the main control CPU 40a changes the state of the signal output through the second output port constituting the information output port OP to the low level. Put it in a state. Similarly, the main control CPU 40a passes through the third output port to the eighth output port constituting the information output port OP, and sets information on the third to eighth bits (high state or low state) of the set data. Signal).

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a erases the data output from the predetermined area of the main control RAM 40c (step S204). When the lower byte data is output, the main control CPU 40a deletes the normal control command that is the output target from the output buffer.

  When the process of step S204 ends, the main control CPU 40a transitions the state of the strobe signal to an instruction state instructing data input (acquisition) after the first time has elapsed since the start of signal output. (Step S205). In other words, the strobe output port changes the state of the strobe signal after the first time has elapsed since the eight output ports from the first output port to the eighth output port of the information output port OP start outputting signals. Transition to an instruction state indicating the input timing of each signal.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the main control CPU 40a starts outputting data via the information output port OP, and is in the process of outputting the data. When one hour has passed (time T2), the strobe signal state is changed to the instruction state. That is, the main control CPU 40a instructs the input of data by changing the state of the strobe signal to the instruction state (high state in the present embodiment) when the first time has elapsed. In addition, when the first time has elapsed, the data (signal) output through the information output port OP is in a stable state (either a high state or a low state).

  When a normal control command is not stored in the output buffer (step S201: NO), or after executing the process of step S205, the main control CPU 40a performs various input ports P1 to P4, P8 to P13, P18, and P19. The signal is input via the input and stored in the input buffer of the main control RAM 40c (step S206).

  That is, in step S206, the determination process is not included, and the signals input via the input ports P1 to P4, P8 to P13, P18, and P19 are uniformly stored in the input buffer. For example, if the state of the signal from the left reel sensor SE1 input to the input port P1 is high, the main control CPU 40a sets the corresponding value “1” to the input buffer for the left reel sensor SE1. If it is in the low state, the corresponding value “0” is stored. The other input ports P2 to P4, P8 to P13, P18, and P19 are similarly performed without exception.

  Thus, after the strobe signal is in the instruction state, in the process of step S206, the main control CPU 40a sequentially performs a predetermined process. That is, since the determination process is not included, the process does not branch, and a different process is not executed due to a difference in determination results. That is, the number of processes (the number of steps) is constant, and the same process in the program is performed in the same execution time. The execution time of the processing (processing to input a signal and store the input signal in the input buffer) performed during the period when the strobe signal is in the instruction state (step S206) is a predetermined time. It has become.

  Therefore, regardless of the state of the gaming machine, for example, the rotation state of the reels 16a to 16c, the operation state of various buttons such as the stop button 21 and the start lever 20, and the detection state by various sensors such as the passage sensor SE5, the process of step S206 is performed. The execution time (processing time) is constant. The signal stored in the input buffer is used in the game progress main process described above.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a sets the strobe signal state to a non-instruction state (in this embodiment, an initial state (low state)) different from the instruction state (step S207). That is, when the process of step S206 by the main control CPU 40a is completed, the strobe output port changes the strobe signal from the instruction state to the initial state. The main control CPU 40a sets the strobe signal to a low state regardless of whether the strobe signal is in a high state (when step S201 is YES) or a low state (when step S201 is NO). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the strobe signal transitions to the low state (time T4). And the input process of step S206 is performed between the time T2 and the time T4, and the processing time of the input process is a fixed time regardless of the state of the gaming machine. For this reason, the time from when the strobe signal is in the designated state to when it is in the initial state is also a fixed time.

  As described above, when a normal control command is stored in the output buffer by repeating the timer interrupt process, after the upper byte data of the control command is output, the lower byte data of the control command is output. Is output. When a plurality of control commands are stored in the output buffer, the above-described timer interrupt processing is repeated, so that the control commands are output in order from the normal control command stored earliest. The output of the data output from the information output port OP is terminated at a predetermined timing after the strobe signal is in the initial state. That is, all signals output from a total of eight output ports from the first output port to the eighth output port are in the initial state (low state).

Next, based on FIG. 10, an error display process when a first type error is detected will be described.
When the error display process is executed, the main control CPU 40a controls the state display unit 34 to display an error code corresponding to the stored error type (step S301). For example, when the medal empty error is detected, the main control CPU 40a displays the error code “1”. Further, when a medal retention error is detected, an error code “2” is displayed.

  Further, in the error display process, the main control CPU 40a stores an error command indicating the type of detected error in the output buffer in order to output it to the sub-board 41 (step S302).

  Here, the configuration of the error command will be described in detail. A first type error command indicating a first type error is prepared for each type of detected error. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a medal empty error that is a first type error is detected, a first type error command E1 for medal empty error is stored. Further, when a medal retention error that is a first type error is detected, a first type error command E2 for medal retention error is stored. Further, when a medal illegal passing error which is a first type error is detected, a first type error command E3 for medal illegal passing error is stored.

  The first type error command corresponds to a normal control command. That is, the first type error command is composed of data of a total of 2 bytes including an upper byte (1 byte) and a lower byte (1 byte). The first type error command stored in the output buffer is output to the sub board 41 by the timer interrupt process as described above.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the error has been canceled (step S303). If it is determined that the error has not been released (step S303: NO), step S303 is repeated and the process waits until the error is released. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error has been released (step S303: YES), the error display process is terminated. In the process of step S303, when a predetermined error cancellation condition is satisfied, for example, when a switch indicating error cancellation provided on the back side of the front door 12 is operated, or when an error cancellation sensor detects error cancellation For example, it is determined that the error has been released. When the error display process ends, the main control CPU 40a returns to the process before the error detection (game progress main process or the like).

Next, based on FIG. 11, a non-recoverable error process that is executed when a second type error (specific error) among a plurality of errors occurs will be described.
When the non-recoverable error process is executed, the main control CPU 40a outputs a second type error command E0 indicating a second type error (step S401). The second type error command E0 is the same command regardless of the type of the detected second type error. That is, even if either a bet number error or a symbol stop error occurs and is detected, the same second type error command E0 is output. The second type error command E0 has a smaller number of output units than a normal control command. Specifically, the second type error command E0 is composed of 1-byte data including only the upper bytes.

  Note that the upper byte data constituting the second type error command E0 is different from the lower byte data in the normal control command in the value (range) that can be taken, and it is determined from the value that the data is the upper byte. It can be done. Further, the second type error command E0 is configured to be able to determine that it is the second type error command E0 (a one-byte command) from the values that can be taken by the upper byte data.

  Therefore, the main control CPU 40a sets the data of the second type error command in a predetermined area in the process of step S401. After that, as shown in FIG. 9B, the main control CPU 40a receives the first bit information (high state or low state) of the set data via the first output port constituting the information output port OP. Signal) is output (time T11). Similarly, the main control CPU 40a passes through the second output port to the eighth output port constituting the information output port OP, and sets the second bit to eighth bit information (high state or low state) of the set data. Signal).

  The main control CPU 40a starts outputting data (signals) via the information output port OP and then outputs the data, and changes the strobe signal state when a predetermined second time elapses. A transition is made to the instruction state (step S402). That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the main control CPU 40a transitions the state of the strobe signal to the instruction state (high state in the present embodiment) when the second time elapses (time point T12). Instructs input of data (signal). In addition, when the second time has elapsed, the data (signal) output via the information output port OP is in a stable state (either a high state or a low state). Also, the second time is shorter than the first time from the start of output of data (signal) that constitutes a normal control command until the strobe signal is in the instruction state in the timer interrupt process. ing. In other words, after the information output port OP starts outputting data, the time until the strobe signal is instructed is the time during the non-recoverable error processing that is executed when a specific error occurs among a plurality of errors. Compared to the timer interrupt process (normal process) that can be executed every predetermined period, it can be said to be short.

  In the non-recoverable error process, the strobe signal is maintained in the instruction state until the predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 40c is reset (initialized) after the strobe signal is in the instruction state. . Therefore, no new control command is output to the sub board 41 thereafter.

  Then, after setting the strobe signal state to the instruction state, the main control CPU 40a sets an error code “P” to indicate that the occurrence of the second type error (bet number error, symbol stop error) has been detected. The state display unit 34 is controlled so as to be displayed (step S403).

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a stops the progress of the game (error stop). In order to cancel this error stop, a predetermined reset operation such as initialization of at least a predetermined storage content of the main control RAM 40c is required, and the game cannot be resumed in a state before the error is detected.

Next, processing performed by the sub control CPU 41a of the sub board 41 will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 41a inputs various control information (control command) by a sub-board side input process to be described later, the display contents of the effect display device 15 are configured to execute various effects based on the contents instructed by the command. The sound output content of the speaker 14 and the light emission mode of the decorative lamp 13 are controlled. Further, the sub-control CPU 41a can identify a winning combination and can execute various effects based on the winning combination. Further, since the sub-control CPU 41a can also specify the stop status of each reel, it can also specify a winning combination based on the stop status and can execute various effects based on the winning combination.

Next, sub-substrate-side input processing in the sub-substrate 41 will be described. The sub-board-side input process is executed every predetermined cycle.
The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to execute the sub-board-side input process every predetermined cycle. In the sub-board-side input process, the sub-control CPU 41a is predetermined after the strobe signal input via the strobe input port SIP provided independently of the information input port IP is in the instruction state. It is determined whether or not the third time has elapsed. The sub control CPU 41a stores the elapsed time after the strobe signal is in the instruction state in the sub control RAM 41c. If the determination result is negative, the sub control CPU 41a ends the sub board side input process. On the other hand, when the third time has elapsed since the strobe signal is in the instruction state, the main control CPU 40a inputs data (signal) through the information input port IP.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the third time has elapsed since the strobe signal is in the instruction state (time point T3), the sub control CPU 41a sets the first input port constituting the information input port IP. The first bit information (low state or high state signal) of the data is input. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a) or FIG. 9 (b), when a predetermined time elapses after the strobe signal becomes instructed (time T3, time T13), the sub-control CPU 41a receives the first input port. If the state of the signal input via the signal is high, it is assumed that the signal “1” corresponding to the high state is input as the first bit information. If the state of the signal input through the second input port is low, the signal “0” corresponding to the low state is input as the second bit information. Similarly, the main control CPU 40a sends the third bit to eighth bit information (low state or high state signal) of the data via the third input port to the eighth input port constituting the information input port IP. Enter each.

  As described above, it can be said that the information input port IP receives the control signal output from the information output port OP when the state of the strobe signal input to the strobe input port becomes the instruction state. Since the input is made when a predetermined time has elapsed after the strobe signal is in the instruction state, even if the strobe signal state is disturbed (when noise occurs), it may be read incorrectly, It is possible to prevent data from being input.

  Then, the sub-control CPU 41a specifies data by combining signals input from a total of eight input ports from the first input port to the eighth input port, and temporarily stores the data in a predetermined area of the input buffer. . Then, the sub-board side input process is terminated.

  Thereafter, the sub control CPU 41a determines the type of command based on the data stored in the input buffer. Each data is configured so that the command type and upper byte (or lower byte) can be determined from the value. The sub-control CPU 41a, based on the data, stores the upper byte data together with the command type. Or whether the data is lower byte data.

  Then, the sub-control CPU 41a determines that the data is related to a normal control command composed of the upper byte and the lower byte, and if the upper byte and the lower byte data are prepared in the input buffer, the sub control CPU 41a temporarily stores the data in the input buffer. A normal control command is specified by combining the stored upper byte data and lower byte data, and various processes are performed. For example, when the sub-control CPU 41a specifies the first type error command E1, the sub-control CPU 41a performs processing according to the first type error command E1. For example, the effect display device 15 displays that the medal in the hopper 23 is empty.

  On the other hand, if the sub-control CPU 41a determines that the error command is the second type error command consisting only of the upper bytes, it performs various processes related to the second type error. Specifically, when the second type error command E0 is input, the sub control CPU 41a performs processing corresponding to the error command E0 indicating detection of the second type error, for example, that the game cannot be resumed. The effect display device 15 displays that it is necessary to reset.

As described above in detail, the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) During the timer interrupt process, the main control CPU 40a sequentially performs predetermined processes in the process of step S206, which is performed after the strobe signal is in the instruction state and before the initial state. In step S206, since the determination process is not included, the process does not branch, and a different process is not executed due to a difference in determination results. Then, after the strobe signal is in the instruction state, the execution time of the processing of step S206 (processing to input a signal and store the input signal in the input buffer) is a predetermined time. For this reason, after the strobe signal is in the designated state, the output of the strobe signal is terminated after a certain period of time even if the timer does not measure the time (that is, it does not have a timer for the strobe signal). It becomes. Therefore, the sub-board 41 can predict when it is necessary to complete the processing related to the input of data (signal) after the strobe signal is in the designated state. As a result, data (signal) can be omitted and control can be simplified.

  (2) Even if the strobe signal is momentarily interrupted by noise, it can be determined that it is noise because it is determined that the strobe signal is output for a certain period of time. In addition, since the execution time of the processing of step S206 (processing to input a signal and store the input signal in the input buffer) after the strobe signal is in the instruction state is a predetermined time. Even when a timer is not provided to measure the time, the time during which the strobe signal is in the instruction state can be made constant. That is, processing and configuration can be simplified.

(3) After the first time or the second time has elapsed since the information output port OP started outputting data (signal), the state of the strobe signal becomes the instruction state. This simplifies the process.
(4) In the non-recoverable error processing, the second time from the start of data (signal) output until the strobe signal is instructed is from the start of data (signal) output in the timer interrupt processing. The strobe signal is shorter than the first time until the strobe signal becomes the instruction state. For this reason, during non-recoverable error processing, the time until the strobe signal is instructed is shorter than in the timer interrupt processing, so that the signal input can be accelerated accordingly.

  (5) The information input port IP inputs data (signal) after the elapse of the third time since the strobe signal is in the instruction state. For this reason, even if noise occurs in the strobe signal, it is possible to prevent erroneous input of data (signal) and redundant input of data (signal). In the timer interrupt process, since the time during which the strobe signal is in the instruction state is a fixed time, it is easy to secure the time until data (signal) is input, and the control is simplified.

  (6) In the non-recoverable error process that is executed when at least the second type error (specific error) occurs among the plurality of errors, the second type error command E0 is output. The second type error command E0 has a smaller number of data output units when outputting compared to the first type error command and a normal control command such as a production command. For this reason, the output of the second type error command E0 can be completed quickly as compared with a normal control command. Moreover, the process for that is also simplified and can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the number of output units is small, it is possible to reduce the number of missed second type error commands.

  (7) On the other hand, in the game progress main process, many determinations are made, and the result becomes various results. Therefore, a large amount of information is required to reflect the result. Therefore, although the number of output units increases, a 2-byte normal control command with a large amount of information that can be transmitted with one command is output. As a result, it is possible to suppress the output of a large number of commands, and it is possible to reduce the execution opportunity of the process for determining the command and the output process for outputting the command, and efficiently perform the process as a whole. it can. That is, it is not necessary to output information by dividing it into a plurality of commands, and it is possible to reduce command decision opportunities and output opportunities.

In addition, the said embodiment can be actualized in another embodiment (another example) as follows.
In the above-described embodiment, the time (first time, second time) from the start of data (signal) output until the strobe signal state becomes the instruction state may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the first time and the second time may be the same, or the second time may be longer than the first time.

In the embodiment described above, a method for measuring the time from the start of data (signal) output until the strobe signal is in the instruction state may be measured using a timer.
In the above-described embodiment, the main control CPU 40a may cause the state of the strobe signal to transition to the instruction state after executing one or more predetermined processes from the start of data (signal) output. . In this case, it is desirable that the predetermined process or processes do not include a determination process or a branching process. In addition, the processing order is determined, and it is desirable that the execution time of each processing is the same all the time. In this way, the state of the strobe signal can be changed to the instruction state after a predetermined time has elapsed without using a timer or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the information input port IP inputs data after the elapse of the third time after the strobe signal is in the instruction state, but the third time may be arbitrarily changed. The predetermined time may be 0 seconds.

  In the above embodiment, the processing executed by the main control CPU 40a after the strobe signal is in the instruction state may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the number of processes may be increased, or the processing content may be changed. Also, the number of processes may be one. However, it is desirable that the order of the processes to be executed and the time for each process are the same no matter what time they are executed so that the time until all the processes are completed is constant. Further, it is desirable that the branching process and the determining process are not executed.

  In the above embodiment, the number of output ports constituting the information output port OP may be arbitrarily changed. Similarly, the number of input ports constituting the information input port IP may be arbitrarily changed.

In the above embodiment, the non-recoverable error process is executed when a second type error is detected, but may be executed when a first type error is detected.
In the above embodiment, the normal control command has a data amount of 2 bytes and the second type error command E0 has a data amount of 1 byte. However, the data amount (number of output units) may be arbitrarily changed. . For example, a normal control command may be a 3-byte command. Moreover, even if it is a normal control command, the number of bytes may be changed depending on the type (production command, error command, etc.).

  In the above embodiment, data is input / output in units of 1 byte between the main board 40 and the sub board 41, but the output unit and input unit may be arbitrarily changed. For example, data may be input / output in units of 2 bytes. Further, input / output may be possible in units of 1 bit.

In the above embodiment, the second type error is an error that cannot be restored unless the stored contents are initialized, but may be adopted as a recoverable error.
In the above embodiment, the type and content of error may be arbitrarily changed. Further, the type and content of the first type error and the type and content of the second type error may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the first type error may include a door open error indicating that the front door 12 is being opened.

In the above embodiment, the type of error command may be changed according to the type of error of the second type.
In the above embodiment, when the second type error command E0 is output during the non-recoverable error processing, the strobe signal is kept in the instruction state until the reset operation is performed. The initial state may be set at a predetermined timing. For example, after measuring whether a predetermined time has passed by a timer and returning to the initial state when the predetermined time has passed, or after executing a predetermined process (such as a process for displaying an error code) with a predetermined processing time, You may return to an initial state.

The above embodiment may be applied to a spinning-type game machine (slot machine) to which no bonus game is given.
The above-described embodiment may be embodied in a revolving game machine (slot machine) that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium.

-Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, display parts 31-37 do not need to be collected by information panel 30, and should just be suitably arranged in a position which can be visually recognized from a player.
In the above embodiment, the second type error command E0 is composed only of upper byte data, but may be composed only of lower byte data.

  In the above embodiment, when the signal is high, it corresponds to outputting (or inputting) a signal corresponding to “1”, and when the signal is low, a signal corresponding to “0” is output. (Or input), but it may be reversed. That is, when the signal is in a high state, this corresponds to outputting (or inputting) a signal corresponding to “0”, and when the signal is in a low state, outputting (or inputting) a signal corresponding to “1”. It may correspond to doing.

  In the embodiment described above, the function of the main board 40 may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards. The main control CPU 40a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single substrate.

  In the above embodiment, the function of the sub-board 41 may be realized by dividing it into a plurality of boards. For example, a display board that specially controls the effect display device 15, an audio board that specially controls the speaker 14, and a lamp board that specially controls the decorative lamp 13 may be provided. An integrated board may be further provided. The sub control CPU 41a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single substrate.

In the above embodiment, the specified bet number (X) indicating that the variable game can be started may be arbitrarily changed. For example, any value from “1” to “3” may be used.
Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.

  (A) Control signal output means for outputting a control signal, strobe signal output means for outputting a strobe signal indicating the input timing of the control signal, processing means for performing various processes, and output from the control signal output means A control signal input means for inputting the control signal; and a strobe signal input means for inputting the strobe signal; and the strobe signal output means, after the control signal output means starts outputting the control signal, The state of the strobe signal is changed to an instruction state indicating the input timing of the control signal, and the control signal input means is triggered by the state of the strobe signal input by the strobe signal input means being in the instruction state. It is configured to input a control signal output from the control signal output means, and the strobe signal is in an instruction state. Thereafter, the processing means is configured to perform one or more predetermined processes that do not include a branching process, and when the processing by the processing means ends, the strobe signal output means From the instruction state to the non-instruction state, and the execution time of each process performed by the processing means during the period when the strobe signal is in the instruction state is a predetermined time. A featured gaming machine.

  (B) Control signal output means for outputting a control signal, strobe signal output means for outputting a strobe signal indicating the input timing of the control signal, processing means for performing various processes, and output from the control signal output means A control signal input means for inputting the control signal; and a strobe signal input means for inputting the strobe signal; and the strobe signal output means, after the control signal output means starts outputting the control signal, The state of the strobe signal is changed to an instruction state indicating the input timing of the control signal, and the control signal input means is triggered by the state of the strobe signal input by the strobe signal input means being in the instruction state. It is configured to input a control signal output from the control signal output means, and the strobe signal is in an instruction state. Thereafter, the processing means is configured to perform one or more predetermined processes that do not include a determination process, and when the processing by the processing means ends, the strobe signal output means outputs the strobe signal. It is configured to change from the instruction state to the non-instruction state, and the execution time of each process performed by the processing means during the period when the strobe signal is in the instruction state is a predetermined time. A gaming machine.

  NL ... Effective line, BS ... Blocker solenoid, MB ... Medal blocker, OP ... Information output port, SOP ... Strobe output port, IP ... Information input port, SIP ... Strobe input port, SE1 ... Left reel sensor, SE2 ... Middle Reel sensor, SE3 ... right reel sensor, SE4 ... insertion sensor, SE5 ... passing sensor, SE6 ... payout sensor, 10 ... slot machine (game machine), 11 ... main body cabinet, 12 ... front door, 12a ... display window, 13 ... Decoration lamp, 14 ... Speaker, 15 ... Production display device, 16 ... Reel unit, 16a-16c ... Reel, 17 ... Medal slot, 18 ... MAXBET button, 19 ... Checkout button, 20 ... Start lever, 21a-21c ... Stop Button, 22 ... Medals selector, 23 ... Hopper, 24 ... Medal outlet 25 ... Dish, 30 ... Information panel, 31 ... Insertion possible display, 32 ... Replay display, 33 ... Weight display, 34 ... Status display, 35 ... Bet display, 35a ... 1bet display, 35b ... 2 Bet display section, 35c ... 3 bet display section, 36 ... credit display section, 37 ... payout display section, 40 ... main board, 40a ... main control CPU, 41 ... sub-board, 41a ... sub-control CPU.

Claims (2)

Control signal output means for outputting a control signal;
And the strobe signal output means for outputting a strobe signal,
A control signal input means for inputting the control signal outputted from the pre-SL control signal output means,
Strobe signal input means for inputting the strobe signal,
The strobe signal output means transitions the state of the strobe signal to an instruction state indicating the input timing of the control signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control signal output means started outputting the control signal.
It said control signal input means, in response to the state of the strobe signal the strobe signal input means for inputting becomes the indication state, is configured to receive a control signal outputted from said control signal output means,
The time from when the control signal output means starts outputting the control signal until the strobe signal is in the indicated state is an error that is executed when at least a specific error occurs among a plurality of errors. A gaming machine characterized in that the processing is shorter than normal processing that can be executed every predetermined cycle . A processing means for performing various processing is provided.
After the strobe signal is in the instruction state, the processing means is configured to sequentially perform a predetermined process,
When the processing by the processing unit is completed, the strobe signal output unit is configured to change the strobe signal from the instruction state to the non-instruction state,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 execution time of each processing is to be predetermined time der wherein Rukoto respectively performed by the processing unit during a period in which the strobe signal is in the said instruction state.

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