Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can reduce labor of store staff.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a control board including a memory unit. The memory unit includes a usage area for storing information on game progress. After a power interruption occurs and power is restored in the game machine, a request signal to initialize an initialization area which is at least a part of the usage area can be acquired, and initialization processing to the initialization area can be executed on the basis of the acquired request signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that are equipped with a setting value control unit that can carry out game progress using one of multiple setting values ​​that have different degrees of advantage in controlling the progress of the game (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In stores where such gaming machines are installed, a recent trend has been to frequently reset the settings on each gaming machine (for example, after the store closes each day) to prevent players from realizing that the machines are so-called fixed machines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-83655 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to change the settings of gaming machines at each store, the store staff must open the front door of each gaming machine and change the settings, which increases the store staff's workload.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the workload of store staff. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides A gaming machine equipped with a control board including a control unit and a memory unit, The storage unit has a usage area in which information regarding the progress of a game is stored, The control unit After the gaming machine is powered down and then restored to power, it is possible to obtain a request signal to initialize an initialization area that is at least a part of the usage area, and The initialization process can be performed on the initialization area based on the acquired request signal. It is an amusement machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a gaming machine can be provided that can reduce the workload of store staff. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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] 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a main control board, a game value control board, and a sub-control board in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of initialization processing of an initialization area in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [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 4. 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.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, 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"), rather than using physically existing medals.

[0012] <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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The card unit 7 is similar to a conventional card unit connected to a medal-less machine, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] <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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The speaker 101 outputs predetermined background music (BGM), sound effects (SE), and audio.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a count button 44, a cancel button 45, and a performance button 46.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The bet switch 41 is used when the operator bets a gaming value. The credited gaming value and the amount of betted gaming value are managed by the slot machine 1 (media management unit 620). Hereinafter, the term "credited gaming value" refers to the gaming value (gaming value data) managed by the media management unit 620.

[0028] The lever 42 functions as a start switch that receives an operation to rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 102, set the volume of the speaker 101, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the housing 10.

[0035] 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."

[0036] 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.

[0037] In this embodiment, rather than a case where store staff operates the setting change button 52 of each slot machine 1, the initialization process of the initialization area r1 described below is mainly disclosed as being performed by, for example, simultaneously turning off / on the main power of all slot machines 1 located in the store, or the main power of all multiple slot machines 1 located on a so-called island.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotating reel unit 2 includes three rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] <The flow of the game by the operator> The operator operates the bet switch 41 to use the credited gaming value to bet gaming value on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number (for example, 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which a player operates the bet switch 41, lever 42, stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. to obtain a predetermined play result, including internal lottery, winning determination processing, and processing to increase or decrease play value data.

[0047] Specifically, for example, when the lever 42 is operated after the bet switch 41 is operated, an internal lottery is conducted to determine a winning flag, and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begin to rotate. 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 (for example, 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 combination (winning symbol combination) of symbols aligned (winning) on ​​the pay line L. This completes one game.

[0048] At least some of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, the bet switch 41 being operated, the lever 42 being operated, the stop switch 40 being operated, the internal lottery being executed, the predetermined role being won, the reels being spun, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 implemented on the main control board P1.

[0049] <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.

[0050] 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 (RWM, ROM, RAM).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer edge information, whether or not settings are being changed, commands related to various errors, a signal requesting a bet of game value when the bet switch 41 is operated, 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is performed from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] <Explanation of initialization process for initialization area r1> The main control board P1 includes a microcomputer (not shown) and the like, as well as a RWM (Read / Write Memory, an example of a storage unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory, not shown), and the like.

[0060] This RWM includes a used area R1 and an outside used area R2, as shown in Fig. 3. This used area R1 and outside used area R2 each include a control area and a data area.

[0061] The use area R1 is a storage area for storing information other than information necessary to prevent unauthorized alterations and other changes. Specifically, the use area R1 stores information related to the progress of the game.

[0062] On the other hand, the non-used area R2 is a storage area for storing information that is not directly related to the progress of the game. For example, the non-used area R2 stores a program for controlling the lighting of the management information display LED, a program used during testing, a program for preventing cheating, and the like.

[0063] Here, when the main power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned off (an example of a power outage) and then turned on (an example of a power restoration) after a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed, the main control unit 61 generates (an example of an acquisition) an initialization request signal (an example of a request signal). Upon generation of this initialization request signal, the main control unit 61 initializes the initialization area r1, which is part of the usage area R1.

[0064] Store staff can simultaneously turn off / on the main power of all slot machines 1 installed in the store or all slot machines 1 arranged on an island. This is because a common power supply is used for multiple slot machines 1 installed in the store or multiple slot machines 1 arranged on an island, and the main power of multiple slot machines 1 can be turned off / on by turning off / on one power switch.

[0065] Furthermore, there is an overlap between the range in which the RWM is initialized when a store staff member operates the setting change button 52 to set a new setting value and the initialization region r1 that is initialized when the main power of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has passed. "There is an overlap" means that the range in which the RWM is initialized when a store staff member operates the setting change button 52 to set a new setting value and the initialization region r1 that is initialized when the main power of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has passed are completely the same, or only partially the same.

[0066] With these configurations, when the main power of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has passed, the initialization area r1 is initialized and the setting value is reset to the same value (hereinafter, this process is referred to as the "same setting replacement process").

[0067] In contrast to this, when an initialization process related to a manual setting replacement process (hereinafter, this process will be referred to as the "manual replacement process") is executed instead of the identical setting replacement process of this embodiment, that is, when a store staff member operates the setting change button 52 to set a new setting value, the setting value is initialized and reset, and is also initialized from the specified address to the final address of the RWM in the use area R1, so that variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and number of points, the RT state, information related to the game state such as inside the bonus, etc. are initialized.

[0068] In the manual replacement process, the same setting value may be set when the store staff intentionally selects the same setting value, or a different setting value may be set when the store staff selects a different setting value than before.

[0069] On the other hand, when the initialization process according to the same setting replacement process of this embodiment is executed, not everything from the designated address to the final address of the RWM of the used area R1 is initialized.

[0070] Specifically, when the initialization process for the same setting replacement process is executed, variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points are initialized in the same way as when a new setting value is set as before. On the other hand, even if the initialization process for the initialization area r1 is executed, information related to the game state such as the RT state is not initialized.

[0071] In other words, in this embodiment, variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points are stored in the initialization area r1, while information related to the game status such as the RT status is stored in the usage area R1 but is not stored in the initialization area r1.

[0072] The main control unit 61 also includes a timer that is activated when power is cut off to the slot machine 1. This timer is capable of measuring the time that has elapsed since the slot machine 1 was cut off.

[0073] Then, when the time measured by the timer (power outage time) reaches or exceeds a predetermined time (for example, one hour) and power is restored to the slot machine 1, the main control unit 61 can generate an initialization request signal. In this way, by setting the time measured by the timer to one hour or more, it is possible to prevent variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points from being initialized if the slot machine 1 experiences a momentary power outage due to lightning or the like while the store is open.

[0074] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply that can apply voltage to the RWM for a predetermined backup time (for example, three days) even after the slot machine 1 is powered down.

[0075] Then, when the backup power supply is not turned off and power is restored to the slot machine 1, the main control unit 61 generates an initialization request signal. In other words, when voltage is being applied by the backup power supply, the main control unit 61 generates an initialization request signal, and the same setting replacement process according to this embodiment is executed.

[0076] If the backup power supply of the slot machine 1 is cut off, the power supply to the RWM is cut off, and the data in the RWM is automatically erased.

[0077] In contrast to this, in the initialization process related to the identical setting replacement process of this embodiment, the RWM data is not automatically erased in this manner, and the RWM is initialized in conjunction with the identical setting replacement process being automatically executed when the power is turned on.

[0078] It is also preferable to implement surge protection measures on the electrical circuits mounted on the main board P1 in case power is restored to the slot machine 1. This is because transient noise-like abnormal voltage caused by the power restoration may be applied to the circuits mounted on the main control board P1, which may damage or cause malfunctions in the components that make up the circuits.

[0079] One example of a surge countermeasure is to install a Zener diode between the power supply line and ground line on the circuit mounted on the main control board P1. This allows noise to flow from the power supply line to the ground line via the Zener diode, preventing noise from flowing to components other than the Zener diode.

[0080] <Description of main control unit 61> The main control unit 61 is composed of a microcomputer 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.

[0081] <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 detecting the operation of the lever 42.

[0082] <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 bet switch 41, 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.

[0083] <Explanation of the Game Result Determination Unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the game result (for example, whether or not the winning combination has been awarded) 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.

[0084] <Explanation of the setting value control unit 613> The setting value control unit 613 executes a manual change process based on the store staff's operation of the setting change button 52, and sets one of multiple setting values ​​(e.g., 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in controlling the progress of the game.

[0085] When a manual re-entry process is performed based on the operation of a store staff member, the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is automatically performed.

[0086] Furthermore, when the main power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed, the setting value control unit 613 automatically executes the same setting replacement process for the setting values ​​as the main control unit 61 executes the initialization process for the initialization area r1. By this initialization process, the setting values ​​of the slot machine 1 are automatically reset to the setting values ​​that were set immediately before the slot machine 1 was shut off.

[0087] As mentioned above, when the main power of the slot machine 1 is manually turned off / on (the main power may be turned on automatically over time), this triggers the automatic execution of the same replacement process, and the set values ​​are automatically replaced with the same values. In this case, the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is also automatically executed.

[0088] <Section Control Unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can proceed with the game by setting one of a plurality of game intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval).

[0089] In addition, when the slot machine 1 is powered off and power is restored after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is executed, the interval control unit 614 initializes the game interval to a normal interval.

[0090] <Game Status Control Unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can advance the game by setting each of the first game state (for example, during the execution of a special combination, inside a special combination) and the second game state (for example, a general game state, a special game state such as AT or CZ).

[0091] Note that when the slot machine 1 is powered off and then powered on again after a predetermined time has elapsed and the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is executed, the game state control unit 615 initializes variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points, but does not necessarily need to initialize information related to the game state such as during the inside of a bonus.

[0092] <RT state control unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can advance 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).

[0093] Note that even when the main power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on again after a predetermined time has elapsed and the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is executed, the RT state control unit 616 does not necessarily need to initialize the RT state.

[0094] <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.

[0095] <Explanation of the game value control unit 62> The game value control unit 62 is composed of a microcomputer mounted on the game value control board P2 and functions as a medium management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0096] <Explanation of the medium 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.

[0097] <Function Activation Unit 621> When the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620 becomes equal to or greater than the first range, for example, 18500, the function activation unit 621 generates information regarding advance notification indicating that activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0098] 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 game will be disabled) unless the main power is turned off and on by store staff.

[0099] <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 or the like.

[0100] <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.

[0101] In addition, for example, when the AT is being executed, the performance control unit 630 executes the AT performance using a performance lottery table dedicated to the AT.

[0102] <Flow of initialization process for initialization area r1> The flow of the initialization process for the initialization area r1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] First, the store staff turns off the main power supply of the slot machine 1, thereby cutting off the power to the slot machine 1 (step S1).

[0104] Next, the flow branches based on whether or not the power has been restored to the slot machine 1 (step S2).

[0105] If the power of the slot machine 1 has not been restored (S2: NO), the process repeats step S2 until the power is restored.

[0106] If the power is restored to the slot machine 1 (S2: YES), the flow branches based on whether the power restoration occurred after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was cut off (step S3).

[0107] If the power to the slot machine 1 is restored before the predetermined time has elapsed since the power was cut off (S3: NO), the initialization process of the initialization area r1 of this embodiment ends.

[0108] On the other hand, if the power is restored to the slot machine 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was cut off (S3: YES), the main control unit 61 generates an initialization request signal (step S4).

[0109] Then, upon generation of the initialization request signal, the main control unit 61 initializes the initialization region r1 (step S5).

[0110] Next, based on the initialization of the initialization area r1, the setting value control unit 613 executes the same setting replacement process (step S6). At this time, variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points are initialized, but information related to the game state such as the RT state and the inside of the bonus is not initialized. Through the above procedure, the initialization process of the initialization area r1 of the present disclosure is executed.

[0111] In summary, the slot machine 1 of the present disclosure has the following features: A slot machine 1 equipped with a main control board P1 including a main control unit 61 and an RWM, The RWM has a usage area R1 in which information regarding the progress of the game is stored, The main control unit 61 After the slot machine 1 is powered down and then restored, it is possible to generate an initialization request signal to initialize an initialization area r1, which is at least a part of the usage area R1, and Based on the generated initialization request signal, it is possible to execute initialization processing for the initialization area r1.

[0112] <Effects of the invention> BACKGROUND ART Gaming machines have been known that are equipped with a setting value control unit that is capable of carrying out game progress using any one of a plurality of setting values ​​that have different degrees of advantage in controlling the progress of the game.

[0113] In stores where such gaming machines are installed, a recent trend has been to frequently reset the settings on each gaming machine (for example, after the store closes each day) to prevent players from realizing that the machines are so-called fixed machines.

[0114] In order to change the settings of gaming machines at each store, the store staff must open the front door of each gaming machine and change the settings, which increases the store staff's workload.

[0115] When power is restored to a conventional gaming machine after a power outage, variables related to instruction functions such as the internal number of games and the number of points are not initialized, and only information other than information related to game progress (for example, presentation information) is initialized. In other words, when power is restored to a conventional gaming machine after a power outage, the RWM on the main control board is not initialized.

[0116] Furthermore, in conventional gaming machines, when a store staff member operates a setting change button to set a new setting, the RWM on the main control board is initialized, and information related to the game status, such as the RT status and whether a bonus is in progress, as well as variables related to internal instruction functions, such as the number of games, the number of points, and the mode, are also initialized. Therefore, a player can easily tell from the state of the gaming machine whether the setting has been changed. If a player determines that the setting has not been changed, they may not play the gaming machine unless the game behavior suggests a high setting.

[0117] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, when the main power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 61 generates an initialization request signal, and upon generation of this initialization request signal, the main control unit 61 executes initialization processing for the initialization area r1, which is part of the used area R1 of the RWM.

[0118] The area of ​​the memory unit that is initialized when the setting value is manually changed and the initialization area r1 overlap each other. As a result, when the main power of the slot machine 1 is turned off and then turned on after a predetermined time has passed, the initialization area r1 is automatically initialized, and the same setting replacement process is executed.

[0119] Furthermore, even when the initialization process according to this embodiment is executed, not everything from the designated address to the final address of the RWM of the used area R1 is initialized. That is, when the initialization process of the initialization area r1 is executed, information related to the game state such as the RT state is maintained, but information such as variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points is initialized in the same way as when the set value is newly set.

[0120] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present disclosure, the initialization area r1, which is part of the usage area R1, is initialized by the store staff turning off / on the main power of the slot machine 1. Then, without initializing information related to the game state such as the RT state or whether a bonus is in progress, variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and the number of points can be initialized, and the same setting replacement process can be performed.

[0121] This eliminates the need for store staff to open the front door of each gaming machine and change the settings. This also makes it possible to initialize variables related to instruction functions such as the number of games and points without initializing information related to the game status such as the RT status, making it difficult to guess whether the machine is a fixed machine or one whose settings have been changed.

[0122] In this way, according to this embodiment, a gaming machine can be provided that can reduce the workload of store staff.

[0123] 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.

[0124] [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.

[0125] Furthermore, the various definitions used in this specification are commonly used throughout the specification unless otherwise specified in each example.

[0126] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, when a slot machine loses power, a predetermined force acts on an operating unit (e.g., a lever, button, or other device whose position changes when the operator applies force), and after a predetermined time has passed since the power loss, the force no longer acts on the operating unit, and when power is restored to the slot machine, a force acts on the operating unit, generating an initialization request signal.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the initialization area is part of the used area, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0128] For example, when the main power of the slot machine is turned off / on, not only the variables related to the instruction functions but also the information related to the game state such as the RT state, i.e., all of the information related to the game progress, may be initialized. Alternatively, when the main power of the slot machine is turned off / on, the RT state is initialized but the state inside the bonus may not be initialized, and unlike these, neither the information related to the game state nor the variables related to the instruction functions may be initialized.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] Furthermore, the gaming machine is not limited to slot machines, but the present invention can also be applied to so-called enclosed pinball gaming machines, i.e., Smart Pachinko (registered trademark), which is equipped with a handle, a pinball launching device, an electric tulip, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Slot machines (gaming machines) 61 Main control unit P1 Main control board RWM storage R1 used area r1 initialization area

Claims

1. A gaming machine equipped with a control board including a control unit and a memory unit, The storage unit has a usage area in which information regarding the progress of a game is stored, The control unit After the gaming machine is powered down and then restored to power, it is possible to obtain a request signal to initialize an initialization area that is at least a part of the usage area, and The initialization process can be performed on the initialization area based on the acquired request signal. Gaming machine.

2. the control unit is capable of acquiring the request signal when power is restored to the gaming machine after a predetermined time has elapsed since the gaming machine was powered off, The gaming machine according to claim 1.

3. a backup power supply capable of applying a voltage to the storage unit; the control unit is capable of acquiring the request signal based on the fact that power has been restored to the gaming machine before the backup power supply is turned off. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

4. A setting value control unit is further provided which can carry out game progress using any one of a plurality of setting values ​​which have different advantageous degrees of game progress control, an area of ​​the storage unit that is initialized when the setting value is newly set and the initialization area have at least an overlapping portion with each other; The gaming machine according to claim 1.

5. The control board is provided with a timer that operates when the gaming machine is powered down, The timer is capable of measuring the time since the gaming machine was powered off, the control unit is capable of acquiring the request signal when the gaming machine is powered back on after the time measured by the timer reaches or exceeds a predetermined time. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

6. When the power is restored to the gaming machine, a predetermined force acts on the operation unit, The control unit is capable of acquiring the request signal by applying the force to the operation unit when the power of the gaming machine is restored after the force no longer acts on the operation unit based on the lapse of a predetermined time since the gaming machine was powered down. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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