Image processing device, gaming machine, startup method, and startup program

Abstract

To provide a technology to make a startup time of an image processing system constant.SOLUTION: An image processing system is loaded on a game machine containing a main board and a storage device. The image processing system includes a reception unit and an initialization unit. The reception unit receives selection of a standby time, from input of a power source into a game machine, until startup of initialization processing for establishing communication between the image processing system and the storage device. The initialization unit starts the initialization processing, when the selected standby time has passed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus mounted on a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] An image processing apparatus mounted for a gaming machine is connected to a storage device that stores an image processing program, images, and the like. As the storage device connected to the image processing apparatus, a storage device obtained by adjusting a general-purpose SSD for amusement use is used. Since the storage device is based on a general-purpose SSD, it executes the same internal processing as the general-purpose SSD immediately after the power is turned on. The internal processing of the storage device is the processing executed until the storage device normally operates, and includes a set of processing necessary for the operation of the SSD, such as switching of the communication mode, memory refresh, and construction of the mapping table. Note that the mapping table is mapping information between a physical address and a logical address.

[0003] When the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the image processing apparatus and the storage device start an initialization process of communication in order to establish communication with each other. In the initialization process of communication, the image processing apparatus and the storage device each independently start transmitting an initialization signal. Then, when the image processing apparatus and the storage device receive the initialization signal of the other party, they transition to the next state and repeat a process of sending another signal a plurality of times to establish communication (for example, the OOB sequence of SATA communication). After that, the image processing apparatus and the storage device perform a process of adjusting their mutual communication speed (for example, Speed Negotiation of SATA communication). In the following description, the initialization process of communication is assumed to include establishment of communication and adjustment of the communication speed.

[0004] Once the image processing unit completes its initialization process for communication with the storage device, it reads the image processing program from the storage device. The image processing unit then starts up by executing the read program. This completes the initialization process for the image processing unit to receive commands from the main board that controls the probability, and the unit enters a state of readiness to receive commands from the main board. The image processing unit then begins image processing in accordance with the commands from the main board. In the following explanation, the startup of the image processing unit includes the process up to the point where the image processing unit enters a state of readiness to receive commands from the main board.

[0005] As a related technique, a dependent control device is activated while the communication port maintains its initial state and enters a command-receiving state where it can receive commands from the communication port. Before the timer timing means starts updating the maintenance timer, the arithmetic processing means performs a read process to read the initialization instruction from the initialization instruction receiving means in order to confirm whether the initialization instruction receiving means has received an initialization instruction. If the arithmetic processing means confirms that the initialization instruction receiving means has received an initialization instruction, a technique is known in which the storage means initialization means initializes the storage means (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] As another related technology, in information processing devices, when the main unit and the operation unit are started in parallel, the operation unit starts the program along with the OS, and when the program's startup process for the operation unit is completed, the program sends a readiness notification to the main unit. In response to receiving the readiness notification, the main unit sends a notification to the program to the application, and the program sends the notification received from the main unit to the application that was started after the OS finished starting up (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0007] Another related technique involves a control device equipped with a CPU and a variable access wait circuit. If the data retrieved from the ROM is an illegal opcode, the variable access wait circuit is controlled to add an access wait and extend the instruction retrieval time. A technique is known in which the data at the address where the illegal opcode was fetched from the ROM is then retrieved again (for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-210397 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-77354 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-20203 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The image processing unit installed in a gaming machine performs image processing in response to commands from the main board. Furthermore, the main board is designed not to receive output from the image processing unit in order to prevent fraud. Therefore, when the main board issues a command to the image processing unit after the gaming machine is powered on, the image processing unit must be in a state where it can reliably receive the command from the main board. However, as mentioned above, the main board cannot receive output from the image processing unit, so the image processing unit cannot notify the main board that it is now able to reliably receive the command from the main board.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to define the time it takes for the image processing unit to become reliably able to receive commands from the main board after the gaming machine is powered on, that is, the startup time of the image processing unit. By configuring the main board to start outputting commands to the image processing unit after the startup time of the image processing unit, the output of commands from the main board to the image processing unit can be started only after the image processing unit has become reliably able to receive commands from the main board.

[0011] However, in gaming machines, the startup time of the image processing unit is not fixed (hereinafter also referred to as "fluctuation"), which can make it difficult to set the startup time of the image processing unit appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One of the image processing devices disclosed herein is an image processing device mounted on a gaming machine that includes a main board and a memory device. The image processing device comprises a reception unit and an initialization unit. The reception unit is From among several waiting times corresponding to the characteristics of the memory device connected to the image processing device, The system accepts a selection of the waiting time from when the gaming machine is powered on until the initialization process to establish communication between the image processing device and the storage device begins. The initialization unit starts the initialization process when the selected waiting time has elapsed. The waiting time is set to the length of time it takes for the initialization process to begin after the internal processing performed by the storage device for normal operation, specifically the modification of settings that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process, has been completed. Furthermore, the waiting time is set so that the total time required for the initialization process and the waiting time is longer than the time required for the internal processing. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the startup time of the image processing device can be kept constant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing one embodiment of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing the startup process of an image processing device. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing the startup process of the image processing device. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram (part 3) showing the startup process of the image processing device. [Figure 5]It is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a main board. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of standby information in the main board. [Figure 7] It is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of standby information in the image processing apparatus. [Figure 9] It is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a storage device. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the startup process of the image processing apparatus. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a computer device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] [Embodiment] The image processing apparatus of the embodiment will be described.

[0016] In the following description, an image processing apparatus mounted on a gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the image processing apparatus of the present invention may be used not only for gaming machines but also for other devices.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a gaming machine.

[0018] The gaming machine 100 includes a main board 1, an image processing apparatus 2, a storage device 3, and a display device 4. The main board 1, the image processing apparatus 2, the storage device 3, and the display device 4 are connected to be communicable with each other. The display device 4 displays an image drawn by the image processing apparatus 2.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing the startup process of the image processing apparatus. Further, FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing the startup process of the image processing apparatus.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an example of the process when the startup time of the image processing apparatus 2 fluctuates will be described.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, we will explain how the startup time of the image processing device 2 can fluctuate due to setting changes that affect the communication initialization process. Setting changes that affect the communication initialization process include setting changes that affect communication, and setting changes that would prevent communication if not performed.

[0022] In Figure 2, the image processing device is distinguished from the image processing device 2 of the embodiment by being referred to as image processing device 2A, but the other components of the gaming machine 100 are the same as those of the embodiment.

[0023] After power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the image processing unit 2A performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and its operation stabilizes. Then, when the reset is released, the image processing unit 2A starts the initialization process for communication with the storage device 3 (S101). The reset of the image processing unit 2A refers to the initialization of, for example, flip-flops (FFs) and registers.

[0024] Furthermore, after the power to the gaming machine 100 is turned on, the memory device 3 performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and its operation stabilizes. Then, once the reset is released, the memory device 3 starts the initialization process for communication with the image processing device 2A (S102). Note that the order in which S101 and S102 are performed does not matter.

[0025] When the image processing device 2A and the storage device 3 begin the communication initialization process, they transmit initialization signals to each other that are used to establish communication (S103). Initialization signals are, for example, in the case of SATA (Serial ATA) communication, OOB sequences such as COMINIT, COMORESET, and COMWAKE that are used to establish communication.

[0026] The storage device 3 begins its internal processing (S104). Note that the order in which S102 and S104 are performed does not matter.

[0027] During the process of establishing communication in S103, the storage device 3 performs a setting change that affects the communication initialization process (S105). An example of a setting change that affects the communication initialization process is the switching of whether or not to use SSC (Spread Spectrum Clocking), which is performed by the internal processing of the storage device 3 (changing the communication mode). SSC is a function that aims to suppress the peak value of the operating frequency by varying the switching frequency, thereby spreading noise over a wide bandwidth and preventing noise from concentrating at a specific frequency.

[0028] If a setting change affecting the communication initialization process is performed on the storage device 3 in S105, the storage device 3 will perform a reset process and restart the communication initialization process with the image processing device 2A (S106). In S106, the communication initialization process between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 has progressed partway, but the process in S106 will cause the communication initialization to be restarted. In other words, if a setting change affecting the communication initialization process is performed at an intermediate point in the communication initialization process, the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 will restart the communication initialization process from the beginning.

[0029] Then, the memory device 3 transmits an initialization signal to be used to re-establish communication. As a result, the image processing device 2A and the memory device 3 establish communication (S107).

[0030] Once communication is established between the image processing device 2A and the storage device 3, the communication speed is adjusted (S108). In the case of SATA communication, for example, the communication speed is adjusted by Speed ​​Negotiation.

[0031] The storage device 3 completes its internal processing (S109). Furthermore, once the communication speed adjustment is complete, the storage device 3 completes the communication initialization process (S110). Note that the order in which S109 and S110 occur does not matter.

[0032] Once the image processing device 2A has finished adjusting the communication speed, it completes the communication initialization process (S111). This makes it possible for the image processing device 2A and the storage device 3 to communicate data. Note that the order in which S110 and S111 are performed does not matter.

[0033] The image processing device 2A requests the storage device 3 to read data (S112). Hereinafter, in S112, the image processing device 2A will be described as outputting a read request to obtain the image processing program for starting the image processing device 2A from the storage device 3.

[0034] In response to a data read request from the image processing device 2A, the storage device 3 reads data from its storage area and outputs it to the image processing device 2A (S113). Hereafter, in S113, the storage device 3 will be described as outputting an image processing program to the image processing device 2A.

[0035] At this point, a command is sent from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2A, but the image processing device 2A is not in a receiving state where it can receive commands from the main board 1, and therefore cannot receive the command from the main board 1 (S114).

[0036] In S114, one scenario in which a command arrives from the main board 1 is when the main board 1 sets the timing for initiating commands from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2A, without considering the need to redo the communication initialization process due to the setting change in S105. In this case, the main board 1 starts issuing commands to the image processing device 2A as if there were no need to redo the communication initialization process, and therefore starts outputting commands to the image processing device 2A at the timing of S114, before the startup process of the image processing device 2A is completed. At this time, the image processing device 2A is not in a state of waiting to receive commands from the main board 1, and therefore cannot receive commands from the main board 1. This may cause malfunctions in the operation of the gaming machine 100.

[0037] When the image processing device 2A obtains the image processing program from the storage device 3, it executes the image processing program (S115). As a result, the image processing device 2A completes its startup process and enters a state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 (S116). The state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 means that the image processing device 2A is in a state where it can receive instructions from the main board 1.

[0038] The image processing device 2A receives a command from the main board 1 and executes processing according to the command (S117).

[0039] The re-initialization process of communication in S106 and S107 will be explained using SSC as an example. In the following explanation, changes in the communication mode, including switching whether or not to use SSC, are included in the internal processing of the storage device 3.

[0040] For example, immediately after startup, if the settings for using SSC differ between the storage device 3 and the image processing device 2A, the storage device 3 switches the setting for using SSC during the communication initialization process to make the settings for using SSC the same. Then, the storage device 3 performs a reset process and restarts the communication initialization process with the image processing device 2A.

[0041] Furthermore, if the storage device 3 is configured to communicate using SSC in its initial settings, it will start the initialization process for communication with the image processing device 2A immediately after startup, using SSC. If the image processing device 2A is unable to use SSC for any reason, the storage device 3 will switch between using SSC and not using it. The storage device 3 will then perform a reset process and restart the initialization process for communication with the image processing device 2A without using SSC.

[0042] As described above, when the storage device 3 switches the setting to enable or disable the use of SSC, it will have to redo the communication initialization process.

[0043] In contrast, if the settings for using SSC (Storage Storage Computing) and the image processing device 2A are the same immediately after startup, the communication initialization process that is re-initialized due to the use of SSC as described above will not occur.

[0044] Therefore, the difference in processing between when the SSC settings in the storage device 3 are changed and when they are not causes a difference in whether or not the communication initialization process needs to be redone. As a result, the startup time of the image processing device 2A will vary by the amount of time required to redo the communication initialization process.

[0045] Furthermore, when the settings for using SSC differ between the storage device 3 and the image processing device 2A, the timing of the SSC setting change and the time required for restarting the communication initialization are not constant each time the gaming machine 100 is started. Therefore, when restarting the communication initialization process due to the use of SSC in the storage device 3 occurs, the startup time of the image processing device 2A may vary each time the gaming machine 100 is started.

[0046] To avoid having to redo the initialization process for the communication described above, it is advisable to pre-configure the image processing device 2A and the storage device 3 to use the same SSC (Storage Storage Controller).

[0047] However, in the field of gaming machines 100, the suppliers (vendors) of the image processing unit 2A and the storage device 3 may be different. Furthermore, in the field of gaming machines 100, the initial settings of the image processing unit 2A and the storage device 3 are determined by the respective device suppliers. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to take measures to pre-set the use of SSC (Screen Stream) in the image processing unit 2A and the storage device 3 to be the same.

[0048] The above example used SSC to explain configuration changes that affect the initialization process of communication between the image processing device 2A and the storage device 3. However, configuration changes that affect the initialization process of communication may exist in addition to SSC configuration changes.

[0049] Furthermore, the inconsistency in the startup of the image processing unit 2A is caused by a combination of setting changes that affect the initialization process of multiple types of communications. In addition, because the presence and timing of setting changes that affect the initialization process of communications differ each time the gaming machine 100 is started, the startup time of the image processing unit 2A may vary.

[0050] As described above, because the startup time of the image processing device 2A is not fixed, it may not be possible to properly set the timing for initiating commands from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2B.

[0051] Furthermore, due to variations in the startup time of the image processing unit 2A, even if power is turned on to multiple gaming machines 100 simultaneously, the timing at which the display device 4 starts displaying images may differ for each gaming machine 100. This creates a problem in that it is not possible to meet the user's specific demand in the gaming machine field, which is to synchronize the images displayed on the display device 4 among multiple gaming machines 100 immediately after startup.

[0052] In the following explanation, a setting change that affects the communication initialization process is defined not only as a setting change that causes the communication initialization process to be restarted, but also as a setting change that may alter the timing at which the communication initialization process between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 is completed.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, we will explain how the startup time of the image processing device can fluctuate due to internal processing of the storage device 3.

[0054] In Figure 3, the image processing device is distinguished from the image processing device 2 of the embodiment by being referred to as image processing device 2B, but the other components of the gaming machine 100 are the same as those of the embodiment.

[0055] After power is turned on to the gaming machine 100, the image processing unit 2B performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and its operation stabilizes. Then, once the reset is released, the image processing unit 2B starts the initialization process for communication with the storage device 3 (S201).

[0056] Furthermore, after the power to the gaming machine 100 is turned on, the memory device 3 performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and its operation stabilizes. Then, once the reset is released, the memory device 3 starts the initialization process for communication with the image processing device 2B (S202). Note that the order in which S201 and S202 are performed does not matter.

[0057] When the image processing device 2B and the storage device 3 begin the communication initialization process, they transmit initialization signals to each other that are used to establish communication (S203).

[0058] The storage device 3 begins its internal processing (S204). Note that the order in which S202 and S204 are processed does not matter.

[0059] Once communication is established between the image processing device 2B and the storage device 3, the communication speed is adjusted (S205).

[0060] Once the communication speed adjustment is complete, the storage device 3 completes the communication initialization process (S206).

[0061] Once the image processing device 2B has finished adjusting the communication speed, it completes the communication initialization process (S207). This makes it possible for the image processing device 2B and the storage device 3 to communicate data. Note that the order in which S206 and S207 are performed does not matter.

[0062] The image processing device 2B requests data to be read from the storage device 3 (S208). Hereafter, in S208, the image processing device 2B will be described as outputting a read request to obtain the image processing program from the storage device 3.

[0063] The storage device 3 suspends access to its storage area in response to a read request from the image processing device 2B (S209). This suspension of access is an access wait that occurs because the storage device 3 is accessing a storage area within the storage device 3 during its internal processing.

[0064] When the access waiting period is complete, the storage device 3 reads data from its storage area in response to a data read request from the image processing device 2B and outputs the data to the image processing device 2B (S210). Hereafter, in S210, the storage device 3 will be described as outputting an image processing program to the image processing device 2B.

[0065] At this point, an instruction arrives from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2B, but the image processing device 2B is not in a state to receive instructions from the main board 1, and therefore cannot receive the instruction from the main board 1 (S211).

[0066] In S211, one scenario in which a command arrives from the main board 1 is when the timing for the start of a command from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2B is set on the main board 1, without considering the access waiting time in S209.

[0067] In this case, the main board 1 starts issuing commands to the image processing device 2B, assuming there is no access waiting at S209. Therefore, it starts outputting commands to the image processing device 2B at the timing of S211, before the startup process of the image processing device 2B is completed. At this time, the image processing device 2B is not in a state of waiting to receive commands from the main board 1, and therefore cannot receive commands from the main board 1. This may cause malfunctions in the operation of the gaming machine 100.

[0068] When the image processing device 2B obtains the image processing program from the storage device 3, it executes the image processing program (S212). As a result, the image processing device 2B completes its startup process and enters a state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 (S213). The state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 means that the image processing device 2B is in a state where it can receive instructions from the main board 1.

[0069] The storage device 3 completes its internal processing (S214).

[0070] The image processing device 2B receives a command from the main board 1 and executes processing according to the command (S215).

[0071] As described above, if access to the memory area due to a read request from the image processing device 2 conflicts with access to the memory area during the internal processing of the storage device 3, access related to the read request from the image processing device 2 may be delayed.

[0072] If there is a delay in access related to a read request from the image processing device 2, the startup time of the image processing device 2B will be extended as a result. Furthermore, even if there is a read request from the image processing device 2 during the internal processing of the storage device 3, the delay in access related to a read request from the image processing device 2 may not occur depending on the timing of the output of the read request. Therefore, when there is a read request from the image processing device 2 during the internal processing of the storage device 3, the startup time of the image processing device 2B may vary with each startup process of the gaming machine 100.

[0073] As described above, because the startup time of the image processing device 2B is not fixed, it may not be possible to properly set the timing for initiating commands from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2B.

[0074] Furthermore, due to variations in the startup time of the image processing unit 2B, even if power is turned on to multiple gaming machines 100 simultaneously, the timing at which images begin to be displayed on the display device 4 may differ for each gaming machine 100. This creates a problem in that it is not possible to meet the user's specific demand in the gaming machine field, which is to synchronize the images displayed on the display device 4 among multiple gaming machines 100 immediately after startup.

[0075] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram (part 3) showing the startup process of the image processing device.

[0076] Referring to Figure 4, the processing of the image processing apparatus 2 in the embodiment will be described.

[0077] The image processing device 2 of this embodiment includes a waiting period (hereinafter also referred to as the waiting time) for the start of the communication initialization process, thereby preventing any setting changes that would affect the communication initialization process from occurring during the communication initialization process, as explained with reference to Figure 2. Furthermore, the image processing device 2 of this embodiment includes a waiting period for the start of the communication initialization process, thereby preventing any contention for access to the memory area, as explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0078] After power is turned on to the gaming machine 100, the image processing device 2 performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and the operation stabilizes. Then, once the reset is released, the image processing device 2 waits for the start of the communication initialization process (S301).

[0079] In the S301 waiting process, a waiting time is set to avoid configuration changes that affect the communication initialization process being executed during the communication initialization process, and to avoid access conflicts with the storage device 3, and the system waits for the start of the communication initialization process. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the image processing device 2 will start the communication initialization waiting process after performing the reset process for the image processing device 2. The reset process will include the release of the reset.

[0080] Furthermore, after the power to the gaming machine 100 is turned on, the storage device 3 performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and its operation stabilizes. Then, when the reset is released, the storage device 3 starts the communication initialization process with the image processing device 2 (S302). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the storage device 3 will start the communication initialization process after performing the reset process. The reset process will include releasing the reset.

[0081] When the storage device 3 starts the communication initialization process, it transmits an initialization signal used to establish communication (S303). At this time, the image processing device 2 has not started the communication initialization process, so the storage device 3 continues to transmit the initialization signal unilaterally until the image processing device 2 starts the communication initialization process.

[0082] The storage device 3 begins its internal processing (S304). Note that the order in which S302 and S304 are processed does not matter.

[0083] During the process of establishing communication in S303, the storage device 3 performs a setting change that affects the communication initialization process (S305).

[0084] The storage device 3 performs a reset process and restarts the initialization process for communication with the image processing device 2 (S306). Then, the memory device 3 transmits an initialization signal to be used to re-establish communication (S307).

[0085] When the set waiting time has elapsed since the start of the waiting process in S301, the image processing device 2 starts the initialization process for communication with the storage device 3 (S308).

[0086] Then, the image processing device 2 transmits an initialization signal to the storage device 3 for establishing communication (S309). As a result, the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 enter a state where they can transmit initialization signals to each other for establishing communication, and the process of establishing communication is executed.

[0087] Once communication is established between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3, the communication speed is adjusted (S310).

[0088] Once the adjustment of the communication speed is complete, the storage device 3 completes the communication initialization process (S311).

[0089] Once the image processing device 2 has finished adjusting the communication speed, it completes the communication initialization process (S312). This makes it possible for the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 to communicate data. Note that the order in which S311 and S312 are performed does not matter.

[0090] The storage device 3 completes its internal processing (S313). Note that the order in which S311 and S313 are performed does not matter.

[0091] The image processing device 2 requests data to be read from the storage device 3 (S314). Hereafter, in S314, the image processing device 2 will be described as outputting a read request to obtain the image processing program for starting the image processing device 2 from the storage device 3.

[0092] In response to a data read request from the image processing device 2, the storage device 3 reads data from its storage area and outputs it to the image processing device 2 (S315). Hereafter, in S315, the storage device 3 will be described as outputting an image processing program to the image processing device 2.

[0093] When the image processing device 2 obtains the image processing program from the storage device 3, it executes the image processing program (S316). As a result, the image processing device 2 completes its startup process and enters a state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 (S317). The state of waiting to receive instructions from the main board 1 means that the image processing device 2 is in a state where it can receive instructions from the main board 1.

[0094] The image processing device 2 receives a command from the main board 1 and executes processing according to the command (S318).

[0095] As described above, the image processing apparatus 2 of the embodiment is configured to avoid the occurrence of setting changes that affect the communication initialization process during the initialization process, and access conflicts with the internal processing of the storage device 3, by providing the standby process S301.

[0096] Therefore, according to the configuration of the image processing device 2 of this embodiment, the delay in the startup of the image processing device 2 caused by the re-initialization of communication between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3, and the delay in accessing the storage device 3, is eliminated. Thus, the startup time of the image processing device 2 of this embodiment can be kept constant.

[0097] Furthermore, since the startup time of the image processing unit 2 is constant on the main board 1, the timing of the start of outputting commands to the image processing unit 2 can be set to after the startup time of the image processing unit 2 has elapsed. This allows the main board 1 to output commands to the image processing unit 2 only after the image processing unit 2 is reliably able to receive commands from the main board 1.

[0098] Furthermore, since the startup time of the image processing device 2 is constant across multiple gaming machines 100, if the power is turned on to all multiple gaming machines 100 simultaneously, the timing at which images begin to be displayed on the display device 4 can be synchronized across all of them. Therefore, the image processing device 2 can meet the unique user demand in the gaming machine field, which is to synchronize the images displayed on the display device 4 among multiple gaming machines 100 immediately after they are started up.

[0099] In the following description, the main board 1, image processing device 2, and storage device 3 included in the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0100] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the main board. The main board 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0101] Main board 1 is a board that has functions that affect or may affect the outcome of the game. It can output information to image processing device 2, but it is a one-way communication board that does not accept information input from image processing device 2. Main board 1 controls winning, drawing, and special prize (winning), and commands image processing device 2 to draw and output images corresponding to winning or losing.

[0102] The main board 1 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 20.

[0103] The control unit 10 includes a timing unit 11, a standby unit 12, and a command unit 13. The storage unit 20 stores standby information 21 and command information 22.

[0104] Figure 6 shows an example of standby information on the main board. The standby information on the main board 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0105] The standby information 21 stores the standby time SM.

[0106] The waiting time SM is the time when the gaming machine 100 is powered on, the operation of the main board 1 stabilizes, the reset process of the main board 1 is performed, and then the output of commands to the image processing device 2 begins. The waiting time SM is the time when the main board 1 is reset after the startup process of the image processing device 2 is completed. The system is configured to start outputting commands from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2. Resetting the main board 1 means initializing, for example, flip-flops (FFs) and registers.

[0107] The startup process for the image processing device 2 includes processing until the image processing device 2 enters a waiting state where it can receive commands from the main board 1. Therefore, if the main board 1 sets a waiting time SM as the waiting time for the waiting process, it can output commands to the image processing device 2 only after the image processing device 2 is reliably able to receive commands from the main board 1.

[0108] As described above, the image processing device 2 can maintain a constant time from when power is turned on to the gaming machine 100 until the image processing device 2 has finished starting up. Therefore, the waiting time SM corresponding to the storage device 3 connected to the image processing device 2 can be appropriately stored in the waiting information 21.

[0109] Furthermore, the appropriate waiting time SM varies depending on the type of storage device 3 connected to the image processing device 2, so it is set separately for each type of storage device 3.

[0110] Although Figure 6 shows that only one waiting time SM is stored in the waiting information 21, this is not limited to this. Multiple waiting time SMs corresponding to the type of storage device 3 may be stored, each associated with an identifier of the storage device 3. In this case, the user of the image processing device 2 can appropriately select a waiting time from the multiple waiting time SMs stored in the waiting information 21, depending on the type of storage device 3 connected to the image processing device 2.

[0111] The instruction information 22 stores instructions to be output to the image processing device 2 according to the result of the game.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 5 for further explanation.

[0113] After power is turned on to the gaming machine 100, the main board 1 performs a reset process once the input voltage rises and the operation stabilizes. Then, once the reset is released, the main board 1 waits for the output of a command to the image processing device 2. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the main board 1 will start waiting for the output of a command to the image processing device 2 after performing the reset process. The reset process will include releasing the reset.

[0114] The timing unit 11 starts timing the standby time SM stored in the standby information 21.

[0115] The timing unit 11 does not immediately start timing the standby time SM after the gaming machine 100 is powered on, but instead performs a reset process on the main board 1, and starts timing the standby time SM after the reset is released.

[0116] Therefore, the waiting time SM should be set within the range of equation (1) below.

[0117] Standby time SM>TA-TB (1) TA is the time from when power is turned on to the gaming machine 100 until the startup process of the image processing device 2 is completed.

[0118] TB is the time from when power is turned on to the gaming machine 100 until the timing process by the timing unit 11 begins (the time until the reset process of the main board 1 is completed).

[0119] The waiting time SM should be set to a short time within the range that satisfies equation (1) if it is desirable that the output of commands to the image processing device 2 starts as soon as possible.

[0120] The standby unit 12 waits for the command unit 13 to output a command until the standby time SM is measured by the timing unit 11.

[0121] After the timing unit 11 has measured the waiting time SM, the command unit 13 outputs the commands stored in the command information 22 to the image processing device 2 according to the result of the game. In other words, the command unit 13 starts outputting commands to the image processing device 2 after the time has elapsed from when the game machine 100 is powered on until the image processing device 2 has finished starting up.

[0122] As described above, the main board 1 is controlled to start outputting commands to the image processing device 2 only after the image processing device 2 has finished starting up, that is, after the image processing device 2 is able to reliably receive commands from the main board 1.

[0123] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0124] The image processing device 2 is mounted on the gaming machine 100, which includes the main board 1 and the storage device 3. The image processing device 2 performs image processing in response to commands from the main board 1 and outputs an image to the display device 4.

[0125] The image processing device 2 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, and an external pin 50. The external pin 50 is an example of a mechanical means.

[0126] The control unit 30 includes a reception unit 31, a timing unit 32, a standby unit 33, an initialization unit 34, a reading unit 35, a startup unit 36, an input unit 37, a drawing unit 38, and an output unit 39. The storage unit 40 stores standby information 41 and initialization information 42.

[0127] Figure 8 shows an example of standby information in an image processing device.

[0128] Referring to Figure 8, the standby information in the image processing device 2 will be explained.

[0129] The standby information 41 stores an identifier that identifies the type of storage device 3 and the standby time in association with it.

[0130] In the following description, the types of storage devices 3 connected to the image processing device 2 are described as storage devices 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E, and are identified by identifiers A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Furthermore, identifiers A through E and standby times SA through SE are assumed to be associated with each other as shown in Figure 8. Storage devices 3A through 3E will have various characteristics, such as the timing of setting changes that affect the communication initialization process and the time required for internal processing, due to factors such as different versions or different suppliers.

[0131] The standby time SA is set so that when the storage device 3A is connected to the image processing device 2, the communication initialization process and any setting changes that affect the communication initialization process do not occur simultaneously. More specifically, the standby time SA is set so that the start of the communication initialization process by the image processing device 2 occurs after the completion of any setting changes that affect the communication initialization process by the storage device 3A.

[0132] In other words, the waiting time SA is set so that, in the process for the normal operation of the storage device 3, after the setting change that requires another initialization process if the timing coincides with the communication initialization process is completed, the communication initialization process of the image processing device 2 starts. The process for the normal operation of the storage device 3 includes, for example, the internal processing of the storage device 3. The internal processing of the storage device 3 also includes switching whether or not to use SSC.

[0133] Furthermore, the standby time SA is set so that when the storage device 3A is connected to the image processing device 2, data requests from the image processing device 2 to the storage device 3A are made only after the internal processing of the storage device 3A is completed. In other words, the standby time SA is set so that access from the image processing device 2 to the storage device 3 begins after the communication initialization process is completed and the internal processing of the storage device 3 is completed.

[0134] The waiting time SA is set appropriately so that it is performed in the communication initialization process of the image processing device 2 only after the setting changes that affect the communication initialization process have been completed. The waiting time SA is set, for example, by referring to the completion time of the setting changes that affect the communication initialization process of the storage device 3A from the catalog specifications of the storage device 3A.

[0135] Furthermore, the waiting time SA may be set appropriately so that data requests from the image processing device 2 to the storage device 3A are made only after the internal processing of the storage device 3A is completed. The waiting time SA is set, for example, by referring to the time it takes for the internal processing of the storage device 3A to be completed, as shown in the catalog specifications of the storage device 3A.

[0136] Furthermore, the standby time SA is not limited to the above and may be set to avoid any one of the following factors that could cause a change in the startup time of the image processing device 2: setting changes that affect the communication initialization process, or internal processing of the storage device 3A. In addition, the standby time SA is not limited to setting changes that affect the communication initialization process, or internal processing of the storage device 3A, but may be set to avoid any other factors that could cause a change in the startup time of the image processing device 2.

[0137] The standby times SB through SE are set in the same manner as the standby time SA is set, corresponding to storage devices 3B through 3E. In the following explanation, when standby times SA through SE are not specifically distinguished, they are referred to as standby time SI.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 7 for further explanation.

[0139] Initialization information 42 stores the procedure for initializing communication between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3.

[0140] The external pins 50 have multiple pins corresponding to each of the multiple types of storage devices 3 connected to the image processing device 2, and function as a means for selecting the waiting time SI. The external pins 50 are, for example, jumper switches.

[0141] Alternatively, a different mechanical component, such as a DIP switch, may be used as the means for selecting the standby time SI instead of the external pin 50. Furthermore, instead of the external pin 50, the storage unit 40 may function as the means for selecting the standby time SI by pre-writing the selection information of the storage device 3 into the storage unit 40. In the following description, the standby time SI will be selected using the external pin 50.

[0142] The reception unit 31 accepts the selection of a waiting time SI from the time the gaming machine 100 is powered on until the initialization process to establish communication between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 begins. The reception unit 31 selectively accepts the waiting time SI until the communication initialization process begins by, for example, referring to the waiting information 41 and extracting the waiting time SI corresponding to the identifier of the storage device 3 selected by the external pin 50.

[0143] The storage devices 3 connected to the image processing device 2 have different characteristics depending on the supplier of the storage device 3. Therefore, the image processing device 2 is equipped with an external pin 50 that allows the user of the gaming machine 100 to select the required waiting time SI for each of the multiple suppliers of storage devices 3 that may be used by the user.

[0144] The user then selects a waiting time SI using an external pin 50, depending on the type of storage device 3 connected to the image processing device 2. The receiving unit 31 then receives the selection of the waiting time SI associated with the identifier corresponding to the selected external pin 50 in the waiting information 41.

[0145] The image processing device 2 of this embodiment can select a waiting time SI corresponding to the type of storage device 3 connected to it using mechanical selection means such as an external pin 50. Therefore, the image processing device 2 can easily change the selection of the waiting time SI compared to a configuration in which the waiting time SI is selected by software means such as using the storage unit 40.

[0146] The timing unit 32 counts the waiting time associated with the waiting information 41 according to the selection made by the external pin 50. The timing unit 32 does not immediately start timing the waiting time SI after the gaming machine 100 is powered on, but rather performs a reset process on the image processing device 2, and starts timing the waiting time SI after the reset is released.

[0147] Therefore, the waiting time SI should be set within the range that satisfies equations (2) and (3) below.

[0148] Standby time SI>TC-TD (2) Waiting time SI + TE > TF ... (3) TC is the time from when the gaming machine 100 is powered on until the storage device 3 completes setting changes that affect the communication initialization process.

[0149] TD is the time from when the gaming machine 100 is powered on until the timing process by the timing unit 32 begins (the time until the reset process of the image processing device 2 is completed).

[0150] TE represents the time required for the communication initialization process.

[0151] TF is the completion time for internal processing.

[0152] The standby unit 33 waits for the initialization process by the initialization unit 34 to begin until the standby time SI is measured by the timing unit 32.

[0153] The initialization unit 34 starts a communication initialization process to establish communication with the storage device 3. After the gaming machine 100 is powered on and the reset process of the image processing device 2 is completed, and the selected waiting time SI has elapsed, the initialization unit 34 starts an initialization process to communicate with the storage device 3 according to the initialization information 42.

[0154] After the communication initialization process is completed, the reading unit 35 reads the image processing program from the storage device 3.

[0155] The startup unit 36 ​​starts up the image processing device 2 by executing the image processing program read by the reading unit 35. The startup process of the image processing device 2 is the process that enables the image processing device 2 to perform image processing in response to commands from the main board 1. In other words, the startup of the image processing device 2 is the process that brings the image processing device 2 into a state where it is waiting to receive commands from the main board 1.

[0156] The input unit 37 receives commands from the main board 1.

[0157] The drawing unit 38 reads image information from the storage device 3 in response to a command from the main board 1 and draws (processes) the image to be displayed on the display device 4.

[0158] The output unit 39 outputs the image drawn on the display device 4.

[0159] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the storage device. The storage device 3 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0160] The storage device 3 stores the image processing program executed by the image processing device 2 and the image information used in the image processing of the image processing device 2, and outputs various information to the image processing device 2 in response to requests from the image processing device 2.

[0161] The storage device 3 includes a control unit 60 and a storage unit 70.

[0162] The control unit 60 includes an internal processing unit 61, an initialization unit 62, an input unit 63, and an output unit 64. The storage unit 70 stores initialization information 71 and image processing information 72.

[0163] Initialization information 71 stores the procedure for initializing communication between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3.

[0164] Image processing information 72 stores an image processing program and image information. The image processing program is a program that instructs the image processing device 2 to perform image processing. The image processing program includes a process for starting the image processing device 2. The image information is information that is read by the image processing device 2 in response to a command from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2 and used for drawing processing.

[0165] The internal processing unit 61 executes internal processing when power is turned on to the gaming machine 100 and the reset process of the storage device 3 is completed.

[0166] The initialization unit 62 performs a communication initialization process to establish communication with the image processing device 2. After the gaming machine 100 is powered on, the operation of the storage device 3 stabilizes, and the reset process of the storage device 3 is completed, the initialization unit 62 starts an initialization process to establish communication with the image processing device 2 according to the initialization information 71.

[0167] The initialization unit 62 may also be started, for example, as shown in S303 of Figure 4, after the reset process of the storage device 3 is completed, but before any setting changes affecting the initialization process of communication by the storage device 3 are completed.

[0168] The reasons are as follows:

[0169] Until the configuration changes affecting the initialization process of the communication of the storage device 3 are completed, the initialization process of the communication will not start on the image processing device 2 side, and therefore, no initialization signal will be sent from the image processing device 2.

[0170] Consequently, before the configuration changes affecting the communication initialization process by the storage device 3 are completed, the communication initialization process only sends an initialization signal from the storage device 3, and the communication initialization process does not proceed. Therefore, the timing of the communication initialization process performed between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 and the configuration changes affecting the communication initialization process of the storage device 3 are never the same.

[0171] Therefore, this prevents the need to redo the communication initialization process between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3, which would otherwise occur if the timing of the communication initialization process and the setting changes made by the storage device 3 that affect the communication initialization process were the same.

[0172] The input unit 63 receives requests from the image processing device 2. Requests from the image processing device 2 include, for example, requests to read an image processing program or requests to acquire image information necessary for drawing in response to commands from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2.

[0173] The output unit 64 reads various information from the storage unit 70 in response to a request from the image processing device 2 and transmits the read information to the image processing device 2.

[0174] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the startup process for an image processing device. The process in the image processing device 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0175] When power is turned on to the gaming machine 100, the image processing device 2 determines whether or not its operation has stabilized (S401). If the image processing device 2 is not operating stably (No in S401), it repeatedly executes the process in S401.

[0176] When the image processing device 2 has stabilized (Yes in S401), it performs a reset process and reads the waiting time SI corresponding to the selected external pin 51 from the waiting information 41 (S402).

[0177] The image processing device 2 determines in S403 whether the waiting time SI read in S402 has elapsed. If the waiting time SI read in S402 has not elapsed (No in S403), the image processing device 2 repeatedly executes the process in S403. In the following explanation of Figure 10, the waiting time SI read in S402 will be simply referred to as the waiting time SI.

[0178] When the waiting time SI has elapsed (Yes in S403), the image processing device 2 starts the initialization process for communication with the storage device 3 (S404).

[0179] The image processing device 2 determines whether the communication initialization process is complete. If the communication initialization process is not complete (No in S405), the image processing device 2 repeatedly executes the process in S405.

[0180] When the communication initialization process is complete (Yes in S405), the image processing device 2 reads the image processing program from the storage device 3 (S406).

[0181] The image processing device 2 performs a startup process (S407) by executing the image processing program read in S406. Once the startup process is complete, the image processing device 2 enters a state of waiting for instructions from the main board 1.

[0182] After the startup process in S407 is completed, the image processing device 2 starts drawing processing in accordance with the commands from the main board 1 by executing the image processing program read in S406 (S408).

[0183] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a computer device.

[0184] The configuration of the computer device 200 will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0185] In Figure 11, the computer device 200 includes a control circuit 201, a storage device 202, a reading device 203, a recording medium 204, a communication interface 205, an input / output interface 206, an input device 207, and a display device 208. The communication interface 205 is connected to a network 209. Each component is connected by a bus 210. The main board 1, the image processing device 2, and the storage device 3 can be configured by appropriately selecting some or all of the components described in the computer device 200.

[0186] The control circuit 201 controls the entire computer device 200. The control circuit 201 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a multi-core CPU, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The control circuit 201 functions as control unit 10 in Figure 5, for example. The control circuit 201 functions as control unit 30 in Figure 7, for example. The control circuit 201 functions as control unit 60 in Figure 9, for example.

[0187] The storage device 202 stores various types of data. The storage device 202 is, for example, memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), or HD (Hard Disk) and SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 202 functions as storage unit 20 in Figure 5, for example. The storage device 202 functions as storage unit 40 in Figure 7, for example. The storage device 202 functions as storage unit 70 in Figure 9, for example.

[0188] The ROM stores programs such as the boot program. The RAM is used as the work area for the control circuit 201. The HD stores programs such as the OS, application programs, firmware, and various data.

[0189] When performing various processes, the main board 1 reads the processing program stored in the memory device 202 into the RAM. By executing the processing program read into the RAM using the control circuit 201, the main board 1 performs a process that includes one or more of the following: timing processing, waiting processing, and instruction processing.

[0190] When performing various processes, the image processing device 2 reads the startup program stored in the storage device 202 into RAM. By executing the startup program read into RAM with the control circuit 201, the image processing device 2 performs a process that includes one or more of the following: reception processing, timing processing, waiting processing, initialization processing, reading processing, startup processing, input processing, drawing processing, and output processing. Alternatively, the image processing device 2 may also perform a process that includes one or more of the following: startup processing, input processing, drawing processing, and output processing by reading and executing an image processing program from the storage device 3.

[0191] When performing various operations, the storage device 3 reads the processing program stored in the storage device 202 into RAM. By executing the processing program of the storage device read into RAM using the control circuit 201, the storage device 3 performs operations that include one or more of the following: internal processing, initialization processing, input processing, and output processing.

[0192] Furthermore, each of the above programs may be stored in a memory device on a server on the network 209, provided that the control circuit 201 can access it via the communication interface 205.

[0193] The reading device 203 is controlled by the control circuit 201 and performs read / write operations on the removable recording medium 204. The reading device 203 connects, for example, the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 in a communicative manner. The reading device 203 can be, for example, an FDD (Floppy Disk Drive), CDD (Compact Disc Drive), DVDD (Digital Versatile Disk Drive), BDD (Blu-ray Disk Drive), USB (Universal Serial Bus), SATA, etc.

[0194] The recording medium 204 stores various types of data. The recording medium 204 may store, for example, one or more of the following: a main board processing program, a startup program, an image processing program, or a storage device processing program. The main board processing program includes one or more of the following: timing processing, standby processing, and instruction processing. The startup program includes one or more of the following: reception processing, timing processing, standby processing, initialization processing, and read processing. The image processing program includes one or more of the following: startup processing, input processing, drawing processing, and output processing. The storage device processing program includes one or more of the following: internal processing, initialization processing, input processing, and output processing. Note that the startup program may include one or more of the following: reception processing, timing processing, standby processing, initialization processing, read processing, startup processing, input processing, drawing processing, and output processing.

[0195] Furthermore, the recording medium 204 may store standby information 21 and command information 22, as shown in Figure 5. The recording medium 204 may also store standby information 41 and initialization information 42, as shown in Figure 7. In addition, the recording medium 204 may store initialization information 71 and image processing information 72, as shown in Figure 9. The recording medium 204 is connected to the bus 210 via a reader device 203, and data is read / written by the control circuit 201 controlling the reader device 203.

[0196] Furthermore, the recording medium 204 is a non-temporary recording medium such as an SD memory card, floppy disk, compact disc, digital DVD, Blu-ray disc, and flash memory.

[0197] The communication interface 205 connects the computer device 200 to other devices via the network 209, enabling communication between them. The communication interface 205 may also include an interface with wireless LAN functionality and an interface with short-range wireless communication functionality. The wireless LAN interface may support, for example, Wi-Fi® as the wireless LAN standard. The short-range wireless interface may support, for example, Bluetooth® as the short-range wireless communication standard. LAN stands for Local Area Network.

[0198] The input / output interface 206 is connected to, for example, an input device 207. When signals indicating various information are input from the connected input device 207, the input / output interface 206 outputs the input signals to the control circuit 201 via the bus 210. Conversely, when signals indicating various information output from the control circuit 201 are input to the input / output interface 206 via the bus 210, the input / output interface 206 outputs those signals to the connected devices.

[0199] The input device 207 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. Alternatively, the input device 207 may be an external pin, jumper switch, DIP switch, or jumper-free circuit. In Figure 7, for example, the input device 207 functions as the external pin 50. When the input device 207 is, for example, a jumper switch, DIP switch, or jumper-free circuit, it may also function as a mechanical selection means to replace the external pin 50.

[0200] The display device 208 displays various types of information. For example, the display device 208 displays an image drawn by the image processing device 2. The display device 208 may also display information for accepting input via the touch panel. For example, in Figure 1, the display device 208 functions as the display device 4.

[0201] Furthermore, the input / output interface 206, input device 207, and display device 208 may function as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). This allows the computer device 200 to accept intuitive operation via a touch panel, mouse, or the like.

[0202] Network 209 is, for example, a LAN, wireless communication, or the Internet, and connects computer device 200 with other devices for communication.

[0203] As described above, the image processing device 2 of this embodiment accepts the selection of a waiting time SI from the time the gaming machine 100 is powered on until the initialization process to establish communication between the image processing device 2 and the storage device 3 begins. The image processing device 2 then starts the communication initialization process when the selected waiting time SI has elapsed. This allows the image processing device 2 to set the timing of the start of the communication initialization process in order to avoid the occurrence of processes that cause fluctuations in the startup time of the image processing device 2, thereby making the startup time of the image processing device 2 constant.

[0204] Furthermore, the image processing device 2 in this embodiment can maintain a constant startup time, making it easier to appropriately set the waiting time SM. Appropriately setting the waiting time SM means setting the timing of the start of command output from the main board 1 to the image processing device 2 to after the image processing device 2 has become able to reliably receive the command. In this case, by setting the command output start time set on the main board 1 to be short within the range in which the startup process of the image processing device 2 is completed, the extra waiting time until the command starts can be reduced. Therefore, the image processing device 2 can speed up the startup of the entire gaming machine 100.

[0205] Furthermore, since the image processing device 2 of this embodiment can maintain a constant startup time, if power is turned on to multiple gaming machines 100 simultaneously, the timing at which images begin to be displayed on the display device 4 can be synchronized across all of the gaming machines 100. Therefore, the image processing device 2 can meet the specific user demand in the gaming machine field, which is to synchronize the images displayed on the display device 4 among multiple gaming machines 100 immediately after startup.

[0206] In the image processing device 2 of this embodiment, the waiting time SI is set so that the initialization process starts after the setting change, which would require re-initialization processing if its timing coincides with the communication initialization process in the internal processing for the normal operation of the storage device 3, is completed. This eliminates the need for the communication initialization process to be redone by the image processing device 2, and allows the startup time of the image processing device 2 to be kept constant.

[0207] In the image processing device 2 of this embodiment, the waiting time SI is set so that access from the image processing device 2 to the storage device 3 begins after the communication initialization process is completed and the internal processing of the storage device 3 is completed. This prevents the image processing device 2 from having conflicts between access requests in response to data requests from the image processing device 2 and access requests in the internal processing of the storage device 3 to access the storage area contained in the storage device 3. In other words, the image processing device 2 avoids accessing the storage device 3 while the storage device 3 is undergoing internal processing.

[0208] Therefore, the image processing device 2 can eliminate access delays caused by access conflicts until the image processing device 2 has finished starting up, and the startup time of the image processing device 2 can be kept constant.

[0209] The image processing device 2 in this embodiment selectively accepts a waiting time from among multiple waiting time SIs, each corresponding to one of the multiple types of storage devices connected to the image processing device 2. As a result, when the image processing device 2 switches between using storage devices 3 provided by different suppliers, the user can maintain a constant startup time for the image processing device 2 simply by selecting the waiting time SI corresponding to the storage device 3 to which they are connected.

[0210] The image processing device 2 of this embodiment accepts the selection of a waiting time from a plurality of waiting time SIs by mechanical means. This allows the image processing device 2 to select the waiting time SI according to the type of connected storage device 3 without any software processing. In the field of gaming machines 100, this makes it easy to change settings when changing the connected storage device 3 when reusing the image processing device 2 or when testing the operation of the image processing device 2.

[0211] It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various configurations or embodiments can be taken without departing from the spirit of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0212] 100 gaming machines 1 Control Unit 2 Image Processing Device 3 Storage device 4 Display device 200 Computer devices 201 Control device 202 Storage device 203 Reading device 204 Recording media 205 Communication I / F 206 Input / Output Interfaces 207 Input device 208 Display device 209 Network 210 Bus

Claims

1. An image processing device mounted in a gaming machine, including a main board and a memory device, A receiving unit that accepts the selection of a waiting time from among a plurality of waiting times corresponding to the characteristics of the storage device connected to the image processing device, from the time the gaming machine is powered on until the initialization process that establishes communication between the image processing device and the storage device is started. An initialization unit that starts the initialization process when the selected waiting time has elapsed, Equipped with, The aforementioned waiting time is The internal processing performed by the storage device for normal operation is set to start after the setting change that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process is completed, and the total time required for the initialization process and the waiting time is set to be longer than the time required for the internal processing. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned internal processing is, This includes one or more of the following: switching communication modes, refreshing memory, or constructing mapping information between physical and logical addresses. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. A change in settings that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process is: This is the switching of the aforementioned communication mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned reception unit is The system accepts the selection of the waiting time from among the multiple waiting times by mechanical means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. A gaming machine comprising a main board, an image processing device, and a memory device, The aforementioned storage device is A storage unit that stores an image processing program including the process of starting the aforementioned image processing device. Includes, The aforementioned image processing device is A receiving unit that accepts the selection of a waiting time from among a plurality of waiting times corresponding to the characteristics of the storage device connected to the image processing device, from the time the gaming machine is powered on until the initialization process that establishes communication between the image processing device and the storage device is started. An initialization unit that starts the initialization process when the selected waiting time has elapsed, After the initialization process is completed, a reading unit reads the image processing program from the storage device, A startup unit that starts the image processing device by executing the image processing program, Equipped with, The aforementioned waiting time is The internal processing performed by the storage device for normal operation is set to start after the setting change that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process is completed, and the total time required for the initialization process and the waiting time is set to be longer than the time required for the internal processing. The main board is, A command unit that starts outputting commands to the image processing device after a period of time has elapsed from when power is turned on to the gaming machine until the image processing device has finished starting up, A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

6. A startup method executed by the processor of an image processing device mounted on a gaming machine including a main board and a memory device, From among a plurality of waiting times corresponding to the characteristics of the storage device connected to the image processing device, the selection of a waiting time from when power is turned on to when the initialization process for establishing communication between the image processing device and the storage device is started is accepted. When the selected waiting time has elapsed, the initialization process will start. The aforementioned waiting time is The internal processing performed by the storage device for normal operation is set to start after the setting change that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process is completed, and the total time required for the initialization process and the waiting time is set to be longer than the time required for the internal processing. A startup method characterized by the following.

7. A startup program executed by the processor of an image processing device mounted in a gaming machine, which includes a main board and a memory device, From among a plurality of waiting times corresponding to the characteristics of the storage device connected to the image processing device, the selection of a waiting time from when power is turned on to when the initialization process for establishing communication between the image processing device and the storage device is started is accepted. When the selected waiting time has elapsed, the initialization process will start. The aforementioned waiting time is The internal processing performed by the storage device for normal operation is set to start after the setting change that would require another initialization process if processed simultaneously with the initialization process is completed, and the total time required for the initialization process and the waiting time is set to be longer than the time required for the internal processing. A startup program characterized by causing the processor to execute a process.

Images