Game machine
The gaming machine addresses operational inefficiencies in conventional slot machines by managing state transitions and power cut recovery through a power supply device and operating means, ensuring seamless gameplay and reliable state management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023216366
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-22
AI Technical Summary
Conventional gaming tables, such as slot machines, have room for improvement in their operating means, particularly in handling power cuts and state transitions during and after power restoration.
The gaming machine includes a power supply device, first and second operating means, and a main control means that manage state transitions and operations based on set values, ensuring specific controls are executed or skipped depending on the state of the operating means at power restoration, and allowing for seamless transitions between playable, setting confirmation, and setting change states.
This solution ensures robust operation and state management in gaming machines, allowing for efficient recovery from power cuts and maintaining game integrity by executing appropriate controls based on the state of the operating means, enhancing player experience and operational reliability.
Smart Images

Figure 2025099587000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming table represented by a pachinko machine, a spinning reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as one type of gaming table, for example, a slot machine is known. Some such slot machines are equipped with operating means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the operating means of conventional gaming tables.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a power supply device that supplies power, a first substrate, first operating means connected to the first substrate via a first harness, second operating means, and main control means that performs control related to the game based on one set value among a plurality of set values. The main control means can set one state among a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state in which the currently set set value can be confirmed, and a setting change state in which one set value can be set from among the plurality of set values. The first operating means has at least a first operation part and a second operation part. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation part is not operated, and the first operation part is operated after returning from the power cut when the first operation part is not operated, it may be configured to execute first control. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation part is not operated, and the second operation part is operated after returning from the power cut when the second operation part is not operated, it may be configured to execute second control. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not operated, and the second operating means is operated after returning from the power cut when the second operating means is not operated, it may be configured to execute third control. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation part is not operated, and even if it returns from the power cut when the first operation part is operated, it may be configured to execute the first control. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation part is not operated, and even if it returns from the power cut when the second operation part is operated, it may be configured to execute the second control. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operating means is not operated, and when it returns from the power cut when the second operating means is operated, it is configured not to execute the third control. When the first control is executed, it can return to the state before the first control is executed. When the second control is executed,It is possible to return to the state before the second control is executed. Even if the third control is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the third control is executed. After shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state, if the first operation unit is operated, the first control may be executed. After shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state, if the second operation unit is operated, the second control may be executed. When shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state while the set value is being confirmed in the setting confirmation state and the first operation unit is being operated, the first control is not configured to be executed. When shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state while the set value is being confirmed in the setting confirmation state and the second operation unit is being operated, the second control is not configured to be executed. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state while the first operation unit is being operated, the first control may be executed. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state while the second operation unit is being operated, the second control may be executed. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state with at least the first operation unit and the second operation unit being operated, only the first control may be executed. A gaming table characterized by this is provided.
Effects of the Invention
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table having characteristics in operating means.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007]
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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0008] <<Embodiment 1>> Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a gaming table (slot machine) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
[0009] <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 seen from the front side (the player side).
[0010] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the gaming table 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 openable and closable with respect to the main body 101. The front door 102 (door body) will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.
[0011] Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with 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.
[0012] In the present embodiment, each symbol is printed at appropriate intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each of the reels 110 to 112 (see FIG. 4(a)). 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 as seen by the player, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.
[0013] By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a combination of a plurality of types of symbols. In addition to the reels, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted as such a display device. Further, in the present 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.
[0014] 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 individual symbol so that each individual symbol can be evenly irradiated. Inside the slot machine 100, in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor, not shown) composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided, 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 symbols on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.
[0015] The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that notifies the player that they have won internally in a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in an internal lottery described later, or that a bonus game is in progress (during a special game state). The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (that it is not necessary to insert a medal) when winning in the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.
[0016] 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 sometimes referred to as the "1-coin bet button") 130 is pressed, one coin is inserted up to a maximum of three coins. When the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2-coin bet button") 131 is pressed, two coins are inserted. When the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three coins are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals. When the specified number of medals is inserted, the game start lamp 121, which indicates that the game can be started, lights up.
[0017] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. The term "insertion" includes both of these.
[0018] On the left side of the medal insertion slot 141, there are provided a cross key 193a (the first operation means, consisting of four buttons: an up button, a down button, a right button, and a left button, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "volume button"), an OK button 193b (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "cross button 193" or the "menu button"), and an effect button (the first operation means) 156 for receiving the player's operation in various effects.
[0019] The stored number indicator 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 indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are configured by 7-segment (SEG) displays.
[0020] 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 are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.
[0021] 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 also be lit to notify the player.
[0022] Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "one stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "two stops" or "second stop"), and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "three stops" or "third stop").
[0023] Also, the reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel in order. Further, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or the pressing order).
[0024] When the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is represented by the left stop button 137 as "left or L", the middle stop button 138 as "center or C", and the right stop button 139 as "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).
[0025] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove the inserted medals when they are jammed. 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 port 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.
[0026] In this example, the settlement button 134 is disposed so as to protrude forward (toward the player side, the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (the outer surface that is substantially perpendicular to the player in the slot machine 100 and faces the player; see Fig. 26(a)). However, it may be disposed 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, like the effect button 156 or the like.
[0027] Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 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 sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160.
[0028] 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 "effect image display device") disposed on the back side of the 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 (the player side).
[0029] Note that the display means may be a display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information, not limited to 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 the entire screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Further, by providing a decoration (not shown) at the periphery of the display screen, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, and the display screen can be made to look irregular. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.
[0030] <Internal Structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.
[0031] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper surface plate 261, a left side surface plate 260, a right side surface plate 260, a lower surface plate 264, and a back surface plate 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 back surface plate 242, a main control board storage case 210 for storing the main control board inside is arranged. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged.
[0032] On the main control board accommodated in the main control board storage case 210, a main board display (light emitting means) 190 capable of notifying various game information is disposed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 2(b), this main board display 190 cannot be visually recognized unless the front door 102 is opened, and is provided at a position that is difficult to visually recognize from the appearance of the slot machine (game table) 100 (inside the slot machine 100 and difficult to visually recognize from the player).
[0033] According to this example, since the main board display (light emitting means) 190 is provided at a position that is difficult to visually recognize from the appearance of the slot machine (game table) 100, by making the main board display (light emitting means) 190 invisible to the player, it is possible to prevent the player from misrecognizing that the light emission of the main board display (light emitting means) 190 is part of the effect, and it does not cause any disadvantage to the player.
[0034] Also, in the vicinity of the main board display 190 (in this example, on the left side surface plate 260 inside the main body 101 where the hinge device 276 that is the rotation center of the front door 102 is attached), an LED correspondence label (first display portion) 192 indicating which operation means each of the plurality of LEDs (light emitting portions) provided in the main board display 190 corresponds to is disposed. Details of the LED correspondence label (first display portion) 192 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2(c).
[0035] According to this example, even for a manager who is not familiar with this gaming table, by checking the LED-compatible sticker 192 provided on the gaming table without referring to the operation manual or the like, it becomes possible to grasp which LED (light-emitting part) of the main board display 190 corresponds to which operation means, and the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor or the like can be improved.
[0036] In particular, since the LED-compatible sticker 192 is disposed in the vicinity of the main board display 190, the correspondence between the LED of the main board display 190 and the operation means is easy to see and easy to confirm, so that the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor or the like can be enhanced.
[0037] Also, since the LED-compatible sticker 192 is disposed on the side plate 260 to which the hinge device 276 serving as the rotation center of the front door 102 is attached, the LED-compatible sticker 192 is easy to notice when the front door 102 is opened, and the display of the LED-compatible sticker 192 is easy to confirm, so that the workability for store clerks of the game parlor or the like can be improved.
[0038] On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side plate 260 facing it, a sub-control board storage case 220 storing a sub-control board inside is disposed. Further, on the side plate 260 facing right, an external centralized terminal board 248 connected to the main control board and outputting information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.
[0039] Also, inside the main body 101, a setting key switch (operation means. Hereinafter, also referred to as "setting key SW". Not shown) that can be switched between on (second operation state. Hereinafter, may be referred to as "ON") and off (first operation state. Hereinafter, may be referred to as "OFF") by a rotation operation is provided. This setting key SW is an operation means for starting the setting change and setting confirmation of setting values (in this example, setting 1 to setting 6) described later.
[0040] Also, inside the main body 101, a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 is provided that can perform an operation (setting value change operation) for changing settings by a pressing operation. This reset SW 243 is an operating means that also functions as an error release switch capable of performing an operation (error elimination operation) for eliminating various errors described later.
[0041] These setting key SWs and the reset SW 243 are operating 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 operating 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.
[0042] Also, inside the main body 101, a setting value display device 101a (see FIG. 17(b)) capable of displaying setting values is provided. 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 settings 1 to 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, and when the setting value is determined by operating 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.
[0043] On the lower panel 264, a medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed. 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 disposed, and a power switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "power SW") 244 is disposed 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. Further, 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.
[0044] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is disposed, and an overflow terminal is disposed behind it (not shown). 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 the power cord hole 262 formed in the rear panel 242 of the main body 101.
[0045] The front door 102 is hinged to the side panel 260 on the left side 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.
[0046] In this example, by inserting the key held by the manager of the game parlor into the door key hole 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 it 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.
[0047] 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, and it is configured such that a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 passes between the light projecting part and the light receiving part of this open / close sensor.
[0048] 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 that it is in the closed detection state to the main control unit 300.
[0049] 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 that it is in the open detection state to the main control unit 300.
[0050] 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.
[0051] Note that the "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, and for example, it may be 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.
[0052] 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 shielding 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.
[0053] 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 the operation of this DIP switch may be performed as the predetermined operation. Further, when the detection means is constituted 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] <Main board display, LED corresponding sticker> Next, the main board display 190 and the LED corresponding sticker 192 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(b) and (c). FIG. 2(b) is a front view showing an example of the main board display 190, and FIG. 2(c) is a front view showing an example of the LED corresponding sticker 192.
[0056] The main board display (light-emitting means) 190 is a display composed of a plurality (in this example, eight) of LEDs (light-emitting parts). By lighting one, a plurality, or all of the eight LEDs a to h, predetermined game information can be notified. Note that the "light-emitting means" according to the invention of the present application is not limited to a display composed of LEDs, and a lamp, a seven-segment display, a liquid crystal display device, etc. may be applied. Needless to say, the game information that can be notified by the "light-emitting means" according to the invention of the present application is not limited to eight types.
[0057] LED a of the main board display 190 is an LED that 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).
[0058] As shown in FIG. 2(b), below the LED a of the main board display 190 (in the range where the light from the LED a reaches), identification information for identifying the LED a (in this example, the character string "LED1") is printed. As shown in FIG. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LED a on the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LED a (the character string "LED1") (in this example, 1) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LED a (in this example, the character string "MAX bet button") are printed.
[0059] LED b of the main board display 190 is an LED that 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).
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2(b), below the LED b of the main board display 190 (in the range where the light from the LED b reaches), identification information for identifying the LED b (in this example, the character string "LED2") is printed. As shown in FIG. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LED b on the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LED b (the character string "LED2") (in this example, 2) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LED b (in this example, the character string "one bet button") are printed.
[0061] The LEDc of the main board display 190 is an LED that 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).
[0062] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LEDc (in this example, the character string "LED3") is printed below the LEDc of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDc reaches), and as shown in Fig. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDc in the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LEDc (the character string "LED3") (in this example, 3) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LEDc (in this example, the character string "settlement button") are printed.
[0063] The LEDd of the main board display 190 is an LED that 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).
[0064] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LEDd (in this example, the character string "LED4") is printed below the LEDd of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDd reaches), and as shown in Fig. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDd in the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LEDd (the character string "LED4") (in this example, 4) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LEDd (in this example, the character string "start lever") are printed.
[0065] The LEDe of the main board display 190 is an LED that lights up during the operation of the left 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).
[0066] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LED (in this example, the character string "LED5") is printed below the LED of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LED reaches). As shown in Fig. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LED on the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LED (the character string "LED5") (in this example, 5) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LED (in this example, the character string "left stop button") are printed.
[0067] The LEDf of the main board display 190 is an LED that lights up during the operation of the middle 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).
[0068] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LEDf (in this example, the character string "LED6") is printed below the LEDf of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDf reaches). As shown in Fig. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDf on the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LEDf (the character string "LED6") (in this example, 6) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LEDf (in this example, the character string "middle stop button") are printed.
[0069] The LEDg of the main board display 190 is an LED that lights up during the operation of the right 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).
[0070] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LEDg (in this example, the character string "LED7") is printed below the LEDg of the main board display 190 (within the range where the light from the LEDg reaches). As shown in Fig. 2(c), at the position corresponding to the LEDg on the LED corresponding sticker 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LEDg (the character string "LED7") (in this example, 7) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LEDg (in this example, the character string "right stop button") are printed.
[0071] The LEDh of the main board display 190 is an LED that 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).
[0072] As shown in Fig. 2(b), identification information for identifying the LEDh (in this example, the character string "LED8") is printed below the LEDh of the main board display 190 (the range where the light from the LEDh reaches). As shown in Fig. 2(c) of the same figure, at the position corresponding to the LEDh on the LED corresponding seal 192, a number corresponding to the identification information of the LEDh (the character string "LED8") (in this example, 8) and identification information for identifying the operation means corresponding to the LEDg (in this example, the character string "reset button") are printed.
[0073] According to this example, even an administrator who is not familiar with this gaming table can, without checking the instruction manual or the like, by checking the LED corresponding seal 192 provided on the gaming table, grasp which LED (light emitting part) of the main board display 190 corresponds to which operation means, and the convenience of store clerks and the like in the gaming store can be improved.
[0074] Also, since identification information for identifying the LED is provided below the LED of the main board display 190 (the range where the light from the light emitting part reaches), it becomes easy to identify the lit LED, and by illuminating the identification information with the LED, the visibility of the identification information can be enhanced, and the workability of store clerks and the like in the gaming store can be improved.
[0075] Note that the notification modes by each of the LEDs a to h are not limited to lighting of the LEDs, and may be those that notify each state by blinking or turning off the LEDs. 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 operation means other than the illustrated operation means, various errors, and information other than the illustrated operation information (for example, game state, winning combination, winning pattern). Further, the arrangement and number of the LEDs, the name of the identification information for identifying the LEDs and the operation means, etc. are not limited to this example either.
[0076] Also, in this example, an example in which the main board display (light emitting means) 190 is disposed on the main control board is shown, but the "light emitting means" according to the present invention may be disposed on other boards (for example, sub-control board or power supply board).
[0077] <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.
[0078] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a main control unit (main control means) 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a first sub-control unit 400 that controls 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.
[0079] <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, and the basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used during internal lottery of winning combinations, and reel stop positions, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.
[0080] The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to the interrupt request. For example, if 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 frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for interrupt is 256×47÷8 MHz=1.504 ms.
[0081] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) 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, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described later).
[0082] The random number generation circuit 316 generates a random number value to be used by the basic circuit 302. There are roughly two types of methods for generating the random number value in this random number generation circuit 316: the counter mode and the random number mode. In the counter mode, a value that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained, and that value is derived as the random number value. 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 (e.g., a modulus function) with the seed of the random number value, and to derive the result of this operation as the random number value. The second method is to read out a value from a random number table in which values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and to derive the read-out value as the random number value. The random number generation circuit 316 obtains an irregular value by using the white noise superimposed on the signal input from the various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in the counter mode, as the seed of the random number value, or when determining the start position for reading the random number table.
[0083] In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the states of the various sensors 318 (bed button 130 sensor, bed button 131 sensor, bed button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for the 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 the 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 SW243 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.
[0084] 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 value to be used for the lottery.
[0085] The medal reception sensor is installed in two places in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 and detects whether a medal has passed through. 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.
[0086] 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 inserting the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 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. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.
[0087] 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 through. 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.
[0088] As described above, the opening and closing sensor is a sensor that can detect the opening and closing state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is in the closed state, the opening and 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 and closing sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating the open detection state to the CPU 304.
[0089] The setting key SW sensor and the reset 243SW sensor are each installed on each SW and detect the operation of the SW by a store clerk or the like of the game parlor.
[0090] 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 selects 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).
[0091] Further, 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, 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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 the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.
[0094] <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 the 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.
[0095] The CPU 404 transmits the data for frequency division 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 data for frequency division, 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.
[0096] Also, 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 obtained from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.
[0097] Also, 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and 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.
[0100] In addition, the CPU 404 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 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 that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various effect driving devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).
[0101] 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, the 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.
[0102] The CPU 504 transmits the data for frequency division 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 data for frequency division, 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] <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.
[0106] 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 this 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 this 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.
[0107] <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.
[0108] 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". However, the "winning combinations" in this embodiment include the operating combinations, namely, the big bonuses, the regular bonus, and the replay. Also, the "winning" in this embodiment 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.
[0109] 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 they can be arbitrarily adopted.
[0110] "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, flag carry - over is performed 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 RAM308 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 a win occurs, and BB1 and BB2 remain internally selected in subsequent games, and 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 simultaneously.
[0111] "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 flag carry - over is also performed 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.
[0112] "Minor winning combinations (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry", "Watermelon", "Bell") are winning combinations for which 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. In the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", it is sufficient that 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.
[0113] "Replay winning combination" is a winning combination (activation 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. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".
[0114] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.
[0115] <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.
[0116] 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), a transition is made 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, a transition is made to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.
[0117] <Replay high probability state (RT2)> The replay high probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of the replay is higher than that in the replay low probability state (RT1).
[0118] In this example, when an internal winning occurs for a special combination in this high-probability replay state (RT2), a transition is made to a special combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.
[0119] <Special combination internal winning state (RT3)> The special combination internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special combination is set to on, and it is a gaming state in which, when a player performs a stop operation at a predetermined timing, a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination corresponding to this flag can be displayed.
[0120] In this example, when a winning occurs for a special combination in this special combination internal winning state (RT3), a transition is made to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.
[0121] <Special gaming state (RT4)> The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all gaming states. In this example, when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) are paid out in the special gaming state (RT4), a transition is made to a low-probability replay state (RT1).
[0122] Note that in this example, the end condition of the special gaming state (RT4) is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be when an internal winning occurs for a specified combination, when there are winnings a specified number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a game is played a specified number of times (for example, 6 times).
[0123] <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.
[0124] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 receives this start signal, it starts resetting by means of a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main process according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.
[0125] 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 settings, setting changes, return processes, etc. are performed.
[0126] In step S102, a medal insertion / start operation reception process 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 port 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 winning occurs in the replay role 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.
[0127] Also, a check is made based on the detection by the sensor circuit 320 as to 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.
[0128] In step S103, a winning line determination process is performed to confirm the number of inserted medals and determine the valid winning lines.
[0129] 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, an internal lottery process for winning roles is performed. In this internal lottery process for winning roles, the winning role lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read 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 send 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 role (including the active role) is internally selected, the flag of that winning role is turned on.
[0130] In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select reel stop data based on the internal lottery result of the internal lottery process for winning roles. 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 send 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.
[0131] In step S108, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted. 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 any one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of draw commands set in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 stop, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0132] In 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 was performed (specifically, for the first stop operation, a stop button reception 1 command, for the second stop operation, a stop button reception 2 command, and for the third stop operation, a 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, a reel stop 1 command, for the second stop operation, a reel stop 2 command, and for the third stop operation, a reel stop 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0133] In step S109, a winning determination process for performing a winning determination is carried out. In this winning determination process, when a combination of symbols corresponding to any winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that a win has occurred for that winning combination. For example, if "bell - bell - bell" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a win has occurred 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.
[0134] In step S110, a medal payout process is carried out. In the medal payout process, if a win has occurred 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.
[0135] In step S111, a game state control process is carried out. In this game state control process, processes related to the transition of each RT-based game state are performed, and the game state is transitioned based on 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.
[0136] One game ends as described above. Thereafter, the game progresses 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.
[0137] <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.
[0138] In step S201, initial startup settings are performed. In this initial startup setting, the stack initial value (temporary setting) is set for 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.
[0139] 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.
[0140] 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.
[0141] 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 in 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.
[0142] 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.
[0143] In step S207, an initialization process is performed. In this initialization process, after executing a process for initializing the data in the RAM 308 (RAM clear) and the like, the initial setting process is terminated.
[0144] <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.
[0145] When the slot machine 100 turns on the power in a state where the front door (door body) 102 is opened and an operation to turn 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 before a predetermined time elapses after the power is turned on (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) where the setting value can be changed (setting change).
[0146] In step S301, a process for initializing the data in the RAM 308 (RAM clear) is performed. In the next step S302, preparations are made to send 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 for starting the display of the administrator screen.
[0147] In step S303, the interrupt status is set during setting change. As a result, in each of the various game processes in step S404 of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later, processes corresponding to during setting change are executed.
[0148] 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.
[0149] 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.
[0150] 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 set as the previous setting is obtained.
[0151] In step S308, the set value displayed on the set value display device 101a is stored in the RAM308 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.
[0152] 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 on the administrator - use screen may be continued.
[0153] 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.
[0154] <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.
[0155] 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). Triggered by this timer interrupt signal, the main control unit timer interrupt process is started at a predetermined period.
[0156] 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).
[0157] 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, the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored, and the signals 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 according 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.
[0158] 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.
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] In step S409, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not. And 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.
[0162] 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 restoration of power are saved as restoration data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, power failure processes such as initialization of the input / output port are performed, and the process returns to the main control unit main process.
[0163] <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.
[0164] In step S501, after performing the set value confirmation process, the process proceeds to step S502. In this set value confirmation process, processes related to set value confirmation are performed.
[0165] When the slot machine 100 opens the front door (door body) 102 and, after turning on the power, 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 confirmation of the set value (setting confirmation) is possible.
[0166] Here, set value confirmation means confirming the set values of the gaming table. In this example, by pressing an operation means (setting switch), the initially set set value (for example, setting 1) or the set value set by setting change (any one of settings 1 to 6) is displayed on the payout number display 127, and it is possible to confirm the set value.
[0167] Also, in the setting confirmation mode, when an operation to turn off the setting key SW (the first operation state) is performed (or the setting key SW is removed after the operation to turn off the setting key SW) and the front door 102 is closed, the state in which the set value can be confirmed (setting confirmation mode) ends, and the game shifts to a playable state (normal game state) in which the game can proceed.
[0168] 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 a signal indicating a closed detection state is detected, 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 the first sub-control unit 400 receives this door closing detection command, the first sub-control unit 400 stores, in the RAM 408 in chronological order 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).
[0169] 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 the first sub-control unit 400 receives this door opening detection command, the first sub-control unit 400 stores, in the RAM 408 in chronological order as history information, the opening detection information indicating that the front door 102 has been opened (in this example, information indicating "opened" and the date and time of opening), and performs door opening notification.
[0170] 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.
[0171] In step S503, after performing the settlement process, it 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 becomes playable until the operation of the start lever 135 is accepted). When a signal indicating that the settlement button 134 has been operated is detected, it performs a process of electronically settling the stored medals, and also prepares to send a settlement command indicating that the process of settling the medals has been executed to the first sub-control unit 400.
[0172] In step S504, after performing other device monitoring processes, the device monitoring process is terminated. In the other device monitoring processes, an error notification start process, an error notification end process, etc. are performed.
[0173] Here, errors that can occur in the slot machine 100 according to this embodiment include a door open error (door opening 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.
[0174] The door open error (door opening error) is an error that notifies 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 eliminated when the front door 102 is closed (entering the error non-detection state).
[0175] As described above, in the door opening monitoring process, the main control unit 300 monitors the state of the opening / closing sensor. When detecting a signal indicating the closed state, it sends a door closed detection command to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 stores the closed state information (in this example, the 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 state, it sends a door open detection command to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 stores the open state information (in this example, the 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.
[0176] 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 or equal to 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).
[0177] The 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, the reset SW243) is operated (entering the non-error detection state). The 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).
[0178] The 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). The 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, the reset SW243) is operated (entering the non-error detection state).
[0179] Medal payout abnormality 1 occurs when no medals are paid out for a certain period during the operation of the medal payout device (resulting in an error detection state). Medal payout abnormality 2 occurs when medals are stuck during the operation 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 cause of the error, it is resolved when the error reset switch (in this example, reset SW243) is operated (resulting in a non-error detection state).
[0180] Overflow abnormality occurs when the overflow terminal of the medal auxiliary storage is turned on (resulting in an error detection state). After removing the cause of the error, 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).
[0181] 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, bottom 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 cause of the error.
[0182] When the main control unit 300 detects any error, it sets the interrupt status to the error detection state, then displays the error code corresponding to the error on the payout number display 127, and prepares to send the 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.
[0183] For example, when a selector error occurs, the string "Selector error occurred!!" and the 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 the error light emission mode, and an error sound (such as the voice "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. For example, error notification may be performed by the movement of the movable means (reels 110 to 112).
[0184] 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 the error cancellation command corresponding to the resolved 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.
[0185] <Power restoration in the button pressed state> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, power restoration in the button pressed state will be described.
[0186] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the control status of each button at power-on, FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the control status of each button at power-on (error detection state), and FIG. 10(c) is a diagram showing the control status of each button at power-on with setting changes.
[0187] In the slot machine 100, a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated. Even if the first operation means is in an operating state and the power is restored from the power-off and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, control for the operation of the first operation means is not executed. However, when a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and the power is restored from the power-off and the operation of the second operation means is enabled while the second operation means is in an operating state, control for the operation of the second operation means is configured to be executed.
[0188] Hereinafter, "not executing 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 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".
[0189] <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) for which the operation is valid (control for the operation is 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.
[0190] 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) is not being operated, and when it returns from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operating 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 operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0191] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 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 of the main control unit 300 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.
[0192] When the MAX bet button 132 is operated in a state where betting of game values is possible (for example, a non-game state where no game value has been bet), betting of game values for three medals is executed. Subsequently, when the settlement button 134 is operated, all game values including the betting of game values for three medals are settled (if they are medals, all medals are discharged), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game values was possible immediately before the MAX bet button 132 was operated.
[0193] That is, even if control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (operation means) (for example, a process of betting game values equivalent to three medals) is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control is executed (a state where betting of game values is possible) by a certain operation (for example, an operation by the settlement button 134).
[0194] <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 an operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from power-off, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0195] In this example, a power-off occurs in a state where the one-bet button 130 (second operation means) is not operated, and when returning from the power-off in a state where the one-bet button 130 (second operation means) is operated and the operation of the one-bet button 130 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the one-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 one-bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, a process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)).
[0196] On the other hand, when the detection signal state of the one - 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 one - 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 one - bet button 130 sensor is ON and the interrupt status corresponds to the setting - change - in - progress state (when power - on with setting - change is performed), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the one - 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.
[0197] When the one - bet button 130 is operated in a state where betting of game values is possible (for example, a non - game state where no game values are bet), betting of game values for one medal is executed. Subsequently, when the settlement button 134 is operated, all game values including the game values bet for one medal are settled (if they are medals, all medals are discharged), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game values was possible immediately before the one - bet button 130 was operated.
[0198] That is, even if the control for the operation of the one - bet button 130 (operation means) (for example, the process of betting game values for one medal) is executed, it is possible to return to the state (the state where betting of game values is possible) before the control is executed by a certain operation (for example, the operation by the settlement button 134).
[0199] <Power - on in button - pressed state / Two - bet button> In this example, among the three types of bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX - bet button 132 and the one - bet button 130 are used as valid buttons (second operation means), but the two - bet button 131 may be added as a valid button (second operation means).
[0200] In this case, when a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the two-bet button 131 (second operating means) is not operated, and when the power is restored from the power cut while the two-bet button 131 (second operating means) is being operated and the operation of the two-bet button 131 (second operating means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the two-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 executes control for the operation of the two-bet button 131 (second operating means) (in this example, the process of inserting two electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0201] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal of the two-bet button 131 sensor is on and the interrupt status corresponds to the error detection state, or when the state of the detection signal of the two-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 button 131 is invalid and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0202] Also, at least one of the MAX bet button 132, the one-bet button 130, and the two-bet button 131 may be an invalid button (first operating means).
[0203] When the two-bet button 131 is operated in a state where betting of game values is possible (for example, a non-game state where no game values have been bet), betting of game values for two medals is executed. Subsequently, when the settlement button 134 is operated, all game values including the betting of game values for two medals are settled (if they are medals, all medals are discharged), and it is possible to return to the state where betting of game values was possible immediately before the two-bet button 131 was operated.
[0204] That is, even if control for the operation of two bet buttons 131 (operation means) (for example, a process of betting game values equivalent to two medals) is executed, it is possible to return to a state before the control is executed (a state in which betting of game values is possible) by a certain operation (for example, an operation by the settlement button 134).
[0205] <Power restoration / 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 valid buttons (second operation means) for which an operation is valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from power-off, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0206] In this example, when a power-off occurs in a state where the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is not operated and the power is restored from the power-off in a state where the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is operated and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is enabled (in this example, the state of the detection signal 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), 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 (payout) medals (credits) electronically stored).
[0207] On the other hand, when the state of the detection signal 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 state of the detection signal 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.
[0208] When the settlement button 134 is operated in a state where game values are bet, all game values are settled (if they are medals, all medals are discharged), and the state becomes one where no game values are bet. However, if subsequently a bet button (the one - bet button 130, two - bet button 131, or MAX - bet button 132) is operated, it is possible to return to the state where game values were bet immediately before the settlement button 134 was operated.
[0209] That is, even if control (for example, a process of settling (paying out) the bet game values) for the operation of the settlement button 134 (operation means) is executed, it is possible to return to the state (the state where game values are bet) before the control is executed by a certain operation (for example, an operation by the one - bet button 130, two - bet button 131, or MAX - bet button 132).
[0210] When the settlement button 134 is operated, all game values are settled (if they are medals, all medals are discharged (for example, if 50 medals, which is the maximum bet number, were bet, then all 50 medals are discharged)). Therefore, in order to return to the state where game values were bet immediately before the settlement button 134 was operated, it is necessary to bet the game values corresponding to the settled amount again by inserting the discharged medals, and it will take time until the return.
[0211] Even if the settlement button 134 is a button that makes the bet game values become non - bet when the settlement button 134 is operated, when operating the one - bet button 130 or two - bet button 131 to return to the bet state again, it will require two or more operations until the return.
[0212] On the other hand, even if a bet button (single bet button 130, double bet button 131, or MAX bet button 132) is operated, if the settlement button 134 is subsequently operated once, it is possible to return to the state where betting of game values is possible immediately before the bet button is operated.
[0213] That is, compared to the case where control for the operation of the settlement button 134 (operation means) (for example, a process of settling (payout) the bet game values) is executed, control for the operation of the bet button (single bet button 130, double bet button 131, or MAX bet button 132) (for example, a process of betting a predetermined number of game values) is more easily returned to the state before the control is executed.
[0214] <Re - power / 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 re - power from power - off, and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0215] In this example, it is assumed that a power - off occurs in a state where the start lever 135 (first operation means) is not operated, and after returning from the power - off in a state where the start lever 135 (first operation means) is operated 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 reels 110 to 112).
[0216] When the start lever 135 is operated in a state where the game can be started (for example, in a state where all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped and a specified number of medals have been inserted), all the reels 110 to 112 will rotate. However, in this game, it is basically impossible to return to the state where the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated (canceling the started game).
[0217] Also, when the start lever 135 is operated in a state where the game can be started (for example, in a state where all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped and a specified number of medals have been inserted), and all the reels 110 to 112 are rotating, if, for example, the reset button 243 is operated, even if the game is designed to be able to return to the state where the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated (canceling the started game), since the player cannot operate the reset button 243, it is difficult to return to the state where the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated.
[0218] That is, when control for the operation of the start lever 135 (operation means) (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control is executed (in this game, the state where the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated).
[0219] Note that when proceeding to the next game after a certain game in which control for the operation of the start lever 135 (the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) has been executed, it is possible to transition to a state where the game can be started. However, in a certain game, it does not return to the state where the game can be started immediately before the start lever 135 is operated again, so it cannot be said that "in a certain game in which control for the operation of the start lever 135 has been executed, the game has returned to a state where the game can be started."
[0220] <Power restoration / stop button in button pressed state> The stop buttons (137 - 139) described with reference to FIG. 1 are one of the enable / disable buttons (first operation means or second operation means) that, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), become an enable button (second operation means) where the operation is effective (control for the operation is executed) when an operation is performed upon power restoration from a power cut according to the situation, and become a disable button (first operation means) where the operation is ineffective (control for the operation is not executed) when an operation is performed upon power restoration from a power cut. In this example, they are controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0221] In this example, when a plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 - 139 are operated, a plurality of reels 110 - 112 are stopped in the first stop mode. And when a power cut occurs while the last - operated stop button (stop operation means) among the plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 - 139 is being operated and the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off, even if the power is restored from the power cut 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 state becomes such that the last - operated stop button (stop operation means) is not being operated, the stop buttons 137 - 139 function as an enable button (second operation means) and execute a winning performance corresponding to the first stop mode by the effect means.
[0222] On the other hand, when a power cut occurs while at least one of the plurality of reels 110 - 112 is rotating and the plurality of stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 - 139 are not being operated, and even if the power is restored from the power cut and the operation of the stop operation means is enabled while the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 - 139 are being operated, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 - 139 function as a disable button (first operation means) and do not execute control for the operation of the stop buttons 137 - 139 (first operation means) (in this example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reels 110 - 112 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 137 - 139).
[0223] According to this example, according to the operation status of the stop operation means, the control for the operation can be changed, and the stop control of the reel 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, 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 player from missing the winning performance and increasing the player's satisfaction.
[0224] When any of the reels 110 to 112 is rotating and any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to the rotating reels 110 to 112 is operated, any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 137 to 139 will stop. However, in this game, it is basically impossible for the stopped reels 110 to 112 to return to the rotating state immediately before the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated.
[0225] Also, when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 corresponding to the rotating reels 110 to 112 is operated and any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 137 to 139 stops, for example, when the reset button 243 is operated, even if the game is designed such that the stopped reels 110 to 112 can return to the rotating state immediately before the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated, since the player cannot operate the reset button 243, it is difficult for the stopped reels 110 to 112 to return to the rotating state immediately before the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated.
[0226] That is, when the control for the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (operation means) (for example, the reel stop control process for stopping the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 137 to 139) is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control is executed (the state where the stopped reels 110 to 112 were rotating immediately before the stop buttons 137 to 139 were operated).
[0227] In addition, if the next game of a certain game in which control over the operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 (reel stop control processing for stopping reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop buttons 137 to 139 for which the operation has been performed) is executed is played, it is possible to shift to a state in which all reels 110 to 112 are rotating. However, since the reels that were stopped in a certain game are not returned to the rotating state again in that certain game, it cannot be said that "in a certain game in which control over the operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 is executed, all reels 110 to 112 have returned to the rotating state."
[0228] <Power-on / Reset Button in Button Pressed State> The reset button (reset SW) 243 described with reference to FIG. 2 becomes a valid button (second operation means) in which the operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when the operation is being performed at the time of power-on from a power-off state according to the situation, and a case where it becomes 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 at the time of power-on from a power-off state. It is one of the valid / invalid buttons (first operation means or second operation means), and in this example, it is controlled by the main control unit 300.
[0229] In this example, even if a power-off occurs in which the power 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-off 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 power is turned on with a setting change), the reset button 243 functions as an invalid 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 elimination operation).
[0230] On the one 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 operation of the reset button 243 becomes effective after returning from the power failure while the reset button 243 is being operated (in this example, when returning from the power failure in the 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 (in this example, processing corresponding to an error elimination operation) for the operation of the reset button 243 (second operation means).
[0231] According to this example, depending on the situation of the operation of the reset button, the control for the operation can be changed. 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. Therefore, while not performing the control based on the set value change operation, regarding error elimination, since the error cannot be eliminated if the cause of the error has not been resolved, if the cause of the error can be resolved at the time of power restoration, the convenience of store employees of the game parlor and the like can be enhanced by performing the control based on the error elimination operation.
[0232] When the reset button 243 is operated in a certain state (for example, the error detection state), the error is eliminated. However, it is basically impossible to return to the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 is operated.
[0233] Also, when the reset button 243 is operated in a certain state (for example, the error detection state) and the error is eliminated, even if it were possible for the player to return to the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 was operated by deliberately causing an error, since it is impossible for the player to arbitrarily cause all errors, it is difficult to return to the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 is operated.
[0234] In other words, when control (processing corresponding to an error resolution operation) is executed in response to the operation of the reset button 243 (operation means), it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed (the error detection state immediately before the reset button 243 was operated).
[0235] <Power recovery / effect button when button is pressed> The performance button 156 described using Figure 1 is one of the invalid buttons (first operating means) that invalidates the operation (no control is executed for the operation) if the operation is performed when power is restored after a power outage, as shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), and in this example, is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.
[0236] In this example, even if a power outage occurs in which the power supply to the power supply device 252 is cut off while the effect button 156 (first operating means) is not operated, and the power is restored while the effect button 156 (first operating means) is operated and the operation of the effect button 156 (first operating means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on), the first sub-control unit 400 does not execute control over the operation of the effect button 156 (first operating means) (in this example, processing to perform effects in response to the player's operation for various effects).
[0237] When the effect button 156 is operated in a certain state (for example, a state in which a menu can be displayed), a menu display is displayed based on the operation of the effect button 156, but in this example, if the effect button 156 is operated within a specified time, the menu display is canceled (erased), and it is possible to return to the state in which the menu can be displayed, that was present immediately before the effect button 156 was operated.
[0238] In other words, even if control (for example, a process for displaying a menu) is executed on the operation of the effect button 156 (operation means), it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed (a state in which the menu can be displayed) by a certain operation (for example, an operation using the effect button 156).
[0239] In the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, it is assumed that menu operations and the like in that state can be performed using the effect button 156, the cross keys 193a, etc. That is, when shifting to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, it can be said that operations of the effect button 156 and the cross keys 193a become effective.
[0240] <Power restoration / volume button in button press state> As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), the volume button (cross keys) 193a described with reference to FIG. 1 is one of the 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 power-off, and in this example, it is controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.
[0241] In this example, even if a power-off occurs in a state where the volume button 193a (first operation means) is not being operated and then returns from the power-off in a state where the volume button 193a (first operation means) is being operated and the operation of the volume button 193a (first operation means) is enabled (in this example, a state where the detection signal state of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on), 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).
[0242] When the volume button 193a (right) is operated in a certain state (for example, a state where the volume is set to a certain volume), a certain volume increases by one step based on the operation of the volume button 193a (right). Subsequently, when the volume adjustment button 193a (left) is operated, the certain volume decreases by one step, and it is possible to return to the state where the volume was set to a certain volume immediately before the volume button 193a (right) was operated.
[0243] That is, even if control for an operation of button 193a (right) (operation means) (for example, a process of increasing a certain volume by one step) is executed, it is possible to return to a state before the control is executed by a certain operation (for example, an operation by volume adjustment button 193a (left)) (a state where the volume is set to a certain volume).
[0244] Note that in this example, it is configured such that even if a power-off occurs in a state where the reset button 243 is not operated and the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off, and even if it returns from the power-off in a state where the reset button 243 is operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled, control for the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to a set value change operation or an error elimination operation) is not executed. However, the invention of the present application is not limited to this example, and when a power-off occurs in a state where the reset button 243 is not operated and the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off, and it returns from the power-off in a state where the reset button 243 is operated and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled, control for the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to a set value change operation or an error elimination operation) may be configured to be executed (or executable).
[0245] In other words, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the MAX bet buttons 132 and the 1-coin bet button 130 shown in FIG. 1), and a third operation means (for example, the reset button 243). When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and even if the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of inserting electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed. When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not being operated, and when the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the third operation means is enabled when the third operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the third operation means (for example, the process corresponding to the set value change operation or the error cancellation operation) is executed. When the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed. When the control for the operation of the third operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. The third operation means is an operation means provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to operate (for example, inside the main body 101). The gaming machine may be characterized by this.
[0246] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, regarding operation means (first operation means, third operation means) for which return is difficult or impossible, even if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration in consideration of the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is not performed. Further, regarding operation means (second operation means) for which return is possible, since return is possible even in the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is performed if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration. Further, even for operation means for which return is difficult or impossible, if it is a button provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to operate, there is a high possibility that the administrator is deliberately operating it, so control over the operation is performed if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that can quickly return to the game while taking into account erroneous operations and the like.
[0247] In addition, the gaming machine according to this example, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the MAX bet buttons 132 and 1 - bet button 130 shown in FIG. 1), a third operation means (for example, the reset button 243), and a fourth operation means (for example, the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1). When a power - off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and even if it returns from the power - off to a control state in which the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all reels 110 - 112) is not executed. When a power - off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power - off to a control state in which the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of inputting electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed. When a power - off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power - off to a control state in which the operation of the third operation means is enabled when the third operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the third operation means (for example, the process corresponding to the set - value change operation or error - elimination operation) is executed. When a power - off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the fourth operation means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power - off to a control state in which the operation of the fourth operation means is enabled when the fourth operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the fourth operation means is executed. When a power - off occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means and the fourth operation means are not being operated, and when it returns from the power - off to a control state in which the operations of the second operation means and the fourth operation means are enabled when the second operation means and the fourth operation means are being operated, while executing the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of inputting electronically stored medals (credits)),When the control for the operation of the fourth operation means (for example, the process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)) is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 12(a)), if the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible for the player to return to the state before the control is executed. Even if the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, the player can return to the state before the control is executed. When the control for the operation of the third operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible for the player to return to the state before the control is executed. When the control for the operation of the fourth operation means is executed, the player can return to the state before the control is executed. The third operation means is an operation means provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to operate (for example, inside the main body 101). The second operation means is a means by which game values can be bet. When the control for the operation of the fourth operation means is executed, it is possible to change from the control state in which the game value is bet to the control state in which the game value is not bet. A gaming table characterized by the above is provided.
[0248] Also, it is provided with a fourth operation means (for example, the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1). When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the fourth operation means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power cut to a control state in which the operation of the fourth operation means is enabled, control for the operation of the fourth operation means is executed. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means and the fourth operation means are not being operated, and when it returns from the power cut to a control state in which the operations of the second operation means and the fourth operation means are enabled, control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, a process of inserting electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed, while control for the operation of the fourth operation means (for example, a process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)) is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 12(a)). When control for the operation of the fourth operation means is executed, it can return to the state before the control was executed. The second operation means is a means by which a game value can be bet, and the fourth operation means may be an operation means by which it is possible to change from a bet control state to a non-bet control state.
[0249] With such a configuration, when returning from a power cut to a state in which the operations of the second operation means (a means by which a game value can be bet) and the fourth operation means (a means by which it is possible to change from a bet state to a non-bet state) are enabled while the second operation means and the fourth operation means are being operated, control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, while control for the operation of the fourth operation means is not executed. Therefore, control corresponding to the second operation means (control for betting a game value) can be preferentially executed over control corresponding to the fourth operation means (control for changing from a bet state to a non-bet state).
[0250] For example, when the second operation means (means capable of betting game values) is operated and game values are bet, to return to the state before the game values are bet (the state before the second operation means is operated), the fourth operation means (means capable of changing from the bet state to a non-bet state) may be operated. On the other hand, when the fourth operation means (means capable of changing from the bet state to a non-bet state) is operated and the state changes from the bet state to a non-bet state, to return to the state before the non-bet state (the state before the fourth operation means is operated), it is necessary to perform an operation of betting game values corresponding to the number of pieces that were bet (if three pieces were bet, an operation of inserting three medals). That is, when the fourth operation means is accidentally operated rather than when the second operation means is accidentally operated, more extra effort and time are required to return to the state before the accidental operation. Therefore, in the present invention, when returning from a power failure in a state where the second operation means and the fourth operation means are simultaneously being operated and the operations of the second operation means and the fourth operation means are enabled, the control corresponding to the second operation means is preferentially executed over the control corresponding to the fourth operation means, thereby preventing a decrease in the convenience of the player.
[0251] Also, if configured to preferentially execute the control corresponding to the fourth operation means (control to change from the bet state to a non-bet state) over the control corresponding to the second operation means (control to bet game values), even though the second operation means has been operated, the game values will not be bet, which may give the player a sense of unease. In addition, the player needs to perform an operation of betting game values again, which takes extra effort and time and may significantly reduce the convenience of the player. However, according to the present invention, since the control corresponding to the second operation means (control to bet game values) is preferentially executed, it is possible to prevent giving the player a sense of unease and a decrease in the convenience of the player.
[0252] <Control status of each button at the end of the setting change state> Next, with reference to FIG. 11(a), the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state will be described. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state.
[0253] As described with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, when the slot machine 100 is powered on in a state where the front door (door body) 102 is opened and the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 is turned on (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 is possible to shift to a setting change state (setting change mode) in which one setting value can be set from among a plurality of setting values.
[0254] Also, even if the slot machine 100 shifts from the setting change state to a playable state in which the game can proceed and the operation of the second operation means is enabled while the second operation means is being operated in the state where the setting change state is set, the slot machine 100 is configured not to execute control for the operation of the second operation means.
[0255] For example, even if the main control unit 300 shifts from the setting change mode (setting change state) to a playable state in which the game can proceed and the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is enabled while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is being operated in the state where the setting change state is set (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on and it does not correspond to any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), in accordance with the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in FIG. 11(a), the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of the MAX bet button 132 is invalid and does not execute control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0256] Further, even when the main control unit 300 is in a state where it is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the one - bet button 130 (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from this setting change state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the one - bet button 130 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the one - bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Fig. 11(a), the operation of the one - bet button 130 is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation of the one - bet button 130 (in this example, the process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)) is not executed.
[0257] Also, even when the main control unit 300 is in a state where it is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from this setting change state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the settlement button 134 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in Fig. 11(a), the operation of the settlement button 134 is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, the process of settling (paying out) the electronically stored medal (credit)) is not executed.
[0258] Further, even when the first sub-control unit 400 is in a state where it is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the effect button 156 (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from the setting change state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the effect button 156 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in FIG. 11(a), the operation of the effect button 156 is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, in various effects, the process of performing an effect according to the player's operation) is not executed.
[0259] Also, even when the first sub-control unit 400 is in a state where it is set to the setting change mode (setting change state) and the volume button 193a (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from the setting change state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the volume button 193a is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state shown in FIG. 11(a), the operation of the volume button 193a is determined to be invalid, and the control for the operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, the process of adjusting the volume) is not executed.
[0260] Note that the start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, and reset button 243 do not become in a state where the operation is enabled just by transitioning from the setting change mode (setting change state) to a playable state where the game can proceed (there is no case where an operation reception time is provided). Therefore, even if any button is operated when transitioning from the setting change mode (setting change state) to the playable state, the operation is not accepted and is invalid, and the control for the operation of the button is not executed.
[0261] The gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the MAX bet button 132, the 1-coin bet button 130, and the settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and main control means that performs control related to the game based on one of a plurality of set values (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3). The main control means can set one of a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed (for example, the normal game state), a setting confirmation state in which the currently set set value can be confirmed (for example, the setting confirmation mode), and a setting change state in which one of the plurality of set values can be set (for example, the setting change mode). Even if a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of inserting electronically stored medals (credits), the process of settling (paying out) electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed. When the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the setting change state is set and the second operation means is being operated and the control state changes from the setting change state to the playable state and the operation of the second operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the second operation means is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 11(a)). This is a characteristic of the gaming machine.
[0262] According to the gaming table according to the present embodiment, with respect to the operation means (first operation means) for which return is difficult or impossible, even if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration in consideration of the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is not performed. Further, with respect to the operation means (second operation means) for which return is possible, since return is possible even in the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is performed if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming table that can quickly return to the game while taking into account erroneous operations and the like. Further, the setting change state is, in principle, a state that is shifted by the operation of the administrator, and the return from the setting change state is also performed by the operation of the administrator, and in a scene where it is not necessary to quickly return to the game, control over the operation is not performed only considering erroneous operations. Further, in the setting change state, the administrator is concentrated on setting changes and may not notice an erroneous operation. For example, there is a possibility that the setting such as the volume remains in a setting unintended by the administrator. Therefore, at the time of return from the setting change state, control over the operation is not performed.
[0263] <Control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state> Next, with reference to FIG. 11(b), the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state will be described. FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state.
[0264] As described with reference to FIG. 9 and the like, when an operation is performed to turn on the setting key SW provided inside the main body 101 (second operation state) after the front door (door body) 102 of the slot machine 100 is opened and the power is turned on, the slot machine 100 can shift to a setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) in which the currently set setting value can be confirmed.
[0265] Further, even if the slot machine 100 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation state and the second operation means is being operated, and it shifts from the setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the second operation means is enabled, it is configured not to execute control for the operation of the second operation means.
[0266] For example, even if the main control unit 300 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) is being operated, and it shifts from the setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the MAX bet button (second operation means) 132 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in FIG. 11(b), it determines that the operation of the MAX bet button 132 is invalid and does not execute control for the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (in this example, the process of inserting three electronically stored medals (credits)).
[0267] Further, even if the main control unit 300 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the one - bet button 130 (second operation means) is being operated, and it shifts from the setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the one - bet button 130 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and it does not fall into any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in FIG. 11(b), it determines that the operation of the one - bet button 130 is invalid and does not execute control for the operation of the one - bet button 130 (in this example, the process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)).
[0268] Further, even when the main control unit 300 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from this setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the settlement button 134 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on, and it does not correspond to any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in FIG. 11(b), the operation of the settlement button 134 is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, the process of settling (paying out) the medals (credits) electronically stored) is not executed.
[0269] Also, even when the first sub-control unit 400 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the effect button 156 (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from this setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the effect button 156 is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the effect button 156 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on, and it does not correspond to any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in FIG. 11(b), the operation of the effect button 156 is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, the process of performing effects according to the player's operation in various effects) is not executed.
[0270] Further, even if the first sub-control unit 400 is in a state where it is set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the volume button 193a (second operation means) is being operated, and it transitions from this setting confirmation state to a playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the volume button 193a is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the cross button 193 sensor of the first sub-control unit 400 is on, and it does not correspond to any of the error detection state, setting confirmation state, and setting change state), according to the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state shown in FIG. 11(b), it is determined that the operation of the volume button 193a is invalid, and the control for the operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, the process of adjusting the volume) is not executed.
[0271] Note that the start lever 135, stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139, and reset button 243 do not become in a state where the operation is enabled just by transitioning from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to a playable state where the game can proceed (there is no case where an operation reception time is provided). Therefore, when transitioning from the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) to the playable state, even if any button is operated, the operation is not accepted and is invalid, and the control for the operation of the button is not executed.
[0272] The gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the MAX bet button 132, 1 - bet button 130, and settlement button 134 shown in FIG. 1), and main control means that performs control related to the game based on one of a plurality of set values (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3). The main control means can set one of a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed (for example, a normal game state), a setting confirmation state in which the currently set set value can be confirmed (for example, a setting confirmation mode), and a setting change state in which one of the plurality of set values can be set (for example, a setting change mode). Even if a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all reels 110 - 112) is not executed. However, if a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of inserting electronically stored medals (credits), the process of settling (payout) electronically stored medals (credits)) is executed. Even if, when in the setting confirmation state and the set value is being confirmed, and the second operation means is being operated, the control state changes from the setting confirmation state to the playable state and the operation of the second operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the second operation means is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 11(b)). This is a characteristic of the gaming machine.
[0273] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, for the operation means (first operation means) that is difficult or impossible to return, even if it is in the state of being operated at the time of power restoration considering the case of misoperation, control over the operation is not performed. Also, for the operation means (second operation means) that can be returned, since it can be returned even in the case of misoperation, control over the operation is performed if it is in the state of being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that can quickly return to the game while taking into account misoperations and the like. Also, the setting confirmation state is, in principle, a state that is shifted by the operation of the administrator, and the return from the setting confirmation state is also performed by the operation of the administrator, and it is a situation where it is not necessary to quickly return to the game, so control over the operation is not performed considering only misoperations. Also, in the setting confirmation state, the administrator is concentrating on setting confirmation and may not notice misoperations. For example, there is a possibility that the setting such as the volume remains the setting unintended by the administrator. Therefore, control over the operation is not performed when returning from the setting confirmation state.
[0274] <Simultaneous operation of the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on> Next, with reference to FIG. 12(a), the simultaneous operation of the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on will be described.
[0275] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of control when the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on are simultaneously operated.
[0276] 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 operation means).
[0277] 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) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operation means) are not being operated. When the power is restored from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the one-coin bet button 130 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), and 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 in progress), 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).
[0278] 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 operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are not being operated. When the power is restored from the power failure while the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), and the operations of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are enabled (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 operation 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).
[0279] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the single bet button 130 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are not being operated, and when the single bet button 130 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed) and the operation returns from the power failure and the operations of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are enabled (in this example, the detection signals 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 single bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, the process of inserting one electronically stored medal (credit)) and does not execute the control for the settlement button 134 (single bet button priority).
[0280] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on (error detection state)> Next, with reference to FIG. 12(b), the simultaneous operation of the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on (error detection state) will be described.
[0281] FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of control when the valid buttons (second operation means) at power-on (error detection state) are simultaneously operated.
[0282] As described above, the slot machine 100 includes at least the MAX bet button 132, the single bet button 130, and the settlement button 134 as valid buttons (second operation means), and at least the reset button (reset SW) 243 as an invalid button (first operation means).
[0283] 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) and the one bet button 130 (second 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 one bet button 130 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed). However, when the interrupt status is in an 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 bet button 130 are invalid and does not execute the control for the operation.
[0284] 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 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 MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) and the settlement button 134 (second operation means) are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed). However, when the interrupt status is in an 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.
[0285] On the other hand, 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). However, when 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 elimination operation) is preferentially executed, and the control for the MAX bet button 132 is not executed (reset button priority).
[0286] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the single bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are not being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while the single bet button 130 (second operating means) and the settlement button 134 (second operating 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 single bet button 130 (second operating means) and the operation of the settlement button 134 (second operating means) are invalid, and does not execute control for the operation.
[0287] 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 single bet button 130 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are not being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while the single bet button 130 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating 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 operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation) is preferentially executed, and control for the single bet button 130 (second operating means) is not executed (reset button priority).
[0288] 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 operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating means) are not being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while the settlement button 134 (second operating means) and the reset button 243 (first operating 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 operating means) (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation) is preferentially executed, and control for the settlement button 134 (second operating means) is not executed (reset button priority).
[0289] <Operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operating means> Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operating means will be described.
[0290] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button> FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132.
[0291] In this example, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), when any operation of the one-chip 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), it is determined that the operation is invalid, and the control for the operation is not executed.
[0292] On the other hand, in the operation state of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means) (in this example, the state where 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), 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.
[0293] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the one-chip bet button> FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the one-chip bet button 130.
[0294] In this example, when an operation of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) is detected (in this example, the state of the detection signal of the single bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and when an operation of either 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.
[0295] On the other hand, when an operation of either the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), the start lever 135 (first 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 the operation state of the single bet button 130 (second operation means) (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the corresponding sensor becomes on), the operation is determined to be valid, and the control for the operation is executed.
[0296] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the settlement button> FIG. 13(c) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the settlement button 134.
[0297] In this example, when an operation of either the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), the single 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 the operation state of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) (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.
[0298] On the other hand, in the operation state of the settlement button 134 (second operation means) (in this example, the state of 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), the operation is determined to be valid, and control for the operation is executed.
[0299] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the start lever> FIG. 13(d) is a diagram showing an example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the start lever 135.
[0300] In this example, 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 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), the operation is determined to be invalid, and control for the operation is not executed.
[0301] 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 1 - 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.
[0302] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the stop button> FIG. 13(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.
[0303] In this example, in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (the first operation means or the second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signals of the stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, or the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on), when any operation of the settlement button 134 (the second operation means) or the start lever 135 (the 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 invalid and the control for the operation is not executed.
[0304] On the other hand, in the operation state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (the first operation means or the second operation means) (in this example, the state where the detection signals of the stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, or the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 are on), when any operation of the MAX bet button 132 (the second operation means), the 1 bet button 130 (the second operation means), the reset button 243 (the first operation means), the effect button 156 (the first operation means), or the volume button 193a (the 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.
[0305] <Operations of each button in the operation state of the reset button, effect button, and volume button> FIG. 13(f) is a diagram showing an example of the control states of the respective buttons in the operation states of the reset button 243, the effect button 156, and the volume button 193a.
[0306] In this example, in the operation state of the reset button 243 (first operation means), the effect button 156 (first operation means), or the volume button 193a (first operation means) (in this example, the state of the detection signal 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), when any operation of the MAX bet button 132 (second operation means), the one bet button 130 (second operation means), the start lever 135 (first operation means), the stop buttons 137 to 139 (first operation means or second 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.
[0307] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Press State> Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17, a specific example of power restoration in the button press state will be described. Prior to this description, the function of the main board display 190 described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described again.
[0308] The main board display 190 shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is a display composed of a plurality of LEDs (in this example, eight), and predetermined game information can be notified by lighting one, a plurality, or all of the eight LEDs a to h.
[0309] In this example, LEDa of the main board display 190 is lit during the operation of the MAX bet button 132 (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the bet button 132 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDb is lit during the operation of the one bet button 130 (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the one bet button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), LEDc is lit during the operation of the settlement button 134 (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the settlement button 134 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), and LEDd is lit during the operation of the start lever 135 (in this example, when the state of the detection signal of the start lever 135 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on).
[0310] Also, the LED is lit during the operation of the left 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), the LEDf is lit during the operation of the middle 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), the LEDg is lit during the operation of the right 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 the LEDh is lit 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).
[0311] According to this example, when an operating means is being operated at the time of 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.
[0312] 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 first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and a light emitting means (for example, the main board display 190 shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 14). When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not operated, and even when the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not operated, and when the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process for adjusting the volume) is executed. When the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control is executed. Even when the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control is executed. The light emitting means includes a first light emitting portion (for example, the LED d of the main board display 190 shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 14) that emits light corresponding to the operation of the first operation means, and does not include a light emitting portion that emits light corresponding to the operation of the second operation means. The first light emitting portion is characterized in that it emits light even when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not operated, and when the power failure is restored when the first operation means is operated.
[0313] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, for an operation means (first operation means) for which control for an operation becomes invalid, by providing a light-emitting part that emits light when operated, it becomes possible to easily confirm whether or not there is a failure. Further, for an operation means (second operation means) for which control for an operation does not become invalid, even if a light-emitting part is not provided, since it is possible to grasp a failure by the control for the operation not being executed, the cost can be reduced by not providing the light-emitting part.
[0314] Further, the operation surface of the first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIGS. 1 and 26(a)) may protrude from the outer surface of the gaming machine more than the operation surface of the second operation means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1).
[0315] With such a configuration, the possibility of an erroneous operation is higher for the first operation means than for the second operation means. However, since the first operation means is an operation means for which control for an operation becomes invalid, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects due to an erroneous operation as a whole.
[0316] <Specific Example of Restoration of Power Supply in Button Pressed State / MAX Bet Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(a), restoration of power supply in the state where the MAX bet button 132 is pressed will be described.
[0317] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the flow from the occurrence of a power cut to the restoration of power supply in the state where the MAX bet button 132 is pressed in chronological order.
[0318] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 14(a), 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 sheets, and the bet status is 0 sheets.
[0319] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 14(a-1), since the number of credits is 10, in the stored number indicator 125, the segments corresponding to the number 10 are lit. Since all of the MAX bet button 132, the 2-coin bet button 131, and the 1-coin bet button 130 are not operated (not pressed) and the bet status is 0 coins, the game medal insertion lamp 129 is turned off. Also, since the MAX bet button 132 is not operated (not pressed) (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.
[0320] The state indicated by the following symbol T2 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF in a state where the MAX bet button 132 is not operated (not pressed), the number of credits is 10, and the bet status is 0 coins.
[0321] In the same state, a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the MAX bet button 132 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 stored number indicator 125, the game medal insertion lamp 129, and the main board indicator 190 are not displayed.
[0322] The state indicated by the following symbol T3 is a state in which the MAX bet button 132 is operated (pressed) in a state where the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the number of credits is 10, and the bet status is 0 coins.
[0323] In the same state, although the MAX bet button 132 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 MAX bet button 132 (the second operation means) is not enabled. Also, as shown in FIG. 14(a-2), the displays such as the stored number indicator 125, the game medal insertion lamp 129, and the main board indicator 190 are not displayed.
[0324] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state where, with 10 credits, a bet status of 0, and the MAX bet button 132 being operated (pressed), the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0325] In this state, when the MAX bet button 132 (second operating means) is operated (pressed) and power is restored from a power cut and 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), 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)).
[0326] 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. 14(a-3), since the credit has decreased from 10 to 7, in the stored number display 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 display 190 is lit.
[0327] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state where, with the power supply device 252 powered 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 operated (not pressed).
[0328] 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.
[0329] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Pressed State / Start Lever> Next, with reference to FIG. 14(b), power restoration in the state where the start lever 135 is pressed will be described.
[0330] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the flow from the occurrence of power interruption to power restoration in the state where the start lever 135 is pressed in chronological order.
[0331] In the state indicated by reference symbol T1 in FIG. 14(b), the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet status is 3, the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are in a stopped state.
[0332] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 14(b-1), since the bet status 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.
[0333] The subsequent state indicated by reference symbol 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 status is 3, the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed), and the reels 110 to 112 are in a stopped state.
[0334] 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.
[0335] 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).
[0336] In the same 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. 14(b-2), the displays such as the main board display 190 are not displayed.
[0337] 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 changes from OFF to ON.
[0338] In the same 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 in progress). 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).
[0339] In the same state, by not executing control for the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112), as shown in FIG. 14(b-3), the reels 110 to 112 are not rotated and remain stopped. Although control for the operation of the start lever 135 (first operating means) (in this example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed, since the start lever 135 is being operated (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.
[0340] 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 can be made to emit light. Therefore, it is possible to visually distinguish at a glance whether control based on the operation is not performed because the control is invalid or because of a failure.
[0341] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet situation is three sheets, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is released and the start lever 135 is not being operated (not pressed).
[0342] 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.
[0343] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T6 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the bet situation is three sheets, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the start lever 135 is being operated (pressed).
[0344] In the same state, since the start lever 135 is in the operated (pressed) state (in this example, the state of 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. 14(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.
[0345] <Specific Example of Door Opening in Button Pressed State / Door Opening in the 3rd Stop Operation State of Stop Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 15(a), the door opening in the state where the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, and the 3rd stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be described.
[0346] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the flow in chronological order from the state where the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, the 3rd stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is being performed, after the front door 102 is opened, until the state where the 3rd stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is not being performed.
[0347] In FIG. 15(a), the state indicated by the symbol T1 is a state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0348] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 15(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 detection signal states of the stop button 137 to 139 sensors of the main control unit 300 are off), the LEDs e, f, and g of the main board display 190 are turned off.
[0349] Also, in the same state, on the active lines of the 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).
[0350] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T2 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is closed, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).
[0351] 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. 15(a-2), stops the 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 LED g of the main board display 190 is lit.
[0352] Also, in the same state, on the active lines of the 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.
[0353] The subsequent state indicated by reference symbol T3 is a state in which the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning effect corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed, and the front door 102 has changed from the closed state to the open state.
[0354] In this state, the front door 102 is opened while the setting key SW is ON, but the setting confirmation state is not entered. Also, on the active lines of the reels 110 to 112, the symbol combination corresponding to the minor role (bell) (in this example, "bell - bell - bell") is aligned, but the winning effect corresponding to the minor role (bell) is held without being executed.
[0355] Note that in this state, although the winning effect 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. Also, since the front door 102 has changed from the closed state to the open state, a door open notification (in this example, a notification that outputs the voice "The door is open" from the speakers 272, 277) to inform of the opening of the front door 102 has been started.
[0356] The subsequent state indicated by reference symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the open state, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), and the winning effect corresponding to the minor role (bell) is not executed, and the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released and the stop button 139 has changed to a state where it is not operated (not pressed).
[0357] In this state, since the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, the winning effect corresponding to the minor role (bell) (in this example, an effect of lighting the backlights of the reels 110 to 112 and an effect of outputting a winning sound from the speakers 272, 277) is started. Also, since the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0358] Here, even after the winning performance is executed when the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the system does not shift to the setting confirmation state.
[0359] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Pressed State / Power Restoration in the Third Stop Operation State of Stop Button> Next, with reference to Fig. 15(b), the power restoration in the state where the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is performed will be described.
[0360] Fig. 15(b) is a diagram showing the time series of the process from when the front door 102 is opened to when power is restored in the third stop operation state, with the setting key SW ON, the front door 102 in the closed state, and the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 being performed.
[0361] 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 key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0362] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the closed state, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the front door 102 changes from the closed state to the open state in a state where the winning performance corresponding to the small combination (bell) is not executed.
[0363] In the same state, although the front door 102 is opened with the setting key SW ON, the system does not shift to the setting confirmation state where the setting value can be confirmed. Also, on the active lines of the reels 110 to 112, the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination (bell) (in this example, "bell - bell - bell") is aligned, but the winning performance corresponding to the small combination (bell) is held without being executed.
[0364] Although the winning performance corresponding to the small 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), as shown in FIG. 15(b-1), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit. Also, since the front door 102 has changed from the closed state to the open state, as shown in FIG. (b-1), a door open notification (in this example, a notification that outputs a voice "The door is open" from the speakers 272, 277) to notify the opening of the front door 102 has started.
[0365] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T3 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the open state, the stop button 139 is being operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning performance corresponding to the small role (bell) is not executed, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF.
[0366] In the same state, a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut 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 stops. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15(b-2), the displays such as the main board display 190 are turned off.
[0367] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T4 is a state in which the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is in the open state, the stop button 139 is being operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the winning performance corresponding to the small role (bell) is not executed, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0368] In the same state, since the setting key SW is ON and the power has changed from OFF to ON with the front door 102 in the open state, it shifts to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed. Also, on the valid lines of the reels 110 to 112, the symbol combinations corresponding to the small role (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") are aligned, but the winning performance corresponding to the small role (bell) is not executed.
[0369] In this state, although the winning performance corresponding to the small combination (bell) is not executed, since the stop button 139 is being operated (in this example, when the detection signal of the stop button 139 sensor of the main control unit 300 is in the on state), as shown in Fig. 15(b-3), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is lit. Also, since the setting change state has been entered, as shown in Fig. 15(b-3), a setting change notification (in this example, a notification that outputs the voice "Changing settings" from the speakers 272 and 277) indicating that setting changes are possible has been started.
[0370] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the setting key SW is ON, the front door 102 is open, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is being operated (pressed), the winning performance corresponding to the small combination (bell) is not executed, and the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released and the stop button 139 is not being operated (not pressed).
[0371] In this state, although the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, since the setting change state is maintained, as shown in Fig. 15(b-4), the setting change notification (in this example, a notification that outputs the voice "Changing settings" from the speakers 272 and 277) is continued and the winning performance is not executed.
[0372] Note that even if the setting change state ends after the state indicated by the symbol T5 (even if the setting change state ends and the game playable state is entered), the winning performance is not executed.
[0373] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button-Pressed State / Stop Button Functioning as Invalid Button> Next, with reference to Fig. 16(a), the power restoration in the pressed state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as invalid buttons will be described.
[0374] Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing the time series of the flow from when a power failure occurs during the rotation of the reel 112 until power is restored in the pressed state of the stop button 139.
[0375] In FIG. 16(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 stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0376] In this state, as shown in FIG. 16(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. Further, since the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not operated (not pressed) (in this example, the detection signal states of the stop button sensors 137 to 139 of the main control unit 300 are OFF), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0377] 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 a state where the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0378] In this state, a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the stop button 139 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 rotating reel 112 stops, and the displays such as the main board display 190 become non-displayed.
[0379] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T3 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is OFF, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and the stop button 139 is operated (pressed).
[0380] In this state, although the stop button 139 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 stop button 139 (the first operation means) is not enabled, and as shown in FIG. 16(a-2), the displays such as the main board display 190 are non-displayed.
[0381] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON while the stop button 139 is being operated (pressed) and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.
[0382] In this state, the stop button 139 (the first operation means) is being operated (pressed), and the power is restored from the power-off state, and the operation of the stop button 139 (the first operation means) is enabled (in this example, the detection signal state of the stop button 137 to 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). However, the main control unit 300 does not execute the 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).
[0383] In this state, by not executing the 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), as shown in FIG. 16(a-3), the reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is not stopped and remains rotating. Note that although the 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 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.
[0384] According to this example, when the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration, even if it is an operation means that does not perform the control based on the operation, the LED can be made to 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.
[0385] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T5 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 pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, and the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed).
[0386] In the same state, since the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), although the illustration is omitted, the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0387] The subsequent state indicated by the 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).
[0388] 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 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. 16(a-4), the reel 112 is stopped. Further, 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.
[0389] <Specific Example of Re-powering in Button Pressed State / Stop Button Functioning as Valid Button> Next, with reference to FIG. 16(b), the re-powering in the pressed state of the stop buttons 137 to 139 functioning as valid buttons will be described.
[0390] FIG. 16(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 to when re-powering is performed with the stop button 139 pressed.
[0391] In Fig. 16(b), the state indicated by reference numeral T1 is a state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the stop button 139 has not been operated (not pressed), the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, and the reel 112 is rotating.
[0392] In this state, as shown in Fig. 16(b-1), since the reels 110 to 111 are stopped and the stop button 139 corresponding to the reel 112 has not been operated (not pressed), only the reel 112 is rotating. Also, since the stop buttons 137 to 139 have not been 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.
[0393] Also, in this state, on the active lines of the reels 110 and 111, a part of the symbol combination corresponding to the small role (bell) (in this example, "bell - bell - bell") is aligned, and it is in the reach state of the small role (bell).
[0394] The subsequent state indicated by reference numeral T2 is a state where the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the reels 110 to 111 are stopped, the reel 112 is rotating, and the stop button 139 has been operated (pressed).
[0395] In this state, since the stop button 139 has been 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. 16(b-2), stops the 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.
[0396] Also, in the same state, on the valid lines of the reels 110 to 112, a symbol combination corresponding to a minor winning combination (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned, and it is in a state of winning the minor winning combination (bell), but the winning effect corresponding to the minor winning combination (bell) is not executed.
[0397] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state where the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the winning effect corresponding to the minor winning combination (bell) is not executed, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from ON to OFF.
[0398] 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 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. Therefore, although not shown in the figure, the display of the main board display 190 etc. is turned off.
[0399] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state where the stop button 139 is operated (pressed), the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the winning effect corresponding to the minor winning combination (bell) is not executed, and the power of the power supply device 252 has changed from OFF to ON.
[0400] In the same state, on the valid lines of the reels 110 to 112, a symbol combination corresponding to a minor winning combination (bell) (in this example, "bell-bell-bell") is aligned, and it has returned from a power failure while the stop button 139 (the first operation means) is being operated (pressed), but the winning effect corresponding to the minor winning combination (bell) is held without being executed. Although the winning effect corresponding to the minor winning combination (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.
[0401] The subsequent state indicated by the symbol T5 is a state where the power supply 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 small role (bell) is not executed. In this state, the pressing operation of the stop button 139 is released, and the state has changed to a state where the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed).
[0402] In this state, since the pressing operation of the stop button 139 has been released, the winning performance corresponding to the small role (bell) (in this example, the performance of lighting the backlights of the reels 110 to 112 and the performance of outputting a winning sound from the speakers 272, 277) has started. Also, since the stop button 139 is not operated (not pressed), the LEDg of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0403] As described with reference to FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), according to this example, the control for the operation can be changed according to the operation status of the stop operation means, and the stop control of the reels that may cause the player to suffer disadvantages due to misoperation is made invalid at the time of power restoration, thereby preventing the player from suffering disadvantages due to misoperation. On the other hand, the hold control of the winning performance at the time of 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 player from missing the winning performance and enhancing the player's satisfaction.
[0404] The gaming machine according to this 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 that are rotationally driven (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), a first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), a third operation means (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and a light emitting means (for example, the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 14). When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and even if the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process for adjusting the volume) is executed. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not being operated while the reels are rotating, and even if the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the third operation means is enabled when the third operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the third operation means (for example, the process for stopping the rotating reels) is not executed. However, when a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is being operated and the operation of the third operation means is still continued while the reels are stopped, and when the control state returns from the power cut when the third operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the third operation means may be executed. The light emitting means includes a first light emitting portion (for example, the LED d of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 16) that emits light corresponding to the operation of the first operation means, and a second light emitting portion (for example, the LEDs e, f, g of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 16) that emits light corresponding to the operation of the third operation means. On the other hand,It does not include a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to the operation of the second operation means. The first light-emitting unit emits light when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not operated, and also emits light even when the power is restored from the power failure when the first operation means is being operated. The second light-emitting unit emits light when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not operated, and also emits light even when the power is restored from the power failure when the third operation means is being operated, and also emits light even when the power is restored from the power failure in a state where the third operation means is being operated. The light-emitting means is provided at a position that is difficult to visually recognize from the appearance of the game table (for example, inside the front door 102). This is a game table characterized by the above.
[0405] According to the game table according to the present embodiment, for the operation means (first operation means) for which control for operation becomes invalid, by providing a light-emitting unit that emits light by operating, it becomes possible to easily confirm whether or not a failure has occurred. Also, for the operation means (second operation means) for which control for operation does not become invalid, since it is possible to grasp a failure by not executing control for operation without providing a light-emitting unit, the cost can be reduced by not providing a light-emitting unit. Further, since the light-emitting means is provided at a position that is difficult to visually recognize from the appearance of the game table, by making the light-emitting means invisible to the player, it is possible to prevent the player from misrecognizing that the light emission of the light-emitting means is part of the effect, and it does not give an adverse effect to the player.
[0406] Further, 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 that are rotationally driven (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), a first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the volume button 193a 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), a light emitting means (for example, the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 14), and an effect means. The gaming machine is configured such that when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and when the first operation means is operated and the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the first operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when the second operation means is operated and the control state returns from the power failure and the operation of the second operation means is enabled, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process for adjusting the volume) is executed. 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 is configured to execute a winning effect corresponding to the first stop mode. When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the plurality of stop operation means are not being operated while the reels are rotating, and even when the stop operation means are operated and the power failure is recovered, the rotating reels are not stopped. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the last stop operation means operated among the plurality of stop operation means is being operated while the plurality of reels are stopped in the first stop mode, and when the last stop operation means operated is being operated and the power failure is recovered,While the operation of the last operated stop operation means continues, the prize presentation according to the first stop mode by the presentation means is not executed, and thereafter, when the stop operation means is not being operated, the prize presentation is executed. The light emitting means includes a first light emitting part corresponding to the first operation means (for example, the LED d of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 16), and a second light emitting part corresponding to the stop operation means (for example, the LEDs e, f, g of the main board display 190 shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 16), while not including a light emitting part corresponding to the second operation means. The first light emitting part emits light in response to the first operation means being operated, and turns off in response to the first operation means not being operated. When a power cut occurs where the power of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, it emits light even when it resumes from the power cut when the first operation means is being operated. The second light emitting part emits light in response to the stop operation means being operated, and turns off in response to the stop operation means not being operated. When a power cut occurs where the power of the power supply device is cut off when the stop operation means is not being operated, it emits light even when it resumes from the power cut when the stop operation means is being operated. The light emitting means is provided at a position that is difficult to visually recognize from the appearance of the game table (for example, inside the front door 102). The game table is characterized by this.
[0407] Also, it may include a first display part (for example, the LED corresponding sticker 192 shown in FIG. 2(c)), and the first display part may be a display part indicating that the first light emitting part corresponds to the first operation means, and may also be a display part indicating that the second light emitting part corresponds to the third operation means.
[0408] With such a configuration, even an administrator who is not familiar with this game table can, without checking the instruction manual or the like, by checking the first display part provided on the game table, grasp which light emitting part corresponds to which operation means, and can improve the convenience for store employees of the game parlor and the like.
[0409] In addition, if the first display unit is disposed near the light emitting means, the correspondence relationship between the light emitting unit and the operation means can be easily seen and confirmed, so that the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor or the like can be improved.
[0410] Further, if the first display unit is disposed at a portion that becomes the rotation center of the door body of the game table (for example, the side plate 260 to which the hinge device 276 is attached), the first display unit is likely to catch the eye when the door body is opened, and the display of the first display unit can be easily confirmed, thereby improving the workability for store clerks of the game parlor or the like.
[0411] Further, the operation surface of the first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 26(a)) may protrude from the outer surface of the game table more than the operation surface of the second operation means (for example, the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1).
[0412] With such a configuration, the possibility of an erroneous operation is higher for the first operation means than for the second operation means. However, since the first operation means is an operation means for which control of the operation becomes invalid, the adverse effects due to an erroneous operation can be reduced as a whole.
[0413] <Specific Example of Restoration of Power Supply in Button Pressed State / Reset Button in Error Detection State> Next, with reference to FIG. 17(a), the restoration of power supply in the state where the reset button 243 is pressed in the error detection state will be described.
[0414] FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing the flow from the occurrence of a power failure in the error detection state to the restoration of power supply in the state where the reset button 243 is pressed in chronological order.
[0415] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 17(a), the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON, the error detection state, and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0416] In the same state, as shown in FIG. 17(a-1), since an error (in this case, a selector error) has occurred, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes an error notification (in this case, a display including the string "There is a selector error") to notify the error (in this case, the selector error). Further, since the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed) (in this case, 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.
[0417] 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 an error detection state and a state where the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0418] 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.
[0419] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T3 is a state in which the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) in a state where the power of the power supply device 252 is OFF and in an error detection state.
[0420] 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. Also, as shown in FIG. 17(a-2), the displays such as the liquid crystal display device 157 and the main board display 190 are turned off.
[0421] 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 a state where the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) and in an error detection state.
[0422] In the same state, since the reset button 243 is restored from power-off while being operated (pressed) and the operation of the reset button 243 is enabled (in this example, restored from power-off in the 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).
[0423] 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. 17(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 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.
[0424] 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 has changed to a state where it is not being operated (not pressed).
[0425] In the same state, since the reset button 243 is not being operated (not pressed), although not shown in the figure, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0426] <Specific Example of Power Restoration in Button Pressed State / Reset Button in State Where Settings Can Be Changed> Next, with reference to FIG. 17(b), power restoration in the pressed state of the reset button 243 in the state where settings can be changed will be described.
[0427] FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing in time series the flow of turning on the power with a transition to a state where setting changes are possible while the reset button 243 is pressed.
[0428] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 17(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).
[0429] In this state, as shown in FIG. 17(b-1), since it is 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.
[0430] 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).
[0431] In this state, since the setting key SW has become OFF, as shown in FIG. 17(b-2), the display on the setting value display device 101a is erased, and the setting confirmation state is terminated.
[0432] 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).
[0433] In this state, 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 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 is stopped. Therefore, the displays such as the setting value display device 101a and the main board display 190 are not displayed.
[0434] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T4 is a state in which, while 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).
[0435] In this 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. 17(b-3), the displays such as the set value display device 101a and the main board display 190 are not shown.
[0436] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T5 is a state in which, while 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.
[0437] In this state, since the power is restored from a power-off state 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 a power-off state, 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 an 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 a set value change operation) for the operation of the reset button 243 (first operation means).
[0438] In this state, since control (in this example, processing corresponding to a 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 is not executed). As shown in Fig. 17(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.
[0439] 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 released in a state where setting changes are possible, and the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed).
[0440] In this state, since the reset button 243 is not operated (not pressed), although illustration is omitted, the LEDh of the main board display 190 is turned off.
[0441] The state indicated by the subsequent symbol T7 is a state in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is ON and the reset button 243 is operated (pressed) in a state where setting changes are possible.
[0442] 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, processing corresponding to a 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. 17(b-5), the numerical value (in this example, 3) indicating the current set value is displayed on the set value display device 101a.
[0443] 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 disabled, if the button is operated, the LED of this main board display 190 will light up.
[0444] According to this example, when the operating means is 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 control is not performed based on the operation because the control is disabled or because of a failure.
[0445] <Power restoration in button pressed state (modification example)> Next, with reference to FIG. 18, power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) will be described. To avoid redundant explanations, only the content different from that described with reference to FIG. 10 will be described here.
[0446] <Power restoration in the button-pressed state (modification example) / When power is turned on> FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing the control state (modification example) of each button when power is turned on, and corresponds to FIG. 10(a).
[0447] 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.
[0448] 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.
[0449] According to this example, operation means that are controlled by the main control unit 300 and have relatively high importance (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.
[0450] On the other hand, operation means that are controlled by the first sub-control unit 400 and have relatively low importance (for example, the effect button 156, the volume button 193b) can improve convenience by performing control based on the operation during power restoration.
[0451] In addition, with the main control board (main control unit 300) and the sub-control board (first sub-control unit 400), by unifying (standardizing) the control content for each board, the control does not become complicated and the control burden can be reduced.
[0452] Note that in this example, even if a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the operation of the reset button 243 becomes valid after returning from the power-off while the reset button 243 is being operated, the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to a set value change operation or an error elimination operation) is configured not to be executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and when a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the reset button 243 is not being operated, and the operation of the reset button 243 becomes valid after returning from the power-off while the reset button 243 is being operated, the control for the operation of the reset button 243 (processing corresponding to a set value change operation or an error elimination operation) may be configured to be executed (or executable).
[0453] In other words, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) includes a power supply device (for example, the power supply device 252 shown in FIG. 2) that supplies power, a first operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and a third operation means (for example, the reset button 243). When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation means is not being operated, and even if the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the first operation means is enabled when the first operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the second operation means is enabled when the second operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of performing an effect according to the player's operation in various effects, the process of adjusting the volume) is executed. When a power cut occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off when the third operation means is not being operated, and when the control state returns from the power cut and the operation of the third operation means is enabled when the third operation means is being operated, the control for the operation of the third operation means (for example, the process corresponding to the set value change operation or the error cancellation operation) is executed. When the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed. When the control for the operation of the third operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. The third operation means is an operation means provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to operate. The gaming machine may be characterized by this.
[0454] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, regarding operation means (first operation means, third operation means) for which return is difficult or impossible, control of the operation is not performed even when the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration in consideration of cases of incorrect operation. Also, regarding operation means (second operation means) for which return is possible, since return is possible even in the case of incorrect operation, control of the operation is performed if the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration. Further, even for operation means for which return is difficult or impossible, if it is a button provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to operate, there is a high possibility that the administrator is deliberately operating it, so control of the operation is performed if the operation means is being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that can quickly return to the game while taking into account incorrect operations and the like.
[0455] <Power restoration in button-pressed state (modification example) / At power-on (error detection state)> FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the control states (modification example) of the respective buttons at the time of power-on (error detection state), and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10(b).
[0456] In the example described with reference to FIG. 10(b), the reset button 243 functions as a valid button (second operation means) when returning 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 control of the operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, processing corresponding to an error cancellation operation) may not be executed.
[0457] <Power restoration in button-pressed state (modification example) / At power-on involving setting change> FIG. 18(c) is a diagram showing the control states (modification example) of the respective buttons at the time of power-on involving setting change, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10(c).
[0458] 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 with a setting change upon power-on and the detection signal state of the reset SW sensor becomes on. However, it may function as a valid button (second operation means) and execute control for an operation of the reset button 243 (in this example, processing corresponding to a setting value change operation).
[0459] <Control status of each button at the end of the setting change state> FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button at the end of the setting change state and corresponds to FIG. 11(a).
[0460] Since FIG. 19(a) is the same as FIG. 11(a), a detailed description thereof is omitted. In the example shown in FIG. 18(a), when an operation is performed upon power restoration from power-off, the effect button 156 becomes valid and control for the operation (in this example, processing for performing an effect according to the player's operation in various effects) is executed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19(a), even when the game progresses from the setting change state to a playable state where the operation of the effect button 156 (second operation means) is enabled while the effect button 156 is being operated in a state where the setting change mode (setting change state) is set, control for the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, processing for performing an effect according to the player's operation in various effects) is not executed.
[0461] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 18(a), when an operation is performed upon power restoration from power-off, the volume button 193a becomes valid and control for the operation (in this example, processing for adjusting the volume) is executed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19(a), even when the game progresses from the setting change state to a playable state where the operation of the volume button 193a (second operation means) is enabled while the volume button 193a is being operated in a state where the setting change mode (setting change state) is set, control for the operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, processing for adjusting the volume) is not executed.
[0462] The gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and main control means that performs control related to the game based on one set value among a plurality of set values (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3). 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 among the plurality of set values. When a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the first operation means becomes effective after returning from the power failure while the first operation means is being operated, control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and the second operation means becomes effective after returning from the power failure while the second operation means is being operated, control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of performing an effect according to the player's operation in various effects, the process of adjusting the volume) is executed. When control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the second operation means is being operated in the state set to the setting change state and the second operation means becomes effective after shifting from the setting change state to the playable state, control for the operation of the second operation means is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 19(a)). This is a characteristic of the gaming machine.
[0463] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, with respect to the operation means (first operation means) for which return is difficult or impossible, even if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration in consideration of the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is not performed. Further, with respect to the operation means (second operation means) for which return is possible, since return is possible even in the case of an erroneous operation, control over the operation is performed if it is in a state of being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that can quickly return to the game while taking into account erroneous operations and the like. Also, the setting change state is, in principle, a state that is shifted by the operation of the administrator, and the return from the setting change state is also performed by the operation of the administrator, and since it is a situation where it is not necessary to quickly return to the game, control over the operation is not performed considering only erroneous operations. Further, in the setting change state, the administrator is concentrated on setting changes and may not notice an erroneous operation. For example, there is a possibility that the setting such as the volume remains in a setting unintended by the administrator. Therefore, when returning from the setting change state, control over the operation is not performed.
[0464] <Control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state> FIG. 19(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control status of each button at the end of the setting confirmation state, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 11(b).
[0465] Since FIG. 19(b) is the same as FIG. 11(b), its detailed description is omitted. However, in the example shown in FIG. 18(a), when the effect button 156 is being operated at the time of power restoration from a power cut, the operation becomes valid, and control over the operation (in this example, in various effects, a process of performing an effect according to the player's operation) is executed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19(b), even if it is in a state set to the setting confirmation mode (setting confirmation state) and the effect button 156 (second operation means) is being operated, and the game progresses from this setting confirmation state to a playable state where the operation of the effect button 156 becomes valid, control over the operation of the effect button 156 (in this example, in various effects, a process of performing an effect according to the player's operation) is not executed.
[0466] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 18(a), when the volume button 193a is operated upon restoration from power-off, the operation becomes valid and control for the operation (in this example, the process of adjusting the volume) is executed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19(b), even if the game progresses from the setting confirmation state (in the setting confirmation mode) to the playable state where the game can proceed and the operation of the volume button 193a (the second operation means) is enabled while the volume button 193a is being operated, control for the operation of the volume button 193a (in this example, the process of adjusting the volume) is not executed.
[0467] The gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 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 operation means (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), a second operation means (for example, the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a shown in FIG. 1), and main control means that controls the game based on one of a plurality of set values (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3). The main control means can set one of a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed (for example, a normal game state), a setting confirmation state in which the currently set set value can be confirmed (for example, a setting confirmation mode), and a setting change state in which one of the plurality of set values can be set (for example, a setting change mode). Even if a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the first operation means is not being operated, and the first operation means becomes effective after returning from the power failure while the first operation means is being operated, control for the operation of the first operation means (for example, the reel rotation start process for starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112) is not executed. However, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device is cut off while the second operation means is not being operated, and the second operation means becomes effective after returning from the power failure while the second operation means is being operated, control for the operation of the second operation means (for example, the process of performing an effect according to the player's operation in various effects, the process of adjusting the volume) is executed. When the control for the operation of the first operation means is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even when the control for the operation of the second operation means is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the control was executed. Even if the second operation means is being operated in the state set to the setting confirmation state and the second operation means becomes effective after shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state, control for the operation of the second operation means is not executed (see, for example, FIG. 19(b)). This is a characteristic of the gaming machine.
[0468] According to the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, with respect to the operation means (first operation means) that is difficult or impossible to return, even if it is in a state where it is being operated at the time of power restoration in consideration of the case of an erroneous operation, control of the operation is not performed. Further, with respect to the operation means (second operation means) that can be returned, since it can be returned even in the case of an erroneous operation, control of the operation is performed if it is in a state where it is being operated at the time of power restoration. By doing so, it is possible to provide a highly convenient gaming machine that can quickly return to the game while taking into account erroneous operations and the like. Further, the setting confirmation state is, in principle, a state that is shifted by an operation of the administrator, and the return from the setting confirmation state is also performed by an operation of the administrator, and it is a situation where it is not necessary to quickly return to the game, so control of the operation is not performed only considering erroneous operations. Further, in the setting confirmation state, the administrator is focused on setting confirmation and may not notice an erroneous operation. For example, there is a possibility that the setting such as the volume remains in a setting unintended by the administrator. Therefore, control of the operation is not performed when returning from the setting confirmation state.
[0469] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons at power-on> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(a), the simultaneous operation of the valid buttons at power-on will be described.
[0470] FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing another example of control when the valid buttons at power-on are simultaneously operated.
[0471] As described with reference to FIG. 18(a), the slot machine according to this example includes an effect button 156 and a volume button 193a as valid buttons for which an operation becomes valid (control for the operation is executed) when an operation is being performed at the time of power restoration from a power-off state, and stop buttons 137 to 139 as valid buttons that may become valid.
[0472] In this example, when a power-off occurs in a state where the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a (volume button 193a (right) or volume button 193a (left)) are not being operated, and when returning from the power-off in a state where the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a are being operated simultaneously (simultaneously pressed), and the operations of the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a are enabled, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the effect button 156 and the operation of the volume button 193a are valid. First, it executes control for the operation of the effect button 156 (for example, a process for displaying a menu), and then continues to execute control for the volume button 193a (for example, a process for moving the cursor of the menu display).
[0473] Note that it may be determined that both the operation of the effect button 156 and the operation of the volume button 193a are invalid, or it may be configured to execute only one of the control for the operation of the effect button 156 (for example, a process for displaying a menu) and the control for the volume button 193a (for example, a process for moving the cursor of the menu display).
[0474] Also, when a power-off occurs in a state where the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are not being operated, and when returning from the power-off in a state where the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are being operated simultaneously (simultaneously pressed), and the operations of the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are enabled, the main control unit 300 determines that both the operation of the volume button 193a (right) and the operation of the volume button 193a (left) are valid. First, it executes control for the operation of the volume button 193a (right) (for example, a process for increasing the volume), and then continues to execute control for the volume button 193a (left) (for example, a process for decreasing the volume).
[0475] Incidentally, first, control for the operation of the volume button 193a (left) (for example, a process of decreasing the volume) may be executed, and subsequently, control for the volume button 193a (right) (for example, a process of increasing the volume) may be executed. Alternatively, it may be determined that the operations of both the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are invalid, or it may be configured to execute only one of the control for the operation of the volume button 193a (right) (for example, a process of increasing the volume) and the control for the volume button 193a (left) (for example, a process of decreasing the volume).
[0476] Also, when a power-off occurs in a state where none of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the volume button 193a (the volume button 193a (right) or the volume button 193a (left)) are being operated, and when a power recovery occurs from the power-off in a state where any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the volume button 193a are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), and the operations of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the volume button 193a are enabled, if the stop buttons 137 to 139 function as valid buttons at the time of power recovery, the main control unit 300 determines that the operations of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the operation of the volume button 193a are both valid. First, control for the operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel) is executed, and subsequently, control for the volume button 193a (for example, a process of adjusting the volume) is executed.
[0477] On the other hand, if the stop buttons 137 to 139 do not function as valid buttons at the time of power recovery, the main control unit 300 determines that the operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is invalid, does not execute control for the operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel), and executes only control for the volume button 193a (for example, a process of adjusting the volume).
[0478] Note that it may be determined that any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the operation of the volume button 193a are both invalid. Alternatively, when the stop buttons 137 to 139 function as valid buttons at the time of power restoration, control for the volume button 193a (for example, a process of adjusting the volume) may not be executed, and only control for any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel) may be executed.
[0479] Also, although not shown in the figure, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while neither the effect button 156 nor any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is being operated, and when returning from the power failure in a state where any of the effect button 156 and the stop buttons 137 to 139 are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), and the operation of any of the effect button 156 and the stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes valid, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of the effect button 156 and any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is invalid.
[0480] <Simultaneous operation of valid buttons at power-on (error detection state)> Next, with reference to FIG. 20(b), the simultaneous operation of valid buttons at power-on (error detection state) will be described.
[0481] FIG. 20(b) is a diagram showing another example of control when valid buttons at power-on (error detection state) are simultaneously operated.
[0482] As described with reference to FIG. 18(a), the slot machine according to this example includes an effect button 156 and a volume button 193a as valid buttons whose operations become valid (control for the operations is executed) when an operation is performed at the time of power restoration from a power failure, and includes stop buttons 137 to 139 as valid buttons that may become valid. On the other hand, it includes a reset button (reset SW) 243 as an invalid button whose operation becomes invalid (control for the operation is not executed) when an operation is performed at the time of power restoration from a power failure.
[0483] In this example, a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a (volume button 193a (right) or volume button 193a (left)) are not being operated, and it returns from the power-off while the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a are being operated simultaneously (pressed down simultaneously). However, if it is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a is invalid and does not execute the control for the operation. Note that even if it is in an error detection state, it may be configured to determine that any operation of the effect button 156 and the volume button 193a is valid and execute the control for the operation.
[0484] Also, a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are not being operated, and it returns from the power-off while the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) are being operated simultaneously (pressed down simultaneously). However, if it is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) is invalid and does not execute the control for the operation. Note that even if it is in an error detection state, it may be configured to determine that any operation of the volume button 193a (right) and the volume button 193a (left) is valid and execute the control for the operation.
[0485] Also, a power-off occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the volume button 193a (volume button 193a (right) or volume button 193a (left)) are not being operated, and it returns from the power-off while any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the volume button 193a are being operated simultaneously (pressed down simultaneously). However, if it is in an error detection state, when any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 functions as a valid button at the time of power restoration, the main control unit 300 preferentially executes the control for any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the process corresponding to the error elimination operation) and does not execute the control for the volume button 193a (stop button priority).
[0486] On the one hand, when the stop buttons 137 to 139 do not function as valid buttons during power restoration, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is invalid, does not execute control for any operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the process of stopping the corresponding reel), and only executes control for the volume button 193a (for example, the process of adjusting the volume).
[0487] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the effect button 156 and the reset button 243 are not being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while the effect button 156 and the reset button 243 are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), if it is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 preferentially executes control for the operation of the reset button 243 (for example, the process corresponding to the error elimination operation) and does not execute control for the effect button 156 (reset button priority).
[0488] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power of the power supply device 252 is cut off while the volume button 193a (volume button 193a (right) or volume button 193a (left)) and the reset button 243 are not being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while the volume button 193a and the reset button 243 are being operated simultaneously (pressed simultaneously), if it is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 preferentially executes control for the operation of the reset button 243 (for example, the process corresponding to the error elimination operation) and does not execute control for the volume button 193a (reset button priority).
[0489] Also, when a power failure occurs in which the power supply of the power supply device 252 is cut off while none of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the reset button 243 are being operated, and a return from the power failure occurs while any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the reset button 243 are being simultaneously operated (simultaneously pressed), if it is in an error detection state, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the reset button 243 is valid, and executes control for an operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel) and control for an operation of the reset button 243 (for example, a process corresponding to an error cancellation operation).
[0490] Note that when it is determined that any operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the reset button 243 is valid, the control for an operation of the reset button 243 (for example, a process corresponding to an error cancellation operation) may be configured to be executed only when the control for an operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel) is executed.
[0491] On the other hand, when the stop buttons 137 to 139 do not function as valid buttons at the time of power restoration, the main control unit 300 determines that any operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is invalid, does not execute control for an operation of any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, a process of stopping the corresponding reel), and executes only the control for an operation of the reset button 243 (for example, a process corresponding to an error cancellation operation).
[0492] <Operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example)> Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) will be described. In order to avoid redundant explanations, only the content different from that described with reference to FIG. 13 will be described here.
[0493] <Operations of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) / MAX bet button> FIG. 21(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. 13(a).
[0494] In the example described with reference to FIG. 13(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-chip 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.
[0495] Also, in the example described with reference to FIG. 13(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.
[0496] <Operation of each button in the operation state of a certain operation means (modification example) / One-chip bet button> FIG. 21(b) is a diagram showing a modification example of the control state of each button in the operation state of the one-chip bet button 130, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 13(b).
[0497] In the example described with reference to FIG. 13(b), in the operation state of the one-chip 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), when the operation of the settlement button 134 (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.
[0498] Also, in the example described with reference to FIG. 13(b), when the operation of the start lever 135 (first operation means) is detected in the operation state of the one-bed button 130 (second operation means) (the state where the detection signal of the one-bed button 130 sensor of the main control unit 300 is on), 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 ...
Claims
1. A power supply device that supplies power, a first substrate, a first operation means connected to the first substrate via a first harness, a second operation means, main control means for performing control related to a game based on one set value among a plurality of set values, A gaming table comprising: The main control means can set one state from a plurality of states including at least a playable state in which the game can proceed, a setting confirmation state in which the currently set set value can be confirmed, and a setting change state in which one set value can be set from among the plurality of set values. The first operation means has at least a first operation part and a second operation part. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation part is not being operated, and the first operation part is operated after returning from the power cut when the first operation part is not being operated, it may be configured to execute first control. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation part is not being operated, and the second operation part is operated after returning from the power cut when the second operation part is not being operated, it may be configured to execute second control. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and the second operation means is operated after returning from the power cut when the second operation means is not being operated, it may be configured to execute third control. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the first operation part is not being operated, and even if it returns from the power cut when the first operation part is being operated, it may be configured to execute the first control. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation part is not being operated, and even if it returns from the power cut when the second operation part is being operated, it may be configured to execute the second control. When a power cut occurs in which the power of the power supply device is cut off when the second operation means is not being operated, and when it returns from the power cut when the second operation means is being operated, it is configured not to execute the third control. When the first control is executed, it can return to the state before the first control is executed. When the second control is executed, it is possible to return to the state before the second control is executed. Even when the third control is executed, it is difficult or impossible to return to the state before the third control is executed. After shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state, when the first operation unit is operated, it is configured to possibly execute the first control. After shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state, when the second operation unit is operated, it is configured to possibly execute the second control. Even when shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state when the set value is being confirmed in the setting confirmation state and the first operation unit is being operated, it is configured not to execute the first control. Even when shifting from the setting confirmation state to the playable state when the set value is being confirmed in the setting confirmation state and the second operation unit is being operated, it is configured not to execute the second control. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state while the first operation unit is being operated, it is configured to possibly execute the first control. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state while the second operation unit is being operated, it is configured to possibly execute the second control. When the first harness changes from the non-connected state to the connected state with at least the first operation unit and the second operation unit being operated, it is configured to possibly execute only the first control. The gaming table is characterized by this.
2. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the first operation means is an operation means used when setting the volume. The first operation means is an operation means capable of lowering the volume by operating the first operation unit. The first operation means is an operation means capable of raising the volume by operating the second operation unit. The gaming table is characterized by this.
3. The gaming table according to claim 2, comprising third operation means. The gaming table is characterized by this.
Citation Information
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