Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which various kinds of processing can be performed by an operation to one operation part.SOLUTION: A game machine includes an operation part capable of receiving an operation of an operator. The operation part includes a movable member that moves when the force by the operation of the operator is received, and two or more sensors provided at different positions of a movable route of the movable member, capable of detecting an operation of the movable member. The two or more sensors include a sensor for detecting the operation of the movable member at each position and outputting a detection result. The detection result is used as a signal for mutually different kinds of processing to be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaming machines equipped with bet buttons and levers have been known for some time (see Patent Document 1). In these gaming machines, a player can bet a game value by pressing the bet button, and can progress through one game by operating the lever. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-106932 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In response to this, the inventors of the present application have devised a gaming machine that allows various processes to be executed by operating a single operating section.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can execute various processes by operating one operation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides An operation unit capable of accepting operations from an operator is provided, The operation unit includes: a movable member that moves in response to a force generated by an operation by an operator; two or more sensors provided at different positions on a moving path of the movable member and capable of detecting the movement of the movable member; The two or more sensors include a sensor that detects the movement of the movable member at each position and outputs the detection result, The detection results are used as signals for executing different processes. It is an amusement machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can execute various processes by operating one operation unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine and a card unit in a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a lever in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the positions of a first sensor and a second sensor in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection / communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of bet operations and lever-on processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement positions of a first sensor and a second sensor in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description, "connection" includes cases where connection targets are directly connected to each other, and cases where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via another board or device, etc.

[0010] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a reel-type gaming machine in which the quantity of gaming value is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "gaming value data") without using physically existing medals, as shown in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 1 shows the slot machine 1 as seen from the front, and below, the top, bottom, left, and right of Fig. 1 will be referred to as the top, bottom, left, and right of the slot machine 1.

[0011] <Configuration of card unit 7> As shown in FIG. 2, the card unit 7 is connected to the slot machine 1 outside the slot machine 1 so as to be able to communicate with the slot machine 1.

[0012] The card unit 7 can store therein a card 70 that stores gaming value data as electronic data in place of medals that are real objects.

[0013] The details of the card unit 7 are the same as those of a conventional medal-less machine, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0014] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a medal-less machine that allows a game to proceed without using medals, which are real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a game is played using gaming value data as electronic data, instead of medals, which are real objects.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front of the cabinet 10. This front door 100 is locked while a game is in progress.

[0016] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, a player can see multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

[0017] Above the reel window 200, there are provided a liquid crystal screen 3, a speaker 101, and an illumination unit 102 for performing various effects during a game.

[0018] The liquid crystal screen 3 is equipped with a monitor LED and a backlight, and displays various effect videos (effect screens) while the player is playing.

[0019] The speaker 101 outputs predetermined background music (BGM), sound effects (SE), and audio.

[0020] The illumination unit 102 is composed of LEDs and the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern when, for example, a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or a winning combination is achieved.

[0021] Below the reel window 200, there are provided an operation unit 4, a lower panel 103, a front bottom 104, etc. The lower panel 103 displays the title of the slot machine 1, etc. Also, LED lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 is designed to allow players to place their personal belongings, etc.

[0022] The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a count button 44, a cancel button 45, and a performance button 46.

[0023] Near each switch of the operation unit 4, a sensor is provided that detects the operation by the player and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0024] Each stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is provided corresponding to each reel 20 (20a, 20b, 20c). The stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c accept an operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, 20c while the reel 20a, 20b, 20c is rotating.

[0025] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate by a color (e.g., red) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state, for example, from when the lever 42 is operated until the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state. Furthermore, the lamps can indicate by a different color (e.g., blue) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state, for example, from when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0026] In this embodiment, the lever 42 functions as a bet switch that accepts an operation by the player to bet a gaming value, and as a start switch that accepts an operation to spin the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lever 42 comprises a movable member 421 that moves when it receives a downward force through operation by the player, and two sensors (first sensor 422a, second sensor 422b) that are provided at different positions on the movable path R of the movable member 421 and can detect the movement of the movable member 421.

[0028] Furthermore, the lever 42 is equipped with a biasing means (not shown) that provides a biasing force that returns the lever 42, which has been operated downward, to the upper side (towards the initial position R1 and the end position R3 in FIGS. 3 and 4). As a result, when a player operates the lever 42 downward and then releases his / her hand from the lever 42, the lever 42 moves upward and finally stops at the start position R1 / end position R3. In this way, the lever 42 is designed to be operated in the vertical direction of the slot machine 1.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing the lever 42 moving up and down when viewed from the right side of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positions of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b. The upper side in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the upper side of the slot machine 1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 421 is made up of a spherical portion 421a that allows the player to move the movable member 421 up and down, and a support portion 421b.

[0031] The spherical portion 421a is the part that the player touches. One end of the support portion 421b is connected to the spherical portion 421a, and the other end is connected to the cabinet 10. In other words, the support portion 421b is a member that supports the spherical portion 421a relative to the cabinet 10. Therefore, when the player presses down on the spherical portion 421a, the spherical portion 421a and the support portion 421b can move as a unit.

[0032] Each of the two sensors, the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b, detects the integral movement of the spherical portion 421a and the support portion 421b, i.e., the movement of the movable member 421, at each position, and outputs the detection result (that the detected portion provided on the support portion 421b has passed in front of the first sensor 422a, and that the detected portion has passed in front of the second sensor 422b).

[0033] The detection results are used as signals (bet signal and start signal, which will be described later) for the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b to execute different processes.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the movable route R is made up of an outgoing route RO and a returning route RR.

[0035] The outgoing route RO is formed between the start position R1 of the movable member 421 and the turning back point R2.

[0036] On the other hand, the return route RR is formed between the turning point R2 of the movable member 421 and the end position R3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the outbound route OR and the return route RR are the same distance.

[0038] The order of processing by the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b is determined in advance, and the positions of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b on the movable path R are determined so that the processing is performed in that order.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b are arranged in a first pattern based on Fig. 4(a) In other words, the first sensor 422a is arranged at a position closer to the start position R1 of the movable path R than the second sensor 422b, and the second sensor 422b is arranged at the turning point R2.

[0040] Furthermore, it is determined in advance how many times the first sensor 422a and second sensor 422b should output / not output the detection results.

[0041] The first sensor 422a detects the first movement of the movable member 421, but does not detect the second movement of the movable member 421 if the second sensor 422b has detected the movement of the movable member 421. Specifically, the first sensor 422a outputs a detection signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and does not output a detection signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection).

[0042] The lever 42 operates as a bet function when the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421. That is, when the first sensor 422a detects the first movement of the movable member 421, it outputs a bet signal that activates the bet function.

[0043] On the other hand, the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421 when the movable member 421 reaches the turning point R2.

[0044] Then, the lever 42 is activated as a start function when the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421. That is, when the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421, it outputs a start signal that activates the lever-on function.

[0045] In order for the player to stop the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the player must operate the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, as described above.

[0046] In addition to the first pattern described above, the positions of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b may be, for example, the following three patterns.

[0047] (Second pattern) In the second pattern, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the first sensor 422a is placed at the turning point R2, and the second sensor 422b is placed near the initial position R1 (or the end position R3). In this case, the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal when the movable member 421 reaches the turning point R2. The second sensor 422a does not output a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection). On the other hand, the second sensor 422a outputs a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection).

[0048] (Third pattern) 4(c), the third pattern is one in which the first sensor 422a is placed at a position between the initial position R1 (or the end position R3) and the turning point R2, closer to the initial position R1 (or the end position R3), and the second sensor 422b is placed at a position closer to the turning point R2. In other words, the first sensor 422a is closer to the initial position R1 (or the end position R3) than the second sensor 422b.

[0049] In this case, the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and does not output a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection). Furthermore, the second sensor 422b outputs a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and does not output a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection). Alternatively, the second sensor 422b may not output a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and may output a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection). This is because no inconvenience occurs in the processing performed in response to the detection results, regardless of whether the first detection or the second detection is performed.

[0050] (Fourth pattern) As shown in Figure 4(d), the fourth pattern is one in which the first sensor 422a is positioned between the initial position R1 (or the end position R3) and the turning point R2, closer to the turning point R2, and the second sensor 422b is positioned closer to the initial position R1 (or the end position R3).

[0051] In this case, the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and does not output a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection). Alternatively, the first sensor 422a may not output a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and may output a bet signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection). Furthermore, the second sensor 422b does not output a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the outgoing path RO (when performing the first detection), and outputs a start signal when the movable member 421 passes through the returning path RR (when performing the second detection).

[0052] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b are arranged in the first pattern shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0053] Also, if the winning combination in the previous game is a replay, in the next game, even if the movement of the movable member 421 is detected and a bet signal is output, the bet signal will be discarded by the main control board P1, or the first sensor 422a may be controlled by the main control board P1 so as not to detect the movement of the movable member 421.

[0054] Furthermore, a betting operation may be canceled by executing the following process. Specifically, when a player operates the movable member 421 and the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421, the betting operation can be canceled by having the first sensor 422a detect the movement of the movable member 421 again without having the second sensor 422b detect the movement of the movable member 421, thereby moving the movable member 421 to the end position R3 on the RO. In other words, even though a bet signal is output when the movable member 421 is moved from the initial position R1 to near the detection position of the first sensor 422a, the bet cancellation operation occurs when the player moves the movable member 421 to the end position R3 without moving it to the turning point R2, which is the lowest point.

[0055] With this configuration, the second sensor 422b does not detect the movement of the movable member 421, so the start signal is not output and the betting operation is canceled.

[0056] Alternatively, if, after the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal, the second sensor 422b does not output a start signal for some reason and the first sensor 422a continues to output bet signals, the bet operation may be canceled.

[0057] Furthermore, different from the above, the betting operation may be cancelled by the player operating a predetermined button (for example, a cancel button 45 described later) after the first sensor 422a outputs the betting signal.

[0058] The digital counter 43 digitally displays the number of gaming value credits, the number of gaming value paid out (acquired), etc. By checking the digital counter 43, the player can also check the amount of gaming value he or she possesses while playing.

[0059] The counting button 44 can accept an operation by the player to transfer the gaming value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 accepts an operation by the player, a transfer signal is generated in the counting button 44. The counting button 44 also has a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is not being operated or is being operated.

[0060] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation by a player to change a gaming value that has been bet (betting state) to a non-betting state (non-betting state). When the cancel button 45 accepts an operation by a player, a cancel signal is generated by the cancel button 45. After that, the media management unit 620, which receives the cancel signal, manages the gaming value data that has been bet as a non-betting state. The cancel button 45 also has a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is being operated or not.

[0061] The effect button 46 is a button used by the player when playing a game to set the light intensity of the LEDs of the illumination unit 101, set the volume of the speaker 102, check game data, and perform various other menu settings related to the game on the menu screen. The effect button 46 may also be operated by the player during play depending on the effect. When the effect button 46 is operated during play, a change occurs in the effect.

[0062] The effect button 46 also has a lamp inside or around it that can emit light in various colors and patterns. The lamp is lit when the effect button 46 is in an enabled state, and is turned off when the effect button 46 is in an disabled state.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the housing 10.

[0064] The reset button 51 is operated to clear various errors and initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 51 is being operated, the quantity of game value managed by the media management unit 620 is cleared to "0," and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state," and the game zone is set to the "normal zone."

[0065] The setting change button 52 is a button that is operated by a store staff member when one of multiple setting values ​​is set in the slot machine 1. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the slot machine 1 is set in the setting change mode, the setting change button 52 becomes operable, and when the setting change button 52 is operated in this state, the setting value can be set.

[0066] 2, the slot machine 1 includes a spinning reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (consisting of a main control unit 61 mounted on a main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on a game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on a sub-control board P3). The spinning reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are arranged inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply device for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1 and the like.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spinning reel unit 2 includes three spinning reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0068] For example, symbols are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. When the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop spinning, a game result determination unit 612 (described later) determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the pay line L (described later) is a predetermined combination of symbols, and the game progresses.

[0069] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0070] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (e.g., 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40a) within 190 ms after the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating.

[0071] The rotation and stopping of these reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled by a reel control unit 611, which will be described later.

[0072] <The flow of play by players> The player uses the gaming value credited by the first sensor 422a outputting a bet signal to bet gaming value on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number (e.g., 3) of gaming value is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 42 can be operated, i.e., the game can be started.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the activated line L is configured in the upper row of the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, the middle row of the reel window 200 for the middle rotating reel 20b, and the lower row of the reel window 200 for the right rotating reel 20c.

[0074] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which a player operates the lever 42 and stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. to obtain a predetermined play result, including internal lottery, prize determination processing, and processing to increase or decrease play value data.

[0075] Specifically, for example, when the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421 and a gaming value is bet, and the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421, an internal lottery is conducted to determine a winning flag, and the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begins. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40b) stops. When all the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of gaming value is executed according to the symbol combination (winning combination) that is aligned (winning) on ​​the pay line L. This completes one game.

[0076] At least some of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, that the lever 42 has been operated, that the stop switch 40 has been operated, that an internal lottery has been executed, that a predetermined role has been won, that the reels have spun, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 implemented on the main control board P1.

[0077] <Configuration of control unit 6> As mentioned above, the control unit 6 is composed of a main control unit 61 implemented on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 implemented on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 implemented on the sub-control board P3.

[0078] The main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 each include a microcomputer, a voltage supply unit, a power interruption / recovery detection unit, a WDT (watchdog timer), and a memory unit (ROM, RAM).

[0079] The connection relationships and communication processes of the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0080] The main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 are electrically connected by a harness, and two-way serial communication is possible.

[0081] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer edge information, whether or not a setting change is being made, commands related to various errors, a signal requesting a bet of game value when the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421, a signal requesting the payout of game value corresponding to a winning role, a signal requesting a bet cancellation process when the cancel button 45 is operated, and a request for the transfer of game value when the counting button 44 is operated.

[0082] The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function (described below) has been activated, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit (a value set to prompt the player to transfer credits because the number of credits is too high), information regarding whether or not there is a communication abnormality between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, and various responses to requests from the main control unit 61.

[0083] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is carried out from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0084] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game value (for example, information on bets / payouts of game value, total amount of game value won during AT), information regarding the game status and game area, information regarding the start / end of game play, information regarding the start / end of device operation, information regarding various errors, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate lever 42, etc.

[0085] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but serial communication is carried out in one direction from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3.

[0086] The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described below, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands related to advance notification before the complete function is activated, information related to the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, that transfer is complete, etc.), information indicating the number of credits or the number of credits acquired, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, error information if a backup error in the number of credits has occurred, and information as to whether the player is able to operate the counting button 44, etc.

[0087] <Description of main control unit 61> The main control unit 61 is composed of a microcomputer MCU implemented on the main control board P1, and functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a rotating reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a setting value control unit 613, a section control unit 614, a game status control unit 615, an RT status control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0088] <Internal lottery section 610> The internal drawing unit 610 performs an internal drawing based on the operation of the lever 42, and can select one flag from among a plurality of role flags as a winning flag. In detail, the internal drawing unit 610 performs an internal drawing when a start signal is output as a result of the second sensor 422b detecting the operation of the lever 42.

[0089] <Rotary reel control unit 611> The rotating reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and can perform rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c, or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0090] <Explanation of the Game Result Determination Unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the result of the game (for example, whether the winning combination has won) based on the internal lottery result output from the internal lottery unit 610 and the results of the rotation stop control of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0091] <Explanation of the setting value control unit 613> The setting value control unit 613 can control the progress of the game using any one of a plurality of types of setting values (for example, 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in the progress control of the game based on the operation of the setting change button 52 by the store staff.

[0092] <Interval control unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can control the progress of the game by setting any one of a plurality of game intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval).

[0093] <Game state control unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can control the progress of the game by setting each of the first game state (for example, during the execution of a special combination, inside the special combination) and the second game state (for example, general game state, special game states such as AT, CZ, etc.).

[0094] <RT state control unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can control the progress of the game using one of a plurality of RT states (a table used for internal lottery and an RT state in which a replay probability is determined in advance).

[0095] <Error determination unit 617> The error determination unit 617 can determine the presence or absence of various errors. Examples of various errors include backup abnormalities, communication abnormalities between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, connection abnormalities between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7, reaching the upper limit value of the credit number, and the like.

[0096] <Explanation of the game value control unit 62> The gaming value control unit 62 is configured by a microcomputer MCU mounted on the gaming value control board P2, and functions as a medium management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0097] <Explanation of the Media Management Unit 620> The media management unit 620 can manage the number of credits and the number of bets of the gaming value. The media management unit 620 also calculates a range (MY), which is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference number, using a gaming value difference number, which is the cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets of the gaming value from the number of payouts of the gaming value since the slot machine 1 was last powered on. The media management unit 620 can also calculate the gaming value difference number separately from the range (MY). The gaming value difference number can be used, for example, to control the gaming interval.

[0098] <Function Activation Unit 621> The function activation unit 621 can receive information about the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620. Then, when the range (MY) becomes equal to or greater than the first range, for example, 18500, the function activation unit 621 generates information about a prior notification indicating that activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0099] This complete function is a so-called stop function, and when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 will no longer accept any operations related to play, and the player will not be able to continue playing (the machine will enter a state where play is not possible) unless the power is turned off and on by store staff.

[0100] <Explanation of the sub-control unit 63> The sub-control unit 63 is implemented on the sub-control board P3 and functions as a performance control unit 630 by operation using a microcomputer MCU or the like.

[0101] <Production control unit 630> By executing a performance lottery, the performance control unit 630 can determine at least one of the following as the performance pattern: a video / still image to be output on the LCD screen 3, a sound pattern to be output from the speaker 101, a lighting pattern of the lighting unit 102 such as an LED, or a lighting pattern of the performance button 46.

[0102] <Bet operation and lever-on process flow> The flow of the bet operation and lever-on process of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] First, the lever 42 is operated downward based on the operation of the player (step S1).

[0104] As the lever 42 continues to be operated downward, the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421 (step S2).

[0105] As a result, the first sensor 422a outputs a detection signal (bet signal) (step S3).

[0106] Next, the flow branches based on whether the previous winning combination was a replay or not (step S4).

[0107] If the previous winning combination was a replay (S4: YES), the main control board P1 discards the bet signal (step S12), and then proceeds to step S6.

[0108] On the other hand, if the previous winning combination was not a replay (S4: NO), the flow branches based on whether or not the player has performed an operation to cancel the betting operation (step S5).

[0109] If the player performs an operation to cancel the betting operation (S5: YES), the first sensor 422a outputs a betting operation cancel signal (step S11), after which the betting operation and lever-on process are completed.

[0110] On the other hand, if the player continues to operate the lever 42 downward without performing any operation to cancel the bet operation (S5: NO), the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421 at the turning point R2 (step S6).

[0111] As a result, the second sensor 422b outputs a detection signal (start signal) (step S7), and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c start to rotate.

[0112] Next, a lever return operation is performed to move the lever 42 upward by the biasing force of the biasing means when the player releases the lever 42, or based on the player's operation (step S8).

[0113] Next, before the lever 42 returns to the end position R3, the first sensor 422a again detects the movement of the movable member 421 (step S9), but since the start signal has been output, the first sensor 422a does not output this detection signal. The bet operation and lever-on process of the present disclosure are carried out by the above-described procedure.

[0114] In summary, the slot machine 1 of the present disclosure has the following features: A lever 42 is provided which can be operated by an operator, Lever 42 is a movable member 421 that moves when subjected to a force generated by an operation by an operator; a first sensor 422a and a second sensor 422b that are provided at different positions on a moving path R of the movable member 421 and that can detect the movement of the movable member 421; The first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b detect the movement of the movable member 421 at each position and output the detection result. The detection results are used as signals (bet signal, start signal) for executing different processes (bet operation, lever on).

[0115] <Effects of the Invention> Gaming machines equipped with bet buttons and levers have been known for some time. In these gaming machines, a player can bet a game value by pressing the bet button, and can progress through one game by operating the lever.

[0116] In response to this, the inventors of the present application have devised a gaming machine that allows various processes to be executed by operating a single operating section.

[0117] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a first sensor 422a and a second sensor 422b are provided at different positions on the movable path R of the movable member 421, and different processes are performed based on the detection results of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b.

[0118] Specifically, first, when the first sensor 422a installed at a position close to the initial position R1 on the movable path R detects the movement of the movable member 421, it outputs a bet signal, and then when the second sensor 422b installed at the turning point R2 detects the movement of the movable member 421, it outputs a start signal.

[0119] In this way, by operating one lever 42, the player can perform two processes: placing a bet on a game value and starting the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0120] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is capable of executing various processes by operating one operation unit.

[0121] [Second embodiment] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0122] That is, in the lever 42 of this embodiment, the movable path R is formed in an elliptical shape that can loop so that the movable member 421 moves from a start position R1 of the movable path R in a predetermined direction D1 (clockwise in the example of FIG. 7), passes through a turning point R2, and moves to an end position R3 that is the same position as the start position R1, as shown in Fig. 7. Of the elliptical movable path R, a path that traces a right-hand route clockwise from the start position R1 to the turning point R2 is called an outgoing path RO, and a path that traces a left-hand route clockwise from the turning point R2 to the end position R3 is called a returning path RR.

[0123] The first sensor 422a is disposed between the starting position R1 and the turning point R2. Specifically, the first sensor 422a is provided on the outgoing route RO of the movable route R.

[0124] The second sensor 422b is disposed between the turning point R2 and the end position R3. Specifically, the second sensor 422b is provided on the return route RR of the movable route R.

[0125] In this example, when the player moves (rotates) the movable member 421 on the outgoing path RO in the predetermined direction D1, a bet signal is output when the first sensor 422a detects the movement of the movable member 421. Furthermore, when the player moves (rotates) the movable member 421 on the returning path RR in the predetermined direction D1, a start signal is output when the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421. Thereafter, the movable member 421 is moved to the end position R3 based on the player's operation.

[0126] In this example, after the player moves (rotates) the movable member 421 on the outgoing path RO in a predetermined direction D1 to output a bet signal to the first sensor 422a, the player may move (rotate) the movable member 421 on the outgoing path RO in a direction D2 (counterclockwise in the example of Figure 7) that is opposite to the predetermined direction D1, thereby being able to cancel the bet operation based on the first sensor 422a detecting the movement of the movable member 421 again without having the second sensor 422b detect the movement of the movable member 421.

[0127] Also, if the movable member 421 is first moved in a direction D2 opposite to the predetermined direction D1, the movable member 421 moves (rotates) on the return path RR from the viewpoint position R1, and the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421 before the first sensor 422a. In this case, the sensor detection is a reverse detection (the reverse order of the original sensor detection), so it is determined to be a sensor detection error, and the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b do not perform any processing. Then, the slot machine 1 announces (warns) the movement of the lever 42 to encourage the user to operate the lever 42 in the correct direction.

[0128] Furthermore, when only the first sensor 422a of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b detects the movement of the movable member 421, the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal. However, when only the second sensor 422b of the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b detects a signal, the second sensor 422b does not output a start signal, and the first sensor 422a outputs a bet signal the next time it detects the movement of the movable member 421. Alternatively, even if both the first sensor 422a and the second sensor 422b output signals, the main control board may be able to determine whether or not to execute processing based on the signals. Note that when the first sensor 422a detects the second movement of the movable member 4221, the first sensor 422a does not need to detect any further bet signals, and the main control board may not execute bet processing even if it detects a bet signal.

[0129] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or combined as appropriate.

[0130] Furthermore, the various definitions used in this specification are commonly used throughout the specification unless otherwise specified in each example.

[0131] In addition, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the first sensor outputs a bet signal and the second sensor outputs a start signal, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first sensor and / or the second sensor can output an operation signal for effects, a volume adjustment signal, a light intensity setting signal, etc., instead of the bet signal and / or the start signal. In this way, the first sensor and the second sensor may detect the operation of an operation unit managed by a sub-control board, rather than detecting the operation of an operation unit managed by a main control board.

[0132] On the other hand, as in the above embodiment, the rules of the slot machine stipulate that the corresponding stop switch must be operated to stop the rotation of the reels, and therefore the detection results of the movement of the movable member by the first and second sensors are not used as a trigger for the process of stopping the rotation of the reels.

[0133] Furthermore, if a power outage occurs in the slot machine after the first and / or second sensors have finished detecting the movement of the movable member but before the lever reaches the end position R3 while the lever is still being operated, the detection results of the first and / or second sensors may be erased from the RWM of the main control unit, and the player may be asked to operate the lever again after power is restored. Alternatively, if a power outage occurs under the same conditions as described above, the detection results of the first and / or second sensors may be stored in the RWM of the main control unit, and when power is restored and the lever is operated again, any sensor whose detection results are not yet stored may perform detection. Specifically, if a power outage occurs after the first sensor outputs a bet signal, the second sensor may output a start signal after power is restored, based on the player's operation of the lever, without the first sensor outputting a bet signal. Alternatively, if a power outage occurs under the same conditions as described above, as long as the detection results of the first and / or second sensors are stored in the RWM of the main control unit, processing may be performed based on the detection results simply triggered by the lever operation.

[0134] In the above embodiment, an example in which the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on the lever is described, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the operation unit that instructs the start of reel rotation may be configured as a button instead of a lever. In this case, the first sensor and the second sensor may be provided on the button. In this case, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed at different positions relative to the button operation direction so that the first sensor outputs a bet signal when the button is pressed a predetermined amount, and the second sensor outputs a start signal when the button is pressed a specific amount exceeding the predetermined amount.

[0135] Although the lever has been described as being operated in the up-down direction, it may be operated in the left-right direction. In this case, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed at different positions in the left-right direction in which the lever is operated.

[0136] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, the main control board and the gaming value control board may not be separate, and the main control unit and the gaming value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the slot machine is an AT machine, but the slot machine may also be an ART (Assisted Replay Time) machine, or it may be a bonus-only slot machine that does not execute AT, ART, etc., or a slot machine that can execute both a bonus and AT (or ART).

[0138] Furthermore, while the slot machine in the above embodiment is a medal-less machine equipped with a play area, a slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to be equipped with a play area, and does not have to be a medal-less machine. If the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, it will need the configuration of a conventional slot machine, such as a medal insertion slot, hopper, medal payout slot, and bottom tray. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Slot machines (gaming machines) 42 Lever 421 Movable parts 421a Spherical part 421b Support part 422a First sensor 422b Second sensor R Movable path RO outbound RR Return R1 Starting point position R2 turning point R3 end point

Claims

1. An operation unit capable of accepting operations from an operator is provided, The operation unit includes: a movable member that moves in response to a force generated by an operation by an operator; two or more sensors provided at different positions on a moving path of the movable member and capable of detecting the movement of the movable member; The two or more sensors include a sensor that detects the movement of the movable member at each position and outputs the detection result, The detection results are used as signals for executing different processes. Gaming machine.

2. There are two sensors: The movable path includes an outward path and a return path, the forward path is formed between a start point position of the movable member and a return point, the return path is formed between the turning point of the movable member and an end position, a first sensor, which is one of the two or more sensors, is disposed at a position on the movable path closer to the start position than a second sensor, which is the other of the two or more sensors; The gaming machine according to claim 1.

3. There are two sensors: The movable path includes an outward path and a return path, a first sensor of the two or more sensors may be capable of detecting a first movement of the movable member but may not detect a second movement of the movable member; a second sensor of the two or more sensors is capable of detecting a second movement of the movable member, but may not detect a first movement of the movable member; The gaming machine according to claim 1.

4. There are two sensors: the movable path is formed in a loop shape so that the operation unit moves from a start point position of the movable member in a predetermined direction to an end point position that is the same position as the start point position, In the movable path, a first sensor, which is one of the two or more sensors, is disposed at a position close to the start point position during a period in which the movable member moves in the predetermined direction until the movable member reaches the end point position; a second sensor, which is another of the two or more sensors, is disposed at a position far from the start point position during movement of the movable member in the predetermined direction until the movable member reaches the end point position; The gaming machine according to claim 1.

5. The different processes include: A betting process that allows a player to bet a gaming value; a start process capable of accepting an operation to start the rotation of the plurality of reels; Contains, There are two sensors: a first sensor among the two or more sensors detects the movement of the movable member, thereby enabling the bet process to be carried out; The start process can be performed when a second sensor, which is one of the two or more sensors, detects the operation of the movable member. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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