Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having improved convenience of character information and keyhole.SOLUTION: When a keyhole protection cover 1002 is at a protection position and at a second position 1013 in which a change of setting of a setting value is not enabled even when power is input to a keyhole 1009, a character information unit 1017 is at least partially at a position overlapping with the keyhole 1009 when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some gaming machines have a setting change key switch that is provided with a cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-56187 A (for example, FIG. 8, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the text information regarding the setting change keys, etc. is formed on the substrate, and when the text information is formed on the cover, the positional relationship between the text information and the keyhole of the setting change key switch is not taken into consideration, so there is still room for improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an amusement machine that has a cover for the setting change key switch and improves the convenience of the text information and keyhole.

[0006] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game, the gaming machine comprising a setting control means for setting one setting value from a plurality of different setting values, the gaming machine comprising a setting change key switch therein, the setting change key switch comprising a keyhole which can be turned from a first position to a second position by inserting a key into the keyhole and operating it, the setting control means bringing the setting of the setting value into a state in which it is possible to change the setting when the setting change key switch is in the first position and power is turned on, and not bringing the setting of the setting value into a state in which it is possible to change the setting when the setting change key switch is in the second position and power is turned on, the gaming machine comprising a transparent thermoplastic resin The gaming machine is provided with a keyhole protection cover which is formed of plastic resin and is displaceable between an exposed position which exposes the keyhole so that the key can be inserted, and a protected position which covers the keyhole so that the key cannot be inserted, the keyhole protection cover having a character information section in which information relating to the setting change key switch or information relating to the keyhole protection cover is formed directly by a concave or convex portion, and when the keyhole protection cover is in the protected position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the character information section is in a position where at least a portion of the character information section overlaps with the keyhole when viewed from the front.

[0007] In this configuration, since the keyhole protection cover has a character information section which is information about the setting change key switch or information about the keyhole protection cover, when the operator changes the settings, the operator can easily check the information about the setting change key switch or the information about the keyhole protection cover at the same time, improving convenience. That is, when the character information section is information about the setting change key switch, the operator can easily intuitively recognize that the cover is to be operated when changing the settings. Furthermore, when the character information section is information about the keyhole protection cover, the operator can easily check whether the keyhole protection cover is genuine or not at the same time as changing the settings. Furthermore, since the character information is directly formed by the concave or convex portion, even if the operator's finger repeatedly touches the keyhole protection cover when displacing the keyhole protection cover between the exposed position that exposes the keyhole of the setting change key switch and the protected position that covers the keyhole of the setting change key switch, the character information is less likely to peel off compared to a case where the keyhole protection cover is formed of a material other than the keyhole protection cover, such as silk printing, and the visibility of the character information can be prevented from decreasing.

[0008] Furthermore, when the keyhole protection cover is in the protection position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the text information section is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the keyhole when viewed from the front. Therefore, even if a person other than a worker visually inspects the keyhole during maintenance while the hall is open, the overall shape of the keyhole is difficult to discern, thereby preventing unauthorized duplication of the key.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games, the gaming machine comprising setting control means for setting one setting value from a plurality of different setting values, the gaming machine comprising a setting change key switch therein, the setting change key switch having a keyhole which can be turned from a first position to a second position by inserting a key into the keyhole and operating it, the setting control means bringing the setting of the setting value into a state in which it is possible to change the setting when the setting change key switch is in the first position and power is turned on, and when the setting change key switch is in the second position and power is turned on, the setting control means does not bring the setting of the setting value into a state in which it is possible to change the setting, The gaming machine is provided with a keyhole protection cover which is formed of a plastic resin and is movable between an exposed position which exposes the keyhole so that the key can be inserted, and a protected position which covers the keyhole so that the key cannot be inserted, the keyhole protection cover having a text information section in which information relating to the setting change key switch or information relating to the keyhole protection cover is formed directly by a concave or convex portion, and when the keyhole protection cover is in the protected position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the text information section is in a position where none of its parts overlaps the keyhole when viewed from the front.

[0010] In this configuration, since the keyhole protection cover has a character information section which is information about the setting change key switch or information about the keyhole protection cover, when the operator changes the settings, the operator can easily check the information about the setting change key switch or the information about the keyhole protection cover at the same time, improving convenience. That is, when the character information section is information about the setting change key switch, the operator can easily intuitively recognize that the cover is to be operated when changing the settings. Furthermore, when the character information section is information about the keyhole protection cover, the operator can easily check whether the keyhole protection cover is genuine or not at the same time as changing the settings. Furthermore, since the character information is directly formed by the concave or convex portion, even if the operator's finger repeatedly touches the keyhole protection cover when displacing the keyhole protection cover between the exposed position that exposes the keyhole of the setting change key switch and the protected position that covers the keyhole of the setting change key switch, the character information is less likely to peel off compared to a case where the keyhole protection cover is formed of a material other than the keyhole protection cover, such as silk printing, and the visibility of the character information can be prevented from decreasing.

[0011] Furthermore, when the keyhole protection cover is in the protection position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the text information section is positioned so that none of its parts overlaps with the keyhole when viewed from the front, making it easier for the operator to recognize the keyhole when changing settings, improving convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a slot machine and a card unit which are an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the slot machine. [Diagram 3] 4 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of the card unit and the functions of a unit control board. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the main control board, the sub-control board, and the medal count control board in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the slot machine with the front panel open. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. FIG. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the relationship between winning role groups, whether or not there is a target for moving to a favorable zone, and the number of coins paid out depending on the stopping pattern. [Figure 10] This figure shows the relationship between the winning role group of lower numbers that triggered the transition to the advantageous zone and the lottery mode determination table selected based on the state of the first game. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a board case protective cover is removed from the control unit. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the protective cover in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the setting change key switch unit of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first modified example of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second modified example of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this specification, for ease of description, data corresponding to game value used in games instead of game medals will be referred to as "pseudo medals" as appropriate.

[0014] (Slot machine system) First, the slot machine system will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of a slot machine SM and a card unit CU according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the slot machine system.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine system is composed of a slot machine SM that plays games based on gaming value, a hall computer, a management computer, a card unit CU that is installed adjacent to the slot machine SM and is connected to the slot machine SM to lend and return gaming value in data format, and is configured to be able to transmit various information to the hall computer and the management computer, and a center. In this embodiment, information that can identify the number of bonus wins and the number of games between bonuses is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer. In addition, information related to the performance of the slot machine SM, such as the ratio of roles, is transmitted from the card unit CU to the management computer. In the slot machine SM, the number of pseudo medals is transmitted from the card unit CU to the medal number control board 300 in the form of number data, and games are played by the medal number control board 300 managing the number data.

[0016] In the slot machine system of this embodiment, balance data on the balance of cash inserted by the player and number data indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be lent to the slot machine SM (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "held medal number data") are stored in the storage means 502a (see FIG. 3) of the unit control board 500 of the card unit CU. Also, number data indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be used for playing on the slot machine SM (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "game medal number data") (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "game medal number data") is stored in the storage means 302a (see FIG. 5) of the medal number control board 300 of the slot machine SM. The storage means 502a is formed in the RAM portion (volatile memory) of the memory 502, and the storage means 302a is formed in the RAM portion (volatile memory) of the memory 302. The storage means 502a and the storage means 302a can retain their stored contents only when power is being supplied, and the stored contents are erased when power is no longer supplied.

[0017] Then, by operating the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. In this lending, the balance data or the number of lentable medals data stored in the storage means 502a of the card unit CU is rewritten to the balance data with the amount equivalent to the predetermined number of lent medals subtracted therefrom or the number of lentable medals data with the predetermined number of lent medals subtracted therefrom. Also, the number of game medals data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to the number of game medals data with the number of game medals increased by the predetermined number of lent medals.

[0018] In addition, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are bet (inserted) by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 of the slot machine SM. In this bet, the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal number data with the predetermined number of medals bet subtracted.

[0019] Furthermore, when a winning combination that pays out dummy medals is won, a predetermined number of dummy medals are paid out to the player from the slot machine SM. In this payout, the medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to medal count data that has been increased by the predetermined number of medals to be paid out. In this embodiment, the insertion of dummy medals, the payout of dummy medals, and the rewriting of medal count data are carried out by the exchange of signals between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301, which will be described in detail later.

[0020] Moreover, the medal count control board 300 and the card unit CU exchange information bidirectionally via the I / F boards 90 and 550. Furthermore, power (voltage) based on an internal power supply (internal power supply of the card unit CU) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM via the I / F boards 90 and 550.

[0021] In the following, first, the functions of the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described in detail, and then the power supply to the slot machine SM and the card unit CU and the connection relationship between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be described in detail.

[0022] (Card unit) 1 and 3, the card unit CU includes a unit information display device 505, a cash insertion device 506, a card insertion / ejection device 504, a loan switch 503a, a unit control board 500, and an I / F board 550. The card unit CU also includes a power supply board (not shown), an auxiliary power supply (not shown), and a return switch (not shown).

[0023] The unit information display device 505 displays the player's cash balance (points) and the number of pseudo medals owned by the player based on the balance data and medal number data stored in the storage means 502a of the unit control board 500. The unit information display device 505 is, for example, composed of multiple 7-segment LEDs or a liquid crystal display.

[0024] The cash insertion device 506 is used for inserting cash such as bills in order to borrow pseudo medals from the card unit CU, and detects the cash inserted by the player.

[0025] The card insertion / ejection device 504 stores a medal card when it is inserted through the insertion / ejection port, and ejects the stored medal card from the insertion / ejection port when the return switch is operated.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the unit control board 500 is equipped with a unit CPU 501 that controls the entire card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 has a memory 502 and functions as a reception processing means 501a, a loan processing means 501b, a second counting processing means 501c, a return processing means 501d, and a transmission / reception means 501e.

[0027] (1) Storage means 502a The memory 502 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs, etc., and a storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory). The storage means 502a holds balance data, held medal count data, game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a received from the medal count control board 300, ID information written in medal cards, etc.

[0028] (2) Reception processing means 501a When a medal card is inserted into the insertion / ejection port of the card insertion / ejection device 504, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data and held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount (the amount may be "0") stored in the medal card or held medal number data increased by the number of pseudo medals (the number may be "0"), and sets the amount or number of pseudo medals stored in the medal card to "0." Also, when cash is inserted into the cash insertion device 506, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount inserted.

[0029] (3) Loan processing means 501b When the lending switch 503a is operated, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending sheets is transmitted to the slot machine SM by the transmission / reception means 501e. The lending processing means 501b rewrites the balance data or the number of medals held stored in the storage means 502a to the balance data with the amount of money equivalent to the predetermined number of lending sheets subtracted therefrom or the number of medals held with the predetermined number of lending sheets subtracted therefrom based on the signal transmitted to the slot machine SM. Note that, instead of updating the contents stored in the storage means 502a when a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending sheets is transmitted to the slot machine SM, the lending processing means 501b may update the contents stored in the storage means 502a when, for example, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of lending sheets is transmitted to the slot machine SM and a response signal to this is received from the slot machine SM.

[0030] In this embodiment, when pseudo medals are lent out based on the loanable number data stored in the memory means 502a, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent out each time the loan switch 503a is operated. However, for example, when the loan switch 503a is operated, all of the pseudo medals stored in the memory means 502a may be lent out at once.

[0031] (4) Second counting means 501c The second counting processing means 501c cooperates with the first counting processing means 301b2 of the medal count control CPU 301 to perform counting processing to transfer a part or all of the usable number data stored in the memory means 302a to the memory means 502a of the card unit CU.

[0032] Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e. When the transmission / reception means 501e receives this signal, the second counting processing means 501c rewrites the held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to held medal number data incremented by the predetermined count. In this embodiment, in the case of a normal press in which the pressing time of the counting switch 31 is less than the predetermined time, the number data of one pseudo medal is transmitted to the card unit CU. On the other hand, in the case of a long press in which the pressing time of the counting switch 31 is longer than the predetermined time, the number data of 50 pseudo medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at a predetermined interval (for example, 300 ms).

[0033] (5) Return processing means 501d When the return switch is operated, the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a in a medal card contained in the card insertion / ejection device 504, and then returns the medal card to the player.

[0034] Specifically, when the return switch is operated while both the information regarding the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a) transmitted from the medal count control board 300 and the information regarding the number of pseudo medals that have been inserted between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 indicate "0", the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a in a medal card held in the card insertion / ejection device 504 and ejects the medal card from the insertion / ejection port of the card insertion / ejection device 504, and rewrites the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a to balance data indicating a balance of "0" and held medal count data indicating the number of medals "0". In addition, if the return switch is operated when both the information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and the information regarding the number of game medals transmitted from the medal count control board 300 are not "0", a notification is issued via the LCD display 14, speakers 15, 16, etc. to prompt counting (counting switch 31) or settlement (settlement switch 33).

[0035] The transmitting / receiving means 501e receives data on the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 300 ms).

[0036] (6) Transmitting / receiving means 501e The transmission / reception means 501e receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300 and transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes the number of pseudo medals returned (number data of the count), the number of available medals (number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a), the total number of pseudo medals inserted, the total number of medals paid out, various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47 such as the role ratio, and error-related information. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes information on the number of pseudo medals lent out. The game medal number data indicating the game medal number received from the transmission / reception means 501e (game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) is stored in the storage means 502a, and thus is stored in both the card unit CU and the medal count control board 300, and it is possible to deal with fraudulent acts by using both.

[0037] Various game information is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer, such as the open state of the front panel 2, information on the number of inserted dummy medals, information on the number of paid out dummy medals, information on the occurrence of an error, information that the settings are being changed, information that the settings are being confirmed, information that the bonus state is in effect, information that a winning combination, a replay combination, or a bonus combination has been won, and information that each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R has stopped.

[0038] (Slot Machine) Next, the outline of the configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] In the slot machine SM in this embodiment, pseudo medals are inserted by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 to establish a predetermined condition for starting a game. In addition, when the start switch 9 is operated by the player on the condition that a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting the pseudo medals and a predetermined condition is established, the multiple rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, each of which has a plurality of symbols arranged thereon, start to rotate. In addition, the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are stopped by operating the respective stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R. If the display result of the stopped symbols at this time is a predetermined winning mode, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out, and one game ends. Here, the insertion of pseudo medals means that the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten to game medal count data in which the number of medals corresponding to the number of bets in the game has been subtracted. In addition, the payout of pseudo medals means that, when a prize is won in the game, the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten to game medal count data to which a medal count set according to the winning role has been added.

[0040] Even if a pseudo medal is inserted and the game medal number data is reduced, the set bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the bet number is updated accordingly, and when the start switch 9 is operated, the set bet number is provided for play. For example, when setting a bet number in a game state where the specified number is set to "3" or "1," the bet number is set to "3" by operating the maximum bet switch 8, and "3" is subtracted from the game medal number data. After that, when the bet number is changed to "1," the bet number is set to "1" by operating the bet switch 7, and "2" is returned (added) to the game medal number data.

[0041] The slot machine SM is configured, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. That is, in this slot machine SM, the front of a box-shaped housing KY with an open front is closed by a front panel 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and an operation plate 3 is disposed at a position approximately at the center height of this front panel 2, and a front plate 4 is disposed above this operation plate 3. This front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 5. Also, inside the display window 5, left, center and right rotating reels 6L, 6M and 6R are disposed which variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order.

[0042] A slot machine SM, which is an example of a gaming machine according to this embodiment, is configured as shown in FIG. 1, in which a single game is started when a specified number of gaming media (e.g., three) are inserted in any one of a number of pre-set gaming states and a start switch 9, which will be described later, is operated.

[0043] The front of the housing KY is closed by a front panel 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and an operation plate 3 is disposed at approximately the center height of the front panel 2. A front plate 4 is disposed above the operation plate 3. A horizontally long rectangular display window 5 is provided on the front plate 4. Inside the display window 5, left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order are disposed. As shown in FIG. 7, the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are provided with a total of 20 types of symbols (in this embodiment, "R7 (red 7)", "B7 (blue 7)", "BR (bar)", "T1 (tomato 1)", "T2 (tomato 2)", "AP (apple)", "C1 (cherry 1)", "C2 (cherry 2)", "LM (bell)", and "RP (replay)") in a predetermined arrangement.

[0044] Also, each symbol is assigned a frame number from 0 to 19 in order. In this case, for example, a reel tape on which symbols from 0 to 19 are printed is attached to the periphery of each rotating reel 6L, 6M, 6R. Then, when each reel 6L, 6M, 6R rotates, a plurality of symbols are displayed in a predetermined order of frame numbers 19, 18, ..., 0, 19, ... in the display window 5. When each reel 6L, 6M, 6R stops rotating, three symbols are displayed in total, one each in the upper, middle, and lower rows, from the display window 5. That is, when all three reels 6L, 6M, 6R stop, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5. In this embodiment, the winning lines in the display window 5 used to determine whether or not a win has been won are configured from the top line of the left reel 6L, the top line of the center reel 6M, and the middle line of the right reel 6R.

[0045] The advantageous zone is a zone in which it is permitted to notify the push order (correct push order) that will give a favorable payout when the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" (lower number 04) to "ATB_RC2" (lower number 19) described later is won. In this embodiment, no corresponding advantageous zone lamp is provided in the advantageous zone, but it may be provided.

[0046] In order to rotate the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R independently, left, center, and right reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R (see FIG. 4) each made up of a stepping motor are connected to the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. A support frame supporting the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is fixed to the rear wall inside the housing KY, and the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are supported by the support frame and disposed inside the housing KY.

[0047] The operation panel 3 is provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a lever-shaped start switch 9, left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, a counting switch 31, and a settlement switch 33. The bet switch 7 is used by the player to operate to instruct the insertion of one pseudo medal at a time from the usable number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 described later. The maximum bet switch 8 is used by the player to operate to instruct the insertion of the maximum number of pseudo medals (prescribed number: set to 3 medals) per game (play) from the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300. The bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 are set to be activated when the number of medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 is 1 medal or more. Furthermore, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, if the number of game medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is less than a specified number (for example, 3 medals), a notification may be given to encourage the player to lend out dummy medals, or the player may be allowed to play with a specified number less than the specified number (for example, 3 medals). Furthermore, in such a case, the operation of the maximum bet switch 8 may not be accepted in the first place.

[0048] The counting switch 31 functions as an instruction button when transmitting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. In this embodiment, normal pressing instructs transmission of the number data for one medal, and long pressing instructs transmission of the number data for 50 medals periodically. In the case of long pressing, the number data for 50 medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined time intervals while the button is pressed. Note that, if the transmission instruction is issued when the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a becomes less than 50 medals (transmission instruction based on long pressing), all remaining number data is transmitted to the card unit CU. The settlement switch 33 is for resetting the number of bets of pseudo medals to 0 when the number of bets is set.

[0049] The start switch 9 is for a player to operate the reels 6L, 6M, 6R to rotate and start the variable display of each symbol. The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are for a player to operate the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to stop the variable display of each symbol by stopping the rotation of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. The start switch 9 is set to be activated after the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal number control board 300 is rewritten to the game medal number data obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the game medal number data (a predetermined number of pseudo medals are inserted). The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are set to be activated after the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that started to rotate by the operation of the start switch 9 have passed a predetermined acceleration period and started to rotate at a constant speed.

[0050] In this embodiment, the number of bets (predetermined number) required for one game (one play) is set to three types: 1, 2, and 3. Also, a variable display column that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols is formed by each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, and each of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is provided corresponding to each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0051] In addition, approximately at the center of the upper part of the front panel 4, a liquid crystal display 14 is provided for displaying videos and the like to inform the player of wins and prizes, and for providing presentations to inform the player of the operation modes of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R.

[0052] Additionally, upper speakers 15 for producing effects such as music and sound are provided on the left and right above the front panel 4. Additionally, a lower panel 18 displaying decorative pictures and the like is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 for producing effects such as music and sound are provided on the left and right of this lower panel 18.

[0053] Additionally, an upper lamp unit 21 is provided on the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp units 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp units 21, 22 is equipped with a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or organic electroluminescence (EL), or a light-emitting means such as a general light bulb, and performs effects such as informing the player of a win or prize.

[0054] In addition, a medal count display 26 for displaying the number of dummy medals owned by the player is disposed at the lower right of the display window 5. This medal count display 26 is composed of, for example, five 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying the number of dummy medals owned in five digits.

[0055] In addition, next to the game medal count display 26, a bet lamp section 30 for indicating the number of inserted medals is disposed, and the bet lamp section 30 is composed of three bet lamps.

[0056] In addition, a payout display 46 that displays the number of dummy medals to be paid out is disposed at the lower left of the display window 5. This payout display 46 is, for example, composed of two 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying a two-digit number of dummy medals to be paid out.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot machine SM with the front panel 2 open. The control unit 150 is shown in a front view, in which the main control board 100 is housed in a transparent board case, and the component mounting surface of the main control board 100 can be seen. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 150, in which the main control board 100 is housed in a transparent board case, is fixed to the rear of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown) so that the component mounting surface of the main control board 100 faces the front side, and the I / F board 90 is fixed to the side of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown). In the following, the front side in FIG. 6 is the front side of the main control board 100 and the control unit 150, and the back side is the back side of the main control board 100 and the control unit 150. The top, bottom, left, and right in FIG. 6 will be described as the top, bottom, left, and right of the main control board 100 and the control unit 150. The control unit 150 will be described in detail later.

[0058] (Outline of the electrical configuration of a slot machine) The electrical configuration of the slot machine SM will be described with reference to Fig. 4 as well as Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

[0059] The left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and are composed of, for example, photointerrupters that detect protrusions provided on the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and when the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, they detect the protrusions every revolution and output the detection signal to the main control board 100. In this slot machine SM, for example, when the left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the symbol with frame number 20 out of the frame numbers of symbols 0 to 20 set on each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R is configured to be positioned in the middle of the display window 5.

[0060] The setting change key switch 56 is provided on the main control board 100, and can be switched between ON and OFF. The reset switch 52 is provided on the operation switch board 600, and each time it is pressed during a setting change, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value. The reset switch 52 is also used as a switch to reset an error when an error occurs. The setting change key switch 56 will be described in detail later.

[0061] In addition, in this slot machine SM, a main control board 100 on which a main control CPU 101 that controls the progress of the game is mounted, a sub-control board 200 on which a sub-control CPU 201 that controls the presentation according to the progress of the game based on the information transmitted from the main control board 100 is mounted, a medal count control board 300 on which a medal count control CPU 301 that controls the management of the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player is mounted, an operation switch board 600 to which a signal from an operation means (for example, a start switch 9) necessary for the progress of the game is input, a display board 700 on which a payout indicator 46 and a game medal count indicator 26 are provided, and an I / F board 90 for communicating with an external device as shown in FIG. 2 are separately provided. Here, various game information is transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. Also, various information is transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300. In addition, predetermined information is transmitted in one direction from the medal count control board 300 to the sub-control board 200 via the main control board 100. The predetermined information here is, for example, information related to the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a, and information notifying when the count switch 31 or the lending switch 503a is pressed. As a result, the sub-control board 200 performs control such as displaying the number of pseudo medals held by the player on the liquid crystal display 14 and sounding a press notification sound from the speakers 15, 16 when the count switch 31 or the lending switch 503a is pressed, based on the information (predetermined information) received from the medal count control board 300 via the main control board 100.

[0062] The main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 may be connected by BtoB (Board to Board). The display board 700 and the operation switch board 600, the operation switch board 600 and the medal count control board 300, and the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 200 are all connected via harnesses.

[0063] Signals from the start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, and stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, which are operation means necessary for the progress of the game, as well as signals from the settlement switch 33 and reset switch 52, are first input to the operation switch board 600 and then input to the medal count control board 300 via a harness. Then, they are input to the main control board 100 via wiring in the medal count control board 300 and a connector connection (BtOB connection). A signal from the count switch 31 is input to the operation switch board 600, input to the medal count control board 300 via the harness, and further input to the medal count control CPU 301. In addition, signals from the start switch 9 and the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R may be input directly to the main control board 100 without passing through the medal count control board 300. Furthermore, signals from the operation means (start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R), the settlement switch 33, the reset switch 52, and the counting switch 31 may be input to the main control board 100 via harnesses, and then input to the medal count control board 300 via wiring in the main control board 100 and a connector-connector connection (Board to Board connection).

[0064] A control signal (including display data) used for displaying the payout indicator 46 is transmitted from the main control board 100. At this time, the transmission path is the main control board 100 → medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700. A control signal (including display data) used for displaying the game medal count indicator 26 is transmitted from the medal count control board 300. At this time, the transmission path is the medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700.

[0065] The role ratio monitor 47 displays various ratios and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the role ratio monitor 47 is composed of four 7-segment LEDs. The various ratios include a role ratio, a consecutive role ratio, and a favorable section ratio. The role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by roles (e.g., big bonus (BB), chance bonus (CB), single bonus (SB), etc.) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts by consecutive roles (e.g., big bonus (BB) etc.) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The favorable section ratio is the ratio of the favorable section to the total number of games when there is a favorable section in which a favorable push order notification is permitted when a role (AT role) in which the payout number of pseudo medals differs depending on the push order is won. The role ratio monitor 47 may be provided on the medal number control board 300. Also, information capable of identifying various ratios may be transmitted to the card unit CU side without providing the role ratio monitor 47. The ratio monitor 47 may display the ratio of the instructed role. The ratio of the instructed role is the ratio of the total number of payouts to the total number of payouts, calculated by adding the number of payouts from the role to the number of payouts in a game in which a favorable push order was notified.

[0066] The setting display 48 displays a setting value set by a setting value setting means 101b (described later), and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the setting display 48 is composed of one 7-segment LED.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 5, the memory 102 of the main control board 100 includes a RAM 65 for temporarily storing various data, and a ROM 67 for storing data and programs necessary for the progress of a game. The RAM 65 of the main control board 100 stores, for example, various flags and hand lottery results. The ROM 67 of the main control board 100 stores preset data (such as the lottery table 102a in Fig. 5) and a game machine program (a program for the slot machine SM).

[0068] The main control CPU 101 of the main control board 100 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing a game machine program stored in the ROM 67. The main control CPU 101 also transmits various game information in command form to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201), such as information related to the result of the role selection by the role selection means 103 (see FIG. 5), and information related to the operation of the operation devices operated by the player, such as the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R and the start switch 9.

[0069] The memory 202 of the sub-control board 200 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs for effects. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a program stored in the memory 202 based on various game information related to the slot machine SM transmitted from the main control CPU 101 to determine the content of the effects related to the game for the player. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 controls the effects devices such as the liquid crystal display 14 and the speakers 15, 16 via an I / O port of the sub-control board 200 based on the determined content of the effects.

[0070] Moreover, the memory 302 of the medal count control board 300 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data, and a ROM section for storing various programs, etc. Furthermore, the medal count control CPU 301 of the medal count control board 300 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs various controls such as managing the number of pseudo medals held by the player using game medal count data stored in a storage means 302a formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and displaying the number of pseudo medals corresponding to the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a on the game medal count display 26.

[0071] The main control board 100, the sub control board 200, and the medal count control board 300 are sealed in individual board cases with a crimping mechanism so that they cannot be easily accessed from the outside. Methods for connecting each board to prevent fraud include direct board-to-board connection (BtoB connection) using connectors mounted on each board, physical access, connection using signal lines covered with a wire cover that suppresses the effects of electromagnetic noise, wiring the signal lines from a location that is difficult for players to see, encrypting communication signals between boards, and exchanging ID information provided on each board periodically or when an error occurs. When connecting both boards using connectors mounted on each board, it is preferable to connect them side by side and cover them as a board unit including the connection points to make access difficult, rather than using a stacked connection that reduces the visibility of the boards. Also, the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 may not be housed in individual board cases, but may be housed together in a single board case and sealed.

[0072] (Main control board) The function of the main control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] (1) Game control means 101a The game control means 101a is for controlling a game executed in the medal-less slot machine SM.

[0074] In a game of this slot machine SM, when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated to instruct the insertion of pseudo medals, a signal based on information that can identify the fact is transmitted to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. In the medal count control board 300 that receives this signal, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is rewritten to game medal count data with the number of inserted pseudo medals subtracted. At this time, a signal based on information that can identify the rewriting is transmitted from the medal count control board 300 to the main control board 100, and the bet number is set by receiving this signal by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. In addition, the bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is updated accordingly. Then, when the start switch 9 is operated after a predetermined bet number is set, first, a random number lottery is performed by the role lottery means 103 that determines whether or not a prize is won, and almost at the same time, all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R start rotating.

[0075] Thereafter, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R corresponding to the operated stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R stop rotating. Then, when the operation of all three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is completed, the rotation of all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R stops. At this time, if a predetermined pattern stops at a predetermined position, a prize is won, and a predetermined benefit is given to the player, such as a payout of a predetermined number of pseudo medals, a replay that allows the player to play the next game without subtracting the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a, etc.

[0076] The game control means 101a controls the game of the slot machine SM in one of a plurality of game states set in advance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the game control means 101a is configured to have an initial state (hereinafter also referred to as RT0) which is a bonus lottery state, a bonus inside state (hereinafter also referred to as RBBF) which is a bonus carryover state, and a bonus state (hereinafter also referred to as RBB) which is in a bonus. In this embodiment, except when an initial condition such as a setting change is established and becomes RT0, it is configured to stay in RBBF as a general game state as described later. Note that when in the bonus carryover state, no new bonus role is won.

[0077] In addition, there is an AT game (special game) in which, when the result of the role selection by the role selection means 103 described later is a specific role winning result in which a specific role (winning role group "ATA_CL1 to ATB_RC2" see Figure 9) with a different degree of advantage given to the player depending on the operation procedure of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R is won, the advantageous operation procedure of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R corresponding to the specific role is identifiably notified.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the game control means 101a includes an operation mode determination means 100a and a game state setting means 100b.

[0079] (1-1) Operation mode determination means 100a The operation mode determination means 100a determines the operation mode of the player on the slot machine SM. Specifically, it determines the operation mode of the player on the slot machine SM, such as the operation mode of the various switches of the slot machine SM, such as the bet switches 7 and 8, the start switch 9, and the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, and the operation mode of the player inserting and moving medals.

[0080] (1-2) Game status setting means 100b The game status setting means 100b sets the game status of the slot machine SM to one of a plurality of pre-set game statuses based on the result of the role selection process by the role selection means 103 and the determination result of the pattern combinations of the winning lines, which are the top row of the left reel 6L, the top row of the middle reel 6M, and the middle row of the right reel 6R, by the pattern determination means 112.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the game state includes RT0, RBBF, and RBB. Here, RT0 is entered when an initial condition such as a setting change is satisfied. Here, if a bonus is won but the bonus is not awarded, the bonus is carried over and the game state becomes RBBF. In this embodiment, in most cases where a bonus is won in RT0, it is won at the same time as "BE2" (lower number 21 in FIG. 9), and in this case, regardless of the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R, the winning of "BE2" is prioritized, and the game moves to RBBF without winning a bonus. In RBBF, a bonus is not awarded in all winning groups except for a part of the winning role group "ALL1" (lower number 25 in FIG. 9) that is won with an extremely low probability, regardless of the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R, so that the game state generally remains in RBBF. In addition, it is also possible to configure the game so that a winning role group such as "ALL1" is not provided and the game cannot be moved to RT0 in the normal game progress once it has been moved to RBBF.

[0082] Also, as shown in Figure 8, if a bonus is won, the game will transition to RBB. If the payout exceeds a predetermined number during RBB, the bonus ends and the game will transition to RT0. As mentioned above, the game will not transition to RBB except in a very few cases.

[0083] (1-3) Overview of the game Next, an overview of the game executed on the slot machine SM will be described.

[0084] The slot machine SM is configured so that one game (play) is played by inserting three medals, and when three medals are inserted into the slot machine SM using the bet switch 7 or the max bet switch 8, the winning lines in the display window 5 become active. When the start switch 9 is operated, one of the pre-set winning combination results is selected by a lottery process using random numbers by the winning combination selection means 103. In addition, when all of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R start to rotate, the discrimination of the symbols of each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R displayed in the display window 5 starts based on the rotation angle of each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0085] After that, the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R accelerate, and the operation of all stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R becomes effective. After the operation of all stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R becomes effective, the left reel 6L is stopped when the operation of the left stop switch 10L is detected, the center reel 6M is stopped when the operation of the center stop switch 10M is detected, and the right reel 6R is stopped when the operation of the right stop switch 10R is detected. In this way, the rotation of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R corresponding to each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R is stopped by the operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R.

[0086] When all three left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated, the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop spinning. At this time, when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position on the winning line in the display window 5 that has been activated, that is, when the symbols on each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R are displayed in the display window 5 in a symbol combination related to the winning combination, a winning combination is achieved, and a number of medals according to the winning combination is paid out. Note that a predetermined benefit (privilege) may be given to the player instead of or in addition to the payment of medals. Examples of the predetermined benefit include a transition to RBB due to a bonus win, or a bet number that is automatically set in order to play the next game with the same bet number as the winning game without inserting new medals due to the winning of a replay role described later. Bonus roles and general roles (replay role, small role) are preset as role types. Bonus roles are roles that transition to RBB. Replay roles (hereinafter sometimes referred to as replay) are roles that, when won, allow the player to play the next game with the same number of bets as in the winning game without inserting new medals. Small roles are roles that, when won, give a predetermined dividend (amount of payout). Figure 6 shows a list of role selection groups. In the role selection groups, the higher numbers are assigned the types of bonus roles, and the lower numbers are assigned the types of replay roles and small roles described below.

[0087] Bonus Role The bonus role is "BNS", which is the top number 01 in the role selection group, and is configured to transition to RBB when any of the predetermined pattern combinations for "BNS" stops on the winning line.

[0088] ·Replay role In the role selection group for replay roles, multiple types of "RP1", "RP2", and "CH" with lower numbers 01 to 03 are provided. When any of the symbol combinations included in these role selection groups stops on the winning line, the player can play the next game under the same conditions (number of bets) as the game in which the player won again.

[0089] Minor role There are several types of minor winning combinations, namely, "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", "BE1", "BE2", "PZ", "SCH", "SSP", "TMT", "ALL1", "ALL2", and "ALL3", which are lower numbers 04 to 30. When any of the symbol combinations included in these winning combinations stops on the winning line, the payout corresponding to the winning symbol combination is obtained. The symbol combinations included in the winning combinations that become minor winning combinations are either one payout, three payouts, or eight payouts, and among these, the lower numbers 04 to 19 "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" are winning combinations that include at least one payout and eight payouts in any winning combination group, and are configured as so-called AT winning combinations in which the symbol combination corresponding to the payout of eight coins or the payout of one coin stops on the winning line depending on the operation mode.

[0090] The lower numbers 20 and 21, "BE1" and "BE2", are winning combinations that include at least three payouts, and regardless of the operation mode, the symbol combinations corresponding to the payout of three coins stop on the winning line, and a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5, which is called a "bell line" stop pattern. Since the stop pattern is the same, the player cannot tell whether "BE1" or "BE2" has won from the stop pattern. Note that "BE2" always wins together with the bonus role "BNS", and cannot win by itself. In FIG. 6, the bonus role "BNS" has not won and "BE2" wins only when the state is already RBBF (i.e., only when the bonus role is already carried over and there is no new bonus role to be won as described above). Therefore, in the column of possible transfer targets for the favorable zone in Figure 6, the winning role groups of the higher number 00 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they are not won simultaneously with "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RT0, and the winning role groups of the higher number 01 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they are won simultaneously with "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RBBF.

[0091] The lower number 22 "PZ" includes a symbol combination with at least one payout and eight payout, the lower numbers 23 to 27 "SCH", "SSP", "APL1", "APL2", and "TMT" include a symbol combination with at least three payouts, and the symbol combination corresponding to the payout of three coins stops on the winning line regardless of the operation mode, the lower numbers 28 to 30 "ALL1" and "ALL2" include a symbol combination with at least one payout, and the lower number 30 "ALL3" includes a symbol combination with at least eight coins. "SCH", "SSP", "APL1", "APL2", "TMT", etc. constitute so-called rare roles and chance roles, and when they are won, pseudo bonus lottery and CZ lottery are performed. Note that the pseudo bonus corresponds to the AT state. Also, "ALL1" is a role that may win a bonus depending on the operation mode when it is won during RBBF, but the probability of winning is extremely low. In addition, "ALL2" and "ALL3" can only be won if the lottery is RBB, and are not eligible for advantageous zone transfer. "HZ" indicates a loss, and both the upper and lower numbers are set to 00.

[0092] (2) Setting control means 101b The setting control means 101b in FIG. 4 sets one setting value from multiple setting values ​​(setting 1 to setting 6) with different ball output rates (payout rates). This setting value is for selecting a role selection table 102a to be selected by a table selection means 101c described later, and each of the multiple role selection tables 102a stored in the ROM 67 is associated with one of the setting values. The setting control means 101b judges the ON / OFF state of the setting change key switch 56 when the power is turned on, and starts a predetermined setting change process if the power is turned on with the setting change key switch 56 in the ON state. The payout rate can be calculated by the total number of paid out coins ÷ total number of inserted coins × 100 [%].

[0093] Here, the winning probability in the lottery for the general game is set in multiple stages distinguished by multiple types of setting values ​​(here, six types), and each of the multiple setting values ​​is associated with a role selection table 102a (general game selection table). Then, when the setting change process is started, the manager of the pachinko parlor where the slot machine SM is installed can change the setting value.

[0094] (3) Table selection means 101c The table selection means 101c in Fig. 5 selects one lottery table from the multiple winning combination selection tables 102a based on the type of game (for example, normal game state, bonus game state) controlled by the game control means 101a and the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) set by the setting control means 101b. For example, in a game in the normal game state, the table selection means 101c selects the winning combination selection table 102a (general game lottery table) as the lottery table according to the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of the winning probability.

[0095] (4) First input processing means 101d When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 described later to insert dummy medals to set the number of bets and establish a predetermined condition for starting a game. When the settlement switch 33 is operated, the second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal count control CPU 301 to cancel the number of bets that was once set.

[0096] When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d adds 1 to the value in the storage area of ​​the provisional insertion number provided in the memory 102, and transmits an insertion processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. The medal count control board 300 that has received the insertion processing request signal performs processing to subtract 1 from the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the processing to the main control board 100, thereby completing the insertion processing for one medal. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the processing is repeated three times. Then, the first insertion processing means 101d enables the operation of the start switch 9 when the provisional insertion number reaches a value required for one game (for example, three medals) as a result of the insertion processing.

[0097] In this embodiment, even if the maximum bet switch 8 instructs the insertion of, for example, three dummy medals, the insertion process is carried out one medal at a time between the first insertion process means 101d and the second insertion process means 301b3.

[0098] Furthermore, when the settlement switch 33 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify the operation is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. The medal count control board 300, which has received the signal based on the information, rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data that has been increased by a number according to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify the operation to the main control board 100.

[0099] (4) Role selection means 103 The role selection means 103 in Fig. 4 performs role selection to determine which of a plurality of roles (winning role group: see Fig. 10) including a plurality of general roles (small roles, replay roles) and a bonus role has been won based on a lottery value generated based on the start of a game at the timing when the start switch 9 is operated to start a game. The role selection means 103 includes a lottery value generation means 103a and a lottery value judgment determination means 103b.

[0100] (4-1) Lottery value generating means 103a The lottery value generating means 103a generates a lottery value used for the lottery of a role by extracting a random number for lottery generated within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal) by a random number generating means configured with an oscillation circuit and a counter circuit that counts a clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit at the timing when the start switch 9 is operated. Since the random number generating means is configured with a counter circuit, the numerical value generated by the random number generating means is not strictly a random number. However, since the timing when the start switch 9 is operated is considered to be random, the lottery value generated by the lottery value generating means 103a can be practically treated as a random number. The lottery value generating means 103a may generate a lottery value by a random number generated by a random number generator, or may generate a lottery value by a software random number. The lottery value generating means 103a may also generate a lottery value by performing a predetermined calculation on the extracted random number value or the generated random number value.

[0101] (4-2) Lottery value judgment and determination means 103b The lottery value judgment and determination means 103b judges the lottery value generated by the lottery value generation means 103a, thereby determining which of a plurality of roles (a winning role group) has been won.

[0102] Specifically, the role selection table 102a has a correspondence relationship between the lottery value and the winning role group for determining which of the multiple winning role groups the lottery value will win or will lose for each lottery value within the range generated by the random number generating means. The lottery value judgment and determination means 103b refers to the role selection table 102a selected by the table selection means 102, and determines which of the multiple winning role groups the lottery value generated by the lottery value generating means 103a is set to win or to lose, thereby determining which of the multiple winning role groups the lottery value generated by the lottery value generating means 103a is set to win or to lose.

[0103] In addition, in the role selection table 102a, some lottery values ​​are set so that multiple roles can overlap and win, and when a role consisting of multiple roles is internally won, it is permitted for the pattern combinations for all roles that make up the winning role group to line up on the winning line.

[0104] In addition, the lottery value judgment determination means 103b stores, as a result of the lottery, information capable of identifying whether or not a bonus role has been won in a first data area of ​​the lottery result storage area 102c, and stores information capable of identifying whether or not a general role has been won in a second data area of ​​the lottery result storage area 102c so that the type of the role won can also be identified. The state in which the first data area stores the state in which a bonus has been won is the bonus carryover state.

[0105] (5) Reel detection means 104 4 detects the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R based on the detection signals of the left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R and the number of pulses supplied to the reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R that drive the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. In this case, the reel detection means 104 detects the frame numbers corresponding to the symbols located at a predetermined reference position (for example, the middle of the display window 5 in this embodiment) during and at the stop of rotation of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0106] (6) Stop control means 105 The stop control means 105 performs stop control of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R using the stop table 102b based on the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R by the player and the result of the role selection by the role selection means 103. The stop control means 105 basically performs stop control to stop the winning symbols (see FIG. 7) on the winning line within the reel-in range on all of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R in order to win the winning role belonging to the winning role group determined by the role selection means 103. Note that, since the number of permissible slip frames (retractable range: normally, up to 4 frames) is set for each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, if the operation timing is not right, it may not be possible to align the winning symbols on the winning line, and in such a case, a miss (non-winning) occurs. Hereinafter, the winning combinations of the winning combination groups and the symbol combinations that are preferentially stopped in the stopping states of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R when a winning combination is won will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] For the winning combinations "RP1", "RP2", and "CH", the stop control means 105 gives priority to stopping the symbol combinations corresponding to replay, and for "CH" in particular, the stop pattern displayed in the display window 5 is set to have priority in which "C1 (Cherry 1)" and "C2 (Cherry 2)" are stopped on the left reel 6L. Note that "RP2" is not a selection target in RT0, but is only a selection target in RBBF.

[0108] For the winning combinations "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", the stop control means 105 changes the symbol combination that is stopped preferentially depending on the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R by the player, as shown in Fig. 9. The symbol combination that is stopped preferentially changes to one coin or eight coins depending on the operation sequence of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R as the operation mode in Fig. 9. Here, L, M, and R described as the operation mode correspond to the stop switch 10L, the stop switch 10M, and the stop switch 10R, and the operation mode "MLR" indicates that the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10M (middle reel), the second stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), and the final stop (third stop) is operated with the stop switch 10R (right reel), and a total of six symbol combinations that are stopped corresponding to the operation sequence are described.

[0109] For example, when "ATA_CL1" is operated in the "MLR" operation mode, it prioritizes stopping a symbol combination that will result in the payout of eight coins, and in other operation modes it prioritizes stopping the payout of one coin.Furthermore, in some operation modes, symbol combinations that will result in a payout may not be stopped depending on the operation timing.

[0110] In this embodiment, in the winning combinations "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2," when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), it is more difficult to stop a pattern combination resulting in a payout of eight coins than when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10M (middle reel) or the stop switch 10R (right reel). (In this embodiment, when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), the symbol combination resulting in a payout of 8 coins will not stop in the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2".) Also, in this embodiment, in a normal game state in which the operation mode is not notified when the pseudo bonus state is not in effect, in a game in which at least the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" has been won, if the first stop is operated with a mode other than the stop switch 10L (left reel), a penalty structure is provided in which the pseudo bonus lottery and the ceiling game number described below will not be updated, and the player will be given a greater number of payout coins by performing an operation corresponding to the operation mode in a game in which the operation mode "MLR" is notified to the player after the start of play, for example, if the player wins "ATA_CL1" when the pseudo bonus state is in effect, the player will be given a greater number of payout coins by performing an operation corresponding to the operation mode.

[0111] The specification of the penalty is not particularly limited, but for example, in a game in which at least the winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" that are the target of the AT role are won in the above-mentioned normal game state, the AT lottery state is temporarily shifted to a low probability state that is disadvantageous to the player regardless of the previous state before the stop operation, and the low probability state is eliminated by operating the stop switch 10L (left reel) for the first stop, resulting in a specific state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the low probability state, while the low probability state is not released and continues by operating the stop switch 10L (left reel) for the first stop. In this case, the low probability state is eliminated by operating the stop switch 10L (left reel) for the first stop again in a game in which the winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" are won in the above-mentioned normal game state.

[0112] For the winning combinations "BE1" and "BE2", the stop control means 105 stops the winning combinations so that the combinations are three coins regardless of the operation mode, and a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed in the display window 5 in a stop pattern called a "bell pattern" as described above. As a result, the stop patterns of "BE1" and "BE2" are the same, so the player cannot tell from the stop pattern whether "BE1" or "BE2" has won. As described above, "BE2" always wins with the bonus combination "BNS" and cannot win alone. Therefore, in the column of possible targets for shifting to the advantageous zone described later, the winning combination groups of the higher number 00 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they have not won simultaneously with "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RT0, and the winning combination groups of the higher number 01 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they have won simultaneously with "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RBBF.

[0113] For the winning combination "PZ", similarly to the aforementioned winning groups "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", the stop control means 105 changes the symbol combination that is preferentially stopped depending on the operation mode, and the symbol combination that is preferentially stopped is the payout of one coin or the payout of three coins.

[0114] For the winning combinations "SCH" to "TMT", the stop control means 105 gives priority to stopping a combination of symbols that pays out three coins regardless of the operation mode, but for some winning combinations, the stop form in which a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed in the display window 5 differs mainly depending on whether the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel). This is mainly because, in the normal game state, when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed in the display window 5 as a so-called rare combination.

[0115] For the winning combinations "ALL1" to "ALL3", the stop control means 105 prioritizes the corresponding symbol combinations regardless of the operation mode. "ALL2" and "ALL3" are not the subject of the lottery in RT0 and RBBF, but are the subject of the lottery only in RBB. In this embodiment, in a game where "ALL1" is won in RBBF, BNS is awarded depending on some operation modes.

[0116] (7) Section transition control means 106 The zone transition control means 106 controls the transition between the non-advantageous zone, which does not allow the correct push order to be announced when the AT role (winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2") is won, and the advantageous zone, which allows the correct push order to be announced, and includes an advantageous zone continued play count means 106a and an increase number count means 106b. The transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone is set by RT0 and RBBF.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when RT0 and RBBF are in a non-favorable zone, the zone transition control means 106 is capable of transitioning to a favorable zone when a winning role group that is eligible for transition to a favorable zone (in FIG. 9, the eligible roles are marked with "○" for transition to a favorable zone) is won.

[0118] The winning role groups marked with "○" as targets for shifting to the favorable zone include some of the replay roles and almost all of the small roles. Therefore, even if the zone becomes non-favorable, the shift to the favorable zone can be executed in a relatively short number of games (at most a few games). Here, the winning role groups that are targets for shifting to the favorable zone among the small roles include (1) "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", which are targets of AT roles, (2) "SCH" to "TMT", which are targets of rare roles, (3) "BE2", which always wins with the bonus role "BNS" and never wins alone, and (4) "BE1", which has the same stopping pattern as "BE2".

[0119] Of the above (1) to (4), the minor roles except for (3) will move to the favorable zone regardless of whether they are in the non-favorable zone of RT0 or RBBF, but for (3) "BE2", which is always won together with "BNS", it is eligible for the favorable zone in RT0, but is not eligible in RBBF. (See Figure 9. As mentioned above, in RBBF, the new bonus role "BNS" cannot be won, so when "BE2" is won, it is "HZ" with the highest number 00, and the eligible role for the favorable zone is "×".) Also, as shown in Figure 9, "BE2" can only get a maximum payout of 3 coins regardless of the operation mode, while "ATA_CL1" and other AT roles that are included in the advantageous zone transition target can get a payout of 8 coins, more than 3 coins, depending on the operation mode. Therefore, there is no possibility that the player will notice that he / she may have won the advantageous zone transition target because of the large number of payout coins.

[0120] Furthermore, "BE1", which has the same stopping pattern as "BE2", is also a target for which the game can move to the favorable zone, and since these can also move to the favorable zone in RBBF, the player cannot immediately tell whether the game has moved to the favorable zone from the stopping pattern. Therefore, there is no loss of interest.

[0121] Furthermore, the zone transition control means 106 transitions from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone when the increase in the number of medals in the advantageous zone after transition to the advantageous zone exceeds a prescribed value (for example, the difference in number of medals from transition to the advantageous zone (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted) is 2400). Also, the zone transition control means 106 may transition to the non-advantageous zone when a prescribed number of games (for example, 4000 games) are played after transition to the advantageous zone without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone. In either case, the RBBF remaining as a general gaming state is maintained while transitioning to the non-advantageous zone. When transitioning to the non-advantageous zone, all information regarding the AT including the pseudo bonus and the lottery mode described below is reset.

[0122] Furthermore, the time may also change to a non-favorable zone depending on the initial conditions such as setting changes. In this case, the time will be RT0 due to the initial conditions as described above, so the time will change to a non-favorable zone at RT0.

[0123] a) Means for counting the number of games played during the advantageous period 106a The advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a counts the number of continued plays in the advantageous zone, and counts the number of plays from when the advantageous zone flag is set to ON until the flag is set to OFF. Specifically, the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a adds +1 to the count value of the advantageous zone play number counter 102e set in the RAM 65 every time one game is played after the advantageous zone flag is set to ON. Note that, when the advantageous zone flag is set from ON to OFF, the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a clears the count value of the advantageous zone play number counter 102e to 0. Note that the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a does not have to be provided.

[0124] b) Increased number counting means 106b The increased number counting means 106b counts the increased number of medals possessed by the player since the transition to the advantageous zone. When medals are paid out, the increased number counting means 106b adds the number of medals to the increased medal number counter 102f set in the RAM 65. When medals are inserted, the increased number counting means 106b subtracts the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f by the number of medals. When the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f reaches a count value exceeding the upper limit value (2400 medals) and the advantageous zone flag is set from ON to OFF, the increased number counting means 106b clears the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f to 0.

[0125] (8) CZ transfer lottery method 107 In this embodiment, when the non-advantageous zone is shifted to the advantageous zone, a pseudo bonus lottery is performed in the AT state. The CZ shift lottery means 107 determines by lottery whether or not to shift to the CZ, which is a state in which the pseudo bonus lottery is drawn with a high probability for a certain period of time due to a rare role win or the like. If the CZ shift lottery is won, the CZ shift lottery means 107 sets the CZ flag provided in the flag storage area 102d to ON. Note that the flag is set to OFF when the CZ ends.

[0126] (9) Pseudo Bonus Lottery Method 108 In this embodiment, a pseudo bonus is provided, which notifies an operation mode with a large payout amount when "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", which are targets of AT roles, are won during a predetermined number of games (for example, 30 games). The pseudo bonus lottery means 108 determines by lottery (pseudo bonus transition lottery) whether or not to transition to a pseudo bonus in the normal state of the advantageous zone. The pseudo bonus transition lottery has a winning probability set according to the role lottery result, for example. When the pseudo bonus transition lottery is won, the pseudo bonus lottery means 108 sets the pseudo bonus flag provided in the flag storage area 102d to ON. The flag is set to OFF when the pseudo bonus ends.

[0127] (10) Pseudo bonus forced transition control means 109 In this embodiment, there are two routes to the pseudo bonus: a normal transition route, which is triggered by winning the pseudo bonus transition lottery in the normal state (advantageous zone), and a forced transition route (so-called ceiling), which is triggered by the accumulation of a predetermined transition indicator reaching a specified value in a state where the pseudo bonus transition lottery is not won in the normal state (advantageous zone). The pseudo bonus forced transition control means 109 controls the transition to the pseudo bonus via the forced transition route.

[0128] In this embodiment, the number of games played since the end of the pseudo bonus (hereinafter also referred to as the ceiling game number) is set as the predetermined transition indicator. The lottery mode is determined when the advantageous zone transition occurs or when the pseudo bonus ends, and the number of games played is determined by the lottery mode. The lottery modes include heaven mode with a ceiling game number of 32 games, pullback mode with a ceiling game number of 200 games, normal mode A with a ceiling game number of 800 games, and normal mode B which is likely to transition to heaven mode with a ceiling game number of 800 games.

[0129] (11) AT lottery means 110 The AT lottery means 110 determines whether a new pseudo bonus will be won during a pseudo bonus. When a new pseudo bonus is won during a pseudo bonus, a so-called one-game consecutive win occurs, in which a new pseudo bonus is generated immediately after the pseudo bonus ends. When a new pseudo bonus is won during a pseudo bonus, the AT flag provided in the flag storage area 102d is set to ON.

[0130] (12) Notification mode determination means 111 The notification mode determination means 111 determines the notification mode of the push sequence to be notified by the payout display 46. The payout display 46 is composed of two 7-segment displays arranged side by side, and notifies the operation mode in a specific manner by changing the lighting mode of these segments to a unique mode according to the type of push sequence.

[0131] (13) Pattern determination means 112 The pattern determination means 112 in Figure 5 determines whether the display pattern of the patterns on each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R that have been stopped by the stop control means 105 is a predetermined display pattern based on the rotational position of each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R, and determines whether the pattern combination on the winning line when the reels 6L, 6M, 6R have stopped is a predetermined winning pattern.

[0132] (8) First dispensing processing means 101h When the result of the determination by the symbol determination means 112 is a winning mode of a role in which a pseudo medal is paid out, the first payout processing means 101h cooperates with the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 described later to pay out pseudo medals corresponding to the role, thereby providing a profit to the player. When the result of the determination by the symbol determination means 112 is a display mode related to the payout of pseudo medals, the first payout processing means 101h stores the number of payout medals corresponding to the winning role in the memory area of ​​the remaining payout number provided in the memory 102, subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining payout number, and then transmits a payout processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. The medal count control board 300 that has received the payout processing request signal performs a process of adding 1 to the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal of the process to the main control board 100, thereby completing the payout process for one medal. This payout process is repeated until the remaining number of coins to be paid out becomes "0", and the payout process for that game is completed.

[0133] In this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for a winning combination is two or more, the payout process is carried out one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4, but multiple pseudo medals may be paid out in a single payout process.

[0134] (9) Error detection means 101i The error detection means 101i detects whether or not an abnormal state different from a normal state, that is, a so-called error, has occurred.

[0135] (10) Dispensing indicator control means 101j The payout indicator control means 101j controls the display of the payout indicator 46. Specifically, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that, when a winning combination is achieved, the payout indicator 46 displays the payout number of pseudo medals set for the winning combination. In addition, when the error detection means 101i detects the occurrence of an error, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that a predetermined identification number for the detected error is displayed on the payout indicator 46.

[0136] (11) Command creation means 101k The command creation means 101k generates commands for transmitting various information such as information on the result of the role selection means 103, information on the type of game state such as the general game state and the bonus game state, the spinning / stop state of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, and the payout state of the pseudo medal by the first payout processing means 101h to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201). The command generated by the command creation means 101k is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m described later. The sub-control board 200 selects the performance to be executed based on the command sent from the main control board 100. In other words, the command creation means 101k generates a command that indicates the content of the performance to be executed in the sub-control board 200.

[0137] (12) Command transmission means 101m The command transmission means 101m transmits, in a one-way manner, commands including various information created by the command creation means 101k from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. In addition, information indicating the pressing of the count switch 31 and information indicating the pressing of the lending switch 503a received from the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n described later are also transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m.

[0138] (13) Medal management transmission / reception means 101n The medal management transmission / reception means 101n transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300, and receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on winning combinations, information on the operation of the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing request signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing request signal), the ID number of the main control CPU 101, and gaming machine information including various ratios such as the ratio of roles. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing response signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing response signal), information indicating the pressing of the counting switch 31, and information indicating the pressing of the lending switch 503a.

[0139] (15) Game history information management means 101q The game history information management means 101q in Fig. 5 is for tallying up game history information according to the progress of the game. For example, the game history information includes the total number of insertions (the number of insertions accumulated since the power was turned on, not including replays), the total number of payouts (the number of payouts accumulated since the power was turned on, not including replays), MY (the maximum MY calculated after the power was turned on), the number of payouts of the role (the number of payouts due to the operation of the role accumulated since the power was turned on), the number of consecutive payouts of the role (the number of payouts due to the differential of the first type special role accumulated since the power was turned on), the role ratio (the number of payouts of the role ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the consecutive role ratio (the number of payouts of the consecutive role ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the ratio of the advantageous zone, the ratio of the role with instructions, the ratio of the role, etc.

[0140] (Sub-control board) Next, the function of the sub-control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] (1) Command receiving means 201a The command receiving means 201a receives commands including various information transmitted by the command transmitting means 101m of the main control board 100. When the command receiving means 201a receives a command transmitted from the main control board 100, it notifies each function of the sub-control board 200 according to the type of command.

[0142] (2) Performance content determining means 201b The effect content determining means 201b is for determining the contents of the effect in response to the command received by the command receiving means 201a. Specifically, from effect patterns preset in response to the progress of the game and the result of the role selection means 103, the means 201b determines the video to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, determines the music or voice to be played from the speakers 15 and 16, and determines the effects such as blinking the light sources of the upper lamp section 21 and the lower lamp section 22 simultaneously or individually.

[0143] In addition, the effect content determination means 201b determines the effect content to display information capable of identifying the operation mode displayed on the payout indicator 46 on the liquid crystal display 14 when any of the AT combination targets "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" is won during the pseudo bonus. Specifically, when the winning combination group won in the pseudo bonus is "ATA_CL1", for example, "213" is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 14.

[0144] In addition, in the normal game state, when the push order is such that the first stopped reel is the center reel 6M or the right reel 6R, the presentation content decision means 201b uses the liquid crystal display 14 to perform a presentation such as "Push left is recommended."

[0145] Then, the performance content determining means 201b transmits a signal including data relating to the determined performance content to the liquid crystal display control means 201c and the audio control means 201d.

[0146] (3) Liquid crystal display control means 201c The liquid crystal display control means 201c performs controls such as displaying a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 and blinking light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 all at once or individually based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the liquid crystal display control means 201c causes the light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 to flash all at once or individually based on the data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

[0147] (4) Voice control means 201d The sound control means 201d performs control such as playing music or outputting sound from the speakers 15 and 16 based on data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b. For example, the sound control means 201d sounds a winning sound of a replay role from the speaker 15 and sounds a sound of inserting a medal from the speaker 16 based on data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

[0148] (Medal count control board) Next, the function of the medal count control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0149] (1) Storage means 302a The storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and stores data on the number of pseudo medals that can be used by the player.

[0150] (2) Flag storage means 302b The flag storage means 302b stores an insertion completion flag which is set to on when the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives information capable of identifying that the start switch 9 has been operated and a game has started, and which is set to off when information indicating the number of inserted medals for the game is transmitted to the card unit CU after the start switch 9 is operated, or when the time assumed to have elapsed since the information was transmitted.

[0151] (3) Main board transmitting / receiving means 301a The main board transmission / reception means 301a receives signals based on various information such as instructions to insert pseudo medals and information on the number of pseudo medals paid out for winning combinations, which are transmitted from the main control board 100, and gaming machine information including various ratios such as the ID number of the main control CPU 101 and the ratio of roles, and transmits a response signal to the main control board 100 in response to the instructions to insert pseudo medals and information on the number of medals paid out from the main control board 100. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on information transmitted from the main control board 100 or a signal based on information transmitted from the card unit CU, it notifies each function of the medal count control board 300 according to the type of information. Note that the main board transmission / reception means 301a may be a separate means for receiving a signal from the main control board 100 and a means for receiving a signal from the card unit CU.

[0152] (4) Game medal number management means 301b The game medal number management means 301b manages the usable medal number data stored in the memory means 302a, and includes a borrowing processing means 301b1, a first counting processing means 301b2, a second insertion processing means 301b3, and a second payout processing means 301b4.

[0153] a) Borrowing processing means 301b1 The borrowing processing means 301b1 performs borrowing processing of pseudo medals between the card unit CU and the card unit CU. Specifically, when the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e described later. When this signal is received by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e, the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent. In addition, when the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data to the game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent, it transmits a lending receipt result response signal to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e.

[0154] b) First counting means 301b2 The first counting processing means 301b2 cooperates with the second counting processing means 501c of the card unit CU to perform counting processing to transfer a part or all of the usable medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the medal number data of a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e. When this signal is transmitted by the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e, the first counting processing means 301b2 rewrites the medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to medal number data with the predetermined count subtracted.

[0155] In this embodiment, the predetermined count number is data of one pseudo medal in the case of normal pressing of the count switch 31, where the pressing time of the count switch 31 is less than the predetermined time, and data of 50 pseudo medals in the case of long pressing of the count switch 31, where the pressing time of the count switch 31 is longer than the predetermined time. In the case of long pressing, data of 50 pseudo medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) while the count switch 31 is being pressed. Accordingly, the first count processing means 301b2 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) to game medal number data with 50 pseudo medals subtracted therefrom.

[0156] c) Second input processing means 301b3 The second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 to insert dummy medals to set the number of bets and to establish a predetermined condition for starting a game.

[0157] When the bet switch 7 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify the operation is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on the information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data obtained by subtracting the number of medals (1 medal) according to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify the operation to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission / reception means 301a.

[0158] When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify that fact is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on that information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data obtained by subtracting the number of medals (3 medals) according to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify that fact to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission / reception means 301a.

[0159] d) Second dispensing processing means 301b4 The second payout processing means 301b4 cooperates with the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 to award a profit to the player by paying out pseudo medals corresponding to the winning combination when the determination result of the pattern determination means 112 indicates any winning combination that results in the payout of pseudo medals.

[0160] When the result of the determination by the symbol determination means 112 is a display mode for the payout of pseudo medals (a winning mode for a role with a payout of a small role or the like), a signal based on the number data of the number of pseudo medals to be paid out to the player by the first payout processing means 101h is transmitted to the medal number control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on this information, the second payout processing means 301b4 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the number of medals to be paid out, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify this to the main control board 100. However, in this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for a winning role is two or more, the payout process is performed one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4. On the other hand, the second payout processing means 301b4 does not rewrite the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a even if a replay role is won. Although it has been described that the payout process is performed one by one even when multiple medals are to be paid out, multiple pseudo medals may be paid out in one payout process.

[0161] (5) Game medal count display control means 301c The game medal count display control means 301c controls the game medal count display 26 so that the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a is displayed on the game medal count display 26.

[0162] (7) Inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e The inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e transmits various information to the card unit CU, such as information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, information regarding errors occurring in the slot machine SM, information regarding various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47, information that can identify the number data of the counted number based on the operation of the counting switch 31, and information unique to the slot machine SM, and receives information that can identify the number data of the lent number transmitted from the card unit CU based on the operation of the lending switch 503a.

[0163] (8) VL supply determination means 301f The slot machine SM is supplied with a voltage VL from the card unit CU via a connector. If the card unit CU is not powered on or if the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are not properly connected, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU will be cut off. The VL supply determination means 301f detects the voltage of the wiring line in the medal count control board 300 through which the voltage VL is supplied from the card unit CU, thereby determining whether or not the voltage VL is being supplied from the card unit CU.

[0164] (9) Transmission item control means 301g The information transmitted to the card unit CU by the unit-to-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e includes information on game machine information, counting information, and loan receipt result response. The transmission item control means 301g controls the transmission contents or transmission items of these pieces of information.

[0165] The communication between the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU described above is implemented by serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM is implemented by parallel communication. Note that the communication between the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU is not limited to serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM is not limited to parallel communication.

[0166] Next, the lottery mode determination table for determining the lottery mode when transitioning to the advantageous zone in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0167] In this embodiment, as described above, the lottery mode is determined when the player moves to the advantageous zone or when the pseudo bonus ends, and as the lottery modes, there are heaven mode with a ceiling game number of 32 games, pullback mode with a ceiling game number of 200 games, normal mode A with a ceiling game number of 800 games, and normal mode B which is likely to move to heaven mode with a ceiling game number of 800 games.

[0168] When the player enters Heaven Mode, the probability of winning the pseudo bonus in that Heaven Mode also increases, and after a further 32 games the player is forced to win the pseudo bonus, so a win is guaranteed with just a small number of games played.

[0169] Furthermore, after the pseudo bonus ends, there is a high probability (specifically, between 50% and 90%) of transitioning back to Heaven mode. If Heaven mode loops, the pseudo bonus will be won consecutively, and you can expect to win medals.

[0170] Due to the loop of the Heaven mode described above, the advantageous zone ends when the increase in the number of medals during the advantageous zone reaches the aforementioned specified value, or when it reaches a specific number that is slightly less than the specified value (for example, a difference of 2,000 medals), thereby ending the pseudo bonus and satisfying the advantageous zone ending condition.

[0171] When the advantageous zone ends, the lottery mode is cleared once to transition to a non-advantageous zone, but when the zone transitions back to the advantageous zone after transitioning to the non-advantageous zone, the rate at which Heaven mode is selected as the lottery mode is made higher than the rate at which Heaven mode is selected after the end of a pseudo-bonus won in normal mode A or pull-back mode, so that the player can look forward to winning more medals.

[0172] After moving to the non-advantageous zone, it is possible to move to the advantageous zone by winning the lower numbered winning group shown in FIG. 10 (or FIG. 9), and as shown in FIG. 10, a lottery mode determination table for determining the lottery mode is selected based on the combination of the RT state of the first game in the advantageous zone and the lower numbered winning group that triggered the move to the advantageous zone. There are two lottery mode determination tables, "reset" and "preferential treatment". In addition, as lottery mode determination tables for determining the lottery mode after the pseudo bonus ends, "for heaven mode", "for pullback mode", "for normal mode A", and "for normal mode B" are provided according to the state of the lottery mode when the pseudo bonus is won.

[0173] A non-advantageous zone can be entered when the increase in the number of medals in the advantageous zone reaches the aforementioned specified value, or when it reaches a specific number slightly less than the specified value (for example, a difference of 2000 medals), thereby ending the pseudo bonus, and also when the initial conditions such as setting changes are met, as described above. If the rate at which the heaven mode is selected by moving to the advantageous zone when the initial conditions result in a non-advantageous zone being reached is made higher than the rate at which the heaven mode is selected, the expected probability of medal acquisition will be excessively increased by setting changes, etc., which will impair the game's playability.

[0174] Therefore, it is preferable not to excessively increase the expected probability of winning medals in non-favorable zones under initial conditions.

[0175] However, since all information regarding the AT is reset regardless of the trigger for the transition to the non-favorable zone, it is not possible to determine whether the non-favorable zone is due to the favorable zone end conditions or the initial conditions based on the non-favorable zone alone.

[0176] Here, in this embodiment, the winning role group of the lower numbers that triggered the transition to the advantageous zone and the state of the first game in the advantageous zone, whether RT0 or RBBF, are used to reliably determine whether the transition is due to an initial condition such as a setting change, or due to the conditions for the end of the advantageous zone.

[0177] That is, as explained above, the probability of transitioning to RBB is extremely low, and in normal play, the player basically stays in RBBF, so if RT0 is the first game in the advantageous zone, it is no problem to judge that the zone is a non-advantageous zone due to the initial condition being met. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, if RT0 is the first game in the advantageous zone, the lottery mode determination table "reset" corresponding to the initial condition is selected.

[0178] On the other hand, if the state of the first game in the advantageous zone is RBBF, as described above, it is assumed that the zone has become a non-advantageous zone due to normal game progress, such as the establishment of advantageous zone end conditions, the increase in the number of medals in the advantageous zone exceeding a specified value, or the zone has become a non-advantageous zone due to the normal progress of the game, etc. However, if a bonus is won in the first game in which the zone has entered a non-advantageous zone under the initial conditions, and the bonus is carried over, the zone will become RBBF, and it may be difficult to distinguish that the zone has become a non-advantageous zone due to normal game progress, which may result in an erroneous judgment.

[0179] Therefore, as described above, the winning combination group "BE2" of the lower number 21 is configured to always win together with the bonus combination "BNS" and never win alone, and further, for "BE2", if it wins in RT0, it is a target for advantageous zone shift, but is not a target for advantageous zone shift in RBBF (see FIG. 6). By doing so, even if the state of the first game in the advantageous zone is RBBF, the winning combination group "BE2" of the lower number 21 is determined to be the initial condition, and "reset" which is the lottery mode determination table corresponding to the initial condition is selected (see FIG. 10). In other words, it can be reliably determined to be RBBF when the bonus is won in the first game that has shifted to the non-advantageous zone under the initial condition, and the bonus is carried over, and "reset" which is the lottery mode determination table corresponding to the initial condition can be selected.

[0180] If the state of the first game in the advantageous zone is RBBF and the lower number winning role group is other than "BE2", it is determined that the advantageous zone has been terminated due to the advantageous zone end condition, and "Preferential", which is the lottery mode determination table corresponding to the advantageous zone end condition, is selected.

[0181] The lottery mode determination table is configured so that the "reset" and "preferential" options are more likely to result in the selection of a lottery mode that is advantageous to the player.

[0182] For example, in the case of "Reset," the ratio of selections is Normal Mode A:Normal Mode B:Return Mode:Heaven Mode = 30:30:40:0, whereas in the case of "Preferential Treatment," the ratio of selections is Normal Mode A:Normal Mode B:Return Mode:Heaven Mode = 0:20:10:70. The selection rate for Heaven Mode is higher in "Preferential Treatment" than in "Reset."

[0183] This allows the player to anticipate a loop of transitioning to heaven mode again when the advantageous zone ends due to the acquisition of a certain number of medals, even if the information regarding the AT is reset once the advantageous zone ends. This increases the player's interest.

[0184] As a result, it is possible to set the state appropriately by using the result of the lottery used in normal games without the need to newly set a special game state. In other words, it is possible to easily determine the transition from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone by devising the lottery so as not to give an overly advantageous state in the transition from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone in a game state in which a bonus role that may occur in the initial state due to a setting change, etc., is not carried over.

[0185] (Control Unit) Next, the configuration of the control unit 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 11 to FIG.

[0186] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the slot machine SM with the front panel 2 open, and Fig. 11 is a front view of the control unit 150 installed inside the slot machine SM. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the control unit 150 with the board case protective cover 1001 removed. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the area around the keyhole protective cover 1002 in Fig. 11, and Fig. 14 is a view showing the setting change key switch unit 1006 in Fig. 13.

[0187] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 150 is fixed to the rear of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown) so that the component mounting surface of the main control board 100 faces the front side, and the I / F board 90 is fixed to the side of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown). Note that, hereinafter, the front side in Fig. 6 is the front side of the control unit 150, and the back side is the back side of the control unit 150. The top, bottom, left, and right in Fig. 6 will be described as the top, bottom, left, and right of the control unit 150.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit 150 includes a board holder 1003 , a sub-board case 1004 , a main board case 1005 , a setting change key switch unit 1006 , and a board case protective cover 1001 .

[0189] The board holder 1003 is made from transparent thermoplastic resin and is formed in a box shape with an open front side. Inside it are a main board case 1005, a sub board case 1004, and a setting change key switch unit 1006, and the opening can be covered by a board case protective cover 1001.

[0190] Main board case 1005 is made of transparent thermoplastic resin and formed into a box shape, and houses main control board 100 inside. Main board case 1005 is also provided with crimped portion 1007, and when main control board 100 is exposed from main board case 1005, at least a part of crimped portion 1007 is destroyed, and the trace of destruction is formed visually.

[0191] The sub-board case 1004 is made of transparent thermoplastic resin and has a box shape, and houses the sub-control board 200 therein.

[0192] The setting change key switch unit 1006 is disposed adjacent to the crimping portion 1007, and includes the setting change key switch 56 and a bracket 1008 for mounting the setting change key switch 56 to the board holder 1003, as shown in FIG.

[0193] The setting change key switch 56 is a so-called pin cylinder lock, and comprises an inner cylinder 1010 in which a keyhole 1009 is formed, and an outer cylinder 1011 that houses the inner cylinder 1010. It is attached to the board holder 1003 by a bracket 1008 so that the keyhole 1009 faces the front side.

[0194] Furthermore, when a key (not shown) is inserted into a keyhole 1009, the setting change key switch 56 displaces a pin 1020 housed in the inner cylinder 1010, allowing the inner cylinder 1010 to rotate in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the inner cylinder 1010 is formed so that the position of the keyhole 1009 can move from a first position 1012 shown by a dotted line to a second position 1013 rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise, or from the second position 1013 to the first position 1012 rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise.

[0195] In addition, the setting change key switch 56 is turned OFF when the position of the keyhole 1009 is in the second position 1013, and the setting control means 101b does not change the setting of the set value to a state in which it can be changed even if the power is turned on in this second position 1013.

[0196] On the other hand, the setting change key switch 56 is ON when the position of the keyhole 1009 is in the first position 1012, and the setting control means 101b makes the setting of the set value changeable when the power is turned on in this first position 1012.

[0197] In this embodiment, the slot machine SM is provided with a keyhole protection cover 1002 that can be displaced between an exposed position 1014 (see FIG. 11) that exposes a keyhole 1009 so that a key not shown can be inserted, and a protected position 1015 that rotates approximately 180 degrees from the exposed position 1014 and covers the keyhole so that a key not shown cannot be inserted. In FIG. 11, the exposed position 1014 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0198] Keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed into a square plate shape using transparent thermoplastic resin as a raw material, and in protection position 1015, the left side is connected to board case protection cover 1001 via spring 1016, and is always biased to protection position 1015 by spring 1016. In this embodiment, as described above, setting change key switch 56 is arranged separately from main control board 100, and keyhole protection cover 1002 is connected to board case protection cover 1001, but setting change key switch 56 may be mounted directly on main control board 100, and keyhole protection cover 1002 may be connected to main board case 1005.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 13, the keyhole protection cover 1002 is provided with information relating to the setting change key switch 56, specifically, a text information section 1017 having the characters “setting key” formed thereon, indicating that a keyhole 1009 into which a key (not shown) is inserted when the setting change key switch 56 is operated is nearby.

[0200] In the text information section 1017, the letters "SET KEY" are formed in a convex shape on a mold (not shown) used when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed by injection molding, so that on the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed from resin poured into the mold, the letters "SET KEY" are formed as a recessed portion that is one step lower than the surrounding surface.

[0201] Note that when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed by injection molding, in the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed of resin poured into the mold (not shown) with the characters "SETTING KEY" formed in a concave shape on the mold, the characters "SETTING KEY" may be formed as a convex portion that is one step higher than the surrounding surface.

[0202] The positional relationship between the character information section 1017 and the keyhole 1009 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13.

[0203] When the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the character information section 1017 is arranged at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps the keyhole 1009 when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front.

[0204] Specifically, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, among the plurality (four) of characters "SETTING KEY" that make up the character information section 1017, only the character "定" (one of the characters) overlaps the keyhole 1009, and the other characters are arranged at positions where they do not overlap the keyhole 1009.

[0205] In this case, a part of the keyhole 1009 (generally the lower half region) overlaps the character "定" which is a part of the character information section 1017, and the other part of the keyhole 1009 (generally the upper half region) is arranged at a position where it does not overlap the character "定".

[0206] Also, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, among the plurality (four) of characters "SETTING KEY" that make up the character information section 1017, the three characters "設定キ" overlap the keyhole 1009 and are arranged at a position where they overlap.

[0207] Here, when changing the settings of the slot machine SM, the following procedure is followed. First, the keyhole protection cover 1002 is moved from the protection position 1015 to the exposure position 1014 against the biasing force of the spring 1016 to expose the keyhole 1009. A key (not shown) is inserted into the exposed keyhole 1009, and the keyhole 1009 is rotated from the second position 1013 to the first position 1012. In this state, the setting is changed by turning on the power. Next, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value each time the reset switch 52 (see FIG. 6) is pressed once. In this provisional setting state, the setting is confirmed by operating the start switch 9 (see FIG. 1), and then the key is rotated to the second position 1013, the key is removed, and the front panel 2 is closed to enable normal play.

[0208] In this embodiment, when the keyhole 1009, which is in a state where the settings can be changed, is in the first position 1012, the game cannot proceed and the key, not shown, is formed so as not to be removed from the keyhole 1009.

[0209] The slot machine SM configured as above provides the following effects.

[0210] Since the keyhole protection cover 1002 is provided with a text information section 1017 consisting of the characters "setting key", which is information relating to the setting change key switch 56, when an operator moves the keyhole protection cover 1002 from the protected position 1015 to the exposed position 1014 to change the settings, the operator can easily check the information relating to the setting change key switch 56 at the same time as the keyhole 1009, and convenience is improved by making it easier for the operator to intuitively recognize that it is necessary to operate the keyhole protection cover 1002 when changing the settings.

[0211] In addition, since the character information portion 1017 is directly formed on the keyhole protection cover 1002 by a concave portion or a convex portion, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is displaced between an exposure position 1014 that exposes the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 and a protection position 1015 that covers the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56, even if the operator's finger repeatedly touches the character information portion 1017, compared to the case where it is formed of a material other than the keyhole protection cover 1002, such as silk printing, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the character information without peeling off.

[0212] Furthermore, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the character information portion 1017 is such that when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front, only the character "定" (one of the four characters "設定キー" that make up the character information) overlaps with the keyhole 1009. Therefore, even when a person other than the operator visually checks the keyhole 1009 during maintenance while the store is in operation, it is difficult to recognize the overall shape of the keyhole 1009 due to the change in the refractive index of light caused by the concave or convex portion, and unauthorized duplication of the key (not shown) corresponding to the keyhole 1009 can be prevented.

[0213] Also, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the character information portion 1017 is such that when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front, a part of the keyhole 1009 does not overlap with the character information portion 1017. Therefore, compared to the case where the entire keyhole 1009 overlaps with the character information portion 1017, it is ensured that the keyhole 1009 is not made overly difficult for the operator to see by the character information portion 1017, and it can be shown that the keyhole 1009 into which a key (not shown) is inserted during the operation of the setting change key switch 56 is nearby. Thus, it achieves both the prevention of unauthorized duplication of the key (not shown) corresponding to the keyhole 1009 and the ensuring of workability. Regarding the range where the keyhole 1009 overlaps with the character information portion 1017, it is sufficient if a part overlaps, but it may be arranged such that approximately half of the area overlaps as in this embodiment, or only a part may not overlap.

[0214] In addition, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, the character information section 1017 is a part of the keyhole 1009 when viewed from the front, and is arranged so that the character "SETTING KI", which has more characters than when the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, overlaps with the keyhole 1009.

[0215] In other words, when the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012 and when it is in the second position 1013, the way in which the character information section 1017 overlaps with the keyhole 1009 changes, and in this embodiment, this change is an increase or decrease in the number of overlapping characters.

[0216] Therefore, even if a fraudster uses an illegal tool such as a wire to set setting change key switch 56 to first position 1012 and fraudulently change the settings, traces of fraud can be discovered early on due to a change in the way character information section 1017 overlaps with keyhole 1009, specifically, a change in the number of overlapping characters.

[0217] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, which differs from Fig. 13 in that the character information section 1018 is information about the keyhole protection cover 1002, but other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in Fig. 15, the configurations other than the character information section 1018 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 13, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0218] In FIG. 15, text information portion 1018 is formed by forming the characters “YMB0011” directly on keyhole protection cover 1002 as information for identifying keyhole protection cover 1002 .

[0219] Specifically, in this embodiment, in "YMB0011", "YM" indicates the manufacturer name, "B" indicates the model name, and "0011" indicates the part number. For this reason, "YMB0011" exists only in a specific model of the slot machine SM manufacturer, and is information that identifies the keyhole protection cover 1002 among them. Note that the type of identifying information is not limited to the above, and may be only the manufacturer name, only the model name, only the part name, or any combination of these. It does not have to directly correspond to the manufacturer name, model name, or part name, as long as it has identifying power.

[0220] In addition, in the text information section 1018, the letters "YMB0011" are formed in a convex shape on a mold (not shown) used when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed by injection molding, so that in the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed from resin poured into the mold, the letters "YMB0011" are formed as a recessed portion that is one step lower than the surrounding surface.

[0221] In addition, the text information portion 1018 may be formed as a convex portion that is one step higher than the surrounding surface on the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed from resin poured into the mold, by forming the characters "YMB0011" in a concave shape in a mold (not shown) used when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed by injection molding.

[0222] The positional relationship between the character information portion 1018 and the keyhole 1009 will be described.

[0223] When the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the text information section 1018 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the keyhole 1009 when viewed from the front.

[0224] Specifically, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, of the multiple (seven) characters "YMB0011" that make up the character information section 1018, only one character, the character "B", overlaps with the keyhole 1009, and the other characters are positioned so as not to overlap with the keyhole 1009.

[0225] In this case, the character information section 1018 is positioned so that at least a portion of the pin 1020 exposed from the keyhole 1009 (in this embodiment, roughly the upper half of the portion exposed from the keyhole 1009) overlaps with the letter "B", which is the character information section 1019.

[0226] Furthermore, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, all of the multiple (seven) characters that make up the text information section 1018, "YMB0011", are positioned so as not to overlap the keyhole 1009.

[0227] In the first modified example, the setting of the slot machine SM is changed in the following manner. First, the keyhole protection cover 1002 is moved from the protection position 1015 to the exposure position 1014 against the biasing force of the spring 1016 to expose the keyhole 1009. A key (not shown) is inserted into the exposed keyhole 1009, and the keyhole 1009 is rotated from the second position 1013 to the first position 1012. In this state, the setting is changed by turning on the power. Next, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value each time the reset switch 52 (see FIG. 6) is pressed once. In the provisional setting state, the setting is confirmed by operating the start switch 9 (see FIG. 1). Then, the key is rotated to the second position 1013, the key is removed, and the front panel 2 is closed to return to a normal play state.

[0228] In this first modified example, too, when the keyhole 1009, which is in a state where the settings can be changed, is in the first position 1012, the game cannot progress, and the key, not shown, is formed so that it cannot be removed from the keyhole 1009.

[0229] The first modified slot machine SM configured as above has the following advantages.

[0230] The keyhole protection cover 1002 is provided with a text information section 1018 consisting of the characters "YMB0011", which is information for identifying the keyhole protection cover 1002. Therefore, when an operator moves the keyhole protection cover 1002 from the protection position 1015 to the exposure position 1014 to change the settings, the operator can visually confirm the characters "YMB0011". Even if the control unit 150 has been replaced with an unauthorized one, the operator can notice that the control unit 150 has been replaced with an unauthorized one by checking the keyhole protection cover 1002, and it becomes easy to confirm whether the keyhole protection cover 1002 is genuine at the same time as changing the settings.

[0231] Furthermore, since the character information section 1018 is formed directly on the keyhole protection cover 1002 by a concave or convex portion, even if the operator's fingers repeatedly touch the character information section 1018 when displacing the keyhole protection cover 1002 between the exposed position 1014, which exposes the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56, and the protected position 1015, which covers the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch, the character information section 1018 will not peel off and a decrease in visibility of the character information section 1018 can be prevented, compared to when the character information section 1018 is formed from a material other than the keyhole protection cover 1002, such as silk printing.

[0232] Furthermore, when keyhole protection cover 1002 is in protection position 1015 and setting change key switch 56 is in second position 1013, text information section 1018 is positioned so that only one character, the character "B," of the multiple (seven) characters "YMB0011" that make up keyhole 1009 overlaps with keyhole 1009 when keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front. Therefore, even if a person other than a worker visually examines keyhole 1009 during maintenance while the hall is open, the overall shape of keyhole 1009 is difficult to recognize due to the change in the refractive index of light caused by the concave or convex portions, and unauthorized duplication of the key corresponding to keyhole 1009 can be prevented.

[0233] In addition, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front, no part of the keyhole 1009 overlaps with the character information section 1018. This prevents the character information section 1018 from making the keyhole 1009 too difficult for the operator to see, compared to when the entire keyhole 1009 overlaps with the character information section 1018, thereby preventing unauthorized duplication of the key (not shown) that corresponds to the keyhole 1009 and ensuring ease of use.

[0234] With regard to the extent to which keyhole 1009 overlaps with text information section 1018, it is sufficient if only a portion of it overlaps with text information section 1018; however, as in this first modified example, by overlapping with pin 1020 located at the top of keyhole 1009 and arranging the lower half of the area from the center of keyhole 1009 so that they do not overlap, it is possible to better prevent the above-mentioned illegal duplication while ensuring ease of use.

[0235] Furthermore, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, the character information section 1018 is arranged so that none of the characters overlap the keyhole 1009 when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front. In other words, the way in which the character information section 1018 overlaps the keyhole 1009 changes between when the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012 and when it is in the second position 1013, and in this first modified example, this change is the presence or absence of overlapping characters. Therefore, even if a fraudster uses a fraudulent tool such as a wire to set the setting change key switch 56 to the first position 1012 and fraudulently change the settings, the change in the way the character information section 1018 overlaps the keyhole 1009, specifically, the presence or absence of overlapping characters, can be used to quickly find traces of fraud.

[0236] Here, as described above, when the keyhole 1009 is in the first position 1012, the game cannot proceed, and a key not shown cannot be removed from the keyhole 1009. In this case, if the keyhole protection cover 1002 is returned to the protection position 1015 with the key forgotten to be removed from the keyhole 1009, and if the keyhole 1009 and the character information section 1018 are arranged so as to overlap, there is a risk that when the key and the keyhole protection cover 1002 come into contact with each other, the character information section 1018 comes into contact with the key, causing the character to become deformed and making it difficult to read. However, in this first modified example, the character information section 1018 is arranged so as not to overlap with the keyhole 1009, and therefore, even when the key and the keyhole protection cover 1002 come into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the character from becoming deformed and making it difficult to read.

[0237] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, which differs from Fig. 13 in that when the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the character information section 1019 is arranged so as not to overlap with the keyhole 1009 when viewed from the front, but the other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in Fig. 16, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 13 are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0238] In FIG. 16 , the keyhole protection cover 1002 has a text information section 1019 formed directly thereon, the text information section 1019 being composed of information relating to the setting change key switch 56, specifically, the word “SETTING” which prompts the user to operate the keyhole protection cover 1002 when operating the setting change key switch 56, the word “ON” which indicates the first position 1012 of the keyhole 1009, and the word “OFF” which indicates the second position 1013 of the keyhole 1009.

[0239] Specifically, in the text information section 1019, the letters "SET", "ON", and "OFF" are formed in a convex shape on a mold (not shown) used when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is formed by injection molding, so that on the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed from resin poured into the mold, the letters "SET", "ON", and "OFF" are formed as a concave shape that is one step lower than the surrounding surface.

[0240] In addition, in the text information section 1019, the characters "SET", "ON", and "OFF" are formed in a concave shape in a mold (not shown) used when forming the keyhole protection cover 1002 by injection molding, so that in the keyhole protection cover 1002 formed from resin poured into the mold, the characters "SET", "ON", and "OFF" may be formed as a convex part that is one step higher than the surrounding surface.

[0241] The positional relationship between the character information portion 1019 and the keyhole 1009 will be described.

[0242] When the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the text information section 1019 is positioned so that none of its parts overlaps with the keyhole 1009 when viewed from the front.

[0243] Specifically, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, the text information section 1019 is positioned so that none of the multiple characters that make it up (the characters "SETTING", "ON", and "OFF") overlaps with the keyhole 1009.

[0244] Furthermore, when the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, the character information section 1019 is arranged such that one character, "SET," among the multiple characters that make it up (the characters "SET," "ON," and "OFF"), overlaps with the keyhole 1009.

[0245] In the second modified example, the setting of the slot machine SM is changed in the following manner. First, the keyhole protection cover 1002 is moved from the protection position 1015 to the exposure position 1014 against the biasing force of the spring 1016 to expose the keyhole 1009. A key (not shown) is inserted into the exposed keyhole 1009, and the keyhole 1009 is rotated from the second position 1013 to the first position 1012. In this state, the setting is changed by turning on the power. Next, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value each time the reset switch 52 is pressed once. In the provisional setting state, the setting is confirmed by operating the start switch 9, and then the key is rotated to the second position 1013, the key is removed, and the front panel 2 is closed to return to a normal play state.

[0246] In the second modified example, too, when the keyhole 1009, which is in a state where the settings can be changed, is in the first position 1012, play cannot be performed, and the key, not shown, is formed so as not to be removed from the keyhole 1009.

[0247] The slot machine SM configured as above provides the following effects.

[0248] Since the keyhole protection cover 1002 is provided with a text information section 1019 consisting of the characters "SETTING", "ON", and "OFF", which are information relating to the setting change key switch 56, when the operator moves the keyhole protection cover 1002 from the protected position 1015 to the exposed position 1014 to change the setting, the operator can easily check the information relating to the setting change key switch 56 at the same time as the keyhole 1009, and convenience is improved by making it easier to intuitively recognize that the keyhole protection cover 1002 is to be operated when changing the setting.

[0249] In addition, since the character information section 1019 is directly formed on the keyhole protection cover 1002 by a concave portion or a convex portion, even when the operator's finger repeatedly touches the character information section 1019 when displacing the keyhole protection cover 1002 between an exposure position 1014 where the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is exposed and a protection position 1015 where the keyhole 1009 of the setting change key switch 56 is covered, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the character information without peeling, as compared with the case where it is formed of a material other than the keyhole protection cover 1002, such as silk printing.

[0250] Furthermore, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the second position 1013, since all the characters (the character of "SETTING", the character of "ON", and the character of "OFF") that make up the character information section 1019 are not overlapped with the keyhole 1009 when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front, when the operator visually checks the keyhole 1009 during the setting change operation, the visibility of the keyhole 1009 is not hindered by the character information section 1019, and since it is easy to adjust the orientation of the key in advance according to the position of the keyhole 1009, the convenience during the setting change is improved.

[0251] Also, when the keyhole protection cover 1002 is in the protection position 1015 and the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012, the character information section 1019 is arranged such that the character of "SET" which is a part of it overlaps with the keyhole 1009 when the keyhole 1009 is viewed from the front. That is, the overlapping manner of the character information section 1019 with the keyhole 1009 changes between the case where the setting change key switch 56 is in the first position 1012 and the case where it is in the second position 1013, and in this second modification example, the change is the presence or absence of the overlapping characters.

[0252] Therefore, even when a person committing an illegal act sets the setting change key switch 56 to the first position 1012 using an illegal instrument such as a wire and illegally makes a setting change, the character information section 1019 can early detect the trace of the illegal act based on the change in the overlapping manner with the keyhole 1009, specifically, the presence or absence of the overlapping characters.

[0253] In the second modified example, the text information portion 1019 may also be information for identifying the keyhole protection cover 1002, such as "YMB0011" as described in the first modified example.

[0254] In this case, as in the first modified example, when an operator moves the keyhole protection cover 1002 from the protected position 1015 to the exposed position 1014 to change the settings, the operator can visually check the information that identifies the keyhole protection cover 1002 (for example, the letters "YMB0011"), which has the effect of making it easier to check whether the keyhole protection cover 1002 is genuine at the same time as changing the settings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0255] SM... slot machine (game machine), 101b... setting control means, 56... setting change key switch, 1009... keyhole, 1002... keyhole protection cover, 1017... character information section, 1018... character information section, 1019... character information section

Claims

1. In a gaming machine capable of playing a game, The gaming machine includes a setting control means for setting one setting value from a plurality of different setting values, The gaming machine includes a setting change key switch therein, the setting change key switch has a keyhole and can be rotated from a first position to a second position by inserting a key into the keyhole and operating it; the setting control means brings the setting of the set value into a state in which it can be changed when the power is turned on with the setting change key switch in the first position, and does not bring the setting of the set value into a state in which it can be changed when the power is turned on with the setting change key switch in the second position, the gaming machine is formed of a transparent thermoplastic resin and is provided with a keyhole protection cover which is displaceable between an exposed position for exposing the keyhole so that the key can be inserted and a protected position for covering the keyhole so that the key cannot be inserted; the keyhole protection cover has a character information section in which information about the setting change key switch or information about the keyhole protection cover is directly formed by a concave or convex portion, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the keyhole protection cover is in the protection position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the text information section is positioned so that at least a portion of the text information section overlaps with the keyhole when viewed from the front.

2. In a gaming machine capable of playing a game, The gaming machine includes a setting control means for setting one setting value from a plurality of different setting values, The gaming machine includes a setting change key switch therein, the setting change key switch has a keyhole and can be rotated from a first position to a second position by inserting a key into the keyhole and operating it; the setting control means brings the setting of the set value into a state in which it can be changed when the power is turned on with the setting change key switch in the first position, and does not bring the setting of the set value into a state in which it can be changed when the power is turned on with the setting change key switch in the second position, the gaming machine is formed of a transparent thermoplastic resin and is provided with a keyhole protection cover which is displaceable between an exposed position for exposing the keyhole so that the key can be inserted and a protected position for covering the keyhole so that the key cannot be inserted; the keyhole protection cover has a character information section in which information about the setting change key switch or information about the keyhole protection cover is directly formed by a concave or convex portion, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the keyhole protection cover is in the protection position and the setting change key switch is in the second position, the text information section is positioned so that none of its parts overlaps with the keyhole when viewed from the front.

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