Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can improve operability in a setting change technique, and can effectively suppress wrong introduction to a particular setting when the particular setting other than an existing setting value is prepared.SOLUTION: In a game machine that comprises a main control section for performing arithmetic processing and device control and a sub-control section for controlling a performance, and has a setting change processing function of the main control section, the setting change processing determines a setting value that should be set by successively changing a tentative setting value by predetermined button operation, and also performs an instant change to a specific setting of the settings by depression operation of a button different from the predetermined button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a setting change technology for gaming machines, and more particularly to a setting change technology via operation buttons, etc., in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines equipped with reel devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming machines such as slot machines or pachinko machines equipped with a slot device (slot) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "gaming machines"), settings have been changed to adjust the payout rate (machine payout ratio) of the gaming machine within a pre-programmed range.

[0003] Normally, this setting change is made in the procedure shown in Fig. 8. That is, in the figure, when the setting change process is started (step S801), the process proceeds to step S802, where a setting key arranged in the gaming machine cabinet is turned ON and the process waits for the power to be turned ON (it waits in step S802 until it becomes Yes. The setting key will be described later with reference to Figs. 3A and 3B, etc.).

[0004] If the answer is Yes in step S802, the process proceeds to step S803, where the provisional setting value is displayed on the setting display of the gaming machine (a dedicated setting display may be provided, or another digital display may be used).

[0005] Next, the process proceeds to step S804, where it is determined whether the start lever has been operated. If the answer is Yes, the process proceeds to step S807, but if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step S805, where it is determined whether the setting change button has been operated. If the answer is No in this step, the process returns to step S803, but if the answer is Yes, the process proceeds to step S806, where the provisional setting value is changed (for example, the setting value is incremented. In the case of a gaming machine with setting values ​​1 to 6, the setting value is changed as follows: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 1 → ...).

[0006] In step S807, the start lever was operated in the previous step (the start lever is a command operation to set the current provisional setting value to the default value), so the provisional setting value is set as the default value and the setting change process is terminated (step S808).

[0007] Based on the above-mentioned setting change technology, various improvements have been made to setting change technology in order to prevent incorrect setting changes and to prevent unauthorized changes to settings.

[0008] For example, a gaming machine that prevents unauthorized changes to setting values ​​has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0009] That is, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which a losing combination or one of a plurality of winning combinations is determined by lottery, and when the winning combination is drawn, a bonus corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player, the gaming machine being characterized by having a setting board provided with a change button for changing the probability of winning at least one of the losing combinations and the plurality of winning combinations, and a key cylinder that rotates between a position where the change can be made by the change button and a position where the change cannot be made.

[0010] Also, a gaming machine has been proposed that can prevent unauthorized changes to the winning probability in the setting change operation unit (Patent Document 2).

[0011] That is, Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine that is equipped with a plurality of lottery tables each having a different probability of winning, and a setting change operation unit that is operable by opening a front door that covers the front of the gaming machine cabinet and is operated to select one of the plurality of lottery tables, and a game is played using the lottery table selected by the setting change operation unit, wherein the setting change operation unit is equipped with an up shift button that selects one of the plurality of lottery tables so that the probability of winning increases with each press, a down shift button that selects one of the plurality of lottery tables so that the probability of winning decreases with each press, and a common button support member on which these shift buttons are arranged side by side, and the button support member is supported so that it can be rotated freely so that the positions of the up shift button and the down shift button can be changed.

[0012] Furthermore, a gaming machine that prevents unauthorized changes to settings in a slot machine has been proposed (Patent Document 3).

[0013] That is, Patent Document 3 discloses a gaming machine provided with a setting change means for selecting and changing the winning probability from a plurality of types of winning probabilities, a plurality of types of game operation means that are operated between the start and end of play, and a payout operation means that is operated when paying out credited game media to a tray provided on the front of the gaming machine, characterized in that the gaming machine is also provided with a confirmation operation selection means that selects one of the plurality of types of game operation means and the payout operation means as a confirmation operation means to be operated when confirming the winning probability changed by the setting change means, a judgment means that judges whether the confirmation operation means actually operated when confirming the winning probability matches the confirmation operation means selected by the confirmation operation selection means, and a notification means that alerts of an error when the judgment means judges that there is no match.

[0014] Furthermore, a gaming machine capable of suppressing erroneous setting of setting values ​​has been proposed (Patent Document 4).

[0015] That is, Patent Document 4 discloses a gaming machine that includes a game progress control unit that executes game progress based on a specified setting value from among a plurality of setting values, and at least one operation unit, wherein the plurality of setting values ​​include a plurality of first setting values ​​and a second setting value that is different from the plurality of first setting values, and wherein a first designation operation on the at least one operation unit for designating any one of the plurality of first setting values ​​is different from a second designation operation on the at least one operation unit for designating the second setting value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-211650 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-239238 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-236482 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-178252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] However, with conventional setting change technology, as explained with reference to Fig. 8, it was necessary to press a button multiple times to change the temporary setting values ​​sequentially. In addition, there was a problem that the operation became more complicated, as new operations were required to prevent unauthorized changes to setting values ​​and to suppress incorrect settings.

[0018] In other words, a new device is needed to replace button operations for sequentially changing the provisional setting values. Also, if settings other than the existing setting values ​​(for example, settings 1 to 6) are available, a new device is needed to prevent the user from accidentally entering such settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a gaming machine that includes a main control unit for performing calculation processing and device control, and a sub-control unit for controlling presentation, and has a setting change processing function in the main control unit. The setting change processing is characterized in that, in addition to determining the setting value to be set by sequentially changing the provisional setting values ​​through the operation of a predetermined button, it also instantly changes to a specific setting among the settings by pressing a button other than the predetermined button.

[0020] The setting change process is characterized in that when determining the setting value to be set by sequentially changing the provisional setting value by operating a predetermined button, the specific setting is skipped and the setting value is changed sequentially.

[0021] Further, the button different from the predetermined button is a BET button and the specific setting is setting 1 or setting L, and / or the button different from the predetermined button is a settlement button and the specific setting is setting 6. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the setting change technology. Furthermore, when special settings other than the existing setting values ​​are prepared, it is possible to effectively prevent the erroneous introduction of such special settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the appearance of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the appearance of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure and power supply box of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the setting change processing procedure of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the setting change processing procedure for a gaming machine equipped with a reel device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the setting change processing procedure for a gaming machine equipped with a reel device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the setting change processing procedure for a conventional gaming machine equipped with a reel device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A gaming machine equipped with a reel device according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a "gaming machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The "reel" will also be referred to as a "reel." In addition, to facilitate understanding of the invention, an example in a slot machine will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be similarly implemented in gaming machines such as pachinko machines with setting functions that have reel devices (including not only analog slot devices but also digital slot devices (main digital realized by LCD screens, etc.)).

[0025] An external appearance of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1(A) is a front view of the gaming machine, and Figure 1(B) is a right side view of the gaming machine.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), the gaming machine 100 can be roughly divided into a housing 101 with an open front and a front door 102 attached to the opening of the housing 101 so as to be able to open and close by means of a hinge or the like. On the front part of the front door 102, buttons and a display unit, etc. that a player uses to play the game are arranged, as will be described later.

[0027] A display unit 1021, a lighting unit (not shown in FIG. 1), and a speaker unit (not shown in FIG. 1) are arranged at the top of the front door 102 located at the front of the gaming machine 100. A display window 103 is provided at the top middle section of the front door 102. A player can view the outer peripheries of the multiple spinning reels housed inside the cabinet 101 through this display window 103.

[0028] More specifically, the reels are comprised of a first reel 1041, a second reel 1042, and a third reel 1043, each of which is rotatably mounted, and each reel has a predetermined number of symbols on its outer periphery. A player can see three symbols vertically arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 1041, the second reel 1042, and the third reel 1043 through the display window 103, and can visually recognize a total of nine symbols, three symbols vertically arranged on each of the first to third reels. Note that the display window 103 can also be configured to show four or more symbols vertically.

[0029] Located in the middle of the front door 102, the table protrudes forward and has a gaming medium (medal) insertion slot 105, a MAXBET button 106, a chance button 119, and a status display unit (not shown in Figure 1) on its top surface.

[0030] Also, on the protruding front of the table, there are arranged a start lever 107, a 1BET button 108, a settlement button 109, a first reel stop button 110, a second reel stop button 111, and a third reel stop button 112. Also, at the bottom of the front door 102, there is attached a gaming media (medal) tray 115 equipped with a payout outlet for gaming media (medals).

[0031] A display unit 1021 disposed at the top center of the front door 102 is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays effects and information to the player using images and the like. Furthermore, a speaker unit and a lighting unit can be provided at any position on the left or right of the display unit 1021. The display unit 1021, the speaker unit, and the lighting unit can enhance the dramatic effect of the game.

[0032] The reels provided inside the casing 101 are typically composed of three reels (first reel 1041, second reel 1042, and third reel 1043), as described above, and are formed in a reel-like shape. Each reel is rotatably arranged by a reel drive unit consisting of a stepping (pulse) motor. The rotating reels can be stopped independently by pressing the first reel stop button 110, the second reel stop button 111, or the third reel stop button 112. Each reel stop button has a built-in lamp, which lights up when the reel stop button can be operated. When the reel stop button is pressed, the lamp goes out, and the reel stop button is not operated.

[0033] The number of reels may be more than three (for example, four).

[0034] In the display window through which the symbols on the first spinning reel 1041, the second spinning reel 1042, and the third spinning reel 1043 can be seen, there are set pay lines, which are arrangements of symbols on the spinning reels that become effective according to the number of medals (number of bets) inserted by the player. Note that the number of medals (number of bets) may be fixed at a maximum (for example, three), and the pay lines may be set fixedly for this maximum value.

[0035] The winning combinations determined by the lottery process described below and the corresponding combinations of symbols on the rotating reels are predetermined, and a prize is awarded when a predetermined combination of symbols is lined up on an active line.

[0036] The medal insertion slot 105, located in the middle of the front door 102 and on the top surface of the protruding table, is used to insert a predetermined number of medals before the start of play.When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 105 or the BET button is pressed and then the start lever 107 is operated, the first spinning reel 1041, the second spinning reel 1042, and the third spinning reel 1043 start to rotate, the game begins, and a prize drawing is held.

[0037] The 1BET button 108 is used to automatically insert one medal stored inside the gaming machine 100 and bet one medal on one game. By pressing the 1BET button 108, there is no need to insert one medal through the medal insertion slot 105. In addition, to bet two medals, the 1BET button 108 is pressed twice. In order to bet three medals at once, it is convenient to press the MAXBET button 106 described below.

[0038] The MAXBET button 106 is used to automatically insert three medals stored inside the gaming machine 100 and bet three medals on one game. By using this MAXBET button 106, it is no longer necessary to insert three medals into the medal insertion slot 105 or to press the 1BET button 108 three times.

[0039] The settlement button 109 is used to pay out the internally stored (credited) medals from the medal payout outlet to the medal tray 115 for settlement.

[0040] The chance button 119 is not necessarily an essential component of the present invention, but as an example, it is pressed by displaying "PUSH CHANCE BUTTON!" or the like on the display unit 1021 as part of the reach effect, thereby urging the player to press this button 119. When the chance button 119 is pressed at the appropriate timing, the display unit 102 is controlled to display a special effect, a speaker (not shown in FIG. 1) is controlled to generate sound effects, and the rotating reels can be freely controlled to further enhance the reach effect and the like.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows the appearance of the top surface of the table located in the middle of the front door 102 and protruding from the front. Fig. 2(A) is a top view of the gaming machine 100 including the top surface of the table, and shows how the medal insertion slot 105, MAXBET button 106, chance button 119, and status display unit 201 are arranged on the top surface of the table. FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of the status display unit 201 arranged on the top surface of the desk.

[0042] In FIG. 2(B), the status display unit 201 is provided with a plurality of 7-segment LEDs that display the number of medals and the like numerically, and various LEDs that inform the player of the usage status of the gaming machine 100 and the like.

[0043] The number of medals currently bet is displayed on the medal insertion number LED 2011. For example, when one medal is bet, the "1 BET" LED lights up, when a second medal is bet, the "2 BET" LED lights up again, and when a third medal is bet, the "3 BET" LED lights up again.

[0044] The insertable LED 2012 is an LED that indicates that it is currently possible to insert medals. The wait LED 2013 is an LED that indicates that it is currently not possible to insert medals. The start LED 2014 is an LED that indicates that a game has started. The replay LED 2015 is an LED that indicates that a game is being replayed.

[0045] The payout number display 7-segment LED 2016 displays the number of medals to be paid out when a prize is won. For example, it can display the number of medals to be paid out counting backwards from the total number of medals to be paid out each time a medal is actually paid out.

[0046] The 7-segment LED 2017 for displaying the number of medals stored is an LED that displays the number of medals currently stored.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the internal structure and power supply box of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although the present invention is not limited to this configuration, as shown in Figure 3(A), in addition to a power switch 3011, a setting key 3012 for changing the winning probability and a select switch 3013 are arranged in a power supply box 301 inside the front of the gaming machine 100.

[0048] FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view of the setting key 3012 in FIG. 3(A). The setting key 3012 consists of a cylinder portion 3012a and a keyhole portion 3012b. To change the winning probability setting, first insert a key (operation key) into the keyhole portion 3012b and rotate it from the OFF position to the ON position to change the setting. Then, press the select switch 3013 to increment the setting. After the maximum setting, the setting returns to the minimum setting. For example, in a gaming machine with six setting levels, the setting is changed as follows: "1" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "1" → "2" → .... The setting values ​​sequentially changed by the select switch 3013 can be displayed sequentially on the payout number display 7-segment LED 2016, for example, for confirmation.

[0049] In addition, when the setting cannot be changed (when the keyhole is in the "OFF" position), this select switch 3013 can also function as an error release switch for releasing an error state that has occurred in the gaming machine.

[0050] Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, the switch for changing the settings is not limited to the select switch 3013. As will be described later with reference to Figures 5 to 7, other buttons such as the BET button 108, the settlement button 109, etc. may be configured to have a specific setting change function.

[0051] In the gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention, if a BET button such as the 1BET button 108 or other buttons such as the settlement button 109 are provided with a specific setting change function, the increment of the setting value by pressing the select switch 3013 can be configured to be different from the previous case.

[0052] For example, in a gaming machine that previously had six setting levels, pressing the select switch 3013 would change the setting in the following order: "1" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "1" → "2" → ... However, with the select switch 3013, the setting can be changed in the following order: skipping "1" and changing the setting in the following order: "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "2" → "3" → ..., or skipping "1" and "6" and changing the setting in the following order: "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "2" → "3" → ....

[0053] Furthermore, in a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, if a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108 or another button such as the settlement button 109 is given a specific setting change function, the setting values ​​can be changed from the previous settings 1 to 6, and a configuration can be adopted in which setting 1 is replaced with another setting (for example, setting L), or a configuration in which a setting other than 1 (for example, setting 4) is replaced with another setting (for example, setting L).

[0054] The functional blocks of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in Figure 4. The series of characteristic operations of the gaming machine 100, which will be described later, are realized by the individual operations of the hardware components and the cooperative operations of the hardware and software components.

[0055] The gaming machine has a control configuration in one embodiment, which is comprised of a main control board 41 and a sub-control board 42 connected via wiring (harness), and is housed inside a housing 101. The main control board 41 is a type of board computer and is equipped with a CPU 411 that performs calculation processing and device control of the gaming machine 100, a rewritable RAM 412 that temporarily stores data as a program working area, a ROM 413 that stores the control program for the gaming machine 100 and a lottery table for game lottery processing, a control unit 414 that controls the data communication bus, etc., and an input / output unit 415 that receives input from buttons, switches, etc., outputs to various LEDs, etc., and drives the rotating reel unit, etc.

[0056] The main function of the main control board 41 is to carry out the prize drawing process, control of the spinning reels, etc., and is designed to carry out processing operations based on the rules and standards for gaming machines.

[0057] The sub-control board 42 is a type of board computer and is equipped with a CPU 421 that performs calculations, controls the display unit 481, etc., a rewritable RAM 422 that temporarily stores data as a program working area, a ROM 423 that stores programs and various data that control the display unit 481, lighting unit 482, and speaker unit 483, a control unit 424 that controls the data communication bus, etc., an input / output unit 425 that drives the lighting, etc., a display drive unit 426 that drives the display unit 481, and a sound source IC 427 that stores a sound source for generating voices, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 483.

[0058] The main function of the sub-control board 42 is to provide effects based on the lottery results determined by the main control board. Specifically, the ROM 423 of the sub-control board 42 also stores effect data consisting of image data for providing various effects using the display 481, lighting unit 482, and speaker unit 483. The effect content is determined from the effect data stored in the ROM based on a signal output from the main control board 41, and drive processing is performed for the display unit 481, lighting unit 482, and speaker unit 483 based on the effect content. As an example, the display unit 481 may present the order in which stop buttons should be pressed, etc., to provide an effect to assist the player in maintaining a profitable state (so-called "assist time (AT)," "assist replay time (ART), etc.).

[0059] The effects produced by the display unit 481, lighting unit 482, and speaker unit 483 as described above are stored as computer programs in ROM 423, etc., and are realized by the CPU 421 appropriately calling them into RAM 422, etc. and executing them.

[0060] The control for effects in the sub-control board 42 is not restricted by rules and standards regarding effects in gaming machines. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 is able to perform relatively free effect processing using the sub-control board 42.

[0061] Next, we will explain the input / output system of the main control board 41. As shown in Fig. 4, first, the main control board 41 is configured to be able to read, via the input / output unit 415, the pressing of the BET button 451 (including the 1BET button and the MAXBET button), the settlement button 452, the start lever 453, the chance button 491, the first spinning reel stop button 454, the second spinning reel stop button 455, and the third spinning reel stop button 456.

[0062] In addition, the main control board 41 is connected via the input / output unit 415 to the status display unit 46's wait LED 461, available for insertion LED 462, replay LED 463, start LED 464, number of inserted coins 7-segment LED 465, number of paid-out coins 7-segment LED 466, and number of stored medals 7-segment LED 467, and is configured to control the lighting of various LEDs and the display of numbers to be output to each display.

[0063] The selector unit 457 also includes an insertion sensor and a solenoid (not shown), and reads the signal from the insertion sensor provided in the medal insertion port 105 via the input / output unit 415, counts the number of inserted medals, and checks the authenticity of the inserted medals. In addition, the solenoid of the selector unit 457 functions to return medals even if they are inserted, for example, when a specified number of medals are inserted or when the start lever 107 is operated, and not to accept further medal insertion.

[0064] The setting key 471 of the power supply box 47 has the function of setting the winning probability of each winning combination on the lottery table during gameplay and changing the payout rate for each setting. The winning probability can be set in six stages, for example. The main control board 41 can manage the setting value set by the setting key 471 via the input / output unit 415. More specifically, turning the setting key ON places the main control board in a setting changeable mode. Pressing the select switch sends a signal to the main control board, incrementing or decrementing the setting value managed by the main control board. The select switch 472 of the power supply box 47 is a switch for changing the setting value forward (or backward) when the setting key 471 is set to a setting-enabled (setting ON) state. When the setting key 471 is set to a setting-disabled (setting OFF) state, the CPU 411 of the main control board 41 can be initialized if an error occurs in the gaming machine. The power switch 473 supplies power to the gaming machine.

[0065] As described above, in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, the BET buttons such as the 1 BET button 108 and other buttons such as the settlement button 109 can be provided with a specific setting change function.

[0066] The spinning reel unit 43 has a first spinning reel drive unit 431, a second spinning reel drive unit 432, and a third spinning reel drive unit 433 equipped with stepping motors for rotating the first spinning reel 1041, the second spinning reel 1042, and the third spinning reel 1043, respectively, and can be controlled to rotate and / or stop each spinning reel independently. Also provided are a first spinning reel position sensor 434, a second spinning reel position sensor 435, and a third spinning reel position sensor 436 for detecting the position of each spinning reel during rotation, as well as indexes (not shown in FIG. 4) corresponding to each sensor.

[0067] For example, the position information of the first rotating reel can be obtained by detecting a predetermined position of the first rotating reel during rotation with the first rotating reel position sensor 434 and counting the number of pulses that drive the stepping motor from the predetermined position (index position) of the first rotating reel detected by the first rotating reel position sensor 434. Similarly, the position information of the second rotating reel and the third rotating reel can be obtained by the second rotating reel position sensor 435 and the third rotating reel position sensor 436. In this way, the display of symbols can be controlled based on the results of the lottery process described later.

[0068] Furthermore, the first spinning reel drive unit 431, the second spinning reel drive unit 432, and the third spinning reel drive unit 433 can spin the first spinning reel 1041, the second spinning reel 1042, and the third spinning reel 1043 under the control of the control unit 414 based on the pressing of the chance button 491 detected via the input / output unit 415. This is different from the rotation of the spinning reels caused by the operation of the start lever 453. For example, when a predetermined reach effect is achieved, a notification on the display unit 481 is displayed to prompt the player to press the chance button 491, and the function of the chance button 491 is activated (enabled) at a predetermined timing. If the player presses the chance button 491 one or more times at a predetermined timing or within a predetermined time, a further effect is implemented under predetermined conditions, including the spinning of at least one of the first spinning reel 1041 to the third spinning reel 1043.

[0069] As shown schematically by the dashed dotted line in Figure 4, the characteristic action and effect of the above-mentioned chance button 491 is that when the chance button 491 becomes active (enabled) under certain conditions, the input / output unit 415 detects the pressing of the activated chance button 491, and under the control of the control unit 414, sends a control signal to the sub-control board 42 to drive the display unit 481, lighting unit 482 and speaker unit 483 to perform further effects, and also, under the direct control of the control unit 414 on the main control board, spin effects are performed for the first spinning reel 1041, the second spinning reel 1042 and the third spinning reel 1043 via the first spinning reel drive unit 431, the second spinning reel drive unit 432 and the third spinning reel drive unit 433, respectively.

[0070] The hopper unit 44 is for paying out medals when a prize is won, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by a hopper drive unit and a payout sensor (not shown).

[0071] In addition, an external relay terminal (not shown in Figure 4) is provided, which connects the main control board 41 to an external data lamp (not shown in Figure 4) for displaying game data, and functions as a terminal for transmitting signals from the main control board 41 to the data lamp.

[0072] In addition, the programs or software necessary for implementing the present invention are typically installed or stored in memory such as ROM 413, 423, and when the programs or software are executed, all or part of them are read out as software modules into memory such as RAM 412, 422 as needed, and are calculated and executed by CPU 411, 421.

[0073] It should be noted that the calculations do not necessarily have to be performed by a central processing unit such as a CPU, and an auxiliary calculation device such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown) can also be used.

[0074] [Lottery process (1)] As an example, the lottery process in the gaming machine 100 is executed based on a program and a table stored in the ROM 413 of the main control board 41 when the start lever is operated. In addition to the lottery process program, the ROM 413 stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. The winning probability table stores random numbers generated by a random number generator (not shown) in association with various winnings and "no winning (loss)." Various winnings or losses for a game are determined by referring to the generated random number data and the winning rate table, etc.

[0075] At this time, if the result of the lottery process is a loss, the machine may be controlled so that the predetermined symbols do not line up. Conversely, if the result of the lottery process is a winning one, the machine may be controlled so that the predetermined symbols line up if the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing. These types of control are called "slip control" or "pull-in control." For example, if there is a rule that "the reels must stop within 0.19 seconds after the stop button is pressed," the number of frames (number of symbols) that allow for slip is determined by calculating backwards from the reel rotation speed. Then, after various winnings, if the predetermined symbols line up, medals corresponding to the winning symbols are paid out.

[0076] [Lottery process (2)] In addition, in the AT and ART, a spinning reel effect process (description omitted) can be performed in response to the press of the chance button 491 depending on the lottery result.

[0077] Next, the setting change processing procedure of a gaming machine equipped with a reel device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0078] 5, in addition to the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013), a specific setting change function is provided for the bet buttons such as the 1 bet button 108. Here, the specific setting change function is an immediate change to setting 1 or setting L ("immediate" means a direct transition to the desired setting value without passing through other provisional setting values; the same applies below).

[0079] 5, when the setting change process is started, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether the setting key and power are turned on (i.e., whether it is possible to switch to setting change mode). If the answer is No, the process waits until it is possible to switch to setting change mode (returns to S502). If the answer is Yes in S502, the process proceeds to step S503, where the current setting value (provisional setting value) is displayed on the setting display.

[0080] Next, the process proceeds to step S504, where it is determined whether the start lever has been operated. Here, operation of the start lever means an instruction to determine the provisional set value. If the answer is Yes in this step, the process proceeds to step S509, but if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0081] In step S505, it is determined whether the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013) has been pressed. If No, the process proceeds to step S507, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S506.

[0082] In step S506 (Yes in the previous step), the provisional setting value is changed, for example, by incrementing it (in other embodiments, it may be decremented), and the process then returns to step S503.

[0083] In step S507 (No in the previous step), it is determined whether a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108 has been pressed, and if No, the process returns to step S503, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S508, where the provisional setting value is changed to setting 1 (or setting L). Then, the process returns to step S503.

[0084] In step S509 (Yes in step S504), the provisional setting value is set as the default value, and the process then proceeds to step S510, where the flow ends.

[0085] Here, the change pattern of the provisional setting value in step S506 may be a sequential change such as "1(L)" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "1(L)" → "2" → ..., or it may be configured to skip "1(L)" and change sequentially as "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "2" → "3" → .... In the latter case, the setting change to setting 1(L) is limited to the operation of pressing a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108, thereby preventing erroneous setting and realizing a speedy setting operation.

[0086] In this embodiment, the process returns to step S503 after step S508, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to skip immediately to step S509 after step S508, or to skip immediately to step S509 after returning to step S503.

[0087] 6, in addition to the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013), specific setting change functions are provided for BET buttons such as the 1 BET button 108 and other buttons such as the settlement button 109. Here, these specific setting change functions are a function for immediately changing the setting of BET buttons such as the 1 BET button 108 to setting 1 or setting L, and a function for immediately changing the setting of other buttons such as the settlement button 109 to setting 6.

[0088] 6, when the setting change process is started, the process proceeds to step S602, where it is determined whether the setting key and power are turned on (i.e., whether it is possible to switch to setting change mode). If the answer is No, the process waits until it is possible to switch to setting change mode (returns to step S602). If the answer is Yes in S602, the process proceeds to step S603, where the current setting value (provisional setting value) is displayed on the setting display.

[0089] Next, the process proceeds to step S604, where it is determined whether the start lever has been operated. Here, operation of the start lever means an instruction to determine the provisional set value. If the answer is Yes in this step, the process proceeds to step S611, but if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0090] In step S605, it is determined whether or not the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013) has been pressed. If No, the process proceeds to step S607, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0091] In step S606 (Yes in the previous step), the provisional setting value is changed, for example, by incrementing it (in other embodiments, it may be decremented), and the process then returns to step S603.

[0092] In step S607 (No in the previous step), it is determined whether a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108 has been pressed, and if No, the process skips to step S609, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S608, where the provisional setting value is changed to setting 1 (or setting L), and the process then returns to step S603.

[0093] In step S609 (No in the previous step), it is determined whether another button such as the settlement button 109 has been pressed, and if No, the process returns to step S603, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S610, where the provisional setting value is changed to setting 6. Then, the process returns to step S603.

[0094] In step S611 (Yes in step S604), the provisional setting value is set as the default value. Then, the process proceeds to step S612, where the flow ends.

[0095] Here, the change pattern of the provisional setting value in step S606 may be a sequential change such as "1(L)" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "1(L)" → "2" → ..., or it may be configured to skip "1(L)" and "6" and change sequentially as "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "2" → "3" → "4" .... In the latter case, a change to setting 1(L) is limited to an operation by pressing a BET button such as the 1BET button 108, and a change to setting 6 is limited to an operation by pressing another button such as the settlement button 109, thereby preventing erroneous setting and realizing a speedy setting operation.

[0096] In this embodiment, the process returns to step S603 after steps S608 and S610, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to skip immediately to step S611 after steps S608 and S610, or to return to step S603 once and then skip immediately to step S611.

[0097] 7, in addition to the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013), a specific setting change function is provided for the BET buttons such as the 1 BET button 108. Here, the specific setting change function is an immediate change to setting L. Also, it is assumed that this setting L is replaced with a setting other than setting 1 (setting 4 in one embodiment of the present invention). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to replace it with another setting. Here, for ease of understanding, it is assumed that setting L is replaced with setting 4.

[0098] 7, when the setting change process is started, the process proceeds to step S702, where it is determined whether the setting key and power are turned on (i.e., whether it is possible to switch to setting change mode). If the answer is No, the process waits until it is possible to switch to setting change mode (returns to S702). If the answer is Yes in S702, the process proceeds to step S703, where the current setting value (provisional setting value) is displayed on the setting display.

[0099] Next, the process proceeds to step S704, where it is determined whether the start lever has been operated. Here, operation of the start lever means an instruction to determine the provisional set value. If the answer is Yes in this step, the process proceeds to step S709, but if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0100] In step S705, it is determined whether the setting change button (here, the select switch 3013) has been pressed. If No, the process proceeds to step S707, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0101] In step S706 (Yes in the previous step), the provisional setting value is changed, for example, by incrementing (in other embodiments, it may be decremented). Here, setting L is used instead of setting 4, so when incrementing, setting L is skipped and the provisional setting value is incremented sequentially (in other embodiments, setting L is skipped and the provisional setting value is decremented sequentially). Then, the process returns to step S703.

[0102] In step S707 (No in the previous step), it is determined whether a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108 has been pressed, and if No, the process returns to step S703, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S708, where the provisional setting value is changed to setting L. Then, the process returns to step S703.

[0103] In step S709 (Yes in step S704), the provisional setting value is set as the default value, and the process then proceeds to step S710, where the flow ends.

[0104] Here, as described above, the change pattern of the provisional setting value in step S706 is to skip "L" and change sequentially as follows: "1" → "2" → "3" → "5" → "6" → "1" → "2" → ... By adopting such a change pattern, the setting change to setting L is limited to the operation of pressing a BET button such as the 1 BET button 108, thereby preventing erroneous setting and realizing a speedy setting operation.

[0105] In this embodiment, the process returns to step S703 after step S708, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to skip immediately to step S709 after step S708, or to skip immediately to step S709 after returning to step S703.

[0106] The above describes an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention based on a specific example, but the lottery processing and presentation processing of the present invention can also be embodied as a method or program, or as a storage medium on which a program is recorded (for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a memory card), etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the implementation form of the program is not limited to application programs such as object code compiled by a compiler or program code executed by an interpreter, but may also be in the form of a program module incorporated into an operating system.

[0108] Furthermore, it is not necessary for all processing of the program to be performed solely by the CPU on the control board, but it can also be configured so that some or all of the program is performed by another processing unit (such as a DSP) implemented on an expansion board or expansion unit added to the board as needed.

[0109] All of the features described in this specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any disclosed method or process may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which these features are mutually exclusive.

[0110] Furthermore, each feature described in this specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Thus, unless expressly denied, each disclosed feature is only one example of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration of any of the above-described embodiments, but extends to any novel feature or combination thereof described in this specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel method or process step or combination thereof described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 41 Main control board 42 Sub-control board 43 Rotating reel unit 44 Hopper Unit 47 Power supply section 491 Chance Button 100 gaming machines (slot machines) 101 Case 102 Front door 103 Display window 105 Medal slot 107 Start lever 108 Medal Tray 109 Checkout button 431 First rotating reel drive unit 432 Second rotating reel drive unit 433 Third rotating reel drive unit 434 First rotating reel position sensor 435 Second rotating reel position sensor 436 Third rotating reel position sensor 454 First reel stop button 455 Second reel stop button 456 Third reel stop button

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising a main control unit for performing calculation processing and device control, and a sub-control unit for controlling presentation, and having a setting change processing function of the main control unit, The setting change process involves sequentially changing the provisional setting values ​​by operating a predetermined button to determine the setting values ​​to be set, as well as: A gaming machine characterized in that a specific setting among the settings is immediately changed by pressing a button different from the predetermined button.

2. The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the setting change process skips the specific setting and changes the provisional setting values ​​sequentially when determining the setting value to be set by operating a predetermined button.

3. The button different from the predetermined button is a BET button, and the specific setting is setting 1 or setting L, and / or the button different from the predetermined button is a settlement button, and the specific setting is setting 6.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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