Game machine
The game table improves prediction performance by allowing players to select from various performance and effect modes, enhancing player engagement and experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025035188
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-17
AI Technical Summary
Conventional game tables, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, have limitations in prediction performance, which can enhance player engagement and experience.
The game table is designed to execute multiple types of prediction performances, allowing players to select from various performance modes, effect modes, and display modes, including first and second effect modes, pre-reading effects, and reach effects, to suggest higher probabilities of hits.
This design enhances the prediction performance of the game table, providing players with a more engaging and interactive experience by suggesting higher probabilities of hits and offering multiple display and effect modes.
Smart Images

Figure 2025083389000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a game table represented by a pachinko machine, a spinning reel game machine (slot machine), an enclosed game machine, or a medal-less slot machine.
Background Art
[0002] In a game table such as a pachinko machine, it is common to provide obstacles in the game area of the game board that change the direction of the falling game balls, winning holes where the game balls can win, starting holes, variable winning holes, etc. When the game balls win in these, the player is given benefits such as paying out bonus balls (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).
[0003] Among such game tables, there are game tables that can execute a prediction performance.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in the conventional game table, there is room for improvement regarding the prediction performance.
[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a game table having characteristics regarding the prediction performance.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The game table of the present invention for solving the above object is a game table capable of executing a plurality of types of prediction performances, configured such that any one of a plurality of types of performance modes can be set by the player's operation, configured to be capable of executing a plurality of types of reach effects, configured to be capable of displaying a hold display corresponding to a hold, Among the plurality of types of effect modes, there are a first effect mode and a second effect mode, Among the plurality of types of pre-reading effects, there are a first pre-reading effect and a second pre-reading effect, Among the plurality of types of reach effects, there are a first reach effect and a second reach effect that suggests a higher probability of a hit than the first reach effect, Among the display modes of the hold display, there are a normal display mode and a suggestive display mode that suggests a higher probability of a hit than the normal display mode, The suggestive display mode includes a plurality of types of display modes, The first pre-reading effect is an effect that displays the hold display in any of the display modes of the suggestive display mode, During the execution of the second reach effect, when a new hold occurs, for the new hold, the first pre-reading effect may not be executed while the second pre-reading effect may be executed, The first pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that can be executed in the first effect mode and can also be executed in the second effect mode, The second pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that cannot be executed in the first effect mode but can be executed in the second effect mode, In the second effect mode, for a certain hold, the first pre-reading effect may be executed and the second pre-reading effect may also be executed, The first pre-reading effect is an effect that may be executed at least at a first timing, The second pre-reading effect is an effect that is executed at a second timing, The first timing is a timing later than the second timing, The execution frequency of the first pre-reading effect for a hold that fails in the second effect mode is configured to be lower than the execution frequency of the first pre-reading effect for a hold that fails in the first effect mode, The execution frequency of the first pre-reading effect for a winning hold in the second effect mode is configured not to be lower than the execution frequency of the first pre-reading effect for a winning hold in the first effect mode. When a winning hold occurs in the second effect mode and the first pre-reading effect and the second pre-reading effect for the hold are executed, if a new hold occurs, for the new hold, the first pre-reading effect is not executed at the first timing, while the second pre-reading effect may be executed at the second timing. It is characterized by this.
Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a gaming machine having characteristics regarding the pre-reading effect can be provided.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 29, a game board (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0011] <Overall Configuration> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (the player side).
[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the game board of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 (door body) attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing with respect to the main body 101. The front door 102 (door body) will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.
[0013] Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.
[0014] In this embodiment, a suitable number of each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each reel 110 to 112 (see Fig. 4(a)). When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed vertically in three rows from the symbol display window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110 to 112, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.
[0015] By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player will change. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbol combinations. In addition to reels, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted as such a display device. Further, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.
[0016] On the back of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113 is arranged. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly irradiated. In addition, inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor. Not shown) composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, and it is configured such that a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light projecting part and the light receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the rotational direction position of the symbol on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.
[0017] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, it has won internally for a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that it is in the middle of a bonus game (special game state). The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when winning for the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.
[0018] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "1-credit bet button") 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, and when the bet button (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "2-credit bet button") 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. Note that the game medal insert lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals are inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.
[0019] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, the insertion of medals can be done electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and "insertion" means including both.
[0020] On the left side of the medal insertion slot 141, there are a cross key 193a (a first operating means, which is composed of four buttons: an up button, a down button, a right button, and a left button. Hereinafter, it may be referred to as a "volume button" in some cases), an OK button 193b (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "cross buttons 193" in some cases), and an effect button (a first operating means) 156 for receiving the operation of the player in various effects. These are operating means for selecting menus, adjusting volume, etc. on the administrator screen SD and the like, which will be described later.
[0021] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The paid-out number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a certain winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing a payout order effect. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.
[0022] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and then the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.
[0023] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to notify the player.
[0024] Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation. The first stop operation is called the first stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "first stop" or "first halt"). The next stop operation is called the second stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "second stop" or "second halt"). The last stop operation is called the third stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "third stop" or "third halt").
[0025] Also, the reels that are stopped corresponding to these stop operations are successively referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or the pressing order).
[0026] When representing the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 as the left stop button 137 being "left or L", the middle stop button 138 being "center or C", and the right stop button 139 being "right or R", there are six types: (1) the operation order of left → center → right (left - center - right or LCR), (2) the operation order of left → right → center (left - right - center or LRC), (3) the operation order of center → left → right (center - left - right or CLR), (4) the operation order of center → right → left (center - right - left or CRL), (5) the operation order of right → left → center (right - left - center or RLC), and (6) the operation order of right → center → left (right - center - left or RCL).
[0027] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove the inserted jammed medals. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharge them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.
[0028] Note that, in this example, the settlement button 134 is arranged to protrude forward (towards the player side; the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (which is substantially perpendicular to the player in the slot machine 100 and is the outer surface facing the player; see Fig. 21(a)). However, it may be arranged to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102, like the effect button 156 or the like.
[0029] At the lower part of the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided. The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right parts of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. An effect device 160 is arranged at the upper part of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the upper part of the effect device 160.
[0030] This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 composed of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "effect image display device") arranged on the back side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player side).
[0031] Note that the display means may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information, not necessarily a liquid crystal display device. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen. Also, the display screen is rectangular and configured such that the entire screen is visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Additionally, a decoration (not shown) may be provided at the periphery of the display screen, and as a result, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregular. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.
[0032] <Internal Structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened.
[0033] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper panel 261, left and right side panels 260, a lower panel 264, and a rear panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the rear panel 242, a main control board storage case 210 for housing the main control board inside is arranged. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. Also, on the main control board, a main board display 190 composed of a plurality of LEDs is disposed. The main board display 190 will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 etc., but the main board display 190 is one of the notification means capable of notifying information related to the game (such as errors and the operation state of the operation means).
[0034] On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side panel 260 facing it, a sub-control board storage case 220 for housing the sub-control board inside is disposed. Also, on the right side panel 260 facing it, an external centralized terminal board 248 connected to the main control board and outputting the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.
[0035] Also, inside the main body 101, there is a setting key switch (operation means, hereinafter also referred to as "setting key SW", not shown in the figure) that can be switched between on (the second operation state, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON") and off (the first operation state, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "OFF") by a rotation operation. This setting key SW is an operation means for starting the setting change and setting confirmation of the setting values (in this example, setting 1 to setting 6) described later.
[0036] Also, inside the main body 101, there is a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 that can perform an operation (setting value change operation) for changing the setting by a pressing operation. This reset SW243 is also an operation means that functions as an error release switch that can perform an operation (error elimination operation) for eliminating various errors described later.
[0037] These setting key SW and reset SW243 are operation means provided at positions where they can be operated only when the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state (open state), and it is difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state. In other words, they are operation means that can be operated only by the administrator (such as a store clerk) of the game parlor and cannot be operated by the player.
[0038] Also, inside the main body 101, there is a setting value display device 101a (see Fig. 15(b)) that can display the setting values. In this example, the setting value display device 101a is composed of a 7-segment display. Although details will be described later, when a setting change operation is performed, the setting value (any one of setting 1 to setting 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, and when the setting value is determined by the operation of the start lever 135, the setting value becomes non-displayed. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display device 101a.
[0039] The lower panel 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket). Above this medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device (power supply means) 252 having a power supply board is provided, and a power switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "power SW") 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device (power supply means) 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device described later. Furthermore, it is provided with a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.
[0040] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown in the figure). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 formed in the rear panel 242 of the main body 101.
[0041] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276 and is a door body that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101.
[0042] In this example, by inserting a key held by the manager of the game parlor into the door keyhole 140 (see FIG. 1), the front door 102 locked in the closed state can be opened. For this reason, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change from the closed state to the open state), but a person other than the manager (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.
[0043] On the right side panel 260 of the main body 101, an optical sensor (detection means, hereinafter also referred to as "open / close sensor", not shown in the figure) composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided. The light projecting part and the light receiving part of this open / close sensor are configured such that a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 passes between them.
[0044] The main control unit 300 monitors the states of various sensors 318 including this open / close sensor in the device monitoring process of the main control timer interrupt process described later. When the front door 102 is in the closed state and the light shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it shields the light from the light projecting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating the closed detection state to the main control unit 300.
[0045] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is in the open state and the light shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it does not shield the light from the light projecting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating the open detection state to the main control unit 300.
[0046] That is, the open / close sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the open / closed state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is in the closed state (closed condition), the detection state becomes the closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in the open state (open condition), the detection state becomes the open detection state.
[0047] Note that the "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a micro switch, a Hall element, etc. Also, it is not limited to those in which the open detection state and the closed detection state always switch with the opening and closing of the door body. Even when the door body is in the open state, it may be possible for the detection state to become the closed detection state, or conversely, even when the door body is in the closed state, it may be possible for the detection state to become the open detection state.
[0048] Here, the opening / closing sensor according to this example is configured such that even when the front door (door body) 102 is in an open state, the detection state becomes a closed detection state when a predetermined operation is performed. Specifically, when the front door 102 is in an open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like, and by blocking the light from the light-emitting part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, even when the front door 102 is in an open state, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor can be forcibly set to the closed detection state.
[0049] Note that the "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a DIP switch for setting the opening / closing sensor to the closed detection state may be provided, and as a predetermined operation, the operation of this DIP switch may be performed. Further, when the detection means is configured by a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close.
[0050] An effect device 160, an effect control board (not shown) for controlling this effect device 160, and a speaker 272 are provided above the symbol display window 113. Below the symbol display window 113, a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like onto the medal tray 161, and the like are provided. Further, a speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.
[0051] <Control unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.
[0052] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly composed of a main control unit (main control means) 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects according to a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.
[0053] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a control program data, lottery data used during the internal lottery of winning combinations, a ROM 306 for storing the stop positions of the reels, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input / output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.
[0054] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 executes monitoring of each sensor, etc. and transmission of drive pulses upon this interrupt request. For example, when the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.
[0055] The main control unit 300 includes a random number value generation circuit 316 that derives a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a (it is assumed that this circuit incorporates two random number value generation circuits), and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the start signal is input from this start signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main process described later).
[0056] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers used by the basic circuit 302. There are two main methods for generating random numbers in this random number generation circuit 316: the counter mode and the random number mode. In the counter mode, a value that counts up (or down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained, and this value is derived as the random number. There are further two methods in the random number mode. The first method in the random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (such as a modulus function) with the seed of the random number, and the result of this operation is derived as the random number. The second method is to read a value from a random number table in which values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is derived as the random number. The random number generation circuit 316 utilizes the white noise superimposed on the signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320 to obtain irregular values. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the values thus obtained as the initial value of the counter that counts up (or down) in the counter mode, as the seed of the random number, or when determining the start position for reading the random number table.
[0057] Also, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320. The CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (bed button 130 sensor, bed button 131 sensor, bed button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion port 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensors for the reels 110, 111, and 112, open / close sensor, setting key SW sensor, reset SW 243 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.
[0058] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number used for the lottery.
[0059] The medal reception sensor is installed in two places in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 and detects the presence or absence of the passage of the medal. The start lever 135 sensor is installed in two places inside the start lever 135 and detects the start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.
[0060] The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132 and detect the insertion operation when the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as the medals for the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. In addition, each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.
[0061] The optical sensor of the reel 110, the optical sensor of the reel 111, and the optical sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 110 to 112 and become at the L level each time the light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero.
[0062] As described above, the opening / closing sensor is a sensor that can detect the opening / closing state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is in the closed state, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating the closed detection state to the CPU 304. On the other hand, when the front door 102 is in the open state, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating the open detection state to the CPU 304.
[0063] The setting key SW sensor and the reset 243SW sensor are installed on each SW and detect the operation of the SW by the store staff of the game parlor or the like.
[0064] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and drive circuits 328 that drive various lamps 336 (the winning line display lamp 120, the notification lamp 123, the game medal insertable lamp 124, the replay lamp 122, the game medal insert lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, the payout number display 127, the main board display 190).
[0065] Also, an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs the game information (for example, the game state) of the slot machine 100 to the information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.
[0066] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from the power supply device (power supply means) 252 (see FIG. 2) to the main control unit 300. When the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment), the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped to the basic circuit 302.
[0067] The main control unit 300 also includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. The information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that the first sub-control unit 400 cannot transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.
[0068] <Sub-control unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight and various displays, etc.
[0069] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 every this interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.
[0070] In addition, a sound source IC 418 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and the speakers 272 and 277 in response to a command from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0071] In addition, a drive circuit 422 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.
[0072] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is provided in the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.
[0073] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426. Various sensors 428 (cross button 193 sensors, effect button 156 sensors) capable of detecting pressing operations of the cross button 193 (cross keys (volume buttons) 193a, OK button 193b) and the effect button 156 are connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the states of the cross button 193 (cross keys (volume buttons) 193a, OK button 193b) and the effect button 156 sensors at each interrupt time.
[0074] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including the display control of the liquid crystal display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of a plurality of control units, such as a control unit for controlling the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit for controlling various effect driving devices (for example, a control unit for controlling the motor drive of the shutter 163).
[0075] The second sub-control unit 500 receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.
[0076] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 every this interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.
[0077] Also, a VDP 516 (Video Display Processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.
[0078] Also, a sensor circuit 532 is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and a shutter sensor 538 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via the input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interrupt time.
[0079] <Symbol Arrangement> Using FIG. 4(a), the symbol arrangements applied to each of the above reels 110 to 112 will be described. Note that this figure is a diagram showing the symbol arrangements applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a plane.
[0080] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged for a predetermined number of frames (21 frames numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, the numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol "REPLAY" is arranged in the frame numbered 1 of the left reel 110, the symbol "BELL" is arranged in the frame numbered 0 of the middle reel 111, and the symbol "WATERMELON" is arranged in the frame numbered 2 of the right reel 112.
[0081] <Type of winning combination> Next, using FIG. 4(b), the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. Note that this figure shows the types of winning combinations (including operating combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.
[0082] Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are regarded as combinations that trigger bonus games, and the replay is regarded as a combination that enables replay without inserting new medals. In some cases, they may be distinguished from winning combinations and called "operating combinations", but the "winning combinations" in this embodiment include the operating combinations, namely the big bonuses, the regular bonus, and the replay. Also, in this embodiment, "winning" includes the case where the symbol combination of the operating combination without medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on the winning line. For example, it includes winning combinations for the big bonuses, the regular bonus, and the replay.
[0083] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonuses (RB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay combinations. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these, and it goes without saying that any combinations can be arbitrarily adopted.
[0084] "Big bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "BB") is a special combination (activated combination) that starts a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "white 7 - white 7 - white 7" for BB1 and "blue 7 - blue 7 - blue 7" for BB2. Also, carry - over flags are set for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally selected, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). Even if BB1 or BB2 does not win in that game, the flag indicating internal selection remains set until it wins, and BB1 and BB2 remain internally selected in subsequent games. The symbol combinations corresponding to BB1, "white 7 - white 7 - white 7", and BB2, "blue 7 - blue 7 - blue 7", are in a state where they can win together.
[0085] "Regular bonus (RB)" is a special combination (activated combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The corresponding symbol combination is "bonus - bonus - bonus". Note that carry - over flags are also set for RB in the same way as BB above. However, (details will be described later) in the big bonus game (BB game), the regular bonus game (RB game) can be started without setting the internal selection of the regular bonus game or the display of the symbol combination on the winning line as start conditions. After the big bonus game starts, the regular bonus game can be started automatically, and when one regular bonus game ends, the next regular bonus game can be started immediately.
[0086] "Small winning combinations (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry", "Watermelon", "Bell") are winning combinations where a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are: Cherry is "Cherry-ANY-ANY", Watermelon is "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon", and Bell is "Bell-Bell-Bell". Also, the corresponding payout numbers are as shown in the same figure. Note that in the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", it is sufficient if the symbol on the left reel 110 is "Cherry", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.
[0087] "Replay winning combination" is a winning combination (active combination) that allows a game to be played without inserting medals (game media) in the next game upon winning, and no medals are paid out. Note that the corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".
[0088] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.
[0089] <Replay low probability state (RT1)> The replay low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is initially set immediately after the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.
[0090] In this example, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when winning on the replay winning combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the replay winning combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the replay high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when an internal winning occurs for a special winning combination, it transitions to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.
[0091] <Replay high probability state (RT2)> The replay high probability state is a game state where the internal winning probability of the replay is higher than that of the replay low probability state (RT1).
[0092] In this example, when a special winning combination is internally won in this high-probability replay state (RT2), the game shifts to a special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.
[0093] <Special winning combination internal winning state (RT3)> The special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) is a game state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special winning combination is set to on, and by performing a stop operation by the player at a predetermined timing, the symbol combination corresponding to the special winning combination corresponding to this flag can be displayed.
[0094] In this example, when a winning combination is achieved in this special winning combination internal winning state (RT3), the game shifts to a special game state (RT4) described later.
[0095] <Special game state (RT4)> The special game state (RT4) is the most advantageous game state for the player among all game states. In this example, when a specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) are paid out in the special game state (RT4), the game shifts to a low-probability replay state (RT1).
[0096] Note that in this example, the end condition of the special game state (RT4) is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be when a predetermined winning combination is internally won, when there are winnings a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 6 times).
[0097] <Main control unit main process> First, with reference to FIG. 5, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process.
[0098] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this startup signal starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main process according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.
[0099] When the power is turned on, first, various initial setting processes are performed in step S101. Although the details will be described later, in this initial setting process, processes related to initial setting, setting change, return process, etc. are performed.
[0100] In step S102, medal insertion / start operation reception processing is executed. Here, it is determined by detection by the sensor circuit 320 whether there is an electronic medal insertion operation by the bet buttons 130 to 132 or a direct medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 141. If there is an insertion operation, the winning line display lamp 120 is lit according to the number of inserted medals. Also, preparations are made to send a medal insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. In addition, if a replay winning combination was won in the previous game, since a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, it becomes unnecessary for the player to insert medals.
[0101] Also, it is checked based on the detection of the sensor circuit 320 whether the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is confirmed, and preparations are made to send a start lever reception command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0102] In step S103, a winning line determination process is performed to confirm the number of inserted medals and determine a valid winning line.
[0103] In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to acquire the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316. In the next step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In this winning combination internal lottery process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read out according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the acquired random number value. Also, preparations are made to transmit an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. As a result of the internal lottery, if any winning combination (including the active combination) is internally won, the flag of that winning combination is turned on.
[0104] In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select reel stop data based on the internal lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process. Note that this reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Also, in step S106, preparations are made to transmit a reel stop data command including information regarding the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400. In step S107, a reel rotation start process is executed to start the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112.
[0105] In step S108, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, reception of the stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes possible. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, in order to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, the stop table of the reel stop data is referred to, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of pull-in commands set in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 stop, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0106] In this step S108, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send a stop button reception command related to the stop buttons 137 to 139 on which the stop operation is performed (specifically, for the first stop operation, the stop button reception 1 command, for the second stop operation, the stop button reception 2 command, and for the third stop operation, the stop button reception 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400. For the stop of each reel, preparations are made to send a reel stop command related to the stop position of the reel (specifically, for the first stop reel, the reel stop 1 command, for the second stop operation, the reel stop 2 command, and for the third stop operation, the reel stop 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0107] In step S109, a winning determination process for performing winning determination is carried out. In this winning determination process, when a symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that a win has been achieved for that winning combination. For example, if "bell - bell - bell" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a win has been achieved for the minor winning combination (bell). Also, in this step S109, preparations are made to send a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0108] In step S110, medal payout processing is carried out. In the medal payout processing, if a win has been achieved for any winning combination for which a payout is made, the corresponding number of medals is paid out according to the number of winning lines.
[0109] In step S111, game state control processing is carried out. In this game state control processing, processing related to the transition of each RT-based game state is performed, and the game state is transitioned due to the establishment of their start conditions or end conditions. Also, preparations are made to send a game state command including information indicating the current RT-based game state.
[0110] One game ends as described above. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing. Note that the various commands prepared in each of the above steps are transmitted in the command setting transmission process (step S206) of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later.
[0111] <Initial setting process> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the initial setting process (step S101) in the main control unit main process described with reference to FIG. 5 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial setting process.
[0112] In step S201, initial startup settings are performed. In this initial startup setting, the stack initial value (temporary setting) is set to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt prohibition is set, the initial setting of the I / O 310 is performed, the initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308 is performed, the operation permission and the initial value are set for the WDT 314, and so on.
[0113] In step S202, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the RAM 308. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S207 to execute the initialization process. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to step S203.
[0114] In step S203, it is determined whether the front door 102 is in the open state (door open). If the door is open, the process proceeds to step S204. If the door is not open, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the return process. Also, in step S204, it is determined whether the setting key SW is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S206 to execute the setting change process. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the return process.
[0115] In the return process of step S205, after executing the process of returning the slot machine 100 to the state before power-off (for example, in the power-off process of step S411 of the main control unit timer interrupt process, the return of the return data saved in the RAM 308, etc.), the initial setting process is terminated.
[0116] In step S206, after performing the setting change process, the process proceeds to step S207. Although details will be described later, in this setting change process, processes related to setting changes and the like are performed.
[0117] In step S207, an initialization process is performed. In this initialization process, after executing a process of initializing the data in the RAM 308 (RAM clear) and the like, the initial setting process is terminated.
[0118] <Setting change process> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the setting change process (step S206) in the initial setting process described with reference to FIG. 6 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting change process.
[0119] When the slot machine 100 turns on the power in a state where the front door (door body) 102 is opened and an operation of turning on the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 (second operation state) is performed (or when the setting key SW is turned on after the power is turned on and before a predetermined time elapses (before the main control unit 300 checks the on / off state of the setting key SW)), it can shift to a state (setting change mode) in which the setting value can be changed (setting change).
[0120] In step S301, a process of initializing the data in the RAM 308 (RAM clear) is performed. In the next step S302, preparations are made to transmit a setting change start command indicating the start of setting change to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change start command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process of starting the display of the administrator screen.
[0121] In step S303, the interrupt status is set during the setting change. As a result, in various game processes in step S404 of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later, processes corresponding to the setting change are executed.
[0122] In step S304, the current set value is displayed using the set value display device 101a. For example, if the current set value is set 6, the number 6 indicating set 6 is displayed. In step S305, it is determined whether there has been an operation on the reset SW243. If there has been an operation, the current set value is changed. If there is no operation, the process of step S305 is repeatedly executed until an operation on the start lever 135 is received in step S307.
[0123] More specifically, in the processes of steps S305 to S307, each time an operation on the reset SW243 is detected, the currently set set values 1 to 6 are incremented and updated one by one, and when the set value exceeds 6, it is repeated to return to 1, thereby changing the set value. Also, in step S307, if it is determined that there has been an operation on the start lever 135, the operation of changing the set value by the reset SW243 is terminated and the process proceeds to step S308.
[0124] Note that if the start lever 135 is operated without pressing the reset SW243, or if the set value makes one full cycle (for example, set 5 → set 6 → set 1 →... → set 5) by repeatedly pressing the reset SW243 and then the start lever 135 is operated, the same setting as the previous setting is obtained.
[0125] In step S308, the set value displayed on the set value display device 101a is stored in the RAM 308 as a new set value (the set value is determined). In the next step S309, the display on the set value display device 101a is erased and the set value is made non - displayed.
[0126] Note that in this example, it is configured to determine the set value when an operation on the start lever 135 is received. However, a determination process as to whether the front door 102 is in an open state may be added, and it may be configured to determine the set value only when the front door 102 is in an open state. In this case, when the front door 102 is in a closed state, the set value cannot be determined, but the display of the administrator - use screen may be continued.
[0127] In step S310, it is determined whether the setting key SW is OFF or ON. If it is ON, the process of step S310 is repeatedly executed. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S311 to end the setting change. In step S311, preparations are made to send a setting change end command indicating the end of the setting change to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change end command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to end the display of the administrator screen.
[0128] <Main control unit timer interrupt process> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.
[0129] The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (once every approximately 2 ms in this embodiment), and starts the main control unit timer interrupt process at a predetermined period triggered by this timer interrupt signal.
[0130] In step S401, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processes such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in the stack area are performed. In step S402, the WDT 314 is restarted periodically (once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt in this embodiment) so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (to detect no abnormality in the process).
[0131] In step S403, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and are stored in the signal state storage areas provided in the RAM 308 partitioned for each of the various sensors 318. In step S404, various game processes are executed, and processes corresponding to the interrupt status are executed. In step S405, a timer update process is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated in their respective time units.
[0132] In step S406, a command setting transmission process is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, depending on the command type included in the received output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine the effect control according to the change in game control in the main control unit 300, and based on the information of the command data included in the output schedule information, the content of the effect control can be determined.
[0133] In step S407, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.
[0134] In step S408, a device monitoring process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this device monitoring process, a setting value confirmation process, a door opening monitoring process, a settlement process, etc. are performed.
[0135] In step S409, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not. When the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process proceeds to step S411, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process proceeds to step S410.
[0136] In step S410, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, processes such as setting the values of the respective registers temporarily saved in step S401 to the original respective registers are performed, and the process returns to the main control unit main process. On the other hand, in step S411, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power failure at the time of power restoration are saved as restoration data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, power failure processes such as initialization of the input / output ports are performed, and the process returns to the main control unit main process.
[0137] <Device monitoring process> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the device monitoring process (step S408) in the main control unit timer interrupt process described with reference to FIG. 8 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the device monitoring process.
[0138] In step S501, after performing the setting value confirmation process, the process proceeds to step S502. In this setting value confirmation process, processes related to setting confirmation are performed.
[0139] When the slot machine 100 opens the front door (door body) 102, turns on the power, and then an operation is performed to turn on the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 (second operation state), it is possible to shift to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting value can be confirmed (setting confirmation).
[0140] Here, setting confirmation means confirming the setting values of the gaming table. In this example, by pressing an operation means (setting switch), the initially set setting value (for example, setting 1) or the setting value set by setting change (any one of settings 1 to 6) is displayed on the payout number display 127, and thus it is possible to confirm the setting value.
[0141] Also, in the setting confirmation mode, when an operation to turn off the setting key SW (the first operation state) is performed (or after the operation to turn off the setting key SW is performed and the setting key SW is removed), and the front door 102 is closed, the state in which the set value can be confirmed (setting confirmation mode) ends, and the game progresses to a playable state (normal game state) in which the game can proceed.
[0142] In step S502, door opening monitoring processing is performed. In the door opening monitoring processing (determination means), the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the opening / closing sensor. When detecting a signal indicating a closed detection state, the main control unit 300 stores, in the RAM 308, closing detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been closed (closed state), and prepares to transmit a door closing detection command indicating that the front door 102 has been closed to the first sub-control unit 400. When receiving this door closing detection command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 stores, in the RAM 408 in time series as history information, the closing detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been closed (in this example, information indicating "closed" and the date and time of closing).
[0143] On the other hand, in the door opening monitoring processing, when the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the opening / closing sensor and detects a signal indicating an open detection state, the main control unit 300 stores, in the RAM 308, opening detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been opened (open state), and prepares to transmit a door opening detection command indicating that the front door 102 has been opened to the first sub-control unit 400. When receiving this door opening detection command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 stores, in the RAM 408 in time series as history information, the opening detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been opened (in this example, information indicating "open" and the date and time of opening), and performs door opening notification.
[0144] Regarding the door opening notification, it will be described later. In this example, when the front door 102 is in the door body open state, a light emitter (such as various lamps 420) emits light in an open light emission mode, and an open sound (for example, a voice saying "The door is open") is output from the sound output means (speakers 272, 277). Note that the mode of the door opening notification is not particularly limited. For example, a string "The door is open" may be displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.
[0145] In step S503, after performing the settlement process, the process proceeds to step S504. In this settlement process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the settlement button 134 sensor during the valid period of the settlement button 134 (for example, the period from when the game can start until the operation of the start lever 135 is accepted). When a signal indicating that the settlement button 134 has been operated is detected, the main control unit 300 performs a process of electronically settling the stored medals and prepares to send a settlement command indicating that the process of settling the medals has been executed to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0146] In step S504, after performing other device monitoring processes, the device monitoring process is terminated. In the other device monitoring processes, error notification start processes, error notification end processes, etc. are performed.
[0147] Here, the errors that can occur in the slot machine 100 according to this embodiment include a door open error (front door open error), a hopper empty error, a medal insertion abnormality 1 (medal selector error), medal insertion abnormalities 2 to 4, medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3, an overflow abnormality, a RAM failure, a winning abnormality, etc.
[0148] The door open error (front door open error) is an error for notifying the opening of the door of the game table. It occurs when the front door 102 is opened (entering the error detection state) and is resolved when the front door 102 is closed (entering the non-error detection state).
[0149] As described above, in the door opening monitoring process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the opening / closing sensor, and when detecting a signal indicating the closed detection state, it transmits a door closed detection command to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 stores the closed detection information (in this example, information indicating "closed" and the date and time of closing) in the RAM 408 as historical information in chronological order. On the other hand, when detecting a signal indicating the open detection state, it transmits a door open detection command to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 stores the open detection information (in this example, information indicating "open" and the date and time of opening) in the RAM 408 as historical information in chronological order and performs door open notification.
[0150] The hopper empty error is a payout error related to the payout of medals. It occurs when the number of medals stored in the hopper housed inside the main body 101 becomes less than the specified number (entering the error detection state), and is resolved by replenishing the hopper with more than the specified number of medals (entering the non-error detection state).
[0151] Medal insertion abnormality 1 (medal selector error) occurs when the inserted medal gets stuck in the medal selector or the like (entering the error detection state), and is resolved when the error cause is removed and the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (entering the non-error detection state). Medal insertion abnormality 2 occurs when the number of inserted medals is more than the specified number (entering the error detection state), and is resolved by changing the set value or clearing the RAM (entering the non-error detection state).
[0152] Medal insertion abnormality 3 occurs when either the insertion sensor 1 or the insertion sensor 2 is turned on outside the medal insertion process (entering the error detection state). Medal insertion abnormality 4 occurs when the inserted medal does not pass through the insertion sensor 1 and the insertion sensor 2 normally (entering the error detection state), and is resolved when the error cause is removed and the error release switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (entering the non-error detection state).
[0153] Medal payout abnormality 1 occurs when no medals are paid out for a certain period during the drive of the medal payout device (resulting in an error detection state). Medal payout abnormality 2 occurs when medals are stuck during the drive of the medal payout device (resulting in an error detection state). Medal payout abnormality 3 occurs when either payout sensor 1 or payout sensor 2 is turned on other than during medal payout processing (resulting in an error detection state). In all cases, after removing the error cause, it is resolved when the error reset switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (resulting in a non-error detection state).
[0154] Overflow abnormality occurs when the overflow terminal of the medal auxiliary storage is turned on (resulting in an error detection state). After removing the error cause, it is resolved when the error reset switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (resulting in a non-error detection state). RAM failure occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking the RAM (resulting in an error detection state). It is resolved when the error reset switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (resulting in a non-error detection state). Winning abnormality occurs when a winning symbol different from the winning determined by the internal lottery appears after the reels 110 - 112 stop (resulting in an error detection state). It is resolved when the error reset switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (resulting in a non-error detection state).
[0155] Note that the gaming table according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine and can also be applied to a pachinko machine. Examples of errors that can occur in a pachinko machine include, for example, lower tray full error, payout device error, payout excess error, illegal payout error, main control unit communication error, magnetic abnormality error, magnetic field abnormality error, frame opening error, RAM clear error, shock sensor error, etc. These errors are also resolved when the error reset switch is operated after removing the error cause.
[0156] When the main control unit 300 detects any error, it sets the interrupt status to the error detection state, then displays an error code corresponding to the error on the payout number display 127 and prepares to send an error command corresponding to the detected error to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this error command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to start error notification.
[0157] For example, when a selector error occurs, a string "Selector error occurred!!" and a string "Please call the game store staff." are displayed in the display area of the display means (liquid crystal display device 157), the light emitters (various lamps 420, etc.) emit light in an error light emission mode, and an error sound (such as "An error has occurred. Please call the game store staff.") is output from the sound output means (speakers 272, 277). Note that the mode of error notification is not particularly limited, and for example, error notification may be performed by the movement of the movable means (reels 110 to 112).
[0158] Also, when the error notification end condition is satisfied (for example, when an operation to cancel the error (in this example, an operation to turn on the reset SW243) is received), the main control unit 300 erases the error detection state stored in the interrupt status and then executes an error notification end process. In this error notification end process, the main control unit 300 erases the error code displayed on the payout number display 127 and prepares to send an error cancellation command corresponding to the canceled error to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this error cancellation command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to end the ongoing error notification.
[0159] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, power restoration in the button-pressed state will be described.
[0160] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the control states of each button when the power is turned on, FIG. (b) is a diagram showing the control states of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), and FIG. (c) is a diagram showing the control states of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change.
[0161] In the slot machine 100, when a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and even if the first operation means returns from the power cut in a state where the first operation means is being operated and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the first operation means is not executed. However, when a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and when the second operation means returns from the power cut in a state where the second operation means is being operated and the operation of the second operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the second operation means is configured to be executed.
[0162] Hereinafter, "not executing the control for the operation of the first operation means" may be referred to as "invalid", and the "first operation means" may be referred to as the "invalid button". Also, "executing the control for the operation of the second operation means" may be referred to as "valid". The "second operation means" may be referred to as the "valid button".
[0163] <Power restoration / MAX bet button in button press state> As shown in FIG. 10(a), the MAX bet button 132 described with reference to FIG. 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operation means) whose operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power cut. In this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0164] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is not being operated, and when it returns from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is being operated and the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0165] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX bet button 132 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on (error detection state) shown in Fig. 10(b), and does not execute the control for the operation. Further, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on with setting change is performed), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX bet button 132 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on with setting change shown in Fig. 10(c), and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0166] <Power restoration / One-bet button in button pressed state> As shown in Fig. 10(a), the one-bet button 130 described with reference to Fig. 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operation means) for which the operation becomes valid (the control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power failure, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0167] In this example, a power-off occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is not being operated, and when it returns from the power-off while the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is being operated and the operation of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)).
[0168] On the other hand, when the detection signal state of the bet button 130 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the single bet button 130 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on (error detection state) shown in Fig. 10(b), and does not execute the control for the operation. Also, when the detection signal state of the bet button 130 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on with setting change is performed), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the single bet button 130 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on with setting change shown in Fig. 10(c), and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0169] <Power restoration in button pressed state / Double bet button> In this example, among the three types of bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 and the single bet button 130 are used as valid buttons (second operation means), but the double bet button 131 may also be added as a valid button (second operation means).
[0170] In this case, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the two-bet buttons 131 (second operation means) are not being operated, and when the power is restored from the power failure while the two-bet buttons 131 (second operation means) are being operated and the operation of the two-bet buttons 131 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 131 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 performs control for the operation of the two-bet buttons 131 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of inserting two electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0171] On the other hand, when the detection signal state of the bet button 131 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, or when the detection signal state of the bet button 131 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on with setting change is performed), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the two-bet buttons 131 is invalid and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0172] Also, at least one of the MAX bet button 132, the one-bet button 130, and the two-bet buttons 131 may be an invalid button (first operation means).
[0173] <Re-power / settlement button in button pressed state> As shown in FIG. 10(a), the settlement button 134 described with reference to FIG. 1 is one of the valid buttons (second operation means) for which the operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power failure, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0174] In this example, a power-off occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is not being operated, and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is being operated and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is enabled after returning from the power-off (in this example, the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress). When this state is reached, the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) (in this example, a process of settling (paying out) the medals (credits) electronically stored).
[0175] On the other hand, when the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on (error detection state) shown in Fig. 10(b), and does not execute control for the operation. Further, when the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting change in progress (when power-on with setting change is performed), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the settlement button 134 is invalid according to the control state of each button at the time of power-on with setting change shown in Fig. 10(c), and does not execute control for the operation.
[0176] <Power restoration / start lever in button pressed state> As shown in Figs. 10(a) to 10(c), the start lever 135 described with reference to Fig. 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operation means) whose operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power-off, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0177] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the start lever 135 (first operation means) is not being operated, and even if the start lever 135 (first operation means) is being operated and the power supply is restored from the power failure and the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) is enabled (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 does not execute control for the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) (in this example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112).
[0178] <Power restoration / stop button in button press state> The stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139 described with reference to FIG. 1 become either valid buttons (second operation means) whose operations are valid (control for the operations is executed) when an operation is performed during power restoration from a power failure according to the situation as shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(b), or invalid buttons (first operation means) whose operations are invalid (control for the operations is not executed) when an operation is performed during power restoration from a power failure, and are one of the valid / invalid buttons (first operation means or second operation means). In this example, they are controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0179] In this example, when a plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 are operated, a plurality of reels 110 to 112 are stopped in a first stop mode, and a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the last-operated stop button (stop operation means) among the plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 is being operated. Even if the power supply is restored from the power failure while the operation of the last-operated stop button (stop operation means) continues, a winning performance corresponding to the first stop mode by the effect means is not executed. However, when the last-operated stop button (stop operation means) is not being operated, the stop buttons 137 to 139 function as valid buttons (second operation means), and a winning performance corresponding to the first stop mode by the effect means is executed.
[0180] When power failure occurs while at least one of the plurality of reels 110 to 112 is rotating and the plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 are not being operated, and even if the power is restored from the power failure while the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 are being operated and the operation of the stop operation means is enabled, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 function as invalid buttons (first operation means), and control for the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means) (in this example, reel stop control processing for stopping the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 137 to 139) is not executed.
[0181] According to this example, depending on the operation status of the stop operation means, the control for the operation can be changed, and the stop control of the reels that may cause the player to suffer disadvantages due to misoperation is made invalid during power restoration, thereby preventing the player from suffering disadvantages due to misoperation. On the other hand, by enabling the hold control of the winning performance during power restoration and not executing the winning performance while the operation of the stop operation means operated last continues, it is possible to prevent the player from missing the winning performance and improve the player's satisfaction.
[0182] <Power restoration / reset button in button pressed state> The reset button (reset SW) 243 described with reference to FIG. 2 is one of the valid / invalid buttons (first operation means or second operation means) that can be a valid button (second operation means) in which the operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed during power restoration from a power failure depending on the situation, and can be an invalid button (first operation means) in which the operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is being performed during power restoration from a power failure. In this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0183] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and even if the state returns from the power failure with the reset button 243 being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the state in which the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor becomes ON when returning from the power failure with a power-on accompanied by a setting change), the reset button 243 functions as a disabled button (first operation means), and the main control unit 300 does not execute control for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to a setting value change operation or an error cancellation operation).
[0184] On the other hand, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the state returns from the power failure with the reset button 243 being operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the state in which the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor becomes ON when returning from the power failure in an error detection state), the reset button 243 functions as an enabled button (second operation means), and the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the reset button 243 (second operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation).
[0185] According to this example, the control for the operation can be changed according to the operation status of the reset button. For example, regarding the change of the set value, if the set value is changed at the time of power restoration, there is a risk that the set value set until then will become unknown, so the control based on the set value change operation is not performed. On the other hand, regarding the error cancellation, if the cause of the error has not been eliminated, the error cannot be canceled. Therefore, if the cause of the error can be eliminated at the time of power restoration, the convenience of the store staff of the game parlor and the like can be improved by performing the control based on the error cancellation operation.
[0186] <Power restoration / effect button in button press state> As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), the effect button 156 described with reference to FIG. 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operation means) whose operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power cut. In this example, it is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.
[0187] In this example, it is assumed that a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the effect button 156 (first operation means) is not being operated, and the operation of the effect button 156 (first operation means) is enabled when returning from the power cut while the effect button 156 (first operation means) is being operated (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on). Even in such a state, the first sub-control unit 400 does not execute control for the operation of the effect button 156 (first operation means) (in this example, in various effects, the process of performing an effect according to the operation of the player).
[0188] <Power restoration / volume button in button-pressed state> As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), the volume button (cross key) 193a described with reference to FIG. 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operation means) whose operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power cut. In this example, it is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.
[0189] In this example, it is assumed that a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the volume button 193a (first operation means) is not being operated, and the operation of the volume button 193a (first operation means) is enabled when returning from the power cut while the volume button 193a (first operation means) is being operated (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on). Even in such a state, the first sub-control unit 400 does not execute control for the operation of the volume button 193a (first operation means) (in this example, the process of adjusting the volume).
[0190] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on> Next, with reference to FIG. 11(a), the simultaneous operation of the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on will be described.
[0191] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of control when the valid buttons (second operation means) are simultaneously operated at power-on.
[0192] As described above, the slot machine 100 includes at least a MAX bet button 132, a one-coin bet button 130, and a payout button 134 as valid buttons (second operation means).
[0193] In this example, a power-off occurs in a state where the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operation means) are not operated, and the power is restored from the power-off in a state where the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operation means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed). When the operations of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operation means) are enabled (in this example, the detection signal states of the bet button 132 sensor and the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change state), the main control unit 300 preferentially executes the control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)), and does not execute the control for the one-coin bet button 130 (MAX bet button priority).
[0194] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed) and the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is enabled after returning from the power failure (in this example, the detection signal states of the bet button 132 sensor and the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 preferentially executes the control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)) and does not execute the control for the settlement button 134 (MAX bet button priority).
[0195] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the 1 - bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the 1 - bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed) and the operation of the 1 - bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is enabled after returning from the power failure (in this example, the detection signal states of the bet button 130 sensor and the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 preferentially executes the control for the operation of the 1 - bet button 130 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)) and does not execute the control for the settlement button 134 (1 - bet button priority).
[0196] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons (second operating means) at power - on (error detection state)> Next, with reference to FIG. 11(b), the simultaneous operation of the valid buttons (second operating means) at power-on (error detection state) will be described.
[0197] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of control when the valid buttons (second operating means) are simultaneously operated at power-on (error detection state).
[0198] As described above, the slot machine 100 includes at least a MAX bet button 132, a one-coin bet button 130, and a settlement button 134 as valid buttons (second operating means), and at least a reset button (reset SW) 243 as an invalid button (first operating means).
[0199] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the power is restored from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operating means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed). However, when the interrupt status is in the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the MAX bet button 132 and the operation of the one-coin bet button 130 are invalid, and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0200] Also, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and the power is restored from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed). However, when the interrupt status is in the error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the MAX bet button 132 and the operation of the settlement button 134 are invalid, and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0201] On the other hand, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are not being operated, and the power is restored from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, control for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation) is preferentially executed, and control for the MAX bet button 132 is not executed (reset button priority).
[0202] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the one bet button 130 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are not being operated, and the power is restored from the power failure while the one bet button 130 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the one bet button 130 (second operation means) and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are invalid, and does not execute control for the operation.
[0203] On the other hand, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the one bet button 130 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are not being operated, and the power is restored from the power failure while the one bet button 130 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, control for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation) is preferentially executed, and control for the one bet button 130 (second operation means) is not executed (reset button priority).
[0204] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the settlement button 134 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are not being operated, and when the power is restored from the power failure while the settlement button 134 (second operation means) and the reset button 243 (first operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), if the interrupt status is in an error detection state, the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) (in this example, the process corresponding to the error cancellation operation) is preferentially executed, and the control for the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is not executed (reset button priority).
[0205] <Operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means> Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means will be described.
[0206] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button> FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132.
[0207] In this example, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state in which the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the one - bet button 130 (second operation means), the settlement button 134 (second operation means), or the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.
[0208] On the other hand, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means), reset button 243 (first operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be valid, and control for the operation is executed.
[0209] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the single bet button> FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the single bet button 130.
[0210] In this example, in the operation state of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) or stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation is not executed.
[0211] On the other hand, in the operation state of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), start lever 135 (first operation means), reset button 243 (first operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be valid, and control for the operation is executed.
[0212] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the settlement button> FIG. 12(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the settlement button 134.
[0213] In this example, in the operation state of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), the 1-bet button 130 (second operation means), the start lever 135 (first operation means), or the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), it is determined that the operation is invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.
[0214] On the other hand, in the operation state of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means), the effect button 156 (first operation means), or the volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), it is determined that the operation is valid, and the control for the operation is executed.
[0215] <Operations of Each Button in the Operation State of the Start Lever> FIG. 12(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the start lever 135.
[0216] In this example, in the operation state of the start lever 135 (first operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), it is determined that the operation is invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.
[0217] On the other hand, in the operation state of the start lever 135 (first operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), the one - bet button 130 (second operation means), the settlement button 134 (second operation means), the reset button 243 (first operation means), the effect button 156 (first operation means), or the volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be valid, and control for the operation is executed.
[0218] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the stop button> FIG. 12(e) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139.
[0219] In this example, in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, or the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) or the start lever 135 (first operation means) is detected (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation is not executed.
[0220] On the other hand, when an operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), 1 bet button 130 (second operation means), reset button 243 (first operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means) (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, or stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.
[0221] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the reset button, effect button, and volume button> FIG. 12(f) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the reset button 243, effect button 156, and volume button 193a.
[0222] In this example, when an operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), 1 bet button 130 (second operation means), start lever 135 (first operation means), stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) is detected in the operation state of the reset button 243 (first operation means), effect button 156 (first operation means), or volume button 193a (first operation means) (in this example, when the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300, the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400, or the cross button 193 sensor is on), the operation is determined to be valid and control for the operation is executed.
[0223] <Specific example of power restoration in button pressed state> Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, a specific example of power restoration in the button-pressed state will be described. Prior to this description, the function of the main board display 190 described with reference to FIG. 2 will be explained.
[0224] The main board display 190 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is a display composed of a plurality of LEDs (in this example, eight). By lighting one, a plurality, or all of the eight LEDs a to h, predetermined game information can be notified.
[0225] Note that the main board display 190 is not limited to an LED, and other display means such as a seven-segment display or a liquid crystal display device may be applied. Needless to say, the game information that can be notified is not limited to eight types.
[0226] In this example, LED a of the main board display 190 lights up during the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LED b lights up during the operation of the one bet button 130 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the one bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LED c lights up during the operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and LED d lights up during the operation of the start lever 135 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).
[0227] Also, LED e lights up during the operation of the stop button 137 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 137 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LED f lights up during the operation of the stop button 138 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 138 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LED g lights up during the operation of the stop button 139 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and LED h lights up during the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).
[0228] According to this example, when the operating means is being operated during power restoration, even an operating means that does not perform control based on the operation can cause the LED to emit light. Therefore, it is possible to visually and immediately determine whether control based on the operation is not performed because the control is invalid or because of a failure.
[0229] Note that the notification mode by each of the LEDs a to h is not limited to lighting of the LED, and may be a mode in which each state is notified by blinking or turning off of the LED. Further, the main board display 190 may be any device that can notify information related to the game, and may notify the operation status of an operating means other than the exemplified operating means, various errors, and information other than the exemplified operation information (for example, game state, winning combination, winning combination).
[0230] In this example, an example in which the main board display 190 is provided on the main control board (main control unit 300) has been shown. However, for example, a board (LED) that notifies the state of a button controlled by the first sub-control unit 400 or the second sub-control unit 500 may be provided on the sub-control board.
[0231] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Pressed State / MAX Bet Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 13(a), power restoration in the pressed state of the MAX bet button 132 will be described.
[0232] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the flow from the occurrence of power failure to power restoration in the pressed state of the MAX bet button 132 in time series.
[0233] In FIG. 13(a), the state indicated by reference numeral T1 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the MAX bet button 132 is not operated (not pressed), the credit is 10, and the bet status is 0.
[0234] In the same state, as shown in Fig. 13(a-1), since there are 10 credits, in the stored number indicator 125, the segments corresponding to the number 10 are lit. All of the MAX bet button 132, the 2-credit bet button 131, and the 1-credit bet button 130 are in the non-operated (non-pressed) state. Since the bet status is 0, the game medal insertion lamp 129 is turned off. Also, since the MAX bet button 132 is in the non-operated (non-pressed) state (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDa of the main board indicator 190 is turned off.
[0235] The state indicated by the following symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF in the state where the MAX bet button 132 is in the non-operated (non-pressed) state, there are 10 credits, and the bet status is 0.
[0236] In the same state, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 is in the non-operated (non-pressed) state. Since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device has stopped, displays such as the stored number indicator 125, the game medal insertion lamp 129, and the main board indicator 190 are not displayed.
[0237] The state indicated by the following symbol T3 is a state in which the MAX bet button 132 is operated (pressed) in the state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF, there are 10 credits, and the bet status is 0.
[0238] In the same state, although the MAX bet button 132 is in the operated (pressed) state, since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device has stopped, the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (the second operation means) is not enabled. Also, as shown in Fig. 13(a-2), displays such as the stored number indicator 125, the game medal insertion lamp 129, and the main board indicator 190 are not displayed.
[0239] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which, with 10 credits, a bet status of 0, and the MAX bet button 132 being operated (pressed), the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0240] In this state, when the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is operated (pressed) and power is restored from a power cut, the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either an error detection state or a setting change state). Therefore, the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0241] In this state, by executing control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) (in this example, a process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)), as shown in FIG. 13(a-3), since the credit has decreased from 10 to 7, in the stored number indicator 125, the segment corresponding to the number 7 is lit. Since the MAX bet button 132 is operated (pressed) and the bet status has become 3, in the game medal insertion lamp 129, the LED corresponding to a 3-bet is lit. Also, since the MAX bet button 132 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON), the LEDa of the main board indicator 190 is lit.
[0242] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state in which, with the power supply of the power supply device 252 being ON, 7 credits, and a bet status of 3, the pressing operation of the MAX bet button 132 is released and the MAX bet button 132 has changed to a state where it is not being operated (not pressed).
[0243] In the same state, since the MAX bet button 132 is not being operated (not pressed), illustration thereof is omitted, but the LEDa of the main board display 190 is turned off and the lighting of the game medal insertion lamp 129 continues.
[0244] <Specific Example of Restoration of Power Supply in Button Pressed State / Start Lever> Next, with reference to FIG. 13(b), restoration of power supply in the state where the start lever 135 is pressed will be described.
[0245] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the flow from the occurrence of power interruption to the restoration of power supply in the state where the start lever 135 is pressed in chronological order.
[0246] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 13(b), the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet situation is 3, the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are in a stopped state.
[0247] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 13(b-1), since the bet situation is 3 and the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. Also, since the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signal state of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDd of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0248] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF in the state where the bet situation is 3, the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are in a stopped state.
[0249] In the same state, a power interruption occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device stops, so that the display of the main board display 190 etc. becomes non-displayed.
[0250] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the bed condition is three sheets, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the start lever 135 is operated (pressed).
[0251] In this state, although the start lever 135 is operated (pressed), since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device is stopped, the operation of the start lever 135 (the first operation means) is not enabled. Also, as shown in FIG. 13(b-2), the displays such as the main board display 190 are not displayed.
[0252] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which the bed condition is three sheets, the start lever 135 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0253] In this state, the start lever 135 (the first operation means) is operated (pressed) and the power is restored from the power-off state, and the operation of the start lever 135 (the first operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change state). However, the main control unit 300 does not execute the control for the operation of the start lever 135 (the first operation means) (in this example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112).
[0254] In the same state, by not executing control (in this example, reel rotation start processing for starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) for the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means), as shown in FIG. 13(b-3), reels 110 to 112 are not rotated and remain stopped. Note that although control (in this example, reel rotation start processing for starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) for the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) is not executed, since it is during the operation of the start lever 135 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDd of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0255] According to this example, when the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration, even for an operation means that does not perform control based on the operation, the LED can be made to emit light. Therefore, it is possible to visually distinguish at a glance whether control is not performed because the control is invalid or because of a failure.
[0256] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T5 is a state in which, with the power of the power supply device 252 ON, the bet situation being 3 sheets, and reels 110 to 112 stopped, the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is released and the start lever 135 has changed to a state where it is not being operated (not pressed).
[0257] In the same state, since the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), although not shown in the drawing, the LEDa of the main board display 190 is turned off. The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T6 is a state in which, with the power of the power supply device 252 ON, the bet situation being 3 sheets, and reels 110 to 112 stopped, the start lever 135 is being operated (pressed).
[0258] In the same state, since the start lever 135 is in the operated (pressed) state (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the start lever 135 (the first operation means) (in this example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112), and as shown in FIG. 13(b-4), rotates all the reels 110 to 112. Also, since the start lever 135 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDd of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0259] <Specific Example of Restoration of Power Supply in Button Pressed State / Stop Button Functioning as Inactive Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(a), the restoration of power supply in the pressed state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as inactive buttons will be described.
[0260] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the flow from when a power failure occurs during the rotation of the reel 112 to when the power supply is restored in the pressed state of the stop button 139 in chronological order.
[0261] In the state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 14(a), the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0262] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 14(a-1), since the reels 110 to 111 are stopped and the stop button 139 corresponding to the reel 112 is not operated (not pressed), only the reel 112 is rotating. Also, since the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the state of the detection signals of the stop button 137 to 139 sensors of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0263] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T2 is a state in which the stop button 139 has not been operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF.
[0264] In the same state, a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the stop button 139 has not been operated (not pressed), and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device stops. As a result, the rotating reel 112 stops, and the displays such as the main board display 190 become non-displayed.
[0265] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state in which the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed) while the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.
[0266] In the same state, although the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed), since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device has stopped, the operation of the stop button 139 (the first operation means) is not enabled, and as shown in FIG. 14(a-2), the displays such as the main board display 190 become non-displayed.
[0267] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0268] In the same state, when the power is restored while the stop button 139 (first operation means) is being operated (pressed), and the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the stop button 137 - 139 sensors of the main control unit 300 is on, and the interrupt status does not correspond to either the error detection state or the setting change in progress), the main control unit 300 does not execute the control for the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139).
[0269] In the same state, by not executing the control for the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139), as shown in FIG. 14(a - 3), the reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 does not stop and remains rotating. Note that although the control for the operation of the stop button 139 (first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139) is not executed, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0270] According to this example, when the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration, even for an operation means that does not perform the control based on the operation, the LED can emit light. Therefore, it is possible to visually distinguish at a glance whether the control is not performed because the control is invalid or because of a failure.
[0271] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T5 is a state in which, when the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 - 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating, the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, and the stop button 139 is in a non - operated (non - pressed) state.
[0272] In the same state, since the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), illustration is omitted, but the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0273] The state indicated by the following symbol T6 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).
[0274] In the same state, since the stop button 139 is in the operated (pressed) state (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON), the main control unit 300 performs control for the operation of the stop button 139 (the first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139) is executed, and as shown in FIG. 14(a-4), the reel 112 is stopped. Further, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0275] <Specific Example of Restoration of Power Supply in Button Pressed State / Stop Button Functioning as Valid Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(b), the restoration of power supply in the pressed state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as valid buttons will be described.
[0276] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the time series of the flow from when a power failure occurs while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stop mode until power is restored in the pressed state of the stop button 139.
[0277] In FIG. 14(b), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0278] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 14(b-1), since reels 110 to 111 are stopped and the stop button 139 corresponding to reel 112 is not operated (not pressed), only reel 112 is rotating. Also, since the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signal states of the stop button 137 to 139 sensors of the main control unit 300 are off), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0279] Also, in the same state, on the active lines of reels 110 and 111, a part of the symbol combination corresponding to the minor role (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned, and it is in the reach state of the minor role (bell).
[0280] The state indicated by the following symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and reel 112 is rotating, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).
[0281] In the same state, since the stop button 139 is operated (pressed) (in this example, the detection signal state of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the stop button 139 (the first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reel 112 corresponding to the operated stop button 139), and as shown in FIG. 14(b-2), stops reel 112. Also, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned on.
[0282] Also, in the same state, on the active lines of reels 110 to 112, the symbol combination corresponding to the minor role (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned, and it is in the state of winning the minor role (bell), but the winning effect corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed.
[0283] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF in a state where the winning performance corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed.
[0284] In this state, a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the stop button 139 is being operated (pressed), and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device stops. Although not shown in the figure, the display of the main board display 190 etc. is turned off.
[0285] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON in a state where the winning performance corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed.
[0286] In this state, the symbol combination corresponding to the minor role (bell) (in this example, "bell - bell - bell") is aligned on the active lines of the reels 110 to 112, and it has returned from a power failure while the stop button 139 (the first operation means) is being operated (pressed), but the winning performance corresponding to the minor role (bell) is held without being executed. Although the winning performance corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0287] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning performance corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed, and the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released and changed to a state where the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed).
[0288] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the stop button 139 has been released, a winning performance corresponding to a small role (bell) (in this example, a performance of lighting the backlights of the reels 110 to 112 and a performance of outputting a winning sound from the speakers 272 and 277) has started. Also, since the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0289] As described with reference to FIGS. 14(a) and (b), according to this example, depending on the operation status of the stop operation means, the control for the operation can be changed, and the stop control of the reels, which may cause the player to suffer disadvantages due to incorrect operations, is made invalid during power restoration, thereby preventing the player from suffering disadvantages due to incorrect operations. On the other hand, the hold control of the winning performance during power restoration is made effective, and the winning performance is not executed while the operation of the stop operation means that was last operated continues, thereby preventing the winning performance from being missed and increasing the player's satisfaction.
[0290] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button-Pressed State / Reset Button in Error Detection State> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(a), the power restoration in the pressed state of the reset button 243 in the error detection state will be described.
[0291] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the time series of the flow from the occurrence of a power failure in the error detection state to the power restoration in the pressed state of the reset button 243.
[0292] The state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 15(a) is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the error detection state, and the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed).
[0293] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 15(a-1), since an error (in this example, a selector error) has occurred, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes an error notification (in this example, a display including the string "Selector error") for notifying the error (in this example, the selector error). Also, since the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is off), the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0294] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T2 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF in the error detection state and the state where the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0295] In the same state, a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device stops. As a result, the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157 and the main board display 190 are turned off.
[0296] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state in which the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) in the state where the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the error is detected.
[0297] In the same state, although the reset button 243 is operated (pressed), since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device has stopped, the operation of the reset button 243 is not enabled, and as shown in FIG. 15(a-2), the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157 and the main board display 190 are turned off.
[0298] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON in the state where the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) and the error is detected.
[0299] In the same state, since the reset button 243 returns from a power failure while being operated (pressed) and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, returns from a power failure in an error detection state and the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor becomes on), the reset button 243 functions as an effective button (second operation means), and the main control unit 300 executes control for the operation of the reset button 243 (second operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error elimination operation).
[0300] In the same state, by executing control for the operation of the reset button 243 (second operation means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error elimination operation), as shown in FIG. 15(a-3), the selector error is eliminated, and in the liquid crystal display device 157, an error notification (in this example, a display including the string "The door is open") for notifying another error (in this example, a door open error) is executed. Further, since it is during the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, when the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the LEDh of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0301] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T5 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, in a non-error detection state, the pressing operation of the reset button 243 is released, and the reset button 243 changes to a state where it is not being operated (not pressed).
[0302] In the same state, since the reset button 243 is in a state where it is not being operated (not pressed), although not shown in the figure, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0303] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Pressed State / Reset Button in State Where Settings Can Be Changed> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(b), power restoration in the pressed state of the reset button 243 in the state where settings can be changed will be described.
[0304] FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing in time series the flow of power-on with a transition to a state where setting changes are possible while the reset button 243 is pressed.
[0305] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 15(b), the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting changeable state, and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0306] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 15(b-1), since it is in the setting confirmation state, the numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display device 101a. Further, since the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is OFF), the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0307] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which the setting key SW changes from ON to OFF in the setting confirmation state and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0308] In the same state, since the setting key SW has become OFF, as shown in FIG. 15(b-2), the display on the setting value display device 101a is erased, and the setting confirmation state is terminated.
[0309] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF in the state where the setting key SW is OFF and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0310] In the same state, a power-off occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device stops. Therefore, the displays such as the setting value display device 101a and the main board display 190 are not displayed.
[0311] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which, when the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the setting key SW is OFF, the setting key SW changes from OFF to ON and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed).
[0312] In the same state, although the reset button 243 is operated (pressed), since the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device has stopped, the operation of the reset button 243 is not enabled. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b-3), the displays such as the set value display device 101a and the main board display 190 are not displayed.
[0313] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state in which, when the setting key SW is ON and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed), the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON.
[0314] In the same state, since the power is restored from power-off with the setting key SW ON, the setting can be changed. Also, since the reset button 243 is operated and the power is restored from power-off, the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the reset SW sensor is ON and the interrupt status does not correspond to the error detection state). However, the reset button 243 functions as a disabled button (first operation means), and the main control unit 300 does not execute control (in this example, processing corresponding to the set value change operation) for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means).
[0315] In the same state, since control (in this example, processing corresponding to the set value change operation) for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means) is not executed, the set value is not changed (in this example, the change from setting 2 to setting 3). As shown in FIG. 15(b-4), in the set value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current set value is displayed. Also, since the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal state of the reset SW243 sensor of the main control unit 300 is ON), the LEDh of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0316] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T6 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the reset button 243 is not being operated (non-pressed) after the pressing operation of the reset button 243 is released in the state where setting change is possible.
[0317] In this state, since the reset button 243 is not being operated (non-pressed), although not shown in the figure, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0318] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T7 is a state in which the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) in the state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON and setting change is possible.
[0319] In this state, the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) when the power is not turned on, and control for the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, the process corresponding to the setting change operation) is executed. Therefore, after changing the set value (in this example, changing from setting 2 to setting 3), as shown in Fig. 15(b-5), the numerical value indicating the current set value (in this example, 3) is displayed on the set value display device 101a.
[0320] As described above, the main board display 190 is a display in which the LED lights up when each button is operated. Even if the operation is invalid, if the button is operated, the LED of this main board display 190 will light up.
[0321] According to this example, when the operating means is being operated at the time of power restoration, even if it is an operating means that does not perform control based on the operation, the LED of the main board display 190 can be made to emit light. Therefore, it is possible to visually distinguish at a glance whether the control is not performed based on the operation because the control is invalid or because of a failure.
[0322] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example)> Next, with reference to FIG. 16, power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) will be described. In order to avoid redundant explanations, only the content different from that described with reference to FIG. 10 will be described here.
[0323] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) / When power is turned on> FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the control state (modification example) of each button when power is turned on, and corresponds to FIG. 10(a).
[0324] In the example described with reference to FIG. 10(a), the MAX bet button 132, the one bet button 130, and the settlement button 134 are valid buttons (second operation means) for which the operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is performed during power restoration from a power cut, but they may be invalid buttons (first operation means) for which the operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is performed during power restoration from a power cut.
[0325] Also, in the example described with reference to FIG. 10(a), the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a are invalid buttons (first operation means) for which the operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when the operation is performed during power restoration from a power cut, but they may be valid buttons (second operation means) for which the operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is performed during power restoration from a power cut.
[0326] According to this example, operation means that are controlled by the main control unit 300 and have a relatively high importance level (for example, the MAX bet button 132, the one bet button 130, the settlement button 134, the start lever 135, the stop buttons 137 to 139) can prevent serious misoperations by not performing control based on the operation during power restoration.
[0327] On the other hand, operation means that are controlled by the first sub-control unit 400 and have a relatively low importance level (for example, the effect button 156, the volume button 193b) can improve convenience by performing control based on the operation during power restoration.
[0328] Also, by unifying (standardizing) the control content for each board with the main control board (main control unit 300) and the sub-control board (first sub-control unit 400), the control does not become complicated and the control burden can be reduced.
[0329] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) / At power-on (error detection state)> FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the control states (modification example) of the respective buttons at power-on (error detection state), and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10(b).
[0330] In the example described with reference to FIG. 10(b), the reset button 243 functions as an effective button (second operation means) when it returns from power-off in the error detection state and the detection signal state of the reset SW sensor becomes on. However, it may function as an invalid button (first operation means), and the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, the process corresponding to the error elimination operation) may not be executed.
[0331] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) / At power-on with setting change> FIG. 16(c) is a diagram showing the control states (modification example) of the respective buttons at power-on with setting change, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10(c).
[0332] In the example described with reference to FIG. 10(c), the reset button 243 functions as an invalid button (first operation means) when it returns from power-off at power-on with setting change and the detection signal state of the reset SW sensor becomes on. However, it may function as an effective button (second operation means), and the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, the process corresponding to the set value change operation) may be executed.
[0333] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example)> Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) will be described. In order to avoid duplicate explanations, only the content different from that described with reference to FIG. 12 will be described here.
[0334] <Operations of Each Button in the Operation State of a Certain Operation Means (Modification Example) / MAX Bet Button> FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing a modification example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12(a).
[0335] In the example described with reference to FIG. 12(a), in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when the operation of the one - bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected, the operation is determined to be invalid and the control for the operation is configured not to be executed. However, the operation may be determined to be valid and the control for the operation may be configured to be executed.
[0336] Also, in the example described with reference to FIG. 12(a), in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) is detected, the operation is determined to be valid and the control for the operation is configured to be executed. However, the operation may be determined to be invalid and the control for the operation may be configured not to be executed.
[0337] <Operations of Each Button in the Operation State of a Certain Operation Means (Modification Example) / One - Bet Button> FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing a modification example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the one - bet button 130, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12(b).
[0338] In the example described with reference to FIG. 12(b), when the operation of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected in the operation state (the state where the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid and the control for the operation is configured not to be executed. However, the operation may be determined to be valid and the control for the operation may be configured to be executed.
[0339] Also, in the example described with reference to FIG. 12(b), when the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) is detected in the operation state of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signal of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and the control for the operation is configured to be executed. However, the operation may be determined to be invalid and the control for the operation may be configured not to be executed.
[0340] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) / Start lever> FIG. 17(d) is a diagram showing a modification example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the start lever, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12(d).
[0341] In the example described with reference to FIG. 12(d), when the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) or the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected in the operation state of the start lever 135 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), the operation is determined to be valid and the control for the operation is configured to be executed. However, the operation may be determined to be invalid and the control for the operation may be configured not to be executed.
[0342] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) / Stop button> FIG. 17(e) is a diagram showing a modification example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the stop button, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12(e).
[0343] In the example described with reference to FIG. 12(e), in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signals of the stop button sensors 137 to 139 of the main control unit 300 are on), when the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) or the one bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected, the operation is determined to be valid and configured to execute control for the operation. However, it may be configured to determine the operation to be invalid and not execute the control for the operation.
[0344] <Game machine (modified example)> Next, the basic configuration of the slot machine 1100 according to the modified example and the basic configuration of the lending machine 1700 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1100 and the lending machine 1700 according to the modified example as viewed from the front side (player side).
[0345] Note that in order to avoid duplicate explanations, here, only the configurations different from the slot machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described.
[0346] The game medal number display device 1170 is a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display and is a device that displays the number of game medals recorded in the medal number control unit 1350 shown in FIG. 19.
[0347] The counting button 1171 is an operation means for transmitting information on the number of game medals recorded in the medal number control unit 1350 shown in FIG. 19 to the lending machine 1700.
[0348] The lending machine 1700 shown in FIG. 18 is sometimes referred to as a card unit and corresponds to an example of the game medium management device of the present invention. This lending machine 1700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 1100.
[0349] The lending machine 1700 accepts cards. There are two types of cards referred to as "cards" here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who have not registered as members. The other is a member card, which is a gaming storage medium issued to member players who have registered as members at the casino. An IC card is used as the card.
[0350] Valuable values are stored in the card. The valuable values stored in the card include the "number of medals in hand" and the "remaining balance of prepaid money", which is the "monetary balance". The lending machine 1700 that has accepted the card has a function of converting the "number of medals in hand" stored in the card into the "number of gaming medals (credit number)".
[0351] The "number of gaming medals (credit number)" is data that can be used for bet setting and can be converted into the "number of medals in hand". The "number of gaming medals" can be obtained by deducting the "monetary balance" or the "number of medals in hand" of the card. Also, the "number of gaming medals" includes the number of medals obtained by winning. This "number of gaming medals" is managed by the medal number control unit 1350 shown in FIG. 19 and is the number of electronically stored medals (the amount of electronic gaming value). By performing an input operation with the bet buttons 130 and 132, the "number of gaming medals" is subtracted.
[0352] The "number of medals in hand" is a value obtained by counting and converting the "number of gaming medals (credit number)". This "number of medals in hand" is stored in a manner that can be specified by the player's card. That is, by operating the counting button 1171, the "number of gaming medals" can be converted into the "number of medals in hand" and stored in the card. Note that the "number of medals in hand" may be managed by a management device for managing the number of medals in hand installed at the casino.
[0353] On the front side of the lending machine 1700, there are a banknote insertion slot 1701 for inserting banknotes upward and a card insertion slot 1702 for inserting cards downward. The membership card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion slot 1702 is received by the card reader / writer, and the information stored in the card is read. The banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 1701 are identified for authenticity and banknote type, and the face value amount of the banknotes is stored as "monetary balance" in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702.
[0354] Below the banknote insertion slot 1701, there is an information display 1703. This information display 1703 is a display for providing operation guidance of the lending machine 1700, the state of the slot machine 1100, etc. by means of characters and images. Note that the surface may be configured as a touch panel so that various operations can be input by touching the various display items displayed with a finger. Below the information display 1703, a monetary balance display 1705 and a medal count balance display 1706 are arranged in two upper and lower stages. In the monetary balance display 1705, the "monetary balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702 is displayed as an amount. On the other hand, in the medal count balance display 1706, the "number of medals held" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702 is displayed as the number of medals. In the central part of the lending machine 1700 in the vertical direction, there are a lending button 1707 and a card return button 1708. The lending button 1707 is an operating means for performing an operation to deduct the "monetary balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702 and obtain the "number of game medals". Specifically, when there is a "monetary balance" in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702, the LED lamp built into the lending button 1707 lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the lending button 1707 in this state, the "number of game medals" is added according to the amount of money deducted.
[0355] For example, "the number of gaming medals" equivalent to 1,000 yen as a predetermined amount is added. Also, when the "cash balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount (for example, less than 1,000 yen), only the "number of gaming medals" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate is added. Note that even if the "cash balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount, it may be supplemented from the "number of medals in hand" stored in the card so that the "number of gaming medals" equivalent to the predetermined amount is added.
[0356] The card return button 1708 is an operation means for the player to operate when ending the game, and to store and discharge the "number of medals in hand" determined at the end of the game in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702. The "number of medals in hand" determined at the end of the game is the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals converted from the "number of medals in hand" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 1702 to the "number of gaming medals" and then adding the number of gaming medals counted by the counting operation. The data of the "cash balance", "number of medals in hand", and "number of gaming medals" described above will be converted in the order of "cash balance" and "number of medals in hand" → "number of gaming medals" → "number of medals in hand". In this way, it is converted to the "number of gaming medals" according to the "number of medals in hand" specified by the card. In the slot machine 1100 of this example, since the bet number can be set using the "number of gaming medals", it does not cause confusion to players accustomed to conventional slot machines that receive a loan of physical medals, insert the physical medals to secure credit, and set the bet number using the credit, and it is possible to provide a game using a new slot machine (managed gaming machine) that does not use physical medals.
[0357] Note that although the "number of stored medals" is not mentioned in this specification, the "number of stored medals" is the number of medals in possession deposited at the game arcade, rather than being stored in the card. At the game arcade, the number of medals in possession acquired by the player in the game may be managed as "points held" by the hall management terminal or other management computers during the same day, and may be managed as the "number of stored medals" after the day following the acquisition. When both the "number of stored medals" and the "number of medals in possession" are stored, the deduction is preferentially made from the "number of medals in possession". Also, both the "number of medals in possession" and the "number of stored medals" may be stored in the upper server in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, although the "number of medals in possession" is directly stored in the visitor card, the "number of medals in possession" may also be stored in the upper server in association with the card number.
[0358] When storing in association with the card number in this upper server, data capable of specifying the time stored in the upper server may be written into the card (member card, visitor card) and then discharged. Also, for the "cash balance", it is directly written into and discharged from the card (member card, visitor card). The timing for storing the "number of medals in possession" in the card (member card, visitor card) or the upper server is, for example, the timing when the counting button 1171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, alternatively, it may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the lending machine 1700, the "number of medals in possession" stored in the lending machine 1700 becomes temporarily stored medals and is transferred to the hall management terminal or when the card is inserted into another lending machine 1700, only the "number of medals in possession" for the day stored as temporarily stored medals is stored again in that lending machine 700, and the "number of game medals" is added within the range of that "number of medals in possession" so that the game can be played.
[0359] <Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 according to the modified example will be described in detail. FIG. 19 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 according to the modified example.
[0360] Note that, in order to avoid redundant explanations, here, only the configuration different from the control unit of the slot machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 3 (mainly, the configuration belonging to the rectangular area indicated by reference numeral A in FIG. 19) will be described.
[0361] The main control unit 300 includes a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal number control unit 1350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 corresponds to an example of game control means, and the medal number control unit 1350 corresponds to an example of game value number control means.
[0362] Similar to the game control unit 302, the medal number control unit 1350 is also equipped with a CPU 1354, a ROM 1356, a RAM 1358, an I / O 1360 for controlling the input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 1362 for measuring time, number of times, etc.
[0363] Connected to the basic circuit of the medal number control unit 1350 are a game medal number display device 1170 composed of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 1171, and a game medal number clear button 1172.
[0364] Also connected to the basic circuit of the medal number control unit 1350 is a lending machine 1700 via a lending machine connection terminal board 1790. The medal number control unit 1350 communicates bidirectionally with the lending machine 1700.
[0365] The medal count control unit 1350 transmits various commands to the game control unit 302. Also, the game control unit 302 transmits various commands to the medal count control unit 1350. That is, the communication between the medal count control unit 1350 and the game control unit 302 is also two-way communication. Further, the medal count control unit 1350 stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358 by addition processing or subtraction processing. Examples of the addition processing include processing based on a payout command transmitted from the game control unit 302, processing based on a settlement command transmitted from the game control unit 302, and processing based on a lending notification transmitted from the lending machine 1700. On the other hand, examples of the subtraction processing include counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 1171 and processing based on an insertion command transmitted from the game control unit 302.
[0366] Note that the game medal count clear button 1172 shown in FIG. 19 is provided at a position where a game player cannot operate it (for example, a position where it cannot be operated unless the front door 102 is opened), and is an operation means for clearing the "number of game medals" stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358.
[0367] For example, if a player becomes absent while "2" game medals remain, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left the "2" medals intends to continue the game, and another player cannot start the game. However, if the store clerk can clear the number of game medals through operation, another player can be welcomed earlier. Note that when the game medal count clear button 1172 is operated, it is not necessarily the case that the "number of game medals" is always cleared. For example, it may be set to clear when the number of game medals is 2 or less, and if there are 3 or more, counting may be performed in the same way as when the counting button 1171 is operated. If there is a malfunction in the counting button 1171 and it becomes impossible to recognize that the counting button 1171 has been operated, there is a risk of disadvantaging the player as the "number of game medals" cannot be converted to the "number of medals in hand". However, if counting is also possible through the operation of the store clerk, the player can be spared the disadvantage.
[0368] Furthermore, since there is no need to newly provide a counting button for the store clerk, there is no increase in cost. Note that instead of differentiating between clearing and counting based on the judgment of the number of game medals, clearing and counting may be differentiated by the operation method of the game medal count clear button 1172. For example, it may be set to clear when short-pressed and count when long-pressed. Either clearing or counting can be easily selected regardless of the number of game medals. Also, it may be set to clear when only the game medal count clear button 1172 is operated, and count when the game medal count clear button 1172 and other buttons are operated simultaneously. The possibility of making an incorrect operation is low, and either clearing or counting can be easily selected.
[0369] <Power restoration / counting button in button-pressed state, Game medal count clear button> Next, with reference to Fig. 20(a), the power restoration in the button-pressed state of the counting button 1171 and the game medal count clear button 1172 will be described.
[0370] Fig. 20(a) is a diagram showing the control state of the counting button and the game medal count clear button at power-on.
[0371] <Power restoration / counting button in button-pressed state> The count button 1171 described with reference to FIG. 18 is one of the valid buttons (second operation means) whose operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when an operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power cut, as shown in FIG. 20(a). In this example, it is controlled by the medal count control unit 1350.
[0372] In this example, a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the count button 1171 (second operation means) is not being operated, and when it returns from the power cut while the count button 1171 (second operation means) is being operated and the operation of the count button 1171 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the count button 1171 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the medal count control unit 1350 executes control for the operation of the count button 1171 (second operation means) (in this example, the counting process based on the operation of the count button 1171).
[0373] Note that when the power is turned on and it returns from a power cut while the count button 1171 (second operation means) is being operated in an error detection state, and also when the power is turned on with a setting change while the count button 1171 (second operation means) is being operated and it returns from a power cut, the medal count control unit 1350 similarly executes control for the operation of the count button 1171 (second operation means) (in this example, the counting process based on the operation of the count button 1171).
[0374] <Power restoration / Game medal count clear button in button pressed state> The game medal count clear button 1172 described with reference to FIG. 19 is one of the valid buttons (second operation means) whose operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when an operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power cut, as shown in FIG. 20(a). In this example, it is controlled by the medal count control unit 1350.
[0375] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) is not being operated, and when the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) is being operated and the power supply is restored from the power failure and the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the medal count control unit 1350 controls the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of clearing the "game medal count" stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358).
[0376] In addition, when the power supply is turned on and restored from a power failure while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) is being operated in an error detection state, and when the power supply is turned on with a setting change and restored from a power failure while the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) is being operated, similarly, the medal count control unit 1350 controls the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of clearing the "game medal count" stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358).
[0377] <Simultaneous operation of the count button and the game medal count clear button> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(b), the simultaneous operation of the count button and the game medal count clear button will be described.
[0378] FIG. 20(b) is a diagram showing an example of control when the count button and the game medal count clear button are simultaneously operated.
[0379] In this example, a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the count button 1171 (second operation means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) are not being operated. When the power is restored from the power failure while the count button 1171 (second operation means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), and the operations of the count button 1171 (second operation means) and the game medal count clear button 1172 (second operation means) are enabled (in this example, the states of the detection signals of the count button 1171 sensor and the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 are on), the medal count control unit 1350 preferentially executes control for the operation of the count button 1171 (second operation means) (in this example, the counting process based on the operation of the count button 1171) and does not execute control for the game medal count clear button 1172 (count button priority).
[0380] According to this example, in the simultaneous operation of the count button and the game medal count clear button, since the count button is given priority, the game medal count will not be cleared by an accidental operation, and it is possible to prevent the player from suffering disadvantages in advance.
[0381] <Operation of the game medal count clear button in the operation state of the count button> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(c), the operation of the game medal count clear button in the operation state of the count button will be described. FIG. 20(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal count clear button in the operation state of the count button.
[0382] In this example, when the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 is detected in the operation state of the count button 1171 (second operation means) (in this example, the state in which the detection signal of the count button 1171 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation of the game medal count clear button 1172 (in this example, the process of clearing the "game medal count" stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1358) is not executed.
[0383] According to this example, in the operation of the game medal count clear button in the operation state of the count button, since the process for the operation of the game medal count clear button is not executed, the game medal count will not be cleared due to an accidental operation, and it is possible to prevent the player from suffering disadvantages.
[0384] <Operation of the count button in the operation state of the game medal count clear button> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(d), the operation of the count button in the operation state of the game medal count clear button will be described. FIG. 20(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button in the operation state of the game medal count clear button.
[0385] In this example, when the operation of the count button 1171 is detected in the operation state of the game medal count clear button 1172 (the second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the game medal count clear button 1172 sensor of the medal count control unit 1350 is on), it is determined that the operation is invalid, and the control for the operation of the count button 1171 (in this example, the counting process based on the operation of the count button 1171) is not executed.
[0386] According to this example, in the operation of the count button in the operation state of the game medal count clear button, since the process for the operation of the game medal count clear button is not executed, the game medal count will not be cleared due to an accidental operation, and it is possible to prevent the player from suffering disadvantages.
[0387] <Maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button> Next, with reference to FIG. 21(a), the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button will be described. FIG. 21(a) is a diagram showing the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100.
[0388] One bet button 130 is disposed so as to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of opening the front door 102) from the horizontal plane 102a of the front door 102 (the outer surface that is substantially horizontal with respect to the player in the slot machine 100 and does not face the player). By pressing the operation surface of the one bet button 130 downward toward the horizontal plane 102a, the operation (pressing operation) of the one bet button 130 can be performed.
[0389] The height indicated by the symbol h1 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal plane 102a of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the one bet button 130 (the maximum protruding height when the one bet button 130 is not operated).
[0390] The MAX bet button 132 is disposed so as to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of opening the front door 102) from the horizontal plane 102a of the front door 102. By pressing the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 downward toward the horizontal plane 102a, the operation (pressing operation) of the MAX bet button 132 can be performed.
[0391] The height indicated by the symbol h2 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal plane 102a of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 (the maximum protruding height when the MAX bet button 132 is not operated).
[0392] The start lever 135 is disposed so as to protrude forward (toward the player side. The direction of opening the front door 102) from the vertical plane 102b of the front door 102 (the outer surface that is substantially vertical with respect to the player in the slot machine 100 and faces the player). By pressing the operation surface of the start lever 135 downward, the operation (pressing operation) of the start lever 135 can be performed.
[0393] The height indicated by the symbol h3 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical plane 102b of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the start lever 135 (the maximum protruding height when the start lever 135 is not operated).
[0394] The stop buttons 137 to 139 are arranged so as to protrude forward (towards the player side, the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102. By pressing the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 towards the back side facing the vertical surface 102b, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated (pressed).
[0395] The height indicated by the reference sign h4 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (the maximum protruding height when the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not operated).
[0396] The effect button 156 is arranged so as to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102. By pressing the operation surface of the effect button 156 downward towards the horizontal surface 102a, the effect button 156 can be operated (pressed).
[0397] The height indicated by the reference sign h5 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the effect button 156 (the maximum protruding height when the effect button 156 is not operated).
[0398] The settlement button 134 is arranged so as to protrude forward (towards the player side, the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102. By pressing the operation surface of the settlement button 134 towards the back side facing the vertical surface 102b, the settlement button 134 can be operated (pressed).
[0399] The height indicated by the reference sign h6 in FIG. 21(a) is the maximum distance from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 to the apex on the operation surface of the settlement button 134 (the maximum protruding height when the settlement button 134 is not operated).
[0400] In this example, the maximum protruding height h1 of the single bet button 130 when not operated and the maximum protruding height h6 of the settlement button 134 when not operated are approximately the same height (h1 ≒ h6), and the maximum protruding height h2 of the MAX bet button 132 when not operated and the maximum protruding height h4 of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when not operated are approximately the same height (h2 ≒ h4).
[0401] Also, the maximum protruding height h2 of the MAX bet button 132 when not operated and the maximum protruding height h4 of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when not operated are higher than the maximum protruding height h1 of the single bet button 130 when not operated and the maximum protruding height h6 of the settlement button 134 when not operated (h1 ≒ h6 < h2 ≒ h4), and the maximum protruding height h5 of the effect button 156 when not operated is higher than these buttons (h1 ≒ h6 < h2 ≒ h4 < h5), and the maximum protruding height h3 of the start lever 135 when not operated is higher than this button (h1 ≒ h6 < h2 ≒ h4 < h5 < h3).
[0402] According to this example, an operating means with a relatively high protruding height on the operation surface (for example, the start lever 135) is likely to hit the player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even if it is in an operating state during power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent incorrect operations and an increase in the control burden associated with incorrect operations.
[0403] On the other hand, an operating means with a relatively low protruding height on the operation surface (for example, the MAX bet buttons 132, the single bet button 130, the settlement button 134) is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if it is in an operating state during power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be improved.
[0404] In addition, operating means (e.g., start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139) whose installation positions face the player or whose operating surfaces face the direction in which the front door 102 opens may be operated at unexpected timings. Therefore, even if they are in an operated state at the time of power restoration, by not performing control for such operations, it is possible to prevent maloperations and an increase in the control burden associated with maloperations.
[0405] On the other hand, operating means (e.g., MAX bet button 132, one - bet button 130, settlement button 134) whose installation positions do not face the player or whose operating surfaces do not face the direction in which the front door 102 opens are less likely to be operated at unexpected timings. Therefore, if they are in an operated state at the time of power restoration, by performing control for such operations, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, enhancing the convenience and satisfaction of the player.
[0406] Although not shown in the figure, the maximum protruding height of the count button 1171 of the slot machine 1100 is approximately the same as the maximum protruding height h1 when the one - bet button 130 is not operated and the maximum protruding height h6 when the settlement button 134 is not operated.
[0407] According to this example, operating means with a relatively low protruding height of the operating surface (e.g., count button 1171) are less likely to be operated at unexpected timings. Therefore, if they are in an operated state at the time of power restoration, by performing control for such operations, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, enhancing the convenience and satisfaction of the player.
[0408] Also, the MAX bet button 132, one - bet button 130, and settlement button 134 are operating means that can return to the state before operation (cancellation of operation is possible), while the start lever 135 and stop buttons 137 to 139 are operating means that cannot return to the state before operation (cancellation of operation is impossible).
[0409] Note that, for example, even when the MAX bet button 132 or the single bet button 130 is operated and medals are bet, the bet can be cancelled by operating the settlement button 134, and it can be said that the state returns to the state before the MAX bet button 132 or the single bet button 130 is operated. Also, even when the settlement button 134 is operated and medals are returned, if medals are inserted again, the state returns to the state before the settlement button 134 is operated.
[0410] According to this example, the operating means that can return to the state before the operation (the operation can be cancelled) can enhance convenience by performing control based on the operation at the time of power restoration, and the operating means that cannot return to the state before the operation (the operation cannot be cancelled) can prevent serious misoperations by not performing control based on the operation at the time of power restoration.
[0411] Also, focusing on the distance from the player, in the order of the operation surface of the single bet button 130, the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132, the operation surface of the effect button 156, the operation surface of the settlement button 134, the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and the operation surface of the start lever 135, the maximum distance from the player is short and they are arranged at positions close to the player.
[0412] According to this example, operating means with a relatively short distance from the operation surface to the player (for example, the start lever 135 and the stop buttons 137 to 139) may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even when in the state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent misoperations and an increase in the control burden associated with misoperations.
[0413] On the other hand, operating means with a relatively long distance from the operation surface to the player (for example, the MAX bet button 132 and the single bet button 130) are less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if in the state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be enhanced.
[0414] <Area of the operation surface of each button> Next, with reference to FIG. 21(b), the area of the operation surface of each button will be described. FIG. 21(b) is a diagram showing the area of the operation surface of each button extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100.
[0415] In FIG. 21(b), the portion indicated by reference sign s1 is the operation surface of the one-coin bet button 130, and the portion indicated by reference sign s2 in the same figure is the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132. Also, the portion indicated by reference sign s3 in the same figure is the operation surface of the start lever 135, and the portion indicated by reference sign s4 in the same figure is the operation surface of the stop buttons 137 to 139.
[0416] Also, in FIG. 21(b), the portion indicated by reference sign s5 is the operation surface of the effect button 156, and the portion indicated by reference sign s6 in the same figure is the operation surface of the settlement button 134. Also, the portion indicated by reference sign s7 in the same figure is the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the portion indicated by reference sign s8 in the same figure is the operation surface of the reset button 243.
[0417] In this example, the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130, the area s6 of the operation surface of the settlement button 134, the area s7 of the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the area s8 of the operation surface of the reset button 243 are approximately the same size (s1 ≈ s6 ≈ s7 ≈ s8). The area s2 of the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 and the area s4 of the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are approximately the same size (s2 ≈ s4). Also, the area s2 of the operation surface of the MAX bet button 132 and the area s4 of the operation surfaces of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are larger than the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130, the area s6 of the operation surface of the settlement button 134, the area s7 of the operation surface of the volume button 193b, and the area s8 of the operation surface of the reset button 243 (s1 ≈ s6 ≈ s7 ≈ s8 < s2 ≈ s4). The area s5 of the operation surface of the effect button 156 is larger than these buttons (s1 ≈ s6 ≈ s7 ≈ s8 < s2 ≈ s4 < s5), and the area s3 of the operation surface of the start lever 135 is larger than this button (s1 ≈ s6 ≈ s7 ≈ s8 < s2 ≈ s4 < s5 < s3).
[0418] According to this example, an operation means with a relatively large operation surface area (for example, the effect button 156) is likely to hit the player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even if it is in an operating state during power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent maloperations and an increase in the control burden associated with maloperations in advance.
[0419] On the other hand, an operation means with a relatively small operation surface area (for example, the single bet button 130, the settlement button 134) is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if it is in an operating state during power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be improved.
[0420] Although not shown in the figure, the area of the operation surfaces of the count button 1171 and the game medal number clear button 1172 of the slot machine 1100 is the same size as the area s1 of the operation surface of the single bet button 130 and the like.
[0421] According to this example, since an operating means (for example, the counting button 1171) with a relatively small area of the operation surface is unlikely to be operated at an unexpected timing, if it is in an operating state during power restoration, by controlling the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, improving the convenience and satisfaction of the player.
[0422] <Power restoration / summary in button pressed state> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a power supply device that supplies power (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2), a first operating means (for example, the start lever 135 and the effect button 156 shown in FIG. 1), and a second operating means (for example, the MAX bet button 132, the 1 bet button 130, and the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1). When a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the first operating means is not being operated, and even if it returns from the power failure to a state in which the operation of the first operating means is enabled while the first operating means is being operated, control of the operation of the first operating means is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the second operating means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power failure to a state in which the operation of the second operating means is enabled while the second operating means is being operated, control of the operation of the second operating means is executed. The operation surface of the first operating means protrudes from the outer surface of the gaming table more than the operation surface of the second operating means. The gaming table is characterized by this.
[0423] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, operation means with a relatively high protruding height of the operation surface is likely to hit the player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, even if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent malfunction and an increase in the control burden associated with the malfunction. Further, operation means with a relatively low protruding height of the operation surface is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing. Therefore, if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed quickly after power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be enhanced.
[0424] Further, the gaming table according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table including a power supply device that supplies power (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2), first operation means (for example, the start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, effect buttons 156, volume buttons 193a, reset button 243 shown in FIG. 1), and second operation means (for example, the MAX bet buttons 132, 1 bet button 130, settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1). Even if a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the operation of the first operation means becomes valid after returning from the power failure while the first operation means is being operated, control of the operation of the first operation means is not executed. However, if a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and the operation of the second operation means becomes valid after returning from the power failure while the second operation means is being operated, control of the operation of the second operation means is executed. The operation surface of the first operation means is larger in area than the operation surface of the second operation means. The gaming table is characterized by this.
[0425] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, since an operation means having a relatively large operation surface area is likely to hit a player or other members and may be operated at an unexpected timing, even if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by not performing control on the operation, it is possible to prevent an increase in control burden associated with an erroneous operation or an erroneous operation. In addition, since an operation means having a relatively small operation surface area is less likely to be operated at an unexpected timing, if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration, by performing control on the operation, the game can proceed quickly after the power restoration, and the convenience and satisfaction of the player can be improved.
[0426] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a power supply device that supplies power (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2), a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are provided and that are rotationally driven (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), a plurality of stop operation means for stopping the rotationally driven reels (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and effect means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 2, and various lamps). The gaming machine is configured such that when the plurality of stop operation means are operated, the plurality of reels are stopped in a first stop mode, and when the plurality of stop operation means are not being operated, the effect means executes a winning effect corresponding to the first stop mode. When a power failure occurs in which at least one of the plurality of reels is rotating and the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the plurality of stop operation means are not being operated, even if the power is restored while the stop operation means are being operated, the rotating reel is not stopped. However, when a power failure occurs in which the plurality of reels are stopped in the first stop mode by operating the plurality of stop operation means and the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the last stop operation means among the plurality of stop operation means is being operated, and when the power is restored while the operation of the last stop operation means is being continued, the winning effect corresponding to the first stop mode by the effect means is not executed while the operation of the last stop operation means is being continued. The gaming machine is characterized by this configuration.
[0427] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, depending on the operation status of the stop operation means, the control for the operation can be changed, and the stop control of the reels that may cause the player to suffer disadvantages due to incorrect operation is made invalid during power restoration, thereby preventing the player from suffering disadvantages due to incorrect operation. On the other hand, by enabling the hold control of the winning effect during power restoration and not executing the winning effect while the operation of the last stop operation means is being continued, it is possible to prevent the player from missing the winning effect and improve the player's satisfaction.
[0428] Note that, in this example, a light quantity button for setting the light quantity of various lamps, LEDs, etc. was not provided, but a light quantity button may be provided. When a light quantity button is provided, the control at power-on and the control of the light quantity button in simultaneous operations described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17 may be the same as the control of the volume button described above.
[0429] <Setting change operation in the door closed state> Next, the setting change operation in the door closed state will be described. Prior to this description, the administrator screen, the setting change mode, and the setting confirmation mode will be described.
[0430] <Administrator screen> The administrator screen is a screen used by an administrator such as a store clerk of a game parlor to perform various settings related to the slot machine 100. The display content of the administrator screen is not particularly limited, but in this example, using the liquid crystal display device 157, for example, the display of the administrator screen SD shown in FIG. 22(a-1) etc. is possible.
[0431] The administrator screen SD of this example is composed of a title display of "System Settings" indicating that it is an administrator screen and a display of a plurality of types of menus. The menu display in this example includes time setting, error history setting, setting history, power saving setting, etc. An administrator such as a store clerk of a game parlor can arbitrarily select any item in the menu display by operating the cross keys 193a (up key, down key, right key, left key) and the OK button 193b described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0432] For example, on the administrator screen SD, when the time setting item is selected, the date and time can be set. When the error history item is selected, the history of errors that occurred in the past on the gaming table, the opening and closing history of the front door 102, the history of power-on and power-off restoration, etc. can be displayed. Also, when the setting history item is selected, the history of past setting changes and setting confirmations can be displayed. Further, on the administrator screen SD, when the power saving setting item is selected, the power saving mode can be set (for example, simple settings such as the volume settings of the speakers 272, 277 and the brightness of the LEDs and various lamps).
[0433] Note that the items selectable on the administrator screen SD are not limited to this example. For example, the maximum volume that can be set only by the administrator of the gaming store, or the settings such as the error sound output when an error (for example, the opening of the front door 102) occurs may be possible, or the settings of the light quantity of the LEDs and various lamps may be possible.
[0434] <Setting change mode> Next, the normal setting change mode will be described with reference to Fig. 22(a). Fig. 22(a) is a diagram showing the flow of the normal setting change mode in chronological order.
[0435] <Setting change mode / Set the setting key SW to ON with the power OFF> In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in Fig. 22(a), with the power of the power supply device 252 OFF and the front door 102 in the door body open state (open state), an operation is performed by the administrator of the gaming store to turn the setting key SW from OFF to ON, and the setting key SW is in the ON state. In the same state, since the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device is stopped, although not shown in the figure, the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157, the set value display device 101a, and the payout number display 127 are non-displayed, and the output sound of the speakers 272, 277 is non-output.
[0436] <Setting change mode / Start of the setting change mode> In Fig. 22(a), the state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which, when the setting key SW indicated by reference numeral T1 in the same figure is in the ON state, an operation is performed by the power switch 244 by the administrator of the game parlor, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0437] When the power supply from the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, the slot machine 100 can start control to the setting change mode (setting change state) when both conditions, that is, the condition that the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state and the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state), are satisfied.
[0438] In other words, when the slot machine 100 is powered on in a state where the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state and an operation of changing the setting key SW from OFF (first operation state) to ON (second operation state) is performed, the slot machine 100 is configured to shift to a state (setting change mode) in which the setting value can be changed.
[0439] Specifically, in steps S203 to S204 of the initial setting process described with reference to Fig. 6, when the main control unit 300 determines that the front door 102 is in the open state and the setting key SW is ON, the main control unit 300 starts the setting change process described with reference to Fig. 7.
[0440] Subsequently, in step S302 of this setting change process, the main control unit 300 transmits a setting change start command indicating the start of setting change to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change start command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 executes a process of starting the display of the administrator screen.
[0441] As a result, as shown in Fig. 22(a-1), in the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed and the device has shifted to the setting change mode. Therefore, in the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2) is displayed, and setting change sounds (in this example, the voice "The settings are being changed" notifying that the settings are being changed) are output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0442] Also, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, in the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and in the paid-out number display 127, door open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0443] <Setting Change Mode / Change of Setting Value> In Fig. 22(a), the states indicated by the symbols T3 and T4 are states in which, in the setting change mode, the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the administrator of the game parlor.
[0444] The main control unit 300, in steps S305 to S307 of the setting change process, repeatedly adds 1 to each of the currently set setting values 1 to 6 and returns to 1 when the setting value exceeds 6 every time an operation of the reset SW243 is detected, thereby changing the setting value.
[0445] In the state indicated by the symbols T3 and T4 in Fig. 22(a), since an operation of the reset SW243 has been detected once, after executing the change of the setting value (in this example, change from setting 2 to setting 3), as shown in Fig. 22(a-2), in the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the updated setting value (in this example, setting 3) is displayed.
[0446] Also, since it is in the setting change mode, the output of the setting change sound from the speakers 272 and 277 is continued. Further, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 are continued.
[0447] <Setting change mode / Confirmation of setting value> In Fig. 22(a), the states indicated by the reference numerals T5 and T6 are states in which, in the setting change mode, the start lever 135 has been depressed once by the administrator of the game parlor.
[0448] When the main control unit 300 determines in step S307 of the setting change process that there has been an operation of the start lever 135, in the subsequent steps S308 to S309, the setting value displayed on the setting value display device 101a is stored (confirmed) as a new setting value, the display on the setting value display device 101a is erased, and the setting value is made non-displayed.
[0449] In the states indicated by the reference numerals T5 and T6 in Fig. 22(a), since the operation of the start lever 135 has been detected in the setting change mode, after storing (confirming) the setting value (in this example, setting 3) displayed on the setting value display device 101a as a new setting value, as shown in Fig. 22(a-3), the display of the setting value on the setting value display device 101a is erased.
[0450] Also, since it is in the setting change mode, the output of the setting change sound from the speakers 272 and 277 is continued. Further, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 are continued.
[0451] <Setting change mode / End of setting change mode> In Fig. 22(a), the state indicated by the reference numeral T7 is a state in which, in the setting change mode, the administrator of the game parlor has operated the setting key SW from ON to OFF, and the setting key SW has become OFF.
[0452] When an operation is performed to turn off the setting key SW (from the second operation state) to OFF (the first operation state) in the setting change mode, the slot machine 100 is configured to end the setting change mode.
[0453] In a specific example, when the main control unit 300 determines that the setting key SW is OFF in step S310 of the setting change process, the main control unit 300 transmits a setting change end command indicating the end of the setting change to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting change end command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 executes a process to end the display of the administrator screen SD.
[0454] As a result, as shown in FIG. 22(a-4), the administrator screen SD displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is erased. However, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is enlarged and displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.
[0455] In addition to the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157, the door open notification by the payout number display 127 is continued, and a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0456] Note that the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 22(a) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed. In this state, since the front door 102 has changed from the door open state (open state) to the door body closed state (closed state), although not shown, all of the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157, the door open notification by the payout number display 127, and the output of the door open notification sound by the speakers 272 and 277 are ended, and the machine shifts to the normal game state (playable state).
[0457] <Setting confirmation mode> Next, with reference to FIG. 22(b), the normal setting confirmation mode will be described. FIG. 22(b) is a diagram showing the flow of the normal setting confirmation mode in time series.
[0458] <Setting confirmation mode / front door: door body closed state> In Fig. 22(b), the state indicated by reference numeral T1 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON and the front door 102 is in the closed state of the door body, and normal gaming is being executed.
[0459] In the same state, since normal gaming is in progress, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal effect and outputs a normal effect BGM from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0460] <Setting confirmation mode / front door: door body closed state → door body open state> In Fig. 22(b), the state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which the front door 102 is opened in the closed state of the door body indicated by reference numeral T1 in the same figure, and the front door 102 has changed from the closed state of the door body to the open state of the door body.
[0461] In the same state, since the front door 102 has been opened, although not shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state).
[0462] In addition to the door open notification by this liquid crystal display device 157, the payout number display 127 executes door open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state), and outputs a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0463] <Setting confirmation mode / power ON, front door (door body open state), set key SW ON> In Fig. 22(b), the state indicated by reference numeral T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure is ON, the front door 102 is in the open state of the door body, and an operation of turning the set key SW from OFF to ON is performed by the administrator of the game parlor, and the set key SW is in the ON state.
[0464] When the front door 102 (door body) is determined to be in the door open state (open state) by the open / close sensor (determination means), the slot machine 100 can start control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when the setting key SW (operation means) is operated from OFF (first operation state) to ON (second operation state).
[0465] In other words, when an operation to change the setting key SW from OFF (first operation state) to ON (second operation state) is performed while the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on, the slot machine 100 is configured to shift to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which the set value can be confirmed.
[0466] Specifically, the main control unit 300 starts the setting confirmation process when it is a predetermined setting value confirmation valid period (for example, a period that is not the MAX bet state (a state in which medals for the number of playable games (3 medals in this example) are bet), or a replay-based re-game state), and the setting key SW is determined to be ON.
[0467] Subsequently, in this setting confirmation process, the main control unit 300 transmits a setting confirmation start command indicating the start of setting confirmation to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting confirmation start command from the main control unit 300, it executes a process to start the display of the administrator screen.
[0468] As a result, as shown in Fig. 22(b-2), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed, and since the setting confirmation mode has been entered, on the set value display device 101a, a numerical value (3 in this example) indicating the current set value (set 3 in this example) is displayed, and setting confirmation sounds (in this example, the voice "Confirming settings" notifying that the settings are being confirmed) are output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0469] In addition, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, in the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and in the payout number display 127, door open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0470] <Pressing operation of setting confirmation mode / reset SW> In Fig. 22(b), the states indicated by reference numerals T4 and T5 are states in which, in the setting confirmation mode, the reset SW243 has been pressed once by the administrator of the game parlor.
[0471] In the setting confirmation mode, since changing the set value by the reset SW243 is invalid, the set value has not been changed (updated).
[0472] <End of setting confirmation mode / setting confirmation mode> In Fig. 22(b), the state indicated by reference numeral T6 is a state in which, in the setting confirmation mode, the setting key SW has been operated by the administrator of the game parlor to be turned from ON to OFF, and the setting key SW has become OFF.
[0473] The slot machine 100 is configured to end the setting confirmation mode when an operation is performed to turn the setting key SW from ON (second operation state) to OFF (first operation state) in the setting confirmation mode.
[0474] In a specific example, when the main control unit 300 determines that the setting key SW is OFF in the set value confirmation process, the main control unit 300 transmits a setting confirmation end command indicating the end of the setting confirmation to the first sub-control unit 400. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this setting confirmation end command from the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400 executes a process to end the display of the administrator screen.
[0475] As a result, as shown in FIG. 22(b-4), the administrator screen SD being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is erased. However, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 is enlarged and displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.
[0476] In addition to the door open notification by this liquid crystal display device 157, in the payout number display 127, a door open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the characters "dr" for notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice "The door is open" for notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0477] Furthermore, since the setting confirmation mode has ended, the display of the set value on the setting value display device 101a is erased.
[0478] <Door closing in the setting confirmation mode> Next, the door closing in the setting confirmation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 23(a). FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing an example in which a playable state is achieved when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode in time series.
[0479] Note that the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the normal gaming state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 22(b) except that the setting key SW is ON, so the description thereof is omitted.
[0480] <Door closing / front door in the setting confirmation mode: door body closed state → door body open state> The state indicated by reference numeral T2 in FIG. 23(a) is a state in which the front door 102 is opened in the door body closed state indicated by reference numeral T1 in the same figure, and the front door 102 has changed from the door body closed state to the door body open state.
[0481] When the slot machine 100 is determined by an opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door-closed state (closed state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), in the playable state, when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door-open state (open state), it is configured to start control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).
[0482] In the state indicated by reference numeral T2 in FIG. 23(a), since the condition for starting control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is satisfied and the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is entered, as shown in FIG. 23(a-2), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed, and on the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3) is displayed, and setting confirmation sounds (in this example, the voice "It is in the setting confirmation" notifying that it is in the setting confirmation) are output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0483] Also, since the front door 102 is in the door-open state, on the liquid crystal display device 157, door-open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and on the payout number display 127, door-open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0484] <In the setting confirmation mode, door closing / front door: door body open state → door body closed state> The state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 23(a) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door-open state of the door body indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure, and the front door 102 has changed from the door-open state of the door body to the door-closed state.
[0485] In this slot machine 100, when it is determined by an opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), in the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state), when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), it is configured to start control to the playable state.
[0486] In the state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 23(a), the conditions for starting control from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the normal game state (playable state) are satisfied, and since it shifts to the normal game state (playable state), as shown in FIG. 23(a-3), on the liquid crystal display device 157, a normal effect is executed, and a normal effect BGM is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0487] Note that since the state indicated by reference numeral T4 in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the state indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure, the description thereof is omitted.
[0488] <Door closing in the setting confirmation mode (modification example)> Next, the door closing (modification example) in the setting confirmation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 23(b). FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing an example of maintaining the setting confirmation mode when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode in chronological order.
[0489] Note that since the states indicated by reference numerals T1 and T2 in FIG. 23(b) are the same as the states indicated by reference numerals T1 and T2 in FIG. 23(a), the description thereof is omitted.
[0490] <Door closing in the setting confirmation mode (modification example) / Front door: Door body open state → Door body closed state> The state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 23(b) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door body open state indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure, and the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door body closed state.
[0491] In the slot machine 100 of this example, in the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), even when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), it is configured to maintain the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).
[0492] In the state indicated by the reference symbol T3 in FIG. 23(a), since the conditions for maintaining the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are satisfied and the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is maintained, as shown in FIG. 23(b-3), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the administrator screen SD is continued, and on the setting value display device 101a, the display of the numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3) is continued, and the output of the setting confirmation sound (in this example, the voice "It is in the setting confirmation" notifying that it is in the setting confirmation) from the speakers 272 and 277 is continued.
[0493] On the other hand, since the front door 102 has changed from the door open state to the door closed state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 have ended.
[0494] Note that the state indicated by the reference symbol T4 in FIG. 23(b) is the same as the state indicated by the reference symbol T2 in the same figure, so the description thereof is omitted.
[0495] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1)> Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the setting change operation (Example 1) in the door closed state will be described. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of control in chronological order when the setting change operation (Example 1) in the door closed state is performed.
[0496] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Turn on the setting key SW with the power off> In FIG. 24, the state indicated by reference numeral T1 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the front door 102 is in the door open state (open state), and after an operation of turning the setting key SW from OFF to ON is performed by the manager of the game parlor, the front door 102 is in the closed (closed state) state.
[0497] In this state, since the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device has stopped, although not shown in the figure, the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157, the set value display device 101a, and the payout number display 127 are not displayed, and the output sounds of the speakers 272 and 277 are not output.
[0498] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Power on in the door closed state> In FIG. 24, the state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which, in the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in the same figure, with the door body closed and the setting key SW ON, an operation is performed on the power switch 244 by the manager of the game parlor, and the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0499] The slot machine 100 is configured to start control in the normal game state (playable state) without starting control in the setting change mode (setting change state) even when the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state) is satisfied when the power supply by the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, and when the open / close sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state).
[0500] In the state indicated by reference numeral T2 in FIG. 24, when the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500, and each device is started, the setting key SW is ON, but since the front door 102 is in the door closed state, it shifts to the normal game state without shifting to the setting change mode, and as shown in FIG. 24(a), in the liquid crystal display device 157, a normal effect is executed, and a normal effect BGM is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0501] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Front door: Door body closed state → Door body open state> In the state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 24, in the door body closed state indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure, the front door 102 is opened, and the front door 102 is in a state of changing from the door body closed state to the door body open state.
[0502] When the slot machine 100 is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), in the playable state, when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), the control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is started without starting the control to the setting change mode (setting change state).
[0503] In the state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 24, since the conditions for starting the control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are satisfied and the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is entered, as shown in FIG. 24(b), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed, and on the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2) is displayed, and a setting confirmation sound (in this example, the voice "Confirming settings" notifying that the settings are being confirmed) is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0504] Also, in the same state, since the front door 102 is in the door open state, on the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and on the payout number display 127, door open notification (in this example, lighting of the segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0505] According to the present example, when the door body is opened in an irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated in the second operating state, it is possible to shift to the setting confirmation state without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acts such as illegally changing the set value, and it is possible to perform the setting confirmation work, thereby enhancing the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor or the like.
[0506] In addition, when the condition for starting the control from the normal game state (playable state) to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is satisfied, the control to the setting change mode (setting change state) is not started, but the control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is started. However, when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), and the setting key SW (operating means) is operated to be ON (second operating state), in the playable state, when the opening / closing sensor (determination means) determines that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), the control to the setting change mode (setting change state) may not be started, and the playable state may be maintained.
[0507] With such a configuration, when the door body is opened in an irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated in the second operating state, the playable state can be maintained without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acts such as illegally changing the set value.
[0508] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Pressing operation of the reset SW> In FIG. 24, the states indicated by reference numerals T4 and T5 are states in which the reset SW243 is pressed once by the administrator of the game parlor in the setting confirmation mode.
[0509] In the setting confirmation mode, since the change of the set value by the reset SW243 is invalid, the change of the set value has not been executed.
[0510] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Front door: Door body open state → Door body closed state> In FIG. 24, the state indicated by reference numeral T6 is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the door body open state indicated by reference numeral T5 in the same figure, and the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door body closed state.
[0511] As described with reference to FIG. 23(a), in the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) of the slot machine 100 of this example, when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), if it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), it is configured to start control to the playable state.
[0512] In the state indicated by reference numeral T6 in FIG. 24, the conditions for starting control from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the normal game state (playable state) are satisfied, and since it shifts to the normal game state (playable state), as shown in FIG. 24(d), the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a normal effect, and the normal effect BGM is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0513] Note that, as described with reference to FIG. 23(b), even when it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door open state (open state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), and it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that the front door 102 (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state) in the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state), it may be configured to maintain the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state).
[0514] When configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 24(d´), in the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the administrator screen SD is continued, and in the setting value display device 101a, the display of the numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 3) is continued, and while the output of the setting confirmation sound (in this example, the voice "Confirmation in progress" notifying that the confirmation is in progress) from the speakers 272 and 277 is continued, since the front door 102 has changed from the door open state to the door closed state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 are terminated.
[0515] That is, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that performs control related to the game based on one of a plurality of set values, power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) capable of supplying power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and capable of opening and closing, determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) for determining the open / closed state of the door body, and operation means (for example, a setting key SW) having a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON state) as operation states. The operation means is provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in the open state. The main control means can set one of a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set set value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one of the plurality of set values can be set. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the open state, when the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, control to the setting confirmation state can be started. When power supply by the power supply means is started, when both conditions, that is, the condition that the door body is in the open state and the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state, are satisfied (for example, in FIG. 22(a), indicated by reference numeral T2, when the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), control to the setting change state can be started. Even when the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state is satisfied when power supply by the power supply means is started, if it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the closed state (for example, in FIG. 24, indicated by reference numeral T2, when the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), control to the playable state is started without starting control to the setting change state. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the closed state, andIn the playable state when the operating means is operated to the second operating state, even if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, the control to the setting change state is not started, and the playable state is maintained. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, in the playable state, after cutting off the power supply by the power supply means to open the door body and then starting the power supply by the power supply means, the control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 24, when the front door 102 is opened and then powered on again, the setting change mode is entered), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state (for example, when the front door 102 is in the door closed state as indicated by reference numeral T6 in FIG. 24), the setting confirmation state is maintained (for example, as shown in FIG. 24(d'), the state of the setting confirmation mode is maintained). This is a characteristic gaming table.
[0516] According to the gaming table according to this example, when the door body is opened in an irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, the playable state can be maintained without shifting to the setting change state, so that illegal acts such as illegally changing the set value can be prevented. In addition, since the irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state can be eliminated and the setting change state can be entered, the convenience of store clerks and the like in the game parlor can be improved. Also, since the setting confirmation state is maintained even when the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state, the convenience of store clerks and the like in the game parlor can be improved.
[0517] In addition, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that performs control related to the game based on one set value among a plurality of set values, power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) capable of supplying power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and capable of being opened and closed, determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) for determining the open / closed state of the door body, and operation means (for example, a setting key SW) having a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON state) as operation states. The operation means is provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in an open state. The main control means can set one state among a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set set value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one set value can be set from among the plurality of set values. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in an open state, and the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state. When the power supply by the power supply means is started, if both conditions, that is, the condition that the door body is in an open state and the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state, are satisfied (for example, in FIG. 22(a), indicated by reference numeral T2, when the front door 102 is in a door-open state and the setting key SW is in an ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state. Even when the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state is satisfied when the power supply by the power supply means is started, if it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in a closed state (for example, in FIG. 24, indicated by reference numeral T2, when the setting key SW is in an ON state but the front door 102 is in a door-closed state), control to the setting change state is not started, and control to the playable state is started. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in a closed state, andIn the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, control to the setting confirmation state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 24, the front door 102 is determined to be in the door open state and shifts to the setting confirmation mode), and when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state in the playable state, after cutting off the power supply by the power supply means to open the door body and then starting the power supply by the power supply means, control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 24, when the power is restored after opening the front door 102 to the door open state, it shifts to the setting change mode), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state (for example, in the case where the front door 102 is in the door closed state indicated by reference numeral T6 in FIG. 24), the setting confirmation state is maintained (for example, as shown in FIG. 24(d´), the state of the setting confirmation mode is maintained). This is a characteristic gaming table.
[0518] According to the gaming table according to this example, when the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state and the door body is opened in an irregular state, it is possible to shift to the setting confirmation state without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illegal acts such as illegally changing the set value in advance, and it is possible to perform the setting confirmation work. Also, since the setting confirmation state is maintained even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting confirmation state, the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor and the like can be improved. Further, since it is possible to eliminate the irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state and shift to the setting change state, the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor and the like can be improved.
[0519] Note that the "door body" according to the present invention is not limited to a door body composed of a single door (for example, the front door 102), and may be a door body composed of two doors (for example, an upper door and a lower door), or may be a door body composed of three or more doors. Further, the "when it is determined that the door body is in the open state" according to the present invention may be the case when one, a plurality, or all of the plurality of doors are determined to be in the open state when the door body is composed of a plurality of doors. Further, the "when it is determined that the door body is in the closed state" according to the present invention may be the case when one, a plurality, or all of the plurality of doors are determined to be in the closed state when the door body is composed of a plurality of doors.
[0520] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Power ON → Power OFF> In FIG. 24, the state indicated by reference numeral T7 is a state in which, in the setting confirmation mode indicated by reference numeral T6 in the same figure and with the door body in the closed state, an operation is performed on the power switch 244 by the administrator of the game parlor, and the power of the power supply device 252 changes from ON to OFF.
[0521] In this state, since the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device has stopped, as shown in FIG. 24(e), the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157, the set value display device 101a, and the payout number display 127 are not displayed, and the output sounds of the speakers 272, 277 are not output.
[0522] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 1) / Start of setting change mode> In FIG. 24, the state indicated by reference numeral T8 is a state in which, with the setting key SW indicated by reference numeral T7 in the same figure in the ON state, an operation is performed on the power switch 244 by the administrator of the game parlor, and the power of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON.
[0523] When the power supply by the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, the slot machine 100 can start control to the setting change mode (setting change state) when both conditions are satisfied: the condition that the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state and the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state).
[0524] In other words, when the slot machine 100 is powered on in a state where an operation of changing the setting key SW from OFF (first operation state) to ON (second operation state) is being performed, it is configured to shift to a state (setting change mode) where the setting value can be changed.
[0525] In the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 24, since the setting change mode has been entered, as shown in FIG. 24(f), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed, and on the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2) is displayed, and setting change sounds (in this example, the voice "Changing settings" notifying that the settings are being changed) are output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0526] Also, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, on the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and on the payout number display 127, door open notification (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0527] According to this example, it is possible to eliminate an irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state, and shift to the setting change state, thereby improving the convenience for store clerks and the like in the game parlor.
[0528] <Setting change operation (Example 1) with the door closed / Change of setting value> In Fig. 24, the states indicated by reference numerals T9 and T10 are states in which, in the setting change mode, the administrator of the game parlor has pressed the reset switch SW243 once.
[0529] In this state, since the operation of the reset switch SW243 has been detected once, after changing the set value (in this example, from setting 2 to setting 3), as shown in Fig. 24(g), the set value display device 101a displays a numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the updated set value (in this example, setting 3).
[0530] Also, in this state, since it is the setting change mode, the output of the setting change sound from the speakers 272 and 277 continues. Also, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 continue.
[0531] Also, although not shown in the drawings, in the slot machine according to this example, even when the front door 102 changes from the door body open state to the door body closed state in the setting change mode, the setting change mode is configured to be maintained.
[0532] When the setting change mode is maintained, on the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the administrator screen SD continues. Also, on the set value display device 101a, the display of the numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current set value (in this example, setting 3) continues, and while the output of the setting change sound (in this example, the voice "Changing settings" that notifies that the settings are being changed) from the speakers 272 and 277 continues, since the front door 102 has changed from the door body open state to the door closed state, the door open notification by the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door open notification by the payout number display 127 end.
[0533] That is, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that performs control related to the game based on one set value among a plurality of set values, power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) capable of supplying power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and capable of opening and closing, determination means (for example, an open / close sensor) for determining the open / close state of the door body, and operation means (for example, a setting key SW) having a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON state) as operation states. The operation means is provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in an open state. The main control means can set one state among a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set set value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one set value can be set from among the plurality of set values. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in an open state, and the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state. When the power supply by the power supply means is started, if both conditions, that is, the condition that the door body is in an open state and the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state, are satisfied (for example, in FIG. 22(a), indicated by reference numeral T2, when the front door 102 is in a door-open state and the setting key SW is in an ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state. Even when the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state is satisfied when the power supply by the power supply means is started, if it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in a closed state (for example, in FIG. 24, indicated by reference numeral T2, when the setting key SW is in an ON state but the front door 102 is in a door-closed state), control to the playable state is started without starting control to the setting change state. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in a closed state, andIn the playable state when the operating means is operated to the second operating state, even if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, the control to the setting change state is not started, and the playable state is maintained. When the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state in the playable state, after cutting off the power supply by the power supply means to open the door body and then starting the power supply by the power supply means, the control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 24, when the front door 102 is opened and then powered on again, the setting change mode is entered), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state, the setting change state is maintained. This is a characteristic of the gaming table.
[0534] According to the gaming table according to this example, in an irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, when the door body is opened, the playable state can be maintained without shifting to the setting change state, so that illegal acts such as illegally changing the set value can be prevented in advance. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state and shift to the setting change state, and since the setting change state is maintained even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state, the convenience of store clerks and the like in the game parlor can be improved.
[0535] In addition, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes main control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3) that performs control related to the game based on one of a plurality of setting values, power supply means (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that can supply power to the main control means, a door body (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and capable of opening and closing, determination means (for example, an opening / closing sensor) for determining the open / closed state of the door body, and operation means (for example, a setting key SW) having a first operation state (for example, an OFF state) and a second operation state (for example, an ON state) as operation states. The operation means is provided at a position where it can be operated only when the door body is in the open state. The main control means can set one of a plurality of states including at least a playable state (for example, a normal game state) in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state (for example, a setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed, and a setting change state (for example, a setting change mode) in which one of the plurality of setting values can be set. When it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the open state, when the operation means is operated from the first operation state to the second operation state, it is possible to start control to the setting confirmation state. When the power supply by the power supply means is started, when both conditions, that is, the condition that the door body is in the open state and the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state, are satisfied (for example, in FIG. 22(a), when indicated by reference numeral T2, when the front door 102 is in the door open state and the setting key SW is in the ON state), it is possible to start control to the setting change state. Even when the condition that the operation means is operated in the second operation state is satisfied when the power supply by the power supply means is started, when it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the closed state (for example, in FIG. 24, when indicated by reference numeral T2, when the setting key SW is in the ON state but the front door 102 is in the door closed state), control to the playable state is started without starting control to the setting change state, and when it is determined by the determination means that the door body is in the closed state, andWhen the operation means is operated to the second operation state and in the playable state, if the determination means determines that the door body is in the open state, the control to the setting confirmation state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 24, the front door 102 is determined to be in the door open state and shifts to the setting confirmation mode), and when the determination means determines that the door body is in the closed state and in the playable state when the operation means is operated to the second operation state, after cutting off the power supply by the power supply means to open the door body and then starting the power supply by the power supply means, the control to the setting change state is started (for example, in the state indicated by reference numeral T8 in FIG. 24, when the front door 102 is opened and then powered on again, it shifts to the setting change mode), and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state, the setting change state is maintained. This is a gaming table characterized by the above.
[0536] According to the gaming table according to this example, when the door body is in the closed state and in an irregular state where the operation means is operated to the second operation state and the door body is opened, it is possible to shift to the setting confirmation state without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illegal acts such as illegally changing the set value, and it is possible to perform the setting confirmation work, improving the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor and the like. Also, it is possible to eliminate the irregular state where the door body is in the closed state and the operation means is operated to the second operation state and shift to the setting change state, and even if the door body is in the closed state in the setting change state, the setting change state is maintained, so the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor and the like can be improved.
[0537] <Setting change operation with the door closed (Example 2)> Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the setting change operation with the door closed (Example 2) will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of control in time series when the setting change operation with the door closed (Example 2) is performed.
[0538] Although not shown in the figure, the slot machine of this example includes an upper door (door body) and a lower door (door body) that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101.
[0539] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 2) / Turn on the setting key SW with the power off> In FIG. 25, the state indicated by reference numeral T1 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the upper door is in the door closed state (closed state), the lower door is in the door open state (open state), and the setting key SW is turned from OFF to ON by the manager of the game parlor.
[0540] In the same state, since the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device is stopped, although not shown in the figure, the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157, the set value display device 101a, and the payout number display 127 are not displayed, and the output sounds of the speakers 272, 277 are not output.
[0541] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 2) / Turn on the power with the upper door closed and the lower door open> In FIG. 25, the state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state in which, in the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in the same figure, with the upper door closed, the lower door open, and the setting key SW ON, an operation is performed on the power switch 244 by the manager of the game parlor, and the power of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON.
[0542] Even when the slot machine of this example satisfies the condition that the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to ON (second operation state) when the power supply by the power supply device 252 (power supply means) is started, if it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), control to the game impossible state is started without starting control to the setting change mode (setting change state), and a door open notification is configured to be performed.
[0543] In the state indicated by reference numeral T2 in FIG. 25, when the power supply of the power supply device 252 changes from OFF to ON and the power supply to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, the sub-control units 400 and 500 and each device is started, the setting key SW is ON. However, since the upper door is in the door-closed state, without shifting to the setting change mode, it shifts to the non-game state. As shown in FIG. 25(a), on the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and a door open notification sound (in this example, the voice "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0544] In addition to (or instead of) the door open notification by this liquid crystal display device 157 and the output of the door open notification sound by the speakers 272 and 277, on the payout number display 127, for example, door open notification shown in FIG. 25(c) (in this example, lighting of segments corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) may be executed.
[0545] <Setting change operation in the door-closed state (Example 2) / Upper door closed state, lower door open state → Lower door open state> The state indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 25 is a state in which the lower door changes from the open state to the closed state in the upper door closed state and the lower door open state indicated by reference numeral T2 in the same figure.
[0546] In the slot machine of this example, in the non-game state when it is determined by an opening / closing sensor (determination means) that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in the door-closed state (closed state), and the setting key SW (operation means) is operated to be ON (second operation state), even if it is determined by the opening / closing sensor (determination means) that both the upper door (door body) and the lower door (door body) are in the door-closed state (closed state), it is configured to start control for normal game (game possible state) without starting control to the setting change mode (setting change state).
[0547] In the state indicated by reference sign T3 in FIG. 25, since the conditions for starting the control from the non-game state to the normal game state (playable state) are satisfied, without shifting to the setting change mode, the machine shifts to the normal game state. As shown in FIG. 25(b), on the liquid crystal display device 157, a normal effect is executed, and a normal effect BGM is output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0548] According to this example, when both door bodies are closed in an irregular state where either one of the door bodies is in the closed state and the operating means is operated to the second operating state, it is possible to shift to the playable state without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illegal acts such as illegally changing the set value.
[0549] <Setting change operation in the door closed state (Example 2) / Upper door and lower door closed state → Upper door and lower door open state> The state indicated by reference sign T4 in FIG. 25 is a state in which the upper door and the lower door are changed from the closed state to the open state in the upper door closed state and the lower door closed state indicated by reference sign T3 in the same figure.
[0550] The slot machine of this example is configured such that in a non-game state where an opening / closing sensor (determining means) determines that either the upper door (door body) or the lower door (door body) is in the door closed state (closed state), and a setting key SW (operating means) is operated to ON (second operating state), even if the opening / closing sensor (determining means) determines that both the upper door (door body) and the lower door (door body) are in the door open state (open state), the control to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) is started without starting the control to the setting change mode (setting change state).
[0551] In the state indicated by reference numeral T4 in FIG. 25, since the conditions for starting the control from the non-game state to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) are satisfied, without shifting to the setting change mode, it shifts to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state). As shown in FIG. 25(c), on the liquid crystal display device 157, the administrator screen SD is displayed, and on the setting value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2) is displayed, and setting confirmation sounds (in this example, the voice "It is in the setting confirmation" notifying that it is in the setting confirmation) are output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0552] Also, since the front door 102 is in the door body open state, on the liquid crystal display device 157, door open notification (in this example, the display of the character string "The door is open" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed, and on the payout number display 127, door open notification (in this example, the lighting of the segment corresponding to the character "dr" notifying that the front door 102 is in the open state) is executed.
[0553] According to this example, when both door bodies are opened in an irregular state where either one of the door bodies is in the closed state and the operating means is operated in the second operating state, it is possible to shift to the setting confirmation state without shifting to the setting change state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illegal acts such as illegally changing the setting value, and it is possible to perform the setting confirmation work, improving the convenience for store employees of the game parlor and the like.
[0554] Note that in the subsequent FIG. 25, the states indicated by reference numerals T6 to T10 are the same as the states indicated by reference numerals T6 to T10 in FIG. 24, except that the door closed state of the front door 102 is replaced with the door closed states of the upper door and the lower door, and the door open state of the front door...
Claims
1. A gaming machine capable of executing a plurality of types of pre-reading performances, A presentation mode can be selected from a plurality of presentation modes by a player's operation, It is configured to be able to execute multiple types of reach performances, A hold display can be displayed in response to a hold, The plurality of types of presentation modes include a first presentation mode and a second presentation mode, The plurality of types of pre-reading effects include a first pre-reading effect and a second pre-reading effect, The plurality of types of reach effects include a first reach effect and a second reach effect which suggests that there is a higher possibility of a jackpot than the first reach effect, The display mode of the reserved display includes a normal display mode and a suggestive display mode that suggests a higher possibility of a jackpot than the normal display mode, The suggested display mode includes a plurality of display modes, The first pre-reading effect is an effect in which the reserved display is displayed in any one of the suggested display modes, During the execution of the second reach effect, when a new reservation occurs, the first look-ahead effect is not executed for the new reservation, while the second look-ahead effect may be executed, The first look-ahead performance is a look-ahead performance that can be executed in the first performance mode and is also a look-ahead performance that can be executed in the second performance mode, The second look-ahead performance is a look-ahead performance that cannot be executed in the first performance mode but is executable in the second performance mode, In the second performance mode, the first pre-reading performance may be executed for a certain hold, and the second pre-reading performance may also be executed, The first pre-reading effect is an effect that may be executed at least at a first timing, The second look-ahead effect is an effect to be executed at a second timing, the first timing is later than the second timing, The execution frequency of the first look-ahead performance for a reserve that will be a miss in the second performance mode is configured to be lower than the execution frequency of the first look-ahead performance for a reserve that will be a miss in the first performance mode, The execution frequency of the first look-ahead performance for the winning reserved in the second performance mode is configured not to be lower than the execution frequency of the first look-ahead performance for the winning reserved in the first performance mode, In the case where a winning reservation occurs in the second presentation mode and the first look-ahead presentation and the second look-ahead presentation are executed for the reservation, when a new reservation occurs, the first look-ahead presentation is not executed at the first timing for the new reservation, whereas the second look-ahead presentation may be executed at the second timing. A gaming machine characterized by:
2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, During the execution of the first reach performance, when a new reservation occurs, the first look-ahead performance may be executed for the new reservation, and the second look-ahead performance may also be executed. A gaming machine characterized by:
3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, In the case where a reservation that is a miss occurs in the second performance mode and the first look-ahead performance and the second look-ahead performance are executed for the reservation, when a new reservation occurs, the first look-ahead performance is not executed at the first timing for the new reservation, while the second look-ahead performance may be executed at the second timing. A gaming machine characterized by:
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