Gaming Machines

Abstract

A game machine is provided in which a master device can efficiently obtain time information from a slave device through simple processing. [Solution] The gaming machine of the present invention comprises a slave device capable of managing data used to control the gaming machine's presentation, and a master device capable of acquiring data and executing processing using that data, and when predetermined conditions are met, the master device is capable of establishing I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication with the slave device and generating a request signal to request data from the slave device, and is capable of intermittently executing a read process to read data while the request signal is met.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that include a control board that includes at least a main control board and a sub-control board (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Of these, the sub-control board is equipped with a microcomputer (an example of a master device) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), as well as an RTC (Real Time Clock / an example of a slave device) that manages current time data (hereinafter referred to as "time information").

[0004] This time information is used when live performances are executed simultaneously on multiple gaming machines arranged in a so-called island (a group of multiple gaming machines) at fixed times (for example, 10:00, 17:00, and 20:00), and is also used when highly reliable setting suggestions are executed, for example, after the evening.

[0005] In addition, I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is performed between this microcomputer (CPU) and the RTC. This I2C communication allows the microcomputer to read and write to the RTC, and the microcomputer obtains time information. The sub-control board uses the current time obtained by the microcomputer to execute the effects described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-2970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the conventional method, when the microcomputer reads the time information, two-way communication between the microcomputer and the RTC is required multiple times, which may complicate the process.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a master device can efficiently obtain time information from a slave device through simple processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to A slave device capable of managing data used for effect control of the gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated; and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed. It is an amusement machine. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the master device can efficiently obtain time information from the slave device through simple processing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a slot machine and a card unit. [Diagram 3] A diagram explaining the connection / communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sub-control board. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a time information acquisition process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [First embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, "connection" includes cases where connection targets are directly connected to each other, and cases where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via another board or device, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a reel-type gaming machine in which the amount of gaming value is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "gaming value data"), without using physically existing medals.

[0014] <Card unit 7 configuration> As shown in FIG. 2, the card unit 7 is connected to the slot machine 1 outside the slot machine 1 so as to be able to communicate with the slot machine 1.

[0015] Moreover, the card unit 7 can store therein a card 70 that stores gaming value data as electronic data in place of medals as real objects.

[0016] The details of the card unit 7 are similar to those of a conventional medal-less machine, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0017] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a medal-less machine in which a game can be played without using medals, which are real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a game is played using game value data as electronic data, instead of medals, which are real objects.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 10. This front door 100 is locked while a game is in progress.

[0019] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, a player can see a plurality of symbols displayed on the surface of each of a plurality of rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

[0020] Above the reel window 200, there are provided a liquid crystal screen 3, a speaker 101, and an illumination unit 102 for producing various effects during a game.

[0021] The liquid crystal screen 3 is equipped with a monitor LED and a backlight, and displays various types of effect videos (effect screens) while the player is playing.

[0022] The speaker 101 outputs predetermined BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), and voice.

[0023] The illumination unit 102 is composed of LEDs and the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0024] Below the reel window 200, there are provided an operation unit 4, a lower panel 103, a front bottom 104, etc. The title of the slot machine 1 and the like are displayed on the lower panel 103. Also, LED lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 is designed to allow the player to place personal belongings and the like.

[0025] The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a count button 44, a cancel button 45, and a performance button 46.

[0026] Near each switch of the operation unit 4, a sensor is provided which detects the operation by the player and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0027] Each of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is provided corresponding to each of the reels 20 (20a, 20b, and 20c). The stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c receive an operation for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, or 20c while the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, or 20c is rotating.

[0028] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate by a light color (e.g., red) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state from the time the lever 42 is operated until the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state. The lamps can also indicate by a light color (e.g., blue) different from the light color that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state from the time the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0029] The bet switch 41 is used when a player bets a game value. The credited game value and the amount of the bet game value are managed by the slot machine 1 (the medium management unit 620). The bet switch 41 is provided with a lamp inside or around it that lights up when the operation is valid and goes out when the operation is invalid.

[0030] The lever 42 functions as a start switch that receives an operation for spinning the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0031] The number of gaming credits, the number of gaming value paid out (acquired), etc. are digitally displayed on the digital counter 43. By checking the digital counter 43, the player can also check the amount of gaming value he or she possesses while playing the game.

[0032] The counting button 44 can receive an operation by the player to transfer the game value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 receives an operation by the player, a transfer signal is generated in the counting button 44. The counting button 44 also includes a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether the button is not being operated or is being operated.

[0033] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation by the player to change a gaming value that has been bet (betting state) to a non-betting state (non-betting state). When the cancel button 45 accepts an operation by the player, a cancel signal is generated by the cancel button 45. After that, the media management unit 620, which receives the cancel signal, manages the gaming value data in the betting state as a non-betting state. In addition, the cancel button 45 is provided with a lamp inside or around it that changes the light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is not being operated or is being operated.

[0034] The effect button 46 is a button used by the player to set the light intensity of the LEDs of the illumination unit 101, set the volume of the speaker 102, check game data, and set various other menu settings related to the game on the menu screen when playing a game. The effect button 46 may also be operated by the player during a game depending on the effect. When the effect button 46 is operated during a game, a change occurs in the effect.

[0035] In addition, the effect button 46 is provided with a lamp capable of emitting light in various colors and patterns inside or around it. The lamp is turned on when the effect button 46 is in an operationally valid state, and is turned off when the effect button 46 is in an operationally invalid state.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the housing 10.

[0037] The reset button 51 is operated to release various errors and initialize the RAM constituting the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 51 is being operated, the quantity of game value managed by the media management unit 620 is cleared to "0", and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state" and the game zone is set to the "normal zone."

[0038] The setting change button 52 is a button that is operated by a store staff member when any one of a plurality of setting values ​​is set in the slot machine 1. For example, when the power supply of the slot machine 1 is switched from OFF to ON while the slot machine 1 is set in the setting change mode, the setting change button 52 becomes operable, and when the setting change button 52 is operated in this state, the setting value can be set.

[0039] 2, the slot machine 1 includes a reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (comprised of a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3). The reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are disposed inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply device PS (see FIG. 4) for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1, and the like.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spinning reel unit 2 includes three spinning reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0041] For example, symbols are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. When the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop spinning, a game result determination unit 612 (described later) determines whether or not a combination of symbols displayed on a pay line L (described later) is a predetermined combination of symbols, and thus the game progresses.

[0042] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0043] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (e.g., 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40a) within 190 ms after the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating.

[0044] The rotation and stopping of these reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled by a reel control unit 611, which will be described later.

[0045] <The flow of play by the player> A player operates the bet switch 41 to use the credited gaming value to bet on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number of gaming values ​​(e.g., 3) is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, it becomes possible to operate the lever 42, i.e., to start playing.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the pay line L is configured in the upper row of the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, in the middle row of the reel window 200 for the center rotating reel 20b, and in the lower row of the reel window 200 for the right rotating reel 20c.

[0047] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which a player operates the bet switch 41, lever 42, stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. to obtain a predetermined play result, including internal lottery, winning determination processing, and increase / decrease processing of game value data.

[0048] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state in which a game can be started, an internal drawing to determine a winning flag is performed, and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c start to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40b) stops. When all the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is executed according to the combination (winning combination) of symbols that are aligned (winning) on ​​the pay line L. This ends one game.

[0049] At least a portion of the information regarding the progress of the game until these specified game results are obtained (for example, the operation of the bet switch 41, the operation of the lever 42, the operation of the stop switch 40, the execution of an internal lottery, the winning of a specified role, the rotation of the reel, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1.

[0050] <Configuration of control unit 6> As mentioned above, the control unit 6 is composed of a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3.

[0051] The main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 each include a microcomputer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a voltage supply unit, a power interruption / recovery detection unit, a WDT (watchdog timer), and a memory unit (Read Only Memory / ROM, and Random Access Memory / RAM). In addition to the above, the sub-control board P3 includes an RTC (Real Time Clock) that manages the current time data (hereinafter referred to as "time information") as shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] The connection relationships and communication processes of the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0053] The main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 are electrically connected by a harness, enabling two-way serial communication.

[0054] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer end information, whether or not settings are being changed, commands related to various errors, a signal requesting a bet of game value when the bet button 41 is operated, a signal requesting the payout of game value corresponding to a winning role, a signal requesting a bet cancellation process when the cancel button 45 is operated, a request for the transfer of game value when the counting button 44 is operated, and the like.

[0055] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function (described later) has been activated, information that the number of credits has reached an upper limit (a value that prompts the player to transfer credits because the number of credits is too high), information regarding the presence or absence of a communication abnormality between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, various responses to requests from the main control unit 61, and the like.

[0056] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is performed from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0057] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game value (e.g., game value bet / payout information, total game value won during AT), information regarding the game status and game period, information regarding the start / end of game play, information regarding the start / end of device operation, information regarding various errors, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate lever 42, etc.

[0058] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but serial communication is carried out in one direction from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3.

[0059] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described below, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands regarding advance notification before the complete function is operated, information regarding the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, transfer completed, etc.), information indicating the number of credits or the number of credits acquired, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, error information if a backup error in the number of credits has occurred, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate the counting button 44, etc.

[0060] As the game progresses, when the functions of the operating unit 4, such as the lever 42, stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, and counting button 44, are activated, one-way serial communication is performed from the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 to the lever 42, etc.

[0061] <Explanation of time information acquisition process> The time information acquisition process of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, the time information acquisition process in the sub-control board P3 will be described, but in the slot machine 1, the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, as well as the sub-control board P3, can also execute a process in which the microcomputer of the board acquires information (not limited to time information) managed by the devices mounted on these boards.

[0062] The sub-control board P3 is a board on which the performance control unit 630 described below is mounted, and as shown in Figure 4, is equipped with a ROM 631, a voltage supply unit 632, a power interruption / restoration detection unit 633, a WDT (watchdog timer) 634, a RAM 635, a microcomputer MCU (an example of a master device) equipped with a CPU and control registers, an RTC 636 (an example of a slave device), and interfaces (I / F) i1 to i4.

[0063] The microcomputer MCU controls the processes executed by the performance control unit 630, such as image rendering control of the liquid crystal screen 3, light emission control of the LED of the illumination unit 102, and sound output control. Other processes executed by the microcomputer MCU include resetting the process based on the signal input of an abnormality detection by the WDT 634, executing a process for dealing with a power outage when power is cut off, executing a process for dealing with a power recovery when power is restored (for example, calling up and displaying an image, continuing displaying from the previous image, etc.), and using time information from the RTC 636 for performance control by the performance control unit 630. When presenting the game history to the player, the microcomputer MCU uses the above-mentioned time information to store the history of when (at what time and minute) the CZ or AT was won. As an example of "processing using data (specifically, time information) acquired from the RTC 636, which is a slave device," the microcomputer MCU executes a process for the performance control unit 630 to suggest settings according to the time period.

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, it will be described how the power supply voltage is supplied to the slot machine 1 and how the voltage is applied to the sub-control board P3.

[0065] First, as shown in FIG. 4, a voltage is applied to the power supply device PS of the slot machine 1 from an external AC power supply AS.

[0066] The AC voltage of the AC power supply AS is converted into a DC voltage via the power supply device PS.

[0067] The power supply device PS applies a predetermined voltage to the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3.

[0068] The main control board P1 transmits a signal to a microcomputer MCU arranged on the sub-control board P3 via an interface i1, and the game value control board P2 transmits a signal to a microcomputer MCU arranged on the sub-control board P3 via an interface i2.

[0069] The power supply device PS applies voltage to the sub-control board P3 (voltage supply unit 632, power interruption / restoration detection unit 633) via an interface i3.

[0070] The voltage supply unit 632 generates a VCC voltage to be applied to the microcomputer MCU, the backlight of the liquid crystal screen 3, the monitor LED of the liquid crystal screen 3, a driver d for driving these, and the like.

[0071] The power interruption / restoration detection unit 633 is composed of a comparator and / or an operational amplifier, etc., and monitors the DC voltage applied by the power supply device PS. When the DC voltage applied by the power supply device PS falls below a first reference voltage (e.g., 9V) that is lower than a predetermined voltage, the power interruption / restoration detection unit 633 detects that a power interruption has occurred in the slot machine 1. In addition, when the DC voltage applied by the power supply device PS falls above a second reference voltage (e.g., 10V) that is lower than the predetermined voltage and higher than the first reference voltage, the power interruption / restoration detection unit 633 detects that power has been restored to the slot machine 1.

[0072] The microcomputer MCU is composed of a clock pulse generator (not shown), a CPU, a control register (built-in RAM / not shown), built-in peripheral modules (not shown), a bus state controller BSC (not shown), and the like.

[0073] Also, on the sub-control board P3, a WDT 634 is externally connected to the microcomputer MCU as shown in Fig. 4. This WDT 634 is provided to monitor whether the microcomputer MCU is operating normally or not. The WDT 634 communicates with the microcomputer MCU, and has a function of determining that the microcomputer MCU is in an abnormal state and resetting the microcomputer MCU when there is no signal from the microcomputer MCU within a certain period of time or when there are too many signal inputs from the microcomputer MCU.

[0074] Moreover, on the sub-control board P3, the microcomputer MCU is externally connected to a ROM 631 and a RAM 635. The ROM 631 can store a program required for the microcomputer MCU to process effects, and the RAM 635 can temporarily store data required for the microcomputer MCU to process effects.

[0075] Moreover, on the sub-control board P3, the microcomputer MCU is externally connected to the RTC 636. As described above, the RTC 636 manages the time information used for the performance. The RTC 636 is an integrated circuit that is provided on the sub-control board P3 and that keeps time. The RTC 636 does not operate on a DC voltage supplied from the power supply PS, but on a built-in power source (battery). Therefore, the RTC 636 can continue to keep time and manage the time information even while the power supply to the slot machine 1 is cut off. The RTC 636 manages the current date and time based on the date and time set at the time of shipment from the factory, and can supply the time information that it manages to the outside of the RTC 636.

[0076] Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) communication is performed between the microcomputer MCU and the RTC 636. By establishing this I2C communication, the microcomputer MCU can obtain the time information written by the RTC 636 in the writing process.

[0077] This I2C communication is a synchronous, two-way serial communication in which data (SDA) is transmitted in synchronization with a clock (SCL), and is a communication method as follows: For example, one microcomputer MCU and one RTC636 are connected in a party line fashion with an SCL line for the clock and an SDA line for data.

[0078] The RTC 636 has a unique address. Data with the address of the RTC 636 specified is sent to the RTC 636 based on the clock sent by the microcontroller MCU.

[0079] When a connection is established between the microcontroller MCU and the RTC636 via I2C communication, the RTC636 responds based on that connection (generates / sends a response signal). I2C communication is a communication method in which these processes are performed byte by byte. Note that I2C communication is a well-known method, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0080] In the case of a conventional example to which the present invention is not applied, the following process is executed: In other words, when the microcomputer needs to perform I2C communication with the RTC at a timing when the current time is required, such as when the time to perform a performance is approaching, it becomes necessary to repeatedly transmit an address and a response signal between the microcomputer and the RTC each time until the time information is obtained.

[0081] In particular, a microcomputer generates a timer interrupt process every second, so in a conventional I2C communication to which the present invention is not applied, the microcomputer must execute time information acquisition processing between timer interrupt processes, which increases processing costs and takes a long time to acquire the current time.

[0082] In contrast, when the present invention is applied, when timer interrupt processing is started in the microcontroller MCU (an example of a specified condition), the microcontroller MCU starts I2C communication, transmits the address of the control register to which the time information is to be written to the RTC 636, and generates a read flag (an example of a request signal).

[0083] Then, once the RTC 636 confirms that a read flag has been generated by the microcontroller MCU, it reads the time information at that point (an example of the point at which the read flag is confirmed. Note that a certain amount of time may be required from when the read flag is generated to when the reading of the time information is completed) in the order of seconds, minutes, hours, day, month, and year, and writes the information into the control register specified by the microcontroller MCU as the write destination.

[0084] Next, after the RTC 636 has written all the time information (data relating to seconds, minutes, hours, day, month, and year) to the control register, it sends a completion signal to the microcontroller MCU via I2C communication to indicate that the writing process is complete.

[0085] After receiving the completion signal, the microcontroller MCU reads the time information recorded in the control register for each timer interrupt process.

[0086] Note that multiple timer interrupt processes may be executed from when the microcomputer MCU generates the read flag until the process of reading the time information into the control register is completed. That is, in this embodiment, the microcomputer MCU acquires the time information from the RTC 636 via the control register across multiple timer interrupt processes. That is, the microcomputer MCU can read the time information intermittently across multiple timer interrupt processes.

[0087] In this way, once the microcontroller MCU generates a read flag, it can obtain time information little by little between multiple timer interrupt processes without directly sending or receiving data with the RTC 636, thereby distributing processing between the microcontroller MCU and the RTC 636.

[0088] In other words, because the control register into which the RTC636 (slave device) writes time information is built into the microcontroller MCU (master device), the microcontroller MCU only needs to read the data in its own built-in control register, eliminating the need for data transmission and reception using I2C communication between the master and slave devices (specifically, multiple two-way responses, which are the pre-processing steps before sending data via I2C communication).As a result, the number of times data specific to I2C communication needs to be transmitted and received is at least once, when the read flag is set, reducing the processing load accordingly.

[0089] In this case, there may be a discrepancy between the actual current time and the time information recorded in the control register for the time while the microcontroller MCU is executing the timer interrupt process, but the time information is used for processing objects for which such a discrepancy is acceptable.

[0090] Examples of processing targets that allow for discrepancies include time effects that are okay even if they are rough times such as "the current time is after 5:30 PM" or "it's around 9 PM now." Specifically, examples of processing targets (one example of "processing using data acquired from RTC636") include setting suggestions that are executed according to the time of day, simultaneous time effects that target an island (a group of multiple gaming machines) or multiple gaming machines that are not an island but are scattered around.

[0091] In addition, when accurate time information is required, the time information recorded in the control register can be corrected to accurate time information by adding the time from when the read flag is generated to when the completion signal is received.

[0092] Specifically, the microcontroller (MCU) (1) The deviation is fixed and the maximum deviation is added to the time information recorded in the control register. (2) Calculate the offset from the number of timer interrupts, and add the calculated offset to the time information recorded in the control register. (3) Measure the deviation in milliseconds and add this deviation to the time information stored in the control register. Such processing can be performed.

[0093] This allows the microcomputer MCU to acquire time information between timer interrupt processes that occur multiple times, allowing the microcomputer MCU to acquire time information efficiently using a simple method.

[0094] <Description of main control unit 61> The main control unit 61 is mounted on the main control board P1 and functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a rotating reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a setting value control unit 613, a section control unit 614, a game status control unit 615 (an example of a control unit), an RT status control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0095] <Internal lottery section 610> The internal drawing unit 610 performs an internal drawing based on the operation of the lever 42, and is capable of selecting one flag from among a plurality of combination flags as a winning flag.

[0096] <Rotary reel control unit 611> The rotating reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c, and is capable of performing rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0097] <Explanation of the Game Result Judgment Unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the result of the game based on the internal lottery result signal output from the internal lottery unit 610 and the symbols visible through the reel window 200 when the rotation of each rotating reel 20 stops.

[0098] <Explanation of the setting value control unit 613> The setting value control unit 613 can carry out the game progress using any one of a plurality of types of setting values (for example, 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in the game progress control based on the operation of the setting change button 52 by the store staff.

[0099] <Interval control unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can carry out the game progress by setting any one of a plurality of game intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval).

[0100] <Game state control unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can carry out the game progress by setting each of the first game state (for example, during the execution of a special combination, inside the special combination) and the second game state (for example, general game state, special game states such as AT, CZ, etc.).

[0101] <RT state control unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can carry out the game progress using one of a plurality of RT states (the table used for internal lottery and the RT state in which the replay probability is determined in advance).

[0102] <Error determination unit 617> The error determination unit 617 can determine the presence or absence of various errors. Examples of various errors include backup abnormality, communication abnormality between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, connection abnormality between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7, reaching the upper limit value of the credit number, and so on.

[0103] <Explanation of the game value control unit 62> The game value control unit 62 is mounted on the game value control board P2, and functions as a medium management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0104] <Explanation of Media Management Unit 620> The media management unit 620 can manage the number of credits and the number of bets of the gaming value. The media management unit 620 also calculates a range (MY) that is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference number by using the difference number of the gaming value, which is the cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets of the gaming value from the number of payouts of the gaming value since the slot machine 1 was last turned on.

[0105] <Function Activation Unit 621> The function activation unit 621 can receive information about the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620. Then, when the range (MY) becomes equal to or greater than the first range, for example, 18500, the function activation unit 621 generates information about a pre-notification indicating that activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0106] This complete function is a so-called stop function, and when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 will no longer accept any operations related to play, and the player will not be able to continue playing (the game will be disabled) unless the power is turned off and on by store staff.

[0107] <Explanation of the sub-control unit 63> The sub-control unit 63 is mounted on the sub-control board P3, and functions as a performance control unit 630 through operation by the microcomputer MCU using a ROM 631, a RAM 635, etc.

[0108] <Direction control unit 630> By executing a performance lottery, the performance control unit 630 can determine at least one of the following as the performance pattern: a video / still image to be output on the LCD screen 3, a sound pattern to be output from the speaker 101, a lighting pattern of the illumination unit 102 such as an LED, and a lighting pattern of the performance button 46.

[0109] In this embodiment, as described above, the microcomputer MCU mounted on the sub-control board P3 can acquire time information managed by the RTC 636 through I2C communication between the microcomputer MCU and the RTC 636. The performance control unit 630 can execute a performance on the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 101 based on the time information acquired by the microcomputer MCU, such as making a highly reliable setting suggestion after the evening (for example, when a setting value of 4 or more is suggested, there is an 80% probability that the setting value is 4 or more), or simultaneously executing a live performance on multiple slot machines 1 arranged (or scattered) on a so-called island at a fixed time (for example, 10:00, 17:00, 20:00).

[0110] <Time information acquisition process flow> The flow of the time information acquisition process of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The microcomputer MCU executes the relevant process (e.g., address transmission, read flag generation, read process, etc.) during execution of the timer interrupt process that occurs every second. Although not described in the flow below for convenience of explanation, depending on the contents of the timer interrupt process (depending on the time required for the timer interrupt process), the microcomputer MCU may execute one process across multiple timer interrupt processes.

[0111] First, the microcomputer MCU executes a setting process for starting I2C communication with the RTC 636 after a timer interrupt process occurs when current time information is required (step S101). Specifically, the microcomputer MCU determines the communication state for establishing I2C communication with the RTC 636.

[0112] Next, the microcomputer MCU transmits the address of the RTC 636 that will perform I2C communication (step S102).

[0113] Next, the RTC 636 that has received the address transmits a response signal to the microcomputer MCU (step S103).

[0114] Next, the microcomputer MCU transmits to the RTC 636 the address (write destination) of the control register into which the RTC 636 writes the time information, and generates a read flag (step S104).

[0115] After confirming that the read flag is set, the RTC 636 writes the time information managed by the RTC 636 to the designated write destination of the control register (step S105).

[0116] Next, the flow branches depending on whether or not the RTC 636 has completed writing all of the time information (step S106).

[0117] If the RTC 636 determines that all writing processes have not been completed (S106: NO), the process returns to step S105.

[0118] On the other hand, if the RTC 636 has completed all the writing processes (S106: YES), the RTC 636 transmits a completion signal to the microcomputer MCU (step S107).

[0119] The microcomputer MCU monitors whether a completion signal has been received (whether the write completion flag is set) for each frame. If the microcomputer MCU receives a completion signal, it executes a process of reading the time information written to the control register in multiple timer interrupt processes (step S108). As a result, the microcomputer MCU executes the reading of the time information little by little across multiple timer interrupt processes as long as the write completion flag by the RTC 636 is set.

[0120] Next, the flow branches depending on whether the microcomputer MCU has read all the time information (seconds, minutes, hours, day, month, year) (step S109).

[0121] If the microcomputer MCU has not read all the time information (S109: NO), the process returns to step S108.

[0122] On the other hand, if the microcomputer MCU has read all the time information (S109: YES), the microcomputer MCU clears the read flag and the time information acquisition process ends. Through the above steps, the time information acquisition process of the present invention is executed.

[0123] In summary, the slot machine 1 of the present invention has the following features: A slave device (RTC636) capable of managing time information used for controlling the performance of the slot machine 1; A master device (microcontroller MCU) that can acquire time information and execute processing using that time information; Equipped with Microcomputer MCU When a certain condition (timer interrupt processing has occurred) is met, it is possible to establish I2C communication with the RTC 636 and generate a request signal (read flag) to request time information from the RTC 636, and While the read flag is set, the read process for reading the time information can be executed intermittently.

[0124] <Effects of the Invention> Conventionally, the sub-control board of a gaming machine is equipped with a microcomputer with a CPU, as well as an RTC that manages the time information used for controlling the performance of the slot machine. The time information is used when live performances are simultaneously performed on multiple gaming machines arranged in a so-called island (a group of multiple gaming machines) at fixed times (for example, 10:00, 17:00, and 20:00), and is used when highly reliable setting suggestions are performed, for example, after the evening.

[0125] In this conventional gaming machine, I2C communication is performed between the microcomputer and the RTC. The microcomputer obtains time information by reading data from the RTC via the I2C communication.

[0126] However, in the conventional method, when the microcomputer reads the time information, two-way communication between the microcomputer and the RTC is required multiple times, which may complicate the processing. In particular, in the conventional method, the I2C communication with the RTC is interrupted every time a timer interrupt process occurs before the microcomputer can obtain the time information, and the microcomputer has to establish I2C communication with the RTC between timer interrupt processes, which results in high processing costs.

[0127] In contrast, in the present invention, once I2C communication is established between the microcontroller and the RTC and the microcontroller generates a read flag, there is no need for direct data transmission and reception between the microcontroller and the RTC, and the RTC simply writes the time information to the specified write destination in order. After receiving a completion signal from the RTC, the microcontroller reads the written time information across multiple timer interrupt processes. This reduces the processing cost between the CPU and the RTC, and allows the microcontroller to efficiently read the time information.

[0128] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the master device can efficiently obtain time information from the slave device through simple processing.

[0129] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present invention. In addition, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0130] In addition, the various definitions used in this specification are commonly used throughout the specification unless otherwise specified in each example.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the RTC is a slave device, but the slave device is not limited to the RTC. The slave device may be any device that communicates with a microcomputer (master device) via I2C, and the present invention may be applied when the microcomputer reads data from the slave device.

[0132] In addition, while the above embodiment describes processing of the microcontroller of the sub-control board, the present invention may be applied to processing of the microcontroller of the main control board and / or the microcontroller of the game value control board instead of or in addition to the sub-control board.

[0133] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied across control boards, such as a master device of a main control board and a slave device of a game value control board, as long as I2C communication is established between the master device and the slave device. However, even in this case, it is necessary to prevent signals from being transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board and the game value control board.

[0134] Furthermore, the control register may be mounted on a device other than the microcomputer (an external device to the microcomputer).

[0135] Unlike the above embodiment, the present invention can also be applied when there is one microcomputer as a master device and multiple slave devices are prepared. In this case, the master device sets a flag for each slave device, and each slave device writes to the master device's control register and generates and transmits a completion signal. Therefore, although the process of the master device establishing I2C communication with each slave device is essential when setting a flag, thereafter the process of establishing I2C communication at the time of writing is no longer required, so that the effect of the present invention is more pronounced when multiple slave devices are used.

[0136] In addition, when the data to be read varies over time, such as time information, a deviation may occur between the read data and the actual data. Therefore, it is preferable to apply the present invention to data such as time information, which can tolerate a certain degree of deviation even if a deviation occurs.

[0137] Furthermore, the read time information may be corrected to the correct current time as in the above embodiment, or may not be corrected.

[0138] In addition, the newly read time information may always be overwritten in the control register of the sub-control board.

[0139] Also, it may be determined whether the currently read time information is different from the previously read time information, and if the currently read time information is the same as the previously read time information, the microcomputer MCU may be able to execute an error notification.

[0140] This error notification may be executed by the gaming machine itself, or may be executed by a device externally connected to the gaming machine. In this case, the store staff can quickly know the state of the RTC failure, the occurrence of an error in the program, the occurrence of a problem in the communication process, etc.

[0141] In addition, when no timer interrupt processing occurs in the microcontroller (or depending on the time required for the timer interrupt processing), the microcontroller may be able to read all the time information at once, but it is preferable for the present invention to be applied when timer interrupt processing occurs multiple times before the time information acquisition processing is completed.

[0142] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, the RTC may continuously execute the time information read process while the read flag is set. In this case, when the microcomputer clears the read flag, the RTC may end the time information read process. Furthermore, without being limited to the case where the microcomputer generates the read flag, the RTC may execute the time information read process based on the microcomputer sending the RTC instruction information to read the time information via I2C communication.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the RTC sequentially reads the time information managed by the RTC once it has confirmed that the microcomputer has generated a read flag, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the RTC may read the time information while checking the read flag each time.

[0144] In addition, after the RTC has written all the time information to the control register, it may send a completion signal to the microcontroller, thereby temporarily disconnecting the I2C communication between the microcontroller and the RTC, or the I2C communication may continue thereafter.

[0145] If a power outage occurs in the slot machine while the RTC is writing to the control register, the RTC may restart the time information acquisition process from the beginning after power is restored, or may resume the time information acquisition process from where it left off.

[0146] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, the main control board and the game value control board may not be separate, and the main control unit and the game value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0147] In addition, the slot machine in the above embodiment is a medal-less machine with a play area, but the slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to have a play area, and does not have to be a medal-less machine. If the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, it needs to have the configuration of a conventional slot machine, such as a medal insertion port, a hopper, a medal payout port, and a lower tray.

[0148] In addition, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, but the present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed pinball gaming machine, that is, a Smart Pachinko (registered trademark) equipped with a handle, a pinball launching device, an electric tulip, etc. This is because the Smart Pachinko (registered trademark) has the same problems as the slot machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Slot machines (amusement machines) P1 Main control board P2 Game value control board P3 Sub-control board MCU Microcontroller 636 RTC

Claims

1. A slave device capable of managing data used for effect control of the gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed; When the data read in the current read process is identical to the data read in the previous read process, an error notification can be executed. Amusement machine.

2. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of a gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; A storage unit; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed; The slave device is When the request signal is established, the data can be stored in the storage unit; and When all of the data has been stored in the storage unit, a completion notification can be executed to notify the master device of the storage unit, the master device is capable of executing a read process of reading the data stored in the storage unit across a plurality of interrupt processes until the read process is completed after the completion notification is issued. Amusement machine.

3. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of a gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and a read process for reading the data can be started when the slave device stores all of the data in a storage unit while the request signal is asserted, Amusement machine.

4. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of a gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed; The master device may periodically monitor for a signal that the slave device has stored all of the data. Amusement machine.

5. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of an amusement machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed without communication with the slave device. Amusement machine.

6. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of an amusement machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated, and While the request signal is asserted, a read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed; the slave device is capable of storing all of the data in a storage unit when the request signal is generated, regardless of the state of the master device; The master device is capable of reading the data stored in the storage unit in the reading process. Amusement machine.

7. A slave device capable of managing data used for controlling the presentation of a gaming machine; a master device capable of acquiring the data and executing a process using the data; Equipped with The master device After a predetermined condition is satisfied, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is established with the slave device, and a request signal for requesting the data from the slave device is generated once; and A read process for reading the data can be intermittently executed while the request signal is asserted once. Amusement machine.

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